Miss Legacy

The Boys and Girls Club Golf Classic Fundraiser

2010-01-16T23:55:00.000-08:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to serve at the Boys and Girls Club Golf Classic. What a wonderful opportunity to have the annual golf classic that helps us to raise funds for every Boys and Girls Club in Utah. This year we were able to raise $35,000. I had the opportunity to raise further funds at my personal hole. At this hole it cost $10 per person in order to be qualified to win $1000 in cash for a hole in one, closest to the hole a set of UBI golf clubs, and a $50 gift certificate to Main Street Pizza, Get in the Circle dozen golf balls, and On the Green $10 gift certificate to Midvale's Mining Cafe. I was lucky to raise the most funds at my hole of $800. thank you rich men who give of your time and talents to help with this fundraiser. I was able to also serve with Miss Pioneer Valley Starlee Holman, Miss Murray Cari Southwick, and her 1st attendant Stacey-Marie Hansen, and 4th attendant Mallory. After the rounds of golf were played we had a luncheon and handed out the awards to the winners. This day I learnt an abundance of golf terms, I never knew before, and also had my hand at driving a golf cart for the first time! :)

Safety Net Spokesperson

2010-01-16T23:04:00.000-08:00

When I received the job of Miss Legacy I knew some areas I wanted to make sure I was involved in or wanted to accomplish during my year. One of them was to be a Spokesperson for one of the programs I volunteer with for my personal platform. I emailed the director of Safety Net the mentor program I have been mentoring with for the last 2 1/2 years and wrote - I won my pageant two weeks ago Miss Legacy and with the title I have a greater influence on the community and this program is one i'd love to help spread the word and volunteers. Is there anything I can do to help or do you need a spokesperson for the program? Thank you for everything - Jessica Hudgins. Karla replied - Congratulations on your pageant win, Jess!!! We really do need a spokesperson for our program, and you are so passionate and enthusiastic that I know you will be great! If you can come in for a while one of these days, we can give you materials and suggestions on who you might address, etc. Of course, your ideas will be the best. We just got a grant to mentor the children of incarcerated parents, so we need to promote the availability of the program, as well as mentors who can commit to those kids for a longer period of time. Just let me know!!!!!!! I went in to meet with Karla on August 6th I went into Karla's office and she ran me through all the duties of a spokesperson and I left with hundreds upon hundreds of fliers for the program to pass along the way. It's crucial to have one on one adult mentors with children and youth especially those involved in at-risk situations that will help to decrease the negatives faced upon them and providing them success for future endeavors. We are always in need of mentors and if you or someone you know wold like to metor and are 21 years of age or older check out the mentor website www.safetynetmentor.org

Saturday August 10, 2009 Miss Utah County

2010-01-16T22:57:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to watch the Miss Utah County Pageant. This year the new Miss Utah was Miss Utah County and we were pleased to have our new Miss Utah Whitney Merrifield as the mistress of emcee's. This is the first pageant I have attended in which I knew each contestant competing. After I heard my friends tell me they would be competing I told them I would cheer them on, until one after another I knew them all. I still told them all I would cheer for them all, but wouldn't be too sure of my voice towards the end since i'd be cheering for all the contestants. In the end the title went to Christina Lowe. I'm thrilled to be seeing my friends win and knowing i'll have the opportunity to work with them at Miss Utah.

August 5, 2009 Miss Salt Lake County

2010-01-16T22:47:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday August 5, 2009 I went to pick up Sidney (my mentee) and her friend Jessie and off we went to the Miss Salt Lake County Pageant. This was the first pageant I attended as a titleholder and the first time I attended the Miss Salt Lake County pageant. I recently met Whitnee Wright the current Miss Salt Lake County at the Miss Pioneer Valley/Legacy/Rocky Mountain pageant where she was giving up her title. Congratulations to Brooke Christensen the new Miss Salt Lake County.
After the pageant I took Jessie and Sidney around the Salt Lake County fair, where the pageant was held at to look at the booths. Afterwards we grabbed a bite to eat and dropped the girls off at their homes.

24th of July

2010-01-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

Utah celebrates the 24th of July in the legacy of the mormon pioneers. As Miss Legacy this is one of the legacy’s I am able to represent in the great state of Utah. The mormon pioneers crossed the plains after being forced out of many other states in accordance to their faith that was not accepted at that time. The 24th of July is an official holiday in the state of Utah, and in some surrounding states. Brigham Young and the very first Mormon Pioneers entered into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. Parades, rodeos, fireworks, and other festivities help to celebrate this event.
I was able to celebrate this holiday with my family, friends, and Sidney Tafoya (the young girl I mentor). We were able to go to the Spanish Fork, Utah carnival to celebrate. We rode the rides, browsed the carnival tent shops, bought some items, and ended up buying food and finding a great spot to watch the elaborate firework show held every year.
It’s a true treasure to pass on a legacy and help to remember the foundations laid before you.

Miss Legacy 2009-2010 Jessica LeClaire Hudgins

2010-01-11T11:38:00.001-08:00

Let the year begin!!!

2009-10-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

Let the year begin!!!

On July 18, 2009 I received the job as Miss Legacy. On Sunday July 19, 2009 and still to this day I have thanked everyone for making this job possible and made a goals list of what I will accomplish in my reign. On July 23, 2009 I contacted the Provo Boys and Girls Club of Utah County directors. I let the club know who I am and that I had previously have volunteered in their facility for the past 2 1/2 years. I asked if I could hold a supply drive for the upcoming school year for the club members. Knowing a lot of the children and youth come from low income families I wanted to help start the school year off fresh. I made a donation slip in which I passed around Provo to collect the supplies:

The Boys and Girls Club of Utah County: Supply Drive
The upcoming school year is reaching us and we need your help in raising supplies and funds. For every $458 donated helps one Boys & Girls Club youth for an entire year! Make a difference in the life of a young person. Help the club and help us provide children and youth with a positive place to grow. A gift to the Boys & Girls Club at any level is greatly appreciated and will collectively power the potential in more children. Your financial help will enable us to keep our programs available for these children (any donation amount is acceptable). No matter how you participate, we can all help young people reach their full potential. Checks need to be made out to The Boys and Girls Club, money needs to be placed in an envelope sealed with the Boys and Girls Club written on it. Leave all donations outside with a sign stating donations to The Boys and Girls Club. I will be around to collect donations Wednesday July 29, 2009 from 2-3:30 p.m.. Thanks Jessica LeClaire Hudgins Miss Legacy 2009-2010 questions: sarahd@bgcutah.org
*Funds*Art Supplies* Pens*Pencils*Tape*Stickers*Paper*Games*Bags*Books*Etc

If there’s anyone out there who would love to help this wonderful organization out, it is always needed, especially in the economical troubles of today. There are more children and youth attending the clubs across America because more parent(s) are working various jobs or both parents have decided to work. This is a non-profit organization and we fully rely on our communities to help us out.

Thank you - Miss Legacy Jessica LeClaire Hudgins

What a year it'll be...

2009-10-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

What a year it’ll be.....

Update blog
Visit Primary Children’s hospital and other Children hospitals
Speak in public
make a volunteer list
make a goals list
make a to do list
perform talent as much as possible in public
find organization to be spokesperson for
make buttons/signs for Miss Utah
contact TV stations
contact focus on the family
Visit all Boys and Girls Clubs in Utah
Contact United Way for needs
Hold at the least one big event each month
Constantly update platform/resume`
Volunteer weekly
Listen to the news everyday
Read up on current events
Learn new words
Exercise
Rehearse dance constantly
Speak on goal settings and the power of dreams
Stretch to increase flexibility
Hold firesides or speak in church or at YM/YW mutuals
Meet governors/representatives
Go to each elementary, junior high, middle schools, and high schools first in Utah County
Raise funds for The Children’s Miracle Network
Get, alter, and make clothes for Miss Utah
Little Miss duties
Contact Parents Empowered
Get sponsors
Promote Miss America’s newest platform Go green
Charity Dinners
Get an ad page together
Photos
Get all paperwork done early for Miss Utah
Contact UFI for child support
Develop new dance talents to perform
Emcee
Get ramp gowns ready and appearance outfits
Shoe parade shoes
Look up “Legacy” in Utah
Work with Utah County Commissioners
Learn a dance to national anthem (no singing for me)

And the new Miss Legacy is...

2009-10-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

Perseverance + Dedication = Possibilities. One of my role models is Melinda Toole Gunther, she was Miss Alabama 2006-2007. She won the title of Miss Alabama 2006 as Miss Samford University. She had previously placed in the top ten of the 2005 Miss Alabama Scholarship Pageant and came back from competing in 2005. She competed 23 times before she even won her first local pageant and competed three times at her state pageant before she had won. She competed in the Miss America Pageant, during this process; she was named 4th Runner Up to Miss America Lauren Nelson, 2nd Runner up for the Quality of Life Award for her platform Character Education, and Miss Congeniality. Melinda was the first Miss Alabama to be awarded the honor of Miss Congeniality, which was decided by the 2007 Miss America contestants and the American public.

I sent Melinda a message asking,

How many times were you an attendant before you won?

She replied back, Hi there,
I was an alternate several times at the local level before I attained a preliminary win. I'm sure exactly how many times though, since I competed in so many (23). I would definitely say I was fond of the saying, "Always a bridesmaids never the bride," in regard to pageants. However, that luck did change. If this is something you really have a desire for continue to strive for it. I am so glad I did!
Good luck and God bless,
Melinda Toole Gunter
Miss AL 2006

Thank you so much. You're my inspiration. I tell everyone your story. I'm grateful you never gave up & I was thrilled how well you did at Miss America. What advice where you given? How did you finally surpass the bride's maid spot? I've competed 20 times & I’ve been the 2nd attendant 4 different times & finally my last pageant I became the first attendant. I'm 22 & I’ll only have two shots at Miss Utah if I can get a win this time around. I truly love this organization, want to be the role model you are, I need the scholarships, & I love my platform. Thank you for never giving up & thanks for your kind words. Sincerely Jessica Hudgins

Hi Girl,
You're so welcome. I think my problem, while competing at first, was I got a little overwhelmed with thinking I had to fit a certain mold. That came across in my interview, meaning I felt like I had to say all the "right" things in my interview. Instead, when I let loose and really thought about how I felt and how I could convey that in tactful and meaningful way things got better for me. Plus, I went to see Don Baker. He's an amazing interview coach that really puts things in perspective. He's a little expensive, but is definitely worth the money in the long run. You can find him on the internet. I think his website is www.donlbakercommunications.com. If not just type his name and google and you'll be able to find it eventually. On another note, I'm a Christian, and I knew God had a plan for me. He led me every step of the way, and in His good timing appointed me as a winner. I had to be patient, and it was hard but boy did he have a wonderful plan for me in the long run. All those experiences helped me much more at state than I thought. It was by His divine grace that I made it as far as I did. Let me know if you have any other questions. :)
Best wishes,
Melinda Gunter

Thanks for all of you advice. I won my first pageant on my 22nd try last night. I was only on my 8th pageant when I heard you're amazing story.

It's amazing individuals in this organization like yourself that kept me going, thanks!

With Melinda Toole Gunter’s inspiration, and many other title holders who persevered to accomplish their goals, and with my personal optimism, faith, and perseverance I entered my 22nd pageant. On Saturday July 18, 2009 at the Miss Pioneer Valley/Legacy/Rocky Mountain Scholarship Pageant my hard work, zeal, dedication, and perseverance paid off. After 21 pageants, finally my 22^nd pageant I won. It’s a great way I can remember how many pageants i’ve done when people ask, at the age of 22 I won my 22^nd pageant! Throughout my 4 ½ years of competing I have been an attendant 6 (7 if you count when the first time I was an attendant my queen resigned to get married and thus I became the first attendant) different times, 4 times as second attendant in a row and then I finally moved up from my 2^nd attendant status to 1st attendant to Miss Springville/Mapleton 2009/2010 (after being the second attendant announced on stage 2 different times and when I moved up to first attendant when my queen got married) on March 14th 2009 and once as third attendant to Miss Provo 2009/2010. Throughout my 4 ½ years I have received the honors of receiving Miss Congeniality/Spirit of the Pageant, Quality of Life/Community Service, and Miss Photogenic. I have been able to receive $2,700 in scholarships to my school of choice, $2,000 scholarship to Dallas Roberts, $550 cash scholarships, and $150 book scholarships to Utah Valley University.

There are four points to The Miss America Scholarship Organization and the crown resembles: Scholarships, Success, Style, and Service, with it I bring my very own four points: Poise, Platform, Personality, and Perseverance. These are the reasons I compete, I am here to make a difference in my community, state, nation, self, and others. My favorite quote is “To the world you may only be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” You never know who you will touch in this life, and the way they’ll touch others, it’s all about pay it forward to me.

Throughout my 4 ½ years I’ve had the opportunity to provide hundred of hours of service to various organizations. My three abundant accomplishments to date are: 1) fundraising, 2) starting an after-school program and 3) volunteering with numerous organizations. When it comes to fundraising for the causes that are close to my heart, I have participated in a variety of efforts from gift wrapping to door knocking to raise $4,100 towards my platform. A portion of the money I raised went towards helping me accumulate supplies to begin an after school program in Cedar City, Utah. I developed a curriculum for this program, focusing on children from non-traditional homes. Through volunteering, I’ve served over 550 hours. My two remarkably significant memories happened while volunteering. 1) I served at the Davis Educational Foundation 15^th Annual Child Spree. This venture was aimed at getting children new clothes for the prelude of the school year. There were 150 underprivileged children from Utah which benefitted from this fundraiser. I saw the delight in the children’s faces as they promptly found the articles they might not have had the chance to receive otherwise. 2) I mentor a thirteen year old female who comes from a single parent household. Her mother articulated her concern to me about Christmas for her family because she had over-qualified for the community sponsored help. She was working full time at Wal Mart making $10.00 an hour, and did not receive child support for her five children. Her money goes to bills, rent, necessities for her family, and gas. I contacted Safety Net and two other mentors and proposed the idea of administering them a Christmas; together we accomplished it. I personally know how these families and children felt, because growing up I received the same generosity. I will never forget those who helped us and those faces will always stay with me. In the end, it is not about how much money was raised or how many committed people worked together; it is about making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most. I am grateful and humbled at the service the Miss America Organization provides each year and the service I have provided to help this organization achieve its status as one of the largest community service organizations in the country.

I have chosen to persevere in the Miss America Organization to help better myself, my future, and my family. Miss America is dedicated to empowering young women to achieve their personal, professional, and educational goals. It provides an opportunity for young women an opportunity to further instill a spirit of community service through a variety of unique nationwide programs. The young women who compete in this organization are intelligent, talented, articulate, highly motivated, ambitious, caring, hard working, and driven. They’re passionate about their platforms and are contributors to public service. These young women exemplify the leadership skills, strength of character, and spirit, these young women simply touch and have the ability to forever change a life for the better. To hold a title isn’t about looking pretty and wearing a crown, it’s a job in which I know is no easy work, but is forever rewarding in all capacities. This is why I have chosen to not give up when times have been tough, but knowing no matter the outcome I did not give up.

On Saturday July 18, 2009 16 of Utah’s fine young women competed for the titles of Miss Pioneer Valley/Legacy/Rocky Mountain. I always have told myself I could win, but not sure if I really believed it. I have been told to never doubt yourself, because once you do you’ve already let someone else win. I’ve always stayed positive and kept my faith strong, knew God and Heavenly Father are there for me and will guide me in the right directions. The night before the pageant after dress rehearsal I jumped onto my bed to retire for the night and told myself, yay I’m going to win my pageant tomorrow. With a smile on my face and my Moose America (I won at a Miss America preliminary night in 2006) in my arms I went to bed.

One of my goals in pageants was to win a title where there is a lot of competition in numbers and talents. The Miss Legacy/Pioneer Valley/Rocky Mountain Scholarship Pageant had just that. The only way to compete in this open pageant is to have previously been a contestant in the program before. Out of the 16 young women vying for the titles there were three young women coming from the Miss Utah Scholarship pageant that happened just three weeks ago. Of those three two placed in the top ten, and one was the third runner-up to Miss Utah 2009/2010. The reaming contestants there were two other top ten girls from the past three years at Miss Utah, four other title holders from the past two years at Miss Utah, Days of 47 royalty member, three attendants to different pageants, and two girls who had been previous local contestants. Wow!

I was ready to begin the adventure with my optimism I look for the light at the end of the tunnel knowing it’s possible. At dress rehearsal the night before the pageant it was stressed that we be to rehearsal on time the next morning. I know time is valued a lot at pageants, being late in my views is not a good thing because you never know who may be watching. My statement was justified the next morning. Of the 16 young women competing there were only five of us who were on time the next morning. Of the five of us who were there on time we needed to get started working on the production number and the other girls could just fill in as they got there. Brandon was running the show for us, he took over for the director, because guess what? That Thursday she went into labor! Brandon called for us to be on stage to start the rehearsal. Emily and I got to the auditorium first and in their lone behold was our head judge, which we did not know at the time. Its 11 am and we all looked beautiful in our funny hair, little or no make-up, and comfy clothes on. I was quite the sight, my pajama shorts, t-shirt, and hoodie Jackie on with no make-up, and hair pulled into a ponytail from the day before (yes that morning I showered but did not brush my hair knowing we’d be practicing for a few hours) with a headband on to cover some of my crazy curls (which does not bug me, I’m comfortable this way, but by no means is it interview ready for a job). The head judge walked up to Emily and asked where she should go for the judges orientation? Emily advised her out in the hall where Brandon was, she looked directly at me and said Good Morning. I said good morning and hello back. When she reached Brandon outside the auditorium he welcomed her in his voice we all heard him say “girls this is one of your judges so bypass this.” Emily and I just stared at each other and started to laugh. Now on the stage the five of us where there with the current titleholder who taught us the opening number dance. Brandon just seeing the five of us thought what we should do? We suggested kiddingly he could just tell the judges who the five of us where and we could be the top five in the pageant. Arial Larsen the current Miss Pioneer Valley agreed with us. Not knowing if it was or wasn’t brought up in the judges orientation. However, when I was interviewed I was asked by one of the judges, “Jessica were you on time this morning?” Simple as it was I stated, “Yes.” After my interview the other contestants wanted to know how it went, I said, “Great.” I was number 15, I was the second to last being interviewed and the last girl was in the interview room, so I shared one of my questions with two of the other contestants. I ran up to Tayler and Rondalei and told them about that question and they were both disappointed they didn’t get asked that because they were both on-time as well. However, there were many other girls who got that question as well. We just laughed knowing one of the judges knew who was on-time.

That morning we rehearsed the opening number, final number, talents, and walking, we also got ready for our personal interviews. I remember the night before when I had reached the school the current title holder Sarah Pettit Miss Legacy showed me the room that we would be having the interviews held in. I turned to her and said, “That’s where I win.” Kiddingly, she said , “Yes.” Out of the two title holders we had Sarah Miss Legacy was the one who walked me into my interview. The very first question that was asked of me was, “Why should you win this pageant?” Oh I thought yes, yes! What a way to start this wonderful conversation. This interview was great and unlike any others I ever had before the judges were all on the edge of their chairs, upright asking me questions immediately, I felt they were very interested.

The show started at 6 p.m., we participated in opening number, swimsuit, talent, on stage question, and evening wear. The first time the judges and audience see us on-stage is in the opening number. I know if I have stuck out to a judge in the opening number because they watch me, I only saw one time I believe that they looked at me. I thought in my head oh they don’t like me,oh wells, and I moved on. With that thought I was just me and I don’t think I performed as well because I did not think that they liked me, although I did give it my very best without any expectations of an outcome of it being me. I moved onto swimsuit which is my favorite competition. In the dressing room I was prepping my muscles to stand out with squats, push ups, and releves. It was funny to me because one of the contestants who I had never met before the pageant, but had watched her at Miss Utah a few years ago Celeste saw me preparing for this area of competition. She said out loud, “Is that what you’re suppose to do? Whatever Jessica does we need to follow.” (I thought it was weird that Celeste was asking me what to do, when she’s the one who has won a pageant and placed in the top ten at Miss Utah). In the dressing room we were all laughing and doing crazy quick muscle building preps. Backstage myself and contestant 16 Whitnee Wright were doing funny dances moves to our swinsuit song Llet It Rock” until it was closer to our turn to go onstage. After swimsuit was the talent competition. For my talent I dance and in my talent there’s a part after my fuetes that I go on the ground and roll and do a small trick there, well guess what? When I got on the ground I sat on my talent dress skirt, and I couldn’t do my next move and did two rolls instead and stood up to move on, right after that I fumbled on my next move. Oh wells I had to move on and brush it off. After talent was on-stage question. The lady who wrote our on-stage questions wrote political questions and questions about items in the state of Utah. While backstage I listed to the few I could and got scared at how tough some were. I just told myself to breathe and relax, to listen intently to the full question, and respond in a positive educated way. There were two sheets left at my turn guessing which one to take I picked one and hoped it was the better one. My on stage question was “Should America go to war with North Korea?” Oh wow, but I was prepping myself backstage and gave the most educated and intelligent answer I could. I said, “ If it’s the right thing for America to go to war with an allied to be united then we should, but if it’s not to protect our freedom then we shouldn’t.” Ah!, was my thought when I walked off the stage. Arial Larsen the current Miss Pioneer Valley was backstage stretching for her dance looked up at me and said, “Good job.” I said, “Thank you.” Surprised with her complement, it made me feel better. When walking backstage I listened to the question the last girl Whitnee Wright got. Hers was “Should we focus more on public or charter education?” I thought hers was easy, but that’s okay I’d rather be challenged. Then off to evening wear. In my evening wear when I was on stage we walked strait forward and them into a figure eight. When I was in the middle of my figure eight I saw one of my judges watching me and then he looked down to his score sheet and gave me a score. Good thing it was when I was turning my back to the judges in my figure eight because I thought great he doesn’t like me if he’s scoring me in the middle of evening wear. However, I carried on and was off. After evening wear it’s the long wait to hear the results while the auditors tabulate the scores.

The conversation going on in the dressing room while we were waiting was about the pageants some of these young women had previously won and their stories. I went into the dressing room to make sure my items were in order and packed to be ready to leave when the pageant was done. I got asked about my pageants and just simply said, “I have been coined with the term, always a bridesmaid and never the bride.” For me I didn’t want to be a part of the conversation just knowing I’m getting older and don’t have many chances left to compete and knowing from my perception that my chances were not bright from what had happened during the pageant. I waited backstage on a chair and was just contemplating. Thinking okay the judges don’t like me, why can’t I win a pageant, where am I going to go to school, or move to be able to compete in another pageant, what other open pageants are there, only two Miss Utah County and Miss Castle Valley. Then a lot of the girls stared coming backstage to be ready to go on for the coronation. While we were still waiting Shalese Norton one of the contestants came up and sat next to me. She asked me, How many pageants have you won?” I said, “None, i’ve just been an attendant six different times.” She went into telling me she knew she wouldn’t win this pageant and I wanted to say the same thing about me, but didn’t to be my optimistic self and was giving her advice and talking to her about how you should never doubt yourself you never know what may happen. We then went to walk onstage to the final song, “God Bless America.” I walked on my turn with a lot of gratitude and confidence knowing I need to move on after this pageant.

Standing there in line Brandon asked for the results and I was on the very end right next to Brandon, Sarah, and Arial. I thought in my mind wow their so close to me I can just look and see the results, yet I turned to my right so I wouldn’t be able to see. All of the audience and contestants thought that there were only two titles being given away as usual Miss Pioneer Valley and Miss Legacy. Brandon surprised us and said,”Since there are so many of you we’re giving away three titles.” I turned to the girl standing next to me on the right and said wow, as we were all amazed. The first title given away (these titles are in no particular order it’s just the top three and the auditors put whoever they wanted of the top three one to each title) is the very first Miss Rocky Mountain. Brandon announced and said, “The new Miss Rocky Mountain is contestant number 7 Tayler Ann Williams.” She was currently the third runner up to Miss Utah that year. I clapped and thought not me, it’s going to be Whitnee Wright and Brooke Christensen for the next two titles. Brandon was now ready to announce the next title he said, “The new Miss Legacy is contestant number..........15.......Jessica LeClaire Hudgins.” WHAT????!!!!!! I still get the sme feeling and see Arial and Sarah turning to me and screaming my name, and me forgetting everything after that. The one thing going through my mind was the confusion of trying to put it all together with, “Oh my heck, I can not believe this.” Oh I was so glad I did not sneak a look at the results. This was very unexpected. I have prayed, fasted, and put my heart and soul into pageants for the past 4 1/2 years and finally. WOW!

When you are called as the winner you are in the shock stage and not sure of what you’re doing, that was me. I turned to Sarah and Arial where I was told my reaction was priceless; stunned, they were both jumping up and down shouting my name. I could not believe it. I am grateful to hold Sarah Pettit’s title of Miss Legacy, because she is a legacy in the Miss Utah/Miss America organization. I’m very grateful that Brandon, Sarah, and Arial are the ones who awarded me, they’ve been with me through the pageants, as i’ve been with them. I was thrilled that they were excited for my win, that will always stay with me. I have no clue how I made it over to Sarah and Arial, do not know how I got roses in my hand, made it to the middle of the stage, and squatted down, but I do remember Arial putting the crown on my head, I felt one of the pins that hit my scalp. This knocked me back into reality for a moment knowing that this is real, but went back into my shocked state. During this time being thrilled and very grateful I am throwing my hands up to my face, smiling, and expressing everything with my whole arms thanking the judges various times. With my shock I had no clue who was even crowning me. I thought since Sarah was Miss Legacy she would crown me, but had forgotten Sarah crowned Miss Rocky Mountain and thus it was Arial’s turn. I stood up turned around and hugged Arial and she started jumping up and down and so did I. That touched my heart of how excited she was for me, and i’ll never forget it. I went to walk away and she stopped me to put my sash on, I don’t even know how I got that on. I then walked over to Tayler and hugged her and said , “Good job.” She said to me, “You can no longer say you’re only a bridesmaid.” I just laughed and hugged her. Brandon said to me, “Good job Jessica.” I said, “Thank you.” Now we were onto Miss Pioneer Valley. Brandon said, “Our new Miss Pioneer Valley is contestant number 10 Starlee Holman.” There it is the three new title holders. Could not believe it. Such in shock I saw some of my friends off the stage and I went to hug them and they said, “You can’t get down you’re wanted for pictures.” Not ever being the winner I had no clue. We took a few pictures and then I was on the search for my family.

As I was off my very first pageant director came up to me screaming on the phone to her daughter Kate that I did it I won I'm Miss Legacy. She gave me the phone to talk to Kate. I did, I knelt down in my dress on the stage to talk to her. Told Diane thank you for everything, she was my first director and I learnt so much from her. I then had many people to greet, many many of my pageant friends, regular friends, people I didn’t know, and family. All the while my sisters are calling all my family members not there telling them of the good news. Another one of my favorite directors’ came up to me Stefanie and congratulated me and said she texted our good friend Lyle the moment it happened. I took more pictures and the best were with the young girls I didn’t know. The support was amazing and again it will forever touch my heart and always be remembered.

Wow, this is what i’ve waited for and it’s even better than I could ever imagine. Then backstage my family and I took pictures in the hall, got my stuff from the dressing room. I was told to leave my gown on with the crown and sash and go out and celebrate. But me, I don’t feel the need to parade around in my title. There was one pageant I was in where one of the girls whose my friend and a great role model I look up to when she won as soon as she went backstage she took her crown off. That left a great impression to me and greater respect for me towards her. Knowing that’s how I wanted to be a representative. I have always stated it’s not the crown but the title and job that is the significance. I went backstage greeted a lot of the contestants took pictures with them and we chatted. With some contestants who’ve I’ve known for years and the ones I’ve just met along with the ones in the audience I got the same response, “More than anyone you’re the most deserving of the title” I could not believe it, ah again it touched my heart knowing that these individuals could tell who the real me is. I then put my comfy clothes on I had on that morning and took my crown off. Taking the crown off was unusual to me that I need to get used to, I turned to my family and said “How do I take this off?”, searching for the pins and took it off. As my family and I were carrying my belongings to my car there was one of our judges out the back and I turned to her, and said, “Thank You.” She said, “You’re Welcome.”

During this whole time wow does word get out, my phone was ringing off the hook with voicemails, text messages, and calls. I tried to call back, listen to the messages, answer and text back as many as I could. I did call my pageant director for Miss Provo and told her the good news and she started to cry. She has been throughout this journey with me for 3 years and I was grateful for her reaction. Then I was off to Springville where my mom lives to go out and eat with them. However, when I reached Springville I went down to Yummies the job I work at. The owners there are similar to family to me and I call them my grandma and grandpa. We’ve known them and I’ve worked for them since we moved to Springville 4 years ago. I walked in with my sash and crown behind my back. I pulled them out for my grandma to see and she jumped up and down and started screaming and hugging me, I dropped my phone during this because that’s how excited we were. All the other employees were just staring at us as if we had gone mad. With my grandma’s excitement I just thought wow please don’t have a heart attack i’ve never seen you this excited. We chatted for awhile until my grandpa showed up to help them close, we waited for about 10 minutes till he came. I did the same thing to him put my crown behind my back with the sash. I greeted him as he came in and he knew I was up to something. He asked me, “What do you want?” Puzzled. I said, “nothing this time.” I thus pulled out the crown and sash. This was a great experience to share with them. Afterwards my family and I went out to eat as we usually do after my pageants at Village Inn and then I drove home. That night I prayed to my Father in Heaven and God and could not stop thanking them.

The next day on and still to this day I get great messages sent to me on my wall on Facebook, comments on my photos of the pageant, emails, calls, and text messages. Even when I’m at school my friends who’ve been in pageants with me exclaim their excitement to me. I just want to sincerely thank you all I did not accomplish this on my own but with each and everyone of your help.

Stefanie Graham Gallagher Congratulations Jessica, I am so excited for you!!!

Nicole Wride Revill Congratulations!!

Brandon Stauffer HOLY CRAP!!!! I am so so so proud of you! SO PROUD! Can not wait to see what amazing things you do this year and at Miss Utah! Thank you for working so hard at the pageant! CONGRATS! i am so excited for you!

Lyle Larsen Congratulations!! I was thrilled to hear the news that you had won. You're going to Miss Utah! YEAH!!!!! Good job Jessica and I am so very proud of you.

Jenny Flores Congrats Jessica you totally deserved it I am so proud of you

Kenzie Norris Good Job Girl :) :)

Erika Redfield Munson CONGRATULATIONS!!! SO happy for you! :)

Terry Smith Marchbanks

seriously... you DESERVE THIS ! WOW! I have NEVER seen anyone work SO HARD!

Denice Fryer Kitchen Well this sure is great news! A Miss Utah dream come true. I know you will make the most of this year! I'm so excited for you! Share the details ASAP!!!

Celeste Lojik Jess I am so excited for you!!!! Congrats!!!

Hillary Campbell congrats! you are gorgeous and have worked so hard. if anyone deserved that crown it was you. so excited to see you work it at miss utah!

Kirsten Logan

AHHHH So proud of you!

Rachel Jensen Girl, you looked absolutely beautiful!! Congratulations, I can't wait to see you at Miss Utah next June. Enjoy this next year, you've more than earned it!!!

Brooke Christensen Girl you are SO AMAZING!!! I was so happy when they called your number. You deserve this more than anyone I know. You are such a great example of hard work and dedication. CONGRATS!!! I am so excited for you!!

Stacey Larson Ryan Congrats on winning!! :)

Hannah Rhees Goodrich Congrats!!! You deserve it and are going to make an amazing Miss Legacy! I can't wait to see you on that Miss Utah stage!

Shantelle Sumsion Flake I am so happy for you! Congrats! Now for the big preparations....good thing you have almost a year!

Sarah Pettit MISS LEGACY!! CONGRATS AGAIN!!! :) IM SOOOO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!

Kandice Carter congrats I’m proud of you .... you deserved it

Michelle Lindsley Hey congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is so awesome!!!!! :D When is Miss Utah?

Emily Inderrieden CONGRATS!!!! You are awesome!

Stacey Marie Hansen JESSICAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY HECK I'M SO FLIPPIN EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I JUST SCREAMED SO LOUD WHEN I SAW THE PICTURES THAT I THINK I WOKE UP MY PARENTS AND THEY THINK SOMETHING BAD HAPPENED TO MEEEEE!!!! WHOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Jackie Hicken Jessica! I'm SO super excited for you! Now I'll have to come to Miss Utah and wear a button for you next year! Yay!!!

Mary Jackson CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! It's about time. You deserve it, girl! Way to be persistent all these years. LOVE YOU!!!

Melyn Arlene Henderson i am so happy for you!!!! congratulations on winning, mary is right, you really deserve it!!! i will be looking forward to miss utah :)

Arial Larsen congrats girl! I am so excited for you and you did absolutely amazing! good job and now go have so much fun! love you.

Erin Gappmayer Shelley yay jessica! i am so thrilled for you and can't wait to cheer you on next year! congrats!

HI Jessica!

WOW! I am so excited for you! I am really excited to work with you this year as you serve as Miss Legacy! Again, I just wanted to say congrats! And I'm excited to work with you! We will have a great year!

Keep in touch!

Melanie

Missy Utah Congratulations, Jessica. We are excited to have you compete at Miss Utah.

Ashley Revill McKinnon Congratulations! I heard you did awesome! Now...onward to Miss Utah!

Diane Daly Congratulations.....I'm glad that you stuck with it! You are a true inspiration of what can happen with perseverance and hard work

Amy June Purdie Yay Jessica!!!

Kelli Dougal Congratulations! How exciting!

Danielle Talbot I love you J! I am so happy for you!!

Steve Weber i just want to say congrats. you deserve all that you get in life. continue to work hard and the lord will bless you. we love you and we are so excited for you.

Emily Nelson Looks like you don't need any help! congratulations on winning! You will be amazing!

Nicole Wride Revill Congratulations Jessica!! I am so excited for you! I really admire you for your dedication. It has been so fun watching you progress from your first time at Miss Lehi until now. Hard work really does pay off and you deserve it. Again, congratulations. Your reaction was priceless!

Brittney Wakefield I am so proud of you! I just looked at all of your pictures in the crown and I can't think of another girl at that pageant who deserves the crown and job as much as you! Love ya!

Stephanie Gaufin Congratulations are due! I'm so happy for you! You will rock Miss Utah next girl. Go team Jessica! :)

Del Beatty Congratulations Jess! You've worked so hard and so long, it will be good to see you at Miss Utah next year!

Mindy Anderson congrats's on Miss legacy

Krista Treu Derington Congrats on everything!

Melissa McNamara congratulations!!!!!!

Elizabeth Jefferson MISS LEGACY!!! Congrats! I'm so proud of you. You deserve it.

Hannah Wright YOURE MISS LEGACY???????????? I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!
your amazing.

Missy Grillone Nelson Jess! Congrats on the pageant! You are beautiful

Staci Spinder Congrats!!!

Amy June PurdieYay Jessica!!!

Lauren Jo BurtonCONGRATS BEAUTIFUL!! I'm SOO PROUD of you!! You have worked SO HARD AND DESERVE ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS COMING YOUR WAY!!!! I will be screaming your name from the crowd at Miss Utah next year! :)

Ashley Frederickson I saw you at Miss Pioneer Valley and I am so glad you won a crown! I can't wait to see you at Miss Utah...you will be phenominal! :)

I just want to thank everyone for the past 4 1/2 years. There are way too many people to thank, but you know who you are, thank you for all of your support and help.