SEPTEMBER 2, 2006
INTERVIEWS, MY PARENTS ARRIVE, NAT'L ANTHEM PROJECT SEMINAR, DANCING IN THE EVENING

The first phase of actual competition was finally HERE! YEA! We had our interviews which were 4 minute individual interviews with each judge. This year's judging panel is fantastic--they are an educated, creative, and well-rounded group of individuals. I feel like I had the best interview I could have hoped for...this is by far my favorite part of competition and I really enjoyed getting to give a glimpse of my personality to each judge. They were extremely friendly & open and if I don't do well, I certainly can't say it was because I had a bad interview. So that is all I can ask for! I had the rest of the afternoon off, and my parents and friend Robin Duffney (Mrs. Minnesota 1995) arrived around 2. It was great to see them! Robin has been a GREAT source of support not only while I've been out here (she's sent 3 cards just in the last two weeks!), but since I won the title. When I got back to my room, there were two bouquets of GORGEOUS flowers--one sent by dear friend Allison Stavrakis and the other by Leisha Gust. THANK YOU BOTH, they brighten up our room and smell so good!

PHOTOS:
1 & 2) Right after my interview
3) My parents arrive--YEA!
4) Flowers from friends were waiting in my room.
5) Contestants in red, white, & blue after the National Anthem Project semimar.
6) Mrs. IL & I get our picture taken.
7) With Mrs. America at the National Anthem Seminar.
8) L to R: My state director Faith Schway, me, & Robin Duffney (Mrs. MN 1995)
9) Dancing queens letting off some steam after a big day!
10) With Nicole Brink (Mrs. America & Mrs. World). She is so fun!