Prayers Needed

Waynesville High School is a place near and dear to my heart - I have spent many hours there and have gotten to know many of the teachers and students well. Yesterday, I heard about the death of one of those students - Patrick Clegg, 16. Patrick was on the Tiger baseball team at WHS and was struck by a wild pitch in a game against Lebanon last week, and later died from complications.

I'm including a link to Patrick's story below. Please take the time to read it and keep Patrick and his family, friends, and school in your prayers.

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/43585587.html

Another Weekend at the Lake...

I started the day getting my smile beautified by Dr. Ron Massie at Premier Dental Group. He's a sponsor and an avid supporter of the pageant, so it was great getting to spend the day with his team! Thanks for everything!

Man, these Lake appearances are getting to be pretty rough...! Last Friday, I went to a boat show at Toad Cove, and I had a blast! I got to hang out at the 101.9 The Wave booth with Wendy and the Wave crew and meet tons of new people at the VIP party. Check out a picture of us at the party:

http://www.lakeozarknow.com/photo-3542/#photo

A special thank you to 101.9 The Wave for having me attend the show!

Right after the boat show, we headed over to Camdenton High School for the Miss Dogwood Pageant. Well, we actually headed to the elementary school, and then to the junior high school, but third time was a charm. After a wild goose chase, we found where we needed to be, just in time for the pageant! I emceed the pageant with John Caran from The Wave, and we were so excited to announce Bailee Slack as Miss Dogwood 2009. Congratulations to all the contestants! It was also great to see Charlie Runnels and Taylor Mills there!

On Saturday, I spent the morning doing round tables and practicing my talent at La Roca Dance Studio. My mom and I enjoyed lunch at Vista Grande with the board. Before leaving to head back to Memphis on Sunday, I attended the First Annual Taste of the Lake. I got to sample food from some of the best restaurants at the Lake, meet more of the residents and business people of the Lake, and hang out with the Big Surf crew. The Miss Missouri contestants will be filming a promo commercial at Big Surf during pageant week, so it was great to meet some of the people we'll be working with there.


Thanks to everyone who helped make this weekend a great one! Can't wait to come back next weekend!

Orientation

Well, better late than never, I suppose! Orientation was on March 28 in Mexico, MO, at the Country Club. This was my first chance meeting all the new contestants, and I think we've got a great bunch this year! I'm really excited to see everyone again when we move into the dorms in just one month.

Pictured with me here is Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007 (and one of my favorites, ever!). She was the guest speaker at our orientation and she is even more amazing in person than she is on television :o) After hearing her speak and listening to her sing, it's no surprise that she won the crown. She is an incredible young woman, and getting to meet her and hear her story was so motivating for me as I prepare for Miss Missouri.

Thanks to the Lake board for making the trip to Mexico for Orientation and to the Miss Missouri board for putting on another great session. And in case anyone was wondering (admit it, you know you were!) I will be competing as Alpha 12. Evening gown and onstage question Wednesday, Talent Thursday, Swimsuit Friday, and of course, finals Saturday, June 6. Hope to see you there!!