JUNE 13, 2018 The Crown Chronicle Miss Pageant

A Note From The Executive Director Good morning and Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope this issue of the Crown Chronicle finds you well. The last two weeks have been a blur! We transitioned from MKYOT to focus solely on tying all the loose ends for . And then...we received the #ByeByeSwimsuit news from . While this does not directly impact the Miss Kentucky areas of competition for this month’s Miss Kentucky pageant, it will impact the Miss Kentucky crowned and her preparation for “The Big Show!” While we stand again June 28th - 30th, on the sunrise of change, I’ve never felt more positive and excited about the 2018 direction and future of the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization. Know that we are and will remain focused on ensuring that the young women competing in this state have a top notch experience and the opportunity to earn significant scholarship dollars. That being said...we announced our distinguished panel of judges this week! Their bios are included in this issue so you can get to know the group that will have the difficult task of selecting the next Miss Kentucky. We’re so excited about this panel!

In this issue of the Crown Chronicle, we catch up with another one of my favorite people, Erynn Landherr! This Forever Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen was my Bluegrass Princess once upon a time and boy have I enjoyed watching her develop into the amazing young woman she is today! Make sure to check out her segment to see what she’s been up to!

Also in this issue we will check in with Molly and Joanna. I can’t believe it’s almost time to say goodbye to the beautiful and oh so lovely Molly Matney! Check out what she’s been up to as her year of service comes to a close. And see what Joanna has been into during her first couple of weeks as MKYOT. As always, I wish you a splendid week and we look forward to seeing you in Lexington in a couple of weeks!

Have a great week! Yours in Service,

Ashley Anderson

1 Forever MKYOT Erynn Landherr, Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen 2011

• What have you been up to since you’ve given up the Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen title? After completing my reign as Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen 2011, my life has had many milestones that I hold as close to my heart as I do the title of MKYOT. I graduated as a dance major from the Youth Performing Arts School/DuPont Manual High School in 2013. I then went on to The University of Kentucky where I became a member of the Beta Psi chapter of Alpha Delta Pi. During my second year in college I participated in the Disney College Program in Entertainment being a character and parade performer. The Walt Disney Company allowed me to earn college credit and work for the happiest place on earth simultaneously for an entire semester. I then went back to UK and continued my studies and membership in Alpha Delta Pi as I volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass and became apart of The UK Student News Network and a writer for The Kentucky Kernel; our very own student ran telecast and newspaper. Fast-forward two years later and I graduated from the University of Kentucky in May of 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism. I am now back in Orlando, working for The Walt Disney World Resort as a performer being friends with Snow White, Winnie the Pooh, Chip and Dale, plus many other iconic Disney characters. I have the most unique job in the world where I get to entertain guests and continue Walt Disney’s legacy on a daily basis by bringing characters to life and keeping the magic alive. It is truly a dream come true. • Looking back on your year of service, what was your most memorable moment? Reflecting back on my year as MKYOT, my most memorable moment was the time I spent with the Miss contestants who were competing for the title of Miss Kentucky. I had grown up in this organization starting back when I was just 8 years old in the Little Miss division with my first pageant and first title ever being Little Miss Jeffersontown. I always looked up to the Miss contestants as the “big girls” and every pageant I went to or competed in from that point forward I always begged my parents to stay for the “big girl” pageant that night. I went on to compete in the Pre-Teen division and then of course the Outstanding Teen division as well. So to finally be Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen after 3 years of competing and to be under the same roof as those “big girls” I had always admired and seen as role models, was the most exciting, memorable moment I recall. This was my first true “duty” as MKYOT, where I was able to be roomies with the current Miss Kentucky, go out into the

2 Lexington community for service, visit veterans and children’s hospitals, attend and be introduced at the preliminary pageants and even performed my own talent on The Miss Kentucky stage that I had always dreamt of being a “big girl” on. That time culminated with another one of my favorite memories, gaining my big sister queen Ann-Blair Thornton, Miss Kentucky 2011. I was so grateful for my time spent with those women and it’s something I will always cherish. •What is something you miss? I miss every aspect of competing in the Miss America Organization but the thing that left the biggest impact are the people I met over the 12 years I competed. From people inside the organization such as contestants, titleholders, local directors, board members, volunteers, sponsors, donors, mentors, friends, and even the family members of these people. From people outside of the organization such as students, teachers, community leaders, dance instructors, mock interview judges, you name it. I simply miss the people. This organization created a pageant family for me; built up of so many individuals who I love dearly and will never forget. • What advice do you have for teens interested in competing? My advice for teens interested is two words: do it. This organization will shape you into the version of yourself you didn’t even realize you were capable of becoming. It’s incredible to see how young girls flourish into young women and then into grown women all in a matter of years. I met some of my best friends, gained confidence, public speaking skills, became more knowledgeable about the world we live in, all while learning the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. I promise you will not regret your time spent competing no matter the duration. Crown or no crown, we all have something to learn and to gain. •What did you learn about yourself while you were MKYOT? How has your participation in MKYOT impacted your life? During my year as MKYOT I learned that any dream you have is worth chasing. The first year I competed in Outstanding Teen I was 13 years old and I was the youngest one in the entire competition. I went into the pageant weekend with no expectations, no goals, and no high hopes. I was just there to have fun, make new friends, perform on stage like I loved to do, and spread the message of my platform for my youngest brother. That year, I was awarded a placement in the Top 5 as 4th runner-up as I was standing next to 4 other young women who I could not believe little 13 year old Erynn was standing next to. From that point on, you better

3 believe I made it my dream to one day become Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen. All it took was that little glimmer of hope to spark a dream I was determined to make come true and soon had come true just 3 years later. During that time frame of competing I learned the importance of believing in yourself, the power of persistence, and how an open and outward mindset can end up changing your life. I dreamed I’d compete in Miss Kentucky like the “big girls”, I dreamed I’d attend and graduate from an SEC university, I dreamed I’d work for The Walt Disney Company, and now I continue to dream my most wildest dreams because no dream is too big. That is what I learned and that is what I hope many other Little Misses and Pre-Teens and Outstanding Teens can someday learn too.

♫ Notes From Joanna ♫

Whoo! Where to begin! My first few weeks of my reign have been nothing less of a dream! I went to Miss Priss, one of our AMAZING sponsors, to pick out my national wardrobe. I am so excited to reveal my evening gown to you all in Orlando. The Lantern at Morning Pointe was kind enough to host me for their "senior prom" where I crowned the Prom King and Queen! That weekend, I emceed the Tiny/ Little/ Junior/ and Preteen Miss Kentucky Pageant. I had a great evening in Louisville shooting my official head shots with Ryan Kendall for the MAOTeen program book. Lastly I was nominated at Southland Christian Church in Lexington to be in the dunk tank for the family carnival! I was probably dunked about 20 times and still have some bruises haha! Next on my agenda is attending Miss / MINOT pageant this weekend, and next weekend I move into the Miss Kentucky house ahh! I am so excited to find out my Miss Kentucky. Until next time, - Joanna Clark, Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen 2018

Want to book Miss Kentucky or Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen?

For Miss Kentucky, email: [email protected]

For Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen, email: [email protected]

4 Miss Kentucky Online Store You can now take your Miss Kentucky style with you wherever you go! Head to www.misskentucky.org/store/ to find t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, blankets & much more!

MESSAGE FROM MISS KENTUCKY 2017 MOLLY MATNEY

"As my year is winding down, I'm trying to not cry and instead make the most of my last few appearances as Miss Kentucky. I recently attended a two day livestock expo in Morehead, Kentucky and a dairy night at the Lexington Legends baseball field, both events with my friends at KDA! I also had the opportunity to speak to the Kentucky Ag Council about my experiences promoting agriculture during the past year. I had the pleasure to also speak at the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce dinner in western Kentucky! It's been a fun season of life and I can't wait to see what the next chapter holds."

5 Miss Kentucky People's Choice

Vote for your favorite contestant to secure their spot in the finals & become People's Choice! Each vote is $1 and all proceeds to go the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Foundation! Vote early & often! www.misskentucky.org/peopleschoice

Meet the Miss Kentucky Judges: • Marsha Ann Griffith: Marsha was born and raised in Greenup, KY. She started playing trumpet at age 9 and piano at age 11. Marsha joined the American Federation of Musicians at age 17. She graduated from Morehead State University with both a Bachelors and Masters of Music. Marsha was crowned Miss Kentucky in 1975, and won a non-finalist talent award at Miss America in 1976. Marsha was one of six Miss America contestants selected to the Miss America USO Troupe. The group toured Germany, Italy, Greece and Turkey. For the last 21 years Marsha has been a librarian. First at the Boyd County Library in Ashland KY, then the Tusculum College Library in Greeneville TN and currently working with 30 Kentucky public libraries for the Kentucky Dept. of Libraries and Archives as a Regional Director. She has a Masters of Science in Information Science and plans to retire in December. She shares her life with her partner of 18 years, musician and artist Amy Saxonmeyer. They have three adorable puppies Roxie, Bitsy and Tecate.

6 • Julie Sanders: Julie Sanders, a graduate of Florida State University, and currently resides in her hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. She currently serves as a Project Manager with Fast Pace, Inc. in addition to serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the Nancy Lackey Community Education Fund. She worked as the Lead Project Manager for the State Farm Neighborhood Session featuring Usher coordinating with LiveNation, RadicalMedia and Translation LLC. She is a consultant for the Jazzanooga Board of Directors. Julie previously worked as the Director of Workforce Development for the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is also a freelance event planner. Julie is the former Executive Director for the Miss Hamilton County (TN) Pageant and was named Director of the Year by the Organization. An experienced pageant judge, Julie has judged pageants throughout the country. Her pageant area of expertise is in community service and platform development. She is a member of the Creative Underground Troupe. She is a professional back-up performance and recording sessions singer. Julie is a Worship Song Leader for New City Fellowship and traveled with a praise team to Japan for a 10-day series of concerts. In her spare time, she loves to karaoke, travel and 'Noles football! Julie has a daughter, Nia Estelle, who is a rising 4th year student at Brown University.

• Morgan Ortagus: Morgan D. Ortagus has worked her entire career in the emerging markets in roles in financial services, consulting, and diplomacy. She is also a U.S. Naval Reserve Officer. In early 2016, Ms. Ortagus joined Ernst &Young (EY) as a Global Executive Director. In 2017, Ms. Ortagus founded a new political risk strategy practice within EY, the Geostrategic Business Group, where she serves as the group’s Executive Director. Previously, she was a Global Relationship Manager at Standard Chartered Bank in the Public Sector Group covering clients in the , , and the . From 2008-2010, Ms. Ortagus was an intelligence analyst at the U.S. Treasury in the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. Ms. Ortagus began her government service as a public affairs officer at the U.S. Agency for International Development, where in 2007 she spent several months in , . After serving in Iraq, Ms. Ortagus was assigned to , in 2010 as the Deputy U.S. Treasury Attache to the Kingdom. In this role, Ms. Ortagus focused on working with the Saudi Arabian government to curb the illicit financial flows to and from the Kingdom.

7 • Irk: Katie Stam Irk was crowned the first Miss America from the state of Indiana in the pageant's 88-year history. Since passing on the title, Katie continues to travel on her national speaking tour as an advocate, host, branding professional, author, and performer; primarily focusing on agriculture, faith, and service. Katie and her husband Brian own and operate numerous small businesses. She is a Realtor with Keller Williams in focusing on residential real estate. Katie and Brian are also real estate investors with two property management companies. Even though she stays very busy through her entrepreneurship, Katie considers herself first and foremost a mom to her two beautiful daughters Charlotte (4) and Rose (3), and son, Wrigley (20mos). Katie is grateful to be able to manage all of the couple's business endeavors from their home in Fishers, IN. In Katie's "spare time", she can be found tackling a new home improvement project in their 1932 farmhouse, or working on her new book project.

• Tony Delk: Tony Delk retired from the NBA in 2006 after playing 10 years for different organizations. He then played a year in Greece for the Euro League before joining collegiate coaching and recruiting programs. He attained many accomplishments over his 20-year basketball career. He is now testing his entrepreneurial spirit by venturing into the wine industry with his own private label, as an author, with investments, licensing, and CEO of an industrial material supply company. Delk does all this while also heading up his own Tony Delk Basketball Academy. Through the academy he hosts tournaments, clinics, and performs group training. Tony also has a passion for charitable causes. One he holds dear to his heart is his own foundation to support awareness and raise funds for Sickle Cell Disease. His foundation is called Taylor Delk Sickle Cell Foundation. The foundation is named after his eldest daughter who has the disease alongside her younger sister as well.

• J.P. Davis: A native of Ashland, Kentucky, JP moved to Louisville 18 years ago to pursue degrees in higher education and a career in public administration. While earning his degree in undergraduate studies at the U of L, JP moved to Washington, DC to study and serve as a White House intern. After finishing his Bachelor of Arts at U of L, JP accepted a position working for Louisville executive & philanthropist, Owsley Brown Frazier. While earning his Master’s degree, JP traveled to London,

8 England to attend classes at the London School of Economics & Political Science, and completed an internship in Parliament. In December 2014, JP accepted a position as Vice President of Louisville’s Fund for the Arts, where he led the annual fundraising campaign. Currently, JP is Senior Vice President at Louisville’s Fund for the Arts. In 2014, JP accepted the call to run for public office and submitted his candidacy for the 9th District seat of Louisville’s Metro Council. In a crowded race of 13 democratic candidates, JP finished third in the primary. In college, JP served on the March of Dimes National Youth Council for three years, traveling all over the country advancing volunteer service and facilitating fundraising training. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Kentucky March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation for 15 years. JP's passion for the mission of the March of Dimes began in middle school, inspired by another person his age with Spina Bifida. Since then, JP has served in various capacities within the organization and has been a consistent top fundraiser.

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