After driving over 900 miles last weekend, I was ready to crash by Monday! This week was more relaxed than normal, and I was thankful for the chance to catch up! I learned more of my tap dance for Miss America and had several great workouts. I also finished some paperwork and scheduling … basic responsibilities of Miss Arkansas.
Monday, I spoke at a neat elementary school in Hot Springs, Langston Aerospace and Environmental Magnet. The hallways are decorated with science-related objects, and the fourth grade students are treated each year with a field trip to space camp! I really enjoyed speaking to the assembly of well-behaved students and visiting the classrooms afterward. Given the opportunity to ask a question, a little boy asked “How did you get that crown?” When I explained the phases of competition in the Miss Arkansas pageant, he didn’t understand the difference between posing in a swimsuit and actually swimming. He kept swinging his arms like he was swimming the breast stroke. Haha, I got so tickled.
Monday, I spoke at a neat elementary school in Hot Springs, Langston Aerospace and Environmental Magnet. The hallways are decorated with science-related objects, and the fourth grade students are treated each year with a field trip to space camp! I really enjoyed speaking to the assembly of well-behaved students and visiting the classrooms afterward. Given the opportunity to ask a question, a little boy asked “How did you get that crown?” When I explained the phases of competition in the Miss Arkansas pageant, he didn’t understand the difference between posing in a swimsuit and actually swimming. He kept swinging his arms like he was swimming the breast stroke. Haha, I got so tickled.
Tuesday, I was asked to speak at the Saline County Vigil Against Domestic Violence. I was especially nervous about this event, considering I had never formally spoken on domestic violence, a heavy topic. After gathering ideas from several people, I formulated the bullet points of my speech. Arriving at the memorial, I recalled the days I spent volunteering at a battered women’s shelter in Arkadelphia. I shared several personal stories and talked about the critical need in today’s society for children to be mentored. By becoming positive role models, we can break the generational cycle of domestic abuse! I was so pleased with how the speech came together! Afterward, two people who hope to book me for future events asked for my business card!
Speaking outside of my comfort zone can be frightening. However, I have learned to welcome such challenges, as they produce the greatest rewards! I am so grateful for the job of Miss Arkansas and the chance to help promote meaningful causes as I travel the state. I believe each Miss Arkansas becomes a better-rounded individual after a year like this!
This week, I received the CD of photos from the shoot I had with Jessica Fleeman Barksdale in Arkadelphia. I had so much fun working with Jessica, and she is a phenomenal photographer! Feel free to check out her website(http://jessicajunephotography.squarespace.com/)
This week, I received the CD of photos from the shoot I had with Jessica Fleeman Barksdale in Arkadelphia. I had so much fun working with Jessica, and she is a phenomenal photographer! Feel free to check out her website(http://jessicajunephotography.squarespace.com/)
I enjoyed the Arkansas State Fair on Thursday as I walked through the entire park after getting lost! Nothing smells better than the aroma of funnel cakes and fried cheesecake drifting through the air … but I promised myself that I wouldn’t eat any since Miss America is now three months away. My home dance team from Studio Allegro competed in the state talent contest and did a great job! I was also excited to see several good pageant friends compete in the individual talent competition and pageant!
Friday, I spoke in two assemblies at University Heights Elementary School in Nettleton, Arkansas. The principal of the school is a best friend of my princess’s mother.She called to see if my princess, Riley Stephens, could assist me in the assemblies. So we took a two-hour road trip with Riley and had the best time! She is so mature and an awesome conversationalist for a fourth grader! Also, she was a huge help with the little ones. I need to invite her more often!
Principal Arnold and her family
Saturday, I joined with tens of thousands of people in Little Rock for Race for the Cure! I wore my pink sash in honor of my grandmother, Helen Glover. I love to see so many people of all ages enthusiastically support such a worthy cause!
This upcoming week will be exciting! I have appearances in at least three cities that I have never visited before, including Magnolia for the Miss Southern Arkansas University pageant. I am speaking in schools, churches, and attending a fall festival. I also hope to work on a new promotional video this week … it should be really fun!
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