The Miss America pageant is an organization that focuses on the four points of the crown that comprise the substance of the program: Style, Scholarship, Success and Service. However, not a day goes by that the representatives of this organization need to explain that it is not in fact a beauty pageant. Although Miss America does not focus on outer beauty, it still is rich in tradition and consists of glitter, glamour and crowns.
Had you met me when I was young, you would have seen a tomboy covered in mud and grass stains and playing in the barn. I grew up in the country with my horses, barn cats, dogs and neighbor’s cows. I spent my days fishing, hiking, playing sports and enjoying all that the outdoors had to offer. In fact, my favorite past time is America’s favorite pastime; baseball. I grew up watching my dad play ball since I was a baby. Summer meant days and nights at the ball field. I grew to love the sport and started playing at a young age.
Fast forward to my high school days and I was training to achieve college offers to play. It was my senior year that it was all coming true.
In 2005, we had an amazing group of women who were State Championship bound. I had earned the position of Captain and all my hard work was paying off. It was this year that my softball coach informed me that she had signed me up to run for our local Harvest Festival Queen. I could not believe she had entered me! She told me that she thought I would do well and they were trying to get as many girls as possible.
On a warm Saturday evening, I found myself at the local band shell in a gown and heels, running for Harvest Festival Queen. 18 local girls graced the stage, answered on stage questions and had a formal interview earlier that day. Wouldn’t you know it! I won! Throughout that year, I had the opportunity to serve my community, attend local events and grow as a young woman. I found that I loved the experience and didn’t mind rotating the softball cleats for the queen crown.
As my year progressed, the committee of the Harvest Festival Queen said I should run for National Cherry Queen. And so it began. I started to apply myself in a new capacity outside of the softball field. Friends of mine smile and smirk when they see me in a sequin gown because they remember me best in a softball uniform with grass and dirt stains. I feel strongly that I have had such great success through this organization because I have never let go of who I really am, and that’s a country girl playing in the haystacks. What I love most about this organization is the ability to bring together such a wide variety of women and all who find success learning to embrace who they really are.
Signing off from the heart
Kaley
