There She Is...

Happy Friday, Everyone! It's Miss America Week and I couldn't be more excited! For those of you that know me well, you know that I competed in the Miss America Program for many years. Although I never made it to the Miss America stage, I did make it to the state competition five times. That may not seem like a big deal to some of you but let me assure you it is, and the scholarship money I earned along the way is a very BIG deal! By participating in the Miss America Program over my seven years of eligibility, I earned over $25,000 in scholarship money. This organization, which just so happens to be the largest scholarship provider for women in the world, allowed me to graduate from college debt free. This volunteer organization is the best thing that ever happened to me as a young woman. The lessons I learned about myself, others and life in general, through competing in Miss America preliminaries, are immeasurable.

It's so easy for the general public to throw around stereotypes about pageants but the Miss America Organization is different. The main focus is centered around the four points of the crown: Scholarship, Style, Success and Service. It's not all about glitz and glam, but about giving back to the community and furthering your education. I'm so grateful for my experiences with this organization and for the support of my friends and family during this special chapter of my life.

Even though this chapter is closed for me, my passion for this organization still runs deep. I now volunteer with a local Miss America Preliminary and co-direct and co-produce the pageant with a fellow pageant sister. Being on the volunteer side is just as rewarding as competing, if not more. I am so proud of our current Miss Georgia. I've had the opportunity to work with her and she is truly an amazing woman. I can't wait to see who our next Miss America will be...hopefully it's our Miss Georgia!
Who will you be rooting for?

To learn more about the Miss America Organization and all the opportunities available, please visit the website here and be sure to like Miss America on Facebook.

And for your viewing pleasure, here are a few photos of me during my pageant days...

Photo Credit: Brian Dougherty

Photo Credit: Brian Dougherty

Evening Gown during my final trip to Miss Georgia.
 Check out the feathers on this dress!
Love! 

Talent during my final trip to Miss Georgia.
This was my FAVORITE phase of competition!

Don't forget to watch Miss America LIVE on Saturday night, January 14th, at 9pm on ABC. It's a classic you don't want to miss!