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March 2010 Edition Of
"The Excellence"
Coco's Corner
 Many
dream of becoming Miss Gay America but now that I am living it, I can truly say
it’s a dream come true. This month started out with a whirlwind mini tour,
Baltimore
,
DC
, and
Virginia
all in 3 days. I would first attend Miss Gay Baltimore, invited by the reigning
Miss Gay Maryland 2009 Sue Nami and the promoter Josie foster. It was the last
preliminary to Miss Gay Maryland America. I was greeted in baggage claim at the
airport by Roger Dimick (promoter of Miss Gay Maryland America), Tillie (Joe
Angel) from
Oklahoma
and Sue Nami all holding up signs with different variations of my given name. I
knew right then I was in for a wonderful time and a lot of laughs with a great
group of people. So as we got closer to the parking garage, I could feel the
temperature drop and being the young Floridian boy I am, (ok not so young) I
began to prepare myself for what I had never experienced before in my life,
inches and inches of snow EVERYWHERE!!!!
It must have been the 20th snow storm of their season. I
quickly adjusted. Roger Dimick gave me beautiful flowers and fed me
Baltimore
’s finest City café’, then we headed to the Hippo (Wow! I love that club)
where I met my weekend host Philip and his lovely Partner. I also met the bar
staff and contestants for this evenings pageant. I also met the other
contestants who already qualified for the upcoming Miss Gay Maryland pageant.
The competition went off without a hitch. It was my first public
appearance and I was received with a standing ovation from the wonderful people
of
Baltimore
. The hospitality was superb.
So
after a little rest and relaxation it was time for a Chinese buffet, Sue
Nami‘s (suggestion of course). Roger, Tillie, Sue Nami and myself ate until we
were bursting at the seams, then it was off for a little fabric shopping.
Finally we made our way to
Ziegfields in DC… what
can I say, it’s an amazing complex with a great owner, a wonderful staff, a
beautiful show cast and show director Ella Fitzgerald, management Jon Parks
along with Tatiyanna Voche (Miss Gay Mid East America 2009). All made me feel at
home. I was also welcomed by DC’s own Robert York, promoter of Miss Gay DC
America. He presented me with a bouquet of 3 dozen red roses all held together
by a miniature crown. If I never felt like a princess before I did in DC.
Next
it was off to
Virginia
the next night to Freddie’s a wonderful venue where I was able to let my hair
down and perform fun upbeat music. I once again met a wonderful staff of people
and entertainers there as well. Swiftly, I said my goodbye’s and returned to
DC and Zeigfields for an encore performance. “They liked me, they really liked
me.” (My favorite line from a Jim Carey movie).
Then,
just as fast as my whirlwind tour began it was time to come to an end. My trial
run and mini crash course in traveling was over. I think I passed with flying
colors. Thanks to all involved as it was a great experience. I’m looking
forward to my return there.
So
now it’s a race back home to sunny
Florida
to get ready for the trip of a lifetime to
St. Louis
,
Missouri
, for the coronation of Miss Gay America 2010. Wow! It is still so surreal to
even type those words. My seamstress and longtime friend in
Florida
, Kori Stevens was sewing around the clock to make sure I looked my best for the
review show following the coronation. Once everything was completed, it was time
to head to
Orlando
International
Airport
and board the Southwest flight that would change my life forever… Just like
any good thing in life, the flight wasn’t easy. It was packed with many cranky
infants leaving their vacation stays at the happiest place on earth, Walt Disney
World (no comment…).
After
my eventful flight to
St. Louis
I was greeted by one of my Heart of America Parents Rodney Brown (Anita
Cocktail) and my new father Terry Eason (L &T Entertainment). It was like
being a bride arriving in town for her wedding. Once the rest of my parental
entourage arrived (Larry Tyger and Mike Divoky) we head to Clementine’s where
we met up with Jade Sinclair (Miss Gay Midwest 2009) and her partner, Victoria
DePaula (MGA2009), Sparkle Iman (Miss Gay Kansas America 2009) and Alonzo Gault
for dinner… or should I say rehearsal dinner. Then it was off to bed for me as
I had a long day ahead of me in the morning. This all felt like a dream
wedding…
Morning
came quickly and we had a lovely breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Then, we
headed out for a few last minute things and lunch with many of my friends and
fellow competitors that were local or who came to town for the event. The time
flew by so fast, then, it was time to return to the hotel and prepare for the
evening.
I
was so calm and relaxed… this all felt so natural and as if it was who I was
born to be. Then it was time! The atmosphere at the Grey Fox had so much
positive energy. The well-wishers were many but most of all I arrived in the
dressing room and there was
Victoria
DePaula standing there getting ready with a glow in her eyes and a glare of
approval. I
smiled and fought back the tears as
Victoria
and I embraced and all the former Miss Gay America’s present for the event
greeted me. Mikaila Kay, Tasha Kohl, Rachael Erikks, and Vicki Vincent were all
happy to be present for this occasion. I’d received messages wishing me well
from almost every former MGA you could think of…
Vicki
hugged me and told me how proud she was of me and I reminded her that she was
the one responsible for me even entering the Miss Gay America Pageant (3 years
prior). This all began to become so emotional for all parties involved. Then
that friendly face who also told me I would become MGA someday soon entered the
dressing room (Tumara Mahorning). She handed me a gift along with a hug, and
then gifts began to flow from everywhere. Erica Foxx (Miss Gay Missouri America
2009) welcomed me to her city with a very classy elegant (gift much like
herself). Robert York once again showed his love for MGA 2010. Sarah Lewis
handcrafted a set of beautiful regal earrings and presented them to me as she
knows I love things that sparkle.
The
ceremony got underway to a packed house. The crowd cheered for every former MGA
as they graced the stage.
Then they announced my name and I walked on to that stage feeling like a
bride coming down the aisle, as I looked out into the audience and saw my
friends and peers; Symphony Alexander (who drove threw a snow storm to be
there), Tajma Stetson, Kate Spade, Sparkle Iman, Jade Sinclair, Sasha Nicole
just to name a few and the promoters from preliminaries all over the US. I began
to fight back the tears and as Victoria DePaula placed the crown on my head…
I
know for many trying to accomplish this dream, it’s more than just a title or
a crown, or even a win at the end of a competition. This is a chance to be a
part of a family with history and longevity like no other.
So now the Coronation is over, and the real work for Miss Gay America
2010 begins. I know it takes more than a pretty face and talented entertainer to
be successful in this position, but for an individual who’s willing to take on
every challenge and complete every task with a passion for perfection and
punctuation, the sky’s the limit. I say to every entertainer who pursues this
title of Miss Gay America… “to whom much is given much is required”. The
race is not given to the swift or to the strong but to the one that endures
until the end. Follow your Heart, I did.
We Go On,
Coco
Montrese
Miss Gay America 2010
 From the desk of Larry & Terry
Excellence
In The Making…
Our
goal was to realize a very beautiful and meaningful coronation ceremony. We
wanted to focus on the continuation of excellence. We wanted to show the country
that this pageant system is capable of experiencing turbulent waters, but post
storm, we would remain strong, unified and have a greater depth of pride for the
product we offer to the country, which is excellence through the art of female
impersonation. We wanted a simple,
elegant and meaningful ceremony that focused
on the crown, that is synonymous with the glamour and beauty that this system is
known for. We wanted something that a reigning titleholder could cherish for a
lifetime. We wanted a celebration that those in the audience could witness and
gain a better understanding of why this pageant system is known to be “the
best of the best”.
MISSION
ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!
What
an evening! We were fortunate enough to witness the coronation of Miss Gay
America 2010 Coco Montrese to be everything that we wanted it to be. It was a
celebration of accomplishment for Coco Montrese. It was a commitment of
excellence, to be everything and more that the country expects. The ceremony
focused on the stunningly beautiful crown, that was then placed on the head of
Coco Montrese. There was an incredible vibe in the room that brought
chills to spines and tears to eyes. At the moment that Miss Gay America 2009
Victoria DePaula crowned Coco Montrese, the world knew that this pageant system
once more has risen above adversity and is still serious about delivering the
product for which it began, and all others systems attempt to emulate… which
is excellence in the art of female illusion.
L & T Entertainment is
committed to excellence. Miss Gay America 2010 Coco Montrese is committed to
excellence. And now that the partnership is official, this year will prove to be
another exceptional year in pageantry. We have survived the storm. All of the
gossip, lies, false accusations and rumors can now lay to rest as it is time to
move forward with the business at hand, which is to continue to provide a
pageant system whereby professionalism, dedication to the true art form and the
meaning of excellence is second to none. Coco Montrese is Miss Gay America 2010
and the process is in motion to assure that
Coco
has a stellar year as our leading lady of excellence without compromise to the
very integrity that many, many others have established and strengthened. We were
able to witness the photo shoot of Miss Gay America 2010 and are simply amazed
that someone can be so beautiful, both inside and out. For those who do not know
(and you soon will),
Coco
is dedicated to this art form and to this pageant system. She is the epitome’
of commitment to this pageant system and already showed that she is excellence,
through and through, before the crown was ever placed on her head. She never
once waivered during the recent weeks… In fact, when we first made the
telephone call to
Coco
, to explain the “situation” and to let her know that there was need for her
to become the 38th annual Miss Gay America, her quick response was…
“I will make you proud”… and that she has already accomplished. She has
very quickly attended the “
School
of
Excellence
” and is embracing the regulations of this pageant system with an even deeper
understanding of why the rules are in existence. Granted, it would be a much
easier process for her to simply make an appearance at the preliminaries, look
beautiful and then move on to the next pageant, but the schooling required to
make this venture a great one, will later prove to be the glue that holds this
system together. But Coco Montrese has a deep respect for the meaning of this
pageant system and continues to demonstrate that her ego does not exceed her
respect and commitment for the crown. She further understands that living up to
the expectations of this title is not a simple task, but it is something that
she has every intention of accomplishing as she plans to make a very positive
mark on this pageant. Granted, after the dynamic job of Miss Gay America 2009
Victoria DePaula, Coco Montrese has “big shoes to fill”, but she is very
capable of making her positive mark and hearing (at the conclusion of her reign)
that she is excellence through and through.
SHE not only wants to wear the crown, but she also wants to reign with
pride in knowing the she truly is what the country expects a Miss Gay America
titleholder to be. We anticipate
that this pageant season will be yet another stellar year and that once more,
the country will be shown why we are known to be the “pinnacle in the art of
female impersonation”…
We
were fortunate enough observe the photo shoot of Coco Montrese and we are very
proud of the beauty that she demonstrates, both inside and out. When the world
sees the photos, hopefully to be released in two to three weeks, they will see
yet another reason why this pageant system is known to be the “best of the
best”… to Kate and Pat of Frances Glenn Photography (www.francesglenn.com)
, we thank you for your sponsorship to shooting the first round of official
promotional photos of Miss Gay America 2010 Coco Montrese. You made what can
usually be a stressful event, seem not so stressful, yet be extremely
professional. Your work is among the best we have seen and we are fortunate to
have your sponsorship.
We
very much appreciate the intimate setting provided by Jeff and Rob, of the Grey
Foxx in
St. Louis
,
Missouri
. Their constant support is appreciated and we are thankful to share this moment
in history, in their amazing “show club”… This “history in the making
event” will be remembered for many years to come, and we are grateful to have
the opportunity to hold this event in the great City of
St. Louis
. The audience was great and one had to really look to find a dry eye. We
appreciate the many contestants who aspire to be Miss Gay America, that were
onsite to witness the very moving ceremony.
There are many that assisted in the making of an incredible coronation ceremony.
While our wallets are much lighter today, we are very proud of the ceremony that
renewed what this pageant system is all about.
While we quickly (within four weeks) arranged for the details of the
Coronation Ceremony, the ceremony was everything that we wanted it to be. It was
about the crown and Coco Montrese… and when the two became one, we instantly
became thankful that Miss Gay America 2010 Coco Montrese was going to reign with
dignity and that the year would be about the Miss Gay America pageant system,
and not just about her… Humility is a beautiful thing, especially when it is
coming from the Symbol of Excellence. Among those who made this weekend such a
success, we are very thankful for the support of Mike and Rodney. Your
commitment to this pageant system and your commitment to being a good friend,
never waivers and others should be inspired by your hard work and dedication to
excellence. We appreciate your help in all that you did, from stage set-up, to
serving a chauffer, and then to assist in the photo shoot… we so appreciate
all that you do. To Tumara Mahorning, you were an incredible emcee and you once
more showed that your love for this system, far exceeds your ego. You selflessly
offered yourself to assist in any capacity and you were willing to serve in
whatever capacity and we were fortunate to have you as host of the former Miss
Gay America Revue Show You
once more validated why we think of “Excellence”, and simultaneously think
of you… To the formers in attendance, MGA1984-Tasha Kohl, MGA1989-Vicki
Vincent, MGA2004-Rachael Erikks, MGA2008-Mikaila Kay and MGA 2009-Victoria
DePaula, we thank you for being part of this history making coronation and we
are proud to have you in the Miss Gay America family. To all of the countless
email, text messages and telephone calls received in support of Miss Gay America
2010 Coco Montrese, we appreciate each of your for taking time from your busy
lives to support Coco as she was crowned as the 38th annual Symbol of
Excellence. To the formers who have poured your support to your new baby sister
and to L & T, we thank you for caring long after you have achieved your
dream… as the slogan of the Miss Gay Ohio America pageant says, “Excellence
doesn’t just happen… it’s a decision that you make every day… and for
that, we thank you. We also thank Robert York for being the official
“dresser” during the coronation and the Revue Show… To those who traveled
from afar, including Miss Gay Ohio America 2009 Symphony Alexander Love, Miss
Gay Ohio America 2008 Helen Bedd, Miss Gay Ohio America Promoter Aron Aranda,
Miss Mid East America Promoter Mike Rhinehart, Miss Gay Central States America
Promoters Steve Brewer and Daniel Prouty…and the list goes on and on… To
Kent Hamson of G & K Video Productions, we thank you the great videography
work that you always do… To Jay Clawson, thank you for your help at the
admission desk, Vicki Vincent, for the reception food, Jade Sinclair, for the
crown pillow, Veronica Leigh (Butch) Taylor for being DJ of the evening, and the
many others that had part in the success of this great weekend, we thank you.
All
this to say, wow!, what a weekend… This system has once more proven that no
matter what, we go one… we reflect on the beautiful weekend and realize even
further, that this pageant system is an incredible cornerstone in our community
and nation. There are many, many, supporters throughout the country that spent
many dollars to be a witness to this beautiful event and we are very fortunate
to belong to such an incredible family. Please watch for information regarding
the availability of the video of the coronation ceremony. We congratulate Miss
Gay America 2010 Coco Montrese and are anxious to watch as he realizes an
incredible reign. Being crowned was only the first step to an incredible year
and we thank all, for your amazing outpour of support…
And now that the coronation ceremony has passed, we look forward to Miss
Mid America 2010 on March 12, 2010 in
Memphis
,
Tennessee
, which officially begins the Miss Gay America 2011 pageant season. While there
is still some schooling to do, in order to prepare Miss Gay America 2010 for her
duties, we can already see that this year, after all, is going to be another
incredible year of excellence in pageantry….
Until
Next Time!
Larry and
Terry
A Note From The Editor
The Excellence strives to be an informative newsletter delivered to the promoters,
contestants, audience and other supporters of the Miss Gay America Pageant System throughout the year. Should there be any issue or topic of discussion a promoter would like to see addressed (or to write an article to be published) in a future newsletter, please contact the editor via
Email.
Please note, any article, comments, or opinions faxed, mailed, (postal or electronics),
or otherwise sent to any of our "addresses" become our property and carry an implied consent of publication should we choose to do so. No articles will be published in which one or more of the following occurs:
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