The moments I live for... week 12

Although some may call me a beauty queen, I see myself as a businesswoman. While holding the title of Miss Arkansas, my responsibilities include marketing and advertising the Miss Arkansas Organization. I’ve had a lot of fun creating two YouTube videos and plan to make more in the future! I hope you have been keeping up with my Facebook, twitter, and blog… which are some additional tools I use for marketing the organization. The Miss Arkansas Pageant Board, under whose direction I work, is incredibly supportive. I directly report to my boss, Jessie Ward Bennett, a former Miss Arkansas and Executive Director of the board. I often meet with sponsors who support the Miss Arkansas Organization by donating scholarships, prizes, or services. I strive to make sure they know how much we appreciate their support, and I hope to enlist even more sponsors throughout the year. Wouldn’t you call me a businesswoman?!

Many thanks to the sponsors that I visited with this week. Check them out!
-Ann Marie Gibbs, personal trainer at Fine Line Trainers

-Mary Davis, manicurist at Gallery Salon

-Dennis Harris, hair and make-up stylist at Breathe Salon

-Tony Bowls, dress designer, who is from Arkansas

-Jane White Cosmetics, make up lessons and eyelash extensions

-Advanced Aesthetics, facial and skin care products

-Allen Tillery Chevrolet, vehicle sponsor, who fixed the nail in my tire!

Expect more to come!

On Tuesday, I visited my best friend/college roommate’s classroom to read “How Full is Your Bucket?” to her first graders at East End Elementary. They are a very smart class, and Miss Moore is doing a great job! They asked lots of questions and wanted me to come back to visit! Miss Moore said they were excited to see my surprise autographed photos in their mailboxes the next day!

Wednesday, I arrived 45 minutes late to Cato Elementary after the GPS took me on a wild goose chase in the forest. Thankfully, everything worked out, and I got to speak to both groups. I first spoke to fourth and fifth grade girls about self esteem… a very important message for girls to hear! When it was time for questions, one of the teachers asked if I could talk about the scholarship money I had received. I told the students that over four years, I have received $33,000 in scholarships from competing in Miss Arkansas. One girl squealed and asked, “Oh, do you live in a three story house?!” I smiled and replied, “No, I live in an apartment.” You should have seen the confused and disappointed look on her face! Haha.

Another question was asked after I mentioned that I had worked with pregnant teenagers ranging in age from 13-18: “Why do 13-year-old girls get pregnant?” Talk about a tough question to answer for that young group! I explained that some girls don’t have role models in their lives to teach them how to make good decisions, respect themselves, and form healthy dating relationships. Several equally important questions concerning bullying and self-image followed. I was so thankful to hear the pre-teen girls ask such thought-provoking, sincere questions. Those are the kind of moments that I live for as Miss Arkansas.

Also on Wednesday, I visited with Tony Bowls at the Royal We in Conway to talk about my wardrobe for the Miss America Pageant. We discussed several options for evening gown, talent, and onstage question. He will design and make several gowns, and we will choose the best. It can be a fun yet overwhelming process! In the end, I know the wardrobe will be fabulous!

Friday! I finally returned to Ouachita Baptist University to celebrate Homecoming! I was honored to receive the Milestone Award as the distinguished alumni of the class of 2011! Along with the other five milestone recipients, from the 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, and 2001 classes, I spoke to prospective students and filmed a promotional video for Ouachita. I joined staff and alumni for lunch and an evening social. Friday night, I attended an incredible Tiger Tunes Show… a performance competition among clubs and fundraiser for student scholarships.

Speaking to prospective students about my Ouachita experience.

Several girls after the Friday night show of Tiger Tunes!

Saturday, we experienced the most beautiful morning at CabotFest, where I participated and performed at the opening ceremony. The delicious, fresh-squeezed lemonade was such a treat! I always love attending festivals in Arkansas!

Saturday afternoon, I returned to Ouachita for the Homecoming football game and official presentation of the Milestone Award. It was great to visit with so many fellow graduates and old friends! My college roommates and I watched the final night of the Tiger Tunes show and then spent the night in Hot Springs. Congratulations to EEE for first place and awesome costumes! Also, I was so proud of my Tri Chi sisters for receiving the crowd favorite award! :)

Josh, me, and my parents at the Homecoming football game!

During halftime of the football game.

Recipients of the Milestone Award for distinguished alumni!

My roommates and I before the final Tiger Tunes show!

So proud of my sister for her performance! Tri Chi won the Crowd Favorite Award!

In the pageant world, Courtney Welsh was named Miss Three Rivers!! Congratulations and welcome to the Miss Arkansas Pageant family! This upcoming weekend, I will be traveling to the Miss University of Arkansas Pageant on Sunday to watch Kacey Keefe crown a new Razorback representative! Woohoo!

Also this week, I will be assisting with several fundraisers! There will be events for the Arkansas Rice Depot and Race for the Cure. I was asked to judge a Dancing with the Stars competition and a nursing home beauty pageant! I begin working on my dance for Miss America and start with interview preparation! I am excited to speak at the Arkansas Student Leadership Forum and meet students from all over the state … so much to look forward to!