To Miss Memphis 2016

So the Miss Memphis pageant is rolling around- January 2nd to be exact and I hope to see everyone there!
And of course about this time I'm getting super nostalgic.. This is my first year sitting in the audience at Miss Memphis and it's actually really weird.

My first year, I was second runner up (Also my first pageant, but we'll talk about that in another post)-
My second year I came back and won the title of Miss Memphis 2014,
And last year I had the chance to crown my successor and say my farewells.

So since it's frowned upon for me to run around onstage with the princesses and pretend like I'm one of them, I wanted to give best wishes to Miss Memphis 2016.

I can't wait to see who you are and to watch your crowning face from the audience- I'll be clapping for you and waiting with open arms to welcome you into the Miss Tennessee Class of 2016!

So without further ado....

To the new Miss Memphis,

WOW how cool is this?!?!
You are Miss Memphis!!!!
AND YOURE GOING TO MISS TENNESSEE!!!!!

AND YOU GET TO SLEEP AT THE PEABODY AND SEE THE DUCKS THE DAY AFTER YOU'RE CROWNED YAAAAAAYYY!!!!

I'm going to share some secrets with you now, because you, my dear, have a very special job this year.
You mean so much to the community that you're involved in, the people that you know and will come to know, and to each and every person you represent.

You are the 69th Miss Memphis. You share this bond with only 69 other women- and only those women can fully understand the amazing journey that you're about to embark on. 

So now it's time to chat one Miss Memphis to another.
You have such an incredible opportunity set up before you. And I hope you seize this opportunity- because it's very special. I hope you treat every day like it's your last day to wear the crown. And I hope you place that crown on one little girl's head every single day.

You have the opportunity of a lifetime. You are in a position for such a time as this. You are here for a reason. A panel of judges selected YOU from all the contestants to serve as Miss Memphis this year. So many other women would love to have the chance that you do now, and I pray you take every opportunity that you are given. You have the chance to meet so  many incredible people, to make such an impact on your community- but only if you put in the work.

It's going to be hard. You're managing a job or school or both, familial obligations, duties in clubs and societies you're a part of, trying to attempt to have a social life, maybe you have a boyfriend to worry about, you're trying to be in swimsuit shape, work on your talent, develop your platform, in addition to, y'now, taking a breath and doing something for you once in a while. It's stressful! I get it! But what's so amazing about this year is you have such a fabulous team to support you.

You have a director who has chosen to selflessly give up her time to guide you. You have a whole board who will give you advice and encourage you when you need it. You have sponsors that will give you whatever you need to be fully equipped to execute your job flawlessly and to prepare for competition week at Miss Tennessee.
(And a shiny hat and spiffy sash to boot)

You've worked SO hard to achieve this goal and I'm so proud of you for earning your title.
But now is not the time to relax. You're about to meet your Miss Tennessee sisters in March! It's time to prepare for June, to make appearances, to find out more about your role, and to run with all these new chances and opportunities you've been given.

So my dear Miss Memphis,

What will you do with your year? 

Will you dare to achieve excellence in everything you do?

I dare you to do what scares you.
I dare you to walk in the mayors office unannounced and introduce yourself. (I did it at 18, so can you) 
I dare you to visit as many CMN hospitals as you can and to make every single child that you meet, smile.
I dare you to take your crown off and make a little girls day by crowning her an official princess.
I dare you to make a little boy blush by kissing him on the cheek.
I dare you to take a child in a CMN hospital by the hands and sing let it go with them to make them forget their current surroundings.
I dare you to hug that child's mom and pray for her after you've left the hospital that night.
I dare you to ignite a new fire about your platform and to do as much for the people it affects as possible.
I dare you to get out of your comfort zone and to take some risks this year. 
I dare you to appear at anything that sounds interesting (AND APPROPRIATE) in your community

I dare you to make a difference.
That's why you were given this opportunity.
To make a difference and to serve your community and to lead by example. 
That's why every titleholder across America was given her crown.
To make a difference.
That's our job.

The crown that sits on your head is a reminder that you are not the one that is to be adored for your sparkly accessories but a reminder that you are an ambassador and a servant leader for your community.

Don't forget that.
I dare you to be the best you can be.
I dare you to be the best Miss Memphis there ever was and will be.
I dare you to achieve excellence at what you do every single day.

​So will you be daring?
Will you try to achieve excellence every day?

You have the opportunity.
So go out there and be great!
You have the whole world at your fingertips,
All you have to do is reach out and take it.
Miss Memphis, I can't wait to find out who you are and to watch your reign and see what you do. You're going to be spectacular - I know you are!
I can't wait to see what fantastic things you'll do.

So get some sleep beauty queen, because January 2nd is coming soon, and it doesn't slow down after that.

Sincerely,

Your Miss Tennessee Class of 2016 Sister and forever Miss Memphis
Christine