Party!

On the arrival day, after our Tony Bowls shots, we got to go to video recording. Funny story...So I wore a green shirt, but I did not know that they were using a green screen. They told me that I could not wear a green shirt because I would be this floating head on screen. It was then that I began looking frantically for another shirt to wear. However, Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen, Laura Lee Lewis, was in the same boat. She had a darling blue shirt to wear and she let me borrow it too. Laura Lee became of one my best friends during pageant week!

Later that night, we had this huge dinner and party. Our DJ was from MTV and boy, did we have one sweet dance party! That night, I had to say goodbye to my mother and was handed over to the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Program. I made sure to call her every single night. I love my mom, she's the best! I also got to meet my roomie for the week. She was New Hampshire's Outstanding Teen, Katrina Rossi. She is absolutely incredible and I love being around her! I could not have asked for a better roomate. All in all, the party was fabulous start to such an exciting week!

Miss Florida's OT, Miss Massachusetts' OT, Miss Virgin Island's OT, and Me!

My roomie for the week, Katrina Rossi, New Hampshire's OT. She also became one of my best friends over pageant week.

Tony Bowls Photo Shoot

Today Carley had the opportunity to have a photo shoot with Tony Bowls for his new line. Here are some of the photo's her mom snapped today! 

Off to the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant!!

It's here!! This summer has passed by so quickly! I have been preparing and working for this moment and now it is here! I am so excited and have full confidence in my ability to do my best and represent Idaho to the highest degree. I am leaving for Orlando, Florida on Thursday, August 6, 2009. My mother is coming with me. This will be our second flight. We actually went to Orlando on our first flight. I have this white monstrosity of a dress that takes up a suitcase of it's own, so we get to carry it on the plane instead. (Hopefully the person sitting next to us won't mind!)
On August 7, 2009, I check in, attend orientation, and get to do a photo shoot with TONY BOWLS! (Yay!!) On Saturday, all of the contestants will get to be a part of the Medieval Times dinner show. Medieval Times is this incredible restaurant in Florida that has a jousting show, sword fights, and a love story. I also get to eat with my hands. Yes folks, no utensils here! The next day, Savvy Magazine is sponsoring a red carpet event at Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney. I am wearing a pair of skinny jeans and some fabulous shoes. These shoes are about four inches high and are rhinestoned up the heel. Yes, they are awesome. On Monday, the contestants and I get to watch the Teen Choice Awards. Each of the contestants got to ask their favorite nominee a question. I simply adore Amy Adams so I asked her. My question is "When are you the happiest?" These are only some of the really fun things I get to do. I am going to have the time of my life. It's going to be a blast!!

P.S. Something really cool happened two days ago. I was asked to become a member of the state of Idaho's PTA (Parent Teacher Association). This would mean that I would literally (no pun intended) be able to promote my "Read With Me" program everywhere in the state of Idaho. I would be able to speak at the State PTA Convention and be able to get in schools all over the state of Idaho. I may even get to be a "Mystery Reader" at various schools during their reading weeks. So, now, not only is Idaho promoting my platform among government officials and school superintendents, but the PTA will be promoting it among parents, teachers, and most importantly, students. In my vast amount of appearances that I will have, I will not only be able to promote my platform, but the extraordinary Miss America's Outstanding Teen Program. HOW COOL IS THAT?!

Tom Luna

Superintendent Tom Luna and me

On July 15, 2009, I had the wonderful oppotunity to meet with the Superintendent of Education in Idaho, Tom Luna. I was able to introduce and speak about my program "Read With Me" with him. "Read With Me" is a program that I created last year. In it, high school students go to a nearby elementary school and read with the students. Superintendent Luna loved the program, calling it a "natural fit". He was very intrigued and impressed with "Read With Me". As a result of this interview, I recieved his wholehearted endorsement of my "Read With Me" program. He also stated that after I get back from the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant, I needed to meet with his reading assistant. She would help me draft it so it could be presented to government officials, school superintendents, and other influential people in Idaho. In addition, my "Read With Me" program gets to be in an education newsletter that is distributed everywhere in Idaho. My program is officially endorsed by the state of Idaho. So, in essence, not only will I be promoting my program, but the state of Idaho will be promoting my program. YES!! With these new and incredible developments, I am so excited to see where this program goes!

P.S. When you are visiting a government offical, they do their homework. Mr. Luna knew everything about me before I arrived.

Special Olympics

Kylie Kofoed, Me, Kara Jackson, and Alli Lance at the Special Olympics

Many of the Miss Idaho contestants and I were invited to attend and perform at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Idaho Special Olympics. What a remarkable experience! The opening ceremonies were at the Hawks Stadium. At the opening ceremonies, Kylie, Kara, Alli, and I got to welcome the athletes as they walked around the baseball diamond. We were giving them high-fives, hugs, wishing them good luck, and telling them to have fun. And we got high-fives, hugs, and even kisses in return! When I saw the athletes walking into the stadium, I started to get a little teary. The Special Olympians are some of the most inspiring people that I have ever met. There is a spirit there unlike any other. Where everyone is loved simply for who they are and for trying to do their best. I love to be at the Special Olympics. The program and those who are involved in it are simply awe-inspiring.

Okay, so funny story...when Kara was performing her piece, her mic wasn't working. So, everyone in the stadium is looking at each other wondering what is going on. After she was done, Kara got to give an encore with a working mic and at the end, recieved a overwhelming applause. After the opening ceremonies were over, the four of us that were there took pictures with many of the athletes.

The next day, Genevive Nutting, Laura Nattress, Kylie Kofoed, and I attended the closing ceremonies of the Special Olympics. All four of us performed that night. The closing ceremonies actually started a half-hour late because the tech staff couldn't get Genevive's piano into the gym at Timberline High School. The tech staff ended up taking one of the gym doors apart to get the piano in. After the closing ceremonies were over, there was a dance held, which the four of us eagerly joined. It was such grand fun and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Special Olympics. Thank you!

Sun Valley

During the weeks after I was crowned Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen 2009, I recieved the opportunity to travel to Sun Valley, Idaho with Miss Idaho, Kara Jackson. I am an Idaho native and I have never been to Sun Valley before, so I was really excited. (For those of you who are reading this who are not familiar with Sun Valley, it is the home of the nation's first ski resort.) Kara and I were going to speak to some young women about goal setting, confidence, being yourself, our pageant experiences, and our preparation for our national pageants. Kara and I had been instructed to go to the Wood River Valley YMCA. What we found was a mansion that happened to have a climbing wall, pool, and gym. It was unlike any YMCA that I had ever seen. It even had a fireplace and snackbars! The place was absolutely stunning! We were escorted up to a room where we found four girls waiting anxiously for our arrival. They were so excited to see us. The director Suzanne, introduced us to all of the girls. Two of them were competative figure skaters, one played softball, and the other one was quite the artist.

Kara and I with the girls!

Kara and I sat at a table with the girls and a discussion ensued. The girls asked us many questions. One of their first questions was "Are pageants really like Miss Congeniality?" Kara and I proceeded to explain that the young women who are involved in the Miss America/Miss America's Outstanding Teen programs are very kind, genuine, intelligent, friendly, and outgoing. We also were able to talk about the Miss America/Miss America's Outstandng Teen organizations and the pageants themselves. It was at this point that we were asked to perform our talents. After our performances, we continued speaking to the girls about goal setting, confidence, being yourself, and general advice for the future in a type of question/answer discussion. After that, we all went to do a photo shoot. Kara and I taught the girls how to stand and different poses that they could make. We were in this beautiful park. The cotton was even falling so gracefully. It was like snow in the summer. I can truly say that it was picture perfect. The girls all looked so beautiful. Hollie Smart, the photographer, was stellar. The photos turned out simply lovely. Hollie Smart even took pictures of Kara and I! Here is the link to check some of the pictures out: http://gallery.me.com/tmsmart/100459. On our way back to the YMCA, some skate boarders asked us to sign their helmets. I even signed the bottom of a skateboard! How awesome is that!

Kara and I signing a skate boarder's helmet

Kara and I had a fabulous time. We felt like we really connected with the girls. There was such a spirit around them and we were so blessed to be able to speak with them. I know that we have influenced them in a positive way. To me, being around little girls and being an example to them is one of the greatest feelings of all time. Thank you YMCA!

Meridian Dairy Days Parade

Miss Idaho Kara Jackson and me at the Dairy Days Parade

In my hometown of Meridian, Idaho, there is an annual celebration called the Dairy Days. It is a way to celebrate Meridian's dairy origins. A lot of people attend the festivities, especially the parade. The Dairy Days Parade was Kara and my's first appearance as the newly crowned Miss Idaho and Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen. We were part of the Starmedia Promotions "float". We were on top of a silver Corvette with red leather interior! It was so cool!!

Our sweet ride!

That day, it was rather nippy and rainy. In fact, it did rain. Luckily, Kara brought this gigantic pink and white striped golf umbrella. Our driver had brought a black one and a blanket for Kara and I. We were so thankful for that!

I had never been in a parade before this one, so I was really excited. It was so much fun to go through the streets of Meridian and wave to people. The little girls were darling! I could hear them shout out to Kara and I, "Look, it's a princess!!" If my foot could have popped, it would have. Kara and I would talk to everybody watching the parade. We would ask them how their day was going, if they were having fun, if they were too wet or cold, and other questions similar to that. Some people would tease us and do the "beauty queen/princess wave". It made me chuckle. I could not believe how many people were there! It was such an enjoyable experience. Thank you City of Meridian and Starmedia Promotions!

After being crowned!

With Kara Jackson, Miss Idaho 2009, just after we were both crowned!

So, on the night of June 13, 2009 at the Morrison Center in Boise, ID an anxious bunch of contestants and audience members awaited the crowning of the new Miss Idaho Outstanding Teen 2009 and the new Miss Idaho 2009. As the time for the announcement came, all of the Teen contestants walked onstage. Before winners were announced, the emcee's were going to award the Spirit Award and the Talent award. The Spirit Award was announced first. I can almost remember perfectly what Mr. Lincoln Graves, one of the emcees, said. "And the Spirit Award goes to Contestant #7, Carley Campbell!" I was so honored to be given that award. The Spirit Award is voted on by all of the teen contestants and given to someone who embodies the spirit of the Miss America Outstanding Teen program. Dani gave me some flowers, we posed for a picture, and then I returned to my spot on the stage. Mr. Graves continued, "And the Talent Award goes to Contestant #7, Carley Campbell!" Wow!! To me that was quite an accomplishment. But nothing could compare to the whirlwind of emotions that I would be feeling in just a few minutes. My life was about to change. Mr. Graves announced the runner-ups.

Fourth Runner-Up: Alexis Chandler

Third Runner-Up: Shalese Kofoed

Second Runner-Up: Ashtyin Wahlquist

First Runner-Up: Jacqueline Lee

And then, the time we had all been waiting for had come. "And the new Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen 2009 is (Looooooooooooong pause), Contestant #7, Carley Campbell!" My hand flew to my mouth and I think I let out a little yelp of astonishment and joy. I was so shocked, in a good way. Then I did something I never thought that I would do, I started shaking and crying. Crying! Oh well, it was an event worthy of tears. Dani hugged me onstage, I was given my flowers, and Dani shouted, "Are you ready for this?!". She put the sash on me (which came undone because the velcro came off one side of it. I didn't notice.) and then the crown. I guess I must have been shaking a little too much because Dani kept telling me to hold still. I tried my best. And then I took my walk and was presented to the audience as Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen 2009. I was walking across this gigantic stage, with the lights on me, in this gigantic hall, and recieving a standing ovation by all in attendence. The feeling was glorious beyond description. I don't think my mind even registered what had happened until I walked offstage. All of the contestants got in order and walked back onstage to see the crowning of Miss Idaho 2009. Kara Jackson won! Congratulations darlin'! The pageant was over. Kara and I took pictures with our parents, the judges, the runner-ups, with the previous title-holder, and each other.

With Dani Beckstrom MIOT 2008 right after being crowned!

After Kara and I were released, we went to the Red Lion Hotel for the after-party. It was wonderful. Brenda, the Executive Director of Miss Idaho, asked me to give a speech afterwards. In it I thanked everyone who had helped me on my way and shared with them my excitement for all the opportunities ahead and my determination to do my best representing the Miss Idaho/America Outstanding Teen program and the state of Idaho. Then it was just pictures and talking to a few people. I was so tired. My parents took me home. On the way home, I reflected over the experience that I had just had. The girls that I had competed with were all remarkable, wonderful young women, that will do very well in anything that they choose to do. They were all so much fun and we all came to be quite close. I love 'em all wish them the best of luck in all of their endeavors! I am so honored and humbled to be chosen as MIOT 2009. My emotions and gratitude are beyond description. I am very excited and know that this will be an unforgettable year, and I will have the time of my life!

During pageant week, all of the Miss Idaho Outstanding Teen contestants got to do so many activities together! On Wednesday, June 10, 2009, we went to Goody's with all of the Miss Idaho contestants. Goody's is actually an old-fashioned candy shop. (They have these lollipops that are big enough to feed a family of 12!) At Goody's, they make their own ice cream and ice cream cones. They are amazing!! They let many of us serve and make the different ice cream treats. I made this turtle sundae that turned out more like a chocolate/caramel ice cream bath. I sure hope whoever got it was in the mood for a chocolate fix! The next day, Dillard's sponsored a fashion show benefit for the Children's Miracle Network. It starred the Miss Idaho Outstanding Teen contestants, the Miss Idaho contestants, the Miss Idaho Little Sisters, and best of all, the Boise State University football players (Yay)! All of those involved modeled different styles of clothing ranging from swimwear to formal. I was in this really fun bohemian dress and, get this, I was wearing these purple Steve Madden platform shoes that had, like, a six inch heel. To my great surprise, I walked down the runway without falling on my face and even did the Cotton-Eyed Joe in them afterwards! We all had a most fabulous time. I know that for the Teen contestants, we bonded a lot during this activity and couldn't have asked for a better pre-pageant activity. We also raised a lot of money for the Children's Miracle Network, the national platform for the Miss America organization. Thank you Dillards!!

Dillards fashion show during pageant week!

Also....Congratulations Kara! You did fantastic hun! It is going to be a blast!

Miss Idaho 2009 Kara Jackson