From WMFD.com: Kindergarten, first and second grade students at St. Peter's Elementary School in Mansfield got a rare opportunity to meet a very special person Monday. Miss Ohio 2009, Erica Gelhaus, visited with the students and gave a presentation about how to enjoy reading and how many opportunities there are when you become a good reader. Her platform includes reading literacy.
Miss Ohio said she hopes they remember the day Miss Ohio came to read to them and that it makes a positive impact on them for the rest of their lives.

From FedSmith.com:

Earl Musick provided the comedy and Miss Ohio 2009 Erica Gelhaus was the master of ceremonies at the Miss West Central Teen and Little Miss Pageant recently.

Staff photo/Katie Yantis: Miss Ohio 2009 Erica Gelhaus signs an autograph for Owen Rindler, 4, son of Scott and Tammy Rindler, Wednesday afternoon at Otterbein-St. Marys

By KATIE YANTIS Staff Writer

ST. MARYS — Residents at Otterbein-St. Marys got to break out of their usual routine to hear from a special visitor Wednesday afternoon.

Miss Ohio 2009 Erica Gelhaus took some time to talk and answer questions with those at Otterbein-St. Marys. Gelhaus is a St. Henry native and is the daughter of Ron and Judy Gelhaus of St. Henry.

Gelhaus is the oldest of six in her family and she said it is a blessing to watch her siblings grow. “I really enjoy my family, they give me the best support,” Gelhaus said.

She also talked about winning the title of Miss Ohio and preparing for the Miss America competition.“I am having so much fun as Miss Ohio, I started competing when I was a senior in high school, I had a goal of going to college and I knew I would have to pay for it,” Gelhaus said. “My guidance counselor said he had a scholarship program for me. I was in the competition three years before I was able to win and I have learned so much about myself, who I am and what I believe in.”

She told the residents that the title has kept her busy with visits.“I spend four to six hours a day driving and have put 15,000 miles on the Miss Ohio car,” Gelhaus said. Gelhaus then discussed the platform she created for the Miss America competition. “My platform is children’s literacy,” Gelhaus said. “Back in high school, I started a program called Athletes Promoting Excellence. My sister inspired my platform, I wanted to change their perspective to a positive experience toward reading.”

She said the program has been in place for five years now and has helped 80 children increase their reading levels. Gelhaus also revealed future plans for her program.“If I have the privilege of winning Miss America, I want to bring children’s literacy to a national level,” Gelhaus said. Miss Ohio showed her appreciation of her family and local community that has continually supported her.“It has been an amazing journey and a blessing,” Gelhaus said. “It’s always such a blessing to come home and give back to the people who have supported me through my journey.”

Gelhaus entertained the residents by showcasing her talent of singing. She sang “There’s a place for us,” from “West Side Story.” She added she will be singing for Miss America — an opera piece cut down into the required 90-second talent portion for the live competition in January.

Otterbein-St. Marys Executive Director Fred Wiswell thanked Gelhaus for her visit and extended his best wishes to her for the Miss America competition.“First and foremost she is such a talented young lady,” Wiswell said. “To all of us she is so refreshing in terms of her ideals, faith in God, life and family. It’s an honor and privilege to have her, she is a special young lady.”

Gelhaus is currently a senior at Otterbein College studying music in hopes of becoming a professional opera singer.

The Miss America competition will air live at 8 p.m. Jan. 30 on TLC.

From Darke Journal.com:
State representative Jim Zehringer recently held a reception in Columbus - and attending as his special guest was 2009 Miss Ohio (and St. Henry native) Erica Gelhaus.

From the Darke County Daily Advocate:

Miss Ohio visits Greenville -- Staff Report

GREENVILLE - Miss Ohio, Erica Gelhaus returned to Darke County as the special guest speaker for the Darke County Chapter of the Business and Professional Women of Ohio (BPW). Gelhaus will be competing for the Miss America crown in January of 2010 in Las Vegas. She is a graduate of St. Henry and is currently a senior in Music-Vocal Performance at Otterbein College. As a special treat, Erica demonstrated her superb opera singing ability and received at standing ovation at Romer's Catering in Greenville.

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Miss Ohio Erica Gelhaus is coming to Delphos on Oct. 25. She will sign autographs, pose for pictures and help with the Glamour & Goblins 5K from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Delphos soccer fields.
Photo package order forms are available by calling Larry Heiing at 419-302-9624 or e-mail ldheiing6@hotmail.com.
Pre-registration deadline is Friday to get a special Miss Ohio T-shirt signed by Gelhaus.
After the run, Miss Ohio will sing and talk about being Miss Ohio at 1:30 p.m. at St. John’s Church.

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The 54th Miss Clayland Scholarship Program will be held Oct. 17 at 7:30 in Claymont High at Uhrichsville.

Six contestants will vie for the title of Miss Clayland 2010 and for the chance to compete for Miss Ohio in June 2010.

Sherry El Sakr, 23, is a graduate of Cleveland State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She is a piano player from Strongsville. Her platform is Heart 101: Promoting Heart Healthy Lifestyles in Our Children.

Kristy Moneysmith, 20, is a student at Ball State University majoring in speech pathology and audiology. She is a vocalist from Union City, and her platform is Mentoring Through Leadership and Role Modeling.

Danielle Henry, 20, is a student at the Tuscarawas Campus of Kent State University at New Philadelphia, majoring in nursing. She is a dancer from Stone Creek. Her platform is Being a Cancer Advocate – Speak Up! She is the daughter of Scott and Debbie Henry.

Ashley Bowman, 19, is a student at Kent State University majoring in political science. The Canton vocalist’s platform is Celebrate the Character in You.

Samantha Hartings, 18, is a student at Coldwater High. She is a dancer from Coldwater. Her platform is Child Literacy Awareness.

The master of ceremonies will be Scott Robinson, director of Tuscarawas County United Way. Erica Gelhaus, Miss Clayland 2009 and Miss Ohio 2009, will serve as co-host of the pageant and will perform. Clara Pearch of Uhrichsville also will perform.

The young women will compete in interview, talent, evening wear and swimsuit for more than $3,200 in scholarships. Advance sale tickets are available at Twin City Pharmacy in Dennison for $10 and $2 will be donated to a children’s literacy project. Tickets also will be available at the door.

For further information, contact Martha Campbell at (740) 922-1644 or by e-mail at campbell.229@osu.edu.Source: Martha Campbell

Upcoming Miss Ohio Appearances

Meet Miss Ohio 2009, Erica Gelhaus
Sunday, Oct 25 10:30a to 12:30p
at St. John's Annex, Delphos, OH

Price: $16.00 photo package or $10 for autographed picture with Erica
Phone: (419) 302-9624
Age Suitability: None Specified
Tags: meet miss ohio 2009

Meet Miss Ohio 2009, Erica Gelhaus. Photo packages available include picture with Miss Ohio, autograph, Glamour T-shirt, tiara, and 8 x 10 glossy photo of Miss Ohio. Forms available at Tropical Lounge in Delphos or chamber office. E-mail Larry Heiing for forms or information: ldheiing6@hotmail.com

From The Mansfield News Journal:

GOP boss here Monday

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine will be guest speaker at the Richland County GOP luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at Ed Pickens' Cafe on Main, 28 N. Main St.
DeWine's talk begins at noon. Miss Ohio 2009 Erica Gelhaus will also be present.

An $8 soup and sandwich buffet will be served.

From Ottawa Senior Center:

A Tea To Treasure with Miss Ohio

It’s teatime with Miss Ohio! Meet and greet Erica Gelhaus for "A Tea to Treasure" at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, at the Ottawa Senior Center. Enjoy an assortment of delectable goodies, like scones, petit fours, cookies, and finger sandwiches, along with tea, of course, and a musical performance by talented songstress Miss Ohio. Erica will sing a selection of standards, patriotic favorites, and her specialty, opera. She will also talk about her charity work for children’s literacy.

Attendees must provide their own teacup and dress in their Sunday best. Also, if you like, take along your favorite teapot. The cost is $7.00 or bring a new children’s book to donate to help Erica fight illiteracy and pay only $5.00. But space is limited, so sign up now at the Senior Center. It will be a tea to treasure!

From Defiance Elks Website:

Elks Make a Difference through Scholarships

Submitted by Webmaster on Sun, 09/27/2009 - 12:18pm

Leading Knight Paul Combs and myself recently attended the The Ohio Elks Fall Reunion in Dublin, Ohio. Jim Nichelson along with other national officers were also in attendance.

While attending the conference, I had the pleasure of being invited to The Ohio Elks Youth Luncheon Program. Jordan Kinn of Hicksville received her $1,000 a year scholarship. Emily Miller of Ayersville also received a $1,000 scholarship. DDGER Tom Fitzpatrick from Findlay and myself were honored to have lunch with these young ladies and their families. Miss Ohio, Erica Gelhaus, also an Elks scholarship recipient, spoke to the youth on setting goals.

at the Pork Festival -- from Mrs. Ohio International's blog

at Catan's Fashion Show (Miss Greater Cleveland Fundraiser) -- from Heather McDonald's Facebook

From Miss America Katie Stam's Blog:

After Minnesota it was off to Kentucky and Ohio to celebrate Labor Day Weekend! I began with a visit to the Cincinnati VA Medical Center in Fort Thomas, Kentucky with Miss Ohio 2009 Erica Gelhaus, to personally thank the men and women who continue to defend us and carry on our military tradition. We both had a great time. The next day, I sang our national anthem at the USO Riverfest Gala Fireworks Show in Cincinnati. I also met the family members of active duty military personnel to tell them how proud we are of these brave young men and women.

Upcoming Miss Ohio Appearance: (from WCSM radio website, Celina)

WCSM
Fall Fling
September 13, 2009
11:30-4:00 At the Coldwater High School

Free entertainment and speakers
Noon – Miss Ohio Erica Gelhaus
1:00 – Ballet and gymnastics performance by Upstage Downtown Dance Studio from Celina
2:00 – presentation by Dan Armitage, host of Buckeye Sportsman
3:00 – NRA representative talking about the “Eddie Eagle Program” It’s a children’s education program on what to do if they find a gun