And the Week Begins

Hey everyone!

I am sorry this is going to be short and sweet, but we have been in rehearsals all day long. We left this morning at 8 and just got back. It was a very productive day, but I am headed to bed early. We continued to go over the opening number and blocked our swimsuit production number. The fabulous "Cook's Place," a fifties style diner specializing in hot dogs (and chicken salad for most of us), hosted us for dinner. I had a great time getting to know a few contestants better and enjoyed watching Karaoke! After dinner, we went back to the theater to practice talent. I am so excited to perform my talent Friday....with the stage lights, loud music, and energetic fan club!

Tomorrow we have a packed day of rehearsals again, but good news is I have Tuesday morning off before my 1:30 interview. Thank you for all the prayers so far.  I can truly feel God's presence here this week. Everything seems to be falling into place and I am so excited for the actual competitions to begin.   Please continue to keep me in your prayers, especially Tuesday, before interview.

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO MY AMAZING SUPPORT SYSTEM. I am so lucky and blessed to have each of you in my life. I love you all!

"You ain't seen the best of me yet!" -Fame

Stephanie

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

Coosa Valley News "Person of the Week"

I leave for the Miss GA Pageant this coming Saturday so I have been extremely busy with my preparations and appearances.  I will try to update you with all the events that have taken place over the past few weeks, but I wanted to quickly share some very exciting news!  I was named "Person of the Week" by the Coosa Valley News in Rome for my work with the Boys and Girls Club. I hosted an event at the Northwest Club in Rome last week and the Coosa Valley News wrote an article about it.  I am so honored they chose to cover the story and hope others are encouraged by it. 

Here is the link to my interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R46GsT3OLp4

Take Me Out to the Ballgame...

Me and Romey!

Saturday I had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at the Rome Braves game! It was "superhero" night so all the kids who came to the game were dressed up as their favorite superhero.  Batman and Robin even paid a visit to the ball field, escorted in by the Rome Police! I also was able to promote my platform, the Boys and Girls Club, outside the stadium before the game began.  As I walked out onto the field to throw out the first pitch, I received a warm welcome from all the fans. For all of you wondering, yes the ball made it over the plate and was even a strike!  

Right before throwing the first pitch!

Autographs from the Catcher of the Rome Braves

Batman and Robin 

My family and I stayed after to watch the Rome Braves play.  I talked to some of the little "superheroes" throughout the night who all thought I was a princess.  I even lined up with all the little kids to get autographs from the players. I would like to thank the Rome Braves for such a unique and memorable opportunity!

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

The End in Sight!

I cannot believe it is already April.  Miss Georgia week is just two months away!  My time as Miss Rome has flown by, but I am getting more excited about Miss GA as the time winds down. This last month has been full of pageant preparations. With the help of my amazing directors and parents, I have accomplished a lot. My Spring Break was packed full of hair and make-up appointments, appearances at local elementary schools, and a photo shoot with the FABULOUS Matt and Meredith Boyd. I also worked hard to get all of my paperwork together--platform essay, Miss GA Resume, and the Official Contract. Everything was sent in last Friday. Sending in all my paperwork made the whole process real to me. I am really going to be competing for my dream job in June! I feel so blessed to have this opportunity and am so thankful for all the wonderful support from all of the people around me.

Photo by Matt Boyd

This month I have also had the chance to make some special appearances. I was able to read to two sweet kindergarten girls at Sope Creek Elementary School. I took them crowns and even let them wear my crown and banner for pictures. They wrote me the sweetest thank you cards after my visit!

I have been continuing my volunteer work at the Boys and Girls Club in Oxford, MS as well. I tutor once a week and have some great stories from this semester. Last week I was playing with the 5 and 6 year olds outside when one of the boys came up to me and told me he had to show me something. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a caterpillar. He found "Spike," as he named him, on his way to school, took him for show and tell, and kept in his pocket all day. He said he was going to keep him as a pet.  Spike was crawling all over the floor as I tried to help him with his homework. I love the innocent minds of children!

I am excited about all the adventures in the week ahead as I continue to prepare. I am confident God has a plan for me and all my endeavors and am looking forward to see what He has in store for me.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

March Madness

Hey everyone,

It has been an exciting month so far!

The month kicked off with Miss GA Forum. At Forum, all of the Miss and Teen Contestants competing in the Miss GA Pageant meet in Columbus for a weekend to discuss the expectations for Miss GA week, to pick out contestant order, and to celebrate our current Miss GA and Miss GA Outstanding Teen at a party on Saturday night.

Me and Amelia, Miss Rome's Outstanding Teen
with our Field Director Ms. Wanda Whitten.

The theme of this party was a "Luau." The Rome Board, known for their creative take on the theme each year, decided to dress up like characters from Polynesian (Hawaiian) mythology. I was the Goddess of Fire and Miss Rome's Outstanding Teen, Amelia Hunt, was the Goddess of Water. We had a great time, and I am even more excited for Miss GA Week!

The Ladies of Rome!

I have continued my work at the Boys and Girls Club this month tutoring and even volunteering at the St. Patrick's Day party.  We had a face painting station, story time about St. Patrick, interactive games and even snacks that were donated for the kids.  As always, I enjoyed spending time with the kids and getting to know them better.  When I was tutoring the following week I got to work with the 5 and 6 year old which was so much fun because they simply love getting attention from an older girl. I take very seriously the responsibility of being a positive role model for children of all ages. It always brings a smile to my face knowing I am making a positive impression on their lives.

Two of the sweet kids we met at the event.

Saturday, March 13th was as exciting day in Rome, GA! "Celebrities" from around Rome gathered at Kroger from 10 to 2 to bag groceries for customers and raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH).  We had so much fun talking to the customers, and the kids all loved the glow in the dark CMNH bracelets and stickers.  I want to extend a big "Thank You" to the entire community for being so supportive.  Almost every customer donated to the cause, even if it was just some spare change!

So proud of our total: $1,000!

I also had the opportunity to share with customers the importance of CMNH in local communities and how CMNH relies on donations to keep their hospitals operating.  I appreciate all the help from our volunteers who spent their Saturday supporting the Miss America Organization's partnership with CMNH.  We would not have been as successful without you. Speaking of success...we raised...drum roll please...$1,000 for Children's Miracle Network!! Absolutely Amazing! And thank you to Kroger for hosting the fundraiser. The money we raised will be put to good use helping local hospitals.

A Special Thank You to ALL of our Celebrity Volunteers:
Mayor Evie McNeice
City Commisssioners Buzz Wachsteter and Milton Slack
Director of the Greater Rome Convention and Visitor's Bureau Lisa Smith
Asst City Manager Sammy Rich
Asst County Manager Blaine Williams 
Pres of the Coosa Valley Fair Association Nan Langford
1st VP of the Coosa Valley Fair Association Cathy Kerce
City Fire Chief Gordon Henderson
Deputy City Fire Chief Benny Bohannon
Rome Fire Prevention Gary Ray Johnson
Senior Ms. Coosa Valley Fair Ruthie Terry
Miss Rome Board members Melody Noyes and Teresa Bohannon

This week I am at home on my Spring Break busy with lots of pageant preparations for the Miss GA pageant in June! My week is packed with talent rehearsals, essay revisions, hair make overs, and head shots with the fabulous Matt and Meredith Boyd. Every preparation leads me one step closer to accomplishing my dream of becoming Miss GA. I trust that God had great plans for me, and I cannot wait to see the lessons He is going to teach me along this journey. The road to Miss GA had been rewarding so far and I am looking forward to see what the next few months will hold.

Best Wishes,
Stephanie