Miss Arkansas Teen USA 2012

TIMES MAGAZINE

2012-02-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

I really love the show Pawn Stars. I love Chum and all the interesting historical things you can learn from watching it. I went to Vegas about a month ago, which is where the pawn shop is actually at. My friend Steven Roddy, owner of the thepageantplanet.com, surprised me and set up a visit there!! I was so ecstatic! I wanted to meet Chum so badly, but he had just left. :( But I caught Rick as he walked out the door and then I got a picture with Corey. They were actually about to film a show with a man that was trying to sale a hand grenade. They asked if I would like to be in the background. "OF COURSE," I said! :) I want to be the next Vanna White, so any chance I can get to be on film, extra or not, I will take it. It was so much fun. We weren't allowed to look at the camera so we just pretended to look at the swords. Haha. Well I didn't even know it, but Bill Saporito with Times Magazine was at the pawn shop at the same time I was. He actually ended up needing to interview a Pawn Stars fan that was from Arkansas for the magazine. I was blessed to be able to fulfill that spot. I love how God works and makes things fall into place so perfectly when it’s meant. So next month my article will be featured in Times Magazine, so check it out! :)

I CAN!

2012-02-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday morning I had the opportunity to be a part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the I Can! Arts & Resource Center. The whole idea of the center was inspired by a little girl named Katie, when she asked her mom if she could take a dance class like her big sister was. (She is the one I am with in the picture below). The class currently includes ten children who are assisted by dancing "Buddies". These are children without disabilities who help those children who need one-on-one assistance. Based on the Bible verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," (Philippians 4:13), the class ends in prayer and devotion.

The center is actually opening up in my home town only five minutes from my house, so this is very special to me and something that I am definitely ready to get to experience firsthand. I can't wait for it to open so I can volunteer to teach the class. The ceremony raised an amazing $11,310. It was held at 5 in the morning, and to my surprise there were so many people there. It's just so touching to be a part of a small community that will come together and be so supportive of this wonderful cause.

The picture above you can see where Everett Buick GMC donated $5,000. The girls in front of the check are participants in the class. They hope to have the center built and ready to go by summer this year. (:

Never Give Up On Your DREAMS!

2012-01-16T17:23:00.000-08:00

I am still in shock that I was crowned Miss AR Teen USA 2012! Is it definitely a dream come true. When I was fourteen years old, I can remember my mother and I being so excited that I was only one year away from being eligible to compete for Miss AR Teen USA. At the age of fifteen, I competed for the first time. I went into the pageant not knowing a thing. I had the time of my life and received the honorable mention award. I did the pageant again the next year and met another wondeful group of contestants. I left with new friends, amazing experiences, and the honorable mention award for the second time. I didn't let that hold me back though. I wanted this so bad, that I just worked harder and made each year a learning experience. Last year, at the age of seventeen, I received first runner up! I went from honorable mention two years in a row, to first runner up. What an accomplishment. I was so ecstatic that my hard work was paying off and I was getting closer and closer to achieving my dream. A little over a week ago, God blessed me tremendously and gave me the opportunity to be Miss AR Teen USA 2012!! I am still overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness each time I think about it. So needless to say, never give up on your dreams. They may take forever to achieve, or even seem untouchable at times. But belief, dedication, and hard work will let the rest fall into place!