As I sit up late tonight, mulling over today's events (as I've often done since becoming Miss Louisiana), I can't help but marvel over this certain day because it's one I've dreamt of for quite some time: A Miss America gown was born today--my Miss America gown--and it's the most exquisite thing I've ever laid eyes on.
While watching Ashley Lenz (She and sister, Jennifer, of the Lenz Collection are designers of my Miss LA gown and THE Miss America dress) draw my abstract ideas to palpable life, I reflected about how many girls actually get this precious opportunity... of the 122 million women in the United States, an exclusive 53 will walk across that illustrious Miss America stage on January 14th in Las Vegas.
I had the distinct privilege of meeting these incredible women last week in Orlando, FL, as we all traveled there to support our sister queens at Miss America's Outstanding Teen. Allow me to brag a moment... Justine Ker, Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen, represented our state with beauty, enthusiasm, unrivaled talent, and class! Louisiana should be bursting with pride and gratitude from the achievements and contributions of this young lady. I am so honored to be your sister (x2), Justine, and am lucky to share this year with you and your family :)
Orlando was an incredibly fun week, chockfull of events for all the Miss America contestants. We had orientation, filmed videos and commercials, got treated like bonafide celebrities at Disney World, skipping all the way to the front of lines (who else can say they got to ride Space Mountain two times in a row?!), visited with Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan, and the Miss America Board, supported our teens each night of the prelims and also Finals night, and much, much more! I learned quite a bit and brought back valuable insights with me to the Bayou State, as I embark on this journey of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual preparedness for the Miss America competition, or Superbowl for Women, as I call it.
As much as I'd like to, I can't assure you that it's God's plan for me to be Louisiana's first Miss America. But I can promise you that I will work to the utmost in every area, aiming to evolve into the best Hope that's ever been, while committing to continue serving the state I love... Well, that and I'll promise one more thing: The gown is sure to be spectacular...
Can you feel the magic in the air? Must've been the way today was a Fairytale...
