Farewell Speech

My year as Miss Santa Barbara County has been one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. I was beyond shocked when my name was called on January 17, 2009. I’ve grown so much in this past year, and I can owe it all to the Miss America organization.

As Miss Santa Barbara County I was able to work with my platform by talking to talk to young girls in the community and will forever treasure the events we got to attend as titleholders. The ten days I spent in Fresno in June competing for Miss California opened my eyes to the woman I aspire to become and I left there with 55 extraordinary new friends from all across the state.

Sandy, Becky, Seth, Patti, Jen and Pat. Whether it be filling out paperwork for HOURS, shopping downtown, driving to countless events or organizing my personal closet, you were all there for me no matter what. I knew that if I had a question, a dilemma, or simply just wanted to talk, I could come to you.

Our "littles", Kim and Stephanie. You two ladies are the most fantastic young girls I have had the honor of meeting. I've had the privilege of watching you grow up so much this past year and am excited to see how far you both go in life. You're incredible people and I adore you both with all my heart.

Jillian. Sharing this year with you has been a dream come true, filled with enough memories to last a lifetime. Being lost at pageants, trips to the mall, late night phone calls, adult mac and cheese, cabbage patch dolls, hundreds upon hundreds of pictures, pancake breakfasts, and so much more. Since our first lunch together a few days after we were crowned we've dubbed ourselves the "Oddballs" and there's no way I'd rather have it. I feel so beyond fortunate to have been able to have you as my sister-queen this year and I'll love you like a real sister for the rest of my life.

Trevor and Kellen. My two favorite boys. Both of you have been my backbones throughout this entire journey, trekking to parades and to Fresno to support me throughout the year. I don't think you'll ever fully comprehend how much it meant to me to be able to look out and see one of your faces in the crowd.

To all those who sponsored and supported me on the road to Miss California. The Shor’s, The Cosimati’s, The Patterson’s, Glenn Evans, Jason Sobel, The Levan’s, my grandmother and my cousin Emma. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.

Mom, Dad and Kate. Every time I thought I was going to fall, you held my hand and helped me up. The days I was stressing out about certain things and the days when I thought I wasn't cut out for being a titleholder, you helped me sort out my fears and helped give me the courage I needed to continue on. I love you all, with all my heart.

If I had been asked seconds after I was crowned Miss Santa Barbara County, how much I thought my life was going to change, I wouldn't have been able to give you an answer. Today, as I prepare to pass my title on, I stand before you a different girl. I keep reminding myself of something William Shakespeare said: "My crown is in my heart, not in my head, Nor decked with diamonds and Indian stones, Nor to be seen; my crown is called contentment" Because of my year as Miss Santa Barbara County 2009, I have become content with myself and I am immensely proud of the person I have become.