In 2004, I decided to be in my first pageant ever. I had no idea what I was doing and I told my mom “whatever happens, happens.” That year I was 3rd runner up to Miss Georgia. I competed in the pageant for 6 years. Then in 2011 when I turned 20 I knew it would be my last chance. I put everything I had into it and was overjoyed to hear I would be going to the National Pageant to represent Georgia as the Miss Queen. I had been told that Nationals would be the time of my life but didn’t fully believe it till I was there. I made friendships I’ll never forget, got to do things I never thought I’d do, and being called in the top ten contestants for the national title was the cherry on top of a perfect Thanksgiving week.
Being Miss Georgia has been such a blessing. From riding in parades in my hometown to walking in a 5K for breast cancer, I was able to donate stuffed animals to the children at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, help the police department with their “shop with a cop” Christmas fundraiser, and attend the UMDF Christmas breakfast for children with mitocondria.
There are so many people I want to thank for this opportunity. To all my friends, family, and sponsors, to Matt and my NAM-ily, to Amanda for being my pageant bestie and believing in me, to Jacob for supporting and never letting me forget im beautiful, to my best friend Megan for always being there chearing me on, to my Nana and and all my grandparents in heaven for giving me confidence, and to my parents Mom and Dad, thank you for everything you do and for loving me completely, I couldn’t have done it without you.
To all the wonderful girls who are contestants today, I want you to know you are unique, beautiful, and you can do anything you put your mind to. All you need is to be confident. Henry Ford once said, “whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.” Believe in yourself and remember it’s not the crown makes a princess. It’s who you are that makes you royalty.
