We started the week with an on-air interview with Diana Davis at KAIT8 in Jonesboro. One of my favorite things is getting to share more about the Miss Arkansas and Miss America Organizations. I am so grateful to Diana for allowing us to tell the community more about the scholarship opportunities and community service hours that define this program. It's become almost a tagline in this system to say "I am debt free from college," but can you imagine a better tagline?! For me, this isn't just promotional material, it is what has allowed me to become the first person in my family to graduate college. And not only did I complete two degrees, but at 24 years old, I owe nothing in student loans! <--that deserves a round of applause especially in today's economy...
The rest of the week was spent in Blytheville where we managed our time between on-stage practice, mock interviews, and community service. We were invited to speak at the Lions, Kiwanis, and Rotary Clubs during their weekly lunch meetings. While there, we each thanked them for their support and performed a preview of our state talents. One club member was so impressed, he wrote a scholarship check on the spot! To wrap up the week we also performed at Westminister Village, which is a retirement community, and for our final event we gave a wardrobe preview for our family, friends, and pageant board members.
Now this next photo needs a little explaining...
See what I mean? Yes, that is pink lipstick all over our faces. We thought it enhanced our extremely fashionable wardrobe selections. You see, on our first night in Blytheville, we enjoyed a fabulous dinner prepared by Miss NEA's ED, Abby Houseworth Whitener. This amazing meal was followed up with Weight Watchers Ice Cream. Fast forward to our final night and after the long week we were really desperate for more of the delicious desserts! We, of course, decided that showing up on our executive director Marrietta Jerome's doorstep around 10:00pm in these outfits performing our rendition of "Dream Girls" was the best way to go about achieving our goal of weight watching ice cream! As you can see from the photo, it worked!!!
The Gaggle
To top off such a wonderful week, Shelley Kelley of Clark's Bridal in Jonesboro, and Dr. and Mrs. Fletcher, also of Jonesboro, hosted a send off party for all of us NEA girls! They welcomed us into their beautiful home, served us delicious food, and most importantly overwhelmed us with their support and encouragement going into our state pageants. We are so lucky to have such phenomenal supporters in Northeast Arkansas!
For those keeping count, the Miss Arkansas Arrival Ceremony is just eight days away!!! Hope to see you there! Until then, if you're in Hot Springs, come out to the Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen Pageant this Saturday. I'll be there along with the rest of the young women competing for Miss Arkansas 2013!
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