Miss UNC-Pembroke

What an amazing opportunity I had yesterday to meet Miss USA 2009, North Carolina's very own, Kristen Dalton!!! Mrs. Tonya called at 7:30am and told me the good news about being invited to Kristen's homecoming by Ms. Michelle. I was super excited and half asleep At around 1:30pm I called Mrs. Tonya back and told her I would be able to go...and boy what a time we had! After running the roads of 74 and downtown Wilmington we finally reached our destination of the Riverfront Park, where Kristen would make her entrance. As soon as Kristen stepped on the stage the community showed their full support. I must say Kristen is very well deserving of the title of Miss USA. She is an amazing speaker, who reaches out to her community, and does not forget to remember the people who have supported her. After listening to music and watching dancers, I had the pleasure of taking a few pictures with Kristen, but most importantly chatting about competing at Miss NC in a few weeks. My favorite thing Kristen said was "your competing at Miss NC in a few weeks..YAY!!!!" We talked about how excited and ready I was. The way she took her time to talk to me and take pictures really meant the world to a 20 year old young woman. This is what a queen should be; ready to take pictures with an open heart and swap stories whether the person is an hour from your home town or thousands of miles away. I want to give a special thank you to Kristen for taking your time to visit Wilmington, take pictures with all of your fans, and most importantly show your excitement for me as I mentally and physically prepare for Miss NC. Haley Ivey, Tonya Ivey, Michelle Fisher, and I had the best time, and as Haley said in the car on the way home "I know this is off topic but I just wanted to say I had the best time today and meeting Miss USA was a dream come true."

"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.” - Leon Joseph

Each event of my life is another step towards my goal of Miss NC. I am ready to pay the price for making it come true...Until next time

With Wilmington winds and beautiful sunsets,

Katy Locklear

Miss UNCP