This is one of the least “evergreen” posts I will ever write. I am writing in support of a particular candidate for Miss America 2015. Within 48 hours, she will either wear the crown or not. In the lead-up to tomorrow night’s contest, though, I want to share what it is about her that made me a fan, and that is the most evergreen characteristic of all.
Tiara Cookies by Crave Eatery Bainbridge, GA
I am supporting Maggie Bridges, Miss Georgia, in her quest to become Miss America. (The pageant airs the night of September 14, 2014, on ABC, at 9 p.m. EST). Here’s why:
Seven years ago, Tenley (around 11 years old) and I were returning from New York City to Tallahassee. On the Atlanta to Tallahassee leg, I was in a single seat and Tenley was across the aisle from me, seated next to another passenger. I tend to withdraw into a shell (and often sleep) on planes; I half-noticed that Tenley was chatting the whole time but didn’t think much of it.
As we were departing the airport, Tenley explained that she had been sitting next to Maggie Bridges, who was returning, traveling solo, from a modeling assignment (I think Maggie was 16 or so at the time…). I don’t know the content of their conversation, but I think it touched on modeling, fashion (maybe pageants?), and shared interests. It was a conversation mutually enjoyable enough that they went on to become Facebook friends (they are also now both Alpha Delta Pi sisters which is pretty cool!). Once Maggie won the Miss Georgia title, Tenley reminded me of that conversation all those years ago, and I instantaneously knew I would be supporting the confident and friendly young woman who gave my child her undivided attention, friendliness, and expertise.
From a pageant perspective, Maggie has going for her (among other achievements):
Photo Credit: Matt Boyd Photography
Intellect (She is one of ten finalists for the Miss America STEM scholarship.)
The Ability to Mobilize Support (She was one of the top three fundraisers among the Miss America contestants for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), the official charity of the Miss America Organization).
Talent (I had the opportunity to hear her sing at an event benefiting CMNH back in August and she sings beautifully).
Beauty (She would not have made it this far without that!)
I know the pageant system isn’t for everyone. I participated in a pageant in college (not affiliated with the Miss America system). Although it rapidly became apparent that I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, I still, to this day am happy I had an opportunity to be in a pageant. I won’t ever forget how hard it actually is to smile without your face running away off of your head for all of the quivering your lips are doing. How energizing and adrenaline-filled it is to participate in a situation where you have to bring your very best public self. As a parent, I have always been disappointed that I did not muster up the funds and resources for Tenley to participate in a pageant like she wanted to (maybe that can still happen).
The pageant system isn’t for everyone, but it certainly is a good fit for Maggie and she for it. Maggie would make an exemplary Miss America, and I would love to see her win the crown.
Although this post won’t be evergreen, Maggie’s qualities of generosity, humor, faith, and kindness will go on and on long past September 14, 2014. They’ll continue like the pine trees of the South Georgia community where she grew up … tall, timeless, and rooted “down to earth” as far as the eye can see.
Photo Credit: Brian Brown
A few footnotes…
The title of this post was inspired by the “Miss Georgia On My Mind” limited edition candle created by The Refinery in Bainbridge, GA. Proceeds benefited the Still Waters program for women as well as the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Check out their website here (I don’t think they are still making Miss Georgia On My Mind but they have other pleasant-smelling (and cutely named, such as Bless Your Heart!) candles).
I have become skittish about blog posts that sing the praises of public figures. My post lauding Oscar Pistorius didn’t have the happiest of outcomes, and my post featuring Jameis Winston frankly just makes me crabby every time I think of it. The third time will be the charm with this post!
Being a Floridian (and a Seminole!), I also want to extend best wishes to Miss Florida, Victoria Cowen. I know she has worked very hard to represent Florida well and to do a wonderful job at Miss America. Good luck to you also, Tori.
Lastly, I hope karma treats Elizabeth Fechtel very, very, very kindly. She was originally crowned Miss Florida and then a calculation error was discovered which led to the title being awarded to a different competitor. I personally have been bitter over life events much more trivial; her blog post after those events will always remain in my mind as among the classiest pieces of writing I have ever read. She’s tremendous.
Shoes designed by The Sash Company for Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri to wear in the “Show Us Your Shoes” parade — perfect image for the “footnotes” section, right?!
Epilogue – 9/15/14 – 12:19 a.m. Maggie was not selected as a finalist in the pageant. (Congratulations, Miss New York.). I stand behind every single word I have said in this post. Class and kindness will never go out of style; Maggie epitomizes those to me.
Epilogue Number Two – 9/23/14 – 2:10 p.m. Maggie discusses her experience at the pageant on her blog. You can read the post here.
Epilogue Number Three – Maggie participated in a Google Hangout with the other Miss America STEM scholarship winners. Each of them presented an image of intellect and humor I would be proud for my daughter (or son) to emulate. You can watch the Hangout here.
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
Growing up, the Miss America pageant was a show everyone watched. I so admired all of the young women for their beauty, brains and talent, and I always pull for girls from the South to win. I’m glad it’s back on a major network now. For several years, I had to search to find it on TV.
Love your “crabby” reference to Winston. I don’t think he’ll ever live that one down. 🙂
Pam, I remember the pedestal I put the contestants on — all of them in their pure white dresses…..it has all changed so much in the decades since then. Like I said, this system isn’t for everyone, but I do appreciate the focus on scholarship and the extensive work the competitors put into what they do. Thank you for your comment!
What a wonderful tribute you have written about Miss Georgia, Maggie Bridges! She is truly the real thing—down to earth and filled with wonderful qualities. Hats off to her parents for raising such a wonderful young woman, and hats off to her family, friends, and supporters for helping her to see a dream come true.
I agree, Mary. I am disappointed that she wasn’t selected as a finalist but I am positive she has great things ahead of her, owing to all of the love and support she has from the way she was raised and the people who stand behind her no matter what. 🙂
I’ve not paid any attention to Ms. America since I was a little girl. Kindness has little to do with it all unfortunately.
Nona – the judging process is mystifying (to me). I hear what you are saying about kindness, but although it may be naive, I still hope kindness is a value among the contestants (and all of us!). Thank you for commenting.