First off, I must congratulate Erica Gelhaus on winning the title of Miss Ohio 2009!! She is a wonderful young woman who is beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside as well. She is extremely talented and very well-spoken. I can honestly say that Miss Ohio may have another Miss America on their hands! I wish her the best of luck during her year as Miss Ohio and I know she will do great at Miss America 2010.
For those of you that are familiar with Miss Ohio week you know that it is hectic and tiring. Although everyone was dragging by the Saturday morning, we had more down time than other years! All of the contestants caught on to the production number very quickly and we often found ourselves back at our host homes while the sun was still up. I had a great time getting to know all of the new contestants and reuniting with the old. I enjoyed all of the activities during the week, such as the Carousel, the fashion show at the Richland Mall, the parade especially the Clydesdale horses, the teen pageant and of course the crowning moment of the new Miss Ohio.
I was thrilled to be a top 10 semi-finalist at Miss Ohio this year. I really had a wonderful time and I wasn't the least bit disappointed with the top 5 results. I was just happy for the opportunity to perform on Saturday night. I am really looking forward to next year and I already miss all of the chaperons and contestants.
I really feel like I've grown as a person and competitor since I began competing in the program. I learned that the most important thing to have when competing at Miss Ohio (or anything in life) is a positive attitude. It's definitely easier said than done. It's so easy to compare yourself to other contestants and began to convince yourself that you're not worthy or winning and that you're not good enough, etc. Karissa gave all of the contestants the best advice I've ever heard. She said that we are only competing with ourselves and not one another and it is important that we don't become our own worst enemy.
I have to thank so many people! First I must thank God for the wonderful opportunity to compete at Miss Ohio and for giving me strength not to pass out under the HOT stage lights (haha). I also have to thank my mom and grandma for coming to every competition night and always sitting through my events (no matter how boring). I definitely have to thank Amber Cleland for being the best chaperon and host home EVER! We had the best time together and I really do miss her already! Another thank you goes out to Sue Cleland. Although she wasn't technically my chaperon this year, I felt like she still was. Thank you for fixing my dresses at the last moment and I really enjoyed our lunch date on the boat! I have to thank Brett, my boyfriend, for driving to Mansfield to drive me in the parade. It really meant a lot to me and I was happy he got to enjoy and be a part of Miss Ohio week. I want to thank Melanie Murphy Miller for her constructive advice during my talent rehearsal, it definitely helped. I also have to thank Dolly, Wil and Charlie for the great dinner before the teen pageant. They are all so supportive and encouraging and I love my Miss Maple City family. Thanks to Karissa for a wonderful year as Miss Ohio 2008, you were fantastic and I know you will be very successful in anything you want to do. And last but not least, thank you to all of the other contestants for an amazing week and wonderful memories.
(I will post more pictures soon)
Meggie Wittman, myself and Ashley Warholic sign each others t-shirts!
Erica with some of the players, so cute!
Phew....glad that's over.
