Miss Central Illinois!!

" When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on! " This quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt has been inspiring me this past year. I am so proud and honored to be the newly crowned Miss Central Illinois 2009! The Miss Central Illinois/ Miss Champaign Urbana Pageant was my fourth local competition of the year. At times I honestly thought that maybe I would quit because quite possibly I didn't have what it takes. I have never given up on anything in my life, and through the motivation of my wonderful family, friends, and supporters I decided to compete yet again. Upon entering the pageant I realized that there was going to be 16 contestants, and the competition would be very tough, but this time instead of focusing on what everyone else was doing and trying to be someone that I thought the judges would choose, I focused on being myself, and enjoying the experience. When my name was called as Miss Central Illinois I was in disbelief and was so excited! I had then realized the importance of persistence, hard work, determination, and most importantly staying true to myself. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity,and also to have two awesome directors Troy Escamilla, and Renee Smith and share this experience with the beautiful Miss Champaign Urbana Denise Hibbard! Please check this blog often as I will be updating it frequently throughout the year!
Since being crowned I have been working hard to find appearances to promote my platforms of alcohol education, Character Counts, and the Children's Miracle Network. I am very excited to announce the creation of my new website http://www.thinkb4youdrink.com/! I will keep the blog updated with upcoming appearances as well.
On April 23, 2009 I will be hosting a fund raising night at Coldstone Creamery in Shiloh Illinois, along with my princess Tory Fulton raising money for the Children's Miracle Network.
On April 26, 2009 I will be co-emceeing this Miss Illinois Sweeps pageants along with Denise!
On May 9th I am hosting " A Day Fit For A Queen." This is a mother/ daughter event that will be a fun filled day including a luncheon/tea, crafts, learning about character, and pictures with Miss Central Illinois :) ! All proceeds from this event will go to the CMN and alcohol education related organizations.
On February 28th I attended the Miss Heart of Illinois pageant in Washington. The pageant was beautiful, and a big congrats goes out to the new Miss Heart of Illinois Jenn Carr! Best of luck to you this year!
Thank you so much for reading my first blog entry! Sorry about the length :)! Please check back often!
Sincerely,
Miss Central Illinois
Jamie Johnson