NU barber competes in Mrs. U.S. pageant

By Jared Hanna
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Dawn Cookson, a mother of two, starts her day by making lunches, dressing her children and getting them off to school. She is then off to the barbershop at Norwich University, where she runs her business all day long. With this busy schedule, Cookson still finds time for her community and is representing the state as Mrs. Vermont in the 17th annual Mrs. United States Pageant.

Since 1986, the pageant annually pays tribute to married women throughout the United States for their strength, beauty, intelligence, and resilience. The Mrs. United States Pageant acknowledges the fact that married women are an inspiration to families, friends, colleagues and their community.

"I've been married for 10 and a half years; I have my own business; I have two children; and I've done a lot with the community," said Cookson.

The role of wife, mother, and career woman does not prevent her from community involvement or from maintaining health, beauty, and mind.

"I've been in five other pageants. Last year, I was in Mrs. Vermont America, and I came second runner up," said Cookson.

Cookson will join other contestants from across the United States in Las Vegas this July.

"I'm excited; I'll be in Las Vegas for five days, traveling throughout the city," said Cookson.

During the competition, a panel of judges will score the contestants on beauty, charm, personality, poise and the ability to articulate. Contestants participate in a personal interview with the distinguished panel of judges as well as on stage in evening gown and swimsuit competitions.

"We [the contestants] are all wearing red cocktail dresses and performing on stage at the Orleans in Vegas," said Cookson.

Each state titleholder is introduced in state costume representing a theme of her state.

"Some people have told me to be a Maple leaf," said Cookson.

Cookson is involved in various activities throughout the state.

"I teamed up with Froggy 100.9, and we signed cards for the troops," said Cookson.

Some other activities that are on her list include walking for the March of Dimes Foundation, and the Norwich Junior Ring Ball, where she is leading the junior class into Plumley Armory, where they will receive their rings.

Cookson has already participated in an annual meeting for the Northeast Fiddler's Association. The Association was put together years ago to promote the art of music.

"She has a daughter that is taking up fiddling, and Dawn came to one of our annual meetings which was at the American Legion Hall in Barre," said Madonna Commo, a member of the Northeast Fiddling Association and head barber at Norwich.

"I think she is going to be a wonderful representative for Vermont, and she is going to do a good job for us," said Commo. "I wish her the best, and I hope Norwich stands behind her and supports her."

"She's very attractive for an older lady, and she cuts a mean hair cut," said Clayton Couitt, 23, a communications major from Newport, N.H. "Good luck to her, and I hope she does well."

The winner of the Mrs. United States Pageant will receive many fabulous prizes, including a $3,000 award and the opportunity to travel the nation for a year as a role model and spokesperson for married women. Also, she may represent the United States in the Mrs. Universe International Pageant in South Africa.

"I think it's a positive thing for married women. I'm 35 years old, and it is something I always wanted to do. I have two children, been married for ten and a half years. I think it's nice to have a role model, and I feel that could be me," said Cookson.

If you would like to sponsor Mrs. Cookson's trip to the national competition to be held in Las Vegas, please call for more information at (802) 485-2505.

You may show your support for Mrs. Cookson by going to www.mrsunitedstates.com and giving her your vote during the week of July 13 - 18, 2003.

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