Miss Marshall County 2011

“Believe you can, and you're half way there.” This was the quote originally said by Theodore Roosevelt that was repeating in my head the entire day of Sunday, June 26^th, 2011. I first saw this saying on a decorative plaque sold at a Target Store. Shout out to our wonderful Minnesota for being the home state of the original Target. I pointed this plaque out to my mother, who later surprised me with it that evening. It now sits on my dresser and I look at it every day.

            The big weekend started at 8:30 am on Saturday, June 25^th, 2011. The Miss Marshall County Pageant committee members anxiously waited for the four lovely contestants and the current Miss MC, Moriah Nelson, to arrive at the Middle River school gymnasium. The day began with a nice light breakfast provided by the Middle River Community Club. Thank you.

            We got started right away with the opening show number dance. Moriah choreographed a cute number to the song “Light up the World.” Each contestant wore simple black pants, bare feet and our choice of plain colored t-shirt. I wore red accessorized with a red flower in my hair and a big red gem ring. The rest of the practicing throughout the day involved walking in our high heels and our talent numbers. The highest heels I wore were 5 ½ inches tall. I am almost 6’2” in them!

           
          The talents for this pageant were phenomenal. They included an upbeat piano solo, a beautiful vocal/piano piece, a cute familiar vocal solo, and I played the flute. I have played flute for 10 years now and have found such a love for the instrument. The piece I played was titles “You Raise Me Up.” This song fits well with my platform.
           A platform is an organization or issue that the contestant feels strongly about and wishes to help/support the cause. Examples include Giving Blood, Breast Cancer or Staying fit and active. My platform is “Believable Beauty” inspiring self-esteem and confidence in women of all ages. A negative self-esteem affects every aspect of a woman’s life. I am spreading the word that “You Can Do Anything, Believe in Yourself, You are Beautiful.”

            Let’s get back to Saturday. It was a lovely day outside. For lunch we walked up town to the Garden Café. What a fun surprise to have our very own Miss Middle River, Kerry Strub, as our waitress. Contestant number 4, Desiree Umber, and I each ordered a grilled cheese and shared an order of mini tacos. Yumm. After lunch we walked to the Children’s Theatre. The kids were thrilled to see us. They had a chance to ask us a few questions and one little boy asked, “Do you think we’re ready for a woman president?” What an intelligent question! That building always brings back memories as I was involved in numerous children’s theatre productions.

            For supper the committee members treated us to the Hobo Hous in Newfolden, MN. It was contestant number 2, Kendra Aakre’s birthday. I excused myself to the “restroom” but really asked our waitress to surprise her with a piece of dessert. She was thrilled. After supper we had full dress rehearsal and were later dropped off at our host family home.

            Thank you so much to Steve and Bobbi Holm for opening their home to 5 tired girls. They have a beautiful, inviting home where the girls all agreed was very comfortable. I had a chance to have a nice conversation with contestant number 1, Rachel Bukowski, that evening. Steve and Bobbie prepared a beautiful breakfast. Their hospitality was unbelievable, I can’t thank them enough.

            Sunday, June 26^th 2011, the day I will always remember. Small town Middle River was buzzing with busy excitement as the community was hosting the 26^th annual Miss Marshall County Pageant. They gym was set, the runway glistening with lights and the boys locker room now smelled like hair spray and perfume. Sound man, Marcus Wallace, was busy with microphones, speakers and taking orders from the contestants. Thank you Marcus, good work. Spot light guru, Ben Gram, nice work as well.

            The big day had arrived. I had been preparing myself for this day for years! Nerves, excitement, adrenalin, panic, believing, praying…it was all mushed together in my head. My passion for my platform and my love for the people of MC pushed me forward. I knew I had to give all I had that day.

Back stage the boys’ locker room had never seen so much girl power! Mirrors, curling irons, dresses, and high heels flooded the place. Each contestant was allowed a back stage helper. I am blessed to have a fantastic friend, Morgan Dahl. She is detail oriented, great with my hair and patient. Her patience is greatly appreciated when I am throwing clothes at her and telling her to do this and do that. I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart for all her help. Thank you Morgan, for all the fun times, memories, and words of encouragement along the way.

            The 10 minute long interview with the judges took place prior to the pageant that afternoon. This was one of my favorite interviews as they were very interested in my platform. I spoke passionately about the events I have held and the plans I have to make a difference in women’s lives and for the Children’s Miracle Network. The interview went by so fast! This is the once chance the judges get to see the girls from the inside out. We sure try to jam a lot of information into just 10 short minutes! For the interview, I wore a royal blue business appropriate dress. I won the personal interview portion of the competition; worth 25% of the overall score.

            Finally, the gym filled with people, the lights turned low and the competition was about to start. Our emcee Mark Allen’s booming voice filled the room. I started to sweat. I enjoy the opening number, as I love to perform on stage, but I knew the dreaded on-stage question was to follow. Nerves kicked in and over powered my process of thought. I don’t even really remember what my question was! I admit, my answer could have gone better, but what can you do. We all make mistakes. I can use this as an example for my platform, “No one is perfect.” Desiree Umber won this division worth 5%.

            My talent went great as I’ve mentioned I love my song and flute. Kendra Aakre won this portion worth 35%. Her song was beautiful.

           

            When a girl tries on that one special dress, she just knows. Whether it be for her prom, wedding or a pageant, it is a one of a kind feeling. You look in the mirror and you honestly believe in your beauty.

            My mom and I found my dress at Giltz gown boutique in the Mall of America. The dress was the last one I tried on. I walked out of the dressing room, and the look on my mom’s face said it all. As I looked in the mirror, “This is it,” I said.

            I call my dress “simple glamour.” The design describes the type of person I am. Not that I am a simple person, but more like I appreciate the free flowing, simple things in life. Add some glitz and glam and I am one happy girl. The gown is my favorite color pink made of ­­­­­­pure silk. The unique straps are fully beaded with silver beads that capture sparkle in the spot light. Designed by Sherry Hill it is simply gorgeous. I won the evening gown portion of the competition worth 20%, and felt amazing.

            The crowning moment. The crowning moment! THE CROWNING MOMENT! What was going through my head many have asked? It is a big mush! I was sure to prepare myself, “there is always the Miss Thief River Falls pageant soon,” I prayed, I panicked, I knew MC would be proud of any of these girls, and I prayed some more. So help me if Mark Allen calls me as 1^st runner up for the 4^th pageant in a row I thought! The pageant flashed through my head as I realized my strengths and weaknesses throughout the event. I was proud of myself, and knew I would fulfill my platform dreams crown or no crown. First runner up Kendra Aakre was announced. Then before I knew it, I heard my name. It sunk in as I felt the crown being placed on my head. I will never forget that feeling. I am Miss Marshall County 2011.

            My first walk down the runway was incredible. I of course cried, and Barb Geer from the Honker newspaper caught some strange looking facial expressions! Seeing the crowd on their feet, and my Dad fist pumping was greatJ Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the support.

            Kendra Aakre and I tied for Miss Congeniality. What a great gal she is. I’ve always thought receiving Miss Congeniality was one of the biggest honors. I made some amazing friends, and strengthened friendships through this journey.

            It was bitter sweet to be crowned on my home stage. The very stage I won my first crown as Miss Middle River 2008 on. I have many memories to carry through my life in that small gymnasium. Middle River/ Marshall County will always hold a special place in my heart. Middle River, you have given me an unbelievable amount of love and support. I truly love our incredible small town. Marshall County, I am looking forward to getting to know our entire area better throughout the year. I will do you proud.

            My favorite memory with Moriah Nelson, Miss MC 2010, is after I was crowned and she gave me some of the best advice I have ever heard. “Katie, Miss MN 2010, Kathryn Knuttila told us this, remember the 3 G’s, Be Gracious, Be Genuine and Be a Gift to others.”

 

Thank you:

~Moriah Nelson: For all the advice, I am looking forward to our friendship growing.

~Contestants: For all the laughs and the nicest group of girls I’ve ever worked with.

~Miss MN, Natalie Davis: Thanks for making the trip to support our pageant!

~Molly, Laurie and Joanna: Your hard work and dedication made this dream a reality.

~Judges and Auditors: We can’t have a pageant without you.

~Mark Allen: The talent you have with your voice is amazing.

~Marcus and Ben: You guys rock at what you do.

~Steve and Bobbi Holm: Opening your home to five tired girls!

~The Heart Throbs: You are my favorite group of guys.

~Barb Geer: Your musical talents and pictures.

~To all the businesses in our communities for the scholarships and support.

~Middle River Co-op Oil: For sponsoring me and all the support through the years.

~The Dahl Family: You are the truest friends.

~Morgan Dahl: What would I do without you backstage!

~Keith: For being my number 1 fan.

~Blake and the boys: Having you there and your support means the world to me.

~Grandma: You mean the world to me.

~Mom: “Like mother like daughter, the nicest compliment there is.” I love you.

~Dad: I will always be your little girl. I love you.

~My extended family and friends: Your love and support keeps me going.

Remeber to Believe.
Always,

Katie
Miss Marshall County 2011 :) (yay!)