Me and my BFF, Sally Hansen

June 13th 2010 was the kick off to Miss Pennsylvania Week 2010. 35 girls traveled to Pittsburgh from all across the state to compete for the title of Miss Pennsylvania 2010. Upon arriving at the Holiday Inn (our hotel for the week) I unpacked my car and immediately resorted to my designated room, sat on my bed, and prayed before my roommate arrived. I knew that once we were all finished with unpacking our luggage that the week would be a whirlwind of rehearsals and events so I wanted to make sure that I took some time beforehand to really reflect on why I was there and to also reflect on a few scriptures that I had specifically selected to get me through the week.

I remember in years past, pageant week would arrive and I would constantly find myself worrying about whether or not somebody had a dress similar to mine or if my on-stage question outfit would be like what anyone else was wearing. But this year, I did not find myself thinking about those things at all. Instead, I thought about my plan. I thought about questions like "What do I seriously want to accomplish this year if I am crowned Miss Pennsylvania?" and "What would I want to be remembered for upon completion of my year?" I thought about questions like these all week and every time I had a vivid image to answer it with. I put everything in God's hands and knew that he would be with me throughout the week.

First of all. Meeting the contestants. Every year I am blessed with a fun roommate that is always a night shower-er (I prefer to shower in the mornings so there was never any conflict of bathroom usage). Every year at Miss Pennsylvania it always seems like the contestants inevitably get along, and this year was no different. It didn't matter what group of contestants you put together, we all managed to find a topic of discussion and inevitably had something in common. Every night before the competition girls were helping others before they did their own hair and make up. That's the kind of stuff that needs to be on reality shows!

Next. Rehearsals. This year's opening number song was a lot of fun and I'm sure I can speak for all of the contestants in saying that anytime Tik Tok ever comes on the radio I involuntarily start breaking out into the dance. I never said I'm any good at it, but I sure did rock it in the back row!!!

The preliminary nights of competition seemed like they started and were over in a flash. Along with winning both swimsuit and talent, I was compelled to defeat "The Double-Prelim Curse". However it felt like everything BUT a curse. It was such a blessing and in my mind I knew that the curse meant nothing. Prelim awards, as I learned throughout the years, do not matter. They're merely the sprinkles and icing on the cake!

So Friday came and it was finally time to meet the judges. I was the very last interview and I was extremely excited after hearing how nice and personable they were all day. Of course, the 10 minutes flew and after walking out of the room I was happy with how it went. I always get very weird after interview because I know that that's it. I can only hope that I was what they were looking for and thinking about the fact that my fate is up to the 5-7 judges on the panel can make me a little nervy. But that was it! Off to the teen pageant followed by a relaxing night at the gala.

I woke up Saturday morning and just felt very at peace and relaxed about the competition thus far. I just wanted the night to come SO badly. The day seemed to drag in anticipating the announcement of the next Miss Pennsylvania, but the 7:45 curtain call came sooner than I thought. As the smell of spray tan and hairspray filled the air, we were all gleaming with excitement as we awaited Jill's performance of the National Anthem. And that was it. The start of one of the most memorable evenings that I will remember for my entire life. "You're top 11 finalist number four..........Miss Jewel of the West, Courtney Thomas!" Whew. Thank goodness! I was contestant number four last year, too!! And again, the competition FLEW and we were down to the final announcement. This part never flies, though. It always seems like you're standing there forever. But then the moment came. By the time they announced the first runner-up, I was both scared and excited. I was praying to God that this be my year. "And Miss Pennsylvania 2010 is........COURTNEY THOMAS!"

From that moment on, everything was a blur. I couldn't believe it. I seriously just could not believe it. What I had been working so hard for, every day in some way or another for the past 4 years finally happened. I went to bed that night at 3:30am and woke up the next day at 7am. I had a dream that night that I had won, too. I woke up disappointed thinking that it all really didn't happen until I looked at the night stand and saw my rhinestoned 'Miss Pennsylvania' sash sitting there. It was real, and signing my very first contract as Miss Pennsylvania 2010 further validated that.

In two days it will have been 1 month since my crowning and since then I have been driving (and flying) across the state to attend appearances. Anything from parades to rock concerts. It has all been a BLAST so far! In a couple of weeks I'll be posting my very first newsletter on MissPA.org, where I will get to share with you some of my favorite events and what a day in the life of Miss Pennsylvania is really like.

I've never had a blog before and never really considered myself important enough to need a blog. But as your Miss Pennsylvania 2010 I want to keep everyone up to speed with what I'm up to and where I'll be heading. So make sure to check back and until next time....

With love

xoxo,

Courtney Thomas

Miss Pennsylvania 2010