The passing of time is something we all know. We pass years to become older. We pass years to graduate or be promoted. For those of us who are lucky enough, we pass years to begin and end reigns.
After lugging my gifts, prizes, and money home, my first appearance as Miss Springfield was a ride to Hanover Avenue on the Miss Springfield float to continue celebrating Springfield Days. Later in June, I attended a luncheon with NOVA, the Network of Volunteer Associates. They celebrated their guests for their dedication to community service, and I was delighted to be introduced among many for my title and achievements. In August, my title got me my very own, although momentary, ride in a luxurious convertible across Amherst Avenue to celebrate Springfield's annual commemoration of the Veterans Bridge. I was lucky enough to come across that bridge greeted by fine music and food and some of Springfield's most active citizens. Throughout the rest of the year, as Miss Springfield, I had the opportunity to model gowns, represent Springfield at a Mardi Gras celebration, and be a part of a fund-raiser at the Springfield Golf and Country Club.
WINNING THE crown came with plentiful gifts, invitations to local events, and a wonderful contribution to my college education. (Thank you, Virginia Senate, for the increase in tuition!) But more importantly, as Miss Springfield, I continued to do the things that earned me my crown. I was involved in the Help the Homeless Marathon in D.C., and I continue to tutor for the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia. At George Mason, I've made the dean's list while in the honors program and while rowing daily for Mason's novice team. Seemingly, while a pageant winner may take up a crown and be defined by its agenda, my crown served as a strong reminder of who I had become to win it. I have lived up to what that crown stands for, and that is the most important piece of the year.
I can't boast that I've made the evening news or was called after by radio stations for interviews. Yet I have a strong feeling that the Miss Springfield pageant wasn't made to propel its candidates into a world where swimsuits determine the worth of its young ladies. The focus of being Miss Springfield is the night of the pageant and the weeks preceding it. Miss Springfield is about a community's celebration of its finest girls who are doing wonderful things academically, socially, athletically, and in their community. These girls are lucky enough to meet each other for an exchange that fosters friendships and builds contacts for days and years to come.
Last Sunday, I was biking on the Mount Vernon Trail when I decided to stop and tour the home of George and Martha Washington. It made me realize how far Americans have come to be a society when so many people are like the elites of yesterday. Today, we can enjoy so many opportunities to do activities that once were the privilege of only a few. Nowadays, a real leader doesn't need a crown or title. A person who embodies the characteristics of excellence does it with everyday speech and action, and by caring for those who need our love, aid and support. When we step up to this challenge, each one of us truly begins our reign.
Thank you, Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Good luck to this year's candidates!
God bless America, and God Bless Us All!