Congrats to all of the Contestants!

I made several comments throughout the week of Miss Arkansas that we had so many quality contestants.  Just to prove what I said, here are some additional thoughts about each of them!  “Congratulations on a great week!  We hope to see you compete again next year or begin to volunteer in the organization!” 

Miss Apple Blossom Molly Jones -  Miss Congeniality!  Molly is the most genuine, tender-hearted young woman with small-town values.  I totally agreed with her winning Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic!  “Also, congratulations on that alpha swimsuit award!”

Miss Arkansas River Kathryn Holcomb - I have never seen a bad side to Kathryn!  She has competed for three years and performed with class and grace each time.  Since this was her last year of eligibility, best of luck to Kathryn and her fiancé!  “I feel honored to have known you through this organization!”

Miss Arkansas State University Chelsea Treadway - I met Chelsea for the first time at the Miss ASU pageant.  I quickly realized how loved she is by observing the overwhelming number of friends who were there to congratulate her.  ASU should be proud of their amiable and respectable representative.  “Great performance at the Miss Arkansas Pageant!”

Miss Arkansas Tech University Claire Hodgson - It didn’t take me long to notice that this gorgeous freshman girl from ATU has loads of potential!  I couldn’t be prouder of Claire for winning the overall alpha interview award!  With Claire’s personality and beauty, I want her to return to the Miss Arkansas stage!

Miss Arkansas Valley Mackenzie Bryant - Mackenzie has a good reputation from her year of hard work as Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen 2010.  She has a lot to offer to the Miss Arkansas Organization, including a warm smile and dedication to excellence.  “Proud of you, Mackenzie!!”

Miss Batesville Norma Lopez - I can’t help but smile when I see Norma.  She attended Te amo mi amiga many preliminaries this year and always encouraged me and the other contestants competing.  Talk about a girl with golden character! “Te amo mi amiga!”

Miss Central Arkansas Erin Larsen- Erin is one of the most outgoing girls in the pageant!  She spent lots of time with us in the suite and always made me laugh!  One of the greatest memories I have of Erin was when I saw her powerfully sing “My Redeemer Lives” at Relay for Life.  She touched so many survivors and volunteers through that performance!

Miss Conway Caitlyn Cook - I have known Caitlyn for several years but really connected with her this year at Miss Arkansas.  She is a very genuine and compassionate young woman.  Oh, and she is a most impressive opera singer!  “Continue to let that light shine, Caitlin!” 

Miss Cotton Belle Mollie Parker - Mollie invited me to the fundraiser for her platform in Jonesboro.  I was blown away by Mollie’s leadership skills, responsibility, and community support.  Her onstage competition was phenomenal… she had to have been second for every alpha award! 

Miss Crowley’s Ridge Ashley Gage - I watched Ashley compete in several preliminaries this year, gaining confidence and experience each time!  She is one of the most beautiful girls, and her heart is even more beautiful.  I am proud to have Ashley in the Miss Arkansas Organization!

Miss Diamond Lakes Abby Turner - Abby has many strengths:  planning, blogging, video documentaries, and making others feel included.  She also has a very strong sense of determination and has worked very hard to promote her platform.  I was very proud of Abby for making the top 10 and being recognized for Service Above Self! 

Miss Frisco Springs Simone Mullinax - I can confidently say that Simone is gorgeous, talented, well-rounded and very deserving of the national title of Miss Sweetheart.  Also, Simone has also become one of my closest friends in the pageant system.  I mean it when I say that I wish her the very BEST! 

Miss Greater Camden Sarah Sutton - When I saw Sarah in her evening gown, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.  She has the same attractiveness off-stage, and I think it generates from her kind heart and easy personality!  Sarah’s sister competed in Miss Arkansas, and I am SO glad that she encouraged Sarah to compete so we could become friends!

Miss Greater Hot Springs Samantha Hudon - Samantha had a fabulous week!  She had worked very hard to make it to Miss Arkansas, and I was tickled to see her recognized for alpha swimsuit and evening gown.  The Hot Springs community cheered loudly for their outgoing, beautiful, and fun-loving representative!

Miss Greater Jacksonville Maegan Inzer - Maegan is the kind of girl I want to represent the Miss Arkansas Organization.  She is humble and responsible.  After placing in the top 5 during her last year of eligibility, I hope that she remains involved with the organization.  We can really use girls of character to mentor the next generation of contestants!

Miss Greater Jonesboro Bethany Bell - I have never met anyone more articulate or wise for her young age.  Also, she plays the piano like nobody’s business!  I hope she continues to compete for Miss Arkansas, but I know she will be successful in whatever she pursues.

Miss Greater Little Rock Bethany Whitfield - I attended college with Bethany and can honestly say that she was the most respected and admired person on campus.  It doesn’t take long to fall in love with Bethany. Maybe it’s her strong voice, compassion, humility, or how comfortable she is with just being Bethany.   I am so proud of Bethany!

Miss Henderson State University Miranda Johnson - My first impression of Miranda was formed when we shared an appearance in Arkadelphia.  She was so grounded, dependable, beautiful, and likeable.  I wasn’t the only one who felt that way because so many young girls recognized her from the local cheer studio and covered her with hugs!  I really like Miranda!

Miss Johnson County Alisha Sears - Alisha won the annual Peach Festival Pageant, which is a huge honor in Clarksville.  She deservingly represented Clarksville on the Miss Arkansas stage with a strong voice and entertaining performance!  “Congrats on a great week!”

Miss Lake Dardanelle Chelsy Jones - Chelsy worked very hard to compete in the Miss Arkansas pageant, and I cheered for her every time she took the stage!  She made many friends backstage and supported the other contestants.  I admire her inner beauty and hope we remain long-time friends! 

Miss Lakes of the Northwest Rebecca Wheeley -  I am thankful for girls like Rebecca who wear the crown with dignity.  She performed in the Miss Arkansas Court of Honor and competed for several years.  She is a dedicated, passionate young woman who I hope will stick around and volunteer in this organization now that she aged out! 

Miss Lights of the Delta Somer Allen - Somer is probably the biggest witness for Christ that I know.  I admire her trust in the Lord and her desire to love those around her.  I also believe she is one of the best public speakers in the pageant… She has such a genuine quality about her!

Miss Madison County Kayla Williams - I crowned Kayla as the first Miss Madison County!  She is a quiet girl with a sincere heart.  Even though she was one of the youngest girls in the pageant, she did an amazing job all week!

Miss Magnolia Sarah Liz Carter - Talk about a beauty with a brain!  Sarah Liz is very dedicated to school, family, and friends.  She has so much potential, and I believe she can develop those qualities as she competes in the Miss Arkansas Organization!  “Hope to see you next year at Miss Arkansas, and bring your hometown of Norphlet with you again!”

Miss Metro Candace Carr - I met Candace last year when she competed in Miss Arkansas for the first time.  Candace has the perfect mix of confidence and ease.  Maybe it is those big, blue eyes or her onstage presence. but I think she is striking!

Miss North Central Arkansas Hannah Billingsley - I crowned Hannah as Miss Cotton Belle 2011 and have liked her ever since!  She is an absolute blonde bombshell, and her eyes literally sparkle onstage.  Her tender heart and small-town sincerity are captivating. 

Miss Northeast Arkansas Mason Magouyrk - I attended the pageant when Mason won, which was followed by the annual Lights of the Delta hayride.  I remember trying to keep warm, visiting Santa, and enjoying hot chocolate with Mason in that new crown! I was so proud of Mason’s performance this year as a newcomer!  She had to have been second in alpha swimsuit, and I was proud of her entire onstage performance.  

Miss Northwest Arkansas Sarah Gafvert - My first impression of Sarah was, “I have never seen anyone as tall or as beautiful!”  The more I got to know Sarah during the pageant week, the more I was impressed!  She is very smart and mature.  After receiving one of the top newcomer awards this year and top 15, I hope she comes back next year!

Miss Ouachita Baptist University MaryLacey Thomson - MaryLacey also received a newcomer award and represented my alma mater strongly by making the top 15!  She won me over when she turned around in that stunning emerald green dress and sang her talent song effortlessly! 

Miss Ouachita River Rosalyn Taylor - Watch out for Rosalyn!  Even though she aged out of the Miss Arkansas Pageant, I expect great things from this strong, driven young woman.  After serving as the captain of the U of A majorettes, she was comfortable walking around the hotel in a sports bra, and her muscle definition was incredible!

Miss Ozark Highlands Abby Lindsey - Abby was probably my biggest comic relief all week!  She also intentionally encouraged me and made the week fun for everyone around.  I was also proud of her alpha talent award and Service Above Self acknowledgement!  “You have every reason to smile!”

Miss Petit Jean Valley Makenzie Moore -  If you missed Makenzie’s ballet en pointe, then you missed one of the BEST moments of the pageant!  Makenzie has an incredible work ethic and has gone above and beyond to promote her platform and Children’s Miracle Network.  Wow!

Miss Pulaski Dalia Garrison - Dalia was my roommate in 2010 at the Miss Arkansas Pageant.  She is incredibly responsible and a very trustworthy friend.  Even though people recognize Dalia as a talented clogger, most people don’t realize that she choreographs her own dance numbers (and she often changes the choreography as she perfoms).  True talent.

Miss South Arkansas Lauren Howell - All week, Lauren was flawless:  gown, talent, and swimsuit.  This year, Lauren started her own dance studio and has many natural artistic abilities.  She finished in the top 15 this year, but I predict she will be even stronger next year!

Miss South Central Arkansas Jillian Bridges -  Jill is one of those petite girls with a grand voice!  She sang Beyonce’s “If I Were a Boy” with attitude, and the other contestants nicknamed her “Jill-once”.   Haha!   After making a strong presence in the Outstanding Teen system, I was tickled to see Jill compete on the Miss Arkansas stage! 

Miss Southeast Arkansas Mary Ellen Hunthrop - I still hear people talking about how beautiful Mary Ellen was in that eggplant long-sleeve evening gown!  Mary Ellen worked so hard to make it to Miss Arkansas, and I was just as excited as she was when her name was called for alpha evening gown!  “Proud of you, girl!”

Miss Southern Arkansas University Kristen Lambert - University pageants are the most fun, and Kristen’s crowning was no different!  She always participated and volunteered for the Miss Arkansas Organization whenever possible, making her an outstanding representative for her university!  “Well done!”

Miss Spirit of Arkansas Amber Gross - Amber spent the spring semester in New York and postponed nursing school so she could compete in Miss Arkansas.  She is the epitome of a “big dreamer” and works hard to achieve those dreams.  I was especially impressed with how she gracefully handled a costume malfunction during talent.  It was an example of her unfaltering character!

Miss Sweetheart of Arkansas Brooke Ault - Brooke sang “Maybe This Time” for talent, and she was right!  She captured the Coleman Dairy Overall Talent Award and was the only newcomer announced to the top 10.  Arkansas is itching to have that voice and fresh energy back onstage next year!

Miss Texarkana Lauren Price - I was instantly drawn to Lauren’s sweet spirit when we met at a preliminary pageant this year. Lauren’s headshot was one of my favorites, and I believe she is just as beautiful on the inside!  “Congratulations on your recent engagement!”

Miss Three Rivers Courtney Welsh - Another blonde bombshell!  Courtney competed in teen last year but amazed the Miss Arkansas judges this year with her swimsuit figure!  “Congrats on alpha swimsuit and a successful pageant week as a newcomer!”

Miss University of Arkansas Tracy Neal - Tracy is one of those girls I love more and more each time we talk!  With a top 10 finish, she is very consistent in every phase of competition and has the self-motivation to succeed.  She teaches dance in Fayetteville, and her girls obviously look up to her!

Miss University of Arkansas Fort Smith Savannah Valentine - I knew Savannah was going to win her preliminary pageant when she walked across the stage with confidence and joy!  Miss UAFS has a strong presence in Fort Smith, and she has done so much to promote the Miss Arkansas Organization!  I am impressed!

Miss University of Central Arkansas Morgan Holt - No doubt… Morgan is gorgeous!  When she handled one of the most difficult onstage questions and started her jazz dance with an aerial, she earned her spot as 1^st Runner Up!  What I like most about Morgan is that she competes with herself.  She truly wishes the best for others and pushes herself to perform well!  “Very admirable!”

Miss Western Arkansas Alex Farmer -  Alex landed a picture on the front page of the Hot Springs Sentinel newspaper after her shocking speed-painting for talent!  I would have LOVED to see it again along with that rock-star dress.  With a mother in the pageant dress business, you can expect Alex to be the best dressed onstage!

Miss White River Helen Wisner - Helen has everything it takes to be a famous model!  Her body is flawless and her beauty is so natural!  Not only did she make the top 15 and win swimsuit preliminary, but she is probably one of the most gracious girls competing.  I am thankful to have met Helen!

Miss Arkansas 2012 Sloane Roberts - I don’t think anyone in the state of Arkansas doubted that Sloane would one day be Miss Arkansas.  However, she did surprise many when she captured the crown at the young age of 19.  Sloane’s greatest strengths are her determination and drive.  She pushes herself to be the best, and I predict she will be one of the best Miss Arkansas titleholders.  She also has a natural ability to win over people.  For example, the entire town of Rison came to Hot Springs to cheer her on at the Miss Arkansas Pageant.  She is extremely talented (2011 Coleman Dairy Overall Talent Winner) and will definitely leave her mark on the state of Arkansas!  I fully support and congratulate Sloane as our Miss Arkansas!