The Adventure Continues

The last month had been filled with a few fun appearances and a lot of exciting times at Ole Miss. First, I participated in "Salute to Our Troops" in Columbus, GA at Ft. Benning.  All of the Miss Georgia contestants spent the day "training" and learning about a typical day in the life of a soldier.  We ate lunch with the soldiers in their cafeteria and toured their barracks.  In the afternoon, all of the Miss and Teen contestants went repelling down a 50 foot wall!

Battling my fear of heights!

It was definitely the most exhilarating (and terrifying) thing I have ever done!  That night, we hosted a show for all of our dedicated soldiers and provided entertainment by dancing and singing.  The weekend was an eye-opening experience that truly made me appreciate all the hard work our men and women put into the United States Army.  They are exceptional people who make great sacrifices to help keep us all safe.  Thank you all  again for your service!

This past week I volunteered at Sope Creek Elementary School at their school-wide "Stop Hunger Now" Event.  Over a period of two days, each class from kindergarten to fifth grade packed meals that will be shipped to a school in Uganda.  I helped keep a group of first graders organized (to the left) and was very impressed with their ability to participate and work together.  In two days, Sope Creek students packed over 20,000 meals for people in need.  I am thankful I was able to be a part of such a far reaching and important project.



If you would like to learn more about "Stop Hunger Now," donate to the cause, or book an event, visit their website at http://www.stophungernow.org/site
/PageServer?pagename=Atlanta_Startup.
Their Mission: "Working together to end world hunger"

Congratulations to the winner of the Miss Parkway 2011

I was also recently a judge for the Mr. and Miss Parkway Pageant in Jackson, TN.  Mr. Mal Matthews organized this competition for boys and girls at his middle school.  Each student represented a country and gave a speech about their country.  They were judged on their costume, confidence, and delivery of the information.  It was so encouraging to see so many young students have the confidence to get up in front of such a large group and speak.  I was honored to be chosen as a judge and hope to be able to return next year as this pageant progresses.

Receiving my navy blazer,
the official uniform of the Columns Society

Finally, I want to share some of my accomplishments outside of my pageant life that have taken place at Ole Miss recently.  I was inducted into the Columns Society, one of the most prestigious organizations on campus based on a commitment to service with a humble heart and absolute integrity.  As a Columns member, I have had the opportunity to escort families at our annual Memorial Service and volunteer my time at Commencement for the graduates of the Class of 2011.  I am  humbled and honored to be part of an organization made up of so many campus leaders that have a passion for serving the university we so dearly love.  One of the highlights of my year was being able to eat lunch after Commencement with the Chancellor at Ole Miss. Chancellor Jones and his wife were extremely welcoming and thanked us for our service to the university as a member of Columns Society.  I was encouraged by his kind words and enjoyed getting to know him and his wife. I thank God for the opportunities He has given me to be such an active part of  a great university and am looking forward to humbly serving Ole Miss in an way that I can.

My younger brother and I after Induction
in front of the Phi Mu fountain at  Ole Miss

As the Countdown begins to Miss GA (three more weeks until move in day!), I want to thank everyone for their continuous love and support! I know the week will be an amazing experience. I am excited to see what God has in store for me.  I pray that my eyes and heart will be opened to His will. I cannot say it enough--I am incredibly blessed to be competing for my dream job of Miss GA, none of which would be possible without faith in myself, support from others, and most of all my faith in God.


‎"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17

To Him be the Glory,
Stephanie