Miss Missouri 2006 Sarah French

As my year as Miss Missouri comes to a close, I want to thank everyone who has been a part of my amazing journey. I feel so honored to have represented all of you. Thank you for being such a wonderful support system for me. I will never forget all the people who touched my life this year and left footprints in my heart. I have been so blessed to work with all of you. I look forward to seeing everyone pageant week! And to the new Miss Missouri…get ready for the ride of a lifetime! I have truly enjoyed every moment, and I’m so honored to have been your Miss Missouri 2006! Thank you!
	May 31 This evening I co-hosted Dancing with the Missouri Stars. Dough Pugh, Columbia attorney and author of bi-weekly “Homeboy” humor column in the Columbia Tribune, was the master of ceremonies. We had so much fun emceeing together! The event was held at the Hearnes Center in Columbia. It was a benefit for the Missouri Contemporary Ballet. The dancers were absolutely phenomenal! Professional dancers from the Twilight Dance Studio performed with our celebrities. It made me want to take ballroom dance lessons! Hopefully they will ask me back next year to be one of the stars! Then I’ll really learn how to ballroom dance! Well, I’m very proud to say that Lori Anne Gaddy of Downtown Alterations is the 2007 Dancing with the Missouri Stars Champion!
	May 31 Today I gave my final Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation. I can't even believe it! I went to Lange Middle School, and the kids were just fabulous!!! It was the perfect school to end my year :)
	May 20-21 The 5th Annual Missouri Western Celebrity Golf Classic took place at the St. Joseph Country Club on Monday. The St. Joseph YWCA partners every year for the Celebrity Golf Classic Tournament. The YWCA is a women's membership movement nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and sustained by the richness of many beliefs and values. Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership, and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. Sunday evening I attended a wonderful charity social dinner party sponsored Hy-Vee. I was one of many celebrities auctioned off for the golf tournament on Monday. Other celebrities included Walter White (Kansas City Chiefs), Bud Stallworth (NBA/KU), David Whitmore (Kansas City Chiefs), George Hayward (NFL Official Superbowl XLI), Kimble Anders (Kansas City Chiefs), Marty Pattin (Kansas City Royals), and several more! On Monday, I was paired up with 2 teams one in the morning and one in the afternoon and played 36 holes of golf in one day! Hey, I was pretty impressed with myself. :) I had a fabulous time!
	May 18 I spent the day at Mexico Jr. High giving my "Right Decisions, Right Now" Presentation. The kids were great! Deb Haag took me out to lunch too! We had so much fun together!
	May 15 I was the keynote speaker at Higbee High School’s “I Can Be Me” Banquet for their high school girls! Mary Ridgway, the school nurse, works so hard every year to make this possible for the senior high girls! She was such an inspiration to me! The school is very lucky to have her! She presented me with the cutest gift basket at the end of the banquet. It was full of inspirational notebooks, quotes, and picture frames! I couldn’t thank her enough!
May 14 Today we shot a MediaCom commercial advertising the Miss Missouri 2007 Pageant at the Mexico Military Academy. The pageant will be held June 6 – 9. It is going to be a fantastic show! You will not want to miss it.
	May 13 Happy Mother’s Day! I spent the day at the Kansas City 5K Mother’s Day Race! It was very heart-warming to see women of all ages with their mothers! I met one woman, Carolyn Mitchell, who has run in marathons in every state and FIVE continents! She only lacks South America and Antarctica! What an inspiration! The eldest women in the 5K run was 91 years old! When asked when she began participating in marathons, she said casually, “Oh, when I was 80!” Ha ha – I hope I can participate in 5K runs when I’m 91! I also took a photo with a woman who had lost over 130 pounds! I had so much fun at this appearance! For more information, visit their website at www.mothersdayrun.com
	May 11-12 Its graduation weekend at Mizzou! I had so much fun cheering for my friends as they received their diplomas! I cant believe Ill be graduating in just one year! Time flies!
May 9 Today I made an appearance at my Little Princess’ school, Mill Creek Elementary. I spoke with Grace’s class about my platform “Health & Fitness for Life.” Then I let all the girls wear my crown for a photo, and the boys got to hold it. I had so much fun, and a big "thank you" for all the beautiful pictures the students colored for me to take home!
	Congratulations to Stacie and Andy! They were married on Cinco de Mayo! I'm so excited for both of you :)
	May 6-8 I had a fabulous weekend!!! Miss Colorado, Miss Arkansas, and I spent the entire weekend working hard in KC for the Miss Missouri production music! We had so much fun with Bill Wolfe! He has worked so hard! I can't believe the pageant is almost here! This year has gone by so fast! I can't wait until you all get to see our performances!
	May 4 I was the the keynote speaker for the Camp Hickory Hill Diabetes Banquet. Camp Hickory Hill has been in operation since 1971 and is located outside of Columbia, MO. The camp serves children and teens ages 8 to 17 who have insulin-dependant diabetes. Their mission is to educate these boys, girls, young men and women to manage and control their own diabetes in partnership with their families and health providers. For more information, visit their website at www.camphickoryhill.com
	May 2 I gave my presentation "Right Decisions, Right Now" to Smithton School today! The kids were so excited, and they all got in line at the end of the presentation to receive an autographed photo! Before I left the school, the students made sure to give me a hug bye! It was so cute!
	May 1 I spoke to the 9th graders of Oakland Jr. High today. I gave my speech on "Right Decisions, Right Now." The kids were great and very attentive! When I met the teacher, Michael Bielski, I thought he looked familiar. Well, turns out we both go to the same church, The Crossing!
	April 30 Today I made an appearance at the Boys & Girls Club of Columbia. The kids were great, and I had so much fun! The Block Rock Team from Mizzou organized an event for the kids. We had food, music, etc. To learn more about Block Rock, visit their website at www.blockrock.org In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. To learn more about how to become involved with the Boys & Girls Club, visit their website at www.bgca.org
	April 29 Today was our annual Mortar Board vs. ODK kickball tournament! I am very proud to say that Mortar Board won, and you can see our beautiful trophy in the picture. After the kickball game, I went to the Boys & Girls Club to do some volunteer work before my appearance tomorrow.
	April 28 I was honored to emcee and entertain at the Southwest Little Theater Angel Awards in Washburn. Wyatt Hester, the drama teacher, organizes this event every year. Mr. and Mrs. Hester decorate the school cafeteria to the heights! The evening was the schools Oscar night. We announced the Best Actor and Actress Awards, Best Cameo, etc. The winners received beautiful trophies. I was even presented with one for being the emcee. Mrs. Hutchens was my host for the evening, and she did a fabulous job! I had so much fun with Mrs. Hutchens and her granddaughter! It was a wonderful weekend!
	April 23 – 27 I’ve had a very busy week! I spent the day in Kansas City on Monday working on the Miss Missouri production numbers! I can’t wait for all of you to see what we have in store! It’s going to be amazing! Bill Wolf and Erin Engelmeyer did an outstanding job on all the music! The Dream Girls theme is perfect! I am so excited! Tuesday was our annual Board Meeting in Mexico. I had so much fun riding with Anne Williams! However, on our way home, it was raining so hard we couldn’t even see the road! It was scary, but we made it home safely. Wednesday I drove to the Lake of the Ozarks to spend the night. Thursday morning I attended the Mid-Missouri Credit Union’s Grand Opening of their Osage Beach Branch. I was thrilled that Paul Corbett invited me to the ribbon cutting! I had a wonderful time meeting everyone! Pickled Pete’s catered the event, and I tried one of their fried pickles. Well, one turned into two and so on :) haha
	April 22 Happy Earth Day! Today was Columbia’s 2007 Earth Day Festival! Earth Day is put on primarily to promote greater environmental awareness, and to allow our community a chance to focus upon the ways we can live in a more eco-friendly, sustainable fashion. The Earth Day Festival features music, art, educational displays, kids’ activities and more that bring home the fact that we all share this planet. Earth Day Network seeks to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. We pursue these goals through education, politics, cultural events, and consumer activism.
view more photos	April 20 I am very proud to finally tell everyone that I have officially been tapped into Mortar Board. It was a secret I was having to keep! Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership and service. Mortar Board members represent the best scholars and leaders on their campuses. Since its establishment in 1918, nearly a quarter of a million members have been initiated at 222 chartered chapters across the nation, including the Friars chapter at Mizzou. Mortar Board provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. Additionally, Mortar Board offers numerous benefits and opportunities to members, including career networking, fellowships and awards. I was so thankful to all my friends and family that came! And a special thanks to Susan Atkins, Anne Williams, and Phil Kimmi! I was sooo excited to see your smiling faces when my hood was taken off! What a great support system you all are!
	April 19 Today I spoke to St. Peter Catholic School in Fulton, Missouri. I gave my Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation. The kids were great, and they were a joy to talk with. Thanks for being fantastic students! After Fulton, I drove to Columbia to pick up my beautiful evening gown donated by the Villager on Broadway! I'll be wearing this fabulous dress at the Miss Missouri Pageant in June!
April 17 As you all know, Virginia Tech experienced a campus massacre yesterday morning. As our flags are lowered today, we mourn for the victims of this tragedy. Please keep the students and their families in your thoughts and prayers. We are so fortunate to have our loved ones with us today. Please tell them that you love them. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that’s why they call it the present.” This quote could not ring more true to all of us today. As I watch the news, I am inspired by the story of Liviu Librescu who gave his life so his students could escape. My heart goes out to those students who came together in a time of need. The media has given us so much that I can just picture in my own mind the emotional devastation and incredible loss that has come to all those associated with this event. "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Gruber for completing my Tax Return! They were overwhelmed with work, but they still took the time to work me in. They even mailed the return for me before the April l7 deadline. I greatly appreciate your generosity! Mom Pat - I'll see you in June!
	April 13 My high school was having an Abstinence by Choice week for the Jr. High. My brother is in 8th grade. They had a guest speaker each day. On Friday, I was the featured speaker. I gave my program Right Decisions, Right Now. I talked to the students about how every decision we make is important. Each decision we make in life takes us down a different path. Which path do you want to take? A group of high school students ended the day with skits about abstinence by choice, dating issues, peer pressure, and saying no to alcohol and drugs. They did an outstanding job! I had a wonderful time visiting my high school. Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful week!
	April 11 Today I was a special guest on Dick Antoines morning radio show 1340 News Talk KZNG. It was so much fun! The following guest was Harry Getzor, from New York. I was invited to stay and participate in his interview. Mr. Getzor is traveling across the United States interviewing the elderly for a book he is writing. One very interesting fact about Mr. Getzor is his father wrote songs for Frank Sinatra. For more information on Mr. Getzor endeavors visit his website www.edlerforum.com After the radio station, I was the featured guest speaker at Rotary. There were about 150+ people that attended the luncheon. I had a wonderful time, and the audience was great. Thank you so much for inviting me.
	April 6-8 This Easter weekend I went to a wonderful Good Friday service at The Crossing, my church in Columbia. On Saturday, I rode in the St. Louis Variety Club's Easter Parade. Did I say the cold 20 degree Easter Parade? It was a blast! Variety The Children's Charity of St. Louis was founded in 1932. It serves children with physical and mental disabilities in the greater St. Louis region. The Variety chapter of St. Louis is an international leader, raising more than $3.29 million annually to help these children. I was very fortunate to be a celebrity model for the Variety 's Runway Lights Benefit Fashion Show Luncheon sponsored by American Airlines. It was held in the beautiful Khorassan Ballroom at the Chase Park Plaza. The show began with an amazing performance from the Variety Children's Chorus. To name a few of the other celebrity models: Monica Adams (KMOX 1120 AM's Health & Fitness Show host), Jackie Brock (wife of Hall-of-Famer and Cardinal great Lou Brock), John Carney (KMOX 1120 AM's Two Johns No Waiting host), Larry Connors (KMOV-TV's News 4 St. Louis anchor) and his wife Janet, Kent Ehrhardt (KMOV-TV's News 4 St. Louis chief meteorologist), Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge (American Airlines St. Louis hub managing director), Debbie Monterrey (KMOX 1120 AM's Total Information AM co-host), and Donna Savarese (KMOV-TV's News 4 St. Louis anchor/reporter). The emcee was Michelle Davidson-Bratcher (KHOU-TV, Houston, Texas), a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Shandi Fennesy, Missouri's own Dancing with the Stars contestant, hosted the live auction. I had a wonderful time at this event, and I loved meeting all of these wonderful people! At the end of the show American Airline Pilots brought the Variety children on stage. It was very touching! If you would like to learn more about this amazing organization please visit their website at www.varietystl.org Thank you so much to the women of Variety. I feel truly blessed to have been a part of this wonderful experience.
	April 3 I was thrilled to have tickets to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! I have seen a lot of broadway plays, and this one is by far my all time favorite! It was amazing! If you ever get the chance to see this, please don't miss out!
	April 2 Today I drove to STL to have a fitting for the Variety Club Fashion Show! On the way, I saw my new Billboard! I was very excited! Hopefully you have seen it as well! This Saturday I will take part in the Variety Club's Easter Parade and Fashion Show. St. Louis Variety exists to serve children who have physical and mental disabilities in the Greater St. Louis region.
Thank you so much to David Pickering for everything! He posts all my appearances on the website, creating this wonderful Travelogue! I don't know what I would do without all of his wonderful help!