We had no doubt that this extraordinary lady would be in our top five, but are somewhat surprised she only placed as 2nd runner-up. Just goes to show that even our students have a wicked independent spirit. Wait until you see whom they awarded top honors to. Nonetheless, we of course must honor the mother of Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and all her sisters at the Miss America pageant: Miss America 1951, Yolande Betbeze.
After winning the title in 1951, this lady of priniciple and talent refused to appear in her Catalina swimsuit, stating that she was "an opera singer and not a pin-up," a comment that infuriated the Catalina swimsuit company who happened to be the sponsors of the pageant, and they pulled out. And thus was born Catalina swimsuit's new pageant, Miss Universe. At the same time, it refocused the Miss America pageant from bathing beauties to a scholarship program.
A true independent spirit possessed of class, talent and a sense of doing what is right, she changed the world of pageantry and we are grateful for it. She is still stunning more than 50 years after becoming Miss America. Thank you, Yolande!
No comments:
Post a Comment