tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17615612503817334402024-03-05T18:38:21.403-08:00MissAlabama2011MissAlabama2011http://www.blogger.com/profile/09219299791700737255noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761561250381733440.post-28482109930742277632012-03-06T21:09:00.000-08:002012-03-06T21:09:51.701-08:00There she is, Miss America...There she is, your ideal... Memories that I will remember FOREVER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>After writing the title for this blog, it is crazy to think that I indeed did have a Miss America Journey. How incredible it is to think that I had the opportunity that ALL young girls dream about to compete on the Miss America stage. The Lord never ceases to amaze me with the opportunities He continues to give me, and for that I am forever grateful.<br />
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My experience in Las Vegas can be summed up in one word, surreal. There were many times I remember just stopping whatever I was doing, and looking around and wondering, "how in the world am I here?" I can honestly say that I would not have traded my 6 years of preparation for this moment for all of the money in the world. Yes it gets frustrating and disappointing when you put your heart and soul on the stage in hopes that a judge can see your worth... and then you fall short; however, it was all a part of the wonderful plan that the Lord had for me.<br />
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As I arrived at the airport in Birmingham on January 4th, there were many family members and friends there to wish me luck. I know that without that small token of appreciation, my flight would have been filled with many more butterflies. It was such a heartwarming moment to feel that I had the support of not only my family and friends, but also my state as I left to compete for Miss America - I will remember that moment forever.<br />
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Wednesday night, Nan and I arrived at the Planet Hollywood resort and Casino only to check-in, report for a fitting, and eat a very late dinner before calling it a night. The schedule of Miss America is very demanding and the wanted us all to get a good feel of it throughout the week to prepare each and every one of us for the job of being Miss America. Needless to say, I slept very well that night.<br />
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Thursday morning we had to officially check in with our Hostesses and get our wardrobe in the Artistry tent. I find it very ironic that my Hostess for the week was Michelle, a school teacher. God was just showing off at this point. This tent, or dressing room, that Artistry provided was our home away from home. It was set up in such a manner that there were makeup mirrors for everyone and a clothing rack that was shared by 3 contestants each. There were snacks, drinks, and most importantly COFFEE available for us on a daily basis. NOTE: I was not a coffee drinker until this year :-)<br />
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Thursday afternoon I got to meet my roommate for the week and soon to be Miss America, Laura Kaeppeler from Wisconsin. We got along better then I ever could have dreamed we would. She and I were so similar it was WONDERFUL! We laughed a a lot and joked about each others accents. We talked about our families, friends, states, and hometowns. We grew so close that by the end of the week, it seemed like we had known each other forever! Laura was a JOY to live with.<br />
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Thursday night we had what is called the Arrival Ceremony where we were all able to sport our fashions from Express. I enjoyed seeing everyone and their individual style, as well as meeting all of the other contestants one last time before the week got too hectic. Immediately following the ceremony we had a kick-off party to talk about pageant week and get ready for what was to come. This was our last day to catch our breath before we began flying through the remainder of the 9 days in Vegas.<br />
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Friday morning, we had a big pancake breakfast with the wonderful folks of IHOP. They set up a special breakfast for all contestants and some children form a local CMNH. We were able to mingle with the patients as well as learn all about the art of making the perfect pancake.<br />
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After filling our bellies with all sorts of delicious breakfast foods, we went to our first rehearsals of the week. We learned multiple dance routines that would come in handy later on in the week. We learned that day that we would be filming the opening number on location at 7 different tourist attraction around Vegas. Needless to say I was pumped!<br />
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After a LONG day of rehearsals they took us to a very prominent and classic showing of the Phantom of the Opera. We were able to travel to the Venetian to see this wonderful production. I had never seen this show before and I was incredibly excited to see it for the first time in VEGAS. The only thing I regret is taking off my shoes during the show, because my feet were so swollen afterward that I couldn't get my shoes back on to go up on stage and take pictures with the cast. Oh the life of a beauty queen...<br />
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Saturday was a very special day for me. It was my 25th birthday! I cannot think of a better way to spend such an important birthday than being in Las Vegas at Miss America. First, we had rehearsals in the ballroom. Then, the select group of contestants who were filming at the Hoover Dam were dismissed for the remainder of the day for filming. The Dam was such a breathtaking view and one that I will absolutely remember forever. Upon our return to the tent with the other contestants, the dressing room Hosts presented me with a birthday cake and the girls sang to me. It is amazing how close we all got in just 2 days of being together. It was a very special moment that I will remember forever. We got back just in time to get ready with the other contestants for the annual Fashion Show at a local mall. The runway comes out from underneath the floor and rises up above ground level. It was such a cool event where we were able to meet the public and sign some autographs. One of the coolest moments was when I was on the runway, the emcee mentioned that I graduated from Auburn University. Someone in the crowd responded by yelling "War Eagle". I was surprised and excited all at once. I got to meet this person during out autograph session. She was a young girl who competed in the Outstanding Teen pageant and was able to receive a scholarship from AU which she was using starting next fall. What a small world. After the fashion show we were taken to Buca de Beppo, an italian restaurant in Vegas. The food was amazing and we had many photo ops during dinner. The best part of dinner was when the girls sang "Happy Birthday" to me and brought me a GIGANTIC dessert. It was a GREAT day, and one the I will not soon forget.<br />
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Sunday was a CRAZY day! We left the hotel at 6:15 am and didn't get back until after 11:00 pm. We went from location to location filming for the Parade of States that aired on Saturday night. We started at the Bellagio Hotel...<br />
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... then we were off to La Rev at the Wynn...<br />
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Then we got to take a quick lunch break at Simon's Restaurant at The Palms. Simon, the chef and owner, has been on food network with Bobby Flay many times. Lunch was wonderful!<br />
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The next stop was Ghost Bar at The Palms, and wow was it cold being that far up in the clouds...<br />
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After Ghost Bar we went to Freemont Street. This was a really cool place where the public got to stand by and cheer us on. This was a neat experience...<br />
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And the last stop of the day was the pool deck at the Cosmopolitan...<br />
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Monday we started the day with rehearsals for the first time in the PH Theatre. I also had my interview Monday evening so I was doing some last minute preparations for my interview. Speaking of my interview, things went really well, if I do say so myself. I was asked things like " What makes you a real woman", "Who will win the National Championship game", "Have you ever quit something that you have started", "What would be the first thing you would ask Obama if given the chance", "How do you feel about the government telling you who you can marry", "Why should we pick you", and "Who all is coming with you to Miss America". The variety of questions was a little all over the place, but that is the kind of interview that I appreciate. I truly do think that judges got a good sense of the real Courtney Porter, and I felt confident that I had shown them what I had to offer. I was the third interview from the end of the day, so I am assuming they were more than exhausted. It definitely came across that way to me. Some of the judges seemed more interested that the others, but that is usually how a panel is. I had a couple of minutes to decompress from my interview before changing for dinner at P.F. Chang's with the other contestants. That night being the night of the BCS Championship game, I was more popular than I was the rest of the week because everyone wanted to talk to me about the game. That was pretty neat. Anybody who knows me knows that I love me some football!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tuesday was upon us before we knew it...... This was the first day of official on-stage competition. I knew as soon as Tuesday got here, the week would FLY by and I was right. Tuesday morning I had talent rehearsal which went really well. We got to run through our talents twice each and make sure that we had a good feel for the stage and our performances. The crew definitely went above and beyond the call of duty to help ensure that we looked and sounded out best. I truly appreciated their eyes and ears for details. It is the little things that matter!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After getting all of our rehearsals under our belts, we were dismissed to have our hair and makeup done. The people of Joelle's Salon, Mandie Powell and Dona Bullock came with me and were my glam squad. I could not have asked for a better group to help me get ready for competition. Then we were off to the show, and before we knew it we were at visitation with our families. It was so great to see my family and friends. Their support meant the world to me and I would not have made it without them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wednesday was more of a relaxed day. I had on-stage question. We got to go on yet another photo shoot at Paris for yet another promotional shoot. We had a great time singing and dancing for the camera. Then, yet again, it was off to hair and makeup for another night of preliminary competition. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thursday came around and I was ready to get in that swimsuit and evening gown. This was the last opportunity I had to show the hard work that I had dedicated to this once in a lifetime event. I cannot thank my trainers at One-to-One enough for helping me become the most fit Courtney that I could be. Also, Miss Ann Northington of North Oaks helped me look beautiful in my evening gown. I wouldn't have been able to compete at such a level without our wonderful sponsors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Friday was a day full of rehearsals..... We had to block the stage for television cameras and that took the majority of the day. Although we didn't have a prelim competition that night, we still had a Miss America Crown Celebration. This was a memorable event where we got to be recognized with our State Executive Directors and enjoy live entertainment, along with dancing and mingling with other state delegations. This was a fun night to forget about competition and really embrace the relationships that had developed throughout the week.<br />
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Saturday was an emotional day to say the least. I woke up knowing that I had done all that I could have done in my power to make my mark. I knew that I had worked as hard as I could have, and I felt at peace about everything that I had put on the stage. Of course, I wanted to hear my name called out on stage that night, but I knew that if it wasn't in God's plan for me to place that I was still ENOUGH. I had to believe that with all of my heart. I suppose the Lord had big plans for me that night...<br />
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I remember backstage before the parade of states started, I got chills and started tearing up. It was hard to believe, but I was about to walk on stage, be on national television, represent my state of Alabama, and hopefully make everyone proud. I made it a point all week to wear my mom's angel pin in every outfit on stage so I felt close to her all week. I could hear her voice in my head telling me that she was so proud of me. That was the only way that I got through the night, because I was so anxious. Little did I know the surprise Saturday held for me. <br />
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As most of you know, they announced the top 15 and I was more than excited to hear my name called out amongst the finalists...<br />
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We got to compete in swimsuit and then there was a cut from 15 down to 12. Well as I am standing on the stage in my swimsuit holding the hands of the other 14 finalist I knew that I was going to be ok either way. My only goal was to do SOMETHING on Saturday night so the people of the state of Alabama could see me compete in at least one area of competition. As the finalists were being called out, I started to accept that it might be over for me. Then they called out Miss Oklahoma, the last of the 12 finalists. As I pulled Hailey Miss NC and Elizabeth Miss VA in for a hug, Chris Harrison and Brooke Burke threw out the bomb that shocked us all... <br />
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I never dreamed that they would make the contestants chose one of us to go back into the competition.... All week my prayer was that I had been the real Courtney with these wonderful girls so that they left Las Vegas truly knowing who I was and what I was about. I hoped that I was able to let my light shine through my words, actions, and relationships with the girls all week. If that were the case, then Miss America was going to be a success. Well, as the girls were asked to line up behind the contestant they wanted to I could just feel a sense of peace. I had no clue what was happening behind me, but I just felt at peace. Either way, I was excited that I had done the best that I could. Well next thing I know, I see a swarm of girls coming in front of me to hug me and tell me how proud they were of me, and then I heard Brooke Burke say "Make sure you are standing still because this looks really close"... My immediate thought was I hope they are counting all these girls in front of me too. We may have a miscount..... Then Brooke Burke called out my name and state as the contestant to move on. I was ECSTATIC! <br />
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This meant the world to me and now looking back on it it makes me teary-eyed. At the time, I didn't get to process what had happened because I had such a quick change into evening gown. After evening gown, was talent. I put on my talent costume and ran my dance at least 10 times in my head while waiting to hear my name called out...... But that never happened. I honestly wanted to dance on Saturday more than anything, but that wasn't in the cards for me. I then had time to go back into the tent and gather my thoughts. I remember looking up and saying "Well Momma, we did it". I was proud of myself, a little disappointed of course but happy with what I had done. <br />
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The last event of the night was the crowning of Miss America. I remember walking out on stage during that last commercial break and making eye-contact with my sweet Daddy. He looked at me, raised up his sign with my face on it, and then looked away. At that point, I started crying for the first time all week. I am so thankful for my Daddy and his never ending support throughout this journey. I know the week was hard for him as well as my sisters because we all knew there was something that was missing all week. That something was my Momma.<br />
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I remember hugging Laura, Miss Wisconsin, my wonderful roommate right before crowning. She kind of chuckled anxiously when I hugged her neck and all I could tell her was "Breathe, this is it Laura." She looked at me, shook her head, and took her place in line with the other top 5. I cannot explain how proud of her I am. She was such a joy to get to know throughout the week. She is encouraging, helpful, silly, serious, admirable, passionate, relevant, intelligent, stunning, and absolutely WORTHY of the title of Miss America 2012. I think I speak for the entire class of Miss America contestants when I say we have a lot to be proud of in Laura and support her 100%. <br />
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This experience is one that I know will be on the list of top three experiences for the rest of my life. I don't think I will ever be able to repay the people who were in my corner helping me prepare for such an event. I am not going to name each of them individually at this time, but please know that I am more than thankful for the support and encouragement that I have received over the year.<br />
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To sum it up, it is surreal that I was able to meet such wonderful people, establish such lifelong friendships, accomplish a monumental dream of mine, and make my mother, family, and state proud. Thank you, Alabama, for allowing me to be your representative at Miss America - These memories I will remember FOREVER.<br />
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~Courtney<br />
Isaiah 40:31 <br />
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</a></div>MissAlabama2011http://www.blogger.com/profile/09219299791700737255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761561250381733440.post-85780231298995029712011-12-12T13:33:00.000-08:002011-12-12T13:33:56.683-08:00Life is GOODAlthough I know that I am MORE than behind on my updates, I hope that this entry finds you welcoming in the Christmas season with the utmost cheer. Life has been hectic to say the least, but OH SO GOOD. I want to give you an update on October and what Miss Alabama has been up to.<br />
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One of the first appearances I had in the month of October was the Southern Women's Show. I was able to model in fashion shows on behalf of The Clothes Tree by Deborah, speak on behalf of Artistry by Amway, and visit with women, men, and children alike at the Artistry by Amway booth. This was such a fulfilling experience in the fact that I got to share about myself, my platform, and the Miss America Organization as a whole. There were many little girls there that I got to speak with about my journey through the pageant circuit and the lessons that I have learned throughout the years. It was a blessing to be able to possibly influence the lives of these young girls. The Southern Women's Show was a success and one that I was proud to be a part of. <br />
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Another wonderful appearance was a speaking engagement at Troy University. I was invited by a fellow Miss Alabama contestant and dear friend, KeLeigh Edwards, to speak to a Freshman Forum Leadership group. The audience was comprised of high school students who were selected to attend this unique conference at Troy University. It is always an honor and a privilege to speak to young people about their potential to be tomorrow's leader. We had a tour of the campus following my speech, which was delightful. Troy University is such a beautiful school and the staff and student body is equally as pleasant. <br />
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Throughout October I was able to emcee a couple of prelims as well. Among them were Miss Samford and Miss UAB. I had never been to either pageant, so it was a definite treat to be a part of both productions. There is just something about a school pageant that gets everyone extremely excited to be a part of the show. I love me some school spirit!!<br />
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Perhaps my favorite appearance from October was being able to speak at my home church, CrossPoint Church in Argo. I was invited by my church family to share my testimony and my story with all three services on a Sunday morning. Most importantly, I was able to talk about my sweet Momma who has shaped me into the Godly woman that I am today. I know that I would not have been able to share my story, and my personal memories with the congregation had it not been for my Guardian Angel who was with me that day. I am so honored to be a part of such a family of faith where "Just One More" is our mantra. The Porter's would not be able to have made it this far without our CrossPoint family behind us. It was an absolute blessing being able to share my heart with my church family. I am blessed!<br />
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I also had the opportunity to be the special guest at the Decatur Rotary luncheon. I was able to sit at the head table and visit with many of the Rotary members' daughters before, during, and after lunch. It was a treat to be able to share a little bit about me to the Decatur Rotary Club and their large member base. I am so delighted to see so many people willing to give their time, money, and effort to such groups as the Rotary Club. Volunteerism is what makes the world go around, and I am proud to know that Alabamians not only understand that, but live it on a daily basis. <br />
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This just about sums up my adventures in October. Although, a picture is worth a thousand words, I wish I could find the way to explain how precious each and every day as Miss Alabama is for me. For me, it is about connecting with the people and trying to make as much of a difference as I possibly can. <br />
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To quote William Shakespeare: "My crown is in my heart, not on my head; Not deck'd with diamonds and Indian stones, Not to be seen: my crown is called content; A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy"<br />
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I LOVE MY JOB, and I don't think I could ask for anything more. Life is good, and most importantly GOD is GOOD. <br />
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Until next time...<br />
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~Courtney<br />
Isaiah 40:31MissAlabama2011http://www.blogger.com/profile/09219299791700737255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761561250381733440.post-29184417106559492472011-10-25T15:00:00.000-07:002011-10-25T15:00:28.942-07:00Life's Little MomentsEach and every day, I am reminded of the wonderful blessings and opportunities this job brings. There is never a day wasted, and every single chance I get, I thank the good Lord for all he has given me. September was yet another jam-packed month of events, fundraisers, pageants, and experiences.<br />
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At the beginning of the month, I was able to speak at the Jefferson County Board of Education Leadership Meeting. This appearance meant more to me than I can ever explain. As a daughter of an educator, I have always had the utmost respect for each and every individual who gives their time and service to any aspect of the educational process. I was honored to be able to speak about my mother and her legacy that she left not only with her students at school, but her students at home as well. It was an incredible opportunity to see some familiar faces of the people who have shaped me into the young woman that I am today. I did not feel worthy to be able to talk to them about leadership, seeing that they mold the leaders of the future day-in and day-out. It was a wonderful way to spend my September morning, and I am blessed to have been a part of such an event.<br />
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Immediately following this appearance, I jumped in the car and drove to Dothan, AL to spend the night with Walter and Melanie Hill. Walter invited me to come along on the Wiregrass United Way 5 County Tour. It was an absolute blast. The crew of 9 of us or so rode in a party bus from location to location. We stopped at 5 different counties throughout the Wiregrass and met so many wonderful people along the way. I was able to speak briefly to each group about community service and my experiences while working with various organizations. The theme of this year's campaign is "Think WE before ME" and the Wiregrass United Way helps with the funding of over 30 agencies and organizations in the area. One of the stops just so happened to be the Ozark Boys and Girls Club, which was awarded the Best BGC in Alabama last year. These wonderful people really embraced me and helped me see the wonderful work they do on a daily basis. I was thoroughly impressed with the generosity and motivation of the citizens of the Wiregrass community.....Oh to have more people like that in the world. Thanks so Walter and the whole United Way gang for showing me such a good time for a great cause.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YTdpQJ8eRwNLC60gZivqJRAEx9LpqWXp18NX7gD67gw4q7rUgy7Kr-VeLnx6KB2gHwA2D7a5U9BioirZNqCi0yeMbCd1W4Lh_FDGF2sz3jlm-qyBsd4A11q609K6xM13WAGp8BOd0n4/s1600/318303_712181530853_51202864_35377801_663875208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YTdpQJ8eRwNLC60gZivqJRAEx9LpqWXp18NX7gD67gw4q7rUgy7Kr-VeLnx6KB2gHwA2D7a5U9BioirZNqCi0yeMbCd1W4Lh_FDGF2sz3jlm-qyBsd4A11q609K6xM13WAGp8BOd0n4/s320/318303_712181530853_51202864_35377801_663875208_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The icing on the cake of this wonderful day was the chance to ride in a Horse and Carriage around downtown Dothan before coming back home to Birmingham. Sam, our horse showed us a lovely tour of downtown Dothan. Just a day on the job :-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BOz3TUKVO8xIdVtXAzLwaX5yuBqi55PU9EF3vOL9fjW_51qCPOLT4BWOuKR94_fM_sHSI2PtHu1lzXugPfvbZFMlHiNvRQFTI9zXHokeP0G7lNZ3ulHcJRUg5S6B1gecpz1nn0FiGxQ/s1600/316787_227259667323828_185401084843020_588348_1373836419_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BOz3TUKVO8xIdVtXAzLwaX5yuBqi55PU9EF3vOL9fjW_51qCPOLT4BWOuKR94_fM_sHSI2PtHu1lzXugPfvbZFMlHiNvRQFTI9zXHokeP0G7lNZ3ulHcJRUg5S6B1gecpz1nn0FiGxQ/s320/316787_227259667323828_185401084843020_588348_1373836419_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Children's Miracle Network holds a very dear place in the heart of all the lovely contestants of the Miss America Organization. In Birmingham, 103.7 theQ, does an annual "Music & Miracles Radiothon" benefiting this wonderful organization. I was able to come be a part of this event. Miss Alabama contestants were sitting on the other end of the phones all day long hoping to take the next contribution for the Children's Hospital. I am so honored to be able to speak on behalf of CMNH in Alabama. I could not think of a better partner for the Miss America Organization than one that contributes to the health of the children of this country. Keith with 103.7 theQ invited me to speak a little bit about my involvement with CMNH and my Miss Alabama journey thus far. The day was a success and we got some great funds for a wonderful cause.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_xMmFuSA2DtWMsmwOx2-umYGJfu7fWvRAo63LVBWtXYGeEnYsFOXXqX0u8hJvn_ylZG41LZT_VuWXI3fTsatJncmm1nqLSqiChczLUhqSEnzy6aucLq1NHlTkORtGq9ESAF_7jk8GcA/s1600/IMG_8640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_xMmFuSA2DtWMsmwOx2-umYGJfu7fWvRAo63LVBWtXYGeEnYsFOXXqX0u8hJvn_ylZG41LZT_VuWXI3fTsatJncmm1nqLSqiChczLUhqSEnzy6aucLq1NHlTkORtGq9ESAF_7jk8GcA/s320/IMG_8640.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>There were 3 pageants I had the pleasure of emceeing in September; Miss Smiths Station, Miss Wiregrass Area, and Miss Hamilton. Being a former Miss Smiths Station, it was a treat to be able to go back and spend the day with the wonderful volunteers and committee members of the pageant. It was also on the 10th anniversary of 9-11 so it was an extremely special program for everyone involved. It is always nice to know that once you are a Miss Smiths Station, you are always a Miss Smiths Station. I loved spending my Sunday afternoon in Lee County with my extended family. Miss Wiregrass Area was another wonderful experience. They really like to keep it in the family at Miss Wiregrass Area... the whole pageant is run by the members of the Janasky family. They are such wonderful people and it is truly evident how much they care about this organization. The new Miss Wiregrass Area is truly in for a wonderful year filled with wonderful people. Miss Hamilton was a unique experience in that all of the contestants had never been in a prelim before. It was encouraging to see such new and fresh faces. They were all as sweet as they could be and truly represented themselves well. The committee was so proud of each and every one of them.. It was an honor to be able to witness their first steps of their Miss Alabama journeys. I strongly encourage them all to continue pursuing their dreams because good things will come of that. <br />
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Alex Swader is on of our Miracle friends who has been a big inspiration to myself and all the he has come in contact with. He is a tap dancing cancer survivor who puts on a the "Tapping Out Childhood Cancer Gala". I met Alex way back when he was a young boy, and he was a force to be reckoned with then. NOW, not much has changed. He is a hard-fighting soldier who has a tremendous outlook on life and his infectious zeal is to be admired. I was invited to dance for and mingle with the various participants on a Sunday afternoon at the Gabrella Manor. The venue was incredible and the turnout was even better. I met so many people who have left such an impact on my daily life. Alex invited many friends to entertain throughout the afternoon. One little girl I met was Carley. She had a rare cancer of the sinus cavity. She is now in remission and is dancing her little heart out. She danced to "She Is a Butterfly" by Martina McBride. Her dad told me that a butterfly to a cancer survivor is a symbol of freedom and new life. (Sidenote: My mom started calling me her little butterfly a couple of years ago at Miss Alabama because she said that I had blossomed. She said the first couple of years I was preparing in my cocoon and now I was her beautiful butterfly). You can imagine how much of a tear jerker Carley's performance was. I am honored to have been a part of this event and will cherish this experience always. I LOVE MY JOB!<br />
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A special event at the end of September was the Linley Heflin Fashion Show. The Linley Heflin Fashion Show is an event to raise money solely to send young women to college, what a wonderful event to be a part of. Luckily, I had the opportunity to spend some time with my Miss Alabama sisters Liz, Ashley, and Amie Beth at this event. The clothes were breathtaking from Gus Mayer. I don't think it is possible to ever be let down with any garment from Gus Mayer :-) The last segment of the show was filled with dresses from Rene Ruiz, an incredible designer from Miami, FL. He was such a joy to work with and a pleasure to get to know. This afternoon was a blessing and a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the most incredible people Birmingham has to offer. Have I mentioned that I LOVE MY JOB?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jb3-IUrPoht63AjeMIs4MRFr3FBAbKvXnw9RmQ591Skf7msrf68LJmUbnwj7_C0F0jttLX6GR9_aWoaXZTs-LU_eEuaZZauSa5BTF309cHniZf9COnJV4mx9M4lg7AaNl1rO6lzpFO0/s1600/IMG_8700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jb3-IUrPoht63AjeMIs4MRFr3FBAbKvXnw9RmQ591Skf7msrf68LJmUbnwj7_C0F0jttLX6GR9_aWoaXZTs-LU_eEuaZZauSa5BTF309cHniZf9COnJV4mx9M4lg7AaNl1rO6lzpFO0/s320/IMG_8700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>September was an experience all in itself. I am humbled when I slow down to enjoy life's little moments. Yes lfie is hectic most of the time, but the only way to get to the next day is to slow down, breathe, and enjoy life's little moments. They are what make the world go 'round.<br />
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From the writings of Dale Carnegie: "Let's not get so busy or live so fast that we can't listen to the music of the meadow or the symphony that glorifies the forest. Some things in the world are far more important than wealth; one of them is the ability to enjoy simple things."<br />
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Thank you, Lord for your many blessings and the opportunity to represent this incredible state.<br />
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There's more to come, so stay tuned.<br />
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~Courtney<br />
Isaiah 40:31MissAlabama2011http://www.blogger.com/profile/09219299791700737255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761561250381733440.post-20951977163685441082011-10-11T12:34:00.000-07:002011-10-11T12:34:06.187-07:00Better late than never, that's what they sayWell it has been 2 months since my last post, and for that I am so very sorry. I would get started on the next post, and then I would be called to do something else. That is the life of Miss Alabama, always on my toes. August flew by, but it was full of wonderful experiences and blessings.<br />
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A special appearance I had in August was Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen. I felt so privileged to meet so many patients and families of patients on this appearance. Children's Hospital is such a gracious and life-changing establishment and it is easy to do philanthropy for such wonderful people. This was an excited and SWEET appearance. Although I couldn't indulge in a Blizzard myself, I was happy to see the turnout for such a worthy cause.<br />
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August was full of excitement. Every day we got closer and closer to the Miss American's Outstanding Teen Pageant. I knew how excited Mi'a was about competing and meeting all of the other girls.I couldn't wait for everyone to see how wonderful our teen is. She had a blast and did a magnificent job. As you all have heard by now, Mi'a won a Talent preliminary award and was named 2nd Runner Up to Miss America's Outstanding Teen. I cannot tell you how many people came up to me telling me how impressed they were with Mi'a and her performance all week. I knew she had it in her, and I am so proud to call her my own. I love you Mi'a and am so proud of the young woman that you are. You make us all strive to be better individuals.<br />
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While I was in Orlando, I was able to meet all of my sisters from the Miss America Class of 2012. Everyone was very gracious and cordial. I can't wait to get to know them more during the week of Miss America. While I was in Orlando, I was able to record a video for promotional purposes about why I should be the next Miss America. It should be up on youtube sometime soon :-) We were also given a private morning at Walt Disney World, which wasn't too shabby. I got to meet some Princesses and characters right in front of Cinderella's castle. It is always a good time when you are in the most magical place on Earth! <br />
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One day, we went to Downtown Disney to have lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. We met Leigh Sherer and her 2 beautiful sons for lunch. It was so nice to finally get to meet her and spend some quality time with a sister Miss Alabama. Her sweet spirit and contributions to this wonderful organization are to me admired. <br />
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After finals, there was a reception for family and friends to hear the awards given out to the very deserving teen contestants. I was honored to be able to present the scholarships awarded from Auburn University to four lucky contestants. I was able to snag a picture with Teresa Scanlan too. All in a day's work for her I suppose. <br />
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Orlando was an absolute blast. I am honored to be able to be a part of such a wonderful group of girls<br />
competing in January. America will definitely be represented well for the next calendar year. I am blessed beyond belief to represent this wonderful state.<br />
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Another opportunity that I had in August was to speak to the G.i.G.i Ministry at First Baptist Trussville. They have started a Mother/Daughter ministry for young girls and I was priviliged to speak at the kickoff. I was able to share my story about my bond with my mother and the influence that she had and still has on my life on a daily basis. Roxanne from WDJC was there to speak to the mothers. I also got to meet another fellow Miss Alabama sister, Resha Riggins. It was my honor to be a part of this wonderful occasion. I love my job!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That sums up August. It was a whirlwind of fun and something that I will cherish. I will leave you with a note from my devotion yesterday:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Accept each day just as it comes to you, remembering that I am sovereign over your life. Rejoice in this day that I have made, trusting that I am abundantly present in it."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take time to slow down, count your blessings, and remember that He is in control.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Have a blessed afternoon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~Courtney</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Isaiah 40:31</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>MissAlabama2011http://www.blogger.com/profile/09219299791700737255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761561250381733440.post-17525294678428702592011-08-07T16:47:00.000-07:002011-08-07T16:47:39.583-07:00Life of Miss Alabama, Never a Dull MomentWell, here we are again. I apologize for the lack of updates for the entire month of July. As you will see in a few minutes, there was quite a bit going on in July. I am so blessed to be able to attend all of these appearances and events, and am thoroughly enjoying myself on a daily basis.<br />
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As usual, my workouts continue 3 times a week. It is amazing to me how all three of the men at One-to-One have their own roles in my life. Beau continues to push me to the limit each and every workout while helping me remember to slow down and enjoy myself, Reed keeps us all guessing and helps us to remember there is so much to enjoy out in the great big world, and Tip helps me remember who I am and WHOSE I am. I couldn't make it without these wonderful people building me up and encouraging me on a daily basis.<br />
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One of the most enjoyable meetings I had during the month of July was one at the Shops of Grand River in Leeds. They have graciously decided to jump on board and become one of our latest clothing sponsors. It was unexpected and very much appreciated. I met with Karen from Corporate in New Jersey and Jamie who works in Marketing at the shops here in Leeds. We met 2 days back to back and went shopping for a new Miss Alabama wardrobe. We got some BEAUTIFUL clothes from Banana Republic, FABULOUS shoes from Guess, and accessories here and there and in between. I am going to be able to wear these wonderful outfits at America's Outstanding Teen in Orlando in a couple of weeks. The generosity of ALL of our sponsors never ceases to amaze me, and I am overwhelmed with their support of this organization.<br />
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Another exciting event this month was the Celebrity Waitress Event put on by Mia Callens at Johnny Ray's in Chelsea. The event was a fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network. I was able to be in the company of a few of the top 10 finalists from Alabama's Outstanding Teen, as well as a very nice pig :-) We met so many wonderful people from the surrounding areas who were very generous to the Children's Miracle Network. Mia and I signed autographs and mingled with the many customers that night. It was so much fun to spend time with these very well-rounded young women. They are all very special and have so much to look forward to in their individual lives.<br />
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One night, I decided to go as a "civilian" to the Greater Birmingham Auburn Club with my family. Well, little did I know the Chairman of events was a former mayor of Clay, my hometown. He saw I was coming and decided to add the family to the VIP list and asked me to share a few words at the main event before Coach Chizik spoke. OF COURSE, I was on board with the plan. I got to meet Coach Chizik and share a couple of words with the Auburn family about the Miss Alabama Organization. They were very receptive and it never hurts to educate just a few more people of the great opportunities that come with the job of Miss Alabama. I had such a great time mingling with my Auburn Family.<br />
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The next weekend were a couple of pageants I had the pleasure of emceeing. The first one of the pageant-palooza, as I called it, was Miss Shelby County. The people of Columbiana were as gracious as ever. I enjoyed spending more time with these lovely people. We ate dinner at The Hill residence where I had the best tomato sandwich I have ever eaten. My mom always LOVED a good tomato sandwich and I know she would have gone crazy over this one. If you are ever in Shelby County, I am sure there is a buzz in the air about the "Southern Living recipe worthy tomato sandwiches". After having dinner with the wonderful panel of judges, it was off to the pageant. These contestants did not disappoint and were as entertaining as ever. Sydnii Todd was deemed the new Miss Shelby County. On Sunday afternoon, I was asked to emcee the Miss North Jefferson Area and Miss Magnolia Festival Pageant. This was a two-for-one pageant where 2 girls walked away as titleholders. The pageant was in Gardendale and the people of Gardendale were so nice to be around. The contestants were wonderful and I am once again glad I do not have to make the decision of who wins.... Amanda Whitaker was named Miss Magnolia Festival and Hayley Jones was named Miss North Jefferson Area. It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.<br />
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I was blessed to be able to Co-emcee the Miss Alabama Nursing Home Pageant. This was an event that I have heard so much about and one the I couldn't wait to be a part of. The women representing their individual facilities were dressed so beautifully. They had on their rhinestoned gowns, tiaras, and sashes with their titles adorning their chests. I didn't meet a stranger amongst the bunch. They were so friendly and welcoming to me. I had such a wonderful time getting to know the individual contestants. Their wisdom and knowledge was immeasurable and it was my pleasure to be able to speak with most of them. We had a luncheon prior to the pageant that afternoon. I sat next to miss Sr. Alabama Miss Frankie Cashion, whom I was surprised to find that she is a fellow tap dancer. She performed a tap dance to 42nd street for her talent when she won the Miss Sr. Alabama pageant. She encouraged me to keep dancing, until I couldn't anymore. It was very inspiring. The pageant ran very smoothly. We got to ask the top 10 finalists a top ten question. Let me tell you, that was entertaining! They all spoke their minds and spoke directly from the heart which was very refreshing to hear. We can learn so much from the older generation if we just slow down to spend time and listen to them. We got to walk around and talk with the other contestants while waiting on the judges' results. I thoroughly enjoyed this event. The winner was Miss Andalusia Manor, 100 year old Felma Schrimshire. She had such a wonderful personality as did the rest of the contestants. This appearance was very fulfilling and rewarding.<br />
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The next day I traveled to speak and be a guest in Florence at the Alabama Department of Tourism awards dinner. This was a black tie event with many important people who make the State of Alabama what it is today. Many awards were given out and a delicious dinner was served. When I say delicious, I mean it. It was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. I was able to greet everyone and speak for a few minutes about my platform and the Miss Alabama and Miss America organizations. It was an honor to be a part of such a special evening.<br />
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I have also had the opportunity to speak at the Kiwanis Club of Decatur. I was able to perform my talent and speak to the members. This meeting was extra special because it was the meeting where all of the members brought their daughters. I got to speak to the girls about the pageant and how it has changed my life, as well as educate everyone on the benefits this organization provides all family members involved. Decatur is a great community and one that I have enjoyed numerous times as Miss Alabama. That afternoon I was able to meet Dr. Stephanie Teichmiller, the official dentist for the Miss Alabama Organization. She is an absolute pleasure to work with and a genius when it comes to dentistry. I am looking forward to working with her as well as her staff during the year to make sure my smile is as great as it can possibly be.<br />
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I have had the privilege of doing a photo shoot with Billy Brown, the official photographer for Miss Alabama. I cannot say enough nice things about this man. He was incredibly encouraging and easy-going. He was great to work with and made the photo shoot as easy as it could be. Carlene Barefoot came to style my hair for the pictures and assist with all cosmetic needs I had during the shoot. It is great to have such wonderful sponsors who are willing to give their time and expertise at the drop of a hat.<br />
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Miss Jefferson County was another wonderful pageant I have had the opportunity of emceeing. I had never been to Miss Jefferson County but I had always heard so many wonderful things about this pageant. The directors and volunteers were so sweet and selfless to help throughout the day. This organization wouldn't thrive without our volunteers at each and every pageant. The pageant was a pleasure to be a part of. The girls competing have worked extremely hard and it is showing each and every time they grace the stage. Kelsey Richter was named the new Miss Jefferson County and will be competing in Miss Alabama in June.<br />
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Of course the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant is coming up. We are only a week and some odd days away. I cannot wait to watch my teen, Mia Callens, go to Orlando and impress everyone with her grace, poise, talent, humility, and charisma. She makes me strive to be a better Miss Alabama each and every time I am around her. We are so lucky to have Mia as our representative and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for her during the pageant. Please keep her in your prayers and thoughts as she competes for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen. Whatever the outcome may be, we are so very proud of you Mia and we are blessed to call you our own.<br />
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I am looking forward to the next few weeks as I will get to meet my sisters who are competing for the title of Miss America 2012. I am excited to get to know these wonderful young women and share a little Southern Hospitality with them. I am still in awe of the fact that I am even talking about myself and Miss America in the same sentence. I am absolutely honored to be able to represent this wonderful state day in and day out and I vow to give my all in everything I do.<br />
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As always, I like to leave a word of encouragement that I have read from my daily devotion. This one was very fitting due to the hectic life Miss Alabama leads on a daily basis:<br />
"Rest in My sufficiency, as you consider the challenges this day presents. Do not wear yourself out by worrying about whether you can cope with the pressures. Keep looking to Me and communicating with Me, as we walk through this day together. Take time to rest by the wayside, for I am not in a hurry. A leisurely pace accomplishes more that a hurried striving. When you rush, you forget who you are and Whose you are. Remember that you are royalty in My kingdom."<br />
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I believe that is a great reminder for us all. Until next time :-)<br />
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~Courtney~<br />
Isaiah 40:31 <br />
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</a></div>My journey towards obtaining the title of Miss Alabama began quite a while ago, 8 years to be exact. I was a sophomore at Clay-Chakville High School, who just so happened to have a bit of curiosity about the Miss Alabama Organization. Clay-Chalkville was then, and remains to be, the only high school pageant which is also a preliminary to the Miss Alabama Pageant. Considering the amount of scholarship money this organization provides to young women who have aspirations of going to college, I decided to participate. As an underclassman, of course I couldn't win the title of Miss Clay-Chalkville. However, I could gain some very beneficial experience in the areas of interview, swimsuit, talent, evening gown, and on-stage question that would allow me to excel at a later time. My senior year I was lucky enough to be crowned Miss Clay-Chalkville 2005. My first trip to Miss Alabama was one that I will never forget. I was a baby among women, as I recall. The girls with whom I competed were very gracious and encouraging to not only me, but the other competitors. I knew there was something about this organization that was different, and quite honestly infectious. I think I speak for each girl when I say the support each and every contestant receives is what keeps each girl coming back for more year after year.<br />
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After my first trip to Miss Alabama, and many scholarship dollars later, I knew that I wanted to go back. I liked the way it felt to know that I was making a difference in others lives through my involvement with my platform. I enjoyed getting to better myself by going through interviews and on-stage question competitions to solidify the fact that we were all well-rounded women. It is one of those things that once it gets in your system, you want a greater involvement in such a wonderful organization.<br />
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I have been able to compete at Miss Alabama representing many areas from across this wonderful state: Miss Clay-Chalkville, Miss Talladega County, Miss Smiths Station, Miss Chattahoochee Valley, Miss Painted Rock, and Miss Leeds Area. Each title deemed itself equally beneficial and extremely worthwhile. I am so thankful that I have been able to serve and offer myself to so many wonderful communities of Alabama. Each title I have held has molded me into the woman that I am today. I would not have been able to achieve my dream of becoming Miss Alabama had it not been for each and every director and committee member that I had the pleasure of working with. I will forever be in debt to these individuals. <br />
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On June 3rd, I moved into Samford University for the last week of my Miss Alabama career. This year was my last eligible year of competing for the title of Miss Alabama. There were many emotions throughout the week. It had been something that I had worked towards for so long and I hated to think that it was coming to an end. There had been so many wonderful opportunities that had been given to me due to my involvement with the Miss Alabama Pageant and it wasn't something that I was ready to give up. Nonetheless, I began the week with such gratitude that I had just one more opportunity to be at "Summer Camp" (as some of us call it) with all of my girlfriends. The week ran smoothly filled with some of the most talented, beautiful, and intelligent individuals to ever grace the stage of Samford University's Wright Center. I know that my experience this year at Miss Alabama would not have been the same without each and every girl who participated. It was one of the best groups that I can remember being involved with in quite some time. For that, I am truly grateful.<br />
<br />
On June 11, my life was forever changed. Saturday night of pageant week is always one that is full of surprises and excitement for all. My only hope was to be able to trust that the Lord's will was going to prevail, and whomever was supposed to win would..... I had no idea that person would be me. Once my name was called, a flood of emotions hit me. I was overjoyed that I had finally achieved my utmost goal that I had been striving towards for so long. I considered myself blessed to have been able to win the scholarship money that was going to allow me to further my education. I felt empowered to know that I was going to be able to represent such a magnificent state of people for an entire calendar year. On the other hand, there were other types of emotions. My mom, whom I was extremely close with, was not there to see my crowning moment. This was something we both had dreamed about for many, many years. She was the one who convinced me to begin competing; she was the one who helped me form my platform; she was the one who was always the first to encourage me to press on and keep trying; she was the one who would give me the nudge I needed to gain success in any endeavor I was embarking upon. It is safe to say that she was my best friend and biggest cheerleader. Losing her to her battle with cancer has been and will forever be the hardest thing that I will ever face. The encouragement and support of so many is the only reason why I am able to continue on a daily basis. She taught me so much about a life of service and hard-work. I can only hope that I can leave a legacy one-sixteenth as rich as she did. I know she would be so proud of me and grateful to those who helped me prepare for Miss Alabama this year. Those thoughts were running through my mind when kneeling down for the crown to be placed upon my head. It was a bittersweet moment that will remain with me forevermore.<br />
<br />
My journey as Miss Alabama 2011 has been a jam-packed sprint since day one. It has been my honor to attend various media appearances to promote the Miss Alabama and Miss America Organizations. I am happy to educate the public of the importance of these organizations and their relevance within the lives of so many. I have been able to meet with various sponsors who have given their time and efforts willingly for so many years. The Miss Alabama Pageant would not be able to succeed to such heights without the help of our wonderful and generous sponsors. Mrs. Ann Northington has helped me find a wardrobe that would capitalize on her talents and knowledge of the fashion industry. It is my joy to wear her beautiful garments at various speaking engagements and preliminary pageants. Mr. Tip Shumaker at One to One Fitness, along with Beau and Reed, have helped me keep a balance in my life by working out every other day. They are not only a physical release for me, but also a team of encouragement whom I have grown to appreciate fondly.<br />
<br />
I have been able to attend a Liberty Day celebration in Columbiana, AL. This was a unique experience for me which included a delicious meal, meeting and signing autographs for the delightful citizens of Shelby County, and riding in the traditional Liberty Day Parade through downtown Columbiana. There is something to be said about a small town with a large heart, and this description fits Columbiana perfectly. I was honored to speak to the contestants of the Miss Peanut Festival pageants. We had a very dignified tea party at the Shorter Mansion in Eufala, AL. These girls were so gracious and wonderful to spend time with. They were extremely poised and so well put together. I have high hopes for the young women whom I met in Eufala. They will absolutely be successful in their individual lives due to their dedication and hard work. Of course, a big responsibility and pleasure of the job description of Miss Alabama is to emcee various preliminary pageants. It was my joy and honor to be able to go back to the Miss Leeds Area and crown my successor as my first official act of duty. Miss Leeds Area was my title that I competed with before becoming Miss Alabama, so it is extremely important to me. Leeds was my home away from home, and I was so incredibly close with the committee. They will forever have a soft spot in my heart and I couldn't have made it through the year without all of them. I am eternally grateful to the Miss Leeds Area Committee for upholding me through such a troubling time for myself and family. Another gig was at Miss Point Mallard in Decatur, AL. I had never been to this particular pageant and was blown away by the participation and support from the Decatur community. I would venture to say that there were 8,000 to 10,000 audience members watching. The outdoor venue was very refreshing and exciting to be a part of. What pageant on the 4th of July would be complete without a state-of-the-art firework display? Miss Point Mallard was very well-run and incredibly entertaining for all who were involved. Another preliminary which I have had the opportunity to emcee is Miss Talladega County. This pageant holds a very dear place in my heart, seeing that I am a former miss Talladega County. It is always nice to go back to Sylacauga for any appearance. The community is very welcoming to anybody and everybody, and this event was nothing different. There were very qualified girls in each of these pageants, and I know that I couldn't possibly pick a winner if I had to. The dedication of these girls is truly remarkable and something to be noted. <br />
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I am so honored to be able to be called Miss Alabama 2011. This job comes with many responsibilities, as well as many opportunities that I will never be able to get back at the conclusion of this year. I am very appreciative of the Miss Alabama Board members who keep me on my toes and keep me motivated to do my best. This journey has been an unbelievable one thus far, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds.<br />
<br />
Last night I was reading in my devotion called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young when I stumbled upon these two quotations that have truly helped me along this journey thus far: <br />
"Pray about everything; then leave outcomes up to me. Do not fear My will, for through it I acconplish what is best for you."<br />
"You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in my control."<br />
<br />
I am so honored to know that the Lord trusts me with such a responsibility as Miss Alabama. I may not be perfect, and I may not have all the answers, but I KNOW that with His help I am going to be the best Miss Alabama that I can possibly be. God Bless!<br />
<br />
~Courtney<br />
Isaiah 40:31<br />
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