Time travel has been a fascination of mine for as far back as my mind reaches.  The eternal nostalgist, I wish humans had an ability to travel back in time, somehow re-experiencing the remarkable moments that impact our lives and forever change the very fabric of who we are.  Those pivotal moments usher the wind that steers our life’s sailboat; they grant us a bigger meaning and purpose that we never imagined was possible.  While we are not superhuman and cannot physically transport back in time, we have been given the ability to time travel under the guise of memories:  When our eyes close and we focus our attention on a particular time, we are miraculously transported.

Quieting my mind, I am closing my eyes and conjuring up every feeling, sense, and emotion that rushed through me exactly one year ago—I have transported to a night that marked the beginning of a great journey and adventure, for in this moment I became Miss Louisiana 2011. 

To say that this year has been nothing short of extraordinary would be quite the understatement.  Serving as Miss Louisiana afforded me the most incredible opportunities and granted me with precious memories I will, undoubtedly, continue reflecting upon for a lifetime. 

We can attribute the phrase, “With great power comes great responsibility” to Voltaire.  Likewise, Luke 12:48 says, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”  When that glimmering object was placed on my head, it became my mission to make the crown count, using it as a tool to achieve something far greater than myself.  Having been “divinely appointed” to this position, God not only gave me a crown as a tool, but also a far-reaching voice with a message that reached the masses. 

How many people get to frequently stand before teenagers as a role model and motivate them towards excellence?  Or fly on a mission to M.D. Anderson to serve as a companion to a cancer patient receiving a grueling chemo treatment?  Who gets to spend time in children’s hospital rooms where, on one occasion, you visit a delightful little boy who squeals upon your arrival, and on another occasion, you are the “real-life princess” to a beautiful little girl whose final moments are quickly approaching.  These poignant snapshots are memories from the past year, and they made a profound difference in my life and my outlook on the world. 

Every accomplishment behind my name can be greatly attributed to the sacrifice and generosity of people who invested their resources, love, insight, and time into my special dream, and for that, I will be eternally grateful.

My family has truly served as the cornerstone for my every success:   Mom, Alan, Blake, Bonnie, Meghan, Meme, Dede, Aunt Auna, Hannah, Mari-Beth, Dad and Brenda, Mimee and Pappee:  You have shown me unconditional love and given me more validation and motivation than anyone.

Mom and Alan:  Your belief in me has been unwavering, from the first step I took on the Miss ULM stage to the Miss America stage, where I could actually see you in the Planet Hollywood audience, beaming with pride.  God gave me the most incredible, patient, selfless, encouraging parents and I am so glad we have run this race together!  

Thank you to the Miss America Organization and Miss Louisiana Organization for providing me with a forum in which I was encouraged to express my beliefs, showcase my talents, and secure scholarships that will enable me to continue my education. 

To every board member of the Miss Louisiana Organization—Year after year, you enhance the life of one lucky girl and expect absolutely nothing in return.  Each of you has been a blessing to me in more ways than one and taught me life lessons that will carry over into the future.  Thank you from the bottom, top, and all sides of my heart!

To our cherished sponsors who are the lifeblood to this organization—you have gone above and beyond to provide for all needs (not to mention wants, desires, and fancies) this year!  It has been an absolute pleasure working with each of you and I appreciate your generosity to the umpteenth degree!

I would like to acknowledge a special group of women who have made my year as Miss Louisiana:  Thank you to all my Miss Louisiana sisters—you wrote letters, sent flowers and emails, listened when I needed to vent, and served as a source of strength and encouragement.  I am so honored to even be in the same realm as you and look forward to the reunions we will share!

To Pilots for Patients and its founders, Philip and Sharon Thomas—My year has been enriched thanks to the work I have been able to do through PFP and the people I came in contact with.  Mr. Philip and Mrs. Sharon, you are simply outstanding people who never cease to amaze me with your benevolence and kind hearts.  I have experienced immense growth while serving as PFP’s official spokesperson and because of our friendship. You are a blessing to so many lives, but especially to mine!

Thank you to Holly Clegg and the Perry family for hosting my two Children’s Miracle Network Fundraisers in your lovely homes—with your help and the support from many people, we raised $40,503 that will give hope to Louisiana children, as well as a fighting chance! 

To a very special guy in my life who shared many moments with me this year:  Adam Lineberger, Louisiana’s 2011 CMN Champion, my partner in crime, and my security guard for all events we attended—I simply adore you.  You are a light, an inspiration, and an absolute joy.  Thank you for allowing me to share the spotlight on the Miss America stage with you!

My precious friends:  Lindsey, Brooke, and Kelsea—you three have the most beautiful souls.  With my every action, it is my intention to mirror the kindness, loveliness, and altruism that I recognize in each of you.  I love you to the moon and back... three times!

To my beloved state of Louisiana—It was an honor to represent you at Miss America! Finishing in the top ten was the most incredible thing, as was the amount of support that I received from back home!

To my successor—embrace your newfound adventure and make it a point to positively impact each person you reach this year.

Finally, I would like to thank my Divine Creator:  God has showered me with blessings this year and provided a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11) for my life.  To recount the words I uttered last year while being crowned, “I give You all the glory and honor.”

Possessing the title of Miss Louisiana 2011 has been an incomparable privilege.  It is my hope that I leave this organization even better than it was before my service, imparting a legacy of both service and hope to all whose paths I crossed.  I am delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute and fully devote myself to the state that I love, and will continue to time travel and reflect back on all the extraordinary moments for years to come. 

With infinite gratitude,

Hope Anderson

Miss Louisiana 2011