Caitlyn's Farewell

Often the most surprising moments, are the happiest moments. I never expected to be crowned Miss Kansas’ Outstanding Teen 2011. But now, amidst all of the memories that have come from this year, I find myself looking back on that crowning moment and smiling. In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined all the experiences that I would have.

The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization gave me the irreplaceable gift of two phenomenal scholarship offers. The first was the Chancellor’s Award from Troy University down in Troy, Alabama. However, with the increase in my ACT score, Troy University has now upgraded their offer to that of the Mil-lennium Scholar's Award, which provides full tuition, room and board. The second scholarship offer has been from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. This award is called the Presidential Scholarship which is the highest, non-resident academic scholarship Auburn University provides. Along with these amazing offers, I never would I have thought that I would be given the chance to meet, and become friends, with 52 phenomenal girls across the United States. Seeing their devotion to the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, to their platforms, to their families, and to God was uplifting. Their drive and ambitions have acted as a continual encouragement to me throughout my year. I have been blessed with the knowledge that I have MAOT sisters across the western hemisphere whose idea of success is measured by the number of lives they touch.

I myself could never have predicted the amount of service I would be able to give in a year’s time. Some of my fondest memories were those spent at different volunteer events across Kansas. Two of the most memorable occurred down in Wichita in early April. The first was a Numana food packing event. I enjoyed speaking with the directors at that specific location, as well as the other packers at my station. At the end of the event, I felt an overwhelming amount of pride knowing that the Miss Kansas Organization was a key partner with Numana. There could not be a stronger bond than one between two organizations focused on servicing others. That afternoon we drove down to the local YMCA to be a part of their annual Easter Egg Hunt. The remarkable thing about this event was the dedication of its workers. When we arrived my mom, Lisa, Mandy, and myself were delighted to find a group of Girl Scouts busy prepping the eggs. I’ve never been a Girl Scout, but I feel blessed to have worked with the different organizations across Kansas. I believe that it is an organization every young girl should be exposed to. The young ladies involved in Girl Scouts are the true essence of female loveliness; their hearts are centered in giving their time to better the lives of others. If more members of society emulated them, then we would constantly be surrounded by captivating beauty. The Easter Egg hunt was filled with laughter and smiles, making it one of the most joyful events of the year.

I could never have had any of these experiences without the love and support of a number of people. First, thank you to the incredible Ronen family. Lisa, Mike, Mandy, and Becki…you have left permanent foot prints on my heart. I could not have done this year without you, and I am forever grateful for all of your love, support, and never ending patience. I would also like to extend a thank you to the Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen Board and all of the volunteers that help make this pageant possible. Without you, dreams like mine could never have been attained. You are truly impacting the nation, one girl at a time. Finally, to my family: Thank you Dad, Mom, Matt, and my new sister, Lucienne for all of the driving, talking, and never ending love that you have blessed me with. God could not have given me a better family.

Caitlyn Webb
Miss Kansas’ Outstanding Teen 2011