Miss Nebraska USA 2011

Well the day has come....my last hours as the reigning Miss Nebraska USA. Although the time flew faster than I ever imagined, I'm excited for one of these ladies to experience an amazing year. Amanda and I got to sleep in today, and that was something I haven't got to do in a long time! After we woke up we recorded our voice overs for our farewells speeches.

With Fawnia, my hairstylist!

With the Miss girls before we hit the stage.

Squeezing in for a picture backstage.

We didn't have to be at the theatre until 3PM for dress rehersal so I signed good luck autograph cards to all of the girls. Then it was time to back up, and let me tell you that was not easy. You wouldn't believe how many things I needed to back for just one weekend! But I managed to get everything packed up, got semi ready and headed to the theatre for dress rehearsal.

Chit chatting on stage.

Former Miss Nebraskas.

Fawnia and Joe did Amanda and I's hair and make up. That was a huge relief! A misconception about a beauty queen may be that we like to do our hair and make up. Well, sometimes I do. But to be completely honest I'm a mascara, powder and blush kind of girl. My grandma always did my hair when I was younger since she was a hairstylist for 40+ years, so I've never really enjoyed doing my hair. Don't get me wrong, I love to get fancied up, but 3 days in a row is pushing it! So needless to say, Fawnia and Joe saved the day!

Presenting runner up awards.

The end of our farewell walk.

Finals night went well, but so fast! Before I knew it my farewell speech was playing and it was time for me to take my final walk. This was tough. I was overwhelmed with emotions, I still can not believe my year as Miss Nebraska was coming to an end! I only dropped a few tears, it wasn't a complete bawl session, so I was proud of that.

A great boyfriend!

My amazing grandma and mom.

Brad Hughes, the BEST emcee!

Then it was time to give out awards and announce the runner ups and winner! Before I knew it I was crowning Haley Herald, the new Miss Nebraska USA 2011. It couldn't have gone to a more deserving woman. Haley rocked the stage and excuded pure beauty and confidence. She is beautiful inside and out and I'm glad to call her my friend. Her and I competed against eachother at Miss Nebraska USA 2009, my very first pageant. We have been friends ever since. It couldn't have been a better experience than passing the crown to someone who I know truly deserves it.

I'm so excited to now help Haley with her year. She will do fantastic as Miss Nebraska USA 2011. Joining her reign is Madison Novak, a complete doll who will also do a great job.

Crowning moment.

The new Miss Nebraska and I.

Well, I have officially been initiated into the HSBQ club. That stands for "Has Been Beauty Queen." And I can't say I'm sad. I'm ready for a new goal, a new dream and more new experiences. It was has been an amazing year and I'm excited to continue in a different direction. Don't think you're getting rid of me yet, I'll still be blogging about my "Life After the Crown," and I'll still be representing the "Small town girl with big city dreams." Keep a look out and I'll be sure to keep you updated.

Vanbros titleholder picture!

All the best,

Miss Nebraska USA 2010

Belinda Wright

Miss NE Prelims

Today started with Amanda and I filming our farewell video. We went to UNL campus and walked around while doing still life modeling. I must say, we had a good time! We definetly took some fun shots and had a good time! Later we'll do our voice over and the videographer will put together the farewell video and play it finals night at Miss Nebraska USA.

Amanda and I took some photos while shooting our video.

While we were shooting our video, the girls started rehearsal at 7AM at the Rococo theatre. They went over the opening number dance, evening gown walk and swimsuit walk and the schedule of how the evening would go.

Amanda and I arrived at the theatre at 1PM and ate lunch with the girls. This was a good time to encourage the girls and keep them excited about the weekend. After eating we went over the opening number dance and Amanda and I stepped in and did our parts. Luckily we really lucked out this year and didn't have a difficult dance. Although I love dancing, it was nice to be able to only learn one 8 count!

The contestants rehearsing at the theater.

After rehearsing our parts with the girls we watched dress rehearsal and took notes on what how the girls performed on stage. I got a chance to talk one on one with each contestant and give them feed back about what I've learned about stage presence this year. I remember past titleholders doing this and it was a huge help and kept me confident as prelims approached.

Geneice and I at the Preliminary show.

With some of the contestants before the opening number dance.

Next it was dinner time and time to get ready. I was so glad that my hair stylist Fawnia from Rumors Hair Studio in Lincoln was able to come do our hair. And Joe, from Columbus came to do our make up. Although I've got a lot of practice doing both my hair and makeup this year, it was a relief to have them help us get ready for the big show!

At 7PM sharp the preliminary show began with opening number, swimsuit and evening gown competition. The girls did a great job! At the end of the show I handed out the Miss Congeniality, Spirit Award, Miss Photogenic, and mentor award to the Miss Nebraska USA contestants. They did a fantastic job and the night was a complete success!

With a teen contestant before her evening gown competition.

3 Generations!

My girlfriends Alysa and Cassi.

Thanks Joe for doing my makeup!

At the end of the night we had our meet and greet at the theater and I got to go mingle in the crowd and see my grandma and mom who traveled to watch the show. I also got to see some great friends. Then it was back to the hotel where Geneice and I pigged out on some pizza and talked all night! And before I knew it I was getting sleepy eyed and headed back to the hotel room to get one more night's rest as Miss Nebraska USA. Wow has this year flown by! I still can't believe it! I'm excited for the next girl to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Love,

Belinda Wright

MISS NEBRASKA USA

Miss NE Day 1

Well, it's hard to believe but the weekend has crept up on me and it's time to pass the torch. Miss Nebraska USA 2011 started today and marked T-3 days till I will officially be a "former." BUT, on a lighter note, it was great to meet all the contestants competeing for this weekend and we had a great first day!

Amanda and I before registration.

With Amy Spilker, a Miss contestant at orientation.

18 Miss girls and 15 teen girls traveled to downtown Lincoln, NE to the Holiday Inn to compete this weekend for Miss Nebraska USA and Miss Nebraska Teen USA. We started the day with orientation. Then it was off for the fun stuff: pictures! We took a group swimsuit photo then the girls took registration and evening gown pictures that can be found at missnebraskausa.com.

Amanda and I goofing off!

After swimsuit pictures!

After orientation it was back to our room for a little down time to rest and unpack. At 6PM we headed into the ball room for the banquet. We ate a great dinner then had some fun on the dance floor! And you may think this was the end to our night, but no, this weekend is jam packed!

With Brooke Herbig, a Miss contestant.

Dancing with one of the girl's little sisters at the dance.

With some of the girls at the dance.

Some of the beautiful contestants.

Next it was off to rehearsals! Everyone changed into comfy clothes and we started learning the choreography for the opening number dance. Amanda and I only had to learn an 8 count and we were done! So we watched the girls practice then headed back up to our room to relax and get to bed early!

Tomorrow more fun starts! I'll keep you updated!

Yours truly,

Belinda Wright

Miss Nebraska USA

My Farewell

I can’t believe that this year has come and gone so fast, and the time has come for me to bid farewell. It seems it was just yesterday that I was standing on stage in complete awe that I had become the new Miss Nebraska USA. This past year has been such a blessing full of new memories, experiences and people I will treasure forever. Not to mention hours upon hours in the gym, boot camps, appointments, checking the news every night, fake eyelashes, 6-inch heels, rhinestones, traveling across the state, hair products galore and nerves flying through the ceiling. I will forever be grateful for the people who have supported me and had faith in my along the way.

First and foremost I want to thank God for leading and guiding me through this last year.

I could not have asked for a more supportive and loving family than the one I have. I love you all. To my father who was the most light hearted, encouraging and inspiring dad a girl could ask for; thank you for making such a huge positive impact on my life. You were right by my side while I competed at Miss USA and now I have you as my guardian angle forever. This year is dedicated to you and your amazing legacy you have left. I know you’re with our entire family.

Mom, I cannot imagine not having you there every step of the way. This year has brought us closer than ever. You are my backbone and believed in me no matter what. You are my role model and I hope one day I can be the woman you are every day. Thank you for teaching me the morals, responsibility, strength, respect and diversity that I cherish today and was able to put in full force this year.

To my family. I love you all! Thank you all for your tiredness love and support. Maceo, Amber, Angie, Sharrel and Regina it was amazing having you in Vegas. I heard we had the best signs from a number of people! Grandma and grandpa, you guys have came to every extracurricular activity since I was a little girl, having your full support in everything I’ve ever done has made me believe in myself and reach my dreams. I don’t think you guys realized it, but grandma, you doing my hair all the time, letting me put on shows and skits for you and letting me put makeup on grandpa when I was younger was a beauty queen in the making, even if none of us ever imagined that I would one day be Miss Nebraska USA.

To my hometown, Scotia, and all of the small towns across Nebraska. I can’t imagine this year without your outstanding support. I will continue to be the “small town girl with big dreams.” And to the entire state of Nebraska, thank you for your continued support and for letting me represent this great state. And to my supporters across the globe, thank you, you all made me feel like a true super star.

To the Miss Nebraska USA sponsors, I couldn’t have done this year without you all. You are who keep this pageant to the prestige that it has today and I thank you for contributing to the success of my reign. To Kim and the Kimberly Spa staff, thank you for making me apart of your family and giving my skin the glow with your magical touch! I can’t thank you enough; you guys know how to make me feel like true royalty. Daryl, I can’t begin to express my thanks to the positive outlook on life and confidence you taught me. You taught me life lessons I will always remember throughout every experience! Brian, thank you for getting me in the best shape of my life and teaching my how to live the healthiest lifestyle that I plan to do forever.

To Vanbros and Associates, where to start?! John, you were always there to encourage me and help me relax and enjoy the ride. Jason, Jen, Will thank you for making this an amazing year and for letting me become apart of this elite family. Will, you know how to work your magic behind a camera!

Amanda, This past year was created for us two. You will always be my little sister, even 10+ years down the road. I couldn’t imagine spending the year and bonding with anyone else but you. This year has been unforgettable with you right by my side whether it was our awkward appearance riding on the zamboni or whether it was cheering you on at Miss Teen USA, we have memories to last a lifetime.

To the Soltero family, Saul, Sharon and Savannah. Saul, thank you for everything, but especially for unlocking my car, you’re the best! Sharon, thank you for making me confident in interview and guiding me to do my very best at Miss USA, I’ll never forget our Oklahoma road trip! Savannah, you are the sweetest girl, you were always Little Miss Nebraska USA. To the Solteros, thank you for making me apart of your family.

Michael, thank you for being there every step of the way. You’ve always made me feel like Miss USA. I can’t imagine you liked hearing about clothes, make up and all the girlie things I did this year, but you always listened and helped. You’re the best, and I’m lucky to have you in my life.

Sara, thank you for being the true definition of a best friend. You were there 2 years ago as I competed for Miss Nebraska, last year when I won Miss Nebraska, and with your mom in Vegas cheering me on at Miss USA. I can’t express to you how much I cherish our friendship! And to the rest of my friends, thank you for always being there when I needed you the most.

Geneice and Micaela, I am honored to have followed in your legacies and to be able to be apart of this sisterhood. You have made this year unforgettable with your guidance, late night phone calls, and hour long dinners helping preparing me for this journey and teaching me how to be a true titleholder.

To my Miss USA girls, we were apart of the class of 2010 for a reason. So many of you are now my sisters and best friends that I know I’ll have for the rest of my life. This was one place where we all were going after the same goal, lived the similar lives and had so many things in common. You all exceeded my expectations at Miss USA. It is an honor to be Miss USA’s 2010 Miss Congeniality.

To all of the beautiful contestants, I look up to you all for going after your dream. No matter the outcome continue to grow and show how great the women of Nebraska are. Thank you for being here and representing from across the state. You being here is the first step to your dreams and to making a difference. You are all winners no matter the outcome of tonight. And no matter what, don’t stop until you reach your dream.

To my successor. Get ready for the ride of your life. Cherish every moment and leave your legacy. Take in every second and make lots of memories! You have one year, and it goes by in a flash! I’m so excited for you to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.

I told myself after I won that if my sash wasn’t covered in wear and tear from hugs, tears, makeup, travel, and more by the end of the year then I hadn’t done enough. Well, I can honestly say that I’ve done all I can, I’ve gotten more than I could have imagined out of this year. It’s time for me to take the next step, to move on to reach my other dreams. And with my experience as Miss Nebraska I know I am well prepared to make my dreams come true once again.

Check out the contestants and more information at Missnebraskausa.com

Yours Sincerely,

Belinda Wright

MISS NEBRASKA USA 2010