December 21, 2008 turned out to be the biggest evening of my life. What more could a girl ask for for Christmas than a beautiful, sparkling crown and the title of Miss Kansas USA? Winning that title was a dream of mine that I was going to chase down no matter what, but even I didn’t know what an amazing, whirlwind year I was in for. When I won this title I knew I could say this was the right time for me because I felt like I finally knew who I was. I knew what I believed in and I knew that I could be true to myself and show young women that you don’t have to compromise to get ahead or to become Miss USA. I am so grateful for this experience as I now know it has helped to shape me into a better person. My year has been incredible with speaking engagements, appearances, and, of course, my indescribable trip to Miss USA. These moments are forever etched into my mind and cannot be replaced. In a way, I hoped this night would never come because it means that my time as a titleholder is at an end. But I’m going to smile because I did have this chance and I now have the whole world in front of me.
Mom & Dad: There are not enough words to express how grateful I am that you are my parents. You have supported me in every activity I have ever gone after and Miss KS USA is no exception. You are the best support team in the world and everyone would be so lucky to have parents like you. When I won, I am not sure whose reaction was better- my crying, daddy’s crying and showing off his Mizzou tie, or mom’s yelling and videotaping the inside of her purse! Momma, thank you for being with me every step of the way and being such a great help with every little detail. You are beautiful, absolutely hilarious, and no one has a better time together than we do. You are the best jewelry designer, box packer, and plan maker in the world and I wouldn’t have made it to Vegas, or even Lawrence, without you. Daddy, thank you for being such a comfort throughout everything while helping me stay on track with my workouts and diet. I always love our current event phone calls and Jeopardy challenges, and they helped me stay sane in a crazy year. You knew this was my dream and you helped me go after it even though I know it was hard on you. I love you guys (and Mickie dog) so much that there is no better way than just to say it simply, I love you.
Alexis Rewalt: You are the sister I never had! I honestly could not have picked someone as wonderful as you to be my partner in crime. I knew we were going to be friends as soon as we had the exact same reaction upon winning. I have enjoyed spending time with you, your momma, and the feisty Kiki. Thank you so much for your support in Vegas and throughout this year, it means so much to me. I love you girl and you know if there’s ever a time when you need me, I’ll be there in an instant. “Sisters by chance, but friends by choice.”
John: One of the best things about becoming Miss KS is that it brought me you! You are like the uncle I always wanted but also a friend I needed. I am so thankful that I had such a great guy to guide me through this year who believed in me so strongly. I always enjoy our talks no matter what they are about and always look forward to seeing you. If there is ever anything on old Miss KS can help you out with, I hope you know you can call on me. That even includes puppy-sitting! I will always be proud to say that I am a Vanbros girl and forever thankful that I have you cheering for me.
Jason: Thank you for being such a help during my preparations in ways I saw and many ways I didn’t. Your wonderful smile is contagious and always a welcome site especially for an anxious girl in Las Vegas! You are a wonderful friend and I have been lucky to get to know you this past year. Good luck in everything you do, and I finally going to say it- I am so jealous of those killer eyelashes!
Jen: Out of everyone you must have had the craziest year! I am very happy that I was a part of it and got to know you, J.C., and the ladies’ men Jackson & Jensen. Thank you for your female perspective and sharing your inside knowledge on going to a national pageant. Also, thank you for introducing me to Voice&Models and opening up a whole new world that I had only hoped for. A special thanks to J.C. for having such a good eye for picking out girls for the pageant! Wherever your lives take you I know it will be nothing short of amazing!
Janet & the Vanbros Ladies: Thank you for all the hard work you put in to the KS program! Janet, you have made my year so much easier and less stressful. All the ladies backstage, you are invaluable to the success of this pageant and I am thankful to have you behind the scenes.
Sadie Heavner: My biggest little cheerleader! I love you and am so glad I found you in Pi Phi. Thank you for supporting me all these years especially when you were sure I was insane. Jury is still out on that one by the way. Having you and Kyle in Vegas was amazing and, yes, I could hear your voice through all those people. Wherever we go I carry you in my heart.
Stacey Smith, Meagan Winings, Chanley Painter, and Lauren Lunday: You ladies are amazing and I have been constantly impressed by each of your unique and beautiful selves. I have learned something from each one of you and you are now a part of some of my best memories. You will always be my Vanbros girls.
Dr Ross Headley, Jeanie, & Staff: You all answered my prayers and never before have I been so excited to go to the dentist office! Thank you so much of your support of the Miss KS USA program and thank you for giving me so much to smile about!
Brian Atteberry: Thank you so much for giving me the tools to have a hot body at Miss USA! Your program gave me the confidence to wear a very tiny bikini in front of thousands and I recommend you to everyone!
Darryl Woods: Thank you for teaching me so much. You gave me tools and knowledge not just for being a confident titleholder, but a confident person my whole life. Plus, you are undoubtedly the best “sexy walker” ever and that’s where I need the most help!
Will Patterson: Thank you for providing you such excellent photography! You are always so entertaining to me, such a sweet guy, and a joy to work with.
Kitch Fairman: Thank you for taking care of all this horse hair I have! You saved me from some questionable hair coloring and you are very talented at what you do.
Crown Chic: Thank you for providing me with a truly lovely gown that was the sparkly, sexy number I had always hoped for.
Alaskan Fur: I love my fur coat! I have been ready for cold weather since May just to wear my beautiful coat.
All my friends and family who have supported me: Thank you so much for all your kind words and support! Thank you to my friends who came to Vegas, even though you didn’t see me walk away with that crown I know you had a good time! It all has meant so much to me and has warmed my heart to know that I have so many people who believe in me.
To all the ladies who don’t leave here with a crown tonight: It’s hard, I know. I have been in your high heels. I have cried those same tears and tonight is going to be rough. But you have been a part of an incredible experience here, you have stepped outside of your comfort zone, and hopefully you have learned something about yourself. You beautiful ladies chose to go after a dream tonight which took a huge amount of courage. For that, I am tremendously proud of you.
To Miss Kansas USA 2010: Be thankful for what you have been given tonight. Relish this experience and savor every moment. Don’t forget who you are, thankfully there is no cookie cutter for Miss KS USA and you are going to bring a special, individual sparkle to that crown. Having that sash and crown does not give you a voice in which to speak out, we all have that, but it does make yours louder and puts you a step above the crowd. Remember, with great power come great responsibility so always use your power to be the wonderful role model I know you can be.
So after all of that, I am forever and always proud to be Courtney Courter, Miss Kansas USA 2009.
