Crowning A New Miss South Arkansas

December 14-15 I spent the weekend in El Dorado giving up my title of Miss South Arkansas. Friday evening was full of rehearsals! I had a great time getting to know all of the teen and Miss contestants for South Arkansas and Ouachita River. Saturday morning I was awake early to introduce the contestants before the interview. The judges were extremely friendly and I know they enjoyed getting to know the contestants.

That afternoon Miss Ouchita River's Outstanding Teen, Emily Ann Hall and her family hosted a luncheon at their house. The food was absolutely delicious and I loved seeing all the Christmas decorations at their house. The Miss contestants competed in onstage question and swimsuit that afternoon, while the teens competed in talent. My favorite part of the pageant had to be after the girls competed in swimsuit. The song they modeled to was Gangham Style. After they were finished, Miss Arkansas, Sloane Roberts, Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen, Laura Leigh Turner, and I went out on stage to do the gangham style dance. We had our routine all planned out (a routine I stayed up until 1:30 practicing) but the music was never at the right place. We stood on stage nodding our head for the right moment to come but it never did. Eventually we added a little freestyle section in and soon we were able to perform our routine. Some of the teen contestants even joined us in the middle. 

That evening the contestants competed in the remainder of the competition. I was so excited to perform my routine from Miss Arkansas that night as well. One of my princesses joined me for my farewell that night. I loved having Hailee there with me. She was so mesmerized by Miss Arkansas! Sloane even let her wear her crown. It was absolutely precious! That is one of the amazing traits our Miss Arkansas has. She is so personable and knows how to make every person in the room feel like they are the most special. She made Hailee's night and she definitely felt like a princess. My dad, my brother, Dustin, and my boyfriend, Dylan all brought flowers to me during my farewell. I am so lucky to have such supportive men in my life.

I was so excited to crown Claire Hodgson the new Miss South Arkansas. She is such a sweet girl and I know she will be an amazing representative! I can't wait to be at Miss Arkansas this summer with all my pageant sisters. Many of us were able to enjoy a reception at the Holiday Inn after the crowning. I loved getting to hang out with Sloane, Claire, Sarah and many other contestants. I am blessed to be a part of an organization that has given me the opportunity to make some great friends.