Greeting Georgia~

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July. I spent mine honoring the heroes of our country in Atlanta at the biggest Independence Day Parade in the nation!! It was lots of fun! Erin Haney, a former Miss GA USA who now serves on the Miss Capital City Board (my former franchise) accompanied me to the event. A special thanks to Erin and all of the Miss America Organization (MAO) Volunteers!! THEY are who make this system so GREAT!!
I have been home for a few days now spending time with my family and getting organized for the year ahead!! I was able to have a few HOME COOKED meals before I started my travels!  That was sooooo nice! I was also so overwhelmed by the “big-to-do” my hometown has made over me being Miss GA! The hugs, waves, horn beeps, cards, and gifts have all made me feel like a queen!! Also the newspaper (The Herald Leader) was plastered with my photographs. I was so taken back. It took me a long time to just get through it because my eyes were filled with tears!! There were ads taken out by local businesses and citizens on just about every page from cover to cover! I was so touched!! Thanks so much to my hometown of Fitzgerald for their support! I love you all!!
My first photo shoot will be tomorrow and I cannot wait. Art Johnson in Albany will be taking the pictures. He has been photographing Miss GA for many years. Before winning this crown, I would visit his studio for headshots and family photos. He would always show me the pictures he had taken of the current Miss GA! I thought that was so cool. Now I will take my Miss GA photos with Art. WOW!! I STILL CANNOT BELIEVE THIS IS REALLY MY LIFE!!
Before I go, I wanted to take a moment to thank a few people I left out during my coronation speech at the Miss GA Ball. I was so overwhelmed and emotional that I had a hard time remembering all of the wonderful people who helped me along the way. As time passes, I‘m sure I will have even more people to thank. First, thanks to Thomas Barnette who was my vocal coach!! He was so much fun to work with and VERY talented!! Thanks Thomas!!! Also- Steve Betros, your support and love keep me going. Thanks so much and I love you!!
Well, I guess that’s all for now!  I look forward to sharing my year of service with you all!! I promise I will work very hard for this state as I believe it is my duty!!! Take Care All!!!