KANSAS!!!! The land of beef, wheat, sunflowers, and the Wizard of Oz of course!

If you would have told me three months ago that my journey as Miss Idaho would take me to Kansas, I would have never believed you. Yet, this past monday, I found myself boarding a plane to (you guessed it) Wichita, Kansas for the 2009 American Farm Bureau Promotions and Education National Committee Meeting! I'd never been to Kansas before, so this was definitely a new, incredible experience that I will never forget!

One of my first experiences in Kansas was being welcomed to Kansas by Miss Kansas, Becki Ronen, herself! How many people get that opportunity? :) Sandy (my traveling buddy) and I were able to have dinner with Becki and her awesome mom at a local restaurant that was infamous for its delicious hummus and entrees! It was amazing! It was even better though to catch up with one of my Miss America sisters and hear about all the incredible things she is doing in Kansas! We had so much fun at dinner, and we finished the evening by doing a bit of shopping at one of Wichita's excellent malls.

The next morning, the conference started off with a bang where all the representatives from different states shared some of their success stories for agricultural promotions and education activities they have accomplished. It was so awesome to hear about some of the creative things that were being done in other states, and I now have a few more ideas now how to promote my platform over the next couple months! From there, I participated in workshops on Animal Rights Education, Public Speaking, and using Facebook and Twitter to get out the message. With the evening to spare, Sandy, Russ (an Idaho Farm Bureau representative) and I went to Wichita's Old Town to have some very yummy Latin food! Just thinking about that dinner makes my mouth water! After that, Sandy and I finished the night with some shopping and a very VERY small bowl of gelato (I hope my trainer doesn't read this :) ).

On wednesday, the Kansas Farm Bureau took us on a bunch of tours featuring agriculture companies and farms in Eastern Kansas. Our first stop was a farm where two brothers farm over 3000 acres, but actually own only 160 acres. They had all of their incredible tractors and combines lined up for us to check out, and described how they work to lease property from over 30 landlords. Those guys are ambitious! After having a fabulous lunch, we went to a ranch where in addition to raising cattle, they also collect energy via modern windmills! They had 100 windmills on the property, and it was very beautiful to see the windmills with the backdrop of the Kansas Flint Hills Prairie. We finished our tours at Walnut Valley Meat Packing in El Dorado, Kansas. I am always fascinated by meat packing plants (I know...I'm a little weird) and it was awesome to see the process they go through to individually package meat for local individuals.

Thursday was the last day of the conference, which just happened to start with a speech presented by yours truly! They had asked me to speak about a month ago, and I felt so privileged to share my unique and interesting story about how I've come to develop the views on agriculture that I am so passionate about today, and what I am doing to spread the message about the importance of supporting American Agriculture-the original green industry! To conclude the conference, a hog farmer from Missouri, Chris Chinn, then spoke about the message she spreads and the importance that we all find ways to educate people at airports, schools, and church about the reality of the agriculture industry. She was awesome! The link to her video about her family's hog farm on youtube is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOpVYj2bKIE. Please check it out so you can see how much farmers, just like Chris, truly care for their animals!

After an amazing conference where I became even more motivated about the value and strength of my platform, I was ready to head home! Sandy was heading to Raliegh to spend some time with her oldest son, so it was just Russ and I on the return trip to Boise. After boarding the plane, the door would not close, so they had us return back to the airport's terminal. Even with the expertise of the airport's mechanic, the door would not close! Luckily, Russ and I were able to get booked on the next flight for Denver which left only three hours later. Once in Denver, we were on standby on a flight to Boise, and by some luck I managed to get the last seat! Sometimes traveling isn't exactly fun, but I was very happy to make it back to Idaho safely.

I would like to personally thank Marsha Purcell (with American Farm Bureau), the Kansas Farm Bureau, and all the incredible people I met in Kansas for such an incredible time! It is so refreshing to see that people from other parts of the country are just as passionate and dedicated to telling people the real story of agriculture as I am, and it was awesome to share ideas and brainstorm.

Pictures will be coming soon....I promise!

Until next time...God Bless!

~Kara

Miss Meridian and Miss Ada County 2010!

Up to this point in the year, I have really enjoyed going to the local pageants, seeing my friends from this past year give up their titles and meeting the new faces who may be competing in Miss Idaho 2010! This past weekend was not an exception when I was able to attend the Miss Meridian and Miss Ada County 2010 pageant.

Although I have already attended 4 local pageant since being crowned Miss Idaho back in June, this was going to be the first where I was emceeing the pageant. I was very excited for this, especially since my fellow emcee was Miss Boise 2009 Meg Rowe, one of the most hilarious people I have ever met! I was able to meet with Sue (the local director) and all the contestants on Friday during their general rehearsal. It was so much fun to help Sue put together the little gifts for the girls, volunteers and judges, and mingle with the contestants. I forgot how much fun the rehearsals for locals are!

Saturday afternoon I headed back over to the school to run through my performance on stage, go through the script with Meg, and help out with anything else that I could. The pageant was amazing! All the contestants were fantastic, and it was great to see Amanda Richey, Miss Meridian 2009 and 1st runner up at Miss Idaho, and Kylie Kofoed, Miss Ada County 2009 and 2nd runner up at Miss Idaho, perform and give away their titles! They are both such incredible women and wonderful examples of what the Miss Idaho Scholarship Organization is about! Congrats to the new Miss Meridian 2010, Genevieve Nutting, and Miss Ada County 2010, Rylie McClellan! They are both going to be incredible at Miss Idaho in June, which believe it or not, is less than 9 months away! Time is definitely flying by!

Allof the Miss Meridian contestants, Miss Meridian Little Sisters, Amanda Richey (Miss Meridian 2009), Kylie Kofoed (Miss Ada County), Meg Rowe (Miss Boise) and myself during the intermission!

Well, from here I'm off to Kansas for the National Farm Bureau Federation Promotion and Education Conference! Have a Happy Fall!

Warmest Regards,

Kara

Air Force Appreciation

I’ve always loved supporting the military, and I got the chance to do just that the past two days for the Air Force Appreciation Days in Mountain Home! I was really excited about this appearance because Elise (Miss Idaho 2008) had told me how much fun it was for her, so I couldn’t wait for this opportunity!

Carley and I drove down to Mountain Home on Friday afternoon for the picnic, corn shuck and fun run. Since we arrived a bit early, we were able to mingle, meet some of the families and little girls, sign autographs, and play with the kids! I even was able to pet an adorable bulldog. :) We then had the privilege of participating in the corn shucking contest, which was quite the event! There was over 100 other people shucking corn, and together we shucked thousands of heads of corn within less than 20 minutes-which was definitely a cool event to watch and help with! We then enjoyed a delicious dinner, which included a yummy caramel apple. We finished the evening by playing with a bunch of darling girls and giving out some of the awards for the Fun Run! To say the least, it was incredible way to spend September 11th, such an important day to our country and our freedom!

Shucking Corn!

Yummy Caramel Apples!

The next morning, I woke up bright and early (for a Saturday) and drove back down to Mountain Home with my very fun appearance coordinator, Anna. We then quickly found my ride-a sleek red ’52 Carmangia! Since we had some down time before the parade started, I was able to talk a bit with John Bird, the Commander of the Mountain Home Air Force Base, and even meet a couple of the fighter squadrons! It was so much fun to be able to speak with these incredible men and women who serve our country! They are our true heroes. The parade was a blast-probably one of my favorite parades I’ve been in so far, and I was even able to throw candy and beads to the crowd! Since I was at the start of the parade, I was then able to watch the rest of the parade with some of the officers and other honored guests. Afterward, I helped serve the lunch (which included the corn we shucked the night before), play my viola for the audience, and wander through the entire festival. I even was able to stand behind the huge gun on the top of a Hummer! I had so much fun, and it was fantastic day! I am proud to be an American!

My awesome ride!

What a big gun!

My Visit to Idaho Potato Country!

Whenever I travel outside of the state and someone hears I’m from Idaho, the first question I always get asked is, “So do you grow potatoes?” Although I have never grown a potato myself, I was able to visit Idaho’s potato country, aka Bingham County, thanks to the Bingham County Farm Bureau!

As soon as I got into Blackfoot, I met my new family for the couple next days, the Dalleys! Joyce, Ralph, all their children and grandchildren were so wonderful with welcoming me right into their home and family right away! They even had the Boise State game on when I got there, and gave me one of the best home cooked dinners I’ve had in quite some time. :)

The next morning, I began my day by having breakfast at the local auction yard, meeting many of the Bingham County Farm Bureau members and leaders for breakfast. It was so much fun to see some familiar as well as new faces and hear about everything they do as a county Farm Bureau. Bingham County Farm Bureau Rocks! After the breakfast, my two drivers/escorts/tour guides/body guards/comic relief, Kendall Keller and Chris Dalley, drove me to the first school on our schedule- Ridgecrest Elementary. They had an entire school assembly of grades kindergarten-5th grade! After their student body elections, I was able to speak to them for a little bit about all the different things we produce in Idaho. The students were a blast, and afterward I handed out Ag in the Classroom pencils (thanks to Rick Waitley and Idaho Ag in the Classroom) and signed autographs. From there, we went to many, many more schools: Snake River Middle School, Rockford Elementary, Riverside Elementary, Aberdeen High (Pep Assembly!), Aberdeen Elementary and Aberdeen Middle School. It was a phenomenal experience being able to share the passion for my platform, Modern Agriculture: Supporting and Sustaining Society, and the diversity of Idaho agriculture with all of these students. I love speaking and working with students of all ages about where our food comes from and how important it is to support American agriculture and the American farmer. Like I tell all the students-whenever you eat, drink, or even put on your favorite pair of jeans, don’t forget to thank a farmer! :) Thank you so much Kimmel for arranging all of the school visits- it was seriously awesome!

Jason Moulten, Chris Dalley, me and Kendall Keller! These guys were awesome, but could still afford a couple more lessons at fending off 8 year old girls! :)

After the school visits, we made a short stop at the Pocatello Idaho Farm Bureau office, which is quite snazzy. I was able to meet all the employees, discuss some of the funny stories of the day, and I even got a very cool pink Idaho Farm Bureau hat! I will be definitely be sporting it at Miss America! Later that evening, I went to the Bingham County Young Farmers and Ranchers BBQ. It was so much fun to hang out and eat some awesome food (Thanks Jason!). I definitely was initiated into the kids’ gang, and had a bunch of fun listening to all of the kids’ favorite stories, playing badminton in the dark, and watching all of them play the Wii projected onto the wall of a barn. It was an awesome night!

All the girls at the BBQ and me!

The next morning, I rode in the Eastern Idaho State Fair Parade on the Bingham County Farm Bureau float. The other featured guest on the float (in addition to all the cute kids whose parents are involved in FB) was Joyce Dalley, my new “Blackfoot Mom” and Bingham County Farm Bureau Woman of the Year! It was a lot of fun to see the entire town of Blackfoot come out to start the fair with a bang! Afterward, we headed straight to the Eastern Idaho State Fair, which is very impressive! I spent the rest of the day in the Ag in the Classroom booth, passing out “I’m a Fan of Farmers” fans, signing autographs, and having a blast with Kimmel and Kelly!

The two cutest little kids ever- Sadie and Piers, with me on the float before the Parade!

That evening, I had to drive back to Boise. Although I was happy to go home, I was very sad to leave my new Blackfoot family. This was hands down one of my favorite appearances yet, and I won’t forget all the hospitality, kindness and friendship everyone in Blackfoot gave to me! Thanks for an incredible time!

I’ll leave you with a quote I have come to love the past couple of months: “I’d rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed.” –Robert Schuller

God Bless!

ORLANDO!!!!!!!!

Florida…the land of sunshine, oranges, theme parks galore, and for one week every year, the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant! To say the least, I was very excited to be able to take a trip down there to see what Florida was about, oh, and watch the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant!

My journey began on Sunday, August 9th, by flying from Boise all the way to Orlando with my two excellent and very enjoyable executive directors, Amy and Brenda! We had quite the time on the flight, reading the latest issue of Glamour, playing Uno and Skipbo, and even making bracelets. The flight attendants probably thought we were a little crazy, with our beads for the bracelets, and plenty of fresh, yummy snacks, but who cares when you’re having fun?
With a quick night’s sleep after our arrival into Orlando, we went to meet Carry and David at their fantastic pageant dress shop, Regalia! I had really been looking forward to meeting Carry and David and seeing their shop, because this was going to be where I was going to select my competition wardrobe for Miss America! There, I tried on dress after dress for many, many hours with the constant patience and humor of Carry. After I had put on well more than 1000 dresses (okay…probably only 150) we had decided on an evening gown and talent dress! Carry and David were so wonderful, and I loved every minute I spent in their shop! They are definitely the best!

That day I was also able to meet my roommate for the week, Miss Washington 2009 Devanni Partridge! Devanni was so much fun from the start, and I had a blast with her staying up into the wee hours of the night watching Sex and the City reruns and chatting about school, friends, pageants, boys, and life in general! She is such an incredible person and a fantastic titleholder for the state of Washington, and I can’t wait to see her again in January!

My journey continued on Tuesday with my parents, who had both flown down, taking me to Disneyworld! It just happened to be my mom’s birthday, and I was so excited to spend her birthday in one of the coolest places in the world! It was also my first time ever to a Disney theme park, so as soon as my parents picked me up that morning, I was shaking with anticipation to spend the day at a place I have dreamed about going to since I was a little girl! We had so much fun going on all the rides, seeing the characters, going through the gift shops and trying on the silly hats, and experiencing the magic! It was definitely a memorable day!
Before you knew it, I had to leave Disneyworld and head right back to the hotel for the 1st night of preliminaries for the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant! I was so incredibly proud of all the contestants, it was hard to believe they are all still in high school! I was especially proud of Carley, Miss Idaho’s Outstanding Teen, she was awesome and had so much confidence on stage!

The Princess Mouse Ears didn't exactly fit over my head, but I still tried!

In front of the castle :)

Pretending to scream before riding off on the Runaway Train at Disneyworld!

It wasn't me!


Carley and me after the 1st night of prelims during visitation!

On Wednesday, I was able to spend time with all the other Miss America contestants when we spent the day at Universal Studios with “VIP Access.” We had an awesome tour guide, and he took us straight to front of the line for all the best rides! I’ve always wanted to go to Universal Studios in Orlando, so this was definitely the way to experience it! Universal Studios treated us so well that theme parks are ruined for me-I won’t ever be able to wait in a long line again! It was definitely the experience of a lifetime, and I loved being able to get to know all the other state titleholders through such a fun time! That night, we also attended the 2nd night of prelims, where Carley performed talent! She was phenomenal!

Miss Ohio, Miss Wyoming and me with theSimpsons at Universal Studios!

The next day was filled with filming and photos for the Miss America special they will be airing the day before the pageant, and for the new Go Green Initiative the next Miss America will be promoting. A production crew from TLC interviewed each of us individually about our backgrounds, platforms, favorite foods, and why America should vote for us to be the next Miss America. They also informed us that viewers will have the chance (again!) to vote for their favorite contestants, and the four contestants with the most votes will automatically make the Top 15! The special is supposed to air sometime in the week before Miss America, so stay tuned for more details!

That evening, Regalia treated us all by taking us to a delicious Italian restaurant. I was very lucky because David from Regalia sat next to me throughout the dinner- he is so much fun! All of us contestants had an awesome time while enjoying some very yummy food! Thank you David and Carry for treating us so well! We finished the evening by attending the 3rd night of prelims. Carley competed in talent and evening gown and on-stage question. She looked so beautiful in a gorgeous purple evening gown that had came from Regalia, and she handled her on-stage question with so much poise.

David from Regalia, and me at Little Italy! He is so awesome!

Because of the interview schedule, I had most of Friday free, so I was able to go to SeaWorld with my Mom and Dad. From enjoying the roller coasters, watching Shamu and all his friends, to petting the dolphins, I loved every minute I spent at SeaWorld! It was so much fun, and I am definitely looking forward to going to SeaWorld again in the future.

That evening, the 52 other Miss America contestants and I went to the Siegel Estate, where Mr. and Mrs. David Siegel were generous enough to host the Miss America Scholarship Gala. Their house was incredible, and we were able to fundraise over $25,000 for the Miss America Scholarship fund! I felt so privileged to be a part of this event, and I was even able to provide some entertainment by performing on my viola. Oh, and I got to talk a bit with Katie Stam, Miss America 2009! It was definitely an unforgettable, incredible evening!

All of us Miss America 2010 Contestants and Miss America herself, Katie Stam! (And I'm even in the front row!)

I'd never seen a crown cake before in my life!

Me with Katie...you know, Miss America!

Saturday was my last day in Orlando, and it was filled with an informational meeting, filming for Green T with Tamara, shopping, and the Finals for the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant! Congratulations to Jeanette Morelan, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2010 from Wisconsin! This girl is incredible, and she will do an amazing job this next year.

My interview with Tamara from "Green T with Tamara"

After watching all the nights of competition and finals night, I was especially proud of Carley. She represented our state with so much energy, enthusiasm, grace, and class! She rocked every area of competition, and stood out so well during the dance numbers. I am so proud to be sister queens with her!

Looking back on all the experiences I’ve had this past week, I feel very humbled to have these opportunities and serve as your Miss Idaho. I am so pumped for Miss America, and I am going to do everything I can to be prepared for January. I can’t believe I have a chance to be the next Miss America!

The Rest of June....

Between head shots, Miss America paperwork, and adjusting to a new life, I have no problem admitting that the rest of the month of June has been busy. Let me update you on a few of my favorite and most exciting appearances I’ve done over the past couple weeks.

On Thursday, June 25th, I woke up bright and early and picked up Carley (Miss Idaho’s Outstanding Teen 2009), to drive up to Sun Valley! We were going to be featured guests for the “Girls On Style” workshop for girls ages 11-13. Being one of my first appearances as Miss Idaho where I speak to young girls, I was so excited to motivate the girls and help them see what the word beauty really means. As soon as we got there, we immediately began by telling the girls a little bit about ourselves and answering some of the questions they had concerning pageants. Carley and I then performed our talents, and we had an awesome time talking to them about developing a talent and following your dreams. Then, we got to help the girls in their very own fashion shoot! The girls were all so incredible, and it was so much fun to bond with them and see how self confident and ambitious these young teens were!

Suzanne, Carley, the girls and me!

Carley and me signing autographs for the girls! They were so darling!


The skaterboy wanted our autographs on his helmet :) ha ha

The next morning, I woke up even earlier to be interviewed by Melissa Paul on the Channel 6 Morning News. Melissa Paul is a former Miss Idaho and a former titleholder from the Miss Tri-Counties pageant, so it is always so great to see her! She is an amazing woman and a fantastic role model. After a fun interview with Melissa, I went home to catch a 30 minute nap, and then on to my next interview with Don Jarret with WOW Country 104.3. Don and Clint, one of the radio managers, were a hoot! We had so much fun, and they made me laugh way too much!

Don Jarret, radio personality extraordinaire, and me!

Later that evening, I went to Hawk’s Memorial Stadium to help welcome the amazing athletes to the 2009 Idaho Special Olympics Summer Games! This was probably one of my favorite appearances I have ever done as a titleholder….it was incredible! As soon as I arrived, I met up with Carley Campbell (MIOT ’09), Alli Lance (Miss West River Valley 2009), and Kylie Kofoed (Miss Ada County 2009) and we began mingling and taking photos with the athletes. Before we knew it, the ceremony began and I was able to greet the athletes as they were walking across the stadium during the Parade of Athletes. It was an absolute blast to give the athletes high fives, hugs, and cheer for them during this incredible moment! After the Parade, I played my viola with them, and after some technical difficulty with the microphone (this tends to happen to me a lot as a string musician), I think everyone was able to hear my performance. What a fun and rewarding night!

Right before my performance

Kylie Kofoed, Miss Ada County '09, Carley Campbell, Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen, me, and Alli Lance, Miss West River Valey '08, in the dugout during the Special Olympic Ceremony

My aunt Teri and me. Teri is a Special Olympian and competes in swimming! I am so proud of her!

After a day that I thought couldn’t be topped, Brenda (my executive director) and I drove down to Twin Falls for the 2010 Miss Magic Valley Pageant. As soon as we arrived, we went to the Canyon Crest Dining Restaurant (right on the Snake River Canyon) to have dinner with the judges. The view was fantastic! After dinner, we headed straight over to the pageant where I was able to meet the contestants, and see two of my friends from the Miss Idaho Pageant, Jessica Starley (Miss Magic Valley 2009) and Deidre Edmunds (Miss Central Valley 2009). It was so much fun to see two friendly faces and hear about all the exciting things that happened in their lives in the short time that had passed since Miss Idaho. The pageant was phenomenal, and the winners were: Heatherly Norman, Miss Canyon Rim 2010, and Courtney Barry, Miss Magic Valley 2010! They are going to be awesome at Miss Idaho this next June!
The month of June was unforgettable, and I can’t believe so much has changed in this short amount of time! One thing’s for sure, I can’t wait for Miss America in January!

Deidre Edmunds (Miss Central Valley '09), all the Miss Magic Valley Contestants, and me! They were fantastic!

Until next time!!!

Kara

Can You Say MOOO? Meridian Dairy Days Parade!

This past Friday, I was able to participate in my very first parade as Miss Idaho, the Meridian Dairy Days Parade!!!!! I’ve participated in the Dairy Days Parade for many years; as an FFA member I would pass out milk at the start of the parade, last year I rode in it as Miss Treasure Valley, and one year I even rode my horse in the parade as a 4-H member. As you can probably imagine, I was very excited that it was my first official parade as Miss Idaho!

Carley and I before the parade started-blankets, towels and umbrellas on hand!

Well…..the parade didn’t start out exactly as I had envisioned. For an Idaho June afternoon, which is normally very hot and dry, it was instead fairly cold, nippy, and rainy! Not my idea of the perfect parade weather. Nevertheless, Carley Campbell (MIOT 2009) and I made the best of it with a pink and white golf umbrella my dad had given me that very day. I have to admit, we looked pretty awesome on top of a sweet Silver Corvette with red interior, and a pink umbrella over us to keep us dry! Very stylish indeed! Despite the cold weather, we had a fantastic time, interacting with the crowd, waving to all the adorable little girls, and smiling for pictures. I even received a marriage proposal from a 4 year old boy! J Afterward, I warmed up with a delicious grilled cheese sandwich and some hot chocolate. What an enjoyable experience! Thank you Starmedia Productions for allowing us to be a part of your parade slot!

Carley and I in the sweet Corvette, with some pretty awesome clouds in the back!

Our corvette definitely matched the stormy weather!

Until next time,

Kara J :)

My First Appearance! Miss Gem County 2009

Less than 2 days after I was crowned, I already headed off to my first appearance, Miss Gem County! I met with Amy, Justin, and their two adorable children, Jed and Bretta, and we car pooled with my Mom and Anna to Emmett for the pageant. Once there, I was able to put my stuff back in the dressing room where I was able to meet all of the contestants :) and visit with Sarah, who was going to be giving away her title of Miss Gem County that night. After watching the first half of the pageant, I went to change and help Sarah ask the on-stage questions. From there, I was able to perform my talent, and help with giving out all the awards. Congrats to all the winners, and I’m so excited for the new Miss Gem County 2009, Keili Satchwell! I’m looking forward to seeing her at several events this next year, and she’s going to be phenomenal at Miss Idaho next June!

Me, the 2009 Miss Gem County Contestants, and Miss Gem County 2008-Sarah Downs

After the pageant, I headed for some delicious Emmett cuisine at the Roe Ann Drive-In! (It’s a must if you’re ever in the Emmett area.) It was especially fun to watch Bretta eat her chicken nuggets. Yummy! :)

Overall, it was quite an excellent first appearance, and I’m looking forward to many more this next year!

The Crowning Moment- Becoming Miss Idaho 2009

Elise Davis, Miss Idaho 2008, and me in the Crowning Moment!

It was the end of a memorable week. After two nights of competition, some fun appearances with the other 21 contestants, lots of laughs, and more than six months of preparation, this was it. I was standing on the front of the stage with the six other contestants, and one of us was going to be the next Miss Idaho. I remember beginning to shake when the MCs started to announce the Top 5. 4th runner up…3rd runner up…2nd runner up…1st runner up…and finally, I was announced as Miss Idaho!!! I was so excited, I wanted to cry, scream, smile, jump up and down, but somehow I managed to stand still long enough for Elise (Miss Idaho 2008) to get the crown on my head (after we had a mishap with the direction of the Miss Idaho sash J). I was in absolute disbelief! It was such an incredible moment, and I hope to never forget the way I felt at that point in time for the rest of my life.

The Top 5 (Left to Right)-Ashley Ford (3rd runner up), Amanda Richey (1st runner up), me, Kylie Kofoed (2nd runner up), and Genevieve Nutting (4th Runner up).

Carly Campbell, the newly crowned 2009 Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen, and me

After getting to hug and congratulate the other amazing girls I had the privilege of competing with, I took a bunch of photos, did a short taping for Miss America (eek!), crowned my adorable Miss Idaho “Little Sister,” Breana, and attended to several other small tasks that required the new Miss Idaho’s attention. I was then whisked away to the Miss Idaho Receptions, where after giving a short impromptu speech, I was able to see all my friends and family that supported me through all the ups and downs of working towards my dream of becoming Miss Idaho. It was so good to hug my directors, laugh with my parents, and even have my brother pick me up (which is a little scary in an evening gown and crown). I was so happy and relieved, and it was definitely the celebration that all of us girls deserved after a long week of hard work!
I still cannot believe I am Miss Idaho 2009. This has been my dream, and I feel so incredibly blessed to spend this next year representing the people of Idaho. I can’t wait to start my preparations for Miss America, and begin promoting my platform, Modern Agriculture-Supporting and Sustaining Society, all across the state. I am excited, overwhelmed, humbled, ecstatic, focused and energized for this next year! Back in 4th grade, I dressed up as Miss America for Halloween, and it is unbelievable that I actually have the chance to make that dress up costume become a reality. All I can say is “Dreams really do come true.”

Elise and me



My 2 brothers, John and Jacob, my sister, Katie, and me at the Miss Idaho Reception