Ashley Melnick, Miss Texas 2010
 

 

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Miss Texas Blog

May 21, 2011
So many moments have taken my breath away this year, but these past two months have been filled even more with precious moments. Memories with our military and schoolchildren to those affected by special needs and caring, selfless people that have made my appearance even better.

Hughen Center
I will officially say that when I look back on my year as Miss Texas, the Hughen Center appearance will go down as the most memorable, fun and touching appearance for me. The Hughen Center provides the care, education and treatment of children and adults with physical disabilities. Before visiting the Center and participating in the marker dedication, I had the honor of being a part of the Beaumont Boys Bash, which was a fundraiser for the Hughen Center featuring Texas Country’s finest like Neil McCoy, Zona Jones and Clay Walker. I was able to thank each of them on stage and even had the opportunity to break out a little “Amazing Grace” with Neil. I was able to really get to know Neil and Zona well, and they amazed me with their sincerity and passion for helping the Hughen Center. Zona is on the board for the Hughen Center, is a successful country singer and attorney. He was very inspiring to me and brought clarity into what I want to do in the future.

The part of the trip that was most touching was actually visiting the Hughen Center. I spent the day with Monte Osburn, CEO/Executive Director of the Hughen Center, who was the most passionate and selfless person I have ever met. He had the biggest heart for the kids and adults at the center. I was able to eat lunch with all the children and adults and tour the facility as well. I met some spectacular kids. One child, Kevin, I really connected with during my visit. Even though Kevin was in a wheelchair, when he saw his friend struggling to eat his lunch, Kevin wheeled himself over to help his friend out. He had the most charming personality and a radiant face when he smiled. When the day ended I didn’t want to leave! I told Monte I promise to come back—and I will!

School Programs
I have lost track of how many school programs I have done, but each one is always special and unique. A few this past April and May stood out.

  • Imogene Gideon Elementary in Arlington had a few students that touched me. I had a little first grader come up to me in tears wanting to share with me that he would graduate high school because I told him he could and he believes he can.

  • Coleman High School in Coleman had a high-functioning autistic senior by the name of Jesse. Before I met Jesse and even presented, all the seniors were telling me how cool Jesse was and how he went to prom. That was an uplifting moment for me!

  • Itascosita High School outside of Houston was filled with many students feeling comfortable enough to reach out to me via Facebook or e-mail expressing gratitude or sharing tough issues they themselves are going through. I feel so honored to have young adults feel comfortable talking with me. I know I went through some tough times in high school, and I’m glad I can lend an ear or give some advice to make the journey a little easier.

Join Hands America—Fort Hood November 5th 2009 Memorial
This was a last minute trip to Killeen, but it was a fulfilling trip. I was asked to speak and sing at a fundraiser for the Fort Hood November 5th 2009 Memorial. The attendance may have been small, but the impact was huge. I find so much joy supporting and remembering our true heroes—not enough gratitude is even to our military. But even though this event was to raise money, I had a handful of moments that brought so much purpose to my personal cause.

  • I met a man who asked for me to write an inspirational autograph to his niece who is going through hard times. After presenting, he came over to me expressing his niece has autism.

  • A woman who lost her husband during the Fort Hood shooting had an autistic son. She was so brave and inspiring to me because she was willing to share her painful story of her husband to the public, bring awareness and be an incredible, resilient mother to an autistic son. What a fearless woman.

Village Learning and Achievement Center
I could write forever on this Center and appearance! First off, the center is for adults with special needs, which prepares them with learning and vocational skills to eventually work and live independently. This appearance was at a Golf Course in Humble to raise money for the center.

  • A moment I will always treasure forever: singing an unrehearsed version of “The Climb” with Shane, a blind young man with special needs. It was unbelievably moving to witness such a gift. Golfers who were there with no ties to the center gave a standing ovation. Not a dry eye in the room.

  • Tina was a woman who has been with the center for years and has progressed tremendously with her speech and vocational skills. She was such an angel. She gave the blessing before the meal, and when she prayed she mentioned me. She thanked me for visiting with her and referred to me as “Mrs. America”. I guess you don’t have to wonder why I liked her!

I’m at these appearances to serve and share with others, but I receive the best lessons and insight in return. The people I cross paths with have taught me lessons on courage, hope and the purpose we all have in life. My eyes have been opened this past year, and I have seen so much beauty and good in this state.

God Bless,
Ashley

 

April 26, 2011
March and April have flown by quickly for me filled with incredible memories of new friends and even familiar faces! It has been pretty busy for me, but nonetheless exhilarating! I know my time as Miss Texas is dwindling down, so I am making an even greater attempt to take it all in and enjoy every moment—every person I encounter!

Abilene
I went to Abilene the second week of March initially to speak at the Walk Now for Autism Speaks West Texas Kickoff Luncheon, where I was the honorary chair, but thanks Debbie Sherman, my one appearance on that warm, windy Friday turned into seven appearances and interviews! I was able to do radio and newspaper interviews, a PSA for Autism Speaks on the radio, a commercial for the upcoming Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Telethon, visit a local group home and adult program for special needs and visit Hendrick Children’s Hospital. It was a long, but memorable and fulfilling day for me. I was able to meet incredible teachers, directors of special needs programs and influential people regarding my platform, but there was one person that stood out to me—a little girl at the Children’s Hospital named Addison. She has been in the hospital for a while now, but that didn’t damper her spirits. She was the most gentle and loving little girl who had a contagious smile. Before I walked in her room she asked, “Miss Texas, are you going to give me needles too?” Her innocence and compliance broke my heart, but put a bigger smile on my face. It’s moments like these that make you grateful for being healthy and able to live life as you please. Even though Addison’s days are filled with medication and treatments, she had the sunniest disposition that really touched me.

Robertson County Fair Association
This is an appearance that Miss Texas has been attending for years, and it is known as an appearance where Miss Texas is treated well—with treats! I traveled to Hearne, Texas, to judge the Robertson County Fair Queen Pageant. It was fun to finally judge a pageant, and see competition from a different perspective! The judges and myself would attend a breakfast with one group of ladies, a brunch with another group and between breaks would enjoy more food again… and again! During my one break between interviews, Beverly, my traveling companion, and the other judges snuck out to Cocoamoda, a café and chocolate factory, where we met the owner and Food Network chef himself, Ken Wilkinson. This mini break turned into a tour of the truffle factory, a sampling of everything in sight and an exchange of stories and adventures. By the time the actual pageant began that evening, I was in a food coma! The Templeton’s, who host Miss Texas every year, were so sweet and accommodating during my stay, and they made it very special for me!

Trip to D.C. with Miss America and friends
All I can say is this was a once in a lifetime experience for me! Although I wasn’t able to be in Washington, D.C., the whole time I was invited, it was a spectacular trip! I was invited by the Miss D.C. Organization along with the top 12 Miss America contestants and friends of Stephanie, Miss D.C. I was able to experience D.C. with some of my closest friends and with the royal treatment! Photo shoots by the cherry blossoms, at the Newseum, a private tour of the Capitol, a boat tour on the Potomac, meetings with congressional leaders, lavish fundraisers, an invite to the National Republican Committee Conference Annual Gala—just to name a few! I can’t resist but to name drop some of the people I met on the Hill! Speaker Boehner, former VP Dick Cheney, Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, Texas Senator John Cornyn and Congressman Pete Sessions. I have a passion for politics, so I was in my element! I also loved hanging out with my Miss America sisters! It was a great reunion, but it was really tough to say goodbye! I actually got teary-eyed saying goodbye to some of my closest sisters-- my “Wolfpack” as we like to call ourselves!

Although these three events were my biggest appearances this March, I also was visiting many schools as well such as in Cooper and Troup, Texas! Also thrown into the mix this past March was visiting the VA Hospitals and the Capitol in Austin with the Miss and Teen Texas contestants. It was great to see the ladies and do appearances with them! Also, it was great to spend time with my teen queen, Madison Fuller. She keeps me smiling with her big heart and passion for life. I have so much fun with her—a little too much fun!

Until my next  round of adventures!

Much Love,
Ashley

 

 March 2, 2011
Happy Birthday Texas! It turned out to be a beautiful day here in the Lone Star State. After all the awful weather we had in February, it’s about time for some warm, sunny weather. The February weather did cause a lot of appearances to be cancelled or postponed, but I still had some great highlights this past month.

Tara Sawyer Foundation Celebrity Softball Tournament
Yes, the most un-athletic woman in the State of Texas participated in a softball tournament with mostly professional male athletes. The field was covered in Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, TCU, University of Texas baseball players… and then there was me! Erin Hunt, Miss Plano, did participate as well so at least I had a buddy out there, but it was intimidating! Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun at this event. I signed autographs, performed the anthem and even hit the ball—although I was quickly struck out!

National Salute to Veterans- February 14
I spent my Valentine’s Day with America’s heroes—our Veterans. I visited both the Temple and Waco hospitals by giving out some Valentine’s gifts and sharing my gratitude to those who served in the military. Everyone there was so warm and welcoming! Many of the Veterans gave me candies, cards, stuffed animals and even a personalized poem! It was a great way to spend my Valentine’s. I was even able to put on a mini concert for our Veterans. This concert was open to the public, and my cousin as well as his family came to see me perform! I haven’t seen my cousin Chris in over a year! Chris is currently in the army and is headed back to Iraq, so it was a big surprise to see him and his beautiful family!

Anchor Convention in Corpus Christi
When I first saw this on my calendar, I thought it was a Navy event perhaps! I shortly found out that Miss Texas has been attending this event for over ten years! Anchors are mostly young adults who volunteer their time to those in need by initiating projects to raise money or simply volunteer their time. I was invited to share my platform and to entertain during their big dinner. I had a blast sharing my story, meeting the anchor members and even dancing the night away afterwards when the banquet hall turned into a dance floor! I was even properly taught how to two-step by a 4-year-old! It was so inspiring to be in a room filled with so many compassionate, inspiring young adults. Although I was there to teach them, they taught me so much more.

The remainder of February was filled with school programs and other fun, diverse events such as “Cuisine for a Cure” which helped fund the Health Services of North Texas. This was a progressive dinner, which I entertained and enjoyed some food in the Shops of Legacy! In Waco, I attended the Annual Benefit Dinner sponsored by the Salvation Army, which benefited Sally’s House. Here I modeled in their fashion show, which I then donated my own clothes I modeled in to the Salvation Army. I also was able to share my platform and entertain after modeling. That was an exhausting event! I also did an appearance with my autograph page sponsors, Mrs. Renfro’s Salsa, where I could not pass up the opportunity to taste great, new food at the trade show!

March is shaping up to be a productive month filled with my platform! I’m very excited about being the honorary chair for Easter Seal’s “Walk for Me”. This walk will be held at Grapevine Mills on April 2. Please come out and support a great organization that provides services for those with disabilities. I also will be attending my third “Walk Now for Autism” event with Autism Speaks in Abilene this month. Autism Speaks has been an incredible organization that has allowed me to share my story and learn more about what’s available for Ryan and those with Autism.

I am so very grateful to be able to share my story over and over again. Looking back even a year ago, I didn’t have the courage to really open up and share my life and my brother. But because of so many loving supporters and friends, and because of the Miss America Organization, I have grown stronger and it has brought me so much happiness and peace. This year continues to surprise me with never-ending life changing moments and opportunities that I will always remember and cherish.

Much Love,
Ashley

January 26, 2011
It has been almost two weeks since I competed in Miss America, and I still can’t shut off all the adrenaline and excitement racing through my mind and body from one of the most fun and exhilarating experiences of my life. I made lifetime friends, learned lifelong lessons and will carry a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity always in my heart. I can truly say that I went to Miss America with “no regrets”, and that’s because I had an incredible support system and had a strong conviction in myself. I also know there were 52 other women that felt that same way, but we all left the experience stronger and ready for the bigger plan that awaits each and every one of us.

If I had to name the number one thing I loved from Miss America, it would have to be the other women there. My class was so congenial and fun! I found it so inspiring to be among women who shared the same outlook on life, been through similar challenges and shared the same interests as me. A bunch of girls and myself joked around calling each other members of “The Wolf Pack” consisting of: Jaclyn, Miss Florida; Kelsi, Miss Louisiana; Stephanie, Miss District of Columbia; Melaina, Miss Colorado and Brittany, Miss Connecticut and myself. Those girls kept me smiling and strong throughout the week. The group has grown since Vegas and pretty soon the entire class will be a part of the joke! I also had a blast with Jacquie, Miss Washington. We were always the two girls laughing or goofing off during our breaks when we were either shooting commercials or at rehearsal. I could practically name off every state and share a great moment I experienced with them. I am so blessed to have shared Miss America with 52 extraordinary women who made my experience unbelievable! To be honest, once I got back to the dressing room tent on finals night, I was so sad not because I was eliminated, but because I wasn’t going to see all the girls again tomorrow morning!

Another highlight to the Miss America week was the “Show Us Your Shoes” parade. I had so much fun at this event because I was able to share it with my dad and especially my brother Ryan. Ryan was beaming ear to ear—he loved being a part of the parade, and the crowd was so sweet to him! Everyone was cheering Ryan and telling him he was doing a great job in the parade. It amazes me how far Ryan has progressed. There have been very few keystone moments in my life where Ryan’s and my life have come together, and I am so glad he was able to be a part of my Miss America experience.

Throughout the week, my platform of autism resonated and continued to remind me how important autism awareness is to this country. During my Miss America interview, three out of my seven judges were affected by autism and they were well informed about what was happening in the research and treatment world of autism. Also, Jacylyn, Miss Florida, has a younger brother who has asperger’s—a form of autism. And as I competed every night, I would look to the back of the house and see my banner that had my name and the Autism Speaks logo, the blue puzzle piece. When I would see that blue puzzle piece I would think of Ryan and my parents, all the great people of Autism Speaks who have helped me through my journey like Pat Robbins, parents and families I have met at Autism Speaks walks, children in the autism units I have visited in schools, and it fueled me every night.

What also invigorated me was to feel the love and excitement from the audience and at visitation during Miss America. I’m still just finding out friends from college or family were in Vegas cheering me on! It is such a humbling gift to see the support from so many people! It was such an honor to see the founder of my journalism school at TCU, Bob Schieffer, anchor and moderator of CBS’s “Face the Nation”, attend visitation with his wife, Pat. He wasn’t the only Frog cheering me on! TCU has been so supportive and involved in my journey, and I am so fortunate to attend a college that takes an interest in every student. I wish I could recognize and thank every person that was in Vegas, or who sent me words of encouragement. It meant the world to me!

I am so privileged to come back to a state that has open arms. Texas will continue to bless me with great memories and opportunities. I look forward to all that’s ahead! It’s only the halfway point in my year, and I am ready and excited to live the remaining year as Miss Texas to the fullest!

All my love,
Ashley

 

November 12, 2010
This past month I put a lot of miles on my car and in the air, and now it is mid November and I go home to visit my family in about a week! Goodness! Time has gone by so quickly but nevertheless all the appearances were filled with so many new experiences and memories!

First off, many of my predecessors have said October is a tough month for Miss Texas with the mix of traditional Miss Texas appearances such as The Rockdale Fair and The Sweet Potato Festival and numerous school programs, especially during Red Ribbon Week. On top of that, I did appearances to raise money for my Children’s Miracle Network goal and of course my personal platform, Autism.

The Rockdale Fair was quite the experience! I have to say that was the most fun and fascinating appearance for me so far! This experience truly christened me as Miss Texas because I posed with more livestock animals than people—110 livestock animals to be exact plus the Heifers Auction! I thought a Heifer was a really big cow—boy, did I get schooled on livestock and showing livestock! It was an experience that opened my eyes to a world I’ve never explored, and made me appreciate all the time and effort that goes into showing livestock.

Aside from the animals, I was able to walk around the fair grounds and meet the town of Rockdale. Everyone was so sweet and hospitable! When I visited those camping out, they would either feed me their award-winning barbeque or help me get warm by offering me a cup of joe. The town touched my heart, and I feel like I was adopted into the Rockdale community!

Another appearance I want to share taught me to never underestimate an appearance because it’s all about being in the right place at the right time! This appearance was a media lunch all the way in Shreveport to kickoff the Holiday Trail of Lights, which is what I will be participating in late this month and December. I was shocked I was only going to appear for an hour to simply enjoy lunch. While at lunch I sat by a woman whom I could tell was going through a tough time. We started talking and she shared with me her son Ryan was just diagnosed with Autism and she was having a hard time finding treatment and financial help. Our eyes both filled up with tears, and I instantly knew I was at that lunch for a reason. It is moments like these that make my heart beat faster—to be in the midst of God’s perfect timing. J

A very special appearance and opportunity for me happened a week ago in Rio Grande City where I spent a week giving 18 presentations to the schools. It was a cultural experience for me. Every morning I would wake up in my hotel room and look out the window to find Mexico a few miles away! I had the most kind and giving man, Salvador, who would travel with my traveling companion Beverly and me. He drove us to all the schools and would take me out to the BEST Mexican restaurants of my life! Salvador also let me explore the history of Rio Grande and all its beauties. I was in awe learning the Mexican culture that was within the Texas border!

I wish I could share every appearance, but this one I must share because it was a last minute appearance and was a once in a lifetime appearance—singing “God Bless America” at Game 6 of the ALCS. To have the opportunity to give the Miss Texas Organization national exposure was such an honor, as well as singing the most beautiful, patriotic song was a humbling experience. Being in the rush of excitement with all 50,000 + Rangers fans singing along is a moment I’ll never forget!

I will always remember October because it was filled with such diverse appearances and wonderful people. Visiting over 20 schools, speaking at Walk Now for Autism Speaks in different parts of Texas, working at the Dallas Market, raising CMN money at a Transportation Convention, visiting local pageants, visiting my high school for the first time since I graduated and gearing up for Miss America happened in this past month. It has been small events, large events, small towns and border towns, but nevertheless, it is the incredible job of Miss Texas. I have so much to be thankful for this season.

Have a wonderful start to the holiday season! Safe travels!

All my Love,
Ashley

 

October 12, 2010
Well September was a busy month with over 40 appearances, and it looks like October is going to be another crazy month as I sit in the car typing my blog on the way to Houston!

I was recently asked what drives me to get up early every morning—to do appearance after appearance, countless hours behind the wheel, prepping for speeches and performances. I simply said, “It’s the people!” So many say there is little good left in the world, but I see quite the opposite. I’ve been so lucky to experience the sweetest, most giving people in Texas. From the principal of Hughes Springs ISD in East Texas who had an RV for me to rest throughout the day, to the selfless volunteers of the numerous appearances I did this past month for Autism such as the fundraiser for the Warren Center in Richardson and the Bobby Norris Roundup for Autism benefiting the Autism Treatment Center of Dallas. It’s the great people that I have met that motivate me to get out of bed, and the new faces I will to meet each day. My perspective of this great state and of our entire society has dramatically changed. I am so privileged and so humbled to be in a position to see the beauty of Texas and the great people that make it so wonderful.

This past month I was able to visit numerous schools and teach about diversity and bullying through the lessons and stories of my Autistic brother, Ryan, and that has been such a rewarding treat for me. I received countless Facebook messages from students thanking me for sharing my story and the sweetest handmade gifts from students thanking me for visiting their school. It has been such a blast! I love letting my “quirky” side come out, have fun, and yet teach a lesson at the same time with my school programs!

Some of my days have been jam packed this past month with very diverse appearances as well. One particular Friday I was at the Top 10 Women of Collin County Luncheon at Neiman Marcus and quickly had to change for the Stockyards in Fort Worth to participate in a parade, entertain at the rodeo and speak on my platform. Talk about change of scenery!

Other fun appearances were:

  • Singing the National Anthem at the Texas Rangers game: I still have people telling me they saw me sing and/or saw my interview of Fox Southwest! GO RANGERS!

  • RailFest at Palestine: Miss Gayla and I had a wonderful time over Labor Day weekend enjoying the great weather over in East Texas.

  • Community Health Charities: This was where I helped Pat Robbins with Autism Speaks set up a booth and help raise money, bring awareness and recruit volunteers for the walks Autism Speaks puts on throughout the state and even nation. This was a neat, behind the scenes experience for me to see how charities obtain monies and volunteers.

  • Making a video for the “Frogs for the Cure” football game halftime show: SO COOL! I shot the video with Tim Halperin, who is a singer/songwriter from TCU that wrote “We Fight Back”. Tim has generously decided to donate a portion of his profits from his song to Susan G. Komen—so go buy his song “We Fight Back” on iTunes! At the set, we shot the music video for his song as well as shot for the halftime video that day. What a great cause to be a part of! GO FROGS!

  • Ooh La La’s in Grapevine: I just adore the owner, Miss Sylvia, of Ooh La La’s! She allowed me to raise money for CMN at her store as well as sign autographs for a few hours. It was a great evening, and I left with $500 for CMN and a cute pair of MissMe jeans!

  • TCU’s Legend of the Series with Nolan Ryan and Chuck Greenberg: This benefited TCU’s KinderFrogs, a program for special needs children, and I was able to attend the event as well as sing the National Anthem. I met so many influential people—and many of them were TCU alums, which was pretty neat!

There was so many incredible experiences this past month, and I cannot believe it’s already October! The leaves are turning down here in Houston, but it’s a mild 85 right now—but in Texas that’s kind of cool!

Until next time!

All my love,
Ashley 

 

September 6, 2010
This past month’s appearances have fully allowed to absorb my title as Miss Texas! Between the trip to Orlando to cheer on Madison at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen and my visit to Southfork Ranch to attend the Forever Living International Conference, I know I am Ashley Melnick, Miss Texas 2010, or as the foreigners liked to call me, “Princess! Princess of Texas!”

First off, I could not be any prouder of Madison and her performance at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen! She shined onstage every night and did her very best! She may not have won Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, but I know there are great opportunities and people awaiting to change her life and for her to make a difference here in the Lone Star State.

Aside from the nights of preliminaries in Orlando, I was able to meet the 52 contestants that make up the Miss America Class of 2011. This trip truly solidified my lifelong dream of being on the Miss America stage has finally come true! And to tell you the truth, the reality of it all is better than the dream because I could not have imagined how incredible and fun all of the contestants were in Orlando! I had a blast getting to know the girls—from having our serious conversations on the bus as we drove to Disney World to letting our hair down and dancing the night away at the Seigel family home, who graciously hosted an incredible fundraiser for Miss America. I’ve made some pretty cool friends that I know I can count on when Vegas rolls around, and friendships that will last beyond January!

My other appearance that I mentioned earlier that was an incredible experience was my trip to Southfork Ranch. This was an international conference that embraced multiple countries around the world by showing all the foreigners some good ol’ southern hospitality! I got my cowgirl boots on and showed men and women from Brazil, South Africa, Ukraine, Japan, you name it, a warm welcome to Texas! Cameras were flashing and my face was cramping from smiling, but they were so excited to meet me and to have an explosion of cultures under one roof at a ranch was a whirlwind experience. My favorite part was singing “The Climb” to everyone, and even though many didn’t speak English, they sang along! I tried my hardest to convey the message by really performing the song and going up to the tables to singing to them, and I think it worked! It’s moments like these that I will probably never get again, so I will forever cherish my cultural country night on the ranch.

Another memorable and unbelievable opportunity I received in August was to record a short video for Autism Speaks for the State of Texas thanks to Pat Robbins, the Director of the DFW chapter of Autism Speaks. It was a “call to action” video that encouraged participation in the upcoming Autism Speaks Walks in Texas. I was able to share my story, show clips of my brother Ryan and tell listeners why Autism Speaks is one of the best charities out there for those affected by autism. It was the first time where I felt my crown really became I microphone and a tool for me to really impact the entire state of Texas. It was such an extraordinary honor and privilege to produce a video that I hope will touch and encourage those to help those like my big brother Ryan!

Of course the month would not be complete without visits to my great sponsors such as: Dawn Heyl over at Oasis Wellness Center where I receive chemical peels and microdermabrasion, my visits to Heather and the Basham’s at Mental Management, great guidance by Janet Sue Rush who helps me with my school programs and a showering of fabulous jewelry thanks to Joe Wilmoth just to name a few!

I know I have a lot ahead of me! September is jammed pack, but I am so ready for the time of my life! School programs, speaking engagements on my platform, performing and singing the national anthem numerous times and my Homecoming are just a few exciting appearances and events I have to look forward to this month!

Until next time!

All my love,
Ashley
 

August 6, 2010
The most rare and memorable experience I have had since being named Miss Texas has been singing the National Anthem with an 8,000 lb. elephant named Asia parading around me at the American Airlines Center! I’ve been singing the National Anthem since the age of six, and never in my wildest dreams would I imagine myself singing in the middle of the ring with an elephant at the circus. Yes, the circus was in town and it was an absolute thrill! Between the mix of fun music and colorful clothing—it’s almost like a pageant!

I cannot even begin to express how extremely grateful and honored I am to be the 75th Miss Texas. To share the stage with some of my dear friends who are so inspiring to me, and to represent a state I am so proud to call my home is beyond humbling. There has not been a single day that has gone by since I have been crowned when I haven’t stopped everything and simply thanked God for this opportunity and all the people that have been a part of my journey and will become a part of my journey. Being crowned the night of July 2, I was unaware of the instant addition of family members called the Miss Texas family. My parents may live 1,600 miles away, but I now have family minutes away that offer such unconditional love!

This month has gone by so quickly, but believe me, it was packed full of fun trips to sponsors and appearances!

My very first appearance was at the Fourth of July Parade in Arlington. I was so sleep deprived, but I couldn’t wait to participate in the parade as Miss Texas. Every time someone would scream “Miss Texas!” I would look for Kristen and then realize Miss Texas is me now!

The first week was quite busy! First stop was hair at Burt Grant Salon where I met Raquel. She had my hair looking shiny and new just in time for an interview at CBS 11 with Madison. We were interviewed by Tracy Kornet and even applied makeup in the dressing room beside weather man, Larry Mowry (I’m a Broadcast Journalism major at TCU...I know my news anchors!)

The next day Madison and I had our pictures taken by Kelle at Premiere Photography in Colleyville. I absolutely adore Kelle and Dale over at the studio and have known them since I was Miss Southlake three years ago! Kelle is more than a photographer to me, and I was so excited I was able to work with her again! I also met Rebecca D’Aquin from Baseball Diamonds, the official jewelry sponsor of Miss and Teen Texas, who was there to accessorize Madison and me for the shoot as well as the entire year!

My favorite appearance shortly followed the photo shoot where I spoke at the Autism Society 41st National Conference and Exposition. I met the CEO of the Autism Society of America, and so many hard workers and believers who share a passion to bring awareness and funding for autism. The conference energized and inspired me to work harder for my brother Ryan who has autism, and I am so thankful to have shared my story and mission that day.

That Friday I went back to the Fort—Fort Worth that is, where I did a few interviews at the good ol’ Bob Schieffer School of Journalism at TCU. It was surreal to be back on campus as Miss Texas because I know this won’t be my home for a year...or maybe a year and a half. J While on campus I visited my apartment where I was met by Paul Harral of the Fort Worth Texas magazine. He interviewed me and my best friend, Jordan Johannsen, who was my first runner-up as Miss Irving. It was great to be back in Fort Worth and to be with “my bestie” as I call Jordan, but it was pretty cool as well to drive back to my new Miss Texas apartment! Within a couple of days, I was able to drive to and from my apartment in my new Miss Texas car—a sparkling red Lexus provided by Sewell Lexus of Dallas! Somebody pinch me please!

The list goes on and on of exciting and unforgettable appearances and people I’ve met this past month. The two trips to Mesquite to assist Art Greenhaw and participate in the Mesquite car show and unveiling of an historic marker was such a pleasure. The talented Mr. Greenhaw and I performed together at both appearances. What a privilege! I also spoke to the women at Reign '10 Women's Conference, sang the National Anthem at the Texas West State Little League Tournament and even found time to still be showered with gifts from all the generous Miss Texas sponsors.

What a month it has been and an exciting year ahead! I have such a great team/family behind me, and of course a talented, sweet “Teenie Queenie” to share my year with, Miss Teen Texas Madison Fuller! Great things are in store for her and I can’t wait to cheer her on in Orlando at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen! We are the two happiest young women in Texas, and we can’t wait to hit the ground running!

Until next time!

Warmest Regards,
Ashley

 
 

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