Miss America 2000, Heather French, to Host Miss Southeastern Ohio January 7, 2006!

I have so much to blog about… things a month old and other things I’m sure most of my readers probably already know. Like this, the very exciting news that for a second time this pageant season, a former Miss America will be hosting a Miss Ohio prelim!

This summer, I had the pleasure of meeting Miss America 1988, Kaye Lani Rea Rafko at Miss West Central Ohio. Now the first Ohio pageant of the New Year will be hosted by long time Miss Ohio personality, Johnny Porrazzo and Miss America 2000, Heather French! Kaye Lani and Heather both competed at Miss Ohio, but won Miss America as Miss Michigan and Miss Kentucky, respectively. In fact, my first voice teacher and pageant inspiration, Amy Zimmerman, was once Heather’s roommate during Miss Ohio week! [Click to enlarge the autographed picture on the right.]

I digress, below is information about Heather and the Miss Southeastern Ohio pageant which she will be co-hosting. This, and much more can be found on the pageant's fabulous website.

Introducing the co-host of the new
Miss SEO pageant, January 7th, 2006:
Heather French-Henry
Miss America 2000

$12.00 advanced, or $15.00 at the door

7 p.m., Secrest Auditorium, downtown Zanesville

Meet Heather in-person, and join us for the
“Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes” luncheon
with keynote speaker, Heather French Henry
Friday, January 6th - 11:30 a.m.
at the Welcome Center in downtown Zanesville
$25.00 per person, or $250.00 for a table of eight
Reservations required; no refunds.
Call 740-452-2376

About Heather
As the daughter of a disabled Vietnam veteran, Heather French Henry has experienced the pain and suffering that can come with military service. Throughout her life she followed her father into the halls of VA hospitals for treatments, experienced his night terrors and stood by his side in his miraculous journey “home” from the terrors of war.

After winning the title of Miss America 2000 she traveled over 300,000 miles across the United States on a national speaking tour entitled “Our Forgotten Heroes: Honoring Our Nations Homeless Veterans.” Throughout her year she not only visited veterans facilities meeting and talking with veterans but her platform often took her to our nation’s capital to lobby members of Congress and Senate on veterans issues and legislation. During her tour veteran’s healthcare issues became another serious focus and a second campaign began entitled “Fighting the Silent Enemy: Hepatitis C.” Touring the country with Hepatitis C advocates screenings were held and hundreds of veterans were screened and made aware of the dangers of Hepatitis C.

Even after her year of service Heather is still seen traveling across the country to raise awareness and funding for veterans issues through the Heather French Foundation for Veterans, Inc. established during her tour as Miss America 2000. She is dedicated to raising the ideas of patriotism by educating young and old alike about the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our nation.

In Heather’s own words: “I will always be the daughter of a veteran and therefore I will always honor those who fell by continuing to serve those who live.”