MPFO Blog

“Blessed” cannot begin to describe my feelings to serve as the new Miss Plano 2012. After taking three years off to invest in my college career at Baylor, I’m grateful to return to the Miss Texas arena and join forces with truly one of the best teams under the Miss America Organization!

Let the fun begin!

One week after a beautiful Contract Signing Brunch (with our wonderful new Board and sponsors in attendance, hosted by Kurt and Michelle Metzger, Miss Texas 1996)I zipped out of Waco to meet with one of our sponsors, Troy O’Neil (owner of the fabulous Troy Richard Salon) so he could work his magic!

And 7:15 A.M. sharp the next morning, I was ready to go. My first appearance was collaboration with Living for Zachary, an organization committed to broadcasting the critical issues of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in youth through education, scholarships and donating AEDs to the community. I was shocked to learn several things: SCA not only claims nearly 350,000 lives each year, but it’s the leading cause of death in student athletes. And typically, symptoms cannot be detected until it’s too late, but they can be easily prevented through heart screenings.

This worthy cause champions the legacy of 16 year-old Zachary Schrah, who believed “things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out.”

They held their annual HeartRun at the Shops of Legacy in Plano where I was able to meet and greet hundreds of people who came out to support and run in the 1 mile/5K/10K races! They scheduled me to kick off the competitions in a gorgeous convertible provided by Crest Cadillacs (Complete with a police escort! I felt so important.), help promote their black-tie Heart Beats Gala at the brand new Omni Dallas Convention Center next February, and present awards to the noble winners! By far, however, the most memorable moment of the day was meeting Karen Schrah, Zachary’s mother. May we all be inspired by her zeal, strength, and love for her son. Praise the Lord.

Visit http://www.living4zachary.org for more information on how to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest and details on L4Z’s upcoming Gala where my MPFO sisters and I will be attending!

Love and blessings,

Christine

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

“There she is…MISS AMERICA!”

01.23.11

For the fourth time in my life, I sat in the Planet Hollywood theatre in Las Vegas as another young woman had her dream come true as she was crowned Miss America. Every time I hear Bert Parks sing those famous words as Miss America takes off waving to the crowd on the runway, I still get chills. When I was a little girl, I was enamored by the sparkling dresses, beautiful girls, and of course, the all important crown. Now that I have been a part of the Miss America Organization for a few years, I realize the time, hard work, dedication, and motivation that the crown represents. Thousands of young women compete every year in the hopes of just reaching the national stage. The 53 contestants that make it to Las Vegas truly are the best of the best in their states. All of them are beautiful, intelligent, talented, and articulate. It still amazes me every year how the judges manage to choose just one young woman to represent the country because all of the contestants seem so deserving.

This year was a very special anniversary for the Miss America pageant as it celebrated a 90-year tradition. It was inspiring to see all of the former Miss Americas onstage during the final telecast. I have looked up to so many of them, and I can vividly remember having my eyes glued to the television in awe when the winner was announced each year. Even though all of the formers look different in appearance and have different personalities, I began thinking about the common traits that each of them possessed. In my mind, Miss America is gracious, charismatic, considerate, kind, focused, success-minded, and most of all fearless. No matter who was wearing the crown, these are the values that have continued over the years and will continue with Teresa Scanlan as the new Miss America.

As I continue my journey toward Miss Texas and then Miss America, these are the same qualities that I am going to put forth in my everyday life. The former Miss Americas inspired me as a little girl, and now it is my turn to pay it forward to the next generation.

Kendall Morris

Miss Frisco 2011

Photos coming to the gallery soon!

“Reporting to you live, I’m Kendall Morris.”

01.23.11

These are the words I want to say one day as a reporter and eventually news anchor. I spent the majority of my Christmas break interning at KYTX CBS 19 in Tyler. Because of my internship, I know exactly what I want to do with my life. I can honestly say that I am 100 percent sure about my career choice after interning at CBS. Even though I am a Broadcast Journalism student at TCU, I never realized how much work goes into being an anchor or reporter. During my time at CBS, I got a behind-the-scenes look at how news in produced every day. The job is not as glamorous as everyone thinks, and to be a great news anchor, it requires so much more than just being able to read a teleprompter. Most news anchors know how to write scripts, produce the show, edit video segments, in addition to looking poised and sounding confident at the news desk. The hours for the job are long and crazy, but it’s the adrenaline rush of making the deadline for each newscast that keeps you going. News happens 24 hours a day, so that means a reporter is on duty at all hours and ready to cover any story. Rarely does a news show ever run smoothly. I sat in the control room for many newscasts and something is bound to go wrong, but the viewers would never know. Every day the reporters come to work and have to meet a deadline later that day with the story they report on. It was exhilarating to watch the reporters and anchors work tediously on the newscast every day. Even though I was just an intern, I learned how to put together my own news package (the recorded video segments that include a stand-up and voice over), and I even recorded my first anchor reel. I am excited to return to TCU this semester and put everything that I learned through my internship to good use in my journalism classes.

Even after seeing all the hard work it takes to be a good reporter or anchor, I am not scared. I could not imagine doing anything else for the rest of my life. Each new day brings the opportunity to learn something new. Reporters interact with the people within the community. They report on issues that are important to their audience. I know for a fact that I want to be a news anchor one day. I realize it will take a while for me to work my way up in the news business, but I’ve always liked a challenge.

When I graduate from college, my goal is to be a sports reporter (maybe I’ll even follow in Phyllis George’s footsteps). This brings me to the next adventure of my Christmas break. I was so blessed to be a part of the historic Rose Parade and Rose Bowl, as well as the events leading up to this monumental event for TCU. For the past 2 years, I have been one of the Feature Twirlers for TCU. I travelled with the band to Los Angeles, California for a week over the break to bring some pep to the TCU fans that flew out to support our amazing football team. Even though the practices were long and tedious, I was thrilled to be a part of the Rose Bowl. I have never experienced anything quite like marching through the streets in Pasadena packed with over a million people in the Rose Parade. I twirled, leaped, and smiled my way through the five and a half mile parade. It seemed like the parade would never end at times, but the people watching held up encouraging signs that said, “Keep going! You’re almost there!” or “You’re half-way done! You can make it!” I felt so proud that I was able to represent the school that I love so much. When I finally made it to the actual Rose Bowl stadium, I was more than exhausted, but the adrenaline rush of the whole event kept me going! The whole stadium was packed with Badgers and Horned Frogs that day. It was a sea of red versus a sea of purple on either side of the stadium. As I was warming up for half-time, I saw one of my role models, Erin Andrews, walk by as she was preparing to do her job as a sideline reporter for ESPN. The whole game was exhilarating. I cheered for my Horned Frogs as they fought the Wisconsin Badgers. The TCU football team’s motto for the year was “Make it happen, “ and at the end of the Rose Bowl, they made it happen. This motto has inspired me in my preparation for Miss Texas. The horned frogs had to prove that they were not only worthy of their BCS bowl bid, but that they could also compete against the automatic qualifying teams. The journey to Miss Texas is not an easy one, but with this motto in my head, my persistence to “make it happen” is stronger than ever.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

Kendall Morris

Miss Frisco 2011

Photos coming soon to the gallery

Miss Frisco’s first appearance – “Boots and Bandanas”

12.04.10

“Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when I know there are footprints on the moon.”

This is probably one of my all-time favorite quotes that I live by. I am so very blessed to be able to say that I am Miss Frisco 2011, but this title and crown ultimately mean nothing if I don’t choose to use them to serve others. As I begin a new journey, the sky is no longer my limit. I only have one year to represent the city of Frisco, so I am ready to get started and reach for the moon!

On Thursday November 4th, I had my first official appearance as Miss Frisco at an event called “Boots and Bandanas” that benefitted Camp Summit. The purpose of Camp Summit is to provide children and adults with disabilities with an opportunity to have a camp experience that will foster personal growth and independence. At the benefit, I worked with a 12-year-old named Lucia asking guests to give donations to the “Sponsor a Horse” program. I am not much of a salesperson, but Lucia impressed everyone with her sales pitch about the horses at Camp Summit. Together we were able to raise over $4000 in just a few hours!! I met a very special boy named Chance that has cerebral palsy and has attended Camp Summit for many years. Chance is unable to speak on his own, so he uses a computer with icons on it that gives him a voice and allows him to have conversations. I was absolutely amazed that a piece of technology could let someone communicate when they might not have been able to otherwise. It was great to be a part of a benefit that gives children like Chance the opportunity to be more independent.

Kendall Morris

Miss Frisco 2011

Click here to see photos from the event: Photos

Miss Teen Texas Blog

09.18.10

I try to read Madison’s blog each time it is updated, and was so busy at the beginning of the month I forgot to check it out until this week. For a 16 year young lady, she is very blessed and sometimes I think I learn from her. I certainly feel proud to call her my friend. Read it for yourself… Madison’s blog

The Reason to Compete is found BEYOND the Crown

09.18.10

Wanted to share with you Heather Sumlin’s Mental Management Newsletter Message. I think it is very informative about why competing can be a good experience for young ladies. I think anyone competing in pageants should sign up for her newsletter. Link to her website is below.

"Sunday I had the opportunity to attend the Homecoming for Miss Texas America, Ashley Melnick. Ashley is a client of Mental Management and is near and dear to the hearts of everyone here at Mental Management Systems. So I was excited to take my 5 year old daughter, Ashley, to this event hoping my little one would learn something. I know my daughter very well and she has no fear, she is easily excited, some would call her hyper and has difficulty being still for any length of time. So I’m not sure what I was thinking taking her to an event where there are mainly speeches and little entertainment. She thought we were going to a pageant and she kept asking me when they were going to stop talking and start "the pageant". So I had my hands full.

Something magical happened about half way through the ceremony when Cristie Kibler, Miss Arlington, got up to sing. She was funny in her introduction, she was connected to the message of her song and my daughter listened. Rachel Callicutt, Miss Teen Fort Worth, Ashley Melnick’s sister titleholder this year, got up to speak and even though she was speaking to an audience that could be perceived as intimidating, she spoke with poise and comfortableness, she was honest and open. Jordan Johannsen, Miss Irving who was 1st RU to Miss Texas and Ashley Melnick’s best buddy got up to talk. She was funny, confident, secure, comfortable and she held the attention of my 5 year old which is not an easy task! Then Miss Texas herself got up to address the audience and share her thoughts and she held the attention of the room, she was radiant, confident, passionate, emotional yet grounded, light hearted and professional.

As I watched these young ladies share their thoughts after hearing directors and other adult guests speak before them, I realized what the reason to compete truly should be. All of the speakers were good and did well but the titleholders had something special; connection, passion, conviction and ease with their speaking that can only come from public speaking experience. After the speeches were over my 5 year old rebel hugged every titleholder she could find in that room. Some she knew – some she didn’t know. Something about these girls made my daughter want to reach out to them and be like them. That is why you compete – to touch others and open yourself up to changing you!

The true reason to compete has more to do with what you GAIN inside than what you GET outside. The prize package you win will only serve you for 1 year, the communication skills you gain will serve you forever! I have seen the inner growth that happens when a contestant decides it’s not about winning anything – it’s about learning everything! My Father says "Pageantry is by far the best preparation for a successful career, there is nothing else like it that prepares you for the future." The skills you are able to gain are valuable no matter what you choose to pursue in the future.

Right now contestants across the country are trying to decide which pageants to enter, maybe it’s local pageants in one system or trying to decide which system to chose. As you think about which competitions to enter this year, don’t just choose the ones you think you can win. Choose the ones you want to win with no reservation or hesitation. Learn something from the experience, win or lose! You cannot win if you do not enter. Choose to learn something at each competition. Choose to focus on the growth that comes from the attempt to go for what you really want. Choose to focus BEYOND the crown because standing within your limited comfort zone WILL LIMIT your success! Deciding to jump OUTSIDE your comfort zone and strive for something remarkable may propel you to become the person you are meant to be."

Heather Sumlin

Mental Management

Madison’s first blog as Miss Teen Texas!!

08.25.10

In my search for photos I found they had posted a blog for Madison on the Miss Teen Texas website. Very long but awesome to read!! Madison Blog

Teen Frisco, Madison Fuller WINS Miss Teen Texas!!!!

07.03.10

Congratulations Miss Madison Fuller, Teen Texas 2010!!! We love you so much and know that you will make us all so proud as you represent Texas at Miss America’s outstanding Teen competition in August in Orlando!!

Watch for more photos to be loaded to website and facebook!!

Children’s Miracle Network Telethon attended by Teen Frisco

06.15.10

I had the opportunity along with my fellow MPFO sisters Kaitlyn (Teen Plano) and Kathryn (Miss Plano) to attend the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon in Tyler for the KYTX CBS 19 station. It was a great experience! Children’s Miracle Network saves the lives of so many children by raising funds and awareness for children’s hospitals and foundations throughout the world, and is also the official platform of the Miss America Organization. I had so much fun meeting with the miracle kids, and being able to help with the Telethon. It was amazing to see it all come together and I’m proud to say that there was over $601,000 raised for CMN! It was a fun day that I will definitely never forget! Enjoy the pictures!

God Bless!

Madison Fuller

Teen Frisco 2010

Others pictured in the photos are: Lisa Spooner, Taylor Lowery, Kathryn Dunn, Kaitlyn Wilson, Miss East Texas, Teen East Texas, Miss Irving, and the others I can’t tell, I am sorry…Cheryl

“Let me win. But, if I don’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Miss Frisco’s view on the Special Olympics

06.15.10

My newest friend, Jocelyn, the World Special Olympics Silver Medalist and Grand Marshall of Ceremonies for the Lake Dallas Special Olympics, recited the Special Olympics motto in front of all of the athletes, volunteers, and high school students at the start of the games on Monday.

Although my mom and I volunteered with the Special Olympics all through my Middle and High School days and I’ve probably heard this motto over a thousand times, it struck a special cord with me on Monday. In all the times I’ve been to the Special Olympics, I have always left feeling that I received something much more valuable than the services I provided that day, and I think this motto has something to do with it.

As I stood in the hot sun with Miss Texas, Kristen Blair, and Miss Arlington, Cristie Kibler, I saw all the athletes running by with big smiles on their faces. You could hardly tell who had actually won the race! Having been a competitive athlete myself, I’ve seen my fair share of poor sportsmanship. Many times, I have seen girls’ smiles drop off their faces after placing second. But, that’s never true at these Olympics. We got to sign autographs for the proud athletes who would tell us all about how quickly they had run or how their relay team had done. Not a single athlete was disappointed in the outcome. However, one girl stood out to me. Her mother was holding her on her hip and told us how excited she was to meet Miss Texas. As she explained her daughter’s story, she said that she had cerebral palsy but was a pageant girl too! She was recently crowned Little Miss “You Can Do It!” These athletes never let anything stand in their way and have a remarkable appreciation for simply being able to participate. Another girl, Ebony, hugged me over five times during the day and had THE MOST stunning smile every time she came over. The pure happiness of these athletes is more genuine than anything I’ve ever seen, and if I could have even of fraction of their joy, then that would be success.

There are 33 girls who all want to be Miss Texas, but at the end of the competition, only one girl will walk away with the crown. Part of the reason I love the Miss America Organization is that it provides opportunities for all of the contestants to grow and pursue their dreams, but sometimes, it is hard to allow that journey to be the focus. I like to issue myself personal challenges when I encounter something inspirational. So, I want to adapt the Special Olympics motto as my own personal mindset in the days leading up to Miss Texas as well as all the days to follow. I find myself, especially lately, rediscovering one of my passions for quotes, and this one I found particularly relevant. Alex Noble said, “Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.”

I know there is another Special Olympic volunteer opportunity available at the end of May, and I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested to attend. It is such a breath of fresh air. Best wishes to all the contestants as we move in to the final stretch before Miss Texas. I can’t wait to be reunited with everyone at the end of June!

Blessings,

DaNae

Miss Frisco 2010

Let the fun begin!

11.28.11

“There she is…MISS AMERICA!”

01.23.11

“Reporting to you live, I’m Kendall Morris.”

01.23.11

Miss Frisco’s first appearance – “Boots and Bandanas”

12.04.10

Miss Teen Texas Blog

09.18.10

The Reason to Compete is found BEYOND the Crown

09.18.10

Madison’s first blog as Miss Teen Texas!!

08.25.10

Teen Frisco, Madison Fuller WINS Miss Teen Texas!!!!

07.03.10

Children’s Miracle Network Telethon attended by Teen Frisco

06.15.10

“Let me win. But, if I don’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Miss Frisco’s view on the Special Olympics

06.15.10

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