It's Finally Here!!

I cannot believe it has been six months since I was crowned Miss Rome 2011. I remember thinking I have so much time to prepare for Miss GA...and now I leave for Columbus, GA in less than 48 hours. I will be living in the dorms at Columbus State all week with two other contestants. I am anxious and excited to get settled in and finally get this week started. I know it is going to be a long, busy week but I am looking forward to the experience. I cannot say "Thank you" enough to all the people who have helped me prepare.

To my director, Andrea, thank you for opening your heart and home to me.  I appreciate your continuous generosity, late night political talks, and willingness to help me in any way you can.  I could not have asked for a better director.

Emily and Amelia, thank you both for all your support and encouragement. You both always make Andrea and I laugh and make sure we are having fun!

To all of my pageant moms, you know who you are, thank you for always believing in me, pushing me to do my best, and never letting me give up on my dream.  Ms. Renee and Ms. Kim, you both will forever have a special place in my heart.  Words cannot express my utmost gratitude for you support.  I feel so blessed God brought the two of you into my life and will always be your pageant daughter!

To my family, especially my mom and dad, thank you so much for being my number one fans.  You keep me grounded and remind me how lucky I am to even have the opportunity to accomplish my dream of becoming Miss Georgia and ultimately Miss America. No matter what I can always count on my family to be there to cheer me and believe in me.  For that, I am forever grateful.  I love you all!!

And of course I cannot leave out all of my amazing friends who have supported me, put up with me, and been the best fan club I could ask for.  Michelle, Kathryn, Ansley, and Sheps...I know you will be there in spirit every night! I know you are all busy being grown ups this summer, but when it comes time to go to Vegas...I expect you all in the front row! And of course, I cannot forget my wonderful boyfriend, Martin, who has put up with all the pageant talk for the last couple of months.  You are the best!

To the dozens of people who volunteered their time to help with my wardrobe, talent, mock interviews, appearances, and other preparations THANK YOU!  You all have many unique talents and each taught me something different.

Finally, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to compete for Miss GA.  I cannot begin to explain all the ways I have felt Him working in my life throughout my journey to Miss GA.  This is a goal I have been working at for over two years. Every day I am humbled knowing He has a plan for me and my life.  I do not know yet where His plan is leading me, but already I have learned so much and have grown closer to Him.  I ask that you pray for His will be done next week. No matter what happens, I truly want to be where I can best glorify Him.

With all that being said...let the week begin! I will try to update this as much as possible during the week to let you know how everything is going.  Columbus here we come!

Thank you all  again for your time, love, and support.

To God Be the Glory,
Stephanie