Prelim #2

Congrats JaCee on an incredible year, I am so proud of all of your accomplishments little lady!

Congrats to Devin Howell on her preliminary swimsuit win and Teresa Scanlan for preliminary talent winner!

Backstage antics

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW MISS NEBRASKA OUTSTANDING TEEN STACY CRAIGHEAD! An incredible year awaits you, I can't wait to see who your new "Big Sis" will be!

Cupcakes always makes the tears better!

Anyone who is close to me knows that cupcakes/frosting/all things sparkly and girly make me ridiculously happy. So as my year as Miss Nebraska is dwindling down (4 hours left in fact) I am so very grateful to all of those around me who are surrounding me with fun and love and of course, FROSTING! From my host family throwing me a festive party, to the Miss NE Brunch, I would say that today has been nothing short of amazing. Honestly, this ENTIRE year has been nothing short of awesome.
A first grader asked me, "Miss Nebraska do you get to keep the crown?". Yes I do. However, I am totally fine with not having to wear it again. I think I was getting a bald spot, kidding. What I mean by that is, I am completely at peace and happy with my year. I feel like I accomplished all of goals: to further the program, encourage young women, advocate for the state and make the most of every moment. Am I emotional? Yes. Will I cry tonight? My magic 8 ball says yes. But it's not because I don't get to "be" Miss Nebraska anymore it is because I am so grateful for this experience and it truly is closing one chapter and opening another.
I don't know who Miss Nebraska 2010 will be but I do know whoever she, she has an incredible/rollercoaster of a year to look forward to. I would be 100% thrilled and supportive of any of the young women to take the job.
Good luck ladies! I can't wait to announce the new Miss Nebraska 2010!
Love,
Brittany

#1

You don't have to be afraid
To put your dream in action
Your never gonna fade
You'll be the main attraction
In my Victory
Just Remember me
When I make it SHINE

Congratulations to preliminary talent winner Devin Howell! What an entertaining piano piece! Also, a big congratulations to Teresa Scanlan for her breathtaking presentation in evening gown.

Preliminary Night One=Success. We truly could not have asked for a better way to kick off the competition! The production numbers were spectacular and the contestants were simply amazing! I'm so proud of each and every one of them. All week long I have been the glorified cheerleader and self-appointed Mother Hen and that is because I am truly so proud of each and everyone of these young women. They are all so unique and I know that any one of them would be a fabulous representative. I was more nervous last night than I was last year competing! In numerous interviews I have been asked "who is going to take it? Who will win?" and I honest to Betsy, whole heartedly and utterly do not have a clue! What I do know, is these ladies will continue to shine it on. I'm enjoying my last 24 hours as Miss Nebraska and have been surrounded by all of the people I love the most. I'm truly enjoying every last minute! I even got inducted in to the "cool kids" club aka the hostesses inner circle. They awarded me with frosting(my fav) and a rhinestoned spoon. I feel so honored. Although I'm having a blast, that doesn't mean the waterworks haven't set in... I teared up at Rotary, cried at the parents brunch, my video. Yada yada yada. They are happy tears I swear. I will get it together.
All for now! Stay tuned!
BACKSTAGE SHENANIGANS

I Got A Feeling...

TONIGHTS GONNA BE A GOOD NIGHT!!!

It's show time folks! After 4 full days of rehearsals, luncheons, appearances, interviews, community service projects and no sleep it officially time for the preliminary events! I'm beyond proud of the young women, thrilled with the production of the show, a ball of emotions and so pumped to get out on the stage and rock it with all of these incredible ladies!
3 more days until my job as Miss Nebraska comes to an end...I'm going to live it up!
XOXO
Britt
ps. If you haven't bought your tickets to the big show. We are in a fight. Just kidding, get out there and buy them immediately! You don't want to miss the show.

Rehearsals..rehearsals..rehearsals

My incredible host family
THE VOLZ's

Before any updates, I need to say a big, gigantic, THANK YOU, to the Volz family. For the past 5 years they have opened their home up to me every summer during Miss Nebraska week. This year they have truly been my home away from home. It was so nice to have a comfy place to stop at for the night in between trips up and down I-80. Thanks for letting me raid your fridge, unload all my beauty products in the bathroom and for being a great support system. I love you all!

Tuesday was chalk full of rehearsals during the day. Running production numbers, swimsuit walking patterns and evening gown posing consumed most of the day. It was awesome to see the girls are keeping their energy up and seem to be enjoying all of the choreography thrown at them! Sleep deprivation hasn't kicked in yet!
Later that evening we were able to celebrate Memorial Day with a picnic between the contestants and their host families. Nothing like wolfing down some KFC. I kid. I kid. We played a hilarious ice breaker game that involved toilet paper (don't ask, long story!) but it allowed us to get to hear some interesting tid-bits about each of the young ladies. All of hostesses, host families and board members were recognized for their service and commitment to the program. We truly are so very lucky to such amazing volunteers in Nebraska. You'll be happy to hear I refrained from unleashing the waterworks after the board gave me some end of the year gifts. Beautiful weather, delicious dinner and fabulous company...I really couldn't have asked for a better evening. On to more rehearsals on Tuesday.

Miss Nebraka Week is Here

Miss Nebraska 2010 is in this picture! Who will she be?

I feel like a little kid excited about Christmas (minus the whole blubbering/crying bit I might do at the end of the week) because I've been so looking forward to Miss Nebraska week and it is finally here! I was honored to share the stage today with some of the most intelligent, driven, compassionate and talented young women of Nebraska. I can honestly and whole heartedly say I know any one of these young ladies would be an incredible representative as Miss Nebraska 2010. We kicked off the day with brunch and then made our way to Conestoga Mall for opening ceremonies. There, the ladies introduced themselves and their little sisters to the audience. It also gave them the opportunity to get acquainted with hostesses and host family for the week.
The recipients of JoDee LynDee Paiton Hastings Princess Memorial Community Service Scholarship were also announced. Last year, I was the recipient of this award and it holds a very special place in my heart as it in given by Scotty and Johnathon Hastings in remembrance of JoDee, Lyndee and Paiton. The award recognizes the young lady who exhibits commitment, dedication and service within her community. Congratulations to Jessica States, Miss Lake McConaughy, the recipient of the scholarship for her work with "Net Smart: Being Safe in the Web." In addition, a big congratulations to Devin Howell, Miss Omaha, for receiving second place for her commitment to "Bullying Prevention."

After an evening of talent rehearsal I am back at the Volz's preparing for a big day of appearances and rehearsals bright and early tomorrow. I will continue to post pictures but you can also find them on the Miss Nebraska website!
*Brittany