Miss Missouri, Jennifer Scanlon's farewell

It seems like it was just yesterday that I competed in my first National American Miss Missouri pageant, even though it was six years ago. It also seems completely unreal that I am giving up my Miss Missouri Title for National American Miss in just a few days. The past six years with National American Miss has been nothing but extraordinary.  No words can explain how honored and emotional I was when I found out I won the 2013 Miss Missouri title. It made me realize that I finally understood the true definition of the quote “If you dream it, you can do it” by Walt Disney. This past year has been complete dream come true for me. I spent my reign volunteering in my community with charities such as Catch 22, Miss Amazing Missouri Pageant, Friends of Kids with Cancer, Salvation Army and so much more. My favorite part of my reign was Nationals in Hollywood, California! It was my favorite because I got to go to Disney Land, a Hollywood tour, hang out with my lovely sister queens and most of compete at the National level representing Missouri. I met friends that I will have and memories that I’ve made that will be remembered for a lifetime this past year. This year wouldn’t have been possible without those who believed in me.

I would first like to say thank you to Samantha Holmes and the Holmes family for telling me about NAM and convincing me to compete. Without your love and support I wouldn’t be who I am today. Samantha, this has truly been the best six years of my life competing and growing to be beautiful and inspiring women with one of your best friends.

I would like to say thank you to my Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma, not only have you been one of my number one fans throughout this whole NAM process but you’ve allowed me to share my favorite moments of NAM with Grandpa. Even though Grandpa isn’t here anymore, I’ve felt his love and strength through this past year and I know he is so incredibly proud. He deserves this crown so much more than I do for being the best escort a girl can ask for. I love you both so much!

To my family and friends; Aunt Mary Ann, Buzz, Stacy, Steven, The Pfeiffer Family, Allie, Brian, The Royer Family and so many more people that have influenced my life. This past year you have listened to me talk about NAM non-stop and have given me the best support system I could ever ask for. Im so blessed and honored to have you in my life. I love you all so much!

To my sister queens, Sienna, Shea, Stevie, Emily and Shennel, Where do I begin explaining how much I love you all? As the biggest sister, I cannot begin to explain how proud I am of each and everyone one of you. You have brought so much joy, laughter and memories into my life this past year and I cannot be more grateful to have the BEST sister queens in the world.

To my mom, well we did it! We spent six years dreaming that winning the title would finally come and it did. You deserve wearing this crown and banner so much more than I do because of all your hard work to make me the best that I can be in life. I’ve learned so much from you this past year of my reign, I’ve learned more about confidence, team work and most of all, staying true to who I am. You are without a doubt, the best pageant momager, cheerleader and most of all, my best friend. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me! I love you so much!

To my state directors, Breanne and Ryan, words cannot explain how blessed I am to not only be on team Maples but to know such amazing people like the two of you. You two have brought so much laughter and great memories into my life this past year and I am so honored to have this opportunity. Ryan, I hope you remember that amazing photo shoot you had with Team Missouri at nationals! It is by far one of my favorite memories of this past year!

Thank you to National American Miss for teaching women like me how to bring good to this world! It’s inspiring how you turn shy young girls into beautiful and confident women who change the world!

To my successor, hold on tight! This will be the best ride/year of your life. It will go so fast, take lots of pictures and change the world! With this crown on your head, you can do anything! Remember that you’re a role model this past year regardless if you have the crown on your head or not! I’m so excited to watch this year unfold for you!

I could honestly write a book on how honored I am and to thank everyone who changed my life because of this past year with National American Miss but this post will do for now! J As my reign comes to an end, I could not be more grateful for the past six amazing years of my life with National American Miss! So for the last time I will forever and always be your National American Miss 2013 Miss Missouri, Jennifer Scanlon!