Little did I know that my trip to Miss America would start with a pecan pie! Picture this: a bed piled high with clothes, a floor cluttered with shoes, a hallway blocked by two massive suitcases and a ringing doorbell! My mom hurdles the suitcases and bolts down the stairs. When she opens the door, there stands Roger Hawkins with a pecan pie (my favorite) and a lady bug balloon for good luck! He never lets me down. Thanks, Roger for the Hawkins' support team.

The next morning I was on the plane to Vegas! Not knowing who to expect, I landed. Before I even collected my luggage, I was greeted by members of the Miss America staff and Security. I realized that all of these months of planning, preparation, and praying were coming to fruition. Miss Alaska, Miss Indiana, Miss Michigan, and I were escorted from the airport to Planet Hollywood where the festivities were about to begin. It was no time until we were all standing at the opening ceremonies, introducing ourselves to Vegas!

After the ceremonies we attended the "Kick Off Meeting" with the Miss America Staff where we watched a very touching video showing the impact that the Miss America Organization has on Children's Miracle Network. Watching this made me realize even more how important this partnership truly is, and how much it impacts the lives of these precious children. Being Miss North Carolina blessed me with the opportunity to experience this, as well as visit children firsthand. These children need our help. I would just like to assure you, that donating to Children's Miracle Network is a sure way to know your money goes to a worthwhile cause and is very much appreciated by each and every recipient.

Up bright and early on Friday morning, we were all learning to flip pancakes the IHOP way! This experience was even more special when we were visited by two children that had received benefits from CMN. The younger of the two, immediately wanted to flip pancakes. I was so blessed to toss "snowman" pancakes in the air with him. His giggle touched my heart and soul. What a blessing this little boy was to all of us.

After a tasty breakfast we were off to burn those calories at rehearsal! Several hours of practice made 53 contestants ready for dinner. We were all soon ready to dine at PF Chang's and then we were on to the Venetian for Gondola rides. I could tell this was going to be a wonderful experience.

Day two was filled with rehearsals and PR interviews. You would be surprised to see just how quickly 53 young ladies changed to hit the runway in Vegas. Suddenly we were all transformed from rehearsal clad contestants to high fashion models! Where else, other than at Miss America, can one get that experience?

Our third day included hours of rehearsal and an exciting adventure at the indoor raceway. Miss Kansas and I battled it out for the title of "Fastest Simulated Racecar Driver"… that's my kind of racecar!

Monday it was down to business. More rehearsal time, the Mu and Alpha groups had interviews and that night we were all out on the town to Phantom of the Opera! What a great show!

Competition was truly in full swing by Tuesday. Today the Sigma group (my group), had interviews. Miss Hawaii and I made time to say prayers together before we went in for our personal interviews. That night we were off to our first preliminary night of competition: for me it was swimsuit and evening gown. After competition that night and every night, I was first greeted by the warm, smile of Alan. He gave me a big 'ole hug and led me to the best table in the room. He certainly knows how to make you feel special. This table was filled with lots of wonderful people from North Carolina that came all the way to Vegas for Miss America. These are truly loyal friends and they all hold a special place in my heart. They all cheered me on every step of the way. I also know there were many that wanted to be there, but could not- rest assured you too were certainly there in spirit, and I carried your thoughts with me right onto that Miss America stage. A special thank you to all of you that texted in your votes for me, you all worked so hard to put me in and I cannot thank you enough.

Kevin always had a way to make me laugh, while Beth offered assurance, love and support. What a team! Gregory Ellenburg and Susan Grant worked their magic for me both on stage and off. You two were always there to say just the right things. My little Carolina Princess, Alex Franks and Outstanding Teen, Katherine Puryear were there to cheer me on… and while we are on the subject of cheering, many of you know that my sister cheered for the Charlotte Bobcats for two years, well let's just put it this way- she hasn't forgotten how to project her voice! She sat way in the back of the auditorium and I could hear her as I walked on stage! Honestly, I think she did have a duo partner (Lindsay Knox) several nights. You all are simply the best.

Wednesday and Thursday concluded the nights of preliminary competitions. During the day on Thursday the Sigma group (that's me) did filming for Planet Hollywood. We all pretended to socialize in a brand new Planet Hollywood suite, soak up the sun as we lounged by the pool, and exercise in the workout room. These film clips will be used for Planet Hollywood. We all felt like movie stars.

Friday included rehearsal, which was different, because we were blocking for television. That evening we were off to the VIP reception and the Evening of Dreams Gala. Surrounded by 52 beautiful contestants, we were made to feel even more special as we were greeted by our own supporters. Thank you again to all of you that made this evening one to remember. It truly was an evening of dreams. Joe O'Brien, President of the National Scoliosis Foundation, was there to offer his support- it sure was great to see him again. Joe has certainly helped make this journey even more rewarding as we have teamed up to make everyone more aware of scoliosis detection and awareness.

Another highlight of the Gala was Katie Stam's engagement. It was so neat to be there to actually see him put this diamond on her hand. I need to tell you, that is a beautiful ring, but even more important… they are a great couple.

It was here, the big day, the final night. One of us was going to be Miss America! We all knew we would have hard shoes to fill and that only one contestant would have that opportunity. At this point, I would like to add, I was so blessed to have lunch with Miss Minnesota and Miss America 2009, Katie Stam. Honestly, Katie is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She is just what at true Miss America should be. It was so neat to actually sit there, have lunch, and chat with Miss America! She explained to Brooke and me what her year was like as Miss America and she listened to us ask her questions. She is such an amazing person; it was a true joy to be around her.

Now back to the final night… fifteen beautiful and talented finalists were announced. One of them would soon be our new Miss America. One life was going to be changed and because of that, many others would have their lives changed by her. The very talented Miss Virginia was crowned Miss America 2010. Congratulations, Caressa you will do an amazing job.

For me… the journey to Miss America ended, but my journey as Miss North Carolina continues and I am excited to complete my year with all of my fellow North Carolinians. I am so blessed to be able to spend this time in our great state with all of you. Each night as I talk to God, I thank Him for blessing me with this wonderful time to represent you and for the amazing opportunity Joe O'Brien presented to me at Miss America. Because all of you are close to me, I must share what is a bit of a secret… On Saturday night at the conclusion of Miss America, Joe asked me if I would like to become a member of the National Scoliosis Board. (Of course, this has to be voted on by the current members, but I was so touched and honored by that I just had to share this news with you). It has only been seven months since June, but this experience has been and continues to be such a blessing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity of a lifetime.

As always, as we touch the lives of others, may we always "be kind and gentle". May you be blessed each and every day.

Katherine Southard, Miss North Carolina 2009