Date: Dec 21, 2009
Contact: Lyn Samuels, Director
director@unitedstatespageant.com
Ms. United States 2009
WOW!!! I still relive the moment having my name called on stage. It seemed so surreal! Once spotting my mom, brothers, Uncle Dyron, my close friend, Amanda, and my state director, Steven Gambrell, it was confirmation. That week was amazing! I met some aspiring young women who have made their mark all across the United States. The week was full of activities and of course...rehearsals!!! I cannot tell you how happy I was to be crowned that night, but what was even more important was thinking about what I was going to eat! And yes...pageant girls do eat! After pictures, we all went to Fuddruckers and everyone watched me scarf down a 1 pound cheeseburger with fries and let's not forget the chocolate bar Steven bought me from the Chocolate Factory...Oh boy did I feel it later. Mom had to take my crown and sash off me because I was determined to sleep in it that night! My family and I stayed in Las Vegas for a few more days, but then it was back to South Carolina. I was so excited to be back in my hometown of Sumter and to see all of my supporters still beaming with pride and joy. I realized this was going to be an exciting journey and I was ready to hit the ground running to make this the best year yet.
My first week back was full of radio and television interviews, photo shoots and other various appearances. I have had the opportunity to make some wonderful connections and meet some AWESOME individuals who have made this year so far one to remember. I started August off by making an appearance at Benedict College's annual Capital City Classic Football Game, where I appeared in their parade prior to the game, and made an appearance at half time with Miss Capital City Classic and Miss Benedict College. Also, during the month, I spent much of my time speaking at churches and various groups for the "Back to School" festivities.
In the month of September I judged LOTS of pageants and made many appearances with Mrs. United States, Tammy Johns. We appeared at hotel and salon grand openings, parades and town hall meetings. I had the opportunity to speak alongside Judge Glenda Hatchett, at the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Council Convention. I was glad I spoke before her because she was good!!! I participated in the WIS News 10 blood drive. I have to admit...I am a little afraid of needles, but I knew this was for a good cause. One of my favorite appearances was going back to my high school and speaking to an auditorium full of students during their homecoming week. I not only spoke, but was introduced at the pep rally...those I ALWAYS loved...and I helped crown the 2009 Sumter High School Homecoming Queen during halftime of the game. It was nice to go back and see so many that had a hand in shaping me into the young woman I am today!
I will be featured in the November-December issue of the Iris, which showcases business women and women on the move. My wardrobe for the magazine was provided by the wonderful Ms. Jill of Dazzles...I cannot wait to see how the new edition turns out! I was honored to be asked to return to my alma mater for homecoming as the Grand Marshall...couldn't believe it, but I was so excited. I saw old friends as well as faculty and staff, along with some new faces, whom I was eager to share my college experiences with! My favorite President Dr. Mitchell Zais was there to greet me and has ALWAYS continued to show me support well after my college years. During the spring of my reign, I plan to visit as many schools as possible promoting my platform which is "Character Enrichment". I began doing some of those visits during the fall and had the opportunity to meet with Girl Scout troops, mentoring programs and best of all the girls of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Those young ladies touch my heart each and every time I see them and they have wonderful mentors who are there to assist them in their growth spiritually, mentally and physically. I want to stress to the young women the importance of character education and provide for them the necessary tools needed for their success.
To top off this wonderful first half...my sister queens, National Director, Ms. Lynda "Spyke" Samuels, and I, took a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to be featured in an upcoming issue of Supermodels Unlimited. It was great to spend time with each of them. During that weekend we visited the Atlanta Apparel Mart and came up close and personal with some of the big dress designers in the pageant world. I had my camera on hand just to make sure I did not let anyone slip by me! I guess I said my trip with the girls topped of my first half as Ms. United States, but it has to be by far traveling to Germany...no offense ladies!!!! What an amazing place! I made some appearances at local schools, military bases, and sporting events. I cannot even express the abundance of food...and yes I do believe I have gained weight from the desserts alone. Besides trying to brace the very cold weather, I had an AMAZING time!
This has been a busy time and it only gets better. Many blessings and all my love!!!!
