Friday was a packed full day of learning choreography, chit-chatting with all the ladies and a cocktail party with our handsome hubbies.
Saturday morning started immediately with interviews. I went for a 2 mile run before mine just to make sure
I was alert and ready. After interview, we headed to the theater for the pageant. Rehearsal went smoothly except our group was struggling with our light formations at the beginning of the opening number. Edrienne, Mrs. Texas 1999, finally gave us something we could master and feel great about.
The night started off with us competing in swimsuit and eveningwear. Then the judges cut our group from 25 to 15. I could feel my nerves creeping up my legs as they called semi-finalist 11, 12, 13… My name was finally called as semi-finalist 14. We rushed to change and re-compete in swimsuit and eveningwear. Before we knew it, they were calling out the Top 5. I tried to keep my cool as each spot
was being filled with one incredible lady after another. I was extremely excited when they called my name to fill the last spot. We were immediately escorted outside, so the Dawn could answer her on-stage question. One by one, each girl went inside to answer her question. It was a little surreal to be standing outside the theater during the middle of the pageant. They called me inside to answer my question and then our fates were in the hands of the judges. There were a ton of awards and preliminary awards, which I did not receive a single one. So when it was down to Abby Tracy, who won two preliminary awards, and me, I thought she had it in the bag. When they called her name as 1st runner-up, my mind had to take a second to process the fact that I had won!!! I was in complete shock. My family and friends were jumping up and down screaming and I couldn’t wait to give my Mr. Texas a hug! We spent the rest of the night celebrating and taking in the fact that I would be competing for Mrs. America!
I absolutely LOVE these ladies!
