Crowning Night

I'm glad my mom and dad videotaped my crowning, because I honestly cannot remember a second of it.  In fact, the whole day of competition is a blur; I was just too excited to be back with my friends and doing what I love. Shocked and stunned, the next thing I knew I was standing with Jillian (Jillian Richardson, Miss Gateway St. Louis 2011, my new sister queen), both of us looking at each other in disbelief.  As reality set in, I couldn't hide my excitement or anticipation for this coming year, representing the St. Louis area along with Jillian, as Miss Gateway to the West 2011. 

Although I had competed in the Miss Missouri America program for two years, I hung up my crown to go to medical school.  It wasn't long before I missed my pageant friends and missed being apart of the Miss Missouri Organization (MMO). I believe that I am the woman I am because of my involvement in pageants.  So much so that my entire personal statement (entrance essay) for my medical school application was about how my involvement in MMO has helped me develop communication skills, poise, and a well-rounded personality.  So, after a year, I knew I couldn't give up something I loved and respected so much.

I cannot be more excited to be a part of the Miss Gateway team.  Always looking up to previous Miss Gateways as role models, I know that I am extremely blessed to be a "Gateway girl," and that I have big shoes to fill.  I am ready to get started, and I hope that you will join me in my travels and adventures! :-)
If you would like more information about Miss Gateway St. Louis or Miss Gateway to the West, please visit our website where you can follow Jillian's blog as well! Also, don't forget to follow the blog of our current Miss Missouri, Erika Hebron, as she travels across the state and prepares for Miss America!
Other great links: Miss Missouri official page, Miss Mo Outstanding Teen official page, and Miss America official page