I have had an absolutely amazing reign as the 2009 Miss Franklin-Southampton County Fair Queen.

Being crowned last summer was only the beginning of one of the best years of my life.

During my week at the fair, I had the opportunity to get to know some of the youth in my community by handing out ribbons at the 4-H livestock shows. Luckily, kissing pigs was not on my agenda.

I also experienced the Lost Trailers and Savannah Jack, up close and personal. And boy were they cute!

Although watermelons aren’t quite my favorite fruit, I really enjoyed participating in the Watermelon Eating Contest and presenting awards to the best watermelon eaters in the county.

The Queen’s Team, which consisted of Alex Gray and me, dominated in the cornhole tournaments.

As my reign progressed, I chose to be active with my platform to help spread the word about Alzheimer’s disease and participated in the Alzheimer’s Walk in Smithfield with my father and peer, Jennifer Woulf. Not only did this help me understand this terrible disease, it also brought me closer to those family members and members of my community suffering this treacherous malady.

I also participated in numerous parades to show my support for each and every one of the small towns that make up this wonderful county we call home.

As Miss Franklin-Southampton County Fair, I went on to compete in the Miss Virginia Association of Fairs Pageant. This pageant only added to my wonderful experience as queen. I met some of the most beautiful, down-to-earth girls who allowed me to become more confident and outgoing in everything I do.

Outside of being fair queen, I have accomplished many goals. During my senior year at Southampton High School I was a member of the Student Government Association, National Honor Society and secretary of my senior class.

I will be attending James Madison University in the fall where I will major in biology.

I would like to extend a “thank you” to everyone who has supported me throughout this year, as stressful as it has been. I would especially like to thank my mother, because without her I would not nearly be the person I am today.

I would also like to thank my pageant directors Pam Ellis and Sarah Gray; not only have they guided me through pageants, but they have guided me through other personal experiences this year.

In thanking them, I have to thank every member of the fair board; not only did I feel as if I fit right in with them last year, they made my long week so entertaining and I must thank them for that.

Thanking my best friend, Kirby Markivich, is a must. She has been the one to help me not only plan outfits for everything, but change them when they malfunction.

Thanks again to everyone who has supported me in everything I do; I would go nowhere if it weren’t for you.

I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to get so much closer to my community, as well as myself.

This experience has helped me find myself and open up to others.

I only hope the lucky young lady to follow in my footsteps enjoys her reign as Miss Franklin-Southampton County Fair as much as I did.