Yesterday was extremely busy for me as the 2008 Miss Alabama pageant festivities kicked-off with move-in at Samford University starting at 7:30 a.m. I arrived at 8:00 with the first day's gifts in-tow. I met Lauren, Miss JSU 2008, around 8:15 at the ADPi house and helped (okay, watched) her get settled into her room.
The contestants (see http://www.missalabama.com for details) were all checked-in and headed to rehearsals by 8:45! From there, many directors and parents traveled down Lakeshore to IHOP for a nice breakfast before going to Colonial Brookwood Village for the 12:30 pm "Press Party."
The girls looked wonderful - its always interesting to see what they've chosen to wear to the press party - and everyone had a wonderful time mingling for the last time with the contestants prior to Wednesday's competition.
Today, the Miss Alabama Golf Classic was held - but as a non-golfer and a diligent (okay, mostly diligent) employee of BCBS of Alabama, I came to work instead of going golfing. That was after I delivered 'gifts' to the 50 contestants (not much - just some water, Hershey's Hugs, Smarties, snack crackers, gum, and mints), Haley Ates - our 2008 Miss Alabama's Outstanding Teen, and Jamie Langley, Miss Alabama 2007! Taking the 52 gift bags from the car to the dorm wore me out! But I had to do it before work so the Hugs wouldn't melt!
Tomorrow, the competition begins with Private Interview for the Mu and Alpha groups. Wednesday morning will bring on the Sigma group in interviews followed by the first full night of on-stage competition. I know some will think its silly, but keep these young women in your prayers. A lot of hard work and preparation has gone into getting this far and only one of the 50 will stay in Birmingham after Saturday as Miss Alabama 2008.
Some people may think that the Miss America program is out-dated and has lost its relevance, but I see our future doctors, lawyers, politicians, teachers, and mommies among the young women competing each year. They learn what it takes to work hard, set goals, and accomplish their dreams at a young age and it doesn't stop when the week ends! A perfect example is the reason I got involved to begin with - my little sister, Pam! Last week, she was named Teacher of the Year for Johnson Elementary in Rome, Georgia! She only went to Miss Alabama once as Miss JSU 1997, but earned enough scholarship to pay for that Masters degree in Special Education that helped her get that Teacher of the Year award!
I'm so proud to say that I'm involved in this program!
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