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
