Pageant, Sponsors, Homecoming... whew! Week 3

I have fully enjoyed the past week! It was such a privilege to meet with several Miss Arkansas sponsors and to work out with Anne Marie multiple times! I also drove to Russellville, where I met Dr. Cooper and talked about improving my smile. I was so impressed with the professional staff, beautiful office, and his generosity in serving the Miss Arkansas Pageant with his talent!

Amanda Farmer at Bella’s Clothing & Gifts in Springdale sent an incredible box of clothing, stationery, and jewelry that I will be able to use throughout the year! I enjoyed visiting Stephanie Isaacs at her dress store, A Formal Affair in Batesville. Stephanie is so much fun to work with and has a great variety of dresses. At the Miss White River Pageant, I wore a white cocktail dress and a black evening gown that were provided by A Formal Affair.

Little Miss Batesville, Ryann, and me!

2012 Miss White River, Helen Wisner!

2012 Miss White River's Outstanding Teen, me, 2011 Miss White River, and 2011 Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen!

Congratulations to Miss White River, Helen Wisner, for winning interview, swimsuit, and the crown! It was really a joy to participate in this pageant! The contestants were such wonderful competitors! Also, congratulations to Norma Lopez, 2012 Miss Batesville! I hope to meet you soon!

Testing my new portable tap floor! I just love it!

I received a portable tap floor in the mail! Mrs. Micki, my dance teacher, found this product after researching online. It will be great to use when I am asked to perform at locations without a dance floor. I have already learned an a cappella routine on this tap floor and am ready to entertain!

The week was eventful in another way! My best friend and college roommate got married on Saturday afternoon! I was so thankful to be there for her special day.

On Sunday, the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce and many volunteers hosted the Miss Arkansas Homecoming, “A Celebration Fit for a Queen.” The event took place in the brand new Grand Prairie Center, and we had a great turnout! I was honored to have Bethany Bell, Somer Allen, and Bethany Whitfield perform during the ceremony. I admire these girls for their character and wanted to showcase some of the amazing talent of the contestants in the Miss Arkansas system! I treasure the gift of your talents and time, as well as your kind words. Thank you, friends!

Rick Pruitt, Miss Arkansas board member, and Amy Witherow, Miss Ouachita Baptist University Pageant director, also shared remarks. Mr. David Leech welcomed the crowd, and Ryann Collins opened with prayer. Stephen Bell and Jennifer Payton designated me a Goodwill Ambassador of Stuttgart and declared August 7 as Kristen Glover Day in Stuttgart! How cool! Then, my very own Paw Paw, Senator Bobby Glover, read letters from Senator Eddie Jo Williams and Governor Mike Beebe. The program continued with a speech from my mentor, Micki Konecny, followed by my performing a tap dance to “I Got Rhythm”, my talent competition piece for Miss Arkansas. To conclude, a slideshow of both old and recent dance and pageant pictures was shown. I am so grateful to everyone who participated in the program!

Receiving the proclamation declaring August 7 as Kristen Glover day in Stuttgart! I was so surprised!

Me and the girls posing for the camera at the reception after the homecoming program!

Miss Lily told me "I am pretty sure that you are going to win Miss America." haha... it was my favorite compliment all night!

Stephen and Bethany put so much work into making the homecoming party a success! Thank you!

Guess who!? Micki Petrus Konecny, Miss Arkansas 1981

The truly incredible day wouldn’t have been possible without the help of volunteers and family. Thank you to Mrs. Micki Konecny for the organization and excitement that you brought to the celebration! Kelsi, Charlsi, and Samantha also deserve a thank you since Mrs. Micki put you to work! Thank you to Stephen Bell and Bethany Hodges for your work at the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce! Mrs. LoraNelle Humphrey always does an incredible job decorating the reception and covering all of the details. Mr. Carl, thank you for your service as my “personal photographer.” Haha! JC Productions provided the videos from the week of Miss Arkansas. Stuttgart Flowers & Gift Shop and Fern and Feather donated the beautiful flowers. Thank you to Connie Allmond, Betty Curtis, Tracy Keller, Angelia Reinhart, Catherine Bednar, Dolora Howell, and my family for making this day possible!

I’m excited about appearances scheduled this week in DeWitt, Fordyce, and Little Rock! Throughout the week, I will continue working with my trainer and meeting with dress sponsors to make more decisions about the wardrobe for Miss America. Also, this week I am really anticipating the contestants’ online lottery, which will determine my competition group and placement in the Miss America Pageant! Next week, I’m thrilled to be traveling to Orlando, where I will meet the other Miss America contestants and cheer for Ashton Campbell as she represents Arkansas in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant. Woohoo!