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	<title>Miss Kansas 2009</title>
	<link>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/2009.php</link>
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	<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:33:25 +0000</pubDate>
	<managingEditor>mike@misskansas.org</managingEditor>
	<webMaster>mike@misskansas.org</webMaster>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Last, but not least!]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[Hello everyone! 

It's pageant time! Coming up very soon is the 2010 Miss Kansas Pageant, held at Pratt Community College, in Pratt KS. I thought it'd be a good idea to post the schedule of events for our Miss Kansas pageant week, in hopes that it will encourage all of you to come and be a part of the festivities! Here is the low-down for the upcoming week (June 8-12):

Tuesday: Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen Pageant, 7:30PM, Pratt Community College

Wednesday: Girl Scout Day! Cookies &amp; Crowns event from 1-4PM at Pratt Community College
and the first preliminary competition night of the Miss Kansas Pageant, at 7:30PM, Pratt Community College

Thursday: Second preliminary competition of the Miss Kansas Pageant, 7:30PM, Pratt Community College

Friday: Miss Kansas Festival, 6-7:45PM, the Miss Kansas Parade, 8PM, and the Miss Kansas Celebration Party from 9-11PM

Saturday: The big day! The Miss K fun walk at 10AM, and the FINAL COMPETITION AND CROWNING OF MISS KANSAS 2010 at 8PM, Pratt Community College!

We hope you come and join the festivities! 

I also thought it might be fun to share my upcoming plans, post Miss Kansas. This summer I am teaching trumpet lessons at Senseney Music in Wichita, Kansas, and enjoying the sunshine with friends at the pool! I have a mini vacation planned with my good friend, Anne Michael, Miss Iowa 2009, and also am looking forward to a Royals baseball game with my Miss America roommate, Tara, Miss Missouri 2009. I'll head back to Kansas State University in August and finish my degree in Trumpet Performance in May of 2011- then a wedding in June and a big move to New York after that! With change ahead of me, I know how blessed and grateful I am to have the home support that I have here in Kansas. 

A couple &quot;fun facts&quot; before I go...
1. This upcoming Miss Kansas Pageant will mark my 10th pageant spent over my birthday! 10 out of 22? Not too shabby!
2. I turned 21 three days after I was crowned Miss Kansas 2009. I will t ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/100/Last-but-not-least</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:33:25 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>General</category>
      <comments>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/100/Last-but-not-least#cmt</comments>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Spring has sprung!]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi everyone!

I can hardly believe my journey as Miss K 2009 is coming closer and closer to it's end. However, I am very excited about passing on the job to the new Miss Kansas on June 12th, 2010! We are so excited for our upcoming pageant to be held in Pratt, KS, and would be thrilled to have you all in attendance! Keep your eyes peeled on our website for more details coming your way soon! It certainly will be an event you won't want to miss. 

My travels across the state continue to be a true perk of holding the title of Miss Kansas because of the people I've had the pleasure of meeting. I've traveled to Kansas City, Lyons, El Dorado, Pratt, Manhattan, Lawrence, Topeka, Hutchinson, Wichita, Cunningham, Chapman, Rose Hill and Haysville. While flipping through my calendar to see where exactly I've traveled to, in the past month and a half, I counted 2 times to Pratt, 2 times to Hutchinson, 2 times to Lawrence, 2 times to Manhattan and too many to count to Wichita. I celebrated in the drivers seat while hitting a milestone of 30,000 miles on my sponsored car from Western Motors, and even received my first proposal from a 2nd grader at a school presentation! And speaking of proposals... 

I'M ENGAGED! My boyfriend of 4 years recently proposed, and we could not be more thrilled. We are looking forward to our wedding and a journey of a lifetime spent together. On a funnier note- only as Miss Kansas would your boyfriend have to ask permission from not only your parents, but your executive director! Thanks Doug for approving! <img src="http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />

I sure hope you all are enjoying the sunshine as much as I am. Spring has certainly arrived, and like every year, it just makes me antsy for summer! 

Sending all my love,
Becki]]></description>
      <link>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/99/Spring-has-sprung</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:39:47 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>General</category>
      <comments>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/99/Spring-has-sprung#cmt</comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[&quot;I Live In Kansas, My Home Is Kansas...&quot;]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi everyone! 

I hope this message finds you happy and in good health. So much to write about- I better get started!

Competing for the job of Miss America is everything I thought it would be, and more! I had an outstanding time, met some of the most incredible people, and have memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life- and best of all, I was representing our beautiful state and all the people who live there. I so proudly wore my sash that said &quot;KANSAS&quot; on it, knowing in my heart that I was there for all of you, representing you to the very best of my ability. Although I did not make the Top 15, I am happy to tell you that I left Las Vegas knowing that I laid my heart on the line and gave every last drop of effort into the experience. 

Now eight months into working for the Miss Kansas Organization, I'd like to take a moment to remind you exactly what our program is about. Yes, the Miss Kansas Organization is about scholarship. Each year we provide over $50,000 in cash scholarships to women competing for the title of Miss Kansas. We also very proudly offer $2, 750,000 through in-kind scholarships as well. We are so proud to help young women further their college education and fulfill their personal and professional goals. However, what many do not realize is that the Miss Kansas Organization is not just about the scholarships. Although many women compete for the financial assistance, just as many compete for the personal growth. Through my personal experience in the Miss Kansas Organization, first as a competitor and then as the state representative, I have had the privilage of watching the women around me push themselves outside of their comfort zone, learn about themselves as women, and blossom in confidence and self esteem. These women are strong, independent, scholastically ambitious, focused on bringing positive change to their communities, courageous, and my favorite, just plain fun to be around. Now that my journey through the Miss Kansas Org ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/98/I-Live-In-Kansas-My-Home-Is-Kansas</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:56:22 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>General</category>
      <comments>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/98/I-Live-In-Kansas-My-Home-Is-Kansas#cmt</comments>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The Journey of a Lifetime]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[Dear friends, 

Before I head to the Miss America Pageant on Thursday, I want to take what may be my last moment as Miss Kansas to share with you the impact the Miss Kansas Organization has had on my life, and how truly blessed I am to be representing all of you as Miss Kansas 2009. 

As I reflect on the memories I’ve made and the relationships I’ve been so fortunate to foster through the Miss Kansas Organization, their sheer abundance makes it difficult to choose a suitable place to begin. From an early age, I came to love the pageant not because of the glitz and glamour associated with the crown or the contestants, but because it had played such a prominent role in my family’s history. Growing up, my parents were actively engaged in the organization, and since the pageant would always coincide with my birthday, each year my “gift” was a backstage pass to the pageant! Instead of watching from the audience, I had the unique opportunity to get “up close and personal” with the contestants, to interact with them and to learn from their experiences. I will never forget walking on stage with the contestants during their rehearsal and eating lunch with the many volunteers, but perhaps most distinctively, I remember meeting and getting to know the current respective Miss Kansas on a very personal level. In June of 1993, I got the chance to meet Pam McKelvy the week she would crown the new Miss Kansas. Upon our acquaintance, she knelt down to me, looked me straight in the eye and said “Hi Becki, I've heard a lot about you.” I was so shocked—I couldn’t believe she knew who I was! The following year I cheered on a family friend of ours, Trisha Shaffer, who then became Miss Kansas 1994. From that moment onward, I knew I wanted to be Miss Kansas, too.

I never fully grasped the impact the Miss Kansas Organization would have on my life until I began competing at age 19. I had always known that I wanted to make a difference in the world I lived in, but ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/97/The-Journey-of-a-Lifetime</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:32:41 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>General</category>
      <comments>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/97/The-Journey-of-a-Lifetime#cmt</comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Happy Holidays!]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[Dear friends,

Happy Holidays! I hope this blog finds you well, in good health, and enjoying this blessed holiday season. 

My travels since I last wrote you have taken me many wonderful places, including: Brewster, Goodland, Manhattan, Wichita, Buhler, Hutchinson, Ulysses, Hugoton, Healy, Pratt, Derby, Garden City, Greensburg, Minneola, and Emporia! As of today, I have added approximately 13 thousand miles on the car sponsored by Western Motors. I wish I could write about every appearance, but I may end up writing a novel that way! Here are just a few highlights of many that I have had during the month of November.

Early in November, Katie Stam, our current Miss America, came to Wichita on behalf of the ladies of Delta Gamma of Wichita State University. Our very own, Lauren Werhan (4th Runner-Up this past year at Miss Kansas) planned the event, and did an outstanding job. While Katie was in town, we visited the Via Christi Children's Miracle Network children, went to dinner, and also spent some time at Washington Elementary school. I felt so honored to be a part of the festivities while Katie was in Kansas, and had a truly memorable time. Thank you, Lauren! We appreciate all your hard work and dedication to the Miss Kansas and Miss America Organizations! 

While at Washington Elementary, the Miss Kansas Organization and I were THRILLED to release my recently published coloring book, &quot;Sally and Sammie Enjoy the Arts!&quot;  We donated a coloring book to each child in Kindergarten and 1st Grade, and both Katie and I sat down to color with all the children during our visit. The coloring book is directed toward children between the ages of 3-9 years old, and highlights the different options to choose from in the arts, whether it is theater, dance, speech, writing, photography, visual art, or instrumental and vocal music. The coloring book will be posted on our website in the very near future for purchase, so stay tuned! 

I headed to the University of Kansas vs.  ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/96/Happy-Holidays</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:13:06 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>General</category>
      <comments>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/96/Happy-Holidays#cmt</comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Goals]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[Dear friends, 

Today, I have a story to warm your heart about a little boy that I met this past week while giving a school presentation. 

He was a second grader, a small boy with a big grin on his face. As I spoke, I noticed that he was listening very carefully, and would nod at me when I made eye contact with him. I was discussing the importance of having goals and why we set goals for ourselves. Instantly, his small hand shot up in the air. I paused for a moment to answer his question, and when I did, he stood up and said loudly and proudly, &quot;Miss Kansas, I have a goal, and I will work hard because of you!&quot; 

I have the honor of being a spark of motivation for children. However, I have learned that as I am a spark for them, that the children are even more of a spark of motivation for myself. As I continue to meet the people of Kansas, I appreciate how incredible of a state I am able to represent, the wonderful people who live here, and understand that as years pass, our state will continue to be just as remarkable because of the children who are learning and growing right here in Kansas. 

As always, I am continuing to stay quite busy. The past few weeks I have traveled to Udall, Andover, Kinsley, Derby, Pratt, Wichita, Hutchinson, Buhler, Perry, Towanda, Benton, El Dorado, and Clearwater! My theme song should be &quot;On the Road Again.&quot; <img src="http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt="icon_smile" /> 

Also, I am honored to annouce that Katie Stam, our current Miss America, is coming to Kansas to speak on November 2nd at the Wichita State University Metroplex in Wichita, Kansas. This event is free and open to the public, and will begin at 7:00PM. I would love to see you all there! 

We have a number of new titleholders to acknowledge, welcoming three new miss titleholders to the class of 2010 Miss Kansas sisterhood and two new teen titleholders to the class of 2010 Miss Kansas Oustanding Teen sisterhood! A big CONGRATULATIONS from the Miss Kansas Organization to Sheena Stoddard, Miss Midway 2010, Lauren  ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/95/Goals</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:46:11 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>General</category>
      <comments>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/95/Goals#cmt</comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Talkin' Up a Storm]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[Dear friends, 

Time seems to be flying by- my sincerest apologies for making you wait this long for my next blog update. BUT- Great news! Because it's been a while, I will make it up to you by writing an abnormally long post. <img src="http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> 

Much has happened since I last wrote to you. Every day is a new adventure as Miss Kansas, and with each day comes a bigger, fuller sense of pride to be representing the Miss Kansas Organization. I have certainly been keeping quite busy, promoting what the Miss Kansas and Miss America Organizations provide to young women each year, what it's like to be Miss Kansas, how I received the job of Miss Kansas, and many other aspects of the position in 3 radio interviews and two commercials since my last post! I've also made appearances at the Kansas State Fair, the Miss Wooded Hills local pageant, St. Joseph School, Holy Spirit Catholic School, the Kansas Masonic Home, among many others. My schedule seems to be getting busier by the second- and I couldn't be more honored to be welcomed into each appearance as the current Miss Kansas 2009. 

Preparations for the Miss America Pageant in January are coming along beautifully! It's certainly not an easy task preparing for the job of Miss America, but I am working extremely hard and am so looking forward to representing Kansas to the best of my ability in Las Vegas. With the preparation comes consistent development of my platform- and speaking of PLATFORM... 

I'd like to officially annouce I have a new title for my platform. It is called &quot;The Arts: A Pathway to Creativity and Innovation.&quot; When on the road speaking on the importance of arts education as Miss Kansas, many people have come up to me and asked if I am upset that I won the title during one of the lowest years economically in our country's history, implying that the arts are continuing to be put on the backburner this year, or even cut completely from many schools across the United States. My response is quite the contrary. Now more  ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/94/Talkin-Up-a-Storm</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:52:05 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>General</category>
      <comments>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/94/Talkin-Up-a-Storm#cmt</comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Home Sweet Home]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi everyone!

I am home from sunny Florida, and am anxious to tell you what I've been up to recently!

First of all, I'm excited to tell you we have crowned our very first contestant for the 2010 Miss Kansas Pageant! I was honored to be a special guest for the Miss Old Settler's Pageant, and crowned Sandi Dreitz as our very first titleholder of the season. Congratulations to Sandi, and best wishes for a wonderful year representing Halstead, Kansas!

Also, I was asked to do an autograph signing in Dillards at the Towne East Mall in Wichita for the Antonio Melani women's clothing section, and had a blast getting to know shoppers in Dillard's that afternoon. I wore a number of stunning Antonio Melani outfits as I mingled through the department, and encourage you all to visit this section, and see what beautiful options they have to choose from! Thanks to Jenni and Mickey for the invitation!

Last Wednesday, I flew to Florida to support our Miss Kansas Oustanding Teen, Chelsea Chilcott as she competed for the title of Miss America's Oustanding Teen, and also to meet the other 52 contestants competing for the title of Miss America! They say you meet your bridesmaids at Miss America, and now that I have met these women, I understand fully this statement- these women are incredible! I am so blessed to have met them. Congratulations to Chelsea for representing Kansas so beautifully in Florida, and to all my Miss America sisters- I can't wait to see you all again in Vegas!

Lastly, I'd like to give this post's shout out to Kansas' representative for the National Sweetheart pageant, Alex Miller. Best of luck, Alex! We are proud of you!

I can hardly believe the summer is coming to a quick end. All my blessings to the students starting a new semester! 

Hugs,

Becki

]]></description>
      <link>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/93/Home-Sweet-Home</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:44:24 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>General</category>
      <comments>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/93/Home-Sweet-Home#cmt</comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Here, there, everywhere!]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[Dear friends,

Lesson #1 learned as Miss Kansas: a GPS system is truly a life essential.

Things are kicking into high gear for me, and I am truly loving and embracing every moment. 

Recently, I was asked to be a guest soloist with the Wichita Senseney Band, and played A Trumpeter's Lullaby by Leroy Anderson. I have performed this particular piece many times, but I must say- we gave quite a performance! Thanks to Senseney Music and all members of the Senseney Band. You are outstanding musicians, and I so enjoyed working with you!

I am proud to say I have officially completed my Miss America paperwork, and am so thrilled with the changes we made. We have such a great team here in Kansas- I am so blessed to have their expertise and guidance! 

I also was a special guest in El Dorado, KS for the Butler Showchoir Showcase. This was my 6th year returning, and every year, I leave stunned of the incredible students that attend and the faculty, staff, and clinicians that Valerie Mack brings in to help. To all my friends at Butler Community College, and to Valerie Mack, thank you so much! You are truly an inspiration to all. 

Lastly, I have a bit of exciting news! I have the coolest car in all of Kansas- really, I do! Inkt Graphics and Western Motors earned this post's shout out- Thank you Troy, Elyse, and the Western Motors gang. 

I could go on forever about the incredible people I've met and the places I have been on my journey as Miss Kansas. But, never a moment to spare! I'm off to my next event!

All my blessings,

Becki

]]></description>
      <link>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/92/Here-there-everywhere</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:08:01 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>General</category>
      <comments>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/92/Here-there-everywhere#cmt</comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Happy Summer!]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[Dear friends,

I must share a story with you that I am certain will bring a smile to your face. Recently, I attended the 4th of July celebration in Wamego, Kansas. While there, I rode in the parade, mingled through the local carnival, and performed on my trumpet before the fireworks show in the evening. While at the carnival, the cutest little girl came up to me, alongside her dad, and asked for a picture. She had just turned five years old. Of course, we posed together, and after the picture was taken, she looked at me, her eyes wide and bright, and said, &quot;Do you live in a castle?&quot; 

I'm often asked what my favorite part of being Miss Kansas is, and although the title is still quite fresh, one of the many perks is meeting the children. To see her walk off with her dad, wiggling with excitement because she met me, reminds me how wonderful it is to be able to positively affect our youth. I am honored to be a role model for them. 

Also, I am proud to share some wonderful news! The Miss Kansas Organization has a new car sponsor, from Garden City, KS! Western Motors and their partnering business, Inkt Graphics will be supporting me this year, as I travel all over the state. I am so excited for the things we can accomplish together, and am proud to represent their businesses! Thank you so much for your support, and I look forward to working with you!

Keep an eye out for new pictures on the website, as a few weeks ago, I traveled to Nashville to take my official photos as Miss Kansas. I had a blast with Kristy, Joel, Daryl, and the crew- you all were so wonderful to me, and I thank you so much for your warmth and guidance! 

Lastly, by request, I have decided to make the &quot;shout out&quot; a tradition for my posts as Miss Kansas.  This post's shout out goes to the man who makes sure I look great wherever I go- thank you, Daryl! You're a blessing!

Warmest regards,

Becki]]></description>
      <link>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/91/Happy-Summer</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:06:16 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>General</category>
      <comments>http://www.misskansas.org/Boast/post/2009/91/Happy-Summer#cmt</comments>
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