It has been one month since I said my farewells
and took my last walk as a pageant queen
Pageants have played a monumental role in my life, helping
to shape me into the woman I have become
They taught me so many necessary life skills
They are so much more than you may see on the outside
While I know it is time for me to move onto the next
stage of my life, it was bitter sweet to step out of the spot light
This last year as Miss Tennessee was truly life-changing
So I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures
from my reigning year and my crowning weekend
As well as my farewell speech that played as I took my very
last walk in 6-inch heels and a beautiful dress
Crowning & contract signing
September 2017
First official photo shoot as Miss Tennessee
Favorite Appearances
My Forever Sister
THE best hair and makeup team (Puresk)
The most amazing and supportive sister queens
MORE photo shoots
The cutest event outfits thanks to The Dressing Room
NATIONALS
Meeting Nia Sanchez - one of my biggest role models
Giving up my crown - September 2018
Two of my favorite people who came to support me
Final walk in my favorite gown ever!!
Emotions running high for our farewells
Especially with this one... (;
Farewell Speech
As cheesy as it is I want to start off with a quote from Richard Bach - “Don’t be dismayed by good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again, and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends”
One year ago I was blessed to be crowned USA National Miss Tennessee. When I think of my crowning moment I remember feeling excitement, anticipation, and a sense of accomplishment. This was such a dream come true for me. I was able to work closely with organizations that i hold so close to my heart. I was able to build valuable, life-long friendships. I was able to find my second family.
But during my year I also faced a tragic hardship, one of my biggest supporters left this earth, making me question if i could even finish my reign. I am able to take my final walk today because of all the people who have held me up and held me together. I am able to take my final walk because I realize Jefferson never really left my side and knowing him has made me a stronger person.
I stand here truly over flowing with gratitude, because this is not a one woman show, it took the help of so many loving people to get me here.
I have such a large number of friends and family who have not only contributed to my year as Miss Tennessee but to my whole pageant career, as well as everyday life.
My daddy who ever fails to tell me I’m always a winner in his book
Gabby our amazing director who has a pure heart of gold.
My sister queens who I am convinced may be the sassiest group of Tennessee queens there has ever and will ever be. I love you all from the bottom of my heart and I am so thankful for all the memories we have shared together.
Madison - my jr teen sister that became my real life little sister. In you i have found an honest and true best friend, and someone who will probably push me over in my heels for being so sappy.
My boyfriend Alec, you’ve been pushing me and encouraging me to chase my dreams from behind the scenes for the last four years and it means the world to me that you’re in the audience as i take the stage for the very last time. I am excited to start this new life journey with you.
and of course my mother, as many times as I’ve had to do this i can still never put into words exactly what i want to say to you. you’re the driving force behind it all, the one person i couldn’t do it without, my very best friend. i love you more than i will ever be able to tell you.
I would also like to thank the entire USA National Miss family for being a system full of the most kind and empowering women, in a world where pageants sit in a negative light, this system showcases positive pageantry in its entirety.
The next girl to earn this crown has such an amazing year in front of her, and I can only encourage her to soak up every single second.
comment to tell me which is your favorite picture!
thanks for reading
love always, kayla jordan ❣
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