I started the weekend by arriving to Norfolk, NE at the Country Inn Lodge and Suites. All of the girls registered and began the long day by taking headshots and other pictures. Then got ready for the banquet and dance. This was a great way to meet all of the girls competing. After the dance we got right to work and started learning the opening number dance. This was a lot of fun, and brought back memories of dancing in high school. After rehearsing the dance until 11:30PM it was finally time to go to sleep.
Registration picture.
On Saturday, August 24th, we started bright and early at 7:15AM at the Johnny Carson Theater. We had to pack all of our things for the pageant that evening. We rehearsed all day, going over the opening number dance and learning walking patterns for the show. The day flew by and before I knew it, it was time to start getting ready for the preliminary competition that started at 7:00 PM!
Evening gown competition.
With nerves filling the small dressing room where all 17 girls competing in Miss Nebraska USA prepared for the show. That night I was honored to receive the award for Miss Photogenic. This was an award that people helping with the show voted for. After the show we had a meet and great with our friends and family at the hotel, then it was time to hit the hay.
Recieveing Miss Photogenic and Interview Awards.
The final day was here, and I started the day at 9:20AM with five-minute interviews with the five judges. It went really well, but too fast. During finals night, I found out I won the interview portion of the competition! By 11:00AM, it was time to check out of the hotel and rehearse at the theater for the final competition.
Onstage question.
During finals night the top 10 were announced and we went on to compete in swimsuit and evening gown once again. Next the top five were announced and we answered onstage questions immediately. I had moved on to the top five and nervously awaited my questions. With public speaking being a challenge, I felt confidence knowing that I had prepared myself and worked hard to be confident on stage answering questions. The top five contestants answer three onstage questions, an icebreaker, a question from a judge, and one from a contestant. After answering the 3 questions, the final 5 lined up and after narrowing the 5 down, I ended up in the same spot I was last year, me and one other girl standing on stage waiting to hear the winner’s name. And believe it or not, I WON!!
Competing in Miss Nebraska USA has been the best experience to date. I was able to meet and form friendships with the other girls that will last forever. I was able to become more confident and work on my weaknesses and challenge myself. The pageant really helped shape my life and create a stepping-stone for my future aspirations. I truly thank you for your support!
With the job of Miss Nebraska USA, I will be making appearances across the state promoting being confident in yourself and your body image and promoting volunteering. I will also be working on a nonprofit organization to help underprivileged women dress and prepare to enter the work force. I will still be a full time student while maintaining two jobs, working for the UNL newspaper and taking care of a disabled woman, and preparing for Miss USA that will be at the Theatre for the Performing Arts in Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on April 18, 2010 aired on NBC. The winner will represent The United States at Miss Universe 2010.
With Amanda Soltero, Miss Teen Nebraska USA.
Signing contacts the next day!
Yours Truly,
Belinda Wright
Miss Nebraska USA 2010
