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Tuesday, December 31, 2019

2019 Year in Review

Looking back on 2019, I'm pleased with the content and progress of this here blog. The purpose of this blog has always been to give additional opportunities for the amazing titleholders who have visited Section 36 to tell the world more about what they do. I think I have done that. The blog has had posts announcing appearances by titleholders. Posts about events hosted by titleholders. Posts about ongoing activities titleholders will be involved in. All of those are my attempts bring more eyes onto the things these titleholders are doing. I'm hopefully that will continue is 2020, and expand. I would love this blog to have a "for titleholders by titleholders" sort of feel. It will be great to get more guest blogs, like the ones Bridget Oei contributed, but take it even further. Posts about pageant experiences, or social impacts, or favorite appearances, or whatever. Anyone who has visited with Section 36 can feel free to take the attempt to write a guest post about the things most important to them. Wouldn't that be great? Look out for those guest blogs coming up in 2020!

What an amazing opportunity to share some really important topics with as many people as possible. Including those who follow Section 36 Pageants on social media. As I hope you're aware, the Section 36 Pageants social media presence is out there, and growing all the time. How? I'm glad you asked!

Instagram is probably the place I’ve seen the most movement in the past year. It’s been great connecting with fans and visitors through that site. I use that account to post any and all pictures that have been submitted by my interview guests. Maybe they were pictures that went along with their interviews, or extras that couldn’t fit with the interview. Or, they’re pictures that have been submitted after visiting. Whatever the case, I post them and use them to remind people of their visit. It’s fun because it adds a lot of different content to the feed. That account also had a big 2019, as it almost doubled its number of followers!

Twitter is still the old standby. It will tweet out links to titleholder interviews. It also passes along tweets/announcements from visitors. That account also went over 1300 followers in 2019, which is fantastic.


Facebook provides fun opportunities. It posts links to titleholder interviews, as well as any pictures former visitors have submitted. It has also started posting pictures of any titleholders with Section 36 gear, whether they’ve visited or not. The number of people who like that page more than doubled in 2019. Hope that trend continues in 2020.

With all those ways to connect with Section 36 Pageants, there should be plenty of ways to share the amazing things my visitors are doing. I can't want to bring that to a much larger scale.

It’ll be a lot of fun.

Friday, December 6, 2019

K. Garcia Productions Week - Specialty Shoots

During the month of December, the Section 36 blog is celebrating "Photography Month" with weekly posts about photography. Monday started the month off with a feature on a photographer who has meant so much to the success of Section 36, Kelsey of K. Garcia Productions.

Readers of this blog know how important Kelsey has been. A single post didn't seem to be enough. Therefore, Section 36 Pageants is holding "K. Garcia Productions Week" as a way to try and show the world Kelsey's contributions. The K. Garcia Productions photos shown here on Section 36 Pageants have also done a pretty great job of showing all the different types of pictures she specializes in. Whether it's headshots and portraits, or fashion, or pageants, or marketing...they've all managed to find their way onto this blog. Today, though, we're going to focus on her "Specialty Shoot" photographs. Sometimes the stardard photo shoot just won't do. You need a theme, or a hook, or a special element. Kelsey certainly excels in those types of shots as well. What do I mean? Let's look as some examples that have graced the titleholder profile pages of this blog.






Kelsey has had some fun photographing with a smoke bomb...if that's what it's called. It really adds a dramatic effect to the pictures. These pictures of Allie Curtis, Meghan Rubadou, and Nicolette Peloquin all use the smoke, but all have different feels. It always amazes me how that happens.



Another specialty of Kelsey is "arcade shots". She's a master at using the different colors and light levels available in an arcade to their full potential. Like with these pictures of Allie Curtis and Lyndsey Littlefield.



What? Yup. Those are pictures in a milk bath! Be sure to check out Kelsey's YouTube channel for the behind the scenes video of this shoot. Didn't the pictures of Sara Achorn and Meghan Rubadou turn out amazing?

As you can see, Kelsey really has a lot of fun with her shoots. Which is great, because we all then get to enjoy her work. Thankfully K. Garcia Productions has been sharing so many amazing images like these with all of us at Section 36.

I can't wait to see what she shares next!

Thursday, December 5, 2019

K. Garcia Productions Week - Marketing Photography

During the month of December, the Section 36 blog is celebrating "Photography Month" with weekly posts about photography. Monday started the month off with a feature on a photographer who has meant so much to the success of Section 36, Kelsey of K. Garcia Productions.

Readers of this blog know how important Kelsey has been. A single post didn't seem to be enough. Therefore, Section 36 Pageants is holding "K. Garcia Productions Week" as a way to try and show the world Kelsey's contributions. The K. Garcia Productions photos shown here on Section 36 Pageants have also done a pretty great job of showing all the different types of pictures she specializes in. Whether it's headshots and portraits, or fashion, or pageants they've all managed to find their way onto this blog. Today, though, we're going to focus on her "marketing" photographs. If you have a brand, or a business, or a product...the right picture of it can help potential customers see you in the proper light. It it a wonderful way to expand your brand, especially in the right hands. Kelsey certainly does that. What do I mean? Let's look as some examples that have graced the titleholder profile pages of this blog.



You've seen this picture before, perhaps because it's one of my favorite pictures ever. This picture was taken during a photo shoot K. Garcia Productions had with Bridget Oei. You probably remember Bridget from her visit with Section 36, and the fact that she finished first runner up to Miss America 2019. Bridget has this Section 36 sweatshirt and she and Kelsey surprised me by including the outfit in the shoot. It's just absolute perfection. As a marketing shot, it has everything. An amazing model showing off the merchandise, and the background color really helping everything pop. Can't imagine loving it more.




Here are a few photos Kelsey took for Duke's Bakery featuring the amazing Meghan Rubadou. Whether it's straight forward shot showing how you use...or in this case eat...the product, or using the product with a little bit of whimsy pictures like this get people to see what you have to offer. Kelsey does a great job of bringing out the best in whatever there is to offer.

As you can see, marketing photos can really be just about anything! Especially when those photos are taken by Kelsey. Thankfully K. Garcia Productions has been sharing so many amazing images like these with all of us at Section 36.

Wait until you see what comes next. 

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

K. Garcia Productions Week - On Location Shoots


During the month of December, the Section 36 blog is celebrating "Photography Month" with weekly posts about photography. Monday started the month off with a feature on a photographer who has meant so much to the success of Section 36, Kelsey of K. Garcia Productions.

Readers of this blog know full well how important Kelsey has been. So much so that a single post didn't seem to be enough. Therefore, Section 36 Pageants is holding "K. Garcia Productions Week" here on the blog as way to try and show the world all of Kelsey's contributions. The K. Garcia Productions photos shown here on Section 36 Pageants have also done a pretty great job of showing all the different types of pictures she specializes in. Whether it's headshots and portraits, or fashion, or business they've all managed to find their way onto this blog. Today, though, we're going to focus on her "on location" photographs. When your stepping outside the studio, a good photographer can combine the right location with the right shot to make the perfect picture. Kelsey certainly does that. What do I mean? Let's look as some examples that have graced the titleholder profile pages of this blog.




Starting off with a few great shots of the current Miss Massachusetts Lyndsey Littlefield. The first shot beautifully shows the then Miss Lakeville posing with a lake. Brilliant. The second shot perfectly plays the colorful wetsuit against the water in the background. The third shot takes an urban background and uses it to show the essence of Lyndsey, working with an obstacle. you probably remember Lyndsey from her interview and this photo from her profile page.



How do you know I'm not a professional photographer? I would never ask a model to pose in front of a bike rack And, if I did, it would never turn out close to as good as this first shot of Allie Curtis. The second shot perfectly combines an over the top costume with the perfect backdrop. I hope you remember Allie Curtis from her interview with Section 36, and this picture can be found on her profile page.


Speaking of great backdrops, this shot of Jillian Zucco uses one to perfection. I love the way the color of her outfit mimics the color of the lighthouse against the sky. You might remember Jillian from her interview with Section 36, and this picture can be found on her profile page.



Photographing titleholders and planes isn't something I would have thought of, so it's a good thing we have K. Garcia Productions. Love the contrast of the green gown against the backdrop. You again probably remember Molly Andrade from her interview and this photo from her profile page.

This shot just works on so many levels. I love the look in the eyes of Nicolette Peloquin, casually sitting in her chair in the middle of the road. I hope you remember Nicolette from her interview and this photo from her profile page.

As you can see, pageant photos can really be just about anything! Especially when those photos are taken by Kelsey. Thankfully K. Garcia Productions has been sharing so many amazing images like these with all of us at Section 36.

Wait until you see what comes next. 

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

K. Garcia Productions Week - Pageant Photos

During the month of December, the Section 36 blog is celebrating "Photography Month" with weekly posts about photography. Monday started the month off with a feature on a photographer who has meant so much to the success of Section 36, Kelsey of K. Garcia Productions.

Readers of this blog know full well how important Kelsey has been. So much so that a single post didn't seem to be enough. Therefore, Section 36 Pageants is holding "K. Garcia Productions Week" here on the blog. It's a fun way to try and show the world all of Kelsey's contributions. The K. Garcia Productions photos shown here on Section 36 Pageants have also done a pretty great job of showing all the different types of pictures she specializes in. Whether it's headshots and portraits, or fashion, or business they've all managed to find their way onto this blog. Today, though, we're going to focus on her pageant photographs. What do I mean? Let's look as some examples that have graced the titleholder profile pages of this blog.




Pageant photographs can be done on location, and maybe even on the spur of the moment. This great shot of several titleholders ready to run certainly shows that. If you look closely, you can see a couple visitors to Section 36 in this shot. Therefore, you can find this pic on the Section 36 Pageants profile page for both Jordan St. Onge and Jillian Zucco



This gorgeous picture shows how Kelsey captured the elegance within Bridget Oei. You probably remember Bridget from her interview with Section 36 and recognize this picture from her Section 36 Pageants profile page. 


I love this shot! Photographing titleholders and planes isn't something I would have thought of, so it's a good thing we have K. Garcia Productions. Love the contrast of the green gown against the backdrop. You again probably remember Molly Andrade from her interview and this photo from her profile page.



Showing pageant girls in their element. Lyndsey Littlefield, now Miss Massachusetts, is also a Spartan racer. So, of course, picturing her working on an obstacle is the perfect way to show who she is. Once again, you probably remember Lyndsey from her interview and this photo from her profile page.




Another great location helping to make a great pageant photo! Again, I hope you remember Allie Curtis from her interview with Section 36, and this picture can be found on her profile page!

As you can see, pageant photos can really be just about anything! Especially when those photos are taken by Kelsey. Thankfully K. Garcia Productions has been sharing so many amazing images like these with all of us at Section 36.

One other segment of pageant photos that Kelsey excels at is taking pictures during the competition itself. Oddly, none of those photos have made their way on to Section 36 yet. And, that's a big "yet." Kelsey will be photographing at Miss America in just a couple weeks, and you'll be able to see those photos right here on Section 36 Pageants!

I can't wait! 

Monday, December 2, 2019

K. Garcia Productions Week - Headshots and Portraits

During the month of December, the Section 36 blog is celebrating "Photography Month" with weekly posts about photography. Today started the month off with a feature on a photographer who has meant so much to the success of Section 36, Kelsey of K. Garcia Productions.

Of course, readers of this blog (and its social media accounts) know full well how important Kelsey has been. So much so that a single post didn't seem to be enough. Therefore, Section 36 Pageants is holding "K. Garcia Productions Week" here on the blog. It's a fun way to try and show the world all of Kelsey's contributions. The K. Garcia Productions photos shown here on Section 36 Pageants have also done a pretty great job of showing all the different types of pictures she specializes in. Whether it's pageant photographs, or fashion, or business they've all manages to find their way onto this blog. Today, though, we're going to focus on her portraits and headshots. What always amazes me is the ability of a photographer to take something that seems like it would be generic to me, a picture of someone's head, and somehow transform it into a unique work of art. What do I mean? Let's look as some examples that have graced the titleholder profile pages of this blog.



Nothing generic about this one, right? This picture perfectly encapsulates the personality of Meghan Rubadou.



This amazing headshot appears on Alexis Ferreira's page. It's a simple, beautiful shot.



This incredible shot is of Megan Sylvia. Her fierceness just jumps right out of the picture.



A great portrait can be taken on location too! This shot of Allie Curtis perfectly incorporates her surroundings...and her smile.



Another one that is definitely not generic. This beautiful portrait lets you look deep into the soul of Lyndsey Littlefield as it peeks over the angel wings. Just incredible. 

As you can see, a lot can be done with a portrait when it's in the right hands. Thankfully K. Garcia Productions has been sharing so many amazing images like these with all of us at Section 36.

Wait until you see what comes next. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Angelina Amerigo is Vlogging about her Life with the Miss Heart of the Lakes crown

If you’re like me you’re fascinated with behind the scenes stuff. I’m the guy who sits on “It’s a Small World” and wonders about the ride’s electric bill. Or what needs to happen to allow you to perform at Fenway Park. Or what it’s like competing at Miss America. 

So, I was beyond thrilled when Angelina Amerigo announced she was creating a new vlog series chronicling her time with the Miss Heart of the Lakes crown. Here’s what she had to say about the project:



After working on this idea since I was crowned I am excited to share this with all of you! Welcome to my new series of videos all about my Miss Heart of the Lakes title! A fun fact about me is that besides singing, dancing, and acting another passion of mine is videography and editing! I wanted to start a series of videos all about what it is like to be a state title holder, along with being a part of the Miss America 2.0 organization. I thought this weekend was a great time to start! 


Yup that absolutely drew me in. After watching the first video, I was hooked! Check it out for yourself. 



So many wonderful details in there! How does she get ready for an appearance? What’s all the stuff nobody sees while she’s there? How tricky is it to juggle life as a titleholder?


Fantastic. 


After watching that video, I’m sure you’re going to want to subscribe to Angelina’s YouTube channel to make sure you don’t miss the next one. Or the one after that. In fact, the whole channel is filled with videos you’ll want to see. Check them all out. 


What do you hope she vlogs about next?

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Teen Talk with Sylvana Gonzalez!

You probably remember Sylvana Gonzalez from her visit with Section 36 not so long go. During the visit, we talked about her "Love Better" social impact initiative dealing with survivors of Domestic violence. Since then, Sylvana has done an amazing job of reaching people to spread awareness of domestic violence, and the resources available for people in need.

She has recently started a new venture to help people on her Instagram account. I should probably just let her tell you all about it herself. Check it out.


View this post on Instagram

#TeenTalk, like the TedTalk, but cooler for my teenie babes 💕 . . . To kick off Domestic Violence Awareness month I launched two initiatives to eliminate the silence in DV by creating an open dialogue for our little loves through the #WeAreLove Elementary School tour, and now reaching the unreachable through social media under the IG Highlight dedicated to #TeenTalk . . . Victims are seldom silent through their experiences either unconscious they are in a domestic violence situation, or living in fear without the credited resources to break free from their experience. So, let’s #EliminateTheSilence with #TeenTalk An EmpowHERment publication developed to spark conversation about; healthy relationship cultures, your role in your partnerships and encouraging my Boo’s (get the ghost reference for October? 😋) to tap into the BEST version of themselves so they can implement peace in their surroundings ✨ . . . Join me every Tuesday with #TeenTalk featuring Ask Amor - an ANONYMOUS teen portal for the concerned friend/loved one, corresponding articles to guide you to your resources for all things #LovingBetter and a monthly SELF LOVE challenge . . . EmpowHERment Publication Created in Canva, made with love by me 💗 #ImplementingLove #TheEmpowHERmentPublication #LovingBetterTeenImact #SocialImpact #MCSO #WeAreMissAmerica #EliminateTheSilence #DVAwarenessMonth #WeAreLove #CreatingPeace #TuneIn #TeenTalkTuesdays #AskAmor #SelfLove
A post shared by Sylvana Gonzalez (@missgreaterrockville2019) on

The Caption reads:

#TeenTalk, like the TedTalk, but cooler for my teenie babes 💕
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To kick off Domestic Violence Awareness month I launched two initiatives to eliminate the silence in DV by creating an open dialogue for our little loves through the #WeAreLove Elementary School tour, and now reaching the unreachable through social media under the IG Highlight dedicated to #TeenTalk .
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Victims are seldom silent through their experiences either unconscious they are in a domestic violence situation, or living in fear without the credited resources to break free from their experience. 
So, let’s #EliminateTheSilence with #TeenTalk 
An EmpowHERment publication developed to spark conversation about; healthy relationship cultures, your role in your partnerships and encouraging my Boo’s (get the ghost reference for October? 😋) to tap into the BEST version of themselves so they can implement peace in their surroundings ✨
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Join me every Tuesday with #TeenTalk featuring Ask Amor - an ANONYMOUS teen portal for the concerned friend/loved one, corresponding articles to guide you to your resources for all things #LovingBetter and a monthly SELF LOVE challenge .
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What an amazing idea!

So, I absolutely encourage you to check out her Instagram story every Tuesday to catch her latest feature. It will be well worth your time.

Miss a release? Don't worry, They'll be saved on her Miss Greater Rockville and her personal Instagram highlights. You can refer to them over and over.

Go check them out now!

Monday, September 30, 2019

List of 36: Celebrating 100 Titleholder Visitors!

Something pretty exciting happened over at the Section 36 Red Sox blog. I recently posted an interview with my 100th different titleholder visitor! To say I am floored is an understatement. I never planned on doing one, let alone 100! I am eternally grateful to the 100 amazing women who have interviewed with a little ol’ Red Sox fan blog. It's been a wonderful experience. To mark the occasion, I thought I'd bring over a popular Section 36 feature and list 36 facts about the first 100 titleholder visitors to Section 36!

1. Titleholders have come from sixteen states, and one region.
2. The first titleholder to visit was Lauren Kuhn
3. 19 visitors held a state title during their visit
4. 9 titleholders have visited from the state of Connecticut 
5. 12 visitors have sent in pictures of themselves posing with Section 36
6. The most viewed titleholder visit is from Alayna Westcom
7. One titleholder has visited from the state of Maine
8. 6 visitors will grace the Miss America stage this December
9. One titleholder has visited from the state of Kansas
10. 6 titleholders have won a state title after visiting
11. Lauren Fohlin has visited twice, representing two different titles.
12. 24 titleholders have visited from the commonwealth of Massachusetts 
13. Visitors have come from three different pageant organizations 
14. 5 titleholders have visited from the state of Vermont 
15. Two visitors were working for MLB teams at the time of their visits.
16. One titleholder has visited from the state of Washington 
17. There have been visits from a “Summer” and a “June”
18. 34 titleholders have visited from the state of New Hampshire 
19. The visitor farthest from Fenway was Miss Lake Tahoe (NV)
20. 4 titleholders have visited from the state of Delaware 
21. The highest finish by a visitor at Miss America was Bridget Oei, first runner up. 
22. 4 titleholders have visited from the state of Rhode Island
23. Five consecutive Miss Vermont titleholders have visited, the most from any one title
24. 4 titleholders have visited from the state of New York
25. Two pairs of sisters have visited
26. 4 titleholders have visited from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
27. Three Olivias have visited
28. 1 titleholder has visited from the state of Nevada 
29. 1 titleholders has visited from the state of Michigan
30. Three Amandas have visited
31. 1 titleholder has visited from the commonwealth of Kentucky
32. Three Samanthas have visited
33. 2 titleholders have visited from the state of Florida 
34. Three Laurens have visited
35. 1 titleholder has visited from the state of California 
36. Visitors have covered America from Maine to Washington, from Florida to California

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

“An Educated Woman Does Not Parade Around in a Swimsuit”? These visitors have something to say about that!

Yes. The Miss America Organization actually said that. When announcing a new scholarship funded by an anonymous donor, the organization used a quote that the donation was being made to Miss America 2.0 because “an educated woman does not parade around in a swimsuit.”


What kind of baloney is that?

MAO's response should have been to decline the donation. At the very least, the response should have been that while you may not think that educated women "have" to parade in a swimsuit, they certainly CAN.

Why is Miss America 2.0 so determined to insist that women can't be smart and sexy at the same time?


Especially when it’s so obvious that that they can?

If people think college athletes are just "dumb jocks", the NCAA goes out of its way to call them "scholar athletes" and to promote their academic accomplishments. They don't say, "you're right" and have the athletes stop taking classes

So, if MAO won't do it, I'm doing it here. I’ve said it before, but with every interview I've done with titleholders, I've been more and more blown away by the amazing women they are. Check out the profiles of my visitors on this blog, and you'll see all the causes they support, and people whose lives they have made better. They are intelligent, dedicated, and absolutely educated. They are exactly the type of women that should be celebrated over and over.

Yes, they even parade around in a swimsuit from time to time.


And, if I may say so, they look amazing while doing it.


They can, in fact, do both.

Katie Carlson

Gina Salvatore

Meghan Sinisi 
Jillian Zucco


Taylor Johnson

Amanda Shoopman

Amanda Debus

Marisa Moorhouse

Sabrina Ponte

Grace Orafo

Brooklynn Lambert

Jayden Moffa

Alexandra Coppa


Mariluz Cook

Any questions?