ESPN and Alabama Pride

Holiday Greetings Everyone!

I am very excited about the recently released "It's Not Crazy, It's Sports" commercial! I was very happy to take part in a commercial that describes a wonderful part of the Alabama culture-collegiate athletics! The pride Alabama natives experience, whether they cheer for the UAB Blazers, Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn Tigers, Troy Trojans, or any team, is a unifying engagement.

I cannot tell you how many times I have seen complete strangers exchange a friendly "Go Blazers!" or "Roll Tide" as a greeting. Even the competitive banter exchanged by rival fans, especially during the Iron Bowl, has a charm and a familiarity to it that makes me smile!

These moments make me smile because they represent quintessential Alabama traits- pride and loyalty. In Alabama, each athlete that takes the field knows that he or she has a body of dedicated fans who support and are truly engaged with him or her.

I have experienced this same support! Now, let me clarify-I do not claim to be a good athlete (I'm not). I often made the team and enjoy sports, but my high school soccer coach told me, "You are not the most skilled player, but your drive and determination got you a spot on the team."

I experience this support from citizens across this state as I pursue my dream of becoming Miss America. Kind words of encouragement and a simple "we are proud of you" absolutely make my day!

In Alabama, we believe in our leaders and we invest in their success and that is something for which to be very proud! So [Insert your sports chant here], because it is a great thing to call Alabama home!

Ashley

"I'm Still Dreaming About..." Fannie Flag...An Alabama and Miss Alabama Legacy

Greetings from the Magic City!

In November, I was afforded the extraordinary opportunity to attend "An Evening with Fannie Flagg" at the Virginia Samford Theatre in Birmingham-and what an opportunity it was!

Let me begin by saying that the book and film Fried Green Tomatoes are well-loved aspects of Alabama culture. However, while I knew of this iconic portraits of my home, I knew little else about the tremendous force that brought these experiences to life-Fannie Flagg. When I became Miss Alabama, I was enlightened!

Ms. Fannie Flagg, a former contestant in the Miss Alabama program, calls Birmingham her hometown and speaks of it with a love and appreciation that only a true native could achieve. She is an incredible force in modern literature and media and wonderful example of how an individual can defy all odds and become anything, as long as they believe.

On November 20th, I was among the fortunate audience that attended Ms. Flagg's homecoming at Virginia Samford Theatre. Not only that, I was permitted to attend a small reception in her honor before the evening began. I can say from personal experience that this larger-than-life Alabama native is one of the most endearing and friendly individuals I have ever met. While I watched in awe as she greeted everyone from mentors, to lifelong friends, to even the Mayor of Birmingham, my observations told me that she had stepped back into Birmingham as if she had never left. She possessed a warmness and familiarity that one can find in a neighbor. Again, I was giddy with excitement, just to be lucky enough to be there.

Then, we all took our seats in the Virgina Samford Theatre to listen as Mr. Jack Reiss and Ms. Flagg talked. As she spoke of her childhood in Birmingham, she described the sheer joy she experienced during her time with the Virgina Samford Theatre, her comedic approach to competing in the Miss Alabama Pageant, and her amazing journey to becoming the acclaimed author she is today. All the while, the audience and myself sat captivated, hanging on her every word. I realized that most of the individuals around me had experienced everything she described. She had shared that time with them and was so thankful for their impact on her life. My gratitude for that moment is indescribable, I will cherish that opportunity forever.

Ms. Flagg latest book is a portrait of Birmingham, The Magic City, through the eyes of a former Miss Alabama. According to The Birmingham News, Mr. Pat Conroy describes I Still Dream About You as "a love letter to the City of Birmingham and the State of Alabama." I couldn't agree more. As I read her precious story, I am enthralled by the characters and their relationship with this city that I live and work in everyday. Their backdrop is my own. Maggie, the principle character, and I share a common experience. Furthermore, it is so incredible that Ms. Flagg and I also share that unique experience which is participating in the invaluable program.

Thank you Ms. Flagg for immortalizing in your novel a time in my life and a city I will cherish forever!

With love,
Ashley

Ms. Fannie Flagg

(Photo courtesy of al.com- http://blog.al.com/bob-carlton/2010/11/fannie_flaggs_new_book_is_a_lo.html)

An Incredible Story

(Photo courtesy of atrandom.com- http://atrandom.com/fannie_flagg/)

Those who give so selflessly...

Hello All!

Today as I visited with some wonderful people at the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Annual Holiday Luncheon, I had the opportunity to thank them for their incredible support and sponsorship. The Miss Alabama Pageant has afforded and continues to grant countless women the opportunity to better themselves and further their education. This year alone, the Miss Alabama Program gave away over $104,000 in cash scholarships and millions in in-kind tuition scholarships. But this kind of offer and experience does not just appear. It is worked for everyday by individuals who believe in this program and what it represents and sponsors who understand the significant impact that this experience has a young women's lives.

The Miss Alabama Pageant, Inc. is run overwhelmingly by volunteers. The Board of Directors, Field Directors, Local Directors, Pageant Moms, Dressing Room Moms, and Traveling Companions are ALL volunteers. They volunteer their time, energy, and talent because they BELIEVE it what the Miss Alabama and Miss America Organizations represent. They work tirelessly to make participating in this program a PHENOMENAL experience. Their support is invaluable and irreplaceable.

My life has been forever changed by my participation in this program. I am a better person because of the lessons I have learned from these amazing volunteers and I would be remiss if I did not recognize their incredible gift. From sponsors, who ensure that contestants are fed and housed during pageant week or make sure that I am as prepared as possible for Miss America, to traveling companions, who take time away from their family and their lives to accompany me to every appearance-this organization is comprised of individuals who represent the very best of the State of Alabama and exude class in every instance. To them, I say thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you for supporting not only me, but every contestant that graces the stage at the Miss Alabama Pageant. Thank you for never saying "no" and always giving more. And thank you for believing in the significance and relevance of this organization!

A very grateful Miss Alabama,
Ashley

Ms. Nan Teninbaum-President/CEO and Executive Director of the Miss Alabama Pageant

Pageant Moms-Our Support Team for Pageant Week

Mr. Walter and Mrs. Melanie Hill with their Niece Jameson-Committed Volunteers

My Incredible Family and Friends-My Source of Strength and Support

Miss Alabama's Past and Present-An  Amazing Legacy

Mrs. Kristin Coon-One of our Incredible Field Directors

There’s No Place Like Alabama for the Holidays

Season’s Greetings from the Magic City!!

The past several weeks have proven to be extremely eventful! Not only is Miss America 30 days away, but communities across this great state are gearing up for a fun and festive holiday season. It has been such a tremendous blessing to experience how this Great State spreads joy and fellowship during this very special time. One thing I have most certainly discovered is that one can still have a fabulous holiday without the fabulous holiday food (since dressing, pumpkin pie, and Christmas cookies are most certainly NOT on the Miss America swimsuit nutrition plan-lol).

I have traveled from one side of the state to another during the prior weeks and it has been MARVELOUS. I went to one of my most favorite places in Alabama,-Fairhope. I was honored to attend this unique town’s Christmas Tree Lighting and welcome in “snow” with the Christmas Carol “Let It Snow”. Fairhope is a place that is rich with culture and art, punctuated by a lovely hometown spirit!

My first official Holiday Parade as Miss Alabama was at The Summit in Birmingham. Santa, music, holiday cheer-I couldn’t ask for more.  The following week, I joined students at Hidden Lake Elementary School as they celebrated the culmination of a very successful United Way Campaign. I ventured into the service field, as I served as a waitress during their pizza party. Another exciting development is the Miss Alabama Program’s involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program. Several local titleholders have enrolled in this program to promote the virtue of being a well-rounded, engaged citizen and we are excited to recognize their efforts next May!!

After months of planning, the pinnacle of my month was the Miss Alabama Holiday Preview: A Benefit for Children’s Miracle Network. The show took place at Homewood High School and featured incredible talent from the Miss Alabama Pageant and the Birmingham Area. We were thrilled to be able to give a gift of $3, 255 to CMN as a result of this event. I will never be able to convey my gratitude to Scott Thorne, the performers, the Miss Alabama Board of Directors, and all of the volunteers that helped make this show a success. If you would still like to donate you can do so online by visiting https://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=8636EC+F61A1B3 .

Don’t forget!!! The Annual Miss Alabama Fashion show will be this week! On Saturday, December 11 at 11:30pm, attendees will get a preview of the latest fashions from The Clothes Tree, Gus Mayer, and Ann Northington, a look at my Miss America Wardrobe, and a preview of my Miss America Talent! You can still RSVP for this event by calling the Miss Alabama Office at 205-871-6276 by Wednesday!

On Sunday, I was so blessed to be with my West Central Family! They hosted a lovely Miss America Send-Off for me at the beautiful Prystup Guest House in York, Alabama. You cannot find better people than those that live in Livinston and York. They have hearts of gold and have embraced me as a part of their family. Thank you Tom, Carl, Deborah, Gretchen and all of you who have meant so much to me and helped me achieve this dream!

In addition to appearances at Alabama Power Company, West Jefferson Elementary School, Grand Bay Country Christmas, December has been filled with preparations for Miss America. I have had wardrobe fittings at The Clothes Tree, Gus Mayer Clothiers, and Ann Northington, daily workouts at One-2-One Fitness, and mock interviews with local professionals and Miss America enthusiasts. I cannot believe that Miss America is less than a month away. I cannot describe how humbled and honored I have been to have this opportunity and to represent not only a great state, but a values-driven organization like the Miss America Organization. We have been crowning Miss America’s since 1921, and 90 years later, we still seek to give young women the opportunity to become the best person they possibly can. That sets this organization apart. The service that representatives from across this nation provide to their communities is invaluable. Titleholders in the Miss America are more than titleholders, they are a positive force and example for all citizens.

Thank you for allowing me to represent all of you as Miss Alabama! I pray that I can represent the great spirit of the Alabama people and better my homestate! Thank you all for your encouragement and well wishes!

With love,

Ashley

Hidden Lake Elementary United Way Party

Alabama Power Talk Show for United Way Celebration

with our host and his wife, a former Miss West Central Alabama!

with Meghan Muncher and Hallie Grace at the MY ARTS Kids Holiday Program

West Jefferson Elementary School

Grand Bay Country Christmas Parade and Reception

with Mr. Les Prystup of the Prystup Guest House

at my West Central Alabama Miss America Send-Off

with Deborah Talley, Tom Taylor, Mayor Dubose of York, and Carl Sudduth

at the Send-Off 

Good Food!!!

Tis the Season!

One of the best people I know, Tom Taylor, my local director

Local titleholders at the CMN Benefit

(Thanks Elisabeth for the picture)