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Monday, July 7
Miss Tennessee Week
The only words I have to describe that week are "incredible, unforgettable, and a life-changing experience". Not only did I meet some awesome girls that will remain close to my heart, but directors, friends and family made the pageant what it was. Throughout the week, we were privileged to hear Grace speak at each one of our luncheons. What an incredible woman she is and I hold her in the highest regards for her work over the past year. Every time someone asks me how I did, the thing that comes to my mind the most goes back to something Grace kept saying. After Miss America, she left with the attitude that she was the best Grace she could have been. I truly feel I was the best Anna Rene' I could have been. I feel it would be a disgrace to my family, friends and my adopted director ;) to say that I wasn't. I couldn't believe the incredible support I had through each phase of competition. Cards, flowers, calls and texts (only in the hotel, of course ha!), FOOD (that was saved until about 11:00 pm on Saturday night), emails, gifts, thoughts and prayers and having friends take time out of their busy lives to come from all over Jackson, Nashville, Memphis, Mississippi and even Florida to be there for me is the true sign of success and the unending love in my life. It was my privilege just to go through the week and seeing what I could take away from it; whether it was new friends, higher self confidence or just being reminded of how truly blessed I am by having the people in my life that I do.
I think I am finally getting back to normal. EVERYDAY I tell myself, okay I have to go to the gym today and stop eating everything in sight! Ha! I'll get there. ;) But, I have exciting things coming up. I am continuing to support my platform as much as possible as well working with the Miss Memphis Pageant on next year's show and my duties as Miss Sweetheart. I am judging a pageant in a couple of weeks that I am excited about. I will be back in touch again soon........
Wednesday, May 7
Oh my goodness, I cannot believe how quickly the last two months have flown by!! At just over a month away from Miss Tennessee, there is alot of preparing going on.
In April, all 36 contestants met in Murfreesboro to go over pageant week details and what we are to expect. We chose groups, were assigned roommates and even squeezed in some modeling practice from Alison Alderson- DeMarcus. It was nice to finally have everyone in one spot and have a little time to mix and mingle with the girls. I was so grateful my Mom was able to come up and meet everyone as well!
Besides just preparing for the actual pageant week, I am still enjoying being able to support my platform and attending various events around the Jackson area to do so. Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the "Flags for Freedom Friday" at Union University. The Jackson Exchange Club put the program together, along with Union University. 1500 flags were erected on the school grounds; each one flying for a lost child, due to child abuse in the state of Tennessee last year alone. The flags were then sold, proceeds going to help support various programs such as child abuse awareness and prevention. The event was also dedicated to our servicemen and women who have given their lives in service. I felt so blessed to have had the chance to attend the ceremony.
I am also doing what I can in Jackson to raise awareness of our Arts Council and the various programs the Council supports. Yesterday morning, I was able to attend our City Council Meeting, where the Arts Council thanked the members for their support in funding the Arts in Jackson.Next week, I will be attending "Talk to Me Tennessee" in Nashville. This convention is held by the Tennessee Arts Commission in order to discuss the Arts across the state; what they are doing, where they are going and the benefits of supporting the Arts in whatever area possible.
Monday, March 17th
First, let me say how proud I am of Ivy and Ashlee! Both ladies did a fantastic job Saturday night at the Miss TN Outstanding Teen and Teen Princess pageants at UT Martin. Congratualtions to Ivy for winning the interview award in her division. It's easy to see that both of these girls are not only but beautiful and talented but smart, sweet and fun to be around and great role models. Again, I am so proud of you, girls!!!
It was also nice to meet some of the other Miss contestants from across the state. I believe there were about 20 of us in attendance. Before the pageant started, we had a quick run through of our choreography (which most of us ended up forgetting; but enjoyed laughing at ourselves about it later). After wrapping up our good-bye's, we loaded up and headed back to Jackson for yet another food stop. This time, Mexican food; my favorite!!! Good choice Sayra!
and lastly....
Happy St. Patricks Day!!! I hope you are wearing green today!!!
Thursday, March 13
Well, I am still disappointed I didn't get to make it to the Dr. Suessical Carnival last Friday at Crichton College. I was so excited and then Mother Nature decided she didn't want me to go and dropped 4 inches of snow in Jackson. However, its 74 degrees here today so you just never can tell. I know it was a huge success and I continue to applaud schools across the nation with this effort in encouraging children to read.
This weekend is the big weekend for my Memphis-family sisters! The Miss Tennessee Outstanding Teen and Miss Tennessee Princess pageants are Saturday night at the University of Tennessee at Martin. I am so excited and cant wait to cheer on my girls. I believe the Miss titleholders in attendance will also be a part of the production. I cant wait to meet some of the other girls; this should be a blast!
Tuesday, March 4
This past weekend I made the journey towards Memphis for a cheerleading competition. Ivy and I, along with Miss Collierville Katie Moynihan and Miss Collierville OT Kristel Quon, were asked to judge a recreational cheerleading competition in Munford. I could not have asked for a better night. Some of these girls could not have been more than 4 or 5, and the oldest groups were probably 14. We judged on everything from best spirit to best teamwork. At the end of the night, every girl had a trophy and a medal.
After the ceremony, we took about an hour to sign autographs and take pictures. My favorite quote of the night, in a very matter of fact tone I might add, "I want to be a beauty queen, my mom just won't let me yet." After which, of course, I told her maybe when she gets a little older. I just had to let you see her face as she told me this.....
Yesterday morning, March 3rd, I started off my week by visiting East Intermediate School to read as part of the Read Across America week celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday. I marched in a parade, watched a local school theatre group perform part of the musical, "Seussical the Musical - Horton Hears a Who" and then read for about 20 minutes or so. I was so impressed with the school's preparedness for this event. Everything from getting readers there to getting the kids excited about it.
This weekend truly allowed me to see the rewards of this job to the fullest. The little girls who's eyes light up at the sight of a crown and a smiling face...that is irreplaceable.
Monday, February 25th
The Year Begins...
It has been a little over two weeks since the Miss Memphis pageant, and I still cannot contain my excitement for this year! I am so proud to be working with the Miss Memphis family. We have already gotten started on the road to preparing for Miss Tennessee in June with a busy, busy weekend. A photo shoot, paper work, dress shopping and throw in a little bit of Applebee's and there you have it.
This coming weekend I will be judging a cheerleading competition with Miss Teen Memphis, Ivy DePew in Munford, Tennessee. Having cheered in high school, I cant wait to see these girls. Next week I have the privilege to attend the Dr. Seussical Reading Carnival at Crichton College. I 'll spend the afternoon reading to kids and possibly face painting.... look out, my artistic abilities are generally musical, so that should be fun! I grew up reading Dr. Suess so I am super excited about the event.
Check back with me soon, I'll try my best to update you as much as possible!