I would first and foremost like to say: God bless our troops who have given up their lives for our freedom and all of our loved ones that we have lost. Without you, we would not be who we are today. You will never be forgotten or taken for granted. Thank you. Happy Memorial Day!
Secondly, God please be with everyone in Joplin, Missouri including my dear friends: Megan Montague, Jordan Nolan, and Lauren Alumbaugh. Everyone, please give effort to help those who have suffered from the terrible tornado in Joplin, Missouri. A lot of them have nothing now and need our help more than ever! What better time to come together and support the ones we love than right now?
With that said, what a thrilling time of year it is for Miss Kansas City! Studying for harsh finals at Mizzou is finally over, and preparing 100 percent for the Miss Missouri Pageant is underway (this is the fun part). Though there is still much preparation to be made, I have been able to fit four more appearances in before the pageant.
When summertime finally approached for Mizzou students, my first trip was to Mizzou's Children's Hospital to visit my dear friend, Rylan Newman. I have been keeping up with Rylan and his family for the past few months, and I am very happy to say that Rylan is doing very well. His family is very hopeful and pray frequently not only for themselves, but for all the children in the hospital that they have met.
You can keep up with Rylan and his fight at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rylannewman
When I made it home to Kansas City, I was immediately off to the Park Hill Early Childhood Education Center for their annual festival. There, I got to visit with children, sign autographs and take pictures. The kids were so cute and were very excited about the clown making balloons!
The next evening, I joined the Mizzou Alumni Association in hosting the Tiger Ball at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Kansas City. The Tiger Ball is so wonderful because it is a group of Mizzou Alumni that get together, socialize, have dinner, dance, and bid on items all throughout the night. This is a fabulous way for the Mizzou Alumni Association to raise thousands of dollars for MU scholarships. Because I attended this event last year as well, there were many recognizable faces, including my friends, the auctioneers!
Right where the Miss Kansas City Pageant took place, in Platte City, MO, the Platte County School District held a "Pirate Rock Celebration" honoring the children who have had a successful year as Platte County students. I had so much fun making and passing out cotton candy (the kids loved me for this), going down the inflatable slide with all of the little princesses, signing autographs and taking lots of pictures. The most memorable part of the evening was when I had a conversation with a woman, Ramona Simmons, who had just recently moved to Kansas City from California due to better job opportunities. I was elated to tell her all about Kansas City and all the places she should visit. She was very curious as to what my job was, and seemed very touched after I introduced myself and told her I am an advocate for Children's Miracle Network, Operation Smile, and the Miss America Organization. Her words to me were "May God give you the wings to fly, my child. You are doing something truly amazing." It is remarkable to me that at every appearance I go to, God shows himself one way or another. This time, it was through Ramona.
My last appearance before the pageant will be in St. Joseph, Missouri. I was invited to speak at a Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) meeting where I will enlighten all of the wonderful women about myself, my career goals, my platform, the Miss America Organization, and how they can help.
Other than my appearances, I have been tying all loose ends necessary to be prepared for the pageant and of course relieving stress by working out religiously. To my own surprise, I feel very prepared for the pageant in all aspects and am very excited to show everyone how hard I have worked. I am also thrilled with the girls that have been chosen as contestants this year. It is calming to know that no matter who wins the title of Miss Missouri, the job will be in great hands. I am so proud to be a part of this organization and am honored to hold the title "Miss Kansas City". The next time I write, there will be a new Miss Missouri crowned! What an exciting time. Whomever it is will have VERY big shoes to fill. Erika, I speak on behalf of the entire Miss Missouri group when I say "We love you, we are so proud of you, and we will miss you so much!".
"I direct all my prayers to the end that God's will may be done fully in me and by me."
-Saint Alphonsus de Ligouri
God bless to all,
Alexis
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