For most of us, we will never forget the first time we met or heard one of our Miss South Carolina state titleholders speak. I know I won't! By the time I was in Junior High, all the school districts in Clarendon County had implemented Character Counts week, of which Miss South Carolina became a vital part. During that week, she spends all of her time traveling around my home county speaking in nearly all of the schools and she even performs her talent. The first Miss South Carolina I ever heard speak was Miss South Carolina 2006, Shelley Benthall. I can vividly remember sitting in the gymnasium at Manning Junior High School, soaking up every bit of what Shelley was saying and thinking to myself that I was going to be doing what she was one day. From then on, I was determined to not only compete in Miss SC, but be Miss SC so that I may travel around our state and make an impact on other people's lives just like Shelley had made an impact on mine! I can even remember her awe-inspiring voice filling the gym as she sang one of my favorite songs, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." That first encounter with a Miss SC that I had is what inspired me to be the contestant and local title holder I am today. It is my greatest hope to be blessed with the opportunity to be a wonderful Miss SC just like all of the former queens who fill the vibrant history of this organization. Making a difference and impacting other people's lives is what this is all about. I've had the opportunity to do so as a local titleholder, and now, I would love nothing more than to take that support and inspiration of others to the state level.
A few weeks ago, some of the other Miss SC and Miss SC Teen contestants went on an Adventurous Journey for the Duke of Edinburgh award. From scavenger hunts to s'mores and sharing in laughter around the campfire, I think I can speak for all of the girls when I say we had a blast! Not only was it a fun experience, it was an motivational one as well. We were blessed to have the opportunity to hear from former Miss SC, Dawn Smith Jordan, as she shared her life story and her talent with us. It's easy to see why she was such a wonderful, inspiring Miss SC and she has definitely made an impact on my life. As I go into competition next week, I fully intend to keep her message in mind. I won't forget Proverbs 3:5-6, and I will be sure to MILK this experience for ALL that it is worth!
Between Blood Drives and Children's Miracle Network Fundraisers and practices and training sessions these past few weeks, time has surely flown by. This past weekend was the end of my appearances before we take Columbia by storm. The Miss Hartsville Scholarship Organization hosted a Send-Off Party and Wardrobe Showing in Hartsville for us, and I was so happy to finally get to model my Miss SC competition wardrobe for the first time. When I slipped into our stunning opening number dress by Tony Bowls, it really sunk in that, "Oh my gosh, I'm really doing this." With such amazing support from my wonderful, kind LED, Mrs. Lynn and the Miss Hartsville Committee as well as my parents, family, and my fellow queens and their delightful families, I am well prepared and ready to do my very best and to make each and every one of them proud.
After I've zipped the last zipper on my dress bags and luggage and crank up my car to leave Manning for Columbia, I know I will be anxious, but I'm confident I'll be even more so relieved. After months of preparation and anticipation, it will be time to shine! I'm going to head to Columbia feeling blessed to have such supportive parents, friends, fellow queens, and sponsors by my side. I want to thank everyone who has ever believed in me and that I could make it to this point. Your faith is the fire that will be lighting me up when I hit the stage and step into my interview next week. I'm going in with the confidence that I am your next Miss SC, but no matter what the outcome will be, I know God has a special plan for me and I intend to live out what is meant to be to the fullest extent. When it is all said and done, I have made more new friends than I could have ever imagined possible and being a local queen has opened so many doors to fantastic opportunities that I am beyond grateful for. The experience is definitely unique and irreplaceable!
All I have to say is Columbia better watch out. Starting this weekend, the queens are coming to make the "famously hot" capital city even hotter! HERE WE COME! Miss South Carolina 2012 is here!
