Miss America 2011

I have just returned from a fantastically fun time in Las Vegas for the Miss America 2011 competition! It was awesome to watch our own Miss Texas, Ashley Melnick, light up the stage. This year was the 90th anniversary for the Miss America Organization, and achieved another interesting landmark. Miss America 2011 was the largest gathering of Miss America's ever, boasting over 47 former titleholders in one place. 

Miss Fort Worth Crew

Me with Jalee Miss Hawaii 2010 &
Hawaii Outstanding Teen '05

Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry

Katie Harmon Miss America 2002

Miss Kentucky 2009 Mallory Irvin

Former Miss Teen Texas '05: Heather Harris/Meghan Miller
'06 Kendall Morris '10 Madison Fuller

Me with Miss America 1995

Me with Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011

MORE PICS AND VIDEOS UPLOADED SOON!

Houston Christmas Eve Super Feast

One appearance I have had the pleasure of attending since I was 14, is the Houston Christmas Eve Super Feast. This is a huge event, where volunteers from all across Houston come together to serve a nice Christmas dinner to those in need. This event is particularly special because we have an opportunity to not only serve food, but to get to know some of the children waiting in line as we sign autographs.



My favorite story from this years event stars a little girl, much like most of the other girls I had seen that day. She comes running up to me with extreme excitement in her eyes, and I knew she was going to be a very special little girl. She asks me,. "Are you a superstar?" Not really sure how to answer this question I responded with a question, "Well I am a queen, does that make me a superstar?" And without missing a beat she said, "Of course! I knew it! You ARE a superstar." But then I asked her if she was a superstar too, and she bowed her head slightly and replied that she was not a superstar just a normal girl. I looked her in the eyes and said, "You look like a superstar to me! Definitely a superstar." The biggest smile spread across her face and as she ran off I heard her say, "You are RIGHT! I am a superstar!"

I want to thank Duc Nugyen for setting this event up every year. Although you couldn't be there with us this year we love you and appreciate everything you do! THANKS!

All Titleholders dressed and ready to serve!

Serving Turkey! My specialty!

With our favorite lead server! He's been there every year with us!

Plano Children's Christmas Party

The closer it gets to Christmas, the more appearance opportunities seem to come up. One of those unique opportunities was a Christmas Party for those less fortunate to have Christmas, and it was in my new hometown of Plano! There were all sorts of activities for the children to do, including going to see Santa Claus! The attending titleholders helped Santa bring out toys for the kids. The joy on their faces when they received their Christmas gift was more than I could ever ask for. I'm glad there are opportunities like this for Miss America titleholders to be a part of!

Titleholders and Princesses with Santa

Miss Teen Fort Worth, National Princess, Miss Fort Worth

Miss Fort Worth and Miss Teen Frisco pose for a quick picture

Miss Texas Girls Take over Holiday in the Park

An idea I had this year was to try and create opportunities for the girls competing for Miss Texas and Miss Teen Texas to get to know each other better. I have found that its very hard to cultivate relationships during the competition because of the stress everyone is under. The first "get to know you" event was an evening at 6 Flags Over Texas in Arlington to celebrate the season at Holiday in the Park.

 Miss Texas girls with Frosty!

 AAAAAH!

With the beautifully lit trees!

 After the titan we rode a fun spinning ride!

 And of course Mr. Jim gets the best pictures!

Me videoing Jim taking a picture of me!

What was our favorite ride? The SNOW HILL of course! 

Kayla S.T.A.M.P.'s out Bullies

My second appearance as Miss Fort Worth 2011 had me traveling to Eastern Hills Elementary School for an anti-bullying pep rally! This event was kicking off the new program by Fort Worth ISD to help educate and eliminate bullying in Fort Worth schools, starting on an elementary school level. The pep-rally was covered by local newspapers and several local television stations. It was a thrill! (although very cold! It was outside on one of the coldest days of the year!) But the cold didn't dampen the students enthusiasm.

Take a look!

First Appearance! Nov 30, 2010

My first appearance as Miss Fort Worth 2011 was a true honor. I was invited to speak at the Optimist Club of Fort Worth's monthly meeting. The optimist club is a group of men and women dedicated to being a friend of the youth, and work to provide opportunities for disadvantaged youth to grow and succeed. It was my honor to speak about my platform of Kayla's Heroes, based on my children's book, Kayla's Cape.

The organization inspired me to continue working with children not only on self esteem and bullying prevention, but on creating opportunities in which children from every background can succeed. The optimist club and the Miss America Organizations work diligently to help better the lives of children. I am so blessed that this was my inaugural appearance as Miss Fort Worth 2011.