My grandmother, "Nene", always wanted me to compete but I never followed through. I had never done a single pageant. After praying and talking to my parents, I took Nene to lunch and shared the news. The news that I wanted to begin competing in the Miss America Organization. She was thrilled. I then told the rest of my family who supported my decision and I began asking my friends in the pageant system how to get connected. For the six months following that time, I dedicated hours to working out, interview lessons, current events, paperwork, and more. I had heard incredible things about the Northeast Arkansas Pageant Association lead by Marrietta Jerome and Eva Lee Graves. Multiple girls who had been involved in the system directed me to them and I knew I wanted to take a shot at their pageant! My first chance was Miss Lights of the Delta, December 1st 2012, a day I will never forget.
The first weekend in December came in no time. My mom and I loaded the car and headed to Blytheville completely open minded and ready for a new adventure: the world of pageantry. I have nothing but good things to say about my time since.
That Friday night we had a successful rehearsal and then loaded the bus to go see the Lights of the Delta lighting display. (P.S. It's SO fun!! Take your family this Christmas to see Santa, the Lights, and have some popcorn and hot chocolate. It's a blast!!) The next morning we were up bright and early to get hair and makeup done by the magnificent Jane White (I just love her) and go to our interview! There were two sections of competition. The afternoon was swimsuit and on stage question and the evening was talent and evening gown. After every phase was complete it was time for crowning. They began to call out the runner ups and I had not heard my name called for a preliminary award or a runner up. "The new Miss Lights of the Delta is..." ...little did I know what name was about to be said. I won!
But I am so thankful for the remainder of that weekend. I was crowned in front of my incredible, supportive family and friends, there was an after party where I met Miss Arkansas 2012 for the first time! AHH! And on top of all that, I got to pig out the next morning at Perkin's Blytheville on a short stack of pancakes and some bacon. ;) I attended my first meeting with my director, Marrietta Jerome, that same morning. She is so wonderful at what she does that I couldn't even begin to explain it! She rewarded me with tons of gifts from incredible community sponsors and a huge blessing of a $3,000 scholarship to take to college with me in the fall.
Since that weekend, I have made appearances across Northeast Arkansas, met people all across the Natural State, made countless friends and memories, spoken about my platform, and raised money for the national platform Children's Miracle Network. I am a testament to the "awesomeness" of the Miss Arkansas Organization and all that it brings to the women of Arkansas. Being brand new in the pageant world, I could not have wished for a better experience. I am sincerely thankful for this experience and opportunity and I CANNOT WAIT for the 2013 Miss Arkansas Pageant where I will make more lifelong friends, and strive to become the best woman I can be.
Above Photos:
1. Interview
2. On Stage Question
3. Talent
4. The best pageant coach/friend -- Maegan Inzer
5. Sweetest daddy in the world
6. Lights of the Delta Court
7. Sister queen, Katie Gardner
8. FAMILY...could not have done it without them...mom, dad, and my sweet grandparents
9. My amazing interview coach, Mrs. Jane Slocum
