As each month passes, the Miss America competition gets a little closer— as you can imagine, talent is very important. I’ve been spending lots of time at the studio practicing my dance, but I took a little time off to learn the tango! Matt LaSasso and I shared many laughs with Rebecca and Daniel Wiley at the Piedmont School of Music and Dance as they taught us how to be a “Star” in the Lee County Dancing with the Stars Competition. Even though we didn’t exactly “burn the floor,” we did help Lee County with their Community and School Fundraiser. This was a great experience and I learned that Lee County has lots of great dance moves!
From the dance floor to the “Old Bags Brunch,” my pace has become rather quick! This event was beautifully planned and orchestrated by Michelle Fisher to benefit the March of Dimes. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen so many purses! What a wonderful way to bring the pageant community together to benefit such a worthy cause—thank you, Michelle for allowing me to share this time with you and all the beautiful young queens.
Several years ago I was blessed to represent North Carolina as the Statesville Dogwood Queen. This opportunity allowed me to meet an individual that is not only beautiful on the outside, but her inner beauty simply radiates in everything she does. Bria Worthington is certainly an angel to many. She organized the “Princess for a Day” at the Preston Lloyd Fundraiser in Mooresville. This event was hosted by many sponsors to benefit this young boy as he continues to recover from a serious accident that happened several months ago. Bria had all the Dogwood Queens at the event helping each little girl feel like a real princess! I also want to thank her and Peebles department store for hosting Emily Schrump’s shopping spree at the Lillington Peebles. Bria was also responsible for getting the items from Jim Jonas for the Jonas’ Brothers’ auction for Children’s Miracle Network! Bria, thank you for making so many things possible. You are amazing!
Next stop… Mt. Olive! Murphy’s Place was host to the pancake breakfast. If you missed this, you missed some truly tasty pancakes! Adrienne Core, Jamie Hunt, Marissa Ireland and I enjoyed chatting about a little bit of everything, from clothes to pageants---and we did sneak in time for some pancakes. It was a real treat to have the Outstanding Little Miss Queens there. They are all incredible! Would you believe this one event raised over $1,000.00 for Children’s Miracle Network?!? All I can say is look out when these girls get older—I have a feeling there’s a Miss America among them!
We all know what a beautiful city Wilmington is, but it is even more beautiful when it is Ladies’ Night Out! This event was hosted by several local businesses to raise money for breast cancer awareness/ detection. It was such a pleasure to be the guest of Connie and Keith at Isabella Grape. Much to my surprise when I arrived, there was Dana Reason. She was a great Miss NC. We had so much fun and she had plenty of helpful hints to share with me- she even shared her mom! What a treat that was; she helped me pick out clothes AND accessorize! I still want to go shopping with Dana and her mother. Thanks to Connie, Keith, Dana and her mother…. this was certainly a perfect trip.
Before heading to Ahoskie, I made a quick stop at the Garner Chiropractic Open Golf Tournament. After swinging the clubs it was time to rest at Cutawhiskey Bed and Breakfast. Staying there was a lesson in history. Not only did I share in the town’s beach music evening and parade, but I was able to view a lot of the area’s history right there at Cutawhiskey. This was an amazing trip filled with good food and southern hospitality.
The fun was just beginning has I helped cut the ribbon to “kick-off” the Lee County Fair. I want to give a special thank you to Barry Moody, who not only shared funnel cakes with me and kept me laughing, but he also served as my very own “body-guard” at the fair. While I was there, I had the pleasure of crowning the beautiful Lee County Fair pageant winners AND presenting ribbons to the county’s award winning goats- yes, goats! This was an interesting event. To top off this fun-filled weekend, I was honored to receive a special proclamation letter from the mayor.
Another highlight was addressing several of the local schools about my platform. One school even had their students research scoliosis and be prepared to ask me questions about my platform. I was amazed at how interested these children were in scoliosis and the pageant world. I must admit, my favorite question was, “Do you brush your teeth like I do?” How cute!
I was honored with a spectacular afternoon homecoming held at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte. This afternoon was hosted by the Miss Mecklenburg County Committee, the Miss Mount Holly Committee, and Carol Featherstone. It was certainly a special day and one that will live in my heart forever. Alan Clouse was there to say such kind words, along with Kevin Driver who always makes any event even more special. I was also honored to see Gregory Ellenburg there. Each year that I participated in Miss NC, Greg made sure that I was dressed to perfection. And, even now he is busy creating and designing by wardrobe for Miss America- he is one very special person and I truly appreciate all that he does for me. So many people have contributed to this journey and it was such a joy to see them at my homecoming. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who came and to Mecklenburg County, Mount Holly, and Carol. You all mean so much to me.
It was time for the Miss Bessemer City High School Pageant! Needless to say, I am always impressed by the beauty and talent that fills our high schools. Each of these young ladies deserved a crown! As always, it was my pleasure to share this evening with Victoria VanDyke. Victoria is the reigning Majestic Little Miss NC and as most of you know, the two of us went to Miss NC in 2008 as Mt Holly queens. Over the past few years we have shared many laughs, words of wisdom, and support for each other. Victoria, you are an outstanding young lady and I am excited to be able to share many events with you this year.
Finally, as it is time to close- and I always close by mentioning the words of my sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Shearon… “Always be kind and gentle.” I want to mention this particular friend and her dad from Spa South Salon in Gastonia. Aryn Ward and her dad have certainly made these words come to life by providing me with facials, tanning, etc throughout this year. Not only do I leave the salon feeling better, I also greatly enjoy the time I get to spend with Aryn. Thank you to Aryn, and your family at Spa South… you are all so kind.
Honestly, this month and each day that passes- I see so many people that touch my life in such a kind manner. Thank you all for making this another memorable month and for being so generous.
Before I close, I would like to ask that all of you that read this please say a special prayer for Mickey Hutchens. Mr. Hutchens is Beth Hutchens’ husband and Leah and Jill Hutchens’ father. Leah and I were Statesville Dogwood Queens together many years ago and they have all done a lot for Miss NC. Mickey was one of the police officers that was critically injured this week in Winston Salem. He has already had several surgeries and remains in critical condition. Please keep this special officer and his kind family in your prayers.
My love to you all, Katherine Southard Miss North Carolina 2009