20.7.11

Did a Little Dance, Felt a lot 'o Love, Got Crowned Alright!




204 local contestants from around Louisiana narrowed down to:


35 remarkable young women.................... 


10 talented semi-finalists.......... 


 5 articulate contestants..... 


 4 impressive candidates.... 


 3 respectable contenders... 


 2 deserving ladies..  



1 blessed representative  



For the rest of my life, I'll attribute much significance and meaning to the day of Saturday, June 25, 2011:  A moment four years in the making, a wonderful celebration, a sweet victory, & the pinnacle of many years of {literally} blood, sweat, tears, and too much hairspray.  This day revised my future and was one for the record books.

It is with immense pride and gratification that I write this post to you, my supporters followers, as the newly crowned Miss Louisiana 2011.  Where to even begin?  I've been on an amazing journey the past four years — one that's had a handful of "low's" and an abundance of "high's"...  

Chapter One in my journey could've been suitably entitled, "Humble Beginnings."  The year was 2007 and, as a sophomore in college, I decided to enter the Miss University of Louisiana at Monroe pageant after watching the awe-inspiring Katherine Putnam win the previous year.  


Four facial burns (from a peel-gone-awry), some animal defecation on my talent costume (from laying it atop my car), and one gown from J-Mart (in case you were wondering, yes, that's a full downgrade from K-Mart...) later and I was a pageant girl!!!  I knew then that it would be an interesting ride...


But little did I know the experiences I'd have were sure to be the most rewarding, enjoyable, and humbling ones of my nearly twenty-three-year-old life.  The relationships I've found through the Miss Louisiana Organization are invaluable... fellow contestants, directors, families of contestants, Miss LA board members, and avid pageant enthusiasts — all of which make up a singular family that I cherish and am so proud to be a part of. 


If you think about it, many notable things occur in four-year cycles.  We attend high school for four years...  College lasts four years (well, at least for some of us it does!)...  A leap year occurs every four years to synch the calendar year with the solar year... Here in America, the presidential election falls every four years... The Olympic games run in four-year increments, giving athletes ample time to train and prove their dedication...  As it would turn out, my fourth year at Miss Louisiana proved to be the perfect timing, God's perfect timing.  Whoever said third time was the charm?


I believe when someone is given an incredible platform such as the title of Miss Louisiana, it's a divine appointment.  I've been placed in this position and given this voice to utilize it for a higher purpose.  From the time I was a girl until present, I have tried to make responsible decisions, live a virtuous life, and strived to maintain sterling character.  By no means have I been perfect at it; however, I knew someday these decisions would amount to something bigger than myself and that God would use me in ways I never thought possible.  It is my hope for the next year that I am given ample opportunity to impact lives and leave a positive impression on every individual I meet (and I will certainly need as many prayers as you can offer!) 


Immediately after being crowned Miss Louisiana, we hit the ground running with a media tour, workouts with my trainer, Rico Boyer, speaking at different events, getting the royal treatment from Dr. Hopkins Dermatology and my new hair dresser, Jana Norton, moving into the Miss Louisiana apartment, taking the official head and crown shots with the ever-amazing Steven Palowski, and making lots of decisions for Miss America (Still in shock that I'm going to THE Miss America Pageant!  *Insert wide-eyed, open-mouthed look of disbelief!) 


Here are some of the highlights:


 My best friends, Lindsey, Kelsea, and Brooke the night I became Miss Louisiana : ) These ladies have been there through it all and offered so much encouragement and love along the way.  Couldn't have done it without them!


Alexandra Cranford, KNOE-TV8's morning anchor


The first to try on the crown:  Kyle Myers, KNOE's morning meteorologist
I think he's got the crowning face down pat!


Being interviewed at KEDM






Getting miked up!


The uber-amazing Farrah Reyna, KNOE's evening anchor 


With my KNOE fam!  Clay, Emily, David, & Chris


Waiting to be interviewed by KTVE's Rick Adams


At the desk with Rick


Careful, Captain!!!


the lovely Kristen Blair, Miss Texas 2009



Dr. Larkin Page, official Miss TX fitness coach


Grabbing lunch in Dallas with two very special ladies:  Ashley and Jennifer Lenz, the designers of my red evening gown!  Love these girls!


One of the many perks of being Miss LA 2011 — iPad 2!!!


Emergency pit stop at the closest Mississippi hair salon... Jana, where are you when I need you?!


Leroy, our strong and fearless protector... and the man who gives us a front row parking spot!


With Gracey... Such a cutie patootie!


The incredible Taryn Foshee, Miss MS 2006 and former judge of mine, emceed the pageant.  I remember watching her in Miss America when I was a freshman in college and just falling in love with her! So honored to know this woman...


Behind the scenes at the Steven Palowsky shoot with Lynn Copeland's precious grand-baby : )


Assuming an incognito look...


With a special group of ladies at "It's All About Me" Junior League workshop for 10-14 yr. olds.
We talked about how to "Love the Skin You're In" and it was great getting to know each of them!!!

 

Show me your serious face...





Senator Francis Thompson and Senator Neil Riser

 Rep. Noble Ellington & Rep. Kay Kellogg Katz

 Senator Mike Walsworth


Mayor Mayo and friends


Judging by the number of appearances I've had in just 3 and 1/2 weeks, my year of service promises to be busy and exciting one but no matter how hectic it gets, it is my mission to make the crown count.  I aim to serve our state, the people of Louisiana, and all of you — my friends, family, fans, and encouragers — with dignity and grace, leaving a legacy as the greatest Miss Louisiana this state has yet to see.  If there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to contact me at hopeanderson@yahoo.com.  In the meantime, I sincerely hope you'll follow along as I embark on this newfound adventure! 






With endless gratitude,


Hope Anderson, Miss Louisiana 2011

5 comments:

  1. You are such a great writer! You are an amazing representative and I'm so glad you are having the time of your life! You've been busy!! -Jenny Russell

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  2. I love to read your blog! :) Hopefully I can keep track and stay in touch the year I'm in Austria!!!

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  3. Thanks Jen and Mallory! Love you both

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  4. You defiantly are a good role model to have!!! I loved reading your blog and all that youve been blessed with is all ive ever dreamed of! Hopefully one day I'll get to meet you! Stay true to yourself and just know everyone loves your great enthusatic attitude! (:

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  5. What an honor it must be to represent a whole state, ad such a glamourous one. Now I am in Argentina, trying new apartments in Buenos Aires every month to experience the life in the distinctive neighbourhoods. They chose Miss Argentina last month, and she is beautiful, she has that mixture of races that represents Argentine culture. Let´s see what happens!
    Mel

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