Jump starting the next morning at 7 am, Lacey and I joined Stef at "boot camp" where we got a killer workout from a great trainer. Thanks to P.L.A.Y. and Michelle for the session and getting our day off to a great start!
The afternoon was spent in mock interview sessions with a fabulous panel of judges. A big thank you goes out to the judges for spending their day with us, to Stef for setting up the interview, and to the board for their excellent critiques.
We ended the evening with a Miss America party, hosted by Stef and Kris. The board planned a night of food, games, and of course the main event - the Miss America Pageant. From the "Show Your Shoes" contest (a throwback to the Miss America days in Atlantic City where each contestant sported personally decora
ted shoes) to Miss America Trivia, to the imprompt talent competition, the queens and the Gateway board couldn't stop laughing and having fun! It was great to spend more time with the OTs, the entire board, and of course, the Dunlop family. We were so proud of our Miss Missouri, Lindsay Casmaer! She represented our state well, and it was so exciting to see her shine on stage. Congratulations to Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund, Miss Michigan! I am looking forward to her year as Miss America and seeing the great, new things she will bring to the Miss America Organization. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the whole day! I had a blast, and I can't wait for the next big Gateway day!"The only words that come to my mind is that this is a dream come true, not just for me but for my family as well ... I'm not just standing up here alone."
-- Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008
