Pump Up the Volume...

To quote Dorothy..."There is no place like home." I arrived in Topeka at noon today after the long drive home from Hoopeston. Admittedly I am disappointed that I did not make top eleven at Miss National Sweetheart, but I am not disappointed in myself. I want you all to know that I did my personal best, I was true to myself, and even though I wasn't what the judges were looking for this week I am proud of my competition efforts to represent Kansas for you. What I learned this week is that you can bring home more than just awards from Hoopeston - like the blessing of new friendships that will last a lifetime, a better perspective on opinions that differ from your own and, for me, a clearer understanding of how my personal ambitions relate to the Miss Kansas & Miss America Organization's mission! All of these things have sparked a renewed drive and determination to work toward bettering my best in my preparation to win Miss Kansas 2009! Now to pick up where I left off...

On Saturday morning all the contestants gathered for the Hoopeston Sweet Corn Parade. As you can imagine with 39 girls as well as other special attractions the parade was quite an event. I was privileged to ride in my dream car for the parade, a 50th Anniversary Addition Chevy Corvette. In the words of Jim Carey it was a "B-E-A-utiful" hunk of metal. This car is unique because Chevrolet manufactured only 700 of them and the paint color was designed specifically for this car and won't ever be used again. Dick was the owner and driver of my car. He was an incredibly nice man and had previously driven Miss Indiana 2007, Nicole Rash, the first runner up to Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haguland.

After the parade, lunch was served by the Hoopeston Volunteer Fire Department. These men donate their time at the fire station while working "real' jobs and raising families. Each of these men are commendable heroes as well as the ultimate example of a good role model. I was so flattered that all the fireman remembered me from last year when apparently I made quite an impression by being the only contestant who would wear the fire helmet during the pictures.

The afternoon was allotted to quiet time at our host home. My roommate Lexi and I spent the afternoon becoming even better acquainted. In one short week we've learned that we share similar values, opinions, and ambitions and have become the type of friends that will always be there for each other through good times and bad. God blessed me this week by putting Lexi into my life - she's a real class act!

Saturday evening's competition was as top notch as the evening before. I was first to perform during the talent competition singing my song from state "At This Moment" and I walked off the stage knowing I had just given the best stage performance of my life! I went to compete and I competed well, just as so many others did this week. Being a part of this largest group of Sweetheart contestants ever was life-changing and I am grateful beyond words for having had this opportunity!

As iron hones iron, so we hone one another
~Proverbs 27:17

Danielle Coffman
Miss Sedgwick 2008
Miss Kansas Sweetheart 2008