Crowns all around!

As a pageant fan, coach and mentor, nothing makes me happier than to see my girls earn their crowns! I just experienced the most exciting weekend of my life- four young ladies whom I have either coached or directed earned titles.

The most rewarding aspect of supporting a pageant contestant during their competition is to watch the experience shape them into a more confident, determined and energized young woman. For example, the Miss America system requires each contestant to support a personal platform issue, to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and to log community service hours. The pageant judges each contestant on physical fitness, stage presence, talent performance, poise, personality, beauty, public speaking and personal interview. Every contestant is also expected to be academically successful or pursuing their career. Any young women who sets a goal to achieve all of these qualifications will develop into an experienced and self-motivated woman who is an asset to her community.

Saturday, a 19-year old college sophomore won the Miss Kentucky Pageant! I have followed her to several teen state pageants and last year's Miss state pageant. She is the perfect example of growing and developing through the process of competing. I am so excited about her year as Miss Kentucky and plan to watch every second of this year's Miss America competition!

I even see the young contestants learn patience and hard-work while preparing for a competition. Walking the same path across a stage over and over can bore any 9-year old. But, once they grasp the importance of practicing and gain confidence from being comfortable with their ability, they shine from the inside and the audience sees it on the outside. What looks graceful, flawless and effortless actually required time and energy to achieve.

I expect great things from the girls who earned the Miss Appalachian Sunshine Pageant titles on Sunday. They continue to improve and develop with each pageant they participate and their attitudes remain positive and friendly.

I am looking forward to a new season of pageantry and watching more young girls take the stage!