Park Hill Youth Group and National Sweetheart!

This Wednesday, I headed to Park Hill Baptist Church to speak to the youth group!  Now that I make approximately one speaking or charity appearance a week, I really cherish the opportunity more than ever!  I was particularly excited to talk to teenagers and remind them of the influence they have among their peers.  I shared several stories based on my platform of “Second Chances through Mentoring” and stressed that you don’t have to be “qualified” or “famous” to make a difference.  You just have to be willing to give your care and time to encourage others.

 Laura Leigh read the opening verse for me!  

I tried something new while speaking to the teens.  I gave them a twitter challenge and asked them to tweet quotes from my speech that grabbed their attention. It was very insightful to see what they grasped from my message, and I happily retweeted them!  Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen 2012 Laura Leigh Turner (and 2nd Runner up to MAOT) was in the audience and tweeted:

“Even though the moment may be painful, it is in that moment that we realize that God’s plan is so much greater than ours! -@MissAR2011”  

In pageant land, Hoopeston, Illinois, hosted the Miss National Sweetheart Pageant, where a runner-up representative from each state is sent to compete on the national level.  Arkansas has a strong reputation at this pageant, especially since Simone Mullinax won the title last year as our state's sweetheart.  This year, third-runner up Rosalyn Taylor represented the natural state.  Rosalyn has always impressed me with her drive, baton-twirling, rock-hard abs, and confidence!  Even though she was not announced to the top 10 at National Sweetheart, I am so proud of her!  I know she represented Arkansas strongly and must have ranked #11 in scores!