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On May 1, I started my journey by winning the title of Mrs. Florida in Daytona Beach. This provided me the opportunity to represent my home state in the 25th Anniversary Mrs. United States Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada. I joined 53 beautiful, married women representing each of the states, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. After a week of various pageant activities, rehearsals and preliminary competition, the finals took place on Thursday, August 4. The top 12 semi-finalists competed again in and onstage question, swimsuit and evening gown from which the winner was chosen.

Being crowned Mrs. United States 2011 gives me a unique opportunity to bring awareness to causes that are close to my heart. My main focus this year will be bringing awareness to Celiac Disease, an illness I was diagnosed with two years ago, and advocate for Gluten Free Labeling Standards.

- Shannon