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| Photo by Zac Grimaldo. Hair and makeup by Austin Ryde. |
I am absolutely humbled and incredibly grateful for my year
as Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015. It has
been such an honor to represent our beautiful state of Oklahoma. I will always be thankful for the countless
memories that have made my year so special.
I enjoyed traveling across Oklahoma to read my book, Meanie Muffins, to
children in schools, daycares, and summer camps. Going to Operation That’s My Dress in New
York to help military families find their perfect Sherri Hill gown was so
rewarding. It was such an honor to be
able to give back to those who sacrificed so much for our country. I loved visiting The Little Lighthouse, a
special needs school in Tulsa. The kids
there are an example of strength and endurance and reminded me to never take
anything for granted.
I want to thank everyone who has been so incredibly
supportive throughout my reign.
To the whole Vanbros Team; Cathy, Janet, Jason, Jennifer, Jerry,
John, Karen, Nikki, and Sherri, thank you so much for guiding me in the right
direction this year and supporting me 100%.
When I started this journey in 2010, you all made me feel like I was a
part of the family and I appreciate that so much.
Adrielle Churchill, I can’t thank you enough for all you
have done for me. The guidance you have given me in preparing for Miss Teen USA
is so valuable and I will continue to use those same skills for years to come.
Blo., you all are so amazing! Thank you for doing my hair and makeup for my
appearances and making sure that I look my best. Your staff is so kind and talented, I
couldn’t have asked for a better sponsor!!
Brian Attebery, thank you for always making my health a
priority. I appreciate your knowledge
in health and fitness so much. You are
not only my fitness coach but a friend that has given me your honest opinion
and pushed me to be my best.
Custom Dental, your sponsorship is so generous! Thank you for taking care of my teeth and
keeping them white!
Kim Forsyth, thank you for donating your time to help me
with my on-stage presentation for Miss Teen USA! I appreciate your sponsorship!
Laurel Austin, you are so kind! I have enjoyed working with you throughout my
year and I am so happy you are a sponsor!
You are such an awesome photographer!
Nicole West, I really thought I knew how to do my makeup
until you came along. Thank you for sharing
your amazing talent! You are truly
incredible at what you do and someone that I have loved working with.
Serendipity Prom, Sherri Hill, and Stefanie Somers, thank
you all so much for providing me my dream gown and earrings for Miss Teen
USA! I couldn’t be more grateful for
your sponsorship, you all made me feel like a queen on-stage.
Valerie Hayes, words cannot express how thankful I am for
you for your kind words and for always believing in me throughout my journey, I
appreciate your interview advice so much.
Will Henderson, I appreciate your friendship and kindness
throughout my year. Thank you for making
the bootcamp in Dallas so fun!
Zac Grimaldo, my buddy, thank you so much for everything you
do! You work so hard to make sure your
photos are perfect and I have seen you go above and beyond for all of your
clients. My headshots for the state
pageant and Miss Teen USA were everything I dreamed of and more. Thank you for taking the time to be such an
amazing friend, I am so blessed to have you in my life.
Alex Miller, where do I even BEGIN?! From the moment I met you at the 2014
pageant, I knew God had planned a great friendship for us. You are so beautiful, intelligent, and funny
and I am so glad that you are a part of my life.
Olivia Jordan, I can’t thank you enough for everything you
have taught me. You have been such an
incredible sister queen and friend. I am
so grateful for the advice and guidance you have given me and always
encouraging me to chase my wildest dreams.
You are such an inspiration!
The Thomas Family, thank you so much for supporting me and
treating me like I’m your own. You all
have helped me tremendously and have been so kind.
To my Vanbros sister queens, Arynn, Christina, Megan,
Melanie, and Paige, I am so grateful for our friendship! I have had a blast getting to know each of
you, we have truly made some incredible memories.
To my best friend in the whole world, my hipster sister, my
Nebraska Teen, Paige Pflueger, you are incredible. I seriously cannot imagine this experience without
you by my side. I have loved talking all
hours of the night, our long workouts together, and helping each other
throughout our preparation for Miss Teen USA.
I love you so much and I know we will be friends for life.
To all the many people who sent well wishes, cards, letters,
and messages, you have forever changed me.
You did more for me than I could have possibly done for you this
year. I appreciate your support so much.
To my loving family, you all are my rock. When I’m down, you lift me up. When I doubt myself, you remind me that I can
achieve anything I set my mind to, with dedication and hard work. When I have felt like giving up, you remind
me of why I started. Thank you for
everything!
To my two most favorite people in the whole world, Mom and
Dad, I would not be where I am today without you. Thank you for pushing me to be my personal
best and telling me to never give up. I’m grateful to have you both to make
sure I have the opportunity to chase my dreams.
I truly owe ALL of my success to you two. I love you both to infinity!
To all the contestants, I admire each of you for pursuing a
dream. As you know, there is only one
girl who will walk away with the crown, so don’t get discouraged. I walked away four times without a crown and
yet the journey in competing and making awesome friendships are some of the
best times of my life. Embrace God’s
plan for your future.
To my successor, you are going to have the most incredible
year! Soak up every moment, and use this platform to encourage and support
others. As a wise woman told me once,
“it is not so much about you, but what you do for others that counts.” Reach out to the little ones who are standing
alone too scared or nervous to speak to you, be a light and an example for them
to follow. You will truly be amazed by
the power of the crown! Lastly, take
every opportunity that comes your way! Welcome
to the sisterhood!
This year is certainly one I will never forget.
I will forever be your Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015, Cherokee
Dawn Pearce.
