Wow, time has been flying by lately. I have so much that has happened in the past week. Last Friday, I attended the Miss Southern Rivers Pageant. This is the last pageant that a girl can win to advance to the Miss Georgia pageant in June. Talk about tough competition. However, the night ended with a great surprise, two girls ended up walking away with a crown: Miss Southern Rivers, and the new title of Miss Brookhaven. This night was so exciting, because it was the first time that I was completely surrounded by my competition. However, the girls were all very nice, and I could tell right away that the next two days at forum were going to be extremely educational for me.

Miss Georgia Forum is when all the girls get to spend a weekend getting to know one another. Luckily, this special event took place at the Cunningham Center at CSU. It was great knowing that all of this "Miss" contestants and the "Outstanding Teen" contestants had the opportunity to see our wonderful university. This weekend allows all of us to learn the ins and outs to what we need to expect in June. I can't even explain how happy I am that the Miss Georgia Pageant is in Columbus. (My Hometown) I guess this town has made me into the woman that I am today. I feel like this pageant is the climax for me to really show others that I am ready to serve this entire state. All of the preparation that I have had my entire life, has given me the skills to be able to show the wonderful state of Georgia what "Hayley Henderson" is made of.

I'm not going to lie, sometimes it can get challenging when you are in a room filled with beautiful girls whose resumes are all exceptional. Not only are these contestants beautiful, but we are smart, and understand the importance of service.

I walked away from forum with the understanding and knowledge that we are ALL ALREADY WINNERS. I know, it's that saying you hear a lot from your coaches growing up when you didn't score the winning goal. But, it's true!!

Additionally, at forum you have to draw your placement in the competition. There are three groups, and 13 girls are in each group. The groups are divided by color: gold, silver, and bronze. I drew the color bronze, and number six! As, I find out more information, I will keep you posted. But, as of right now, I have a lot of preparation before June 15th-18th.

This is also, CSU's Spring Break. (as many of you know) Currently I am in Florida getting re-energized to represent this amazing University. Please let me know if you need anymore information. I love to hear from you all! :)

Wow, hey everyone! I would have updated this blog last night but, Chick-fil-A at Bradley Park has a very busy family night. I got home around 11:30PM and then it was time to study for two midterms that are coming up at the end of this week. Whew! But, I started my morning off great when I arrived at iHop in Columbus, GA off of Veterans Pkwy around 7:30AM. Yesterday, was iHop National Pancake Day. Anyone could come into the restaurant and enjoy a free stack of pancakes. I enjoyed walking around and telling everyone that this day was dedicated in building awareness and raising funds for the Children's Miracle Networks. As you will see on my "Get Involved" page, the CMN is the National Platform for Miss America.

I think the best thing, is that I actually got to meet a mission baby while talking to the customers. The mother explained to me that if it wasn't for the CMN, her baby would not be here today. When I hear stories like that, it reminds me of the importance of giving back to others.

And, don't worry if you missed this National Pancake day, you can enjoy the free pancakes next year! This is an annual event, and I can't wait!

This weekend, I had two amazing opportunities. First I got to attend the Jr. League event for Project Prom. On Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to noon, the league hosted its first Project Prom dress giveaway. Girls chose from more than 300 new and gently used dresses, as well as shoes, purses and accessories. All of the dresses and accessories have been donated by league members and members of the community. I had such a wonderful time helping girls find their dream dress. I already heard a few girls asking if they would do this event again? Way to to go Jr. League of Columbus. It was awesome seeing all the beautiful smiles you put on over 100 girls faces who came to this event.

Next, I traveled to Baker Middle School to emcee the first ever Little Miss Sweetheart Pageant. The pageant consisted of thirty two girls from Brewer Elementary. Last week, I attended their practices and showed them the best way to walk on stage. The three main things that I told these girls ranging from three to ten years of age was: give the judges your prettiest smile the entire time, walk with your back straight and head up, and have the confidence that you rule the world. I became so attached to all of these beautiful girls. I was so nervous about one portion of this event. I had to sing the National Anthem. Even though this is a common thing, especially for pageant queens, it was my first time. And.... I was told by many I did a great job.

The hardest part of the Little Miss Sweetheart Pageant was seeing some of the girls crying when they did not win. I stayed with each one and told them how beautiful they were. I also told them that it took many many times before I even placed in a pageant. But, the most important part is to know that they are all beautiful, and that you never should give up. If you have a dream or a goal, you have to reach for it, and know that through hard work, you can make your dreams become reality.  I can't wait to go back to see all of these girls on Friday for their special Little Miss Sweetheart tea party! :)

Remember to please check out all the pictures from each event on my Miss CSU Facebook Page. You can click the FaceBook badge to the right to become my FAN TODAY! :

If you were following me on my Blog at http://misscsu11.blogspot.com, I have now changed websites. All of my updates will now be on here! Thank you so much for supporting me on this wonderful journey that I am on.