My final days as Miss Urbana 2010

On Saturday, April 16th, I had the honor of working with the 2011 contestants of the Miss Montgomery County and Miss Urbana program. Below I've included my farewell speech...<3 Thank you for the honor of being your Miss Urbana 2010 and congratulations to each of the winners and the participants!

Since being crowned Miss Urbana last year, I have had a non-stop year of appearances, meetings, and conferences…but most importantly, this past year has been one of tremendous personal growth.

I have spent the past year expanding my personal platform program “Empowering You” to great new heights…I have begun life long partnerships with the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland and the American Diabetes Association; I have expanded my own personal Indian cultural dance groups to add a third group this year, dedicated to keeping kids, ages 6-9, off of the streets, setting goals, and learning to work with a team and challenge themselves. In addition, I have worked extensively with Sarah’s House, Happy Helpers for the Homeless, the local community of Urbana, and have meet Senator Mikulski and Congressman Roscoe Barlett, who represents Frederick County. It has without a doubt been a busy, but simply amazing year.

However, this year would not have been what it was without the support of a few amazing people. I would like to thank:

• The Miss Montgomery Scholarship Program – more specifically, thank you to Mr. Scott and Ms. Bonnie. You have supported me on a journey of a lifetime…you have enjoyed late night phone calls, emails that were days long, hours of rehearsal time, and much more. But from the bottom of my heart, thank you for always pushing me to do better, think bigger, and love myself even more. You have taught me so much about myself, my abilities, and my passions.

o     Mr. Scott – thank you for being a human GPS; I’m telling you, anywhere you need to be, Mr. Scott can tell you how to get there, how many lights you’ll go through on the way there, and tell you at least seven different landmarks (including railroad tracks) to assure that you know where you are going.

o     Ms. Bonnie – words cannot express how you have touched my heart and soul in this past year. Your endless support has meant the world to me…I know that I can always come to you. Thank you for always letting me vent to you! You have become like a second mother to me, thank you for being so loving and simply just amazing.

• To my family, especially my mom, sister Faith, sister Caressa, Shailesh, and aunt Evelyn – your unconditional love and support has been a guiding light and solid rock for me. It is your dedication and willingness that has pushed me to succeed and grow in this past year and in life…I love you all tremendously. Thank you.
• To all of the contestants here this evening, the Miss America Organization is a place to call home. It is where you will grow, learn, cry, make lasting friendships, and most importantly, succeed, whether or not you walk away with a crown and title. The skills you are learning from getting on stage and walking and presenting yourself, to standing with confidence in an interview room and answering questions…these are the things that make you TRUE winners in life. I pray that each of you walk away tonight with a new found self-confidence and determination to lead, grow, and excel.
• And lastly, to the winners of tonight’s program – you have nothing but the best team in the world preparing you for the state program this June. Hold on though, it’s going to be the ride of a lifetime! Enjoy every moment of it…

May God bless you all …and may God bless America.

Thank you!