Here I am proudly holding up my marathon medal made of South Dakota rock!

Visiting a South Dakota Kangaroo Farm in the Black Hills 

My little sister Jackie and I enjoy holding and seeing kangaroos at the farm. Here we are posing with the farms Kangaroo mascot.

The 2006 Miss Oklahoma Pageant in Tulsa, OK

I had the opportunity to travel down to watch the Miss Oklahoma Pageant! Here I am similing for the camera with Miss Oklahoma 2005, Jennifer Warren (crowned after Jennifer Berry became Miss America 2006) and Miss Oklahoma's Outstanding Teen Contestant, Miss Claremore - Cassidy Wildermuth.    

The Lovely Miss America 2006 in Her Home State of Oklahoma!

The ever busy Jennifer Berry, Miss America 2006 (former Miss Oklahoma 2005) takes time to pose for a picture with Cassidy and I after the 2006 Miss Oklahoma Pageant.  

Miss Oklahoma 2006, Lauren Nelson

Lauren Nelson and I after she was crowned the new Miss Oklahoma! How Exciting!

My Past and Present Little Sisters!

One of the best parts of the Miss South Dakota Pageant is that each contestant gets paired up with a Little Sister! Here I am with my 2005 Little Sister, Haylea (left) and my 2006 Little Sister, Alexis (right). 

The Miss South Dakota 2006 Gala 

Here I, Miss Prairie Village 2005, am with the newly crowned Miss South Dakota's Outstanding Teen 2006, Aja Kessler, a dancer from Rapid City.

Chicago's Architecture from the Sears Tower! 

As an architecture major, I am always interested in learning and experiencing great architecture. Here are some great views from the Sears Tower! (Note: Notice the famous John Hancock Center in the background)

Miss South Dakota 2006, Callee Bauman, takes a picture with me after I was crowned the new Miss Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  

The 2006 Sioux Empire Fair!

As Miss Sioux Empire Fair, I received a golf cart to drive around for the entire week of the Fair. Here I am pictured with some cart-mates who wanted to come along for a ride and also take turns driving.

The Media and My Opportunity to Promote Things that are Dear to My Heart!

As Miss Sioux Empire Fair, I spent a lot of time promoting the Fair, my program "The Gift of Dyslexia," and the Miss America Organization with the media. I had a varity of radio interviews, phone interviews, newspaper interviews, and here I am pictured with KSFY correspondents Mitch Krebs and Nancy Naeve after our live TV interview. 

Miss Sioux Empire Fair Speaks to The Red Hat Ladies

The Red Hat Ladies are a wonderful group of women, who love to have fun. I plan on joining this group when I am older! Here I am pictured with one of the Sioux Falls groups after talking to them about my program "The Gift of Dyslexia" and the Miss America Organization! 

Carrie Underwood

The Lovely Carrie Underwood performed at the Grand Stand one of the nights of the Sioux Empire Fair and I had the opportunity to meet this former Miss OKlahoma local contestant before her big show!

Miss Sioux Empire Fair is Proud to Support 4-H!

As a former 4-Her myself, I believe in and have experienced the positive benefits this program has on the children who take part in it. Go 4-H! 

A Reunion of Old Friends

I love running into old friends and fair entertainers Sherwin Linton and his wife Pam. When I was Miss South Dakota State Fair 2003 they let me perform with them and were great friends. It was so nice to watch them perform again but this time at the Sioux Empire Fair.

South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds and Elizabeth Meet Again... and Again... and Again!

It is truly an honor to run into South Dakota's Governor Mike Rounds. We kept running into each other throughout the week of the Fair, but the funny thing was before I won the title of Miss Sioux Empire Fair, I ran into him while visiting a children's hospital in Sioux Falls the week before the Pageant. I guess we care for a lot of the same things! 

Some of South Dakota's Best Wood Widdlers

Here I am with a few of South Dakota's best wood widdlers. They were more than excited to show me their trade and their beautiful finished products! I enjoyed talking to them and asked if I could talk them into building some of my architecture models for me, hahaha! Model building is not my strong point.

One of My Role Models, Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth, and I visiting and thanking our South Dakota Farmers on Farmer Appreciation Day at the Sioux Empire Fair.

What a great event to be a part of! I think I shuck hands and engaged in conversation with over 1000 people, including farmers and their families, within a few hours of the Farmer Appreciation Day meal and event that the Sioux Empire Fair hosted at the Grand Stand. I was able to share this experience with South Dakota leaders, including Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth, who's past campaign I worked on.    

Bread Making Contest for 4-Hers!

What a fun and yummy event for 4-Hers to take part in. I wish I could bake as well as these kids!

United States Senator, John Thune and Miss Sioux Empire Fair, Elizabeth

Senator Thune takes a night off to relax at the Fair and listen to his favorite music group "Heart" perform in his home town of Sioux Falls.

2006 Sioux Empire Fair Singing Contest

I was a judge for the Sioux Empire Fair Singing Contest, along with two other local judges. We had the opportunity to judge some of South Dakota's most talented singers! 

On Stage at the Alice in Chains Concert

Here I am with some body surfing kids who after surfing the crowd were pulled onto the stage for the rest of the Alice in Chains concert at the Grand Stand on one of the nights of the Sioux Empire Fair! Wow! This music wasen't really my cup of tea, but it was a fun experience, a great show, and the crowd loved it! 

The Strongest Farmer Contest!

Now, I know what you are thinking, pageant girls don't get dirty, but I sure did. I kicked off my heels, through on a contestant shirt and tried my hand in the women's division of the Strongest Farmer Contest held at the Sioux Empire Fair. Boy was it fun, and boy was I terrible and weak! Hahaha! I first attemped to throw hay bells as far as I could, then had to stack them into a push barrel, attempt to then push them over rail road ties for time, ultimately stepping into some cow pie, and then finally trying to drive a post into the ground. When this last attempt proved to be impossible for me without the help of a few real cowboys and farmers, I came to realize I am not the strongest farmer... haha! But the experience was fun. Here I am pictured with the truly talented and real women of the Strongest Farmer Contest of South Dakota. The men proved to be even more impressive with their strength and farming skills.

Miss Sioux Empire Fair Judges a Rodeo!

I had the pleasure of working with and judging the Sioux Empire Fair's famous Little Cowboy, Cowgirl Stick Horse Rodeo Contest! Now this was so much fun and really cute! These little cowboys and cowgirls had the best time and all walked away with a prize!

Miranda Lambert

I had the opportunity to meet country star Miranda Lambert before her big show at the Fair! She was really sweet!

Miss Sioux Empire Enjoys Kiwanis Club Member Made Pancakes!

After enjoying a delisious breakfast at the Kiwanis Club Pancake House, I was asked to take a picture with the president and a member of the Sioux Falls Kiwanis Club chapter.

The 2006 Miss Prairie Village and Miss Prairie Princess Pageant

Here I, Miss Prairie Village 2005 and now Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, am with my favorite little ones, contestants of the Miss Prairie Princess Pageant (including my Miss Prairie Princess 2005, Kristen (pictured wearing green)), after learning the dance I made up and taught them for the Pageant! I love these girls and I am going to miss them! 

You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream!

After a long day of rehearsing for the 2006 Pageant, Krali, Miss Prairie Princess 2004, Julia, Miss Prairie Village 2006 contestant, Me, Miss Prairie Village 2005, Kristen, Miss Prairie Princess 2005, and Annie, Miss Prairie Princess 2006 contestant all take a break for some local owned Madison Smiley's Ice Cream! Yummy! I love Ice Cream!   

The 2006 Miss National Sweetheart Pageant

A group of "Sweethearts" pose in front of a local stores pageant supporting sign. Picture: standing (left to right) is Nicole (ID), Gina (MI), Julianne (IL and my roommate for the week!), Elyse (WA and my car buddy for the week!), Chelsea (DC), Vickie (MD), Angela (SC), and Andrea (NC and my car buddy for the week!). Front row: Me (SD), CC (OR), Valerie (MA), and Theresa (NY)

One of the Many Appearance Days

While at the Miss National Sweetheart Pageant, the girls are kept busy with tours, appearances, practices, etc. We all had a great time, bonded, and build each other up for another year of competing for our State MAO titles! Here I, Miss South Dakota National Sweetheart 2006, am with Miss Tennesse, Ansley, Miss Alabama, Katie, Miss South Carolina, Angela, and Miss California, Amy!    

Welcome Sweethearts!

The National Sweethearts after the dinner and welcoming event held at Miss Hoopeston, Ashley Chezem's, house (she is pictured center).  

Dairy Queen Every Day!

My car buddies, roommate, and I stand outside of our favorite Hoopeston store, Dairy Queen, with the owner! All of the Miss National Sweetheart contestants were given free Dairy Queen the entire week we were in Hoopeston, IL! This was the best part of the Pageant... and us girls took full advantage of such an awesome gift. My car went everyday! Haha!  

School Visits

The "Sweethearts" visited a few elementary schools, spoke at an all school assembly, and went into various classrooms, each talking about our platform, talent, and involvement in the Miss America Organization!

Meeting with the Media!

The "Sweethearts" had many media engagements that we took part in. This picture was taken before we had radio interviews. Pictured (Left to Right): Miss TN, Ansley, Miss SD, Me, Miss WA, Elyse, Miss NY, Theresa (lower), Miss MA, Valerie, Miss NC, Andrea, Miss OR, CC, Miss FL, Megan (lower), Miss UT, Jill, Miss SC, Angela, and Miss MI, Gina  

Sweethearts Sign the Sweet Corn

Here I am signing the sweet corn wall at one of the nursing homes that we had the opportunity to visit.

The Miss National Sweetheart Parade

A few of the girls gather around for a picture of our fun outfits and with the fancy cars next to us before the parade. Left to Right: Dana, Miss CT, Katie, Miss AL, Ansley, Miss TN, Chelsey, Miss DC, Amy, Miss CA, Jill, Miss UT, Kelley, Miss GA (and future 2006 Miss National Sweetheart winner!), and Me, Miss SD.

Dress Swap!

This pageant was fun and nice and relaxed, so on the final night of competition we all switched dresses! Pictured here is Miss New York National Sweetheart, Theresa (left), wearing Miss Illinois National Sweetheart, Julianne 's dress and Julianne (far right) is wearing Miss Nebraska National Sweetheart, Ashley's dress. I am wearing Miss South Carolina National Sweetheart, Angela's dress! This was so much fun that we switched twice that night... haha! 

Miss South Dakota National Sweetheart Before Riding in the Parade

Here I am with my car before the parade. I was wearing white... to look like snow, or a snow ball to represent South Dakota and its snow filled winters! This parade is a tradition similar to that of the parade in Alantic City... "Miss (State), Show Us Your Shoes!" 

Red, White, and Blue!

Elyse, Julianne, Andrea, and I (The Best Car Buddies Ever) show off our American spirit by wearing red, white, and blue after the crowning of our new Miss National Sweetheart!

Congratulations to Kelley, Miss National Sweetheart 2006!

Here I am posing with my gal pal and 2006 Miss National Sweetheart winner, Kelley Bradshaw (Miss GA).

Visiting Children's Hospitals Around the Country

Here I am dancing on an interactive giant piano at the Children's Mercy Hospital (a Children's Miracle Network affiliated hospital) in Kansas City, MO. I can honestly say this is one of the best parts, along with visiting with children, of doing architecture research on pediatric healthcare facilities!

Miss Sioux Empire Fair poses with children and Slugger at a Royals Baseball Game!

I had the opportunity of posing for pictures with children and Slugger, Kansas City Royals mascot, at one of our winning baseball games! Go Royals!

Animal fun!

It is fun to see a child's face light up when he/she are able to interact with animals. As a veterinarian's daughter, I know that animals are a great gift to society and can inspire children in a hospital setting.

Go Molly McGrath, Miss Nebraska 2006!

I had the opportunity to hang out with Molly while we were both in Kansas City for training.

Pediatric Hospital Design Research for My Architecture Master Thesis

I love designing for kids, because their environments are meant to be more fun and hands on. Here I am "researching" (you could also call this grown up playing) at the St. Louis City Museum and its interactive jungle gym that is fun for all ages! 

I Love Kids and Designing For Them!

Kids are my main client when designing a project for them. As an aspiring architect it is so important to capture a child's world, innocents, and imagination to create successful buildings, such as children's hospitals, elementary schools, musuems, dance studios, etc. Create Imagination!

Miss Sioux Empire Fair Visits Washington, DC

It is time to take "The Gift of Dyslexia" to a national level! Here I am standing in front of the United States Capital on one of my first visits to our national city to educate our leaders on my program.

Dyslexics George Washington and Elizabeth Pajl

On my tour of the National Capital, I pose for a picture with the oldest statue in the building. The statue is of our first President and a dyslexic, George Washington!

A 13 Year Long Awaited Family Vacation to Walt Disney World!

It took my family 13 years to finally take the trip of a life time to Walt Disney World. This goes to show that you are never too old or too young for the "happiest place on earth" thought up by one of my favorite dyslexic role models, Walt Disney! Here my siblings, Joey, Jackie, Matthew, and I pose with "Sully" from Monsters, Ink.

We Are Short and Love It!

Donald Duck and I pose for a "Shorties" picture. Donald Duck is my dad's favorite Disney character. We I was a little girl he would always do Donald Duck voice impressions to make me laugh! 

Tigger and Elizabeth Dancing... the Next Dancing with the Stars Couple!

Tigger and I take time to dance around and show off our great moves!

Elizabeth was asked to Apply for a Job as a Disney Animator while at MGM Studios!

What can I say, I love Walt Disney World. I went to the Animation Department and took a fun drawing class, talked about my architecture background and then was asked to apply for a job. Disney is always looking for motivated people who what to create magic! This would be a dream job and a lot of fun, but I first want to make sure hospital environments are a better place for sick children! I am pictured here with Minnie Mouse and my favorite Disney character Goofy!  

The 2006 Walt Disney World Marathon!

Going to Walt Disney World was so much more than a great family vacation. I was also able to run the 2006 Walt Disney World Marathon, which was a ton of fun. The marathon runners ran through all of the parks (here I am pictured running after I ran through Cinderella's Castle), many of the Disney character's were out to take pictures with the runners throughout the race, and there was always live music playing over the speakers or by live bands. Fun, fun, fun!

Elizabeth, wearing her Marathon Medal, poses with Mickey at Chef Mickey's

After running the 26.2 mile long marathon, I visited Give Kids the World for some architecture research and to meet with children and their families staying at the facility while on their Walt Disney World vacation. I took my crown and let kids try it on for fun! Then I met up with my family again to have dinner at Chef Mickey's. Yummy!

Walt Disney World... the Home of the Best Family Vacation, Architecture Research, and Marathon!

My entire family, Dad, Joey, Matthew, Jackie, Mom, and I, pose for a picture in front of Cinderella's Castle while enjoying our dream family vacation!

The 2007 Miss America Pageant!

I had the opportunity to go to the Miss America Pageant this year with 20 of my "Sweetheart" sisters! To keep cost down most of us stayed in the same hotel so we were close to each other and shared rooms. Miss DC, MT, NE, NY, OR, and I all shared a room to save a little money... hahaha! It was crowded but so much fun! This was a blast to share the Miss America experience with other contestants in the system!   

Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

After the first night of prelims I ran into and took a picture with Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap!

The Miss South Dakota Cheering Crowd in Vegas! 

Miss New York National Sweetheart, Theresa, and I take a picture after running into some of the Miss South Dakota Board, Anita and Ron Frankenstein, Kristi Richter, and Ray Peterson, while shopping in the Aladdin! 

Sweethearts Cheering on their State Contestants!

A few of the "Sweethearts" pose for a picture before going into the theater to sit with our state's cheering sections for the second night of prelims! Pictured (back): Jill, Miss UT, Ansley, Miss TN, Ashley, Miss KY, and Me, Miss SD, (front): Julianne, Miss IL, CC, Miss OR, Theresa, Miss NY, and Jennifer, Miss MT.  

Miss South Dakota 2006, Callee Bauman, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

After the second night of prelims I finally get to see Miss South Dakota, Callee Bauman! She looks great and has been doing a wonderful job at the Miss America Pageant. This night, Callee was also announced as one of the three contestants selected for the Miss Congeniality Award, to be voted on by the public! Go Callee!

Miss Nebraska 2006, Molly McGrath, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair, Elizabeth Pajl

I took a picture with the beaming Miss Nebraska, Molly McGrath, after she won a Prelim Swimsuit Award at the Miss America Pageant! Yeah! Congratulations Molly!

Miss Oklahoma 2006 (who is later crowned Miss America 2007), Lauren Nelson, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

I had to go over and wish Miss Oklahoma 2006, Lauren Nelson good luck and say hi to my second pageant family of Oklahoma. Oklahoma is truly my second pageant family since I have met both of the most recent Miss America's there, met my very first Miss America, attended the 2006 and 2007 Miss America's Homecoming events, watched the 2006 Miss Oklahoma Pageant, had my head shots taken (with and at the same time as Miss America 2006, Jennifer Berry!), and have had pageant training! What can I say, I love my South Dakota and Oklahoma pageant families and am so proud of all of them!  

Miss America 2000, Heather French, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

I was able to meet and take a picture with Miss America 2000, Heather French, while she was selling and signing her children's books. I admire that about her, since I too have written and illustrated a children's book. 

Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

I also ran into Ericka Dunlap, Miss America 2004, again. She was selling her country music cd. I then ran into her and Heather again after I waited in line for over an hour to get autographs at the Miss America Signing. It was really a unique experience to meet the many amazing former Miss America's who embody the American Tradition that is the Miss America Organization!

Project Runway Designer, Kayne Gillaspie, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

As an architecture major, I love watching design shows, and one of my most favorite shows is Project Runway. So I was thrilled when I ran into Kayne Gillaspie, an Oklahoma designer, who I met when I went to his store before he was on Season 3 of Project Runway. So he was of course my favorite designer when the show aired.

The Beautiful Miss South Dakota 2006, Callee Bauman, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

It was so nice to see Callee and wish her good luck again after the third night of prelims at the Miss America Pageant. Callee competed in every competition extremely well and represented the great state of South Dakota with pride! Great Job Callee! 

Callee's Fans!

Everyone was proud of Callee and all of her hard work at the 2007 Miss America Pageant. Here I am pictured with some more Miss South Dakota Board members, Deb Kleinsasser, the Miss South Dakota Scholarship Chair, and April Olstad, the Miss South Dakota President. 

Cheering on Miss South Dakota 2006

Two of my favorite people, funny man and a local Miss South Dakota judge, Daryl Isburg, and his fashion forward shopping partner to Miss South Dakota, Sally Isburg, and I pose for a picture! 

Good Times in Vegas!

Here I am pictured with a fun group of people: one of my first state judges at the Miss South Dakota Pageant, Mitchell Olson - the tallest person I know and an emcee for the Miss South Dakota, and Ray Peterson - Director and the master mind behind the Miss South Dakota production!  

The Sweethearts Take On Vegas Wearing T-Shirts that I Designed!

Here are a few of us Sweethearts wearing the t-shirts I designed for our Vegas trip. These comfy shirts say Sweetheart 2006 on the front and the contestants last name and the state she is from on the back! We had so much fun posing for pictures as a group and with on lookers in our matching gear while in Las Vegas! All of us Sweethearts had a wonderful time at the Miss America Pageant this year and hope to be competing in the 2008 Miss America Pageant next year... "wink". I love you girls!

Miss Texas 2006 Shilah Phillips, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

Shilah Phillips, Miss Texas, won a Prelim Talent Award and was named 1st RU to Miss America 2007, Lauren Nelson. Congratulations Shilah!

Miss Hawaii 2006, Pilialoha Kalai Gaison, Miss Oregon National Sweetheart 2006, CC Barber, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006 and Miss South Dakota National Sweetheart 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

Pilialoha, Miss Hawaii, was named into the Top 10 at the 2007 Miss America Pageant and won a Prelim Talent Award. Congratulations Pilialoha!

Miss Georgia 2006, Amanda Kozak, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

My host home from the National Sweetheart Pageant housed Amanda when she competed in Hoopeston. So both Julianne and I had the opportunity to see our host family again since they came to cheer on Amanda, who was named 2nd RU to Miss America 2007, Lauren Nelson.

Miss Mississippi 2006, Taryn Foshee, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

Taryn Foshee, Miss Mississippi was named 3rd RU to Miss America 2007, Lauren Nelson.

Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2006, Maria DeSantis, and the first Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2005, Meghan Miller

I had the opportunity to meet and take a picture with both this years and last years Miss America's Outstanding Teens! 

The Dance Gallery Owned by Miss Kansas 1974!

I brought my crown in for all my little dancers and tumblers who I teach to try on. Here is one of the Wednesday night classes, all wearing their recital costumes. Karen and I are the teachers and have both been involved in the Miss America Organization. Karen was Miss Kansas 1974, so we always have a great time talking about the system!

Tumbers

My little boy tumblers, Nathan and Brendan. The didn't want to try on the crown, but they wanted a picture... hahaha! 

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Thursday Night Tumblers!

Here I am with some of Thursday night's class of tumblers at the Dance Gallery. They also wanted to try on the crown.

Future Miss America?

Bailey and her brother Brendan are both in my tumbling class. Their little sister was really excited when she saw the crown, so it was her turn to try it on! Do we have a future Miss America in this group? 

Wednesday Night Tumblers!

Time for some silly faces. We had a lot of fun with the crown!

Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006 Visits Our National Capital

Here I am holding my Miss America local crown in front of the United States Capital.  

Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl, Meets With South Dakota Congressional Leader, Stephanie Herseth, In Her Washington, DC Office 

I had the opportunity to spend time and work with Representative Stephanie Herseth in Washington, DC. She is one amazing South Dakotan, and a great role model for many. Best wishes Stephanie now and in the future! Thanks again for meeting with me.

Miss Sioux Empire Fair Takes Her Program, "The Gift of Dyslexia" to Washington, DC

Here I am wearing my Miss Sioux Empire Fair crown at the National Capital after visiting with Leaders about my program, "The Gift of Dyslexa."

Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl is Asked to Judge the Stilwell Strawberry Festival Queen Pageant

What a great experience for me! This time I was able to be on the other side of things as a judge instead of a contestant. You would be surprised, but I was almost more nervous as a judge than as I am on stage being judged as a contestant. Pictured her with all of the judges of the pageant, Left to Right: Becky Stengel, a contestant in the Miss Arkansas system, Me, Miss Sioux Empire Fair, Michele Ross, a former contestant in the Miss Oklahoma system and now a pageant coach for the MAO system, Ashley Gharibvand, a contestant in the Miss Oklahoma system, and Mary Olstead, a Stilwell Kiwanis Club member.   

"Celebrating 60 Years of Strawberry Festival Queens"

We all agreed on our little winner! Here she is... Miss Stilwell Strawberry Festival Queen 2007 to reign over the Strawberry Festival held later in the year! It was a great honor to be a judge for the 60^th anniversary of this pageant.

1st RU, the New Strawberry Queen, and 2nd RU Along with the Judges

There were six girls total for this pageant and these are our first and second runner ups, with the new Stilwell Strawberry Festival Queen 2007!

Elizabeth Visits American Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright's Price Tower in Bartlesville, OK

As an architecture student, soon to graduate, I love visiting buildings designed by some of the most influential architects in American history. I have seen many of Frank Lloyd Wright's buildings in New York City, Chicago, etc, but this was the first time that I saw this famous building. My favorite architect, Bruce Goff was inspired greatly by Frank Lloyd Wright when he was younger, and before Goff's death in 1982, he had his architecture office in this building.  

Miss Sioux Empire Fair Meets with Congressional Leaders in Washington, DC

Miss America 2002, Katie Harman, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl at Lauren Nelson's Homecoming Gala and Review in Tulsa, OK

I love Katie! Katie was Miss America when I first started competing in the MAO system, back in 2002. It is because of her that I told myself I could do it! I thought I was too short to be in pageants, but when I found out that Miss America was only 5' tall, I signed up to compete in the Miss South Dakota State Fair Pageant standing tall at 5'2"! We both are short, have deep theatrical voices, she came to South Dakota to promote her platform when she was Miss America (I remember the picture from the newspaper), and we both have competed in the National Sweetheart Pageant. I have also spent the most time trying to find her, out of all of the Miss America's. She was a judge at the 2006 Miss Oklahoma Pageant which I attended, but judges are untouchable... haha! I spent most of my time at the Miss America Pageant this year trying to find her. I waited in an hour long line to meet her, and then when I finally reached the beginning of the long table of Miss America's she got up and left... haha! I also had CC, Miss Oregon National Sweetheart 2006 on the look out for her since CC was one of my roommate at Miss America this year. Finally when CC found Katie she tried calling me, but of course I didn't bring my phone that night... haha! Oh Katie, you don't know how hard you were for me to find! So when I was mingling with the Oklahoma crowd at Lauren Nelson's Homecoming Gala and Review, I randomly walked passed her... my eyes grew big, I turned to my mom and said... "Mom, it's her, it's Katie Harman, Miss America 2002! I can't believe I finally found her!"   

Miss America 2006, Jennifer Berry, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

I always love running into Jennifer Berry, since she was the first Miss America I met! Jennifer was my pick when I watch the 2006 Miss America Pageant, and then had the chance of meeting her at her Homecoming event a month after she was crowned Miss America 2006! "It's Miss America!" I was just in ahhh, when I met and had my picture taken with her. I then had the chance to hang out with her again a week later, when I went back down to Tulsa to take head shots with the talented photographer Jim Grillot. I spent hours talking to Miss America, she let me wear her earrings, she wore my fake eye lashes, we took pictures together, and ate pizza! Haha! She is always stunning and so real!   

The Performers at Lauren Nelson's Miss America Homecoming Review and Miss Sioux Empire Fair, Elizabeth Pajl

I was able to grab all these amazing women for a picture after the Homecoming Review. Many of these contestants of the 2007 Miss America Pageant were asked to perform their talents at Lauren's Homecoming event since they were either in the Top Ten at the pageant, or because they were close friends of Miss America 2007, Lauren Nelson. Left to Right: Top Ten, Prelim Swimsuit Winner, and Miss Pennsylvania, Emily Wills, Top Ten and Miss Washington, Kristen Eddings, Top Ten and Miss Utah, Katie Millar, Top Ten, Prelim Talent Winner, and Miss California, Jacquelynne Fontaine, Miss Congeniality nominee, Lauren's roommate during the taping of Miss America's Pageant School, and Miss South Dakota, Callee Bauman, Miss America 2008 contestant hopeful... "wink," Miss South Dakota National Sweetheart, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair, Elizabeth Pajl, Miss America Quality of Life 2nd RU, Miss Congeniality, 4th RU, and Miss Alabama, Melinda Toole, Top Ten, Prelim Talent Winner, and Miss Hawaii, Pilialoha Kalai Gaison, and 3rd RU and Miss Mississippi, Taryn Foshee. Not pictured, but performed at the event was Prelim Talent Winner, 1st RU, and Miss Texas, Shilah Phillips.

Miss South Dakota 2006, Callee Bauman, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair 2006, Elizabeth Pajl

Much to my surprise, Miss South Dakota, Callee Bauman was at Miss America's Homecoming Gala and Review in Tulsa, OK. Last year I went to Jennifer's Homecome by myself, and this year I brought my mom so she could experience some amazing Miss America talent, and we were both so happy to see that Callee was also at the event. Go Miss South Dakota! 

Miss America 2007, Lauren Nelson, and Miss Sioux Empire Fair, Elizabeth Pajl 

Yeah Lauren! I am so proud of her! After watching her get crowned Miss Oklahoma 2006 in person, I greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to watch Jennifer Berry, Miss America 2006, crown Lauren as Miss America 2007 in Las Vegas! I love being a part of the Miss America Organization and experiencing all the wonderful things that come from this system. Good Luck Lauren during your year as Miss America! I know you will be great!