Amidst the preparations for Miss NH came the Miss NH ball very suddenly. This event was kind of a kick off to spark the many Miss NH activities that were going to take place during the coming week. I had a wonderful date named Jon, who just happened to be the son of my lovely director Deb. He cleans up nicely :) I wish i had more pictures from this event, I'm sure I do somewhere... on a camera that I probably lost. Anyways, here's what I could scrape up.
Note to self: Always bring a camera with you to things you want to remember.
New Hampshire Girls Wear every color in the book.
Okay so to continue with the story. I honestly have almost zero if any pictures at all from Miss NH whether it be onstage or off for two reasons. I forgot a camera and also I'm not the most photogenic individual alive so basically everything I have is unusable. Words can paint quite the picture however.
Twas the night before move in and all through my house were my director and I running around. Not necessarily how the traditional story goes but it was quite a show. We were attempting to pack everything and figure out which outfits I would wear which day and what jewelry to wear out of Deb's magical jewelry collection. Last minute, I know. But knowing her and I, there really wasn't any other way we could have done it. Hours went by until we were both too exhausted to realize I needed some sleep before the big move in day! So it was the big move in day at the hotel and I, being a rookie, had absolutely zero idea what was to come of the week ahead. All the girls looked amazing and ready for the competition. While I was technically one of them, I still look up to them like every little girl who wants to be a princess and boy did they look beautiful. It's encouraging to know that every girl competing for the title of Miss NH was well qualified and prepared for the job if they were given the opportunity; the job would be left in good hands.
Day 1 we welcomed the rigorous dance rehearsals and talent rehearsals as a chance to finally run through the show on the big stage with the big set. It was all coming together. Of course, I was struggling to focus as my mind was on the interview that would be coming very fast.
Basically to summarize the rest of my Miss NH week, we danced more than this uncoordinated body has ever danced, I sang my heart out, ate everything in sight, and slept every chance I got. Oh, and my interview went stellar, the judges were beyond friendly and for my first time out in the big leagues, I felt comfortable with my performance.
I didn't really make my mark on the Miss NH stage but that week left its mark on me. The girls were incredible. Lissa, my roommate, was everything I could have asked for and Im so grateful that I had the opportunity to room with such a kind and passionate person. She could have talked forever about her work with her platform and I would have enjoyed listening every second. It's really beautiful to hear someone speak about something they are so passionate about; it's refreshing to know that the world will be left in the hands of those more concerned about others than themselves. Lissa led me through every hesitant step as I tried to figure out what the whole experience was about. I cannot thank her enough for welcoming me as she did.
In addition to my wonderful roommate, the other contestants definitely left their mark on my heart forever. Katrina, you were always there to calm me down in one of my hair freak outs and provide the much needed laughs when everything else seemed to stressful to handle. Ms. Lyman, it was an honor competing with you after I watched you as a quiet spectator last year, you have big things ahead of you I just know it. My entire dressing room was wonderful: Rebecca sort of stole my space on the counter but I couldn't have been more okay with it :) Mini Moose, I cannot get enough of you.
Meghan Lamontagne, you are my hero. Your perseverance and growth through Miss NH is something I will always strive to achieve. Thankyou for being such an amazing big sister to me this year and talking to me when everyone else was a bit hesitant to. I'll miss you so much next year.
Regan, I know this post is extremely late but if you ever happen to read this I want you to know you're an absolutely beautiful Miss New Hampshire and I cannot wait to see what you do in Vegas, I know it's going to be phenomenal I just hope I can witness it in person. I've loved seeing you at all the locals this year.
I have so much I could say to all the contestants as each individual played a vital role in making my week such a memorable one. First and foremost I really need to thank all the Miss NH volunteers. It wasn't until this week that I really got to see every single person involved with the organization. The sheer number of hours spent working to raise the scholarship dollars, build the stage, truck the girls back and forth, provide us with food, etc, is incredible and I cannot thank everyone enough. Not only for the scholarships that are helping me through college but for providing a place to make the memories that I have. Thankyou all.
As you can see, Miss NH wasn't really about me competing all that much this year. It was about the experience and making memories and friends that will continue to grow as I stay with this organization. I know it all sounds cheesier than a dairy festival but I love this family that as adopted me into its longstanding traditions. I look forward very much to what next year will bring.
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