Spring is a Many Splendid Thing!

This Spring has been a wonderfully busy season! During the month of March, the versatility of this position was more apparent than ever. I have traveled to schools, spoken at state conferences, modeled beautiful clothes, performed at community events, and participated in our very own Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen Pageant. To be Miss Alabama or any titleholder in the Miss America Organization, one must be a well-rounded individual. Your year-of-service will be spent in varying capacities in ever-changing surroundings.

On March 1^st, I traveled to Eclectic for Read Across America! The school, students, and parents welcomed me with such warmth and I was honored to serve as a celebrity reader. It was so refreshing to see parents, teachers, and students so committed to fostering an atmosphere where the importance of reading is never lost! I read to students and got to watch the 6^th grade play based on famous literary characters that recently had been making cameos in films. Throughout the production the chorus would reiterate the motto “BOOKS ARE BETTER THAN MOVIES!”

The first weekend in March was very exciting and eventful! This is the traditional time for the Miss Alabama Contestant Orientation. On March 5^th, 48 women converged on Samford University’s Campus in Birmingham to kick-off the Miss Alabama Pageant Season. It was surreal to not be sitting among them, but exciting to see their eagerness and focus. We began the morning with contestant orientation, were treated to an orientation to the Miss America Duke of Edinburgh Awards Partnership by Josh Randall, and ate lunch with influential women from around the state at the Alabama Federation of Women’s Club Headquarters. The coming months will be filled with countless honors of preparation, selfless platform work, and a stream of deadlines.  All of these women have a great love for this organization and represent it well and in June, one of them will become Miss Alabama 2011!

That weekend was also filled with another exciting Miss Alabama event-the Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen Pageant! Now, the young ladies that compete in the MAOT Pageant in Sylacauga are truly remarkable and I can remember sitting in the audience as a local titleholder among the other Miss Alabama contestants and knowing that the general consensus among us was “Thank Goodness these girls aren’t old enough for the Miss Program yet!” They are so talented, beautiful, and intelligent and are wonderful role models.  I have been incredibly proud to serve alongside Scarlett Walker, Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen 2010 and am continually amazed by her spirit. We began as friends and have grown to love each other! Our new MAOT, Mi’a Callens is yet another amazing young lady who is wise and talented beyond her years and I cannot wait to see what she does for this program.

Another exciting adventure was modeling in a fashion show benefiting The Foundry and The Lovelady Center, two worthy community programs. The show was hosted by Christopher from Project Runway! It was a fabulous day and all of the models showcased consignment fashions. I modeled a series of vintage looks, a brown sundress with white polka dots (very Pretty Woman) and a black sequined cocktail look that could have easily been worn during the Roaring 20s!

Also last month, I traveled to Montgomery for the FCCLA State Conference. There I spoke to Alabama high school students about the importance of their work with Children’s Miracle Network and stressed the value of leading a life of service.  I was honored to attend the Annual Center Point Mayer’s Prayer Breakfast, where our very own Miss Alabama local director, Mr. Tim Gann, is a pillar of the community. I sang one of my favorite Nat King Cole classics that morning, “Paper Moon,” a song that basically says that faith is what gives life meaning!

The UAB March for Babies Committee, the flagship of my platform Marching Toward a Brighter Future for Babies, was also very busy during March. The committee has been meeting to recruit volunteers for the March for Babies, has been publicizing the March on campus, and has been raising money for the March of Dimes. We hosted the Bake Sale for Babies on UAB’s campus on the 10^th-a great success!

On a personal note, one of my best friends got married at the end of last month. My dear Alice Watts is now Alice Watts Myers. It was such a wonderful weekend and Alice was absolutely stunning. She and Paul were married in Central Presbyterian Church in Huntsville and then we all proceeded to the Huntsville Country Club. To see Alice and Paul so happy and to have the chance to stand up there as a member of her bridal party gave me such great joy!

March was, for lack of a better word, FABULOUS! This is all going so fast, but I have been blessed during every second of it!

See you all next time!

Ashley

 

Are YOU Water Smarter than a 5th Grader?

One of the most incredible things an individual can do is have an impact in a child’s life. During the month of March, I was given the opportunity to spend time with elementary students from around Jefferson County during the Birmingham Water Works education campaign “Are You Water Smarter than a 5^th Grader?”

This program reached out to local elementary schools, implemented a science curriculum centered around water education, and culminated with a school program where I, Miss Alabama, tested my water smarts during our game show. I was so excited about the initiative taken by the Birmingham Water Works to educate our students at an early age. Fifth graders in Jefferson County were taught about the importance of water in our community and our world, taught where the water in our community comes from, and taught how to treat our water with respect and use it in an efficient way

Now, I studied the material hard…it was a lot of pressure… “Am I Water Smarter than a 5^th Grader?!?” I made flashcards, read every chapter, and used the worksheets for every section. But these 5^th Graders were tough! I was so impressed with how engaged these student were and with their enthusiasm. I visited 5 elementary schools: W.J Christian, Gardendale, Bluff Park, Vestavia Hill Central, and Glen Oaks in Fairfield!

The game show was hosted every week by a member of the Birmingham Water Works Board. I was the contestant and every week I faced off against a panel of 5th graders. We were also honored with the presence of a very special guest- WILLIE WATER DROP! Just like the TV show, the competition consisted of 10 questions from categories of my choosing and a bonus question! Now in the event that I did not (a) answer all ten questions correctly or (b) missed the bonus question, I was required to face the fifth grade audience and utter the pride-shattering phrase "I am NOT water smarter than a 5th grader." Regretfully, on more than one occasion, I had to say these words, BUT I still learned a great deal about how water affects our daily lives!

Spending time with these students, stressing the importance of Water Education, and talking to them about scholarship, success, style, and service has been one of the most rewarding opportunities during the past 10 months. I am so thankful to the Birmingham Water Works for including me in this program and so thankful to the schools for hosting me!

Flippin' Flap Jacks for Miracles

One of the most exciting aspects of participating in the Miss America Organization is the partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In addition to each contestant’s personal platform, she works on behalf of making miracles happen for over 17 million children every year. We are champions for over 170 children’s hospitals. Right here in Birmingham, we have the incredible opportunity to see just a little bit of what it means to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

I have been supremely blessed to spend a great deal of time with the wonderful patients and staff of Children’s Hospital during my year of service. Furthermore, every year I am filled with pride when Miss Alabama contestants around the state volunteer at their local IHOP for National Pancake Day! National Pancake Day is a wonderful fundraiser for the CMN mission and every penny raised in IHOPs across Alabama stays right here in our state and benefits our Children’s Hospital-a shining beacon in the south for innovative care and compassion!

Over 600 women compete in the Miss America Pageant system in the State of Alabama, with 48 state titleholders. An overwhelming number from this group came out this year for the National Pancake Day. All contestants raise money throughout the year for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and in January, the Miss Alabama Pageant was honored with the Miracle Maker Award for the most CMN funds raised by a state program.

Our commitment to CMN Hospitals is a legacy of which we are very proud and I cannot thank our volunteers and contestants enough for giving so much to this important mission!

Fashion February and so much more!

Hello Miss Alabama Enthusiasts!

What an exciting time to be Miss Alabama!!! The past few weeks have been as busy as ever and I have been blessed with more wonderful memories, new friends, and precious opportunities to work as an advocate for my state and my platform.

On February 5^th I traveled to Hamilton, Alabama to emcee the Miss Hamilton Pageant. This was my first trip to Hamilton and I was overwhelmed by the culture of hospitality from Hamilton citizens and the volunteers that run the Miss Hamilton program. I am always so inspired by the incredible women who compete in the Miss Alabama Program across this state. It is an honor to represent them and I feel so proud of the caliber of women who are vying for the title of Miss Alabama. Another fun day was spent emceeing the Miss Valentine Pageant, organized by an invaluable sponsor to the Miss Alabama Pageant-Danny Barrett. It is exciting to see young ladies of all ages practicing poise and grace, while being committed to leading a healthy lifestyle. I also emceed the Miss Sylacauga Pageant, saw a dear friend crown the new Miss Walker County, and emceed the last pageant for the preliminary competition season!

I will remember this month as “Fashion February” because of all of the fun fashion shows and photo shoots I participated in this month. On February 16^th, I got to strut the runway for a wonderful mission-The Salvation Army…AND I was so excited about the great recycled clothing I modeled, I bought them for bargain prices! Proceeds from this show support the Salvation Army missions in Birmingham. Later that afternoon, I headed over to the FABULOUS Clothes Tree for a photo shoot! And last but certainly not least, last week was the Annual Gus Meyer MAD HATTER Fashion Show, a fundraiser for Cancer Research. First of all, this show is held atop Red Mountain at “The Club”, a beautiful venue overlooking the Birmingham Skyline. The featured hat designer was the wonderful Christine A. Moore, who created beautiful and unique headwear. I was fortunate to be among the guests at a reception in her honor later that evening at the brand new Gus Meyer department store at The Summit!

This is also an exciting time for the March of Dimes. As the March for Babies approaches, our UAB March for Babies Committee is planning fundraisers, increasing awareness on campus, and recruiting volunteers for the March of Dimes mission. I am excited about the opportunity to return to the Metro Birmingham March for Babies Logistics Team as the Volunteer Coordinator. As the Volunteer Coordinator, I am responsible for over 100 volunteers for the March for Babies, an event that hosts over 1,500 people at UAB’s campus.  Through this work I get to live my platform every day, because I believe in the power of individuals who commit themselves to a cause.

On the 18^th, I took a long overdue visit to the dentist, but let me tell you this was no ordinary visit! I traveled to Decatur to the Miss Alabama sponsor Dr. Stephanie Teichmiller. This was without a doubt the most comprehensive care I have ever received and the most welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. I, like most people, DREAD dentist appointments. In my experience, they were just not very pleasant encounters. BUT, Dr. Teichmiller and her staff have created a spa-like atmosphere where they treat everyone like family. I am so grateful for her support and, believe it or not, cannot wait for my next appointment.

I traveled to Athens, Alabama on February 26^th for the Annual Athens Chili Challenge. My responsibilities included serving as a judge for 32 distinct Chili’s. Now, I did not think it was possible to taste 32 samples and find each one unique, but each chili had a distinct flavor and personality. This was such a special day because in addition to meeting some fabulous people, I visited with the wonderful Sandlin family-who have loved me as one of their own and supported me during every moment of my journey as Miss Alabama.

With just over three months left, I am soaking in every moment as Miss Alabama and trying desperately to make time slow down. This has been just an incredible journey and I am not ready for it to an end. So I will cherish every moment to come and thank God every day for this precious gift!

Your Miss Alabama,

Ashley

The Relevance of the March of Dimes for THIS Generation!

Greetings!
As the 2011 March for Babies approaches and organizations and businesses gear up their fundraising efforts, I feel compelled to share the Mission of the March of Dimes, the impact this organization has had on my life, and  its relevance to all generations.

Let me begin by describing two opposing scenes. My role as Miss Alabama has afforded me the wonderful opportunity to speak to a wide variety of groups. When I visit with groups from my parents' or grandparents' generations and I ask the question, "Who knows what the March of Dimes does?", every hand in the room goes up.

Now, when I speak to college and high school groups and ask the same question, only a fraction of hands go up. While this is disheartening, I take it as a challenge-a challenge to educate my peers and to involve them with this irreplaceable organization. This generation contains the future organizers, leaders, and catalysts for compassion, so I work to engage my peers with the March of Dimes.

In today's society, the March of Dimes works to prevent premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality. The organization began over seven decades ago when FDR organized the National Foundation For Infantile Paralysis, an effort to eradicate polio. After Dr. Salk's discovery of a polio vaccine, funded and supported by FDR's foundation, and the polio epidemic was defeated, then the organization reorganized and re-purposed. In 1958 the March of Dimes became an advocate for healthy pregnancies and babies.

On Christmas Eve 1988, I was born nearly one month premature. My lungs were not fully developed and I struggled with pneumonia. For over three weeks, my parents spent every waking moment worried about the unknown. That fear and anxiety continued until they took me home. But my story has a happy ending. My family was blessed and my story had a happy ending, but that is not the case for every family.

The significance of the March of Dimes took on a whole new meaning for me after a visit to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the UAB Women and Infants Center. I met several families with stories like mine, but they were still staring down a long road of trials and challenges. We I saw a three month old little boy who was smaller than a newborn and had already overcome all odds and was still fighting like a champ. The March of Dimes works to ensure that stories like mine and stories like his become part of society's past, not our future.

The March of Dimes advocates on behalf of families through research, advocacy, and education, with the principle mission of "helping moms have full term pregnancies." They fund research, they organize education programs for expecting mothers, they provide informational materials for health professionals, and much much more. The March of Dimes touches so many lives and will continue to touch lives as long as we educate the volunteer force of the future about this important mission.

The important thing to remember is that every hour, every dollar, and every volunteer is a vital part of this effort. There are no insignificant contributions. Volunteers are what power the March of Dimes-the people who give of themselves during their time off and without any expectation of reciprocity.

You can volunteer in many ways and with varying levels of time commitment, just volunteer! Visit http://www.marchofdimes.com/ or http://www.marchforbabies.org/ to find out to get involved with your local March of Dimes.

See you at the March!
Ashley

Photo Courtesy of http://www.marchforbabies.com/

Kicking off 2011 with a BANG!

Greetings!

Life is back in full force since my return from Miss America! It is so exciting to pick up right where we left off before Las Vegas because I am still afforded the opportunity to meet amazing people and see amazing places.

I kicked off my remaining time as Miss Alabama with a bang, starting with three appearances in three different cities in 36 hours! I traveled to Wadley, Alabama on a Thursday afternoon to appear at the Miss Southern Union Pageant! During my first year at Miss Alabama, my roommate during pageant week was Kristina Goodwin, Miss Southern Union. Kristina and I hit it off from the first moment. I knew if Kristina’s wonderful personality was any indicator of the people from Southern Union College, I was going to have a blast-and I did! The individuals who power and support the Miss Southern Union College not only mentor and believe in the lucky young lady who gets to be Miss Southern Union, but also every individual who enters the pageant! In addition to being part of an awesome evening and a great show, I got to spend time with the incredible Jamie Langley, Miss Alabama 2007. Part of being Miss Alabama is learning about the history of this organization and the women who came before you through the words of the individuals whose lives were touched by them. Jamie touched so many lives and served this state with a wonderful energy and sense of service and I was just so excited to spend the evening with her.

We departed Wadley and made our way down 431 to my hometown Dothan; I was asked to speak to approximately 400 high school girls at the Annual Girls Youth Career Summit at Wallace Community College the following morning. I have told many individuals that I get the most nervous when I talk to high school students, first because I often still think of myself as 16-years-old and second because they are facing a time with a great deal of challenges and decisions. I felt so fortunate to talk to these young ladies about how to navigate the world they live in and how to be successful.

From Dothan we headed to Auburn for the Miss Auburn University Pageant.  The Miss Auburn University Pageant has a wonderful tradition of putting on a fantastic show and this year was no exception. It was so exciting to emcee such a neat show featuring 23 wonderful contestants, Rebecca Hart, Miss AU 2010, the AU Tiger Paws, the AU Show Choir, and AUBIE! I loved experiencing how engaged the Auburn students were with the show and the hospitality shown by the pageant staff. After a whirlwind trip, I returned to Birmingham, so grateful for the experiences and memories I am given every day.

Yesterday, I spent the day with some amazing people! I spent the earlier part of Friday with dear friends from The Clothes Tree in Birmingham. Deborah, the store owner, sponsored the Annual Heart Guild Fashion Show at Fleming’s Restaurant in Birmingham. Not only did I get to wear beautiful clothes, but I got to spend time with a group of friends that I will cherish forever. We had such a good time catching up over lunch-laughing and truly being grateful for each other.

Yesterday evening, I was honored to sing the National Anthem at the Annual Leeds Chamber of Commerce Banquet, where I sang Our National Anthem. The keynote address was given by the Honorable Governor Robert Bentley. It was a unique opportunity to hear our Governor speak about the future of our home during this defining moment in our history. Also, the City of Leeds is a wonderful model for the type of close-knit community that shapes a citizen’s character.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe weekend! I’ll catch up with you all again soon!

With Love,

Ashley

Miss America....One of the Greatest American Traditions of All Time

Hello All!

Whew! I am back in Sweet Home Alabama and still floating on a cloud. Twelve days ago I arrived in Las Vegas in pursuit of a dream that I have had since I was a little girl. Two days ago I arrived home with more than I could possibly dream of.

Upon my arrival in Las Vegas, I was struck by the incredible realization of "This is actually happening....I am at MISS AMERICA!" In that moment, I remembered being 7-years-old.... sitting with my father in our favorite armchair....in my pajamas....watching the Miss America pageant in absolute awe. These women were princesses and now, here I was, one of them. The only way I can describe how I felt in this moment is to ask you to think of the exact moment one of your dreams came true, that is what this moment was for me.

The next 10 days flew by at an unimaginable pace. I cannot believe that I blinked and it was all over. But during that "blink," we had an awesome adventure. The City of Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, and the Miss America Organization treated us like royalty as we were treated to the sights and sounds of that incredible place. We were welcomed on the red carpet during Arrival Ceremonies at PH, shot a commercial for the Miss America Sponsor-DSW, saw Barry Manilow LIVE at the Paris Hotel, put on the traditional Miss America Fashion Show, had dinner at the wonderful Buca de Bepo, and much, much more.

I spent the week with THE MOST AWESOME ROOMMATE, Miss Alaska Abby Hancock. I literally did a little "YES!" dance when I found out that we were going to be roomies. I can say without a doubt that Abby is just as beautiful inside as she is on the outside. We spent 10 days being sisters and that sisterhood did not end when we said goodbye on Saturday night. The other 52 women who traveled to Nevada pursuing a dream, proved to be the most remarkable group of people I have ever encountered. Despite our diversity, we operated with a cohesiveness that created a unique bond that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will brag that the 2011 Miss America Class set a high bar for compassion, class, poise, and kindness.

Behind the scenes, selfless volunteers and staff, worked tirelessly to ensure that every contestant had the fullest possible experience. The Miss America staff spent countless hours planning and executing a flawless 90th Anniversary Miss America Pageant. The choreography team (Barry, Stacy, and Brian) were a BLAST!! The wonderful security staff...(Rodney, Chris, and Lewis) not only made sure that we were safe, but took time to learn all of our names and treat us with the utmost respect. The HOSTESSES....I don't know what we would have done without these precious women! They were a GODSEND! These volunteers take time away from their homes and their families to take care of us all week. While talent, intelligence, and community service set the Miss America Organization apart, the individuals who power this program elevate it to a higher caliber.

The champions of this organization, Mr. Sam Haskell and Mr. Art McMaster, embody the class that is innate to the Miss America Pageant. They believe in the values and benefits of this organization and spend every waking moment working on behalf of young ladies like me, who will be eternally grateful for their commitment to scholarship, success, style, and service.

The competition was unbelievable. The 53 contestants spent their lives preparing for this moment and it was apparent. The poise, intelligence, fitness, and talent that graced the stage last week was unparalleled. I prepared for this competition with every resource available and every fiber of my being and I was wonderfully fulfilled every time I took the stage. This moment in my life was not about the destination, but about the journey that brought me to that stage. A journey that changed my life forever.

I am so blessed to be Miss Alabama, not only for the opportunities, scholarships, and experiences that I have gained and will continue to gain, but most importantly for the people that I will call family for the rest of my life. Mrs. Nan Teninbaum, President and C.E.O. of the Miss Alabama Pageant is a second momma to me. I could never have imagined what God had in store when He put us together, but I am so grateful that he did. Mrs. Nan has given more of herself to this program and to me than I once thought was humanly possible. Furthermore, during every step of this journey, I knew that she would always love me and be proud of me, regardless my placement at Miss America. All that is asked it that I wake-up everyday and be the best Ashley I can possibly be.

The devotion shown by the Miss Alabama Board of Directors is unbelievable. I am a better person because I know these outstanding individuals. They have taught me about life, about myself, and about unconditional love and I am so THANKFUL for their presence in my life. Thank you to all of you, and thank you to Walter, Frank, Eve, Anita, Sheri, Shasta, and Deborah for traveling to Las Vegas to support me.

One thing we have in Alabama is amazing sponsors. These individuals and businesses make sure that Miss Alabama has the best of the best and feels her best. Ann Northington, Gus Mayer, and The Clothes Tree provided my wardrobe. Ms. Ann gave me the Miss America gown of my dreams, along with an amazing competition wardrobe. My interview dress came from The Clothes Tree and it was exactly what I wanted! Deborah is fashionista extraordinaire! Gus Mayer provided me with a timeless wardrobe that made me feel so beautiful as I went to appearances across Las Vegas. Also, thank you soooooo much Ms. Betty Ponder for your incredible tailoring, especially on my swimsuit. Everyone knows that fit is just as important as style and you are a master!!!!

My talent was honed with the help of individuals who gave me so much and asked for nothing in return. Billy...I can't thank you enough for your patience and attention to detail. You always challenged me to believe that nothing was out of my reach. Scott...I don't know what I would have done without you. You believed in me and that faith gave me strength and confidence! More than anything, thank you for telling me that I am a "singer".


DeeDee...you made me feel so beautiful all week! You also gave me strength, confidence, comic relief and so much more! I will love you forever!!!

Mr. Tip and Reed at One-2-One, we did it!!! You guys helped me get into the best shape of my life, while always stressing the importance of staying healthy and making your outer beauty match your inner beauty! I appreciate ya'll so much and I am so grateful for the Swimsuit Award that I can share with you. Jackhammer, you have been a true friend and have done everything you could to give me the best guidance possible. Thank you, above all, for being a friend!

I had the most wonderful time in my Miss America interview and that can be credited to Kevin, Frank, Auburn, and all of the individuals who gave their time and energy for mock interviews to help me prepare for my favorite part of competition! Thank you, all of you, for your guidance, knowledge, and encouragement!

Thank you Planters for supporting the Miss Alabama and Miss America Programs and sending Mr. Peanut Man to Las Vegas to serve as my escort! He was an absolute hit and the Peanut Capitol of the World is forever grateful! Thank you Ms. Shasta for your diligence.

I have always known and have been told several times in the past few weeks that I have AMAZING friends and family. These people love me no matter what and sacrificed so much to watch me live my dreams. Momma, you are my best friend and my strength. I will always be your Boo. Dad, you are still the first face I look for in a crowd and you have helped me become the lady I am today. Daniel, you are more than I could have ever prayed for and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Alice and Mandy...
"Well we're the three best friends that anyone could have, yes we're the three best friends that anyone could have..." We will always be joined at the heart, no matter where life takes us. Tom, Carl, Deborah, and the rest of my West Central family...you are an amazingly giving group of people and I will always be your Miss Alabama. My family and friends are an amazingly strong group of individuals and every time I am around them, I am reminded of  exactly where I came from.

 I will never be able to tell you how much it means when people travel and sacrifice and wait during visitation just to let you know that they believe in you. The Miss Alabama delegation were incredible and I am still amazed at their unwavering support! Thank you to everyone who made the trip to Las Vegas, sent encouraging notes and gifts, hosted Miss America parties, and made me feel so loved during this exciting and challenging moment in my life! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I know this post was long...and I am sure I forgot to pay homage to several individuals who mean so much to me. I love you all and I am honored and humbled by the trust and faith you have invested in me.    

Teresa, our new Miss America, you are incredible! Your talent, beauty, and kindness represent the best of each of us and I am so proud of you! I cannot wait to follow your year and I am so excited about the great things you will do for this program! I love you Mu sister and know that you will always have a friend in me!!!!

I barely have 5 months left as Miss Alabama 2010 and that is so scary, because the moments in our life that mean the most to us, often go by the quickest. I am amazed by what this journey has given me thus far and excited about what is sill in store! I LOVE BEING MISS ALABAMA. I love waking up everyday and learning more about the amazing people who call this place home. I pray every night that I make you proud and that I can give back just a small portion of what you all have given me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Eternally grateful,
Ashley