There She Is...

Miss Delaware 2012 is...Alyssa Murray!  It is with a great deal of pride and open arms that I welcome Alyssa into the Miss Delaware family.  At breakfast on Sunday morning Alyssa was very excited, humbled and a little dazed to find herself wearing the crown.  She is eager to begin her year and we are all so excited to see what she will do with it.  Welcome to the family little sis:)  Let's get started on that talent piece...lol!

Saturday was an unbelievable night.  Each and everyone of the contestants brought their A-game.  Even upon the top 5 being announced, I never made a prediction for the winner.  I just couldn't!  It really could have gone any way.

I am so proud of each and every one of the contestants. What a classy, smart, beautiful, funny and just nice group of young women. I have seen each and every one of the contestants grow in just a week's time.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for each of them.  I sincerely hope to get the opportunity to work with all of them again.  Over the past couple of days I have been privilege to witness the  love and friendship between the class of 2012.  The e-mails and facebook messages flowing through this group is unheard of and even if they take nothing else from this experience, I know they will take 17 new friends from it.  To be honest...there really isn't anything better than that.

A special shout out to Heather McKinney, Marcie Smith, Stephanie Bailey and Steffi Holmes  who are graduating (I hate the phrase "aging out")  from the MDSO this year.  What a joy it has been to get to know you over the years.   Thank you so much for allowing me to be a small part of your journey.  There is no doubt that amazing things are in store for each of you.  I love you!

Steffi with her little sister

Marcey at talent rehearsal

Heather and Brynn

Stephanie at talent rehearsal

I also want to add a fond congratulations to Maria Cahill for her year of service. What an exceptional representative you have been.  Thank you for loving every single moment of your time as Miss Delaware and taking such good care of the Miss Delaware title.  You cannot not even begin to understand the lives you have touched.  I meant every single word I said at your luncheon. The crown has never been brighter than it is today!

I also want to thank every single volunteer, board member, Miss Delaware and parent.  You change lives!  None of this would be possible without you.  Kenney Workman:  I love you!  Thanks for allowing me to stand by your side during pageant week!  I think we make a great team:-).  Gino, John and Kevin (THE tech crew): THANK YOU! You are each the best at what you do.  Thanks for taking such good care of our girls!  And Finally, much love to my family.  I couldn't do it without you:)

I love both of these men more than words can say!

I hope I don't forget any, but here is a partial (at least) list of the awards:

Miss Delaware 2012:  Alyssa Murray
1 RU:  Renee Bull
2 RU:  Erin Magnin
3 RU:  Rebecca Jackson
4 RU:  Steffi Holmes

Semi Finalists:
Mikaila Ryan
Heather McKinney
Chelsea Betts
Alix Gardner
Amanda Debus
Becky Albini

Preliminary Talent Winners:  Erin Magnin and Rebecca Jackson
Preliminary Swimsuit Winners:  Steffi Holmes and Renee Bull
Preliminary Evening Gown:  Amanda Debus and Alyssa Murray

Miss Congeniality:  Renee Bull
Judges Award of Distinction:  Jessica Schepps
Non-Finalist Talent:  Stephanie Bailey
Rookie of the Year:  Rebecca Jackson
Alison White Performing Arts Award:  Rebecca Jackson
Carol McClary Excellence in Education Award:  Cassidy Seabolt

CMN Miracle Maker Award:  Renee Bull

Miss America Community Service: Alyssa Murray
Miss America Academic Award:  Rebecca Jackson
Miss Delaware Community Service:  Chelsea Betts

Spirit Award Winners:  Ashley Morley, Heather McKinney, Mikaila Ryan, Renee Bull and Alix Gardner