Well, this has certainly been an interesting pageant season for me thus far. I did a terrible job of updating my blog last season, so hopefully I can do a better job this year. I competed in 5 locals, 3 in Delaware, and 2 in Ohio. In no way do I want to develop a reputation as a "state hopper", although my particular circumstances might make it appear as such. As I proceeded to print off approximately 1,000,000 documents (exaggeration) from the 12 emails (
not an exaggeration) I received today, it finally hit me that I am truly going to Miss Ohio this year. After Miss Delaware last June, all I wanted was to go back again this summer. But seeing as my plans are rarely God's plans, local after local I was either unable to compete, or I would fall in my dance (Miss Wilmington pageant...good times, and the reason why I changed my talent), etc, etc. After a frustrating Christmas break with no Delaware locals, I was determined to try in Ohio once more (last year I competed in two Ohio locals with some unpleasant experiences). I found the Miss Muskingum Valley Scholarship website and could hardly believe my eyes when I read about the amount of scholarship monies available for the contestants. Stina McKendry is a wonderful director and I had an absolute blast staying in Zanesville with my fabulous host mom Tami Meagie. It was such a similar situation to Miss Delaware last year (same number of girls, more than 1 day with only finalists competing the second evening) that all I really wanted to do was make it past where I was last June. I was completely honored to make the top 8 at that local with so many amazing women, and I'm excited to spend more time with Kylie Johnson during Miss Ohio week. The following weekend I was in Delaware for spring break and competed in what I knew would be my last Delaware local for the year. I lost to the wonderfully talented Mikaila Ryan, and while I was excited for my friend, it was hard knowing I wouldn't spend the summer with my Miss Delaware girls that have become very good friends over the past few years (shout outs to Stephanie Bailey, Erin Magnin, and Kristina Maynard <3). As I came back to school I was all set to compete at sweeps next weekend when I received word that the Miss Greater Butler County pageant was on Saturday (this is Tuesday morning lol). I competed in the same local last year, did terribly, and almost quit pageantry because of it, but I figured I had nothing to lose, and worse case scenario I would still compete at sweeps.
I love pageant days and the chance I get to make amazing friendships. Because of a long break between interviews and rehearsals, I got to spend a few hours with Abby Daniel whom I had met at the Muskingum Valley local, and then met several other amazing ladies later that day. I don't really know what else to say except that my interview felt amazing that morning, and I didn't run into the speaker again during my talent (I'm still lacking some skin on my knee from that one lol). During awards the girls voted for me as the Spirit recipient (my favorite award), and then the judges shocked me by naming me this years Miss Greater Butler County. All I can say is that if you've heard Nanciann sing, you know what big shoes I have to fill this year. I also have the sweetest outstanding teen ever, and I can't wait to spend more time with Brooklyn Thompson this year.
So that's the story (sorry it's really long), and I'll be doing my best to keep you all updated on life here in Ohio. Oh, and before I forget, I just want to thank everyone in Delaware for the amazing support. You all encouraged me to go after my dreams, and you have all taught me so much. I will miss all of you, but we are still sisters in spirit.
Love and Peace,
Janemarie
photos courtesy of Mark Stiver
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