I started in the Miss America Organization just over four years ago as a contestant in the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant. I was drawn in because of the glitz and glamour and the excitement of wearing a crown but have realized over the years that it's so much more than that.
My very first pageant was the 2009 Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant. I went into it completely blind not knowing what exactly I was doing. I walked away from it and I was hooked. I came back the next year and was named 2nd runner-up at the 2010 Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant. Feeling like there was something more for me, I decided to compete for a third year. I was crowned Miss North Metro's Outstanding Teen and was ready for my third time at the state pageant. I was named 1st runner-up to Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2011 and as much of an honor as it was to be so close to winning that prized title, I was still feeling empty inside. I had one more year left to compete in the Outstanding Teen program before I aged out. I wanted to have no regrets and decided to jump head first in to preparations but with a different mindset than I had the previous years. I went into the 2012 Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant feeling very relaxed... Something I wasn't used to. I was completely at ease knowing that it was in the Lord's hands and if it was in His plan for my life than I would be the new Outstanding Teen. My life changed that night as I was finally given the honor of being Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012. My time had finally come and I promised myself I would make the most out of my one short year. In August of 2012, I flew to Orlando to compete in the 2013 Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant. I formed 52 new friends from every state included Puerto Rico, DC, and the Virgin Islands and had the time of my life. There is nothing that I regret about my experiences.
Ultimately, by God's grace and the Miss America's Outstanding Teen program, I am here today saying that I am Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013! I'm in shock. Every time I look at the crown I tear up because of how honored I am to represent this incredible community.
I have many things planned for this year and I can't wait to share them all with you as they get closer! But what I do want is to thank some pretty instrumental people who have shaped me into the woman I am today.
Jesus Christ has and always will come first in my life. There is no changing that. This year is not about me, but rather about Christ and letting His light shine brighter than anyone else's. I have been given a strong voice in my community and I will use that voice to serve others and live so that others will want to know the Lord.
Secondly, my parents. Unwavering support and love just pours from each of your hearts. I am beyond grateful to have two people in my life who give me enough support to build myself up but enough reality to bring me back down to Earth. You remind me at the end of the day that it's not about myself but rather those around me. I love both of you 2-5.
Next my family. There is never a dull moment! Thanks for always believing that I was destined for great things, even if I didn't always believe it myself. Thanks to my aunt Emily and cousin Bethany who prayed with me those final few minutes before I walked into my interview.
To Stacie for shaping me into the person I am today. You are a constant reminder that, no matter how hard to Devil tries, there is nothing he can do to break a relationship with the Lord. Thanks for building me up when I was down, the advice, helping me through the tears, and for your friendship.
To my new sister queens; Lauren, Lauren, and Molly. I have been blessed with three new sisters! I can't wait to see where our year will take us. Love you all so much and can't wait to see you tomorrow to make everything official :)
Cyndi, you put on such a beautiful pageant! I can't wait to begin working with you on what will be a crazy year. My wildest dream came true to represent Brainerd for a second time all because you decided to take this program over just under one year ago. Thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do!
The Miss Brainerd Lakes committee. You all are wonderful and remind me that there are still good people in this world who want nothing more than to help other people be their best. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Brainerd has a dynamic group of women that are pretty much unstoppable and I'm blessed to have them supporting me :)
To MK for putting on a fabulous show! Such a great producer baby bump and all :) Thanks for all of the help and advice during rehearsals. You are such a great friend and I'm honored to be your Miss Brainerd Lakes sister :)
To Chris, Corrina, and Chelsea Swiggum for all the laughs and crazy memories! Love you three so much!! You have been constant supporters and I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything :)
To Chris Saltalamacchio for giving me the edge I needed. So thankful to have you in my life!! I'm looking forward to working with you in the upcoming months :)
And finally to the community of Brainerd. I live in such a supportive and uplifting community! I am overwhelmed with all of the love and support I've received in just one day since being crowned Miss Brainerd Lakes. I'm forever grateful!
Your sister in Christ and Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013,
Bailey Wachholz
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