Northeast Cover Miss Girl & Boy Pageant

The weekend of March 21 was a very busy one for me. Not only did I have the great honor to crown the new Miss Middlesex County ( an official Miss America preliminary), I also had the great pleasure to host the Northeast Cover Miss Girl & Boy pageant. The spectacular competition was a two day event which was held at the magnificent Parsippany Sheraton. I had so much fun interacting with the super-cute contestants who ranged from 0-21 years of age. Congratulations to the winners and all who participated in the pageant! I was very impressed with each and every one of you. Thank you to the pageant's director Amy Flatley for doing an excellent job and allowing me to be a part of your vision.

Carissa Palumbo, Miss Middlesex County Area!!!!

I am very excited to announce the newly crowned Carissa Palumbo as Miss Middesex County Area for the Miss America Organization. Carissa wowed the judges at the pageant which was held at the Upper Room Full Gospel Church in Plainfield, NJ. Congratulations to first runner-up Jean Revier and second runner-up Jessica Markovich. To Lauren, Quanisha, Anna & Diana, you were all fabulous! Words cannot describe how proud we were to have you in our pageant. I want to thank our judges, sound people ,sponsors and all who volunteered their time to make the event a success. A special thank you goes to the beautiful Michelle Mooney, who served as host, and photographer Richard Krauss for the lovely photos. To Miss New Jersey, Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen, all the visiting royalty, directors, family and friends, thank you all for your support! Love, Ceylone, Tiffany & Elise

Kicking Cancer Overboard!

On Fri. March 19th, I, along with many movers and shakers from my community, toured the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas in anticipation for a future cruise to help raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer. Please stay tuned for details about this very special event!

Lights out!

A hurricane like storm and subsequent black out could not stop the many generous hearted volunteers and guests from attending the Ladacin Networks 29th Annual Rosebud Gala. The black tie event was held on March 13th at the Sheraton in Eatontown, NJ. Because of the storm that weekend,the hotel had lost power. The ballroom and a few other spaces in the hotel had dim light provided by the hotels generator, but that could not dampen the spirits of the many people who were there to raise money for the agency that provides education and other much needed services for special needs children and adults. There was something very special about that evening, it showed me how much people are willing to help others, even in the eye of a storm.

Here Comes the Judge!!!

On March 12th I was in Newark, NJ with my dear friend Elise Counts attending the Swearing In Ceremony of our good friend Judge Tiffany Williams! In attendance were many of Tiffany's esteemed colleagues, (which included Governor Jon Corzine), family and friends. It was a wonderful evening filled with great stories and well wishes for the Honorable Miss Williams. I met Tiffany many years ago when we competed together in the Miss New Jersey locals for the Miss America Organization. We are now co-directing, along with Elise, the Miss Middlesex County Area Pageant, an official Miss America local. I am so proud to be working along side such a dynamic women as we continue to mentor young ladies to be all that God intended them to be!

Spin for a Child Event

On March 7th, I celebrated my birthday with some amazing people who all came together to take a spin class for a great cause. Spin for a Child was an event held , in Montclair N.J.,to raise money for the foster children of Essex County. Essex County alone accounts for 1% of the nation's children in foster care. These children are in desperate need of caretakers,volunteers and advocates to ensure their well being and progressive development. I am proud to say that the class I participated in raised over $11 thousand for the cause. I would love to send a special shout out to Karin, Bonnie, Rosemary, & Romona for their hard word and dedication to the children of Essex County.

Queen's Corner Pageant Expo

On Sunday Feb. 28, I was in Newark New Jersey attending the Queen's Corner expo held at the beautiful Hilton hotel. During the event I had the chance to catch up with many of my pageant sisters including former Mrs. New Jerseys Heather Cunningham (07) and Susan Huntley (06), Marci McNair Mrs. Delaware, My good friend Patricia Sullivan who was there representing the All American and Global pageant systems and a blast from my past, pageant coach Tiffany Delmonico and her wonderful mom Larraine whom I had not seen since I was a title holder in their pageant 10 years ago! Also in attendance, Mrs. Sussex County Rita-Ann Shmick and Mrs. North East Philadelphia Andrea Graham.

Ladies Wearing Red

Did you know that the #1 killer of women is heart disease? It is so important for women to know their bodies and be aware of the risk factors. Education and awareness is key. On Feb. 23rd, I had the opportunity to volunteer for the American Heart Association as they conducted a "Go Red for Women" casting call at the Bridge Water Commons Mall. It was a pleasure to share this experience with Brielle La Costa, 2010 Miss New Jersey International and Samatha Rizzuto, Miss Preteen National Sweetheart. It was a great day filled with stories of inspiration. I want to say a special thank you to Robin Vitale, Peter Cary and Stella Eget for all of your hard work to educate all women on the warning signs of heart disease. To learn more about your personal risk assessment for the next 10 years, visit goredforwomen.org and take the Go Red Heart CheckUp.