OCTOBER UPDATE
MISS AMERICA TAKES ON WASHINGTON

My Miss America experience was truly a dream come true.  My two and a half week venture was grueling, but extremely exciting.

The first four days of the trip were spent in Washington, D.C.,. since this was my first trip to our nation's capital, I was overwhelmed with its beauty and history.  Our first day was packed with events and appearances.  First, breakfast at the Hard Rock Cafe with the city's mayor, and then off to the House of Representatives where I met Kansas representatives Dennis Moore and Jim Ryan.  With fifteen minute appointments with each, I had the opportunity to discuss world, nation and my own personal platform issues. These meetings were quick, but enjoyable and beneficial.

After lunch at the National Press Club, we boarded the buses to the Capitol and had an event with Senator Minority Leader Tom Daschle and former Miss Kansas Linda Hall Daschle.  The Daschles are extraordinary people and it was a pleasure to meet both. Even though Mr. Daschle is a Senator from South Dakota, Linda and Tom both could not say enough good things about the state of Kansas and Pratt.

 The evening ended at the Kennedy Center for diner and a private jazz performance. Of the four days in D.C., the one was by far the most memorable of them all. However, as the 50 other Miss America contestants and I left Washington, D.C. for Atlantic City, I know that I would return in the near future, not only as a tourist, but as a student or a resident.

My trip to our nation's capital was eye-opening and encouraging.

More to come.

Sincerely,

Angelea Busby
Miss Kansas 2003