Thursday, December 11, 2008

Interview with Miss Mississippi Nat'l US 2009, Jill Debenport

How did you feel when you were announced the representative for the state of Mississippi?
It may sound crazy but I felt so nervous. I was at home alone when I received my letter so of course, I had to call everyone in my phone-book. When I let my mom know she asked me if I was sure and I said "Yes ma'am'" and that is when it really hit me. Now I am totally honored and can not believe it. I can not wait to really get started with all of my community service and pageant events.

As a titleholder you're considered a role model, who do you look up to?
My number one role model is my older sister Lorrin. She is smart, beautiful, strong and talented. She is not much older than me but she has helped me through a lot of the harder times in my life. She shows me exactly how to be the best be and how to get where I want to go. Actually this pageant was her idea!

What would you say is your most prized possession?
I have a little white statue that my boyfriend and his family gave to me for my graduation and it says "I am here for you," anytime I feel scared or nervous I look at it and think about all the people who are really here for me and it gives me the courage to push on and go forward with my dreams.

If "you are what you eat" is a true statement, what food would you be?
Seafood! Living in Southern Mississippi you eat, catch and see a lot of seafood. My dad goes fishing almost every week so we always have a new dish with fish in it. My favorite though is boiled crawfish...Yum,Yum!

What do you wish to accomplish with your title?
My biggest dream is to show girls out there, and not just young girls, women my age also, that you can do whatever you set your mind on TODAY. There is no need to be afraid of what could happen; just go for it. I really want to help them find that fire inside that says "YES I CAN!"

What is something very few people know about you?
I love penguins, and I mean LOVE. I have stuffed ones, candy ones, and a little tiny bobble head penguin. Only one or two people know that about me but other than that I do not have many secrets.




Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Miss Louisiana Bowls with the Special Olympics

PHOTO: Jessica with a few of the bowlers at the event.

Recently, Miss Louisiana Nat'l US Jessica Johnson, volunteered at the Special Olympics bowling tournament for children at Don Carter's Allstar Lanes in Baton Rouge, LA. She assisted the children in keeping track of their order and later passed out the ribbons to the first through fourth place winners. Jessica had so much fun that she was asked to return the following dayand assist with the adult division. The event coordinator was so impressed with Jessica that at the end of the event, she was given an honorary blue ribbon and a Louisiana Special Olympics pin. Check out the pictures from the event!

PHOTO: Jessica pinning a few of the bowling tournament winners.