Happy Holidays!
The smell of Bar-b-que hung in the air as the blast of the police sirens began the annual Anson County Parade, my November was off and running. From the Anson parade to Miss Cabarrus County, it was an action packed day. Mallory Honeycutt and Mindy Pope were amazing as always. Entertained by a wonderful group of young ladies and teens, Marcie Trivette and Katy Ezzell captured the titles of Miss Cabarrus County and Cabarrus County's Outstanding Teen. Congratulations ladies!
The next week started at the Charlotte Douglas Airport. I was up bright and early to help the Carolina Panthers greet our troops as they arrived at the USO center. A big "thank you" to Lenn Long who came not only to take pictures, but also to make sure I had a Cinnabon!
An elegant evening at Brier Creek Country Club hosted by the Miss North Carolina Committee gave me the opportunity to meet former Miss America, Jennifer Barry Gooden, and spend time with former Miss North Carolina Jessica Jacobs Marquardt. Hearing these two ladies address potential Miss North Carolina sponsors was not only inspiring, but it also heightened my appreciation for all that the Miss America Organization embodies.
Connie Dorn, Miss NC 1972, and first runner up to Miss America, impressed upon me the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity and capitalizing upon those that mean the most. Throughout this year, I've come to realize that though I am very passionate about my personal platform of scoliosis and Children's Miracle Network, I also feel that as Miss North Carolina, it is so important to support our military. Knowing the sacrifices these men and women make for us, I was off to the USO Variety Show in Cary. Once there, I donned a camouflage jacket and mingled with past and present military individuals and their families. It always warms my heart to see our war heroes and their families recognized.
Shedding my camo for a cocktail dress I met Kevin and we were en route to High Point. Miss NC USA was on the agenda. Everyone looked great and I would like to say congratulations to our Mya Hipps, former Miss NCOT, for being a runner up to Miss NC Teen USA.
Another exciting stop was in Statesville to visit a Miss North Carolina sponsor, Trophy House Treasures. It was interesting to see the process of how our Miss NC shirts are made every year. We shared some laughs and bar-b-que and then I was on my way to the Saluda Mountain Lodge ... the view from this lodge was beautiful even considering the fact that I arrived when it was dark outside and left the next morning when it was still dark outside! I was off to Clay County where I spent the day at Hayesville Middle and High Schools. I shared my story of the intermeshing of scoliosis, dance, and pageants with these young people. One middle school student, Katie, was brave enough to come on stage and actually put on my scoliosis brace. She proceeded to tell the entire middle school how the brace made her feel and how she felt that her friends perceived her. Others voluntarily said, "I would not want to be seen like this." and "How could you be popular wearing this brace?" The message was clear that we should be more accepting of each other regardless of our outward appearances. I truly hope that throughout the rest of my year as Miss NC I can convey the message of just how important it is to accept others and their differences, as well as continuing to reach for your goals.
From school to the Raleigh Christmas Parade, I could feel Christmas in the air! This was a festive way to kick off the Christmas Season and I would like to give a special thank you to Karen Parsons and her daughter from the Hair and Face Lounge for waking up extra early to get me ready for the parade. I would also like to thank Taylor Knox and Kevin Driver for driving me in the parade ... Kevin really wasn't exaggerating when he looked at me the week after I was crowned and said "What's my last name?" My response was "Driver?" and his was, "That's right ... don't forget it!" He sure was telling the truth. He has done quite a bit of "driving" to help me out this year!
My next stop was at Beth's beautifully decorated home; she was all prepared for the holidays. With her usual warm and welcoming manner, she opened her lovely home to me along with all of the Outstanding Little Miss Queens and their mothers. We had a great time sharing stories and enjoying all of Beth's treats. The excitement continued as my parents and I headed to the Kinston Lenoir Pageant. Larissa Harris crowned Dani Jarmon as the new miss Kinston Lenoir. Both ladies looked stunning!
The next day I found myself aboard a pontoon boat in the Monroe Christmas Parade. Alex and I faced our first rainy parade together, but we still had a great time. This little princess can make even a rainy day fun.
You won't believe this, but on Tuesday night, my sister and one of her close friends, Ashley Mitzel and I were back stage at the Miley Cyrus Concert! We got to stand on the stage, meet the backstage crew, learn the behind the scenes tricks, and best of all, we got to see Miley's dressing room! I must admit, accomplishing this feat did require a few autographs!
The month of November concluded with the beautiful Carrousel Coronation Ball and Parade. What an inspirational evening! High school seniors from across the Carolinas competed for the prestigious title of Carolinas' Carrousel Queen. As I listened to these beautiful, impressive young ladies, I was in awe of just how accomplished they were at such a young age.
The next morning I was off to the parade. A cold and foggy day gave way to the bright sunshine as a host of Carolinians lined the streets of Charlotte for the area's largest Christmas Parade. Yes, as the turkeys were baking and families were gathering on this beautiful Thanksgiving day, I was reminded of just how thankful we should all be, not only on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year. I do hope your Thanksgiving was filled with love, happiness, and blessings ... and may we all "always be kind and gentle."
Happy Holidays,
Katherine Southard
Miss NC 2009
The next week started at the Charlotte Douglas Airport. I was up bright and early to help the Carolina Panthers greet our troops as they arrived at the USO center. A big "thank you" to Lenn Long who came not only to take pictures, but also to make sure I had a Cinnabon!
An elegant evening at Brier Creek Country Club hosted by the Miss North Carolina Committee gave me the opportunity to meet former Miss America, Jennifer Barry Gooden, and spend time with former Miss North Carolina Jessica Jacobs Marquardt. Hearing these two ladies address potential Miss North Carolina sponsors was not only inspiring, but it also heightened my appreciation for all that the Miss America Organization embodies.
Connie Dorn, Miss NC 1972, and first runner up to Miss America, impressed upon me the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity and capitalizing upon those that mean the most. Throughout this year, I've come to realize that though I am very passionate about my personal platform of scoliosis and Children's Miracle Network, I also feel that as Miss North Carolina, it is so important to support our military. Knowing the sacrifices these men and women make for us, I was off to the USO Variety Show in Cary. Once there, I donned a camouflage jacket and mingled with past and present military individuals and their families. It always warms my heart to see our war heroes and their families recognized.
Shedding my camo for a cocktail dress I met Kevin and we were en route to High Point. Miss NC USA was on the agenda. Everyone looked great and I would like to say congratulations to our Mya Hipps, former Miss NCOT, for being a runner up to Miss NC Teen USA.
Another exciting stop was in Statesville to visit a Miss North Carolina sponsor, Trophy House Treasures. It was interesting to see the process of how our Miss NC shirts are made every year. We shared some laughs and bar-b-que and then I was on my way to the Saluda Mountain Lodge ... the view from this lodge was beautiful even considering the fact that I arrived when it was dark outside and left the next morning when it was still dark outside! I was off to Clay County where I spent the day at Hayesville Middle and High Schools. I shared my story of the intermeshing of scoliosis, dance, and pageants with these young people. One middle school student, Katie, was brave enough to come on stage and actually put on my scoliosis brace. She proceeded to tell the entire middle school how the brace made her feel and how she felt that her friends perceived her. Others voluntarily said, "I would not want to be seen like this." and "How could you be popular wearing this brace?" The message was clear that we should be more accepting of each other regardless of our outward appearances. I truly hope that throughout the rest of my year as Miss NC I can convey the message of just how important it is to accept others and their differences, as well as continuing to reach for your goals.
From school to the Raleigh Christmas Parade, I could feel Christmas in the air! This was a festive way to kick off the Christmas Season and I would like to give a special thank you to Karen Parsons and her daughter from the Hair and Face Lounge for waking up extra early to get me ready for the parade. I would also like to thank Taylor Knox and Kevin Driver for driving me in the parade ... Kevin really wasn't exaggerating when he looked at me the week after I was crowned and said "What's my last name?" My response was "Driver?" and his was, "That's right ... don't forget it!" He sure was telling the truth. He has done quite a bit of "driving" to help me out this year!
My next stop was at Beth's beautifully decorated home; she was all prepared for the holidays. With her usual warm and welcoming manner, she opened her lovely home to me along with all of the Outstanding Little Miss Queens and their mothers. We had a great time sharing stories and enjoying all of Beth's treats. The excitement continued as my parents and I headed to the Kinston Lenoir Pageant. Larissa Harris crowned Dani Jarmon as the new miss Kinston Lenoir. Both ladies looked stunning!
The next day I found myself aboard a pontoon boat in the Monroe Christmas Parade. Alex and I faced our first rainy parade together, but we still had a great time. This little princess can make even a rainy day fun.
You won't believe this, but on Tuesday night, my sister and one of her close friends, Ashley Mitzel and I were back stage at the Miley Cyrus Concert! We got to stand on the stage, meet the backstage crew, learn the behind the scenes tricks, and best of all, we got to see Miley's dressing room! I must admit, accomplishing this feat did require a few autographs!
The month of November concluded with the beautiful Carrousel Coronation Ball and Parade. What an inspirational evening! High school seniors from across the Carolinas competed for the prestigious title of Carolinas' Carrousel Queen. As I listened to these beautiful, impressive young ladies, I was in awe of just how accomplished they were at such a young age.
The next morning I was off to the parade. A cold and foggy day gave way to the bright sunshine as a host of Carolinians lined the streets of Charlotte for the area's largest Christmas Parade. Yes, as the turkeys were baking and families were gathering on this beautiful Thanksgiving day, I was reminded of just how thankful we should all be, not only on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year. I do hope your Thanksgiving was filled with love, happiness, and blessings ... and may we all "always be kind and gentle."
Happy Holidays,
Katherine Southard
Miss NC 2009
posted by Blog at
5:24 AM
