One of my favorite pictures: Ryan on top of being camera man, capturing my face when I won top interview!
Coming into the gala with my dad
Walking into the gala
My dad and I
Posing on stage!
Lining up for the court
So many pictures, my cheeks started to hurt!
Posing with one of our judges, Janette Smith, after the show. It was fun meeting her up close and personal!
Well, I am HOME! And sick as can be! It took us what seemed like forever to pack up all of my stuff from my "home" in room 728. I probably will sleep for the next week. Winter hibernation in summer! Well, I was 1st runner up! I WAS SOOO excited and honored to place so high. I know it was a very difficult year and I truly believe that the decision had to have been extremely close. But God’s plan did not include me being Miss California this year. However, as Kristy Cavinder and I stood there looking into each other’s eyes, hands squeezed tightly, I felt a sense of overwhelming tranquility. Because I knew either way, California would luck out because I felt either of us would have represented California well. I was already grateful to be standing in one of those two spots.
During the top 12 announcement, I was called as number 6, and I think I was more nervous to remember which way to go, I almost didn’t have time to be nervous! Season drilled the “magic numbers” into our heads over and over, but when I was walking to center stage, I just blanked for a second so as I was saying thank you, I had to regroup and think logically, “okay, Jenna, where do you go?” Luckily I remembered and I laughed because my FIRST thought was, “Okay, Season, you better be proud!” We were rushed off of stage and I immediately had to lose all modesty because we had helpers assist us in changing, spraying “butt glue”, and putting on jewelry and doing hair and make-up. Kristy Cavinder and I shared a dressing room. We kept laughing and laughing because we were so shocked. It was fun getting ready with her, she is so sweet and sincere and we even had some time to goof off as we waited during intermission and take pictures together! I almost don’t even remember this time because it was such a flash. I happened to be in one of the worst positions (being contestant number 6) I had to race to change into talent and then race to get my swimsuit on and get onto stage. The backstage crew was so helpful and it made the night run much smoother.
When they announced top 5, I was the FIFTH to be called, so I was so shocked still that, again, I didn’t have time to be nervous for my on stage question! I was asked how the recession has affected me personally. I mentioned that as a student who paid for school I have had to prioritize spending in my life and I have sacrificed outings with friends, I never ate out, and basically I only spend money on things I know I absolutely need.
The final results were: 4th runner up: Miss Southland Brittney Henry, 3rd Runner up: Miss City of Orange Noelle Freeman, 2nd Runner Up: Miss Southwest California Megan Lyne, 1st runner up (me) and MISS CALIFORNIA 2009: Kristy Cavinder!!!
Finally, I think this is a great time to announce that I will be going to the National Sweetheart Pageant! I am so excited to be California's Sweetheart Representative. It feels surreal to be part of such an incredible bunch of ladies. Veena Goel, Cheri Gorin, Angel Blue, Elise Horner, Amy Yetasook, Jennifer Lee, Megan Lyne… all girls who I REALLY look up to and I feel so honored to now join them as California’s Sweetheart! So, for those of you who don’t know about the National Sweetheart Pageant, let me tell you a little more about it. The Sweetheart pageant is held in Hoopeston, Illinois (we googled it- population around 6,000!) And it is a pageant for Miss America state pageant runner-ups. The pageant is just like a Miss America pageant, but is not formally affiliated with Miss America. Essentially, it is an extra shot at scholarships and apparently a week to be treated like royalty in such a small town! I have heard from a few of the girls mentioned above that it was one of the best experiences they had ever had. AND there is a parade, just like Miss America does, which hosts each state representative. You know me! Parade?! I’m THERE! I hear there is a sweet corn eatin' contest, too. We are now accepting applications. I was honored that Miss California considered me to go, and I will work so hard to do my best and make California proud.
Thank you EVERYONE who has shown me unconditional love and support all week long. You know who you are so I don't need to name names. You will forever hold a very special spot in my heart and your kindness will never be forgotten.
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