Today I addressed the House and the Senate concerning my platform. As I stood there in awe of the grandeur of these rooms, I had to reflect back to middle school which was the very first time I stood in these hollowed chambers. I recalled thinking about how history was made and changed right here. Our laws were created, voted on, and passed... and mingled with these thoughts was one overwhelming question: What would it be like to speak here? Today I was about to find out. It seemed so surreal to think that I would actually be speaking in the same placed that was so revered. It was almost time to speak, so I gathered my notes and my support team. Thankfully, Joe O’Brien, President of the National Scoliosis Foundation flew in to provide me with many great pointers and lots of support. Senator Goodall and I bonded rather quickly when we realized we had some things in common; we lived within a mile of each other and his son has scoliosis. We had plenty to discuss. One highlight was being presented with our state’s flag at the conclusion of my address. This caught me completely by surprise. They told me to have my family wave this flag in Vegas! They wanted me to look out from the Miss America stage and think of all my supporters from North Carolina.
A visit to the capitol wouldn’t be complete without visiting the governor’s office. However, I had a special treat; I actually met and talked with Governor Bev Perdue! What an honor and privilege it was to meet with her.
As many of you know, last year I had the opportunity to go to Miss North Carolina with Mt Holly’s Outstanding Teen, Victoria VanDyke. Since we were both runners up last year at Miss North Carolina, I was ecstatic to crown Victoria as Majestic Little Miss North Carolina. At that moment we both knew we had made Roger proud! Later, I was invited to a luau at her home to celebrate. We enjoyed sharing the memories we made last year and we certainly enjoyed the most special cake either one of us had ever seen (it had a picture of me crowing Victoria).
Next stop… the annual Robbins Farmers Day Festival! Riding in a magnificent horse drawn carriage held a special charm plus I had the opportunity to share the day with my friend, Lisa Mace and her parents. We all need to congratulate Lisa. She was the overall talent winner at America’s Sweetheart Pageant- way to go Lisa!
Not missing a beat, that night I was in Statesville where I watched another very talented Miss North Carolina contestant, Whitney James, crown her successor, Marissa Ireland. Not only did I meet Marissa, but I also met one of her biggest fans… her grandmother. Please keep her in your prayers because this kind lady will be undergoing scoliosis surgery after Christmas. I know Marissa received a beautiful crown that night, but I left with a little jewel of my own! The Chang family graciously gave me a pecan pie as I was leaving. Mrs. Chang’s mother prepared this delicious pie just for me- I must share a secret with you, I had a piece of pie when I got home that night and it was just so good I even ate it for breakfast the next morning!
I went from pies to doughnuts- yes, my next stop was in Knightdale at the Krispy Kreme grand opening. My sister, Sarah and I enjoyed sampling various doughnuts and taking three dozen home… oh yes… three dozen!
You know after pecan pie and doughnuts I need a real workout! So I put on my walking shoes and stopped in Pinehurst to watch the Kid’s World Golf Championship. There were lots of truly talented young golfers at this event. Now, these two were not young golfers and they were certainly not in the tournament, but Charlotte’s own Sir Purr and Rufus insisted on being the center of attention.
Packing for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen was so exciting. I even had expert advice from Gregory Ellenburg about “what to wear”. After getting everything together I met my little princess, Alex Franks, her mother, and grandmother. After transferring ALL of my luggage to the Franks’ van, we were on our way. Alex insisted that we watch “Scooby-doo goes to Hollywood” because it would prepare me for Miss America! She is just so precious. We were all there to support our Katherine Puryear… and I will say, she was truly outstanding! She was supported by the best and the loudest cheering section each night. North Carolinians sure can make some noise! My favorite moment was when the crowd was cheering like crazy and Katherine looked out into the audience directly at me and gave me a big “thumbs up!” She was beautiful. We are so proud of her, and just think, she was third runner up! Fantastic job Katherine! It was an amazing week. My roommate, Kelly Sloan (Miss South Carolina) and I shared a lot of fun and laughs with all of the Miss America contestants. From touring Universal Studios to cheering for our teen contestant, it was a week I will always treasure. I want to express a special thank you to the Frank family, Gregory Ellenburg, Kelly Sloan, and all of the Miss America contestants for making Orlando even more dear to my heart. Furthermore, I need to extend a personal thank you to all of the Miss North Carolina supporters for granting me the opportunity to represent you across our beautiful state. This truly is an honor… much like standing in the capital as a child, wondering what it would be like to speak… in that same child like wonderment I always thought, what would it be like to be Miss North Carolina? And as I think about the latter, the words of Mrs. Sharon echo in my mind… always be kind and gentle.

Katherine Southard
Miss North Carolina 2009