As the photographer for the Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant for the past 10 years, I had the opportunity to work with three different directors. What I’ve noticed is a distinct difference in the way these directors approached their job. Geralyn Watson, the current director, is special in several ways. She is not only capable of creating a fantastic stage production for the audience, but takes the time and effort to make sure that all the contestants will look their best while on stage, and feel great about themselves as well. While some directors might put their pageant on in one afternoon, Gerri makes her pageant a weekend experience for her contestants and their families. In only her first year as director, I was truly impressed with her vision for the pageant, and how she actually transformed her vision into reality. With her first year as director under her belt, I’m sure her next pageant will be even better than the last one, if that's possible! I’m proud to be part of her crew, and I’m looking forward to working with her again.Richard Krauss
Richard Krauss Photography
My experiences with the Mrs. America pageant, the Mrs. New Jersey America pageant and Dreamcatcher Productions have been the experiences of a lifetime! As Mrs. New Jersey America 2004, I had the privilege of competing in the Mrs. America Pageant in Palm Springs. For two weeks, I was pampered, taken to dinner, learned dance moves from two amazing choreographers, taken on beautiful tours of the area, lavished with gifts, and got to know some of the most accomplished women in the country. For a stay at home mom of four, it was truly a dream come true! Not to mention being part of a gigantic television production!
The women of New Jersey are incredibly fortunate to have the NEW director, Gerri Watson, in charge of the state pageant. They have changed the Mrs. New Jersey America pageant from a one-day competition into a year-long experience that enables all of the contestants to grow emotionally, to gain self-confidence and become more beautiful inside and out! It is more than just a beauty contest, but a chance for all the ladies to promote their family values and community involvement.
After I was crowned, Gerri was there to help me every step of the way, from preparing me for Nationals to helping me promote my platform. They worked endlessly to schedule appearances that would coordinate with my busy family calendar, and all my appearances were extremely positive and fun! They treated me with class and always made me feel like a queen. Although I never wanted my reign to end, giving up my crown was a fitting end to an amazing year. The pageant was absolutely spectacular! No detail was overlooked. The contestants were treated to a weekend filled with limousine rides, a semi-formal dinner and dance, many beautiful gifts, photo shoots, as well as pageant training and coaching. Gerri had an excellent staff on hand, complete with a professional photographer, choreographer, videographer, sound and lighting technicians, and many other wonderful "pageant family members". Every contestant was featured on stage several times and everyone left with trophies and awards.
Even though my reign has ended, I will always be a part of the Mrs. New Jersey America pageant because I believe so strongly in Dreamcatcher Production's goals to bring the most spectacular pageant to the state of New Jersey. As they help women believe and achieve their dreams, Gerri are achieving theirs. To anyone who has the same dream as I did, I say “GO FOR IT!” Don't wait any longer to take that first step. You will be so happy you did.Sincerely,
Christy Elders Tighe
Mrs. New Jersey America 2004
When I first decided to get involved with the Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant I was unsure of the whole endeavor. Then I met Gerri Watson and all my doubts faded away. From the start they were honest, brilliant, and determined to make the pageant an incredible experience for all of us, and that is just what they did!!
The process was broken down into very structured workshops, which were filled with professionals from every aspect of life that gave us all the information and tools we would need for success! There was a dentist who is an expert in cosmetic dentistry, a photographer who has many years experience with pageants, hair and make-up people to help us find our best look.
The fee, which I thought was very reasonable, was also broken down into very affordable payments, included the workshops, meals during the pageant weekend, a semi-formal dinner for the contestants and their husbands and SO MUCH MORE than expected!! We were also able to obtain sponsorships from family, friends, and local businesses to cover the cost of the fee and never once were we asked to give a dime to the director as is done in other pageant organizations.
Gerri Watson is a class act and an outstanding director!! She put together a presentation that paid our respects to the United States Military that was so overwhelming, it brought tears to the eyes of those that attended. The whole weekend was an incredible experience!!
To the women that have been involved with other pageants and especially to those who have never done anything like this before, I highly recommend the Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant! It can change you…body, mind, and soul!!
Personally, not only did it encourage me, but it made me determined to be the best woman I could be!!!Jean Ostrom
“I first met Gerri Watson while she was doing what Gerri does best, giving to others. Whether she is delivering a well-received motivational speech to a large or small assembly, one on one counsel to a pageant hopeful, privately teaching piano to a student (her other passion), or leading the production team at the Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant, Geri’s success rate is simply amazing!
As an entertainer who worked closely with Geri, I was able to witness for myself the compassion and leadership that is Gerri Watson. Gerri is extremely hard working and goal oriented and has that magic touch that inspires those around her to do the same. It was a privilege to share the stage with such a unique individual. Continued success will undoubtedly follow Gerri to any endeavor she pursues.”
Lou Dottoli -TheEntertainer.org
Being a contestant in the Mrs. New Jersey Pageant 2005, I was encouraged to reach my full potential. We were prepared physically and emotionally through wonderful workshops that introduced us to professionals and made us ready to compete.
Everything leading up to the pageant, as well as the fabulous show, was put together with integrity and class. Only Geralyn Watson could achieve this! I am so pleased to have been a part of the America Organization!
Every competition is a learning experience. But when you are a contestant with the Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant, you are able to learn and conclude knowing that you had the experience of a lifetime!
Sincerely,
Juliann Dore
Geri, I want to commend you on your fantastic production of the Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant. I was very impressed, but knowing you, and the dedicated and hard-working person you are, I was not totally surprised. You did a "SPECTACULAR" job with the pageant this year and as the new director, you put tons of "WOW" into your program.
My hat goes off to Gerri Watson for making their newly acquired Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant TOPS on the Mrs. America list!
It's an honor to sponsor the married woman who proudly represents our state.
Congratulations Geri, you are wonderful!!!
Dr. Glenn MacFarlane
When it was suggested that I participate in the Mrs. NJ America pageant, I thought it was the worst idea ever for me, because I NEVER could picture myself doing something like that. However, I could not believe the incredible experience I had, before and during this entire process. I need to thank my husband for making the suggestion and EVERYONE ELSE who made this experience one I will never forget. I can't wait until next year to do it again!!!
Jenny Rosetti
Dear Geri,
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you and the entire Mrs. New Jersey America staff for directing and producing such a wonderful program. I want you to know that your drive for perfection and attention to detail has inspired me both personally and professionally.
The workshops that you offer throughout the year have been a valuable resource with information and expert advice from professionals in all areas of the pageant industry. They have given me the insight and initiative to set new goals for myself both in competition and personal growth.
I truly appreciate the time and effort that you extend to make this experience more than just a weekend of fun and pageantry. County titles, fashion shows, photo shoots and volunteerism are all a part of the year long journey that you facilitate for each and every one of us as Mrs. New Jersey America contestants.
I am especially grateful to have been a part of this first year under your directorship. Our surprise luxury limo ride, the dinner and dance with our husbands as well as the elegant contestants lunch are just a few of the things that really made the pageant weekend special.
I know that I speak for all of the women who participated this past year when I say that the elaborate stage set and production of the Mrs. New Jersey America show was breathtaking. Hearing our own voices as we walked the runway during the beauty competition and seeing our family photos on the giant screens that framed the stage made us all feel like winners!
I would like to encourage all of the married women of New Jersey who are looking for a quality pageant and a positive experience to join the Mrs. New Jersey America "pageant family".
Thanks again for your integrity and professionalism...I'm looking forward to another great year.
Best Wishes,
Shelley Marano
At first I did not know what to expect, but after I went to a meeting I saw how professional the Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant system was. You truly walk away a winner because of the positive reinforcements the pageant has to offer. It has made me a stronger person by helping me to believe in myself more and the impact I can have on others around me. I learned a lot about myself and the tools necessary to set forth and accomplish many goals.
With the care and dedication of the NEW Mrs. New Jersey America Directors, you are coached and helped every step of the way. I hope to continue to grow from this experience and can say it will be one that I will never forget.
Christina Samson
Geri,
I want to send you my deepest gratitude for all the work you put into the Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant. The experience has helped make me a happier person. Just yesterday a parent of one of students told me that since the pageant I have become more approachable. She said I am friendlier and look better than she has ever seen me. It is hard being the boss along with being a wife and Mom. I have learned so much about myself and have been given so many tools to look and feel better through YOUR workshops, personal help and inspiration. I thank you for the invitation to Mrs. NJ America 2006 and am honored to be a part of such a well organized and meaningful event.With much appreciation,
Christine Deskovic