~Thank You~

A week ago, I met with my “management team” for the first time as an employee of the most amazing group of people to work for - New Hampshire citizens. The night before, I was blessed by the HR Gods who hired me for my dream job.

This hiring process took a village. I am beyond blessed that the love and support from my village tripled the amount of my own sense of ambition. 

First, I want to thank the women that taught me about the Miss America Organization. From Hannah Manley, my first love and Miss Vermont 2000, I learned what a Miss America woman was - strong, confident, and intelligent. Angela Conklin and her family introduced me to the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program, and I could not be more thankful. Without Hannah and Angela, I would not be Miss New Hampshire. I would not be spending the next year promoting what I am passionate about most - college access and equal opportunity. 

Second, I thank my Mom and Dad. Thank you for loving me and believing in me since my first breath. Thank you for your patience and unwavering support. You let me fly my “freak flag” high, and be whoever I wanted to be. My happiest memories are with you - singing, snuggling, laughing, and dancing. Also, thank you for giving me the coolest bud anyone could ever imagine... Just Chris. I adore our little family. We are our strongest and happiest when we are together. 

Third, thank you to my family. Nanny, Boppa, Grandma, Bruce, Grammy and Grandpa Percy, my family in Vermont, my family in South Carolina, and my family in Ohio - thank you for teaching me the power of a loving village. I credit so much of who I am from my experiences of growing up in a family of teachers. 

Fourth, I want to thank my teachers, friends and co-workers for challenging me and supporting me. Whether we met when we were little, in high school, college, graduate school, or at work - please know that I am thankful for our interactions and friendship. 

Fifth, thank you to my family in the Miss America Organization - especially my 2017 Team - Adria, Jen, Natalie, Jay, and Chris, for seeing something in me I did not see this past Fall. Caroline - you and your family have been one of the greatest blessings of this organization. I am so thankful for our friendship. Thank you to my directors, friends, and sisters through the Miss America Organization for making this fabulous organization a wonderful place to call “home.” 

Sixth, I thank our fantastic team of Miss New Hampshire volunteers. Thank you for making us shine all week - whether choreographing group numbers, dancing in group numbers, helping us backstage, feeding us, or making the 2017 production the best one yet. 

Seventh, thank you to the Miss New Hampshire 2017 judges for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I will work my hardest to make you proud. 

Finally, thank you to the leadership team of the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program. Brenda, Bill, Claudette, Cindi, Paula, Eric, Pattie, and Megan - thank you for dedicating so much of your life to making higher education possible for young women in New Hampshire. Through your involvement, you empower us to be leaders in our community and across the country. 

It is my goal to put the love of everyone who has made a difference in my life into my service to New Hampshire. I promise to show everyone I meet the same genuine interest, compassion, and dedication that you showed me. 

With love,

Lauren