Miss Idaho 2009 Kara Jackson: 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.”