Home Sweet Home

Sunday, March 15

Well, I’m back in Memphis now, still recovering from my craziest Spring Break yet! Although I didn’t get to spend the week at the beach with friends, I couldn’t think of any other way I would have rather spent it. I got to meet more people and see more new things than I normally would in a whole year! Sunday morning was packed with talent rehearsal and finishing up paperwork, but everything has been submitted and now I can kick back and relax…but just for a minute! I still have so much work ahead of me as I prepare for Miss Missouri in June. But I’m so thankful to have such a great family, friends, and Board behind me the whole way. Thank you to everyone who made my Spring Break as amazing as it was – I couldn’t have done it without you! Love you all!

St. Patrick's Day Parade!!

Saturday, March 14

Today was the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at the Lake! I was escorted by Miss Lake of the Ozarks 2008, Charlie Runnels, and John Caran of 101.9 The Wave in the parade, and we had a blast! I was amazed at how many people lined the streets, and everyone was decked to the hilt in St. Patty’s gear! It was so much fun to see the students I had spoken to at the Upper Elementary and Middle Schools earlier in the week, and even more humbling to hear how many parade-goers had attended the pageant and were offering their congratulations. I’m even more excited that I have the opportunity to work with not just the Lake board, but also the people and businesses, throughout the year. The Lake has been a long-standing family favorite vacation spot for as long as I can remember, and I can’t think of any other area I’d rather represent at Miss Missouri. Thanks to everyone for making my week a great one! I can’t wait to come back and do it all over again in a few weeks!

Day Two at the Lake

Friday, March 13

Today was another busy day, starting with the opportunity to speak to the Rotary members at 8:00 am. I had the chance to meet so many business men and women from the Lake area, and to thank them for their overwhelming support for the Miss Lake of the Ozarks pageant.

Wendy and I enjoyed lunch at Arris’ Pizza Café, and headed to Osage Middle School, where I spoke to the seventh and eighth graders about peer pressure, body image, and learning to eat right to avoid developing an eating disorder. We had very interactive 70-minute sessions with Mr. Struemph’s health classes, and the students had so many great questions. Thanks again to Ashley Kile for handling arrangements, and to Mr. Struemph for the opportunity to speak to his students.

Day One at the Lake

Thursday, March 12

Today was the beginning of a whirlwind weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks! I started my morning getting pampered by Tracie at Trendz Hair Studio in Eugene, Missouri. We had fun getting to know each other, and she had me looking my best for my big weekend in record speed! I then traveled with my mom and sister to the Lake, where we met the board for lunch at Baxter’s, a brand new restaurant overlooking 7 miles of the Lake. It was gorgeous, with excellent food to boot!

After lunch, my mom, sister, and director Wendy accompanied me to Osage Upper Elementary School, where I had the chance to speak to the fifth grade classes about the importance of eating right and making healthy decisions. We had a ton of fun playing games and learning about the Food Guide Pyramid, and the kids really surprised me with the types of healthy decisions they’re already making every day. I’d like to thank Ashley Kile, also on the Board, for her instrumental role in getting all my school visits for the week set up!

Once we finished up at the school, Wendy and I met back up with the 101.9 The Wave crew at Baxter’s for a Martinis and Jazz event sponsored by the station. It was great getting to meet the owner of Baxter’s, Corey Roberts, and his staff. Thanks for the hospitality, and I’m looking forward to coming back soon!

We finished up the evening with a home-cooked meal by Ashley and Jeff, and had the chance to catch up, talk Miss Missouri, and start working on my interview. I’m so excited to spend the year with the Lake board, because they are working hard to keep me working hard!

Platform Presentation at Waynesville High School

Wednesday, March 11

I spent today speaking to the high schoolers at Waynesville High School about my personal platform, eating disorders. I had the chance to share my personal story and educate them about the different types of eating disorders, as well as how to develop a positive self-image through healthy eating and right decisions. I’d like to thank Mr. McCullough and Mr. Harris, the freshman health teachers, for arranging my visit! This was my second year speaking at WHS, and I hope to come back again next year to share my message as well.

Say Cheese!

Tuesday, March 10

I got to spend today with two of my favorite people – Lance and Tamara Tilford of Limelight Studio in St. Charles! Tamara beautified me and got me camera-ready, and Lance shot my official Miss Missouri headshot (for the second consecutive year). The team did an amazing job as usual, and you’ll just have to wait and see which picture we chose as the winner! We had a ton of fun, and I’m looking forward to working with them again soon!

Lil' Sis

Saturday, March 7

Today, I got to hang out with my Miss Missouri Little Sister, Annie, all day! I started the morning by doing Annie’s hair and helping her pick out some outfits for our photo shoot later that day. A big thanks to Doyle Whitten for taking our pictures! After all that modeling, Annie and I worked up quite an appetite. So we had lunch at Olive Garden, where we had the chance to catch up on how her school, Girl Scouts, and extra curricular activities were going. I have known Annie since the day she was born, so she’s like another little sister to me. I am so proud to have had the chance to watch her grow up into the beautiful young lady she’s becoming. I can’t wait to have her join me on the Miss Missouri stage again this June!