At the beginning of the week I had expectations for what these next 10 days would be like. However, this event far exceeded anything I could have imagined. To give you a typical day, all fifty-two girls would be up at 5:30 or 6:00 at the latest to get ready for the day and eat breakfast. After breakfast, we would make our way to rehearsal, which would last until 5:00. Then that night we would have some sort of an event that would probably last until about 11 sometimes later. The next day, the cycle would repeat. 
If getting up that early wasn’t hard enough, the eight-hour rehearsals were, and if those weren’t challenging enough, going to an event after that was, but despite all of those things being challenging, the hardest part was getting up the next day and doing the exact same thing.
Although the first paragraph may make you believe that this week was exhausting, challenging, and gruesome, there were so many more positive aspects! The events, the rehearsals, and the relationships we made were all amazing! It’s hard to know where to begin to tell about a week this intense, so from the beginning…
At orientation we were able to meet other girls and go through our very first (of many that week) interviews with the camera! Right away, all of us girls were connected and realized that aside from the obvious similarities, we shared some pretty ironic things. At check-in we were given what became known to be called “Dolly” Duffles. Dolly is a duffle bag that was filled with free gifts, from skin care, to CDs, to lip gloss, jewelry, books, and even food! Each girl receives a duffle bag with her state name and a monogrammed crown. After check-in and the camera interview, I was able to move on to 
one of my favorite events of the whole week—meeting Tony Bowls at the Photo shoot!! Tony gave each and every girl and warm and personal welcome; he treated you as if you were his favorite model and his top priority for the day. He picked out one of his amazing gowns for each girl and chose accessories as well! My earrings were HUGE because he picked out a stunning pair, then hooked another pair to them (I thought my ears were going to slit). I then went over to his assistant who quickly styled my hair and did my make-up for the shoot! The photographer was very good and very friendly as well (proof that he’s so good can be found at the MAOT website)! That night we had an awesome fashion show and a dance party with all of the girls!
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday were all similar days. We learned our production numbers: Move, Move, Shake (Lifestyle and Fitness), Mamma Mia (Production), and Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Evening Gown)! Pam, our choreographer did an awesome job and the assistants were SO GREAT! On Saturday night, we went to Medieval Times and had a blast!! 
Between eating with our hands and the handsome yellow knight we were all (including the moms) crushing over, there were so many memories made there! Sunday night was Planet Hollywood, where we ate great food and had some fun with the DJ! On Monday night we received Snuggies and had a Teen Choice Award Watch Party!
The rest of the week flew by, Preliminaries started on Tuesday night and from then on, it was a blur! I felt so privileged and honored 
to represent Missouri at Miss America Outstanding Teen! I was able to minister and become great friends with so many girls there! In addition to all of the gifts 
and memories we got, God blessed me with the Scholastic Excellence Award, with that I won a full ride to Auburn University, and He also blessed me with a full ride to Troy University for my GPA and ACT score! This week was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I come home from it knowing that God has an amazing plan for me that exceeds even my high expectations, just as He does for you! I have absolutely no regrets, only thanks! Thanks you Missouri for allowing me to represent you and carry your flag with pride!
May the Lord bless you as He has me,
Lauren McCreight, Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen 2009
pageant, Miss Heart of the Ozarks! While there, the production was so much fun! They sang songs (even to introduce the judges), performed dances, and even came out into the audience to perform for a bit! I performed a song before the show began in “pre-show”, and “14G” later on that night! Afterwards, we went out to Denny’s where I chatted with all of Savvy’s friends! I was so blessed to be in attendance and loved seeing my best friend again!
