slide1slide3slide4slide5slide6

Reflections from my Week at Miss America

February 2nd, 2012

When reflecting back on what was honestly a 10 day journey of my dreams unfolding, it’s very difficult to put into words the emotions I felt throughout that time, or to explain the level of friendships which I made. My time at Miss America was a time that will surely always be remembered at “the time of my life”. From the minute my parents took me to the airport (riding in style in a limo fit for a queen), to the moment I got patted down in RDU security because “all my bling made the machine blow up” (haha) I knew the trip was going to be interesting!

 

Funny enough, I met some great NC folks on my flight from Denver to Las Vegas. They were from Aberdeen and became new friends and wonderful supporters too! That gave me a sense of peacefulness going into the week of the unknown! I arrived at LAS and was greeted by Miss America security and taken straight to the hotel where I began my whirlwind. From checking my competition wardrobe in, to fittings with Express and the Miss America staff, to having an interview with ABC’s On the Red Carpet (from LA), to finally applying lip gloss and combing my hair before the Arrival Ceremony, I was already tired! After the official Arrival Ceremony, all the contestants went to our rooms and dressed down for a big kick off meeting. This is when I finally saw my hotel room, and my wonderful roommate for the next 10 days!

The next few days were in sane! We were in rehearsals ALL day long, with meals and interviews galore mixed in there somewhere! In our “down

time”, we learned more about each contestant, forming small groups on the carpet in the corner of the huge ballroom and just chatting away until we exhausted ourselves! Thankfully MAO kept a plentiful supply of tea and coffee to keep us going! (Thanks MAO!!) It was funny to see girls curled up in the corner napping during down time at rehearsal, or in another corner doing crunches and lunges to make sure they were 100% swimsuit ready! Funny enough….I was always in the talkative, get-to-know-you group! We were the ones snacking and chatting, chatting and snacking!! I made some AMAZING friends in the process though!

 

Throughout the week before competition, we had several special trips from Phantom of the Opera, to Buca di Bepo and PF Chang’s for dinner, and even an IHOP pancake breakfast! We also participated in an awesome fashion show for Express, followed by an autograph signing at the mall. These were all fun chances for us to bond even more and take over parts of Las Vegas as a team!! We had a great time.

Our Sunday full of filming at several different spots around Las Vegas was a long one, but very fun! We literally danced ALL DAY and learned a lot about how to keep ourselves going even when we really wanted to just sleep! We ate on the bus going from destination to the next, and tried not to freeze to death in our Joseph Ribkoff outfits at 11pm on the rooftops of the hotels! What a cool experience it was, and what an awesome finished product! (The opening number Parade of States video everyone saw on Saturday night finals) Being in front of the camera that whole day and learning the ins and outs of filming something like that was a learning experience in itself! So much fun.

Interview was Tuesday morning for me. It went amazingly well! I had so much fun with the judges, and truly felt like I was at lunch with friends. They were all so down to earth! I really felt like they were trying to get to know ME, rather than trying to stump me with questions that told them nothing about who I really am and what I stand for. They were very interested in my musical family and my music/performance background, my nervous butterflies in my feet, and my opera singing dog! It was a lot of fun, and could not have gone any better! (What a relief!!)

Once preliminaries started, another burst of adrenaline kicked in (which was much needed after many rehearsals and filming days, etc). We finally got to perform what we had all been working so hard at for weeks, months, and even years! We were also ready for visitation—a chance to FINALLY see our wonderful families and friends! Preliminary competition was awesome. I could not be happier with the way I performed swimsuit and evening gown on Tuesday night, Talent on Wednesday night, and finally On-Stage Question on Thursday. I truly felt like I gave 150% to my performance, and wouldn’t change a thing if I could do it again!

Thursday night before competition began, Teresa Scanlan came into our dressing room to give everyone a pep talk before the final night of preliminary competition. She gave a wonderful speech about how she truly admired each one of us for chasing our dreams and for working so diligently. She went on to explain that she knew only one of us would walk away with the Miss America crown, but she thought every one of us deserved it. So, she removed 53 stones from her crown and placed them in necklaces for each one of us to keep around our necks as a reminder that we all were Miss America in the eyes of our states and our families and friends, and were all representatives of

what that sparkling jewel represents. I was touched beyond words, and will be forever grateful to Teresa for honoring each of us that evening with something so meaningful and special.

 

During the week, I was presented with both the Duke of Edinburgh award and the Miracle Maker Award for raising over $40,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Both were amazing honors that I will cherish forever.

Friday was a long day of TV rehearsal and finally the Crown Gala with our families and state committees. Beth and I got to walk the red carpet and be introduced together, hand in hand, as a wonderful NC team along with all the other state titleholders and their EDs. Then, I joined my family and friends for a lovely dinner and a presentation by Teresa Scanlan of military families who had lost a loved one at war. Many of them were from North Carolina, and I had the honor of meeting them and taking pictures with them after the wonderful presentation. The gala was a nice time to relax with my biggest fans, and to really take every bit of the experience in with no pressure of competition that night.

 

Saturday, we had rehearsal again….imagine that! It was all about getting “camera ready” and prepared for the big night. And then, it was time!!!! The night we had all been waiting for was finally here. We danced our hearts out in the opening, then anxiously awaited the Top 15 names to be called. After several LONG commercial breaks, I heard my name! Lucky number 13, Miss North Carolina Hailey Best!!!! WOW….what a feeling! I can’t even explain the joy and excitement and rush of adrenaline I felt at that moment. I was so thankful to the judges, and to my supporters for believing in me all the way! I quickly rushed to put on my swimsuit and competed in that phase of competition wearing my teeny weeny bikini for all to see on national television! After swimsuit came the yucky elimination process everyone has been asking about. Alabama, Virginia, and I stood at the front of the stage and waited for our fellow contestants to line up behind us to show their support. I will never be able to express my thanks enough to my dear friend Ariana Walker, Miss North Dakota, for reaching her arms from behind me to hug me and whispering “I’ve got your back girl”. It was at that moment that I felt completely content with whatever happened next. I knew that I had made friends for a lifetime, even if I did not move on in the competition. That was enough for me!  After being eliminated, I joined the other non-finalist girls, and was received warmly with hugs and kisses and lots of tears! The girls went on to say they were sorry about what we just went through, and explained that if they had known what production was going to make them do, they would have formed a large circle around the 3 girls at the front of the stage, held hands, and refused to choose between 3 of their sisters. Of course there was no time to think of that and communicate it to everyone in the short amount of time they were given, but it was so nice to know that we truly are a sisterhood, and a family that will stick together no matter what. I sat over in the lounge for the remainder of the evening and cheered on some of my greatest new friends as they competed in evening gown and talent competitions. We were then rushed to the dressing room to put on our evening gowns for the crowning ceremony. You should have seen all the pizza and m&ms being eaten in those sparkly gowns!! I am definitely guilty of that! J We were then escorted back out on stage to watch one of our sisters be crowned Miss America 2012. I was so happy for one of my dearest friends, Betty Thompson, who was named first runner up! She is truly a class act and a wonderful friend, who was very deserving of how far she went in the competition. Go Betty!!

Laura Kaeppeler, Miss Wisconsin, was named Miss America 2012! What a beautiful, kind, deserving young lady she is. Laura is absolutely gorgeous, so well spoken, and so passionate about her platform. She will represent us so well. I am so honored to say that I am her sister in the class of 2012, and will continue to support her throughout her reign and beyond this year as well. Thank you, Laura, for representing us so well and for the amazing job you are already doing as our nation’s most beautiful representative.

I am truly and eternally grateful to all of my supporters, my friends, and my family, for the tremendous amount of love I have felt so far in my journey as Miss NC. Miss America was a wonderful 10 days of learning, growing, developing friendships, and becoming an even stronger and more passionate Hailey Best, Miss North Carolina 2011. I can never thank all of you enough. I am so proud to be your state representative, and will continue to travel our state with enthusiasm and passion!

 

 

Miss North Carolina Sweeps Pageant

January 24th, 2012

We are thrilled to announce the return of our Sweeps Pageant, which will be held on Saturday March 31st, 2012 at the Garner Historic Auditorium.  We will crown three Miss contestants and three Outstanding Teen contestants, giving six ladies the opportunity to compete in the 2012 Miss North Carolina and Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen Pageant. Interested candidates should meet the following requirements:

  • Must have competed in a local preliminary pageant.
  • Must have given up a title and seeks opportunity to compete again.

Potential contestants must continue to compete in any local in which she residentially qualifies. Simply said, if you are an outgoing queen, you must show an attempt to requalify and cannot decide to compete only at sweeps.  Contestants who have competed during the current pageant year without earning a title must also continue to compete where they qualify and not simply decide to sit out and wait for the sweeps pageant.  Although we wish we could allow all ladies the opportunity to compete, we must limit participation to no more than 15 Miss and 15 Teens.  Ladies who have any interest should send an email to kevindriver@missnc.org, to guarantee that you are on the e-mail list of potential contestants. Once the last Local Preliminary has taken place on March 3rd, an instructional e-mail will go out to all Miss and Teens who have interest in competing in the sweeps pageant. The first 15 Miss and the first 15 Teens to respond will be guaranteed a spot as a sweeps contestant.

Both miss and OT contestants will complete a standard preliminary contract. Miss will follow the $100.00 CMNH donation entry method, and the outstanding teen contestants will pay a $100.00 entry fee to the Miss North Carolina Organization. Winners of the Miss/ OT Durham, Tar Heel, and Raleigh titles are released to re-compete after the state pageant in June. Contestants may continue to represent their tittle until they win another title or until March 1st, 2013.  The winners of the Outstanding Teen titles will be responsible for the $400 entry fee to compete at the state pageant.

Don’t forget to vote for Hailey’s video!

January 8th, 2012

The Miss America Organization is proud to announce your opportunity to vote for a finalist at the 2012 Miss America Pageant, broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 14, 2012 on ABC. MAO has posted 53 exciting videos made by each of their 2012 contestants, showing off their style and personality and explaining why they should be chosen as the next Miss America!

There is a limit of one (1) vote per person and internet accessible device per contestant throughout the Voting Period, regardless of method of voting. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. PST on January 12, 2012. CLICK HERE TO GO TO HAILEY’S VIDEO!

Housing Issues with Planet Hollywood

December 20th, 2011

We are in the process of contacting those who have booked rooms at Planet Hollywood through the Miss North Carolina Organization.  Please be patient as you are contacted with information concerning an overbooking of rooms by PH and the resulting shift to another hotel.  For more information, please contact Beth Knox at bethknox@missnc.org

Merry Christmas!

November 21st, 2011

Miss America Gala Tickets ON SALE NOW!

November 20th, 2011

The Miss America Organization and presenting sponsors Ryan and Shawntel Wuerch are proud to present the Miss America Crown Celebration. Tickets are $100 each and include light dining, hors d’Oeuvres, desserts, coffee, tea and soft drinks. Cash bar will be available. The evening will feature a special program honoring state programs, live entertainment, the 53 state titleholders, Miss Americas and dancing.

Only 500 tickets sold for this event, so don’t miss out. Once tickets sell out there will be no more available.
TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD IN LAS VEGAS!

To purchase tickets, please fill out the following GALA TICKET ORDER FORM

If you have any questions, please contact Beth Knox at bethknox@missnc.org

A fun filled beginning to fall with Hailey Best!

November 15th, 2011

October was certainly a busy month for me! From the State Fair, to traveling to different schools across NC, to several military events, I was one busy lady!
The booth at the State Fair was a huge hit! We had many people stop by to ask for information and take pictures. I have so many funny memories of funnel cakes and deep fried reese’s cups too! Mmmm! I’m getting excited just thinking about it! I also made friends with the guys running our neighbor booth, Heidi Jo’s Beef Jerky. Garry, the big man in charge, decided that the local titleholders and I should have “beef jerky titles” as well as our MAO titles. I was named Miss Sweet & Spicy! Ha! I will forever have wonderful memories of those long days at the NC State Fair!


I had the privilege of traveling to Washington, DC with 101 World War II veterans for the Triangle Flight of Honor in October as well. I heard so many inspiring stories that day of heroism at its best! I have never felt so patriotic and appreciative of our many American liberties as I did that day. The Flight of Honor was absolutely a day I will never forget.
My visit to Elkin Elementary was a lot of fun! I was there to celebrate Red Ribbon week, and to speak to the students about staying away from drugs and other harmful substances. Their questions at the end of my speech were priceless. One child asked me if I wanted any kids, then proceeded to tell me that I could have him if I wanted. Precious… I was also asked questions about the different languages I sing in, and why I wanted to be Miss America. The sweetest, most honest ones I got were “what are drugs?” and “Am I doing drugs if I’m taking medicine my doctor gave me?”. I was thrilled to see the sincere youthfulness in those children, and their excitement as I explained my journey as Miss North Carolina to them.
Moments like my visits at the State Fair and the sweet questions from elementary students in Elkin remind me why I love the Miss America system so much. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to share my journey as Miss NC with so many supportive North Carolinians. It is an honor to represent you!!
Best wishes,
Hailey

Manor Six Forks Invites Local Misses and OTs to help this Saturday!

November 8th, 2011
Manor Six Forks is planning on having their 3rd Annual Horses for Hope Fall Festival on Saturday, November 12th. It is a fundraiser to benefit the charity they sponsor, Horses for Hope. They utilize horses as a therapeutic tool for those who suffer from physical and mental disabilities, abuse, or who otherwise couldn’t afford to pay for lessons or treatment. We are inviting the Miss North Carolina and Outstanding Teen contestants, the residents, the area daycares, elementary and middle schools in our district, employees of Abacus Management Group/Manor Six Forks and their families, and the media. Our festival will be a carnival type event, complete with games, moonwalk bounce houses, magicians, clowns, pony rides, raffles, concessions and music.
They need some help and volunteers! If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering please let Beth Knox know. You will be either helping out with booths, collecting tickets and just making sure the festival event is run as smoothly as possible! 
FREE LUNCH FOR VOLUNTEERING!! Last chance! 
Contact Beth at bethknox@missnc.org

Schedule of Guest Appearances at the NC State Fair!

October 19th, 2011

Wednesday, Oct. 19th:
5-9pm: Mike Smith, Hailey Best, and the newly crowned Greater Sandhills Queens, along with Kaye Fritz and Jan Spivey

Thursday, Oct. 20th:
9am to 1pm: Kevin Driver and Hailey Best
1pm to 5pm: Kevin Driver until 3pm, Beth Knox, Dana Reason Miss NC ’03, and Sharon Finch Van Vechten, Miss NC ’64
5pm to 9pm: Mike Smith, Hailey Best, and Olivia Izze, Miss Capital City

Friday, Oct. 21st:
9am to 1pm: Beth Knox and Beth Smith, Miss Gastonia
1pm to 5pm: Alan Clouse and the Garner NCOLM queens
5pm to 9pm: Kevin Driver and Hailey Best

Saturday, Oct. 21st:
9am to 1pm: Alan Clouse, Chelsea Guild Miss Goldsboro, Megan Anna Griffin Goldsboro’s OT, and Hailey Best
1pm to 5pm: Alan Clouse (until 3pm), Beth Knox, Barry Moody, Hailey Best, McKenzie Faggart, Mary Catherine Tucker Miss Coastal Carolina, and Jessica Lackey Miss Metrolina
5pm to 9pm: Beth Knox, Hailey Best, the newly crowned Miss and OT Fayetteville, and Barry Moody
Read the rest of this entry »

Got Scholarship? Let Miss North Carolina help!

October 12th, 2011

Got scholarship? The Miss North Carolina Pageant does! Stop by our booth at the NC State Fair to see how we can help you with your college funding! Together with the Miss America Organization, we are a part of the largest scholarship provider to women in the world!