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...
Showing posts with label Miss America. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miss America. Show all posts
30.8.11
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....................
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:
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
With endless gratitude,
Hope Anderson, Miss Louisiana 2011
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