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Miss Teen Texas 2010 Blog
June
24, 2011
It is time. I have just spent the year of a lifetime, made unforgettable
memories, met extraordinary people, spoke to countless audiences, signed
hundreds of autographs, knelt down to thousands of kids, gave millions of
hugs, posed for billions of pictures, spread my platform across the U.S.,
found 52 long lost sisters separated from each other at birth, performed on
the 90th Miss America stage, smiled more than ever, laughed until I cried,
sobbed tears of joy, answered to “Miss Teen Texas, Princess, that girl on
the billboard, and Queen of Texas” more than “Madison,” convinced a 6 year
old I lived in a castle, and felt happier than I ever have in 16 years.
When that crown was placed on my head I knew that God had big plans in store, but nothing could have ever prepared me for the 365 days that were awaiting me. I found a new “Madison” I had never known before. This experience made me realize the things I never knew I could do, taught me lessons I could never learn otherwise, made me strong, and gave me endless opportunities.
As this chapter of my life comes to an end, I look back with a heart bursting with joy. I never imagined feeling so complete at the end of this journey, and that is how I know that I have done my job. My time has come to a complete, and now it is time to change one other young ladies’ life. I’m excited for one lucky individual to discover so many beautiful things through the power of this job, and to use their crown as a voice to reach others and make a difference.
As I close my last blog as Miss Teen Texas 2010, I look through my scrapbook and there are now 12 months in albums. It’s finally coming to an end. It’s bitter-sweet, but I’ve been reminded numerous times to not cry because it over, smile because it happened. And I have the biggest smile on both the inside and outside.
Thank you Texas from the bottom of my heart, for changing my life and for giving me the greatest opportunity of my life.
All my love,
Madison
Miss Teen Texas 2010
June
8, 2011
One minute…I was walking down that runway hand-in-hand with Miss Texas,
Ashley Melnick to the song “Perfect Day” and then I blink once and I am
lying in bed watching my Teen Texas DVD and writing about the month of May
appearances. I can’t believe that it’s almost here. To think it’s almost
over breaks my heart, but I know that one teen’s life is about to be changed
forever, and that makes me feel good. As each girl is finishing last minute
preparations for Miss Texas Week, I hope they are soaking in the moment,
time flies too quickly to not enjoy it. May was a good month, but then again
every month this year has been a good one, because I have the best job any
16 year old girl could ever dream of.
Dance Troupe Sleepover
I got to stop in and visit with our 2011 Miss Texas Dance Troupe during
their sleepover, and let me say…we have an outstanding group of young
talented ladies who are going to blow the Miss Texas Crowd away! They are
all so adorable and very talented dancers, but most importantly such a sweet
group of girls! Thank you to Dianne Johnson and Jordan for allowing me to
stop by and say hi to the girls! I cannot wait to watch them perform at Miss
Texas!
Pre-Memorial Day Show at Veterans Hospital
It was an honor to join my Miss Texas sisters and Bruce Wallace in
putting on a Pre-Memorial Day Talent Show for the veterans at the Dallas VA
Hospital. They have sacrificed so much for our country and for our freedoms,
so it was nice to give back to them! So many times we take the many simple
blessings in our lives for granted, and this appearance reminded how blessed
I am to live in America and to have the freedoms to live my life of my
choosing. As Miss Teen Texas, it isn’t about you…it’s about the people you
meet and those lives who you touch. I hope the titleholders who put this
show on touched the veterans and showed them how much we appreciate them;
although we could never express enough gratitude towards this gift of
freedom they have given us. Co-emceeing with Ashley and Bruce was wonderful
and I would like to thank Bruce for continuing to keep this show alive. The
veterans deserve it and we are really thankful for Bruce.
Special Olympics
This appearance will always hands-down be one of my favorites, if not my
absolute favorite. No words, no expressions, nothing can replace the smile
on those athletes faces. The warmest feeling in the world is hugging one of
those sweet kids. One of the biggest blessings in my life is having the
opportunity to participate in Special Olympics. After returning for a third
year, I’ve grown to know some of the athletes and it’s so great to see them
year after year. Signing one autograph, or cheering them on while racing
blow-up horses or just a simple hug can change their life. It’s an honor to
be a part of such an amazing organization. Special Olympics doesn’t just
impact those with special needs, but everyone who has ever been involved. I
left Arlington that day with my heart bursting with joy because this is what
life is all about: serving others, and making a difference in other’s lives.
Whenever taking a quick break from signing autographs, Teen Frisco Kaitlyn
Wilson and Teen White Settlement Breshell Hurley and I decided to take a
trip inside where there were basketball games going on. One of the athletes
quickly spotted us, and ran up and gave us a big hug and said, “Who told you
to come find me in here?” J He had never been happier to see three girls
with crowns on their heads to stop and give him the time of day. It’s those
kinds of moments that we titleholders live for! I’m so blessed to have the
opportunity to attend Special Olympics. I really hope that even after this
reign is over, and I’m no longer any kind of “important” or “famous” that
I’ll have the opportunity to continue to volunteer with the Special
Olympics. Those kids truly changed my life, and I want to give back to them
what they have given to me!
Fourpoints Magazine
It’s always been a goal of mine to be on the cover of the Miss America
Magazine: Fourpoints. After watching two girls from Texas, Elizabeth Blum,
and Sean Durrett, I’ve always wanted to enter in the contest! I have applied
numerous times before, but never made the cut for the voting rounds. This
year I was pleasantly surprised when I got a call at the beginning of March
that I made the top 25, and then after voting round 1, made the top 5 cut. I
just wanted to thank each and every person who took the time to vote for me.
I was reminded what amazing people I have in my life who care so much for
me, and I am truly grateful for my Miss Texas Family. Thank you for giving
me this opportunity and I cannot wait to appear on the August Issue of
Fourpoints! Thanks to you guys, yet another one of my crazy dreams has come
true! Thank you guys for making me a cover model!
As June is flying by already, it’s becoming very real to me that in one month I will no longer be Miss Teen Texas. I am soaking in ever last moment of the best year of my life. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the future and for one very lucky girl on July 2nd! I have sincerely loved every second of this!
All my
love,
Madison
May
1, 2011
April by far has been the busy month, but that’s how I like it! With a short
two months left, I want to take advantage of every opportunity possible.
Life as Miss Teen Texas only continues to get better and better!
Opening Day at the Rangers
Go Rangers! On April 1st, Ashley and I had the opportunity to go to
Opening Day for the Rangers! We were invited by our wonderful sponsor
Baseball Diamonds! One of the perks of being Miss and Teen Texas is all of
the amazing sponsors, like Baseball Diamonds. They allow us to wear some of
the most beautiful jewelry I have ever seen, and invite us to come to
baseball games! I am a huge Rangers fan, but have never been to a game, so
this was a wonderful first game! Ashley and I got to pick out new jewelry
for our jewelry boxes, and then took a tour of the ballpark with David and
Rebecca, then returned back to their suite to enjoy the game! I had so much
fun, and this appearance definitely goes down in the books as one of my
favorite! Thank you so much to Rebecca and David D’Aquin for an amazing day
at Rangers Ballpark!
4H
Meeting
I was invited by the Fairfield 4H to come and speak at their April
meeting about my platform. 4H empowers youth to reach their full potential,
working and learning in partnership with caring adults. These kids are
leaders in their community, so it is important that they set a good example,
so I really targeted my message towards being a good leader which includes
being and living a bully-free life. It was great to share my platform with
people from my hometown and I had a great time!
Colleyville Women’s Club Fashion Show
I was invited by Colleyville’s Women Club to join them in their annual
“Lunch with the Girls” fashion show and charity event in Colleyville. I was
one of the models for the live auction, modeling a $7,000 pair or pearls! It
was a fun way to help raise money for all of the ladies charities, and I had
a great time!
Spring Meeting
This year’s Spring Meeting was by far my favorite of four years! It was
a weekend full of positivism and so much was accomplished. The first night I
had no idea what to expect because this was my first year not coming as a
titleholder, and I was finally the queen. For four years I’ve watched
Callie, Sydney, and Taylor sit up there at the Miss Texas Officials table,
and dreamed of one day sitting up there. I found myself in disbelief that
the time had finally come! Having all of the 41 teens all together was
really cool, I got to talk to some girls who I competed with for three
years, and then I got to meet new friends too. After listening to what is in
store for this year’s pageant, I am fully confident that it will be a great
show! Sharing my platform with everyone and then talking to the girls about
the Job of Miss Teen Texas was really cool. I had thought long and hard
about what I wanted the girls to know about this job. I’ve had the time of
my life, and I know the next girl to wear this crown will too. The 2nd day
was something we’ve never done for spring meeting, which was having all of
our sponsors come and talk to the girls about preparing for the summer. What
they said was so helpful even to me who is not competing. We are lucky to
have such amazing people sponsoring Miss Texas. Saturday night was so much
fun! We took a visit it to Alley Cats Bowling Alley in Arlington, and I had
a blast! Alley Cat’s is a really cool place. You can bowl, play laser tag,
rock climb, putt putt, karaoke, and so much more! We had our own private
room in the back to bowl, and on the screens above the lanes they played the
2010 Pageant! It was kinda cool to be bowling and then look up and watch
myself in fitness, or talent or whatever! I even decided to rock climb,
which was really scary! It looks like it’s not that high up, but once you
are up there it is so scary!!! I really enjoyed our night out to Alley Cats!
After leaving the bowling alley, Jan, Zac Grimaldo, my mom, Ashley and I
were hungry for something sweet so we went to Pink Berry for frozen yogurt!
Yummy! Some of the best memories of my year were made just in one night! The
third day we got to sleep in!! Once we woke up we headed down stairs for a
nice breakfast and then said goodbye to everyone. I found myself crying on
the drive home to Fairfield, because it all finally sunk in that this was my
last spring meeting as a teen and for a few years. It has been a great four
years, and it was sad to think it was my last for a few years! I had so much
fun, and thank you to everyone who made it so memorable and those who worked
so hard to make it such a success!
Relay for Life Fashion Show
This past fall I was a model in our local Relay for Life Fashion Show,
and this time I was invited back again to the Spring Show to model and
perform! I performed with Austin and Ally, and then quickly changed to model
a dress and another trendy outfit from a local boutique, “Bling it Up!” It
was so fun much to help raise money for such a great cause!
Terrell Jubilee
I was invited down to Terrell, Texas for the annual Terrell Jubilee!
It’s a festival the small town has every year with many different things to
do. I spent my morning with Miss East Texas, Jennifer Peter and Miss Teen
East Texas, Victoria Tew, signing autographs for all of the kids around the
park. It was great to mingle with everyone, and everyone was so sweet. It
reminded me of our County fair in Fairfield. Everyone was so kind and very
festive!
CJ
Wilson Children’s Charity
Having the hookup with the amazing Rebecca D’Aquin of Baseball Diamonds
and good friend of Texas Rangers Pitcher, CJ Wilson…I got to have the
coolest opportunity ever of meeting and attending CJ’s Strike out Bowling
Event! It was such an honor to be invited and to join in on such a wonderful
event! At the beginning of April while at opening day I met Robert
Champagne, the president of CJ’s charity, and father to Micah, the young boy
who inspired the charity. Micah was a patient at Cook Children’s Hospital
when CJ and several other Rangers Players went for a visit a few years back.
Micah changed CJ’s life, and it is so touching to hear their story and how
Micah influenced CJ to start this charity, but how CJ also inspired little
Micah and made so many dreams come true for him. It was so awesome talking
with Robert, and I knew right away that what they had going was pretty
awesome! But it wasn’t until this particular event that I realized how
incredible it was! I got to sit inside of CJ’s racecar with was pretty
awesome, not many people get to do that!! CJ was one of the nicest (and good
looking ;)) guys I have ever met! He was so kind to take a break and come
and talk to Amanda, Miss Arlington and I. He signed our t-shirts and took
pictures with us, and was really awesome to meet. Micah was also there and I
have to say he is one of the coolest little kids ever. I proudly wear my “I
KNOW MICAH” bracelet to school, and every time someone says “Who’s Micah?”
my heart lights up, and I think of a little boy who he and his family have
endured so much with each difficulty in his life, but have turned it into a
way to raise awareness and help so many people with sick children.
My heart goes out to everyone across the Southeastern states that have been affected by the storms and tornados.
It’s sad to already be writing about April because I know May will fly by and that puts us at June, just weeks from Pageant. I have really enjoyed this year, and I mean that with all my heart!
God
Bless,
Madison
April
1, 2011
It’s hard to believe it is already April! Time is going by so quickly! March
was a great month. I had so much fun and look forward to a busy April! God
has blessed me in so many ways as Miss Teen Texas, and it seems like each
month gets better and better!
Cheer Tryouts
To kick off the month of March, cheer tryouts started the month off to be a
great one! The first week of March I tried out for Varsity High School
Cheerleader, and made it! I’ve been a cheerleader since 7th grade, so it was
exciting to continue my journey with something I love! Cheerleading is more
to me than just the yells and jumps, but it’s a leadership and role model
position. One of my favorite parts of cheerleading is mentoring the kids! So
many little ones look up to the cheerleaders and want to be just like us, so
I am so excited to have this great opportunity again this year! I am so
blessed to be a part of a great squad, and know we will have a great year!
Houston Rodeo and
Keith Urban
Coming off a great day of cheer tryouts, the week continued to get better!
That next Tuesday I was off to the Houston Rodeo and to see Keith Urban!
Back in February at the Arlington Sweeper Pageant, I was surprised by my
dear and beloved friend Dug Ngyuen with four tickets to the Houston Rodeo to
see Keith Urban live in concert! Anyone who truly knows me knows that I am
Keith Urban’s biggest fan! It was such a pleasant surprise and Duc was so
sweet giving the tickets to me! I am so blessed to have met someone as
special as Duc is during my experience of competing in Miss Teen Texas! He
is such a generous and great guy, and I am so thankful to know him! I had
the time of my life and have never screamed so much in my entire life! It
will be a night I will never forget! Thank you again Duc!
Houston Livestock Show
I spent my spring break probably a little different than most pageant girls!
My beef master Barbara Jean and I loaded up once again and went to the
Houston Livestock Show during our spring break! I have never been to the
Houston show, and it was a great experience! Houston was a little bit bigger
than Fort Worth was, so I planned to go and just have fun! I had such a
great time, and so did Barbara Jean! I knew the chances of her winning her
class at Houston were very slim since there were so many more heifers, but
of course I showed her the best I could and hoped for the best. As the final
four stood there I planned on being 3rd or 2nd…wrong! Barbara Jean won her
class again! It was a complete surprise! I was so proud of her; she behaved
so well and was perfect! I also ran into my friend Sean from East Texas.
This is the 10 year old whose family we bought Barbara Jean from. At East
Texas he thought it was pretty cool that I was Miss Teen Texas, and asked me
to show his calf for him! He spotted me once again and this time wanted to
know if I was single! He is such a cutie! Houston was a great experience,
and a spring break I will never forget!
Veterans Hospitals
I was so excited to return once again to the Veterans Hospitals this year
for a visit in Waco and Temple! Capitol Day/VA Hospital weekend is always
one of my favorites! Starting off in Waco myself, Ashley and many local
titleholders made our way around the Waco hospital greeting patients,
signing autographs and pictures, and then ending our visit with a talent
show for the patients. Then we were off to Temple to do the same! Seeing the
patients and volunteers of both hospitals, and the smiles on their faces
when we walked in was so heartwarming! Thank you could never be enough to
all of these brave men and women and for the service they did for our
country. They are true American heroes and it was a pleasure traveling to
Waco and Temple and thanking them for all they have done.
Capitol Day
Miss Texas Capitol Day is a day that I look forward to every year! It’s so
hard to believe that we are already at the end of March! This was my fourth
year traveling with the Miss Texas gang to Austin, and it was by far the
best yet! This year was unlike any other year before. It was by far the most
fun I have ever had at the capitol! We have so many new girls competing in
Teen Texas this year, and I was so excited to meet many of them while in
Austin. I made so many new friends! The bus ride there was a chance for me
to become close to so many of them, and I was so excited to welcome new and
returning girls to the capitol! The adventure began Sunday Night when we
arrived at the La Quinta in Austin for our meeting. Ashley, Mrs. Jan and I
had so much fun rooming together! The next morning bright and early…and
chilly I might add, we were off to the capitol! We began with pictures on
the front steps, then into the rotunda, and then off to visit senators and
representatives from our districts. Then we had the luxury of taking a VIP
tour, with the best tour guide ever…Richard! We were welcomed into the
Senators apartment and all around the entire building. Out of my four years
of visiting Austin, I have never been to…nor even knew it was possible to
climb to the very top of the capitol! But we did! After what felt like 3,000
flights of spiral staircases, we made it to the highest point of the
building, literally the roof! Anyone who has ever been knows how high that
Texas Star seems, and trust me…that is high! The view of Austin from outside
the top was beautiful! It was a way to experience Austin like none other!
Going on this tour was so fascinating and I’m so glad we got the chance to
go on it! Also one cool thing about this year was we were in session! We’re
only in session every two years, and I’m so glad it was this year! Ashley
and I had the neatest experience of going onto both the senate and house
floor while in session! We were recognized along with the MTO, and it was so
cool! It’s an experience I will never forget! Not many people can say they
have done the things that I did in just one day! After a long morning of
fun, and a great lunch, we settled down after lunch for some great guest
speakers. The speakers this year were wonderful! Each one of them had a
great message to share and were such wonderful inspirations to all of us
girls! It was such a pleasure meeting them and hearing what they had to say!
Overall Capitol Day was better than I could have ever expected! Being Miss
Teen Texas has opened up so many doors for me, and Capitol Day was just
another example of those many doors!
March could not have gone any better! It was a busy, but FUN month for me! I know April is already a packed month, and I am so excited for Spring Meeting and all that is to come with April. Each month seems to fly by faster, so I am enjoying this crazy ride!!
Many Blessings
Madison
March
4, 2011
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”- Helen Keller
And this amazing adventure continues! February was a month full of love and joy. As this adventure takes me on all sorts of roller-coaster rides, I am loving every single second I have! I hope everyone had a blessed Valentine’s Day with the ones they love most, just as I did!
Snow Day
Texas definitely had its share of Winter Cold this season. At the beginning
of February we were delighted in Fairfield to receive a good bit of snow,
and it was so much fun! Building snowmen, snowball fights, hot chocolate,
and no school! It was just another great memory to add to 2011, and my year
as Miss Teen Texas!
Sweeper Pageant
I was so blessed to have the
opportunity to MC the Arlington Sweeper Pageants this month! Crowning so
many new titleholders to welcome to the Miss Texas Family was so wonderful!
The pageant started with Ashley and I co-hosting, but once Ashley was off to
another appearance it was all left to me! I now have so much more respect
for Gloria because that is a lot of work! It was such a great experience,
and I am so excited for each of the girls who won titles! To top off a great
night the amazing Duc Nguyen surprised me onstage with tickets to see my
very favorite country artist….Keith Urban! I am so very excited to go see my
man on March 8th! J I am his biggest fan, and it was so sweet of Duc to do
that for me! Thanks again Duc!!
State Basketball
Tournament
Fairfield High School made
history this year by making it all the way to the state tournament in
basketball! Fairfield has never been to state and it was one of the coolest
experiences! Cheering inside the Erwin Center at Austin was unreal!
Unfortunately Fairfield did not make it all the way to the championship, but
I was so proud of the Lady Eagles on being one of only four teams in the
state of Texas to compete for the state title! It will be a time I will
never forget as a cheerleader and as a high school student.
March is looking like a very busy month ahead! I look forward to going to see Keith Urban, Spring Break, Capitol Day, and so much more!
Love,
Madison
February
1, 2011
Each month of my reign as Miss Teen Texas seems to get so much shorter! It
feels just like yesterday I was standing on that stage as Gloria called me
as Miss Teen Texas 2010…and now it’s January! It’s going by so quickly, so
I’m trying to soak in every single second.
Miss America 2011
There she is…Miss America! What an exciting experience, this year wasn’t
just another year at Miss America, but it was the 90th anniversary! Being in
the presence of so many formers, the women I grew up watching on T.V. every
year was a once in a life-time opportunity! I went to Miss America in 2008
when Kristen Haglund won, but this year was so much different because I
wasn’t just watching, I got to perform on that legendary stage! Forty-one of
the Outstanding Teen’s from across the country flew in and we reunited once
more to perform on Wednesday Night Preliminaries. We brought back our
routine from MAOT “It’s Our Time to Shine Girls”, and it definitely felt
like a great time to shine! Standing on a stage that so many little girls
dream about was something that just doesn’t happen every day! I flew in on
Tuesday evening just in time for visitation and as we were walking through
the casino a pool of crown-heads flooded in and nearly took me down! Seeing
those girls again for the first time since August was so great! I missed
them more then I could have ever imagined! We were able to pick up right
where we left off in August, just like we had never been apart. What I
gained from being Miss Teen Texas and competing at MAOT was far more than
any prize or award. Being an Outstanding Teen this year at Miss America was
a whole new experience!
Outstanding Teens’
Outing
On Thursday all of the Teens went on a really cool outing. First, we went to
The Mirage on the strip of Vegas where we got to pet dolphins and explore
the zoo! It was so cool, I’ve always thought dolphins were cute, and
touching them would be fun…and it was! Even though it was freezing cold
outside we were all willing to jump in the water to pet the dolphins! They
were so obedient, and gentle and just so much fun! After exploring the
Mirage the teens headed over to The St. Rose Dominican Hospital for a
Children’s’ Miracle Network Hospital Visit and Luncheon. We got to learn all
about raising funds for CMN and different opportunities to get involved.
That’s really what Miss America is about, the service, so it was cool to
have the chance to learn even more about CMN and listen to the guest
speakers. After that, we headed over to the Fabulous Las Vegas sign for some
photos. It was neat to be by that legendary sign that so many people
recognize Las Vegas by! The outing was a great experience to share with all
of my sisters. We got even closer than before and continued to strengthen
the bonds we shared.
Miss America Parade
For the 90th anniversary, Miss America brought back the Miss America: Show
me your shoes Parade…and we got to be in it!! This is the first parade that
was held in Vegas and it was so cool! All of the outstanding teens got to
walk and then also escort former Miss Americas! Being a part of something so
huge in Miss America history was so neat! I got to escort Miss America 1957,
Marian McKnight and she was the sweetest lady! All of the former Miss
America’s were all so classy and even the older ladies still had that “Miss
America Look!” I was so honored to escort Mrs. McKnight and the parade was
an experience I will never forget!
Miss America was definitely a trip to remember! Reuniting with my girls, Teen North Carolina and Teen Colorado…and so many more was so much fun, and I already miss them! I am so proud of Ashley and the way she represented the state of Texas. All of the teens were completely amazed by how beautiful she was and how great her voice was. Ashley has so much to be proud of, and I’m definitely glad to bring her back home to Texas with me!
A Day to Remember
On Martin Luther King Day I was invited to a church in Lancaster, Texas for
“A Day to Remember.” This was an event that has been around for ten years
where many different churches all come together with many devotional
speakers and entertainers. I was invited to come and perform and speak, and
it was probably one of my largest appearances yet. I performed some of my
favorite routines, and then share a little bit about myself, the Miss Texas
Organization, my platform, and how blessed I have been by God to have this
opportunity.
Fort Worth Stock Show
For one week I was able to trade in my crown and sash, for a pair of boots
and my heifer...Barbara Jean! Barbie and I traveled to Ft. Worth to compete
in HER beauty pageant!! HahaJ
My Ag teacher loves to mess with me about comparing a Stock Show to a
Pageant, and he makes sure everywhere we go that people know he has Miss
Teen Texas on his show team! This was my first time showing at Ft. Worth,
and I won’t lie…I was scared to death! Being gone to Miss America I wasn’t
able to work with Barbie near as much, so I was scared that she would take
of running with me dragging helplessly behind her…after all, she only weighs
like 1,000 pounds! But Barbie was so good for me; she behaved so well and
didn’t even take off running! It really felt like I was competing, as we
both stood there nervous the judge kept calling others over and over
again…and then I realized I was one of only three left! Barbie had a lot of
competition too, competing against 20 other heifers. I thought surely I
would be 2nd or 3rd…but as the little girl and I stood there he pointed to
her 2nd, and then looked at me holding up one finger! Barbie won her class!
It was just like winning Miss Teen Texas all over again!
J
Okay, maybe not, but it was still a great feeling! It was a great first
experience showing at the Ft. Worth Stock show, I think I might need to get
Barbie her own crown now!
Teaching Gymnastics
I recently was hired on a new job teaching Gymnastics with my Cheer Tryout
Coach, Hillary, and I love it! Every Monday-Wednesday I get to spend time
with little girls from the age of 3 all the way to 13. Although it’s a lot
of work, it’s so much fun! One day when I was walking in one of my first
graders looked at Hillary, and said…”Madison is MY Cheerleader!” All of the
little girls are so precious and think that it is so cool that Miss Teen
Texas teaches them gymnastics! It’s been a blast so far, and I’ve really
enjoyed being a mentor and teacher to them!
January flew by so quickly, I wish there was a pause button because this year is moving too quickly! I’m having so much fun as Miss Teen Texas, and every time I put that crown on my head I feel like the luckiest girl in the world! Spring is approaching and it’s only going to get busier! Happy Valentine’s day to you all, sending you much love!!
XOXO,
Madison
Miss Teen Texas 2010
January
1, 2011
2011! It is bitter sweet as I say goodbye to a year that I consider to be
the best yet! 2010 was filled with the most amazing experiences and
countless blessings; it was definitely a year to remember! This year changed
my life, and I look forward to 2011, and what it may bring! I hope everyone
had a wonderful and delightful Christmas just as I did! Christmas is my
absolute favorite time of the year, and just like every other year…it flew
by so quickly! December was a busy month, but every day was absolutely worth
it!
Christmas Parade
I was invited by the Mexia Chamber of Commerce to ride in the Mexia
Christmas Parade at the beginning of the month, and it was so much fun! I
love parades and of course Christmas Parades are the best! It was a great
way to kick off the season with the people of Mexia and bring joy and
holiday cheer to the city! After the parade I headed off to sign autographs
at a convention center downtown and mingle with everyone! There were tons of
kids who came by for autographs and it was so much fun to talk with them! No
one could believe that there was an actual “Princess” or “Royalty” in their
town! It definitely put me in the holiday spirit!
NCL (National Charity League)
Appearance
While at the Miss Plano Frisco Pageant back in October, I met a teen
contestant named Madison Hildreth who I am so inspired by! Madison invited
me to speak at a meeting of her chapter of NCL. NCL is an organization where
young people join together in community service within their school, city,
or even state. It is an organization placed in schools where each graduating
class has their own “Chapter” or group. Madison’s NCL was the Class of 2016
at her middle school. I had never heard of the NCL, because unfortunately it
is not placed in my school, but I was blown away when I found out what this
small group of girls do! At such a young age they make a huge difference in
the lives of others through community service. Each month they have a
meeting to collect business and organize everything. They invite guest
speakers to come to each meeting and I was very fortunate to be invited to
speak at their December meeting. I was asked to talk to the girls about
setting goals, something that I’m very familiar with. It was so neat to
share my experiences not only in Teen Texas but just my everyday life. I
talked about hard work, dedication, time management, being organized, and
how I stay involved and don’t let people or things distract me from
achieving my dreams. It was so easy for me to relate to the girls because I
have been in their shoes and I still am working hard towards achieving goals
of mine. It was probably one of my favorite appearances this far because it
really gave me the opportunity to hopefully touch the lives of these girls.
Dogwood Jamboree
The Dogwood Jamboree stage is a place that I know well! I have performed
numerous times on the Dogwood Jamboree. I love to entertain and this year
there was a new twist. It began early this year, what was called “Dogwood
Jamboree Artist of the Year”, a talent competition to find the show’s most
talented people. I thought it would be a great opportunity so I auditioned
early at the beginning of this summer. I ended up winning that preliminary
stage where I was chose n to compete in the final search show in December.
To my surprise I was very lucky to be named the Artist of the Year. It’s a
true honor to be recognized, especially for a talent that I love so much. It
was a great experience!
Meeting Burt Grant
I went for a visit this month to the official Miss Texas Hair and Make up
Salon, which is fabulous. Sadly Ashley and I lost our second hair dresser
both who have moved, so this time I got the ultimate deal having my hair cut
by Mr. Grant himself! It was so great talking with him and having him cut my
hair! We played around and he gave me the coolest up-do, I just want to
thank the Burt Grant Salon again for sponsoring the Miss Texas Pageant! It
was such a pleasure meeting Mr. Grant!
Miss Lake O’ The Pines
I had the honor of helping welcome back Mike Graham and the Miss LOP Pageant
this year! I remember growing up watching Stacy James and Lisa Dalzell win
the Miss Texas title back to back as Miss LOP and thinking how awesome that
title was! Being a part of the production, performing, and crowning the new
titleholders was all a real blast! Mike and Mark are two incredible
individuals and I am so glad to have them back as directors! The Christmas
themed pageant ran so smoothly and was a great show! I always love going to
locals and being a part of them! One of the highlights personally for me was
crowning someone so close to me, my Miss from last year as Miss Teen Frisco,
DaNae Couch. Cristie was so sweet to hand me the crown and let me share that
moment with someone I love so much! It was a fun pageant to be a part of and
congratulations and best wishes to Mike and his new titleholders!
Ashley’s Miss America Send-off Party
Those seven judges would be crazy not to name Ashley Melnick Miss America
2011! She is absolutely ready for the job, and there is something about her
that just screams Miss America! Seeing Ashley at her party she was so calm,
and relaxed. She’s done everything possible to prepare, and now it’s time
for her to shine on that stage! I, along with so many other Texans, and even
non Texans have full confidence in Ashley and can’t wait to watch her
compete! It’s been such a wonderful experience being Ash’s teen. She’s an
amazing role model to me, and I could not be happier to be a part of her
Miss America journey. I am so glad I got to go to her send off party, with
many many others to show her the support behind her. Go Ashley!
Only a few more days until I’m off on a plane to Vegas! I can’t believe Miss
America is already here! I’ve been one time before, but I’m so excited to go
as an Outstanding Teen and reunite with my MAOT girls! I have missed them
more then I could ever have imagined, and I can’t wait to see them again,
and then see fame crowned! I hope you all had the greatest holiday season!
Here’s to a wonderful 2011!
Many blessings,
Madison
December
1, 2010
Christmas is coming, but I just had one of the most
meaningful Thanksgivings ever. Thanksgiving …a word that is simply a word of
action, and for me, November was all about doing just that. It’s a special
time of year; to thank God for the many blessings I’ve been given this year.
And I have so much to be thankful for. As November ended and I sat down to
write about my busy month I was thinking about what to write for my November blog, I realized nothing could be better than counting my blessings.
I am thankful for…
-
The Miss Dallas Pageant. I commend Hunter and Chris on such an excellent and well put together pageant! I was so thankful I got the chance to attend and see two girls crowned Miss and Teen Dallas. The decorations were breath taking, the competition was outrageous, the music and production numbers were genius, meeting Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007 was so cool, and it was all around just a very fun pageant! They are both great directors and I hope they have a great year as they prepare their new titleholders!
-
The Miss Arlington and East Texas Pageant. I’m so excited that Amy Conway is carrying on the title of Miss Arlington, and proud to welcome Gaylene Baumgartner, the new Miss East TX Director! Jingle Bell…Jingle Bell…Jingle Bell Rock! It was a rockin’ pageant and it was so much fun to be in the opening number, help with on stage question, and entertain my talent! I got to spend time with the fabulous four outgoing queens, Cristie, Elizabeth, Reilly and Shannon, as well as meet all of the new girls competing! Congratulations to both Amy and Gaylene on fabulous new titleholders, I know they will have a fun time!
-
The Miss Ellis County/Duncanville Pageant. I have known Jim and Sherry Hanson since I was about 6 or 7 years old. I would always go and watch their locals as a little girl and competed in the Little Miss Ellis County Pageant! They both hold such a special place in my heart and it was an honor to be at their pageant this year. They are incredible directors and do so much for their girls and I’m so excited for Michelle, Rachel, Haley, and Kate to have the opportunity to work with them! I hope they have an awesome year!
-
The FFA. Being a very active member and officer in the FFA (Future Farmers of America), so many opportunities come out of it. FFA is so much more than its name, it’s not just farmers and ranchers, cows, sows, and plows, it’s an organization full of speaking events, building leadership, and community service. One of my favorite parts is the community service, which is so dear to my heart. My fellow officers and I traditionally spent one afternoon delivering poinsettias to our two local nursing homes. We went into each room and greeted the men and women, wished them a Merry Christmas and gave them a poinsettia pot. To see the smiles on their faces was such a joy, and made my day. That’s what this time of the year is all about.
-
Being a licensed driver and my new car! Although I turned 16 in August I got my license this month along with my new 2011 Chevy Equinox. I’m such a lucky girl to have a nice car to travel safely in. And it doesn’t look to shabby with the Teen Texas stickers on each side either! ;-)
-
My Pageant Family. Everyone who has been a part of this journey, David and Vicki, Jan Mitchell, Ashley Melnick, Mike and Bryan Slaton, Dean Horan, David White, Michael Lunardon, DaNae Couch, Zac Grimaldo, Ricardo Tomas, Beaux Wellborn, Gloria and Matthew Barron, Lisa and Sheridan Garbe, Tammy Markle, Pat Fowler, Heather Sumlin, Cindy Fennel, Cheryl Hefflin, Taylor and Brenda Lowery, Kaitlyn and the Wilson Family, Anjelica and the Rodriguez Family, The Andersons, The Dunns, The Locasios, Gary Tom Scott, Ron Carter, Rebecca D’Aquin, My LSP’s and National Princesses, and so so many more who have had made this such an amazing experience. I am so thankful to be surrounded by the most incredible people who have impacted my life in so many ways.
-
My Family. My Mom, Dad, Morgan, Mallory, Aggie, Meme, Granddaddy, Blake, Audra, Ivy, and Ally. I’m thankful to have the best family anyone could ever wish for. I love them more than anything.
-
The opportunity to live my dream. I say it over and over again, being Miss Teen Texas is the greatest experience of my life, and it is. My life has been completely changed for the better and I am so thankful.
I hope you each had a Happy Thanksgiving, and remembered what this season is all about. Now it’s time for Christmas! My favorite time of the year! Temperatures are dropping and decorations have gone up and are beautiful to see! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Happy Holidays!
Madison
November
3, 2010
Fall is here! I’m so excited that the holidays are coming soon! I love the
months of November and December, and look forward to them. I look forward to
November being a very busy month for me as Miss Teen Texas! With a couple of
appearances this month, I have stayed busy with school and many other
activities. For the first time in 5 years our Football team is headed to the
playoffs, as district champs! I’m so excited to get to cheer for my team! I
so far love my sophomore year, 2010 has by far been the best year yet!
Relay For Life Fashion Show
I was invited by owners of a local boutique in Fairfield called “Bling
it Up” to model clothes at the annual Relay for Life Fashion Show. I love
being involved in Relay for Life events, and the Fashion Show was so fun to
be a part of. Modeling clothes in the show was a chance for me to help raise
money for this great organization. While modeling clothes I was introduced
as Miss Teen Texas, which was such an honor to be recognized by my hometown.
I had a lot of fun and look forward to more Relay for Life events in the
future!
Miss Plano Frisco Pageant
There is absolutely no way I would be standing here today if it weren’t
for the MPFO. I had the honor of being a titleholder for this great
organization twice. On October 24th for the first time in my 3 years
experience I got to give up my local crown. That was a very special day for
me. Everyone involved in the MPFO is family to me, and I got to spend the
entire day with that family. It was bittersweet because I am definitely not
good when it comes to farewells, but I know it was not “goodbye” because I
still have the rest of my reign as Miss Teen Texas. I am so proud of all of
the girls who competed. There was not one single girl who was not absolutely
stunning. They all did a great job. Also having Julia Anderson there was
pretty cool, I felt like I was in the presence of a star! She really is the
definition of “True Beauty”. It was an honor to be recognized as one of the
members of the MPFO alumni with Miss Texas 2006 Shilah Philips, and Miss
Teen Texas 2009 Taylor Lowery. I wish all the best of luck to the four lucky
girls who get to spend this year with the MPFO! I hope that their year is
just as great as mine was! Thank you to my MPFO family for the love they
have shown me and everything that they did for me the 2 years I was lucky
enough to spend with them! I love you all so much!
Good luck to all of the girls competing in upcoming Locals! It is going by way too fast! I hope November is the busiest month for me so far! I love appearances and can’t wait to do even more! I don’t take one day as Miss Teen Texas for granted, and I know that this is a once in a lifetime chance for me.
Stay warm and have a great November!!
With so much love
XO,
Madison
October
1, 2010
I cannot believe that I’m already writing about the month of September! It
went by way too fast! I have had so much fun this month! I love seasons
changing, and as we begin fall I am so excited that it is pageant season!
Even as a local title holder I absolutely loved going to watch locals. It’s
so much fun to cheer on all the girls and to see the pageant family! I look
forward to attending many of the local pageants!
I finished out August with Miss America’s Outstanding Teen which was the best experience of my life, but September for me was all about enjoying my reign as Miss Teen Texas! Each and every day I wake up and feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have this opportunity. I’ve really realized how visible the Miss Texas and Teen Texas Organizations are. There have been some very interesting experiences, especially in my school as Teen Texas! Like walking into my Spanish class the day I returned to school after MAOT, I was asked “So, how was Miss Universe?” or my world geography teacher announcing to everyone in the hallway that Miss Teen Texas had arrived and to clear the way! Everyone in my school has been so supportive and I am so thankful! Our school newspaper came out recently, and inside there was a full page article on me being crowned Teen Texas which was really cool! I am so excited that I get to share with my classmates and friends at school what happened to me over the summer. My life completely changed and it’s so amazing to get to share it with my school. When you walk down the halls at FHS we have numerous bulletin boards set up with newspaper pictures on them. Several pictures from MAOT and Teen Texas that came out in our local newspaper are hanging on those boards, which is pretty awesome! I am really involved in my school, and to have their support behind me and for them to be so proud means so much to me!
Homecomings
Although my Homecomings were both in August, I wasn’t able to write a blog
on them so I wanted to write about them in this one! Both the Fairfield and
Frisco Homecoming were absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much to Reda
Robinson, Deana McAdams, and Jennifer Murphy for the Fairfield, and David
White, Ricardo Tomas, and the MPFO for the Frisco! They each had their own
unique personality to them and were both perfect! Thank you to everyone who
came out and for all of the gifts and well wishes! I was showered with gifts
in one week between the two homecomings and my sixteenth birthday! The
support, love, and encouragement I was shown was incredible and I cannot
thank each and every person, who came to one or sent a card, email, phone
call, text, Facebook message, or even just had me in their thoughts and
prayers as I went to Orlando. Each day was so special to me and I am so
grateful for everyone who made it possible. Thank you from the very bottom
of my heart to everyone involved for making those two days two of the best
days of my life.
Miss Colleyville
I got to attend the Miss Colleyville pageant, which was the very first local
for me and it was so fun! I’m so excited about Danny and Ed being new
directors! They are both really great guys and they are going to do a great
job! I wish them all the best as they begin to prepare their girls for Miss
Texas.
Ashley’s Homecoming
I cannot wait to see what January brings when Miss America approaches
because I truly feel that Texas may very well have the next Miss America!
Ashley has the complete package and I can only say that it is such an honor
to be her teen! It’s funny, because I remember my first year as a very
clueless teen, just absorbing the whole scene of Teen Texas with stars in my
eyes. I was at the Miss East Texas Pageant watching and I saw Ashley singing
as Miss Southlake. I remember watching her and thinking to myself, I hope
one day I might be good enough to get to have her as my miss. She is so
beautiful and so talented and I want to call her a big sister. I had no idea
I would get to have her as my Miss Texas! It was so great to go to her
homecoming and show her the support that is behind her. The Miss Fort Worth
Organization did an outstanding job on the homecoming and it was a very
special day for a special girl. Ashley is doing a great job representing
Texas!
East Texas Fair
Coming from a very small town, I was born and raised with cattle. I show
Beefmaster Heifers on my school FFA Show Team. My heifer’s name is Barbara
Jean, inspired from the show Reba and we recently went to the East Texas
State Fair. While waking up at 5:30 am, in my T Shirt and Jeans, Rain boots,
and hair thrown in a pony tail, being Miss Teen Texas was not exactly the
first thing on my mind! But without even realizing it in these
circumstances, I was indeed still Miss Teen Texas. I met a 10 year old boy
named Sean. Sean was a flirt with a really big personality, and boy when he
found out that Miss Teen Texas was at the Fair he didn’t hesitate to make
sure he was first in line for an autograph. After showing, I was sitting in
the stands thinking I was through for the day when my friend Nathan came up
to me and said “Umm Madison, Sean wants ‘Miss Teen Texas’ to come show his
heifer’s baby calf.” It turns out that he had a friend there who was
actually going to show it for him, but when he found out I was there his
words were “Sorry bro, I mean…this is Miss Teen Texas!” I don’t even think
he knew my first name; it was just Miss Teen Texas to him! I thought it was
so cute! Definitely something I will remember
from this year!
And I would like to point out that the fabulous clothes I showed in were so generously donated by Panhandle Slim, a sponsor of the Miss Texas Organization! Thanks Herb and everyone at Panhandle Slim!
Welcome to Fairfield, Home of Miss
Teen Texas 2010!
While heading to cheer at an out-of-town football game, I got to see myself
plastered on a billboard on Interstate 45 for the first time! How cool! I’ve
always thought how awesome it would be to have my own billboard as I have
watched Rebecca and Molly have billboards right down the road from
Fairfield, but I never thought that it would actually happen! Thank you so
much to the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, and all of the generous donators
who made it possible! I’m so proud to be from Fairfield, and to welcome
people into my hometown is such an honor! I know it won’t last forever, so I
am so grateful for this opportunity!
As I stay super busy with school, varsity cheerleading proudly for the Fairfield Eagles (who I have to mention are 5-0 this season, we are very proud considering our past 3 season records!) Cross Examination Debating, being an FFA officer, and of course most importantly being Miss Teen Texas; I know the fun has only begun! My life has changed in so many ways and I am definitely a new person! There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t have a smile on my face, I’m so happy and so blessed! I look forward to all the locals, and wish all of the contestants the best of luck as they compete for titles! Anything is possible if you believe, so work hard and enjoy every moment!! I love you all!
With so much love,
Madison
September
6, 2010
To sum up my experience at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen there is only one
word to use, and that is AMAZING. I had the time of my life, and I mean that
with the utmost sincerity. In one week I was able to form life-long
friendships with 52 girls I had never met before, and create unbreakable
bonds and memories I will never forget. I never thought that I would become
so close to each and every single one of those girls, they changed my life
forever and I am so grateful to say I was a part of the “MAOT Class of ’11”.
As much as I would have loved to be Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011, I
know God has a special plan for me. I have never been so proud to say “Hi!
I’m Madison Fuller and I am from TEXAS!” I am so blessed to have the title
of Miss Teen Texas, and I know that it has changed my life forever. I would
never change my experience at MAOT for anything. I know in my heart I did my
very best and gave it 110%, and that was all I could do, it was in God’s
hands, and He has a better plan for me. I trust Him and know it was all
meant to be, I am so thankful I am able to come home to the greatest state
to represent and travel around, touching the lives of the people of Texas. I
realized during my experience at MAOT that winning is not everything and
that it is the friends and fun times along the way that make it so special.
I cannot express enough my love for each and every single one of those
girls. When I stop and really think about it, it is so amazing! I now have
at least one “sister” in every single state, along with Puerto Rico,
District of Columbia, and The Virgin Islands. I know now why I didn’t win
Teen Texas just any year, but specifically this year. I was supposed to meet
this exact group of girls this year, and they changed my life. They are all
so sweet and so special to me, and they will always hold a special place in
my heart.
I met one of the most inspirational people that anyone could ever meet, and I am so blessed to say I know her, much less call her a sister, Miss Hawaii’s Outstanding Teen, Lena Merrill. Lena is deaf, but yet she is one of the most accomplished teenagers in America. Showing the world that just because she may not be able to hear or talk to us, nothing will hold her back from accomplishing her dreams. She was such an inspiration to me, and I am a better person for knowing her. The night before finals we were all sitting in our “Hostess Suite” like every other night, going over our agenda for the next day. At the end Jeanette and Taylor Fitch both shared advice with us and then Lena stood up and signed to her interpreter, she said thank you to us for treating her equally. All her life people treated her like she was retarded or dumb just because she couldn’t hear like everyone else. No one had ever been so kind to her and she loved us all so much. There wasn’t one dry eye in the room after that. Lena was a truly amazing girl, and I love her so much and am so inspired by her! That night we all stayed longer than the usual, we were all bawling and hugging each other. Saying “goodbye”, it was so hard to know we only had a few more hours of being together.
It was a very busy week, lots of late nights and early mornings, but well worth it. When we weren’t competing there was always something fun to do! We were able to go to Planet Hollywood one night, Medieval Times, and some other great outings! Along with many rehearsals for our fantastic dance routines choreographed by the amazing Pamela Bolling, along with her assistants Tyler, David, and Michelle! 8 hours of rehearsals could seem very long, but having our close friendships we managed to make every one of them fun! Proudly my roommate, Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen, Mary Beth Noonan and I were on time for every roll call and didn’t over sleep except once…finals morning ;) Most people would think that as teenagers we would die from being away from our cell phones for a week, but we made it! I don’t think there was a time I missed my phone, or Facebook, or any contact with the outside world because I was having so much fun and had the best company of friends to spend time with! Also, getting to meet Justin Guarini from American Idol, who was runner up to Kelly Clarkson, was so cool! He sounds just as good as he looks!
Thank you so much to my supporters who came to Orlando and those back home in Texas. Each night when I looked into the audience I would see a ton of Texas flags waving, and I felt so loved. All of the emails, Facebook messages, texts, phone calls, cards, etc meant the world to me! The encouragement I received from my Miss Texas Family was incredible.
Vicki & David were so amazing to work with and prepare for MAOT with. We spent countless hours together and they put so much hard work and time into me. Most of my summer was spent going to Arlington to spend time with them to get ready, and I can’t thank them enough for everything. I love them both so much and I couldn’t ask for better directors to work with.
MPFO! Thank you to all of my MPFO family for being my biggest cheerleaders! David, Ricardo, and Dominic for being there…and the rest for all of the love and support from back home! They ultimately didn’t just prepare me for Teen Texas, but for MAOT as well. At the end of the day, no matter how tired I was or if I was down in any way, when I saw their faces there, waiting for me I couldn’t help but smile and feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have such a support system behind me. They know the perfect way to make me feel good about myself, to make me laugh, to make me smile. I love ya’ll with all my heart!! Thank you will never be enough for the time and effort you took to make it to Orlando, to be there and support me.
Jan Mitchell, Dean Horan, Mike Slaton, & Bryan Slaton from the MTO who were there, they took the time to come out all 4 nights and watch me, and I am so grateful! I love you all so much and am so blessed to have you in my life!
Ashley Melnick, my Miss Texas! I’m so proud to call her my miss! Thank you Ashley for being there and for all of your love and encouragement!! I could not imagine anyone better to spend this year with! I love you!!
My National Princess and their awesome families! Elle, Whitley, Coryn, Kendall, and Marly. Thank you so much for being a part of this week! No one could believe that I had 5 princesses! And I had the best 5 I could ask for. You are all such sweet, beautiful girls, and I am so honored to have been your title holder! The pizza party, makeovers, hangout after finals, you were each there along the entire way and I love you girls so much, and had so much fun with each of you! Thank you so much to the families for sharing your daughters with me and allowing me to spend time with them. They are so precious to me and I cannot thank you enough for bringing them to Orlando! I love all of you!!
Lisa Spooner, Julian and Mary Sue Dalzell, thank you guys so much for flying out for finals! Having you there was so special to me! You guys hold such a special place in my heart and I am so appreciative of you and all you have done for me. Love ya’ll!
Lisa and Sheridan Garbe, my LSP from Texas who came to watch finals! You guys are so sweet! Walking out of that auditorium after finals seeing my baby girl standing there made me the happiest girl! Thank you so much for flying out to be there for me, I adore both of you! Love y'all!
Brenda Lowery and Laura Arnold, thank you guys for coming! I was so surprised when I saw y'all at the awards dinner! It was so great to see y'all, sad I missed Taylor, but I am so happy y’all were there! Thank you for coming!
Anjelica Rodriguez & her mom, they flew out for finals as well! Having my best friend in the entire world at MAOT to support me was the greatest feeling in the world! I got to see her afterwards and I love her to death! I have the greatest best friend in the entire world, and I can’t wait to watch her compete one day on that MAOT or even the MA stage!! I love you Anjs!
I met some incredible friends during the week, Maggie Belew (Tennessee) being my best friend, along with North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Kentucky, Colorado, Maine, and so many more! Thank you girls for making the experience an unforgettable one!
I am so excited for Lacey Russ the new MAOT from Oklahoma! I know she will do a fantastic job representing our nation and will have a great year! It is so crazy to think that I know Miss America’s Outstanding Teen personally, and can call her a friend of mine!
Jeanette, she was such an amazing titleholder! I look up to her in so many ways and am so inspired by her! She had the ability to make anyone and everyone she met feel like the most important person in the room, and I cannot thank her enough for being so sweet and caring to all the contestants. She made an effort to get to know each of us personally and was what this organization is all about! I love her so much!
MAOT will forever be one of my favorite times of my life! It was a week I will never forget. Although I may not have a pink crown on my head, I am so blessed to have had this opportunity to represent Texas and meet the most amazing friends. It is the memories that will last me a lifetime. My number one goal was to have fun, do my best, and make Texas proud, and I hope I did just that.
With so much love,
XO
Madison
July
29, 2010
Wow! That seems to be the only word that comes out of my mouth when I think
of this past month! My very first month as Miss Teen Texas 2010 was amazing!
It has been the busiest but one of the best months of my life so far! I
can’t believe how fast it has flown by. It feels like just yesterday I was
checking into Miss Texas Registration! I’m having the time of my life as I
prepare for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, which is approaching us very
quickly! I could not be more excited to represent the greatest state in our
nation in Orlando!
Miss Teen Texas Week
Teen Texas week was so much fun! I could not have asked for the week to be
any better. I had so much fun spending time with all of the girls throughout
the week and being a part of the 75th Celebration. The production for the
75th was so amazing and I’m so honored that I got to be a part of the Miss
Texas history that was made. Having all of the formers back made the week so
special. I got to meet all of the ladies who I grew up watching on T.V.
dreaming that one day I could maybe be on that stage. The Crowns and Gowns
Gala was one of my favorite parts of the week, along with the Family Reunion
and the Formers Brunch. The Memorabilia Book and Miss Texas Wardrobe archive
were so amazing!! Spending time backstage and in the dressing rooms with the
girls was a time I will never forget; that’s where the lifelong friendships
are made. I met so many new friends this year, as well as the girls who I
have known since the beginning of my journey. Every night of competition
when we weren’t competing we would gather around the two TV’s and we would
watch the pageant in our PJ’s and robes and eat snacks. It was like a huge
slumber party! All of the contestants were such beautiful girls on the
inside and out, and I am so proud to say that I was a part of the group of
girls who competed this year.
July 2nd-Finals Night was the night that changed my life forever. As many times as I dreamed and hoped for that moment to come true, being crowned Miss Teen Texas was unlike anything I could have ever imagined. Standing hand in hand with one of my very best friends and MPFO (Miss Plano Frisco) sister, Kaitlyn Wilson was the greatest blessing. Although I hardly remember anything, I do remember how excited I was when Kaitlyn and I were the last two standing. We both stood there crying while our MPFO Delegation went wild! I wouldn’t change that moment for the world! And then having my name called Miss Teen Texas 2010…I still get chill bumps when I think about it! That crown being placed on my head by Taylor Lowery, my former MPFO sister and Teen Frisco 2009 was amazing! And then walking the runway with my Miss Texas, Ashley Melnick was a dream come true!
That night Ashley and I were taken up to the Miss Texas suite at the Hilton Hotel and then had a press conference at 2 am! Kristen and Taylor warned us that the night would be crazy and we wouldn’t get much sleep, and they were so right, but it was so much fun! Finally at 3:30 am I made it back to my hotel, and when I got to our hallway, the walls surrounding my hotel room were covered with signs made by 2 of my best friends that said “congratulations, we love you, etc” on them! It was so cute!
Arlington 4th of July
Parade
My very first appearance! Ashley and I got to ride on convertibles in the
parade and it was so neat. Being our first appearance, it was so crazy to
have people screaming “MISS TEEN TEXAS!!!” at you!
Contract Signing and
Welcome Home
After the Parade, Ashley and I and our families/local directors headed to
the contract signing. Although I was so exhausted from only 2 hours of
sleep, it was so wonderful to be signing my contract as Miss Teen Texas!
Then I headed home for the rest of the day to see my family and friends
waiting back home. I slept the whole car ride home and then to my surprise
when I woke up we were pulling into my drive way where my yard and garage
were decorated and my closest friends and family were standing there. It was
the best welcome home I could have asked for!!
Burt Grant Salon
The official salon of Miss Texas and Miss Teen Texas, the Burt Grant salon
was fabulous! Raquel and Tressia are amazing! We got to be pampered with
great hair care the Tuesday after being crowned. They know the perfect way
to make Ashley and I look our very best!
CBS 11 Interview
Ashley and I had the opportunity to be interviewed on CBS 11 DFW the
following week of being crowned. It’s my ambition to be a broadcast
journalist so being there was so awesome! We got to talk about how wonderful
the Miss Texas and Miss America Organization is, and about our crowning
moments! It was definitely an unforgettable experience!
Premiere Photography
Photo shoot
Kellie at Premiere Photography is the official photographer of Miss and Teen
Texas and she is great! It was my first time to work with her, and she made
it so comfortable, easy and fun! We spent the whole day shooting head shots
and crown shots, and by the end of the day we successfully chose from all of
the great pictures Kellie took. It was a fun day! Rebecca D’Aquin from
Baseball Diamonds, the official jewelry sponsor of Miss and Teen Texas was
there to spoil Ashley and I with the most beautiful jewelry for our photos!
She had the perfect pair of earrings, or a necklace for every outfit, to go
along with our fabulous hair and makeup done by Tressia and Raquel from Burt
Grant Salon. Thank you to Rebecca, Tressia, and Raquel for being a part of
the photo shoot and making sure Ashley and I looked our absolute best!
Great Day Houston
I had the opportunity to be on Great Day Houston with Deborah Duncan bright
and early on a Friday morning! Leo the Lion, my ventriloquist sidekick who
helps share my platform joined me on set where I talked with Deborah about
my platform- “Leo’s Life Lessons: How to Deal with Bullies” and my first few
weeks as Miss Teen Texas. It was a wonderful experience to get to share my
platform that I am so passionate about on television! A huge thank you to
Tammy Markle for being my traveling companion for the appearance!
Dr. Larkin Page
Larkin Page is the official Miss Texas Fitness Trainer. I have had the
opportunity to work with him over the past 2 years and I’m so excited to
work with him as Miss Teen Texas! We achieved Overall Fitness at Teen Texas,
so I’m excited for him to push me to achieve my goals at MAOT! Thank you
Larkin for all of your help and for being my biggest cheerleader and keeping
me motivated!
Bully Suicide Project
Photo Shoot
Upon being crowned Miss Teen Texas, a dear friend of mine and creator of The
Bully Suicide Project, Beaux Wellborn, asked me to be the National Spokes
Person for the elementary grade levels for his organization. The Bully
Suicide Project started in the DFW area in November of 2009 and is now a
worldwide organization. The Bully Suicide Project’s mission statement is “to
shift the paradigm, change the climate to eliminate bullying in all aspects
of life in all corners of the world and to prevent the needless suicides
that result from bullying behavior. We are but people with a common voice...
We spread hope not hate.” I chose my platform of “Leo’s Life Lesson’s: How
to Deal with Bullies” because of my own personal experience of being bullied
in the 7th grade. What was a terrifying and horrible experience is now
something that I use with Leo to share my platform with kids as the
Elementary School National spokes person and as Miss Teen Texas. Beaux
brought me to his office one day where we had a photo shoot for my photo as
their spokes person for the website, which is
www.bullysuicideproject.ning.com. I am so excited to be involved in the
Bully Suicide Project and help spread the message of Anti-bullying!
Art Greenhaw Museum &
Mesquite Car Show
Grammy Winner, and 8 Time Grammy Nominee, Art Greenhaw was the outstanding
music man for this year’s 2010 Crowns and Gowns Gala! Ashley and I were able
to go to Mr. Greenhaw’s place in Mesquite, Texas and also attend the
Mesquite car show. We both performed our talents and mingled with the people
of Mesquite throughout the event. It was very hot outside, but it was so
much fun! I even had my first experience as Teen Texas of touching a snake!
People were walking around carrying pet snakes, and I found the courage to
take a picture and touch my worst fear! Haha! It was a fun day! Thank you to
Mr. Greenhaw and the people of Mesquite for having Ashley and I attend!
Shopping with Vicki
and David
There have been many shopping occasions to make sure I have everything I
need for MAOT, including visiting Ashlins in Grapevine and the Lenz
Collection with Jennifer and Ashley Lenz, both sponsors of the MTO! Being
Mrs. Vicki and Mr. David’s first teen, it has been so much fun to go
shopping with them and get to know them better! Thank you both for
everything!
As you can tell, this month has been a very busy one, but I am enjoying every minute of it! I was able to squeeze in time for a family vacation down in Galveston, and had 3 days to relax, which was so nice! My life has been changed in so many positive ways from being Miss Teen Texas, and it is only the first month! I look forward to Miss America’s Outstanding Teen in August and everything else that is in store for me this year! I am working very hard for MAOT and I will do my very best to make Texas proud!
Love,
Madison
Copyright © 2011 Miss Texas Organization