You win some, you lose some, Charlie Brown
Well, I promised I’d update everyone on Monday with the results of the Miss South Central Pageant, but I didn’t get a chance to and hopefully you read the story fellow reporter Ashley did on the pageant in yesterday’s paper.
I didn’t win, but I did place in the top 5. All of the contestants were wonderful, so I felt very honored to have been named a finalist. Congratulations to Jennifer Werth, a student at Wisconsin Lutheran College. I have no doubt she’ll represent South Central Wisconsin well at the Miss Wisconsin Pageant in June.
The big question lately seems to be “will I compete again next year?” The short answer to that is I don’t know. Next year would be my last year of eligibility to compete, since I will age out. In the Miss America system, a contestant can be no older that 24 years of age on September 30 of the year in which she intends to compete. I turn 24 next year. Yes, at 24 I age out. Makes me seem old, doesn’t it? 
As to whether I’ll compete next year, we’ll just have to see where life takes me. I have some time to decide. I’d love to hold another title and carry on with the work I started as Miss Beloit, but competing can be quite a stressful endeavor.
When I was younger, I used to think losing meant I failed. I’ve now learned that losing doesn’t make you a failure as long as you are trying your best and you never give up. It was disappointing to lose the pageant, but at the same time I was proud of myself for giving it my all. I went into the competition with a good attitude and the goal to just be me. I accomplished my goal, so I did succeed in my own way.
If I don’t compete again, it’s not because I’m giving up but rather I’m moving on to a new part of my life. I’ll always have my memories of my year as Miss Beloit, and that’s more than enough for me. Competing in pageants has helped shape me into the person I am today. I’m more confident, well-spoken and a better leader because of my time in pageants. As Miss Beloit, I had the opportunity to mentor the youth in our community and really make a difference here. What more could I ask for?
So maybe I won’t ever be another “Miss,” but I’ll always be me. That’s what really counts. 
I hope you’ll continue to cheer on our own Miss Beloit 2009 Jessica Johnson as she prepares to compete in the Miss Wisconsin Pageant. You’ll hear more about her in the coming months. I’m happy to say that Miss Beloit is finally becoming a recognizable person in our community. She has an important job since she’s representing you – the community of Beloit.
Alright, that’s enough of my pageant talk. Hope you all get out there and enjoy the nice weather we’re supposed to have for the rest of the week! I bet the parks will be busy.
P.S. – Did you catch my Monday story about all of the summer recreational events coming up in Beloit? There’s lots to do: http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2009/04/13/news/local_news/news1307.txt
