Saturday night, I attended the most wonderful event downtown, the St. Jude Gala.The night was in honor of Marguerite Piazza who was a famous actress in her time and also has donated a great deal to St. Jude's funds. I was able to sing the national anthem to open the evening with Bob Westbrook's band. In addition to this I was able to meet Tommy Pardue and Billy & Kellye Cash.

I must say I was surprised at one point in the show when one of Estudio's dancers, Maxx, pulled me out from the crowd to dance with the group. It was very exciting and such a fun night being there with my sister title, Madison, and our mothers. I felt such compassion towards the families that spoke of their children's illnesses and cannot express the gratitude I have towards the donors of the night. It was a pleasure to be part of such a beautiful event and I am also glad everyone made it home safely after such frightening weather.

-Miss Memphis, Ashlee Reed

This evening my parents and I drove down to the Gibson Guitar Factory to meet the sponsor of the Autism Awareness 5k Run in Downtown Memphis. Once there, I watched as everyone prepared for this exciting race. I was so honored to be able to represent Memphis by singing the National Anthem before this race began.

Seeing over 400 people there willing to give their time and money to such a prevalent cause was so inspiring to me as well. Singing for such an amazing crowd was a thrilling experience and I really enjoyed every moment.

Afterwards, meeting so many people from all walks of life, such as bands, the emcee and anchorman for news channel 5, and people touring from Germany to take pictures with was a treat within itself, I must say!

-Miss Memphis, Ashlee Reed

The weekend of February 27th was a fun and rewarding experience as I spent some time building on my community service. I went with a group of my friends along with our church here in Nashville to help those in need. We all gathered outside Crosspoint on a cold Saturday morning around 7 to get with specific groups and disperse to our location in the city. My group went to a family shelter to help paint, clean, build, and organize. Once there I was able to hear how this shelter was special and able to take not only children or singles, but also their entire family. This was so great to hear and to see. After the leader spoke we split up again and I, with a few girl, went to organize the many cabinets within the basement. There were toys, clothes, furniture, bathroom supply, shoes, and more that we organized and cleaned out that day. Knowing that this made a difference for some families made me feel like I had made some time of a difference to them and it was well worth the time.

-Miss Memphis, Ashlee Reed

As an update to my life as Miss Memphis, I would like to start out with my last event and then talk about all my preparations for Miss Tennessee! I was privileged to attend and be apart of the Liberty Bowl Parade along with my sister titles. Thanks to Mr. Terri Reeves, we were second in line provided with a beautiful green mustang, following the major who was such a thrill to meet. He asked our drivers, "Wouldn't we rather be driving a gray haired, old man than these beautiful girls?" What a sweet man! While waiting, some clowns came and made us animal balloons to take with us and also did a few magic tricks, which was very fun and exciting. When the parade began we went down and were announced by Mr. Reeves himself and applauded by some vigorous fans of the game in the crowd. It was yet another amazing experience to partake in.

On to my preparations for the big event - I have been, along with my mother, spending many hours looking and buying dresses for the various events of the pageant week, such as meet and greet, getting off the bus, and luncheons. We also made a trip to Joann's to look at Paige's beautiful and extravagant dresses. While there she helped me find my interview suit, talent dress, and evening wear! I have been working on fitness as well, making nightly visits to the gym with my dorm mates and friends, as well as eating healthy. Let's not forget about the plethora of paperwork there is to fill out and check off! That was accomplished with the help of my mother, Shay, and Jeni!

I would like to put a big shout out to my mother for all her hard work, not only helping me with my process, but also my sister and hers! There is so much more to accomplish and do, but I know the joy of the journey is in the ride, Cyrena, former Miss Memphis told me that and I plan to stick to it!

-Miss Memphis, Ashlee Reed

Last week I had the amazing privilege of going to meet and award Amanda Swartout, a sweet child with brain cancer, as the first Little Miss Memphis. I along with my sister titles went and met her caring family at the Ronald McDonald house downtown. We felt so grateful to be able to meet and spend some time with her and wish we could have more. We took pictures crowning her and gave her a present of the movie Prancer and an angel necklace as well. I asked the family if we could pray before leaving, and we held hands as I did. I will continue to pray for that caring family and their precious little girl.

-Miss Memphis, Ashlee Reed

Well the busy week of school readings has unfortunately come to an end. I was able to attend two schools yesterday, Altruria in the morning, and Arlington with Amber that afternoon. Upon entering Altruria I saw many toys being gathered by a dress up elf for a toy drive. This was very heart warming to me and reminded me of when I was at Briarcrest doing the same fun and beneficial event. I met the kindest Principal and she introduced me to all of the office personnel before I was escorted to the cafeteria. She even had the year book photographer come as I read to all of the first graders. As I walked by the children I heard one whispering to another, Thats a real princess. I chuckled to myself and once onstage explained my real position and in simple words how I obtained it. I read the traditional Night before Christmas and answered questions, after singing my talent for the group. The children as always were so sweet about the whole matter, as well as the staff and I immensely enjoyed myself.

At Arlington Amber and I split up the classes and made rounds. My first class was very interesting and I will explain why. I received a book about a mouse preparing for Christmas to read. After going through my routine, I asked for questions and as many well know at that age children take that as story time. I was expecting stories about pageants, but never expected ones about hunting mouse, deer, and even raccoons! This was a pretty cute and intriguing time as you may guess. One class made me a sweet thank you card, which was just adorable. Another class told me all about what they wanted for Christmas. I did remind them after this the true meaning of Christmas is not about how many presents we get, but the great feeling of giving and helping others.

Today was my final reading that took place with Highland Oaks. I was able to go from class to class of first graders and read to them the Polar Express for their pajama day. I must say how disciplined the children were and respecting. One class even had a song prepared for me, welcoming me to their class. I was delighted by this as well as a sweet gift made by another class. Many girls said they wanted to compete when they were grown up and to this I told them to always do your best and keep trying at things in life. This was such a great experience for me this week and I truly cannot wait for the next events to come.

-Miss Memphis, Ashlee Reed

Yesterday I visited Bailey Station Elementary which was a great treat. When I arrived I was greeted by my two little escorts in the office who guided me to the classroom with my cousin Alisha, who was taking pictures for me. Once in the classroom I met the sweet teacher, Mrs. Gibbs and the two classes. I was able to read my Bernstein Bears Christmas with Santa Bear book and then have question and answer time. This was just about the sweetest moment I have ever witnessed. The children asked if I came in a limo, I just about burst with laughter. They went on to ask if I was a millionaire, had a maid, and was I a queen. They soon found out I was just an ordinary girl, who had been blessed greatly. I explained how the pageant worked and what I would go on to do now. When they heard that I sang for my talent they asked if I could sing for them. I was delighted to and sang my talent for them. Then we went out into the hallway and took pictures with each class. The children all wanted to be close to the center, so I tried to make sure each felt included. After this I signed and passed out my cards to them to end the fun experience, but realizing I was a few short I ran home and brought back some more. My favorite part was seeing how star struck the children were, I just wanted to squeeze them they were so adorably cute.

Today I was out early to head to Donelson Elementary in Arlington. When I arrived I was sent to the cafeteria to meet five kindergarten classes. They all waited with anticipation as the principal tried to get the microphone to work. After having some technical difficulties, I told them that I could just speak up for the children to hear. I had received the Night Before Christmas to read to the youngsters, and when I was done I passed out the rest of my cards for everyone. The classes said "Thank you Miss Memphis!"

This afternoon was the busiest of all! I traveled to Farmington Elementary and was escorted by the Vice principal, Mr. Shumaker. I met with combined classes and traveled from Kindergarten, first, second, third, and fifth grade. I was also privileged to have met the Principal before I left. I was able to sing for a few classes and speak briefly to some as well. They all said how glad they were I came, but I believe I was the one blessed. To see all those children so disciplined and orderly at such a young age, as well as showing such sweet and caring spirits, blessed me tremendously. I felt so honored to be able to go and spend time with these schools and their loving members.

-Miss Memphis, Ashlee Reed

What a weekend! This Friday I came home from Belmont to attend talk show host, Loretta McNary's Kindle Awards, in which she handed out beautiful trophies to all those that had impacted her life. I was able to wear an elaborate dress to the event provided by the sweet Paige and Jared, thank you so very much! I was even privileged to sing my talent, Can't Help Falling in Love, as one of the openings for the night, which was very exciting as part of my first event! The night closed for the Reed family with some fun dance moves to the Cupid Shuffle by my sister and new Miss Memphis Princess, Amber.

On Saturday we woke up with the rise of the sun. A sun that seemed to provide no heat, and so we bundled up and joined Madison, her mother, Shay, and her cute little Bekah for the St. Jude Marathon. We brought posters, cheers, sang Christmas carols, and more for these ambitious runners! I could not believe that they seemed to just keep coming around the corner. I found out that ten thousand were participating! I was so fortunate to be apart of cheering those giving people on towards their long and strenuous goal.

After this we headed to the Memphis Parade downtown. Once again bundled up with extra layers, coats, stockings, and blankets, I was surprised people could recognize us at all! We enjoyed this experience as well. Seeing the faces of all of those little children light up when they saw us pass by was precious. One sweet girl looked up at her mom and said, "Mommy can I be a princess?" I love little children and that was too adorable. I can not wait to go and read for the schools in the next coming weeks! We, of course, made it through with some tingling of our fingers, but big smiles on our faces. What a great weekend, and more to come tomorrow as we head off to have picture time with Santa. I do not know about the kids, but I can not wait!

-Miss Memphis, Ashlee Reed

Overwhelmed is the word of the weekend for me. I am so honored to be crowned Miss Memphis 2010! I feel like a broken record as people ask me what I am thinking. I am still in shock that only this past Saturday night, I was on stage hearing my name called out as the new Miss Memphis, what I had only dreamed of. This just after my astonishment of hearing my little sister win Miss Memphis Princess a minute before! I thought I just might hyperventilate right there. I feel so blessed to have so many caring supporters and see how God truly works. He was so apparent the entire way. All I can keep thinking is, wow, in June I will be going to Miss Tennessee, representing our city, Memphis.

The pageant was a blast, and I honestly enjoyed every single minute of it. Seeing all those beautiful girls come together and help each other work to make it so amazing, after rekindling some old friendships and making many new ones that I hope to broaden. Seeing Shay, bless her heart, trying to keep her head on while coordinating the most outstanding pageant that she put together makes me astounded. I have so many people to thank for this honor:

First of all, I must thank my mother for all of her encouragement and work throughout everything. She has always supported and helped me to do whatever I set my mind to.

The Memphis Crew for all of their hard work and hospitality they have shown. This year is going to be the most spectacular year!

Bob Westbrook and Kathryn Paradise, my voice teachers, who have helped my voice broaden and develop into what it is and all of the advice they have given.

Thank you to my sister-in-law Alisha for her amazing skills and time put into doing my hair and her words of confidence. Every family member, friend, and friend that should be family that have been there through all my preparation to give me words of encouragement and scripture, you are all a blessing.

To the former Miss Memphis and next-door neighbor at my dorm, you are truly my mentor and idol. Cyrena, you are so beautiful, talented, and intelligent. Your determination and perseverance throughout the pageant was so inspiring. To my little sister, the new Miss Memphis Princess, whom I will be reigning with this year, I cannot express how proud I am of you! I cannot wait for this year to start with you and Madison to start! We all need to go on a dinner date!

If I have forgotten anyone, thank you all for everything you have done! I am so very blessed and will do my utmost best to make a difference this year with my platform - to be that role mode for girls that they desperately need in today's society and to promote my platform of Community Service to everyone I meet. May God use me to make His wishes become reality this year in my reign.

-Miss Memphis, Ashlee Reed