Miss Missouri 2006 Sarah French

More Photos	December 21 It was an early morning – 5 a.m. to be exact! I was invited to the James S. McDonnell USO event, at the St. Louis Airport, to visit with the troops and wish them Happy Holidays during their annual Exodus holiday party. The soldiers were excited to go home for 2 weeks from Fort Leonard Wood. I posed for and signed over 800 Polaroid’s for those who waited in line to meet me! For more information about the USO and this event, visit http://www.usostl.org/. Merry Christmas everyone!
December 18-19 Who would have thought…I was invited to two major events on the same day! I had the honor of being invited to Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation Event in New York. The name "Turn 2" is symbolic of the dramatic double play made by infielders during a game. It also represents Derek's wish to promote healthy lifestyles among young people and enable them to "turn to" his Foundation for guidance and the much needed help to avoid drugs and alcohol. As Turn 2 Foundation President, Derek's goal is to guide children in the right direction and help them become the leaders of tomorrow. Derek gets personally involved by visiting signature programs and hosting special events for thousands of children throughout the year. “It can be overwhelming. You dream as a youngster to play professional sports, and I don’t think you realize the magnitude of the impact you can have on someone’s life.” Derek Jeter
More Photos	December 19 I was one of 20 Miss America contestants selected to attend the Rocky Balboa premiere in Las Vegas! I met Sylvester Stallone, David Hasselhoff, and Carrot Top. We even got to walk the red carpet! This was an amazing experience! I felt like a movie star!
	December 18 I was interviewed by KREI Radio in Farmington this morning! Then I gave my Right Decisions, Right Now presentation to the Farmington 5th and 6th graders. They were a wonderful group of kids!
More Photos	December 17 I was a special guest and speaker at the St. Francois County’s 12th Annual Banquet honoring the Special Olympic Athletes. I had a wonderful time! I performed my talent song and sang numerous Christmas carols with Matt Steel’s band. He is a new up-and-coming country music star out of Nashville, whose debut album will be released in January! This was a very special night for me because I have been very involved with Special Olympics since high school!
	December 15 Bill Wolfe took me to Westend Recording Studio to record my song "I've Got the World On a String." I had a fabulous time! Here I am pictured with Duane Trower! Thank for putting my song on a CD! You're the best!
	December 6-12 On December 6, I did a radio interview with the Rick Rose Radio Show! He emceed at the Gateway STL pageant, so I really got to know him there. He is such a blast! Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood performed in Columbia on December 7, and I was lucky enough to get tickets! The concert was amazing! On December 9, I traveled to Knob Noster to perform with the Missouri Girls! We had a wonderful performance, and we all had a great time together! Your new Miss Western is Stasha Baker, and your new Miss West Central is Keitt Stathem. Congrats girls! Don Baker did a seminar in Kansas City on December 10, so I met with him to go over interviewing skills. Visit his website at www.donlbaker.com On December 12, I went to Mexico, Mo. to do a panel discussion on current events to prepare for my Miss America interview!
	December 3-4 I was the Grand Marshal in the Waynesville Christmas Parade. I drove to Waynesville with Emily Pritchard, Miss Pulaski County. The parade was wonderful! However, I was suppose to speak to Waynesville and Wood Middle Schools, but school was canceled on Monday due to the weather! Paul and Lelar Corbett put on a wonderful parade on Sunday, and the community just loved it!
	November 25-30 I came back early from break to watch our last football game, Mizzou vs. Kansas! Our Missouri Tigers won 42-17! It was a great game! On November 28, we had our annual Miss Missouri Board Meeting. I performed my Miss America talent for the board members, and they just loved it! We had a great meeting! On November 29, I meet with my new trainer at Wilson's Gym. They are giving me a free membership and a trainer to prepare for my swimsuit portion of the Miss America Competition. Thank you so much! I also went to the Mizzou vs. AR game on Thursday! The Tigers won 86-64! Then we all know what happened over the weekend...It snowed!!! In the photo, my car is in the middle covered in snow!
	November 23 Happy Thanksgiving!!! I spent time with family, and we all watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! I was in NY last year, which was amazing! My grandmother also cooked an unbelievable meal! Hope your holiday was just as wonderful!
	November 19 I was in Columbia’s Christmas Parade with my little sister, Grace Williams. We had a wonderful time together! To learn more about our little sisters program visit http://www.missmissouri.org/mmls/little%20sisters.htm
	Nov. 14-18 On November 14, I was in Mexico, Mo. I went to Melodys Jewelry Store to get my beautiful pearl necklace that Melody Buffington presented to me. It is gorgeous! Thank you so much! I also attended the League of Women Voters meeting at Winnie Runge Striblings house. They had a guest speaker, Dr. Simon McKeown, who discussed the rising epidemic of childhood obesity. I learned so much information to give in my speeches about my platform. On November 18, I ended my week at the Miss Jackson Pageant! We had a tropical theme to the show, which just made me miss the warm weather that much more! During the day, I emceed the Tiny, Little, and Preteen Miss Jackson Pageant. That evening was the Miss Jackson and the Miss Jackson Outstanding Teen Pageant. Your new Miss Jackson is Ashley Skinner, and the new Miss Jackson Outstanding Teen is Julie Mothershead.
	November 9-10 I gave my Right Decisions, Right Now presentation to Greentree Elementary in St. Louis. The kids were wonderful, and they even presented me with a huge card signed by all the students and a Greentree baseball cap! I also spoke to the Chamber of Commerce and the Ambassador’s Club about the Miss America Organization. I talked about what I have been doing with my year as Miss Missouri, and I spoke about my platform as well. Many of the business men were very impressed to hear that the Miss America Organization is the #1 organization in the entire world that gives the most scholarship money to young women today!
	November 8 I was a guest on the Minds Eye Information Service Radio Station in Bellville, Illinois. I was asked to speak once they saw my article in Voice of the Diabetic (http://www.nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/vod/vod214/vodfall06tc.htm). The radio station reads daily newspapers, TV listings, grocery store specials, movie reviews, sports scores, magazine articles, books, etc. to their listeners, mostly who are vision-impaired. I was thrilled to discuss my platform “Health and Fitness for Life” and the Miss America Organization. Many people with diabetes are at an increased risk for blindness, so I enjoyed having all of the listeners call in and ask questions. This is one experience that I will never forget!
	November 4 I emceed the Miss Southwest Counties and Miss Southern Counties Pageant in Neosho, Mo. The Pageant had a Christmas theme, which just put you in the holiday spirit! Your new Miss Southwest Counties is Katelyn Banes, and your new Miss Southern Counties is Kari Gai.
	November 3 I was invited to set up my own booth at the University of Missouri-Columbia's Wellness Fair. I discussed my platform "Health and Fitness for Life," and I met so many people passionate about health too! There were all kinds of different booths, from Breast Cancer Awareness to Children's Health. I even gave the presentation for the Biggest Loser. This award goes to the individual who has lost the most weight over a period of time. And let me tell you...there were some incredible weight loss stories! I really enjoyed meeting everyone, and I hope I can attend next year!
	October 28 I attended the Miss Gateway to the West and Miss Gateway St. Louis Pageant! I had so much fun! The pageant was run beautifully, and we had some fabulous entertainment! Brittany Davis is your new Miss Gateway to the West, and Sandra Struthers is your new Miss Gateway St. Louis! Gary, thank you so much for inviting me to your pageant! I had a wonderful time!
	October 27 I gave my "Right Decisions, Right Now" presentation during Red Ribbon/ Drug Free Week to schools in Mexico, Mo. I visited Eugene Field Accelerated School, Hawthorne, and McMillen. All the kids were wonderful! I even received hand made thank you notes from the students! Thank you to all the kids!!! That really meant a lot to me!
	October 23 I volunteered for the annual Mediacom Golf Tournament at the Columbia Country Club. The tournament benefits Children's Hospital and Seize the Day, which provides non-medical volunteer assistance to persons who are chronically or terminally ill or disabled. I had a wonderful time with all the teams! I even did a few Christmas commercials for Mediacom, so be sure to start looking for those on TV!!! For more information on Children's Hospital visit their website at www.muhealth.org/~children/ and to learn more about Seize the Day visit http://www.communityconnection.org/resource_pages/897.html
click the image above for photos	October 16-21 The University of Missouri started the tradition of Homecoming in 1911 when MU football coach and Director of Athletics Chester Brewer invited former students to "come home" to Columbia, MO for the annual football game between the University of Missouri and the University of Kansas. This tradition has spread throughout the world, but the University of Missouri still boasts the largest student-run Homecoming in the nation. I was one of 27 students organizing all the homecoming festivities. A talent show took place the week of homecoming between all the different sororities and fraternities. Each group was given a movie, and they had to change the theme based on Mizzou Homecoming! Also, Greek town set up skits outside each house for children to enjoy Friday evening. I took my little princess, Grace Williams. We had the best time together! Then Saturday morning we were in the Homecoming Parade. Unfortunately, it rained during the game, but I had so much fun anyway! We were introduced at half time, and my family was in town too! Mizzou beat Kansas State, and we were all thrilled for our victory!!!
click here for more photos	October 14 It was a busy weekend at the Miss Columbia Pageant! I sang with the Missouri Girls, performing my talent song, "I've Got the World On a String." I enjoyed meeting everyone and signing autographs! I was really glad to hear that so many of you have been keeping up with my travelogue! I do this for all of you! Congratulations to their new titleholders, Trisha Deen, Miss Columbia, and Darbi Fuhrman, Miss Columbia Outstanding Teen.
click here for more photos	October 11 I traveled to the capital with the Mid-Missouri Susan G. Komen Affiliate to meet the governor, Matt Blunt, for the signing of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation. The Susan G. Komen Foundation is a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs. Working through a network of U.S. and international Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure, the Komen Foundation is fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants and supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world. Since its inception, the Komen Foundation and its Affiliate Network have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the Foundation’s mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. Through funding of programs like the Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program and the Komen Affiliate Grant Program, the Foundation has become a worldwide leader in the fight against breast cancer. The Komen Foundation has more than 75,000 volunteers working through a network of more than 100 U.S. and international Affiliates, making it one of the most progressive grassroots organizations in breast cancer today. I am very passionate about Breast Cancer Awareness. One of my high school teachers, Kerry Owen, was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Mrs. Owen is one of the most amazing individuals you will ever meet! She was my oral communications teacher in high school, which sparked my interest in Broadcasting. She was also the schools Key Club sponsor, which was nationally recognized by President Bush because of Mrs. Owen's amazing volunteer efforts! She encouraged each of her students to volunteer and reach for their dreams. She even encouraged me to enter my very first pageant! Mrs. Owen is not only a teacher, but a role model and a friend! Thank you Mrs. Owen for all that you have done for so many people!
click here for more photos	October 9-12 I was a guest for the 11th Annual Trail of Tears Association Conference & Symposium in Springfield, Mo. I had the honor of meeting Chief Chad Smith again! I also met, Jack Baker (TOTA President for the Cherokee Tribal Council) from Oklahoma, Deloris Wood (Panhel on Hildebrand Route Research) from Missouri, Joe Grayson, Jr. (Deputy Chief of Cherokee Nation) from Oklahoma, Morris Westfall (Governor’s Representative and Division of Missouri State Parks) from Jefferson City, Mo. I even met several of my relatives that I didn’t even know about! David Hampton (Association of Descendants of Nancy Ward) from Tulsa, OK, is one of the many relatives that I met. He has written a book called Cherokee Mixed-Bloods, and he presented this book to me! I was thrilled! I also had the honor of visiting Sequoyah’s home. I am a decedent of George and Nancy Blair. George Blair lived in North Carolina, and he was forced to leave, making the journey on the Trail of Tears. In 1855, George moved to Sequoyah District and bought the Homestead from Sequoyah’s widow, Sally. This took place in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. George represented the Cherokee people on the Cherokee National Council. He was Judge of Sequoyah District and was also an interpreter. After George died, his son Thomas Blair, my great great-grandfather, bought the Sequoyah Homestead. When Thomas passed away, his grandson, Tom, inherited the Sequoyah farm. He donated 10 acres to the Oklahoma Historical Society in 1936. The Blair Cemetery is a part of this property too, and about every 5 years, the Blair family has a family reunion. There is a spinning wheel located in Sequoyah’s home, which was brought over the Trail of Tears and stayed in the Blair family for several years. Then later it was donated to the historical site and placed in Sequoyah’s cabin. I am very proud of my Cherokee Heritage!
	October 9 I met with my voice coach, Bill Wolfe, in Kansas City. Bill is amazing! He has had several Miss America talent winners! He even had the Houston Symphony make the soundtrack for my Miss America song, "I've Got the World On a String." Bill is a wonderful Talent Consultant! For more information, visit his website http://talentwolfe.com/
	October 5 The Miss America Contestant Lottery took place today! It was very stressful! The Miss Missouri Board had a party for me though, and that was a lot of fun! Thank you to everyone who came to Jim Dye's office to support me! Well, I'm in the Sigma group! I'm in the first group for interviews, contestant #12! Thursday evening, January 25, I will compete in Swimsuit/Evening Wear. Friday evening I will compete in the Talent Competition, and I will be singing "I've Got the World On a String." Saturday night I will compete in the On- Stage Question portion of the competition. And then Monday is the LIVE Miss America Pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada! To check out the placement of all the contestants go to onlineselection.missamerica.org
click here for more photos	October 4 Today I was at Head Motor Company for the Children's Miracle Network Radiothon. We really appreciate everyone that gave donations! Every donation, no matter how small or large, counts! Children's Hospitals everywhere offer hope to children and their families. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful place right here in Columbia! After visiting the hospital, I've learned that there are so many childhood diseases and conditions that are difficult to diagnose and treat. Some of these children have had to face diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis or problems we don't even have a name for, yet. These children often have to spend weeks even months here. The Children’s Hospital is not only a hospital, but it becomes a home for some of these children. It is vital that we continue to support Children’s Miracle Network so that our children can continue to have the most up-to-date treatments, technology and best care possible. Traveling for treatments can be such a hindrance and a great expense for families – having such a great facility in our own state is amazing! Broken legs, chronic ear problems, heart conditions or cancer – whatever the problem – It is our responsibility to provide the best care available. I would ask everyone to look deep into your heart and contribute to our hospital, which does so much to help our children lead healthy and productive lives. By giving to this place, which gives so much to our future, you are helping children everywhere by giving the gift of health at an affordable price. As Miss Missouri, I have found that one of the most eye-opening & touching experiences has been my trip to Children’s Hospital. Sometimes it is easy to feel safe in our own world, but with so many illnesses and diseases out there – medicine is still a science, and we must continue to work and study to help make this a better place to live!!! People who support the radiothon are helping to treat these children! Miss America is even looking at the Children’s Miracle Network as a national platform issue!!!