Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

Dear me,

stop worrying & start believing.

xoxo, 

Future me. 

You deserve good things in all things. You are powerful. You are strong. You can achieve your goals. You deserve to dream. 

Keep pushing for yourself and your future self. 

Be the person you needed when you were younger. 

Change the story of your direction.

-Katelyn Andrist

Miss America 2023 Recap - Preliminary Forevers Part 1

The Miss America 2023 competition may be several month ago at this point, but I can't seem to stop thinking about it. Hopefully you feel the same way, and won't mind if I throw things back a little bit. It was such an incredible event that I don't think you can talk about it too much. Since there were a good number of Section 36 Forevers competing, I though it would be fun to look back at those amazing women and the week they had. 

The competition starts with the preliminary nights, giving us the first chance to see the S36 Forevers take the stage. What an experience. Here's how some of the Forevers looked at that moment.

All these pictures were taken by Kelsey of K. Garcia Productions. She always does amazing work, which is probably why she was nominated as a Pageant Planet top headshot photographer AND top event photographer. Congratulations to her!

Now, let's look on stage!

Miss Alabama Lindsay Fincher stuns in her incredible gown.

Lyndsay Fincher gives it her all during the talent portion.

Miss Alaska Jessica Reisinger telling everyone what's on her mind.

Jessica Reisinger looking so elegant!

Miss Arizona Melody Pierce dancing the night away!

Melody Pierce passionately talking about her SII.

Miss Arkansas Ebony Mitchell showing off some dance moves of her own.

Ebony Mitchell showing everyone exactly how amazing that gown can look.

Miss Connecticut Sylvana Gonzalez, in her own words, showing off serenity, strength, and resilience.

Is that Sylvana Gonzalez, or the dancing emoji?

Miss Idaho Sarah Jensen turning more than a few heads.

Sarah Jensen finishing her talent with style.

Miss Maine Madison Leslie absolutely exuding confidence in her gown.

And that's just the beginning of the preliminary round recap. I hope you didn't mind that I shared these pictures with you.

More to come!

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.”

1 Corinthians 13: 4-5 

Let this be a reminder to lead with love and kindness. 

The greatest love one can give to their community is faith, hope, and remaining love. 

Do not wait for others to be loving, giving, compassionate, grateful, forgiving, generous, or more… lead the way. 

You have the power to lead and become the leader people need.

-Katelyn Andrist 

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your  own understanding; In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” - Proverbs 3: 5-6

Stop ruining your mental health over people and situations that you have no control over, it's time to let go. 

The power of letting go allows one to unlock potential. 

Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.

Take back your life with the power you have always had. 

- Katelyn Andrist 

Miss Pride of the Commonwealth Announces BIG NEWS for Kentucky Music Therapists

In spring of 2023, Senate Bill 14 will be considered by Kentucky legislators. If passed, SB 14 would create an official licensure branch for KY music therapists, create jobs in the health industry, and protect music therapy clients by ensuring their music therapist works hand in hand with doctors, health professionals, etc.

Join Miss Pride of the Commonwealth and over 115 music therapists/students who support SB 14 by contacting your senators today! In just two minutes, you can be the change Kentucky needs! Feel free to copy and paste the following message (or create your own personal message) to a Kentucky senator, then use the link below to contact them!

Dear Senator,

I am writing to ask for your support passing SB 14, AN ACT relating to music therapy and making an appropriation therefor.

This bill will improve the lives of Kentucky’s citizens, create jobs in the health industry, and ensure the best care possible for those needing music therapy services. 

Recognizing music therapy as a licensed profession will also protect Kentucky’s citizens and ensure music therapists are working alongside doctors, therapists, and other health professionals in their clients’ lives. 

Kentucky is already the bluegrass state. Let’s work together and put Kentucky on the map for a new form of music: its flourishing music therapy programs!

https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/senate

Check out this link for more information about SB 14! 

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/23rs/sb14.html 

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

Remember this, as human beings, we glow differently when our confidence is fueled by belief in ourselves instead of validation from others. 

Become confident from within. You are becoming confident every day. 

Do not let anyone take that away from you. 

-Katelyn Andrist