Our weekend started with a Meet The Candidates Spagetti dinner on saturday night. We served some delicious spagetti and meatballs! It was so nice to be able to sit down and talk with members of the community. Sunday was a busy day! In the morning we had a brunch with visiting royalty. We were able to talk with many of them and they helped calm our nerves. I was seated at a table with the Hanover and Monticello royalty and was able to get to know them! From brunch we headed off to the parade! We were worried about the rain but all went well! My junior buddy Ella O. was a blast and we saw many of her first grade classmates along the way. I will never forget her face, just a constant smile! It was such a unique experience to have members of my community, past teachers, friends, and family all watching and cheering for us. Then to Coronation! I think I heard the phrase, "this is the day" a hundred times. I missed quite a few steps in the dance but it was a blast to see all of our practicing come together! The videos and speeches hit my heart. I was thinking, they are the perfect royal court; they have become a family! It was so saddening to think that they had to give it all up now. The juniors crowning was ADORABLE, oh the looks on their faces! The happiness was contagious. Then it hit me, it was our turn. My stomach sank with the thought of not being with these eight other amazing girls on a weekly basis. We held hands, and our breath as they came around with the first crown. KATIE!! Then BRITTANY!! I found myself cheering and clapping as loud as I could. What amazing and deserving girls! At that point I was satisfied that our royal court would be one to remember, but not for a second did I think I would be next.. As I held the hand of the candidate next to me I got thinking. What an eye opening experience this was. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to spend so much time with these girls. Life long friends were made, lessons were learned. Now it was time to crown the queen. The crown was BEAUTIFUL! Amanda passed me and passed me again.. Names were swirling in my head, guesses as to who it would be! I heard screams, then something on my head. WHAT?! ME?! I was in disbelief. That passed quickly and the realization that I was chosen as Miss Albertville set in. I am sitting here, recalling this weekends events and the smile is still plastered on my face. My cheeks may hurt but I dont think this smile is going away anytime soon
