By Charles Dunn

Mrs. International celebrates its continuing commitment to excellence on a Tennessee mountaintop where everyone leaves a winner.

THIS PHOTO BY CLAY SPANN FACE PHOTOGRAPHY

Mrs. International 2002 Tonya Matney and husband Dale.

PHOTOS BY DAN BUIKEMA

There comes a time in every married couple's life when they reflect on the cherished memories of the past and commit to their goals of the future — dreams that only they can share. Such a renewal of vows at this year's Mrs. International event was never more apparent. After all, it is here in the Smoky Mountains where honeymoon couples by the thousands come to start lives together and vow a lifetime of commitment to each other. How appropriate, then, that the location and setting of Mrs. International also is the "Smokies." The pageant offers "a moment in time" to participants not only to renew their personal vows to each other, but also to reinforce the program's own vows for which it has become famous. That promise — made to each contestant, their families, and their state directors — is to produce the highest-quality event for married women in the world.

The Mrs. International Program and finals events showcase the heart of the program — the married woman. The program's philosophy — that "our stars are our contestants" — was never more evident than at this year's events. The candidates for the title were the celebrities, and sharing the stage with professional show-business entertainers only increased each contestant's celebrity status!

(Left) The incomparable Gloria Gaynor wowed the audience with her medley of songs from the past and present. (Right) Celebrity Host Bob Eubanks, and co-host Debbie James entertain the audience during finals of the Mrs. Int'l Pageant.

Headlining the 2002 finals, masterfully produced by Matt Davenport Productions, was the Grammy award-winning vocalist Gloria Gaynor. She was joined by mistress of ceremonies and Star Search spokesmodel winner Debbie James and returning master host and the star of The Newlywed Game, the incomparable Bob Eubanks. With this caliber of celebrity talent, coupled with the support of accomplished performers and the "Stars of the Week" — the contestants — the stage was set for yet another unbelievable week in the family vacation spot of the country, "The Great Smoky Mountains."

Upon the delegates' arrival from around the country and the world at the scenic, luxurious Music Road Hotel, the staff and state directors of the Mrs. International Program greeted them and introduced them to their sister contestants. Thus began the process of establishing camaraderie and new friendships, for which the Mrs. International Program is well-known. This would be a week for not only sharing experiences and touring the sites of this fabulous location, but also a time to encourage a coming together as a sorority of women with much in common.

An orientation provided all the contestants with details concerning their week of activities. First on the agenda was a fun-filled day at Dollywood Theme Park. Then it was time for the contestants to step into their celebrity roles; they were whisked off to the mall for autograph signings and candid photos. By now, each contestant was realizing what a high-quality program they were part of. The autographs and photo sessions demonstrated just how much their director cared for them and how special they were.

Once back at the hotel, candidates for the title got down to business with individual in-depth interviews with the judges. This part of the pageant gave the panel of judges opportunities to meet each contestant on a personal level. The interviews also offered each woman the chance to share their community-service platform. Judges would learn why they had chosen their particular platform subject, as well as what they had accomplished on behalf of their beneficiaries. Mrs. International places a great deal of emphasis on this area of competition, because the platform becomes a part of the year's activities for whoever is chosen as Mrs. International.

With those preliminary interviews completed, the fun continued when contestants traveled to the incredible Louise Mandrel Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN, site of the finals show. There they were introduced to the show's award-winning producer Matt Davenport. The excitement grew as the delegates had their first view of the stage and sets, and then were given an overview of their roles in the upcoming shows. Time-outs sandwiched between rehearsals allowed candidates throughout the week to share with their families many of the area's tourist activities. As the busy rehearsal schedule continued, contestants received much care and encouragement from Matt Davenport and his staff, which would pay off in their finals performance.

The first evening began with the introduction of celebrity host Debbie James. With her proficient yet exciting delivery of the carefully planned script, it soon became clear why this beautiful young woman had won the Star Search spokesmodel prize. She put Mrs. International contestants at ease with her on-stage presence and polished introductions. The show itself featured top-rated dancers and entertainers brought together by Matt Davenport Productions.

Mrs. International 2002 Tonya Matney is crowned by husband Dale and 2001 Mrs. International Marianne Oden.

Contestants competed in Aerobic Wear, a competition designed to demonstrate their commitment to fitness. On-stage interviews offered insights into their personalities. Then it was time for the beautiful Evening Wear presentation, where each woman appeared in a gown of her choosing, escorted by her admiring husband. At the close of the preliminary show, the winners were announced and several special awards presented. For the first time at Mrs. International, there was a three-way tie for the Aerobic Wear award — it went to Mrs. Hawaii Tara Easley, Mrs. Minnesota Pamela Finley, and Mrs. Nebraska Peggy Malzacher. Mrs. Italy Bettina Burghart was the preliminary Photogenic winner, and she also took the Evening Wear award for the fresh and exciting new designer gown that complemented her presentation. Pageantry magazine Publisher Charles Dunn and President Betty Dunn presented the Pageantry Spirit Award to Kansas State Director Glenda Owens, in honor of her tireless efforts and determination on behalf of that state's program.

Mrs. International Executive Directors Mel and Mary Richardson presented the next set of awards. The Rookie of the Year award went to Iowa State Directors Ken and Dee Henderson, and the Director of the Year award was given to Louisiana State Directors Karen and Ricky Wells. Honoring state directors and staff in such a way is a rare event in the pageant industry; to make such awards a part of the preliminary show proved to be a wonderful decision on the part of Mel and Mary Richardson.

As anticipation of final night grew, delegates, the cast of celebrities, and Davenport Productions put the finishing touches on the show at rehearsals. Their hard work paved the way for a night of incredible entertainment — something that has come to be expected of the Mrs. International stage presentations. The evening's event would prove to be something on the order of the Academy Awards and Emmy Awards.

When the curtain opened, the contestants, along with the dancers and entertainers, presented a spectacular production number that told the audience that this was an evening to be remembered. Host Bob Eubanks and co-host Debbie James handled the introductions of the contestants, during which fans and audience expressed their vocal support for their favorite delegates. The competition continued in earnest with the announcement of the Top 10, who were: Mrs. AZ, Mrs. AR, Mrs. IL, Mrs. MN, Mrs. NC, Mrs. SD, Mrs. TN, Mrs. SC, Mrs. UT, and Mrs. VA.

While the contestants were preparing for their next appearances, the judges were introduced. After another musical production number, the Top 10 finalists competed in aerobic wear. Grammy award-winner Gloria Gaynor performed a medley of the many recordings she made famous, including her most recognized hit song, "I Will Survive" (which is also the title of her autobiography written in 1997). This added an element to the evening that matched any award-winning show on television.

The top five pose for their royal court portrait.

For Evening Wear competition, the delegates magically appeared on stage with their admiring husbands serving as escorts. The love and support displayed by each contestant's partner touched the hearts of everyone during this part of the show.

When Bob Eubanks asked for the judges' decisions, the excitement and anticipation throughout the Louise Mandrell Theater was palpable. Bob announced the Top 5 in reverse order of finish: 4th R/U Mrs. IL Donna Beering, 3 R/U Mrs. NC Shanna Hester, 2nd R/U Mrs. UT Cherie Fisher, 1st R/U Mrs. MN Pamela Finley, and the new Mrs. International Mrs. VA Tonya Matney. The audience rose to their feet to applaud the winners, and also to show appreciation for the first-class event they would not soon forget.

The evening was topped off by a Coronation Ball, during which everyone had the opportunity to appear in congratulatory photos and partake in a wonderful buffet. All in all, it was an evening to celebrate a successful week filled with family togetherness and new friends. The ball was a fitting close to a memorable experience for us all, and it also was the start of a year that Mrs. International '02 Tonya Matney and her family will long cherish.