May was an incredibly busy (but incredibly rewarding) month for me! The month started off with final exams. A necessary evil of college. I was so excited to finish up with my semester at Texas Christian University  with good grades and to finally be able focus all of my attention of preparing for the Miss Texas Pageant. In addition to dance rehearsals, interview preparation and a rigorous workout routine, I was able to squeeze in a few memorable appearances! I attended the 2011 Crowne Plaza Invitational tournament at the Colonial. I was a featured guest the Pro-Am draw event and I served as a hostess for the professional and amateur contestants during the Pro-Am Tournament. The Crowne Plaza Invitational raised a whopping $6,000,000.00 for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals! I am so blessed to have been a part of this distinguished event. I enjoyed spending time with some of my favorite pageant sisters and of course my best friend, Ashley (Miss TX 2010).  While at the draw party, Ashley and I ran into the one and only Coach Gary Patterson and we were able to get a “GO FROGS!” picture…  it was definitely a moment to remember!

I also had the opportunity to participate in a fashion show for Oh La La of Grapevine. I enjoyed spending the evening with Ashley (my bestie) and Cristie Kibler, Miss Southlake, who is another dear friend of mine! Thanks to Oh La La and Sylvia for asking me back to do this event again. 

 Reilly, my sister and Miss Colleyville’s Outstanding Teen 2011, and I attending the Colleyville Woman’s Club luncheon as distinguished guests. As always we enjoyed our time with the wonderful women of the CWC and we had so much fun participating in this event. It was incredible to see how much they give back to the organization. Thank you to the CWC for allowing the “Colleyville Princesses” to be a part of your fabulous events… we love you guys! 

 Last year, “Pennies with a Purpose” was a dream I had and it began as an online fundraiser. As I spoke about my platform I encouraged students to save their own pennies and donate them online to “Pennies with a Purpose” through my website. Over my year as Miss Colleyville this idea has taken flight and it developed into a huge fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. I began by addressing the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce and asking the chamber members to take one of our containers into their businesses. As customers completed their purchases they were asked to consider donating to our cause. There was 25 business who  participated by placing the containers in their stores. On May 21 our campaign concluded with a final day of fundraising. Me, my sister, Reilly, my parents, Ed, Hayden, Hudson, Princesses Gwyneth, Mallory, Ally, Brittney, Tatum and Kennedy as well as 12 middle 

school students from Lake Worth stood 

outside of Market Street in Colleyville and asked customers for donations. I was in absolute awe of the generosity of the people of Colleyville. It did not take me too long to figure out that people had no problem saying “no thanks” to me… but they absolutely couldn’t resist my princesses in their cute crowns!

 In addition to asking for donations for the Children’s Miracle Network, we also sold t-shirts. The t-shirt featured a picture designed by Kimberly Hall, a 13 year old student at Lake Worth. Kimberly, a special needs student, is a very gifted artist. I want to say a special thank you to all of the students who came out to help as well as my princesses and pageant family. Thank you guys for supporting me and making this fundraiser a reality… I have to say May REALLY is a month for miracles. Through my efforts I was able to raise over $1500.00 for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Aside from being a partner with the Miss America Organization, the Children’s Miracle Network holds a special place in my heart as it treats 72% of all pediatric AIDS patients. Thanks again to all who made this incredible day possible and for opening your hearts and your wallets to help my cause! I am continually reminded of how great our God truly is!

These are the adorable Starfish Society stress stars I had made! Whenever I visit a school or do an appearance I will leave one of these behind to remind everyone to make a difference and to discover the power of one!