Miss Montana 2007

Bridge Day

2007-10-17T00:56:00.000-06:00

The annual Bridge Day was celebrated in Glendive on September 9. Chantell, Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen and I painted faces of many, many children and also spoke and performed.
Ryan Doll helped us by selling raffle tickets for the winter get-away to Big Sky for skiing and accommodations at the Huntley Lodge.
It was a beautiful day!

Photo Days

2007-10-17T00:31:00.000-06:00

A new scholarship sponsor this year is SRSC Crissafulli Pumps.

As contestants we spent a beautiful morning with Miss Montana 2006, Christie Hageman, shooting pictures for the annual calendar which will feature the entire class of Miss Montana 2007 Scholarship Program contestants and various equipment of the company and its work force.

I am looking forward to helping Laura at the tradeshows this winter.

Medora Musical!

2007-10-17T00:02:00.000-06:00

A Dream Come True!...August 26

Beef Fondue-western style: What is this? It's beef steak seared quickly on a pitchfork and served to thousands, who would later attend the Medora Musical, on the terrace overlooking the majestic badlands, the stage and the town. Before the musical, we dined at the steak fry and enjoyed the evening atmosphere before I dashed off for sound and stage checks to be the pre-show.
I remember going to the Medora Musical when I was a little girl. I sat at the edge of my seat entranced by the show before me. I wanted so badly to be the one on that stage performing! During one part of the musical the Burning Hills singers invite all the children to the stage. My parents urged my sister and me to join the other children, but we were too shy and stayed glued to our seats as most of the other children joined the performers on stage.

Who would have thought that I would someday return and dance in the pre-show as Miss Montana? But that is exactly what happened!
Sunday evening my unlikely dream of performing on that stage came true. I danced under the spotlights in the beautiful Burning Hills Amphitheatre. It was a perfect summer evening and I was awed by the beauty of the Teddy Roosevelt Park Badlands in North Dakota.

I performed a lyrical dance to “Beauty from Pain,” a jazz number to Nat King Cole’s “LOVE,” and spoke for a few minutes about the Miss Montana program and my integrity platform REACH.

My mother, grandmother, and dear friend Ardie were there to share in this special treat. It was also my mother’s birthday so I considered it very special to dance for her there. As I looked to the audience from the stage, I couldn’t help but remember sitting in those same seats as that shy young girl – full of awe and big dreams.
Another highlight was getting to meet the Medora Musical cast and crew. I was able to spend some time with them prior to the show and they were all so friendly and encouraging about my performance. After I performed, I joined the audience and was mesmerized by the rest of the show and the high caliber of the performers. I loved every minute of it and it was especially fun to have met them personally. I feel so blessed to have had this experience!

Portland & Vancouver Trip: August 21-23

2007-08-29T09:43:00.000-06:00

After driving home from the Hope Project at the Yellowstone Club in the Gallatin Canyon, I caught an early flight out of Lewistown and met up with my director Avice for a trip to Portland. We were picked up at the airport by Lois Elaine, who had served on our judges panel. We then had lunch on the river with the famous, Uncle Ed, a man as delightful as his lovely wife. We had a wonderful lunch at Beaches where the cuisine and service were amazing! There was a “Welcome Miss Montana” sign at the entrance! Uncle Ed requested that a crown be placed on my head. Beaches has a lovely view of the river and we watched barges and boats go by as we dined at their special table.
After lunch we drove to the Pendleton store at the mill in Washougal, Washington. I tried on some very beautiful clothes. I now have a several sweaters, walking trousers, and a great vest; I feel much more prepared for fall’s cooler weather! Lois Elaine and Susan at Pendleton were amazingly generous in sponsoring a black wool dress coat for me. It is so beautiful and lady-like; I am so excited to wear it with the gorgeous scarf! It will be so nice to have while I am traveling across Montana in the cold winter months and for many years ahead. I feel like Audrey Hepburn in it.
After a tour and meeting with the dean at the International Air and Hospitality Academy in Vancouver, we rode in a taxi to our hotel in downtown Portland. Later that evening we met with Cami who was doing business in Portland and the three of us took the MAX to Beaverton Creek where Avice's sister, Joan, met us and treated us to dinner at the Red Lobster.
After a workout in the hotel workout center, Joan picked Avice and me up at the hotel for our drive to Gresham. I tried on many lovely evening gowns at Dee’s Studio Ltd with the gracious help of Suzie. There were some very beautiful gowns there. I felt like I was a little girl playing dress up while I tried on one beautiful gown after another! Lois Elaine showed her big heart by offering to buy me a beautiful gown. She has been so incredibly kind to me and I am eternally grateful for her support!
After lunch at a cute bistro across the street from Dee's, we drove to Nordstroms in Washington Square at Tigard were I had a makeup consultation with MAC makeup. My makeup artist, Ashley, did wonders! I felt so beautiful after she had finished my makeup. Upstairs in the couture department, I tried on several St. John ensembles. We then went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. It was my first time eating at one, and I thoroughly enjoyed every bite!
The next morning after a run and a cup of coffee from Starbucks, we visited the downtown Portland Nordstroms and window shopped at St. John, Banana Republic, and other boutiques. We then took the MAX line to the airport and to board our Big Sky Airlines flight homeward.
We flew over many acres of forest and grass fires burning in Montana and Idaho. The airports were busy with crews from other states helping to extinguish these fires. Seeing them brought back memories of my past two summers as a BLM fire fighter.
I immensely enjoyed my trip to Portland. Portland is such a beautiful city and full of exciting things. I was also so amazed by the kind people that I have been meeting. The generosity and support that I have encountered in people, like Lois Elaine, makes me feel so blessed. I am such a lucky girl!

Montana Highway Patrol: Hope Project Golf Classic

2007-08-29T01:14:00.000-06:00

Hope Project Golf Tournament…July 20th

For the MHP Hope Project Golf Tournament I traveled to the beautiful Yellowstone Club in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky and West Yellowstone. The tournament, dinner, and auction were to raise money for the Hope Project. I have been designated as an official spokeswoman for this year for the Bears that Care, the Montana Highway Patrol.
During the tournament I was stationed at the 3rd hole. I had been told earlier that there had been some real bear sightings, especially at the 3rd hole. So when I was dropped off there I was given a can of bear spray! I was a little nervous, but I had no encounters with any bears! Instead I had only a gorgeous view of the mountains sprawling before me. When we were leaving I even saw a moose and its baby!
After everyone finished their golf games we enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by an auction and awards with several special guests. Montana's Attorney General Mike McGrath and Governor Brian Schweitzer, and several Hope Project wish recipients and their families were in attendance. Governor Schweitzer and I handed out awards and then had pictures taken with the recipients and their families. The recipients were all smiles at being the special guests at an event that helps sponsor the wishes that make their dreams come true!

Montana Fair & Expo: Billings

2007-08-29T01:06:00.000-06:00

At the Montana Fair and Expo held at Metra Park in Billings, I got to perform twice on the community stage on the last weekend, August 17 & 18. I put together a few new dances for the occasion and it was fun to try them out! The last day my mom and little sister came to watch and to also do some school shopping. I talked my little sister into riding on the “zipper” with me. She was a little nervous, but we had a blast!
On Saturday evening I was introduced at the rodeo. But at this rodeo I got to ride on a more than a buckboard! I was pulled into the arena by Texas Thunder! The wagon was pulled by eight beautiful, large black horses. They then performed many difficult maneuvers to the amazement of the crowd and me. The driver then turned and told me to hang on tight. The horses then raced into a gallop around and around the arena and then out the gates for a grand exit. What a ride! I was just glad that I had pinned my crown on nice and tight!

Dawson County Fair - August 10 & 11

2007-08-29T00:50:00.000-06:00

I got to return to Glendive for the county fair. It felt like going home. After having competed three times in Glendive for Miss Montana, Glendive has begun to feel like home. I have met so many amazing people there and it was such a joy to have the chance to see them again. It was fun to visit with them when I wasn’t under the stressful circumstances of competing. It was also fun to return to Glendive as Miss Montana, having been there so often with the hopes of achieving that dream.
On Friday, I spent the morning and afternoon helping to hand out ribbons at the 4-H judging. It was great to see the kids showing their animals and seeing how all of their hard work and dedication to their projects had paid off.
That afternoon I performed a few dances and spoke at the community stage. I had a few special guests in the audience, my three Miss Montana Little Sisters, each from my past years of competing! It was so exciting to get to visit with them after my performance.
Friday evening I was driven into the rodeo arena on a horse-drawn buckboard. It was quite the bumpy ride! Once in the arena I drew the lucky raffle ticket for a trip for two people to the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas!
On Saturday I helped out at the first ever Water Olympics at the Glendive pool. Kids were given the chance to compete in all sorts of fun water games at the chance to receive prizes and candy. Later in the day I was a judge in the diving contest. I saw some beautiful dives and some impressive cannon balls!
Saturday afternoon I again performed at the community stage. Once again I got to see some of my past little sisters! It has been so much fun to watch how they have grown up over the past three years!
Saturday evening I got to announce who had won the kiss the pig contest! The sheriff was the unlucky….I mean lucky winner! I applied a lovely shade of cherry red lipstick on his lips and in return got an imprint of that on my cheek! I then explained to him that the pig was in the other corner and that he had better hurry over or he’ll make the pig jealous! He then placed a lovely peck on the pig! I’m just glad that he didn’t decide to give me a kiss after that! I then helped with the livestock auction where I was a ring man ---woman---- during the auction.
I had such a lovely time in Glendive! While I was there I stayed with Ardie, who had been my host mom at last year’s competition. She is such an amazing and sweet lady. I enjoyed coming home and staying up late visiting with her. She is not only an amazing hostess but a wonderful friend. She lives by Mikoshika State Park, so in the mornings I go for runs through the beautiful badlands. I am always treated to breath taking sunrises and glimpses of deer and many rabbits.
Our program's photographer, Dorothy, was able to snap many photos for the local sponsors.

DQ & Miracle Treat Day: August 9

2007-08-29T00:47:00.000-06:00

August 9th was Miracle Treat Day when Dairy Queen franchises give all the profit from their blizzards to help the Children’s Miracle Network. I got to help out with this fundraiser by visiting and helping at five Diary Queens in Billings! It was fun to visit with the customers and to bring them their delicious treats.
There were many people who came in and told me that they were getting a blizzard just for Miracle Treat Day. It was so encouraging seeing people eager to help out this worthy cause. I was also given a special treat at the end of the day, a cookie dough blizzard…my favorite!

Shakespeare in the Park

2007-08-29T00:44:00.000-06:00

Ooops, I almost forgot, one of my first and very special events this year.....Shakespeare in the Park…July 5th

It was a warm summer evening perfect for an evening outside. There was quite the group gathered to be entertained by the work of Shakespeare, still enchanting even right now in present day in Lewistown, Montana. The play was held at the fairgrounds in Lewistown and had quite the turnout. It was fun to gather under the big cottonwood trees and enjoy a beautiful summer evening while watching the Shakespeare players put on a wonderful performance!
After the play I attended the cast party. My neighbor Kitty put together quite the feast for all the players and guests. It was fun getting to know that real people who had so exquisitely played their Shakespearean characters. What a fun evening!

Girls Rock! August 4th

2007-08-27T12:37:00.000-06:00

On Saturday I was in Columbus where I was given the opportunity to be at the Girlz Rock event. I had such a great time there! I am still a little shaky about public speaking, but I can feel it getting easier with each event that I attend. Plus the positive attitudes of the girls and volunteers in attendance helped to quiet my nerves!
After I was done speaking I got to watch the fashion show put on by the young ladies of Columbus and the Stillwater area. There were some adorable outfits! But really the smiles and fun that the models were having outshined what they were wearing.
Mrs. Montana, was also a speaker at Girlz Rock. I got the chance to get to know her a little better. It was lots of fun getting to visit with Leah. After the event we signed autographs and took pictures with the girls. It was a blast!
I not only had a lot of fun, but was also very encouraged to see so many girls attending such a great event.
Girls truly rock!

Richland County Fair

2007-08-27T12:30:00.000-06:00

On August 2nd, I flew to Billings to work with Cami, pick up photo pages at Alphagraphics, and have a have a session with Laurie at Guccione Salon and Spa. I then continue by flying on Big Sky Airlines to Sidney to be able to participate in the Richland County Fair. That night Avice picked me up and was kind enough to let me be a guest at the Hoff Ranch. The next day we returned to Sidney where I helped the Co-Ops with their root beer float give-away. I also gave out autographed pictures and did several interviews. The Richland County fair has beautiful seed pictures done by each community.
I had two pleasant surprises while I was there. Bridget Clawson was working at the fair and I had the chance to visit with her. Bridget was a fellow contestant with me in the Miss Montana Scholarship Program and was selected to be the Miss Congeniality scholarship award winner. Getting to visit with her reminded me just how deserving she is of that award. Bridget truly has a heart of gold and is able to put a smile on anyone’s face. I also saw Gillette Vaira, another fellow contestant, and her parents. We got to visit more while I enjoyed a delicious cheeseburger at the 4-H food booth! Of course there were several radio and TV interviews that took place.
I had a great time in Sidney, especially having gotten the chance to see some amazing friends and also meet Sophie Steinbeisser’s mom and grandmother, and some of her teachers. Sidney loves Sophie.
Friday, Avice and I traveled to Billings to put the final touches on my presentation and to practice. I got in several great runs….one in the country and one in Billings.

Ride for Hope ... July 28

2007-08-27T12:27:00.000-06:00

After my duties at the fair were completed I hurried over to the highway department to participate in my second parade of the week. However, this parade was of a different nature! In this parade I rode on the back of a Harley Davidson!
The Ride for Hope is an annual event to raise money for the Montana Hope Project. Motorcyclists from all over the state raise money to benefit the Hope Project. They then have a rally at a different location every year. This year it happened to be in Lewistown.
After the parde everyone met at the Yogo Inn for the banquet. I gave a short speech on how I would be acting as the spokesperson for the Hope Project throughout this year. I then got to help out with the silent auction, which raised even more funds to grant wishes to Montana children.
Being at the Ride for Hope made me even more excited about the Hope Project. It was so amazing seeing these leather clad volunteers with hearts of gold who jump at the chance to make dreams come true for children.

Fergus County Fair

2007-08-27T12:21:00.000-06:00

Since I was a little girl the highlight of the summer has always been the Fergus County Fair. When I was younger I looked forward to the riding the rides with my aunt and cousins and as I grew older I began to lose interest in the rides and instead looked forward to the night show, rodeo, and socializing with friends. This year’s fair was different than any I had ever attended. This year I was Miss Montana!

I started out the fair week by attending the night show. I was first introduced to the comedian act Willams and Ree. They were both very nice and extremely funny. It was fun getting to meet them and then sit and the stands and roll with laughter during their performance. Before intermission I had to head back to meet the next act, but they noticed my exit and pointed me out during the middle of their performance. We had visited about my past jobs, including firefighting, so as I was leaving they yelled, “Hey there’s Miss Montana, she’s headed out to burn out the Californians.” I was rather embarrassed but pleased that they had remembered who I was! I then went out for intermission and was given the chance to meet the Bellamy Brothers.

Thursday was “Lewistown Days” so there was a parade down Main Street. Earlier I had been out at the fairgrounds to watch my cousins receive blue ribbons for their showmanship with their pigs. I then headed back into town to help the Boys and Girls Club decorate their float. We did a summer fun theme with sports equipment and a baby pool on the float. I rode with them for the parade as they threw out water balloons and sprayed squirt guns all down the street. Needless to say, I ended up a little wet by the end of the parade!

Thursday and Friday I signed autographs at the Snowy Mountain Development booth and then helped greet and hand out programs at the rodeo. It was a great chance to visit with people I had not seen in a long time!
Then Saturday morning I had the fun chance to be in the Pie Eating contest to raise money for 4-H! The 4-H leaders had been a little worried if I would actually want to participate, but I was ready to try out my first Pie Eating contest! Unfortunately I did not win, but I must say that I held my own!

After the Pie Eating contest I hurried over to the free stage where I performed my talent. The Dance Syndicate was also performing. The Dance Syndicate is where I grew up dancing so I was excited to see some of their new dances and my instructor, Janet. My little sister is now a member of the Performing Arts Team so I was very excited to get the chance to see her perform. She did an amazing job, I am so impressed with how far her dance skills have come!

It was a busy week at the fair, but also a week full of friends, family, and fun!

Big Sky State Games: Running in the Heat.

2007-07-29T01:57:00.000-06:00

It was billed as "Come run with Miss Montana" and one of the competitive events to kick off the annual Big Sky State Games on Friday, July 20.
I raced in the Big Sky Games 5K in 100 degree weather alongside many other athletes. It was actually a lot of fun! People in the neighborhoods along the race route had put their sprinklers pointed toward the road and were out cheering on the many runners. It was great to see them getting involved and providing some much needed cool water for the runners!
I finished with a time of 21.49, putting me at second for my 19-24 age group. I was very surprised with my finish and proud that my many training runs had paid off.
After the race I quickly put on my crown and helped hand out awards. I confess that I did not look my best after having run in the heat, but it was fun getting to participate in an event and in the ceremonies.
It was amazing to see all of the participation in the Big Sky State Games. Montana has some truly amazing athletes! It was also great to see people leading healthy lifestyles and being concerned about personal fitness.
I had a wonderful time at the games, despite the heat!

Grand Street Theatre Camp & Shodair Hospital

2007-07-29T01:53:00.000-06:00

July 18: Theatre Camp and Shodair Hospital --- both in Helena, our state capital.
I am beginning to see how much variety my job will have this year! I went from speaking in front of adult insurance agents to 200 youth theatre camp participants!
At the Grandstreet Theater’s camp in Helena, I gave a quick speech to all of the participants and then taught a workshop to the third graders. All of the kids had such enthusiasm! It was great to see kids pursuing their dreams as they work to become better actors and actresses.
Josie Adams helped me during my workshop. Josie was one of the contestants at Miss Montana who had made Top Ten. We have become friends because of meeting at the competition, so it was great to get to hang out with her again. They are just about to begin their production of the musical “Grease”, in which Josie has the lead role of Sandy. I am so proud of her and hope to see her amazing performance sometime.
After I was done at the Grandstreet I stopped at Shodair Medical Center to visit with Ellen Livers. She was kind enough to give me a tour of the facility and tell me a little bit more about Children’s Miracle Network. I am so excited to become more involved with CMN and to help raise funds for Shodair.

Independent Insurance Agents of MT Convention

2007-07-29T01:50:00.000-06:00

My first big speaking engagement was on July 15th where I was asked to be a guest speaker at the Montana Independent Insurance Agents Convention held at the Yogo Inn.
I was asked to speak for half an hour during their awards luncheon. It was very intimidating thinking of speaking for that long in front of these professionals. My nerves were immediately calmed when I was greeted with such kindness and enthusiasm. My speech went very well thanks to them making me feel right at home!
I feel much better now that I have a long speech under my belt. Speaking in front of them made it finally seem a little bit more real that this is how my year is going to go!

Mr. Relay for Life...July 14

2007-07-29T01:48:00.000-06:00

On July 14th I was the co-emcee for the Mr. Relay for Life competition held at the Lewistown fairgrounds. There were six contestants who competed in evening gown, swimsuit, and talent. They were also judged by how much funds they raised for Relay for Life. There were some very unique ensembles and some hardly recognizable male contestants! It was very entertaining for everyone gathered for the event! Not only was it a good show, but they also raised over three thousand dollars! It was great seeing so many people pitch in and take part in such an amazing cause. Being at Relay for Life was especially important to me because my Grandpa Loyal lost his battle with cancer a year and a half ago. I think Relay for Life is such an amazing organization and I was honored with the chance to participate in an event that helps fight cancer.

Montana 4-H State Congress...MSU-Bozeman

2007-07-29T01:22:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday morning Avice and I drove to Bozeman. Avice was a judge for the dress revue at 4H congress, so while she was judging I was given the chance to visit with some of the county competitors. I was so impressed with their sewing skills! The girls had created such amazing outfits, I was not jealous of Avice for having to judge these girls!
On Wednesday evening I was given the chance to speak with the 600 4H participants and volunteer leaders about my platform of integrity. They were having their talent show so I was also able to perform my talent. It was also projected on several large screens. At Miss America, the talents are projected the same way.
Thursday morning I helped the dress revue girls with their modeling. The girls did not need much help because they already possessed an abundant amount of poise and grace. It was great having the chance to get to know these girls better. They are truly talented young ladies who I hope to see someday competing for Miss Montana!
That afternoon I rode back home to Lewistown with my dad. He knows the roads of Montana very well. He treated me to some back roads for getting back to Lewistown. It was fun to get to see different parts of Montana. I am constantly amazed at how beautiful this state is!

Meeting the lovely Miss Montana 1947

2007-07-22T11:32:00.000-06:00

After visiting with Laurie at Guccione Salon, Big Sky Airlines, and Big Sky State Games in Billings, I met Miss Montana 1947, Carol Chaffen Anderson at her lovely residence.

She is such an amazing lady and was kind enough to show me some of her pictures and memorabilia and tell of her adventures in preparing and traveling to Miss America. She is the first contestant to win a Miss America national talent scholarship which she used to complete her studies at the University of Montana.

It’s amazing to see the history of the Miss America Organization. It’s also amazing to think that maybe someday I will be in her position showing my memorabilia to a future Miss Montana.

Clark Marten

2007-07-22T11:31:00.000-06:00

After the Miss Washington competition I spent several days in Billings working on paperwork with my director Avice.
I had my official photos taken by Clark Marten of Columbus, Montana. He is an extremely gifted photographer who I am very lucky to have do my portraits. He is also very kind and made the photo shoot very fun!
His wife even made chocolate chip cookies for us! They were delicious!

Miss Washington...July 6-7

2007-07-22T11:30:00.000-06:00

I was honored with the chance to be a guest at the Miss Washington competition. Lois Elaine was one of my judges and invited me out to see the Miss Washington competition. She was planning to be my hostess for the event but her husband ended up getting sick. Fortunately she was able to make it for the final night and I was honored to get to watch the show with her that night.
The competition was held in Tacoma, Washington. I flew to Portland and received a ride from the Clark County board of directors. They were such nice ladies and I enjoyed my chance to get to know them. During the competition I roomed with Kate, Miss South Dakota. She is such a great girl and we became fast friends. Our chaperones were Bev and Bob. They were two amazing volunteers with the Miss Washington program and treated us like their own daughters. I was thrilled with the chance to get to know them.

We enjoyed a lovely luncheon on the waterfront with Nick, the head judge at Miss Montana.

Miss Idaho and Miss Oregon were also guests there. All of the girls were so kind and I am looking forward to seeing them again at Miss America. We were all given the chance to perform our talents at the competition. It was amazing to dance on the beautiful stage at the Pentage Theater.

On Saturday night Elyse Unemoto was crowned Miss Washington 2007. After her crowning there was a reception and dance. It was a fun time to hang out with the other state title holders and Miss Washington contestants.

Sunday morning I headed back to Portland to catch my Big Sky flight to the beautiful state of Montana! I had a wonderful time at Miss Washington and felt so blessed at getting to meet all of the amazing people I did.

Independence Day...July 4th

2007-07-22T11:29:00.000-06:00

My first parade as Miss Montana was in Lewistown on July 4th. My grandfather was asked to drive the car I rode in. I think he was pretty pleased with that! My grandma even went and bought him a new cowboy hat just for the occasion. My cousins also joined in the fun and followed my car handing out candy to the parade watchers. It was a very warm day and I got pretty hot in my sequined evening gown, but it was so much fun getting to see the people who showed up for the parade!
That evening we went out to the family’s ranch for a barbeque and fireworks. After we had dinner my mom, my cousins, and I went for a walk. We ended up taking a long walk around much of the ranch. We saw several deer and even some young fawns. We watched as the sun began to slip below the mountains and cast golden glows over the rolling hills full of wheat and straw bales. When we got back it was time for fireworks! It was a wonderful Independence Day that I felt so blessed to be able to share with my family.

Miss Wyoming Pageant...June 27-30

2007-07-22T11:28:00.000-06:00

I flew on Big Sky Airlines, the official airline sponsor of my year of servant leadership, to Sheridan Wyoming for my first appearance as Miss Montana. I was able to spend the week as a guest at the Miss Wyoming competition. I was greeted at the airport by my host mom Shirley who drove me to her beautiful home outside of Sheridan. I could immediately tell that I was going to love my stay with her. The area was beautiful, Shirley was so sweet and like a second mother, and she had coffee ready and waiting! It was going to be a wonderful week!
The Wyoming contestants were all amazing. There were four girls competing, and each of them was an extremely talented and accomplished young lady. I had such a wonderful week getting to know each of them. I was able to perform my talent during their competition, and was also included in their “showgirls” production number. Their theme for the competition was “Viva Las Vegas” so in the production number we all wore big feathered head dresses and sparkling costumes! It was a lot of fun and I had a blast with it!
The competition culminated with Jenileigh Sawatzke crowning Jennifer McCafferty as her successor and Miss Wyoming 2007. I was so excited for Jennifer. She is a very talented vocalist and an exceptionally kind person who will proudly represent Wyoming.

Montana Highway Patrol: Project Hope

2007-07-22T11:24:00.000-06:00

A quick trip to Helena to view the newest edition to the Montana Highway Patrol took place the following day.

I am excited to be the spokewoman for the Montana Highway Patrol Project Hope. It will be a busy year helping these wonderful people.

Hometown Support!

2007-07-22T11:23:00.000-06:00

When I returned home to Lewistown on Sunday, June 17th, I was feeling ready for bed! However, my family had some other ideas. When we drove into town we drove straight out to my grandparents and aunt and uncle’s ranch. They had a barbeque planned to congratulate me! It was so fun to see my whole extended family there ready to congratulate me. My twin cousins, Justin and Jordan, and their older sister Melisa, had a bouquet of roses and a cake waiting for me!
Monday morning I thought that I would be able to catch up on some much needed sleep. However, Lewistown had other plans for me! My parents woke me and told me to get ready for interviews! Right away on Monday I had interviews with the radio station, a television station, the Lewistown News Argus, and an interview over the phone with the Glendive paper. It was all so exciting!
In a small town like Lewistown news travels fast. I was already being congratulated by people all over Lewistown. It felt so good to know how much my hometown was supporting me. The Yogo Inn of Lewistown and the Chamber of Commerce even sponsored a reception in my honor. It was such a kind thing to do and a fun time to get to see people from all over Lewistown. I am so proud to represent Lewistown!

The Crowning Moment...June 16

2007-07-22T11:22:00.001-06:00

On Saturday night June 16th, my hopes and dreams became a reality. It was the final night of the Miss Montana competition. They had announced Top Ten and we went on to compete in talent, lifestyle and fitness, and evening gown. I performed my talent the best that I had ever done. My dad had given me a pep talk telling me to “remember how hard you’ve worked for this, leave it all on stage with no regrets.” I took his advice and left my best out on the stage.
After we competed in those categories the top five were announced. We were then left on stage to draw a judge’s name who then asked us a question. It was a very intimidating experience! After we all answered questions we were ushered off stage to anxiously await the outcome.

Finally the time had come. The five of us stood at the front of the stage holding hands. Then there was a final song! The song was beautiful and standing there waiting built up the anticipation in the whole auditorium. Finally it was time to announce the placing.
Slowly our group got smaller until I found myself holding hands with Kari Rude. We both looked at each other and it was easy to tell the nerves and anxiety that each of us held! Finally the time had come and the announcement that Kari was the first runner up came. I hugged Kari and then it hit me that I was the new Miss Montana.
All of the hard work, disappointments, and perseverance of the past three years culminated on that moment in time. This was not my first try for Miss Montana, but my third. I felt so overjoyed and stood in disbelief! Christie Hageman crowned me and had to whisper to me to stop shaking! It was so exciting to be crowned by my friend who only one year ago I had stood on that same stage with as her runner-up. It was then time to take my first walk as Miss Montana. I remember turning to the crowd and being shocked by how many people there were in the auditorium, on their feet! I walked to the judges and thanked them, and then walked to stage right towards the most important people in the world to me. There was my whole family standing on their feet looking as excited as I was. They had been my constant support in my past tries for Miss Montana and also my support as I gave everything I had for this year. I blew them a kiss and knew that this moment was one that we would all treasure for the rest of our lives.
I received a flurry of hugs and congratulations from my fellow constants. Visiting with them made me realize how lucky I was to have competed along side these amazing women. Anyone of them would have made an amazing Miss Montana, and I felt even more honored knowing that.

Many pictures were taken following the crowning. I don’t remember much about them or the reception afterwards, I was still in shock! That night it was very late when I returned to my host home. I thought for sure that I would be able to sleep because I was exhausted. But once I lay on my bed my mind started running. I was actually Miss Montana! The responsibility and honor of the position started setting in and I was unable to sleep. So I greeted my first day as Miss Montana a little sleepily, but still very excited and eager to begin the new adventure ahead of me!

Meet Miss Montana 2007 - Kristen Mantooth!

2007-07-22T10:27:00.000-06:00

~June 16 - Glendive, Montana~

Kristen Mantooth of Lewistown was crowned Miss Montana 2007.

Kristen, 21, is majoring in English Education and Art. She is the official spokewoman for the Montana Highway Patrol Project Hope. Her platform is R.E.A.C.H. She is writing and illustrating a children's book to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. A BLM fire fighter and long distance runner, Kristen performed a lyrical dance entitled "Beauty From Pain"

Named in the Court of Honor were:

First Runner-Up: Kari Rude (Cut Bank) - Vocal

Second Runner-Up: Jennifer Hepner (Great Falls) - Raqs Sharki Dance

Third Runner-Up: Katrina Valkenburg (Billings) - Piano

Fourth Runner-Up: Nicole Dowson (Great Falls) - Vocal

Top Ten Semi-Finalists

Kali Green (Billings) - Tap Dance

Josie Adams (Helena) - Vocal

Allison Linhart (Hobson) - Piano

Rachel Markovich (Butte) - Ballet

Lesli Furniss (Frenchtown) - Bull Whip Artistry

Awards

Miss Congeniality: Bridget Clawson (Plentywood)

State Scholar: Gillette Vaira (Lambert)

State Community Service: Jennifer Hepner (Great Falls)

Miss Promotion: Fallon Elhard (Bozeman)

Miss Spirt & Leadership: Bridget Clawson (Plentywood)

Over-all Interview: Lesli Furniss (Frenchtown)

Non-finalist Interview: Gillette Vaira (Lambert)

Four-Points Award: Caitlin Jenne (Dillon)

International Air & Hospitality Academy Scholarship: Heather Wilson (Shepherd)

Miss Photogenic: Caitlin Jenne (Dillon)

Preliminary Awards

Preliminary Talent: Kristen Mantooth & Jennifer Hepner

Non-finalists Talent: Fallon Elhard & Gillette Vaira

Preliminary Fitness: Nicole Dowson & Kali Green

Non-finalist fitness: Janelle Clark & Caitlin Jenne

Prelimary Evening Gown: Kali Green & Jennifer Hepner

Non-finalist Evening Gown: Emily Marie & Caitlin Jenne

Hats off to the twenty-one state finalists for Miss Montana 2007!