Miss Kansas USA 2009

Look at ME again!

2010-05-06T01:18:00.002-05:00

Look at ME! :)

2010-05-05T01:33:00.001-05:00

http://www.inkkc.com/content/ink-paper-april-28-2010

Whats making me laugh today-

2010-04-10T02:17:00.000-05:00

http://myveryworstdate.com/

Still Modeling!

2010-02-02T15:03:00.000-06:00

http://nightlifekc.com/fashion

Check out my latest shoot here in Kansas City!

Ali Kemp Foundation Prom Show

2010-01-19T01:00:00.002-06:00

I had a great time this weekend at the TAKE prom runway show in Overland Park! Out of such a tragic event such as Ali Kemp's murder, her family has found the strength to help young women across the country. I was pleased that I could be a part of this event the raised $50,000 for self-defense funding for women and support to law enforcement.

Tony Bowls Fashion show

2010-01-14T15:09:00.001-06:00

This last weekend I was happy to be a helper and model in the Tony Bowls Fashion Show in Overland Park, KS.
Check out the article:
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1675665.html

My Farewell Speech

2010-01-09T01:21:00.001-06:00

December 21, 2008 turned out to be the biggest evening of my life. What more could a girl ask for for Christmas than a beautiful, sparkling crown and the title of Miss Kansas USA? Winning that title was a dream of mine that I was going to chase down no matter what, but even I didn’t know what an amazing, whirlwind year I was in for. When I won this title I knew I could say this was the right time for me because I felt like I finally knew who I was. I knew what I believed in and I knew that I could be true to myself and show young women that you don’t have to compromise to get ahead or to become Miss USA. I am so grateful for this experience as I now know it has helped to shape me into a better person. My year has been incredible with speaking engagements, appearances, and, of course, my indescribable trip to Miss USA. These moments are forever etched into my mind and cannot be replaced. In a way, I hoped this night would never come because it means that my time as a titleholder is at an end. But I’m going to smile because I did have this chance and I now have the whole world in front of me.

Mom & Dad: There are not enough words to express how grateful I am that you are my parents. You have supported me in every activity I have ever gone after and Miss KS USA is no exception. You are the best support team in the world and everyone would be so lucky to have parents like you. When I won, I am not sure whose reaction was better- my crying, daddy’s crying and showing off his Mizzou tie, or mom’s yelling and videotaping the inside of her purse! Momma, thank you for being with me every step of the way and being such a great help with every little detail. You are beautiful, absolutely hilarious, and no one has a better time together than we do. You are the best jewelry designer, box packer, and plan maker in the world and I wouldn’t have made it to Vegas, or even Lawrence, without you. Daddy, thank you for being such a comfort throughout everything while helping me stay on track with my workouts and diet. I always love our current event phone calls and Jeopardy challenges, and they helped me stay sane in a crazy year. You knew this was my dream and you helped me go after it even though I know it was hard on you. I love you guys (and Mickie dog) so much that there is no better way than just to say it simply, I love you.

Alexis Rewalt: You are the sister I never had! I honestly could not have picked someone as wonderful as you to be my partner in crime. I knew we were going to be friends as soon as we had the exact same reaction upon winning. I have enjoyed spending time with you, your momma, and the feisty Kiki. Thank you so much for your support in Vegas and throughout this year, it means so much to me. I love you girl and you know if there’s ever a time when you need me, I’ll be there in an instant. “Sisters by chance, but friends by choice.”

John: One of the best things about becoming Miss KS is that it brought me you! You are like the uncle I always wanted but also a friend I needed. I am so thankful that I had such a great guy to guide me through this year who believed in me so strongly. I always enjoy our talks no matter what they are about and always look forward to seeing you. If there is ever anything on old Miss KS can help you out with, I hope you know you can call on me. That even includes puppy-sitting! I will always be proud to say that I am a Vanbros girl and forever thankful that I have you cheering for me.

Jason: Thank you for being such a help during my preparations in ways I saw and many ways I didn’t. Your wonderful smile is contagious and always a welcome site especially for an anxious girl in Las Vegas! You are a wonderful friend and I have been lucky to get to know you this past year. Good luck in everything you do, and I finally going to say it- I am so jealous of those killer eyelashes!

Jen: Out of everyone you must have had the craziest year! I am very happy that I was a part of it and got to know you, J.C., and the ladies’ men Jackson & Jensen. Thank you for your female perspective and sharing your inside knowledge on going to a national pageant. Also, thank you for introducing me to Voice&Models and opening up a whole new world that I had only hoped for. A special thanks to J.C. for having such a good eye for picking out girls for the pageant! Wherever your lives take you I know it will be nothing short of amazing!

Janet & the Vanbros Ladies: Thank you for all the hard work you put in to the KS program! Janet, you have made my year so much easier and less stressful. All the ladies backstage, you are invaluable to the success of this pageant and I am thankful to have you behind the scenes.

Sadie Heavner: My biggest little cheerleader! I love you and am so glad I found you in Pi Phi. Thank you for supporting me all these years especially when you were sure I was insane. Jury is still out on that one by the way. Having you and Kyle in Vegas was amazing and, yes, I could hear your voice through all those people. Wherever we go I carry you in my heart.

Stacey Smith, Meagan Winings, Chanley Painter, and Lauren Lunday: You ladies are amazing and I have been constantly impressed by each of your unique and beautiful selves. I have learned something from each one of you and you are now a part of some of my best memories. You will always be my Vanbros girls.

Dr Ross Headley, Jeanie, & Staff: You all answered my prayers and never before have I been so excited to go to the dentist office! Thank you so much of your support of the Miss KS USA program and thank you for giving me so much to smile about!

Brian Atteberry: Thank you so much for giving me the tools to have a hot body at Miss USA! Your program gave me the confidence to wear a very tiny bikini in front of thousands and I recommend you to everyone!

Darryl Woods: Thank you for teaching me so much. You gave me tools and knowledge not just for being a confident titleholder, but a confident person my whole life. Plus, you are undoubtedly the best “sexy walker” ever and that’s where I need the most help!

Will Patterson: Thank you for providing you such excellent photography! You are always so entertaining to me, such a sweet guy, and a joy to work with.

Kitch Fairman: Thank you for taking care of all this horse hair I have! You saved me from some questionable hair coloring and you are very talented at what you do.

Crown Chic: Thank you for providing me with a truly lovely gown that was the sparkly, sexy number I had always hoped for.

Alaskan Fur: I love my fur coat! I have been ready for cold weather since May just to wear my beautiful coat.

All my friends and family who have supported me: Thank you so much for all your kind words and support! Thank you to my friends who came to Vegas, even though you didn’t see me walk away with that crown I know you had a good time! It all has meant so much to me and has warmed my heart to know that I have so many people who believe in me.

To all the ladies who don’t leave here with a crown tonight: It’s hard, I know. I have been in your high heels. I have cried those same tears and tonight is going to be rough. But you have been a part of an incredible experience here, you have stepped outside of your comfort zone, and hopefully you have learned something about yourself. You beautiful ladies chose to go after a dream tonight which took a huge amount of courage. For that, I am tremendously proud of you.

To Miss Kansas USA 2010: Be thankful for what you have been given tonight. Relish this experience and savor every moment. Don’t forget who you are, thankfully there is no cookie cutter for Miss KS USA and you are going to bring a special, individual sparkle to that crown. Having that sash and crown does not give you a voice in which to speak out, we all have that, but it does make yours louder and puts you a step above the crowd. Remember, with great power come great responsibility so always use your power to be the wonderful role model I know you can be.

So after all of that, I am forever and always proud to be Courtney Courter, Miss Kansas USA 2009.

Good luck to the ladies of Arkansas!

2010-01-09T01:18:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to say good luck to all the young ladies competing this weekend for the titles of Miss Arkansas USA & Teen USA! You have very big shoes to fill! Mwah to my beautiful friend Chanley Painter, the lovely Miss AR USA 09. She can work it like none other!

Check me out in the KC Star!

2009-12-25T22:41:00.004-06:00

My uncle Harold saw this in the KC Star and called my family! I am so tickled that Dr. Headley is using me in his ads along with lovely Lindsey & Micaela! I could not ask for better company :-)!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T22:36:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas to all! I hope you are doing well wherever you may be! I am recovering nicely from my big weekend and now that I have entered the land of the "formers"!

A very big Congratulations to the new Miss Kansas USA 2010 Bethany Gerber! She is a stunner and I am so jealous of her long, long legs! I know she will kill at Miss USA and do the Vanbros family proud!

Long day!

2009-12-19T23:39:00.002-06:00

Let me say that being on this side of the crown at the Miss Kansas USA pageant is bizarre! I am having a blast so far, but am definitely sad to see it end. You know, I am not Miss USA but I am lucky enough to be me. I have been so shocked at the amazingly kind words that so many people have had for me! It absolutely warms my heart that so many people, even those I had never met before, looked up to me and admired me for just being ME! I have just never know any different. I did give being Miss Kansas my all, whatever happened this year just happened and obviously there is another plan for me. But to everyone I have spoken to this weekend, thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with me!

The girls here at Miss KS/KS Teen USA are absolutely lovely! We may not have the huge numbers of Texas or Florida but we certainly have some stunners. I have enjoyed working with the ladies so much! Maybe I should coach! I have met some great girls and even if this is not their time to win, I know they can in the future. But all of these ladies are proof that you don't need a crown to sparkle- they do that every single day.
Nerves will be up tomorrow for sure! I think I just stopped talking at all about midday! Tomorrow will for sure be hard on Alexis and myself as we say goodbye to the job we have loved for the last year. I know that it is now time to give someone else the best Christmas present in the state.
I will definitely post my farewell speech soon! Has to be after the pageant and I will have lots of pictures as well!

Miss KS USA 2010 pictures are up!

2009-12-12T18:09:00.001-06:00

http://misskansasusa.com/2010_contestants_miss01.html

Hey check me out!

2009-12-04T23:24:00.002-06:00

Check me out with my appearance with the Kansas Lottery!

http://www.kslottery.com/news/November%202009/BassProShopWinners.asp

My momma's proof that we look alike

2009-12-03T21:09:00.003-06:00

First, me at 23 from KC Magazine.
Second, my mom at 24 in an old-time photo.
haha even the styling is pretty similar! Crazy!

Brrrr!

2009-12-03T20:44:00.002-06:00

Greeting from Kansas where winter has officially arrived!

This week has made me once again realize how happy I am that I have been a part of the Vanbros team with such great directors behind me. If you follow the USA pageants you know that there has been a LOT of drama concerning the North Dakota and Maine pageants Personally I feel very bad for all the young ladies who competed in these two states. Registration fees are very expensive and these young ladies expected to be a part of great pageants that were run fairly. Sadly, I do not think, after reading many, many accounts of both pageants, that this is what these young ladies got. Not to take anything away from the winners as they are lovely, but this would be a very difficult situation to be in and now everyone is doubting the wins. I can't imagine how hard it would be to put your trust in your director after a pageant that was a disaster.

If you want a great read with very strong opinions, check out what my friend Kate Banazak Miss DE 2009 has to say! She is opinionated but also very well-spoken and I admire her for that.

Staying busy!

2009-11-10T23:27:00.004-06:00

I have been staying busy and I hope you have too!

Halloween- Miss USA and Donald Trump! It was really hilarious to me!

Miss Kansas USA appearances!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T01:19:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone has a very Happy Halloween! Remember to be safe and careful during all your celebrating! I love Halloween, mostly because of the false eyelashes haha.
I am pretty excited about my costumes because my friend Chadwick and I are going as Miss USA and Donald Trump! I know I know, thats pretty terrible but we both are wearing truly heinous wigs and will be nearly unrecognizable!

Bonner Springs Video

2009-10-09T00:28:00.002-05:00

Check out this tiny clip of my talk from Bonner Springs High School! Around the 3 minute mark, its me telling you why EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT!

http://www.schooltube.com/video/46183/Tee-Pee-Talk

Thanks Paul for pointing this out to me!

Still Love being Miss KS USA!

2009-10-02T00:27:00.002-05:00

I am still loving being Miss KS USA! This weekend I am going to make an appearance at the American Royal's Tour De BBQ thanks to my friend Chadwick! I was also requested to judge the Miss Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin and am crossing my fingers that I will be able. Next week I will be shooting a catalog for a clothing distributorship and getting fitted for a charity fashion put on by Hemline. The show benefits the American Humane Society, a cause that is very near and dear to my hear! My family dog is lying at my feet as I write this! if you're in the KC area you should definitely check it out Oct 15, and check out Hemline Boutique on the Country Club Plaza! Does that girl in their giant posters and flyers look familiar??? :-)

The Importance of Education

2009-09-01T18:13:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I am going to be a guest speaker at Bonner Springs HS. I am so excited! I love speaking to a crowd, although high schoolers can be the toughest crowd! I have been writing what I'm going to talk about for the last few days and trying to keep in mind how receptive I would've been at that age. I do truly believe that everyone needs a great education! And that is the point I will be hopefully trying to make. I finished my college degree and then one of my dreams came true... Hmmm, maybe its a sign!
I'll let you know how it goes.

Hemline Photoshoot!

2009-08-19T22:35:00.002-05:00

Whoohoo! Yay to Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography here in KC for having the fastest turnaround on pictures I have ever, ever seen! I had a blast working with Jenny, Ruth, Chelsie (the other model who is only 17!) and the lovely ladies from Hemline yesterday. I am thinking that our work turned out pretty well!

http://www.wheatphotography.com/hemline/

Pics!

2009-08-17T00:26:00.002-05:00

Waaaaay back in May I did a shoot with a photographer from Chicago (I think) here in KC. I finally got the pictures! Yay! While they are not the glam stuff of Miss USA, I am surprised how much I like so many of them. You can take a peek and decide for yourself.
Mwah!

http://gallery.me.com/denniswelsh#100087&bgcolor=black&view=grid

Did I mention I went to Greece?

2009-08-01T21:04:00.001-05:00

Pictures now. Story to follow.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2388965&id=15901814&l=c6fb46bd19

Mwah!

Hi there!

2009-06-07T22:00:00.001-05:00

Good Luck Alex!

2009-06-06T22:06:00.001-05:00

I want to wish my friend Alex Miller good luck tonight at Miss Kansas America! I'm glued to my computer hoping to find out how she is doing!
Good luck to all the girls in Missouri competing at the MO Military Academy as well!

Miss KS in the big city

2009-05-20T21:23:00.002-05:00

Today was a little adventure for me, as I flew out to Chicago! I came to meet with ELITE Model Management here as I had met with one of their agents in KC this last fall. All in all it went well and I have two photo shoots in my short visit here. Going into the booking room at Elite to meet MY booking agent was very surreal. You see this sort of thing on tv and in movies and it was real for me. Let me tell you it was a dream come true even if I do have to go back on the diet! Plus, I did have some time to see Navy Pier and Michigan Ave. I am having a great time but it is so weird to be here by myself!
I'll try not to let all this fame get to my head. Joke.

Thank you thank you thank you to Andy for being such a help this morning. You know how some stuff stresses me out (aka the airport) and you totally prevented it. I'm thankful.

No Way! I got props on my dress and didn't even know!!

2009-05-16T15:38:00.003-05:00

Check out the whole article from Project Runway's Nick Verreos

http://nickverrreos.blogspot.com/2009/04/nick-verreos-goes-through-miss-usa.html

"There are some gowns in this years Miss USA 2009 which I did like---mainly because they didn't have any crotch-high slits and had a resemblance to maybe something we might see on an actual red carpet or on the runways of New York and Paris. I was surprised by Miss Kansas' choice of a white gown with a beaded halter neck detail. She was COVERED!!! Hurray! But maybe the judges won't like this. I think she looks very elegant and almost Grace Kelly-like."

My two cents on Miss CA USA

2009-05-13T23:22:00.002-05:00

Today one of the directors for Miss CA USA, Shanna Moakler, resigned. She felt that she no longer could be associated with the great Carrie Prejean debacle. Frankly, this sucks. Shanna is a very sweet person and knows what is takes to make a winner as a former Miss USA herself. I applaud Shanna for her efforts in the NO H8TE Campaign, as well as the "I Believe" PSA, and am so proud to say that I know her. I agree that love is love simple as that.

What people need to know that while Miss CA's answer at Miss USA did stir up alot of controversy that is not what caused Shanna Moakler to step down or for the directors to consider taking away Carrie's crown. All Americans are entitled to their own opinions and we do not have to agree with one another. But Carrie Prejean violated her Miss CA USA contract in so many ways it is simply ridiculous. Trust me, I had to sign the exact same contract, as well as 49 other young ladies. She made unnapproved appearances without the consent of the CA Org or Miss USA. She also made herself completely unreachable to her directors, the very people that prepaired and sent her to Miss USA and paid for her surgical enhancement, and instead using a publicist from NOM forcing them to cancel all remaining Miss CA appearances. She also failed to disclose that there were topless pictures of her out there when she won Miss CA, and then continue to lie to the entire world (or those who cared) about their existance and proved herself to be unreliable and quite hypocritical.

Carrie Prejean is continually finding a way to put herself in the spotlight and we find ourselves seeing her and ignoring the true winner of Miss USA- Kristin Dalton. Personally, I would not have been so forgiving to the current Miss CA as her directors or the Miss USA Org (I would've yanked that crown). I also feel that if Miss Prejean was the upstanding moral person that she claims to be, she would realize that she is letting down thousands of people who supported her as Miss CA USA and she would STEP DOWN. But as is she is proving to be a media whore and disapointment to so many.
You can have your beliefs but you have to honor your contracts. Simple as that.

As for Shanna Moakler- It truly makes me sad that this has been so hard on her, as well as Keith Lewis the other director of Miss CA USA. Neither one of them deserves this, and I am betting there are thousands of young women out there that wish they could've had such great people behind them going for the title of Miss USA. I love my directors and all the people who helped send me to Miss USA, and I never could imagine treating them in such a disrepectful manner or letting them down.

There you have it, my two cents.

One more thing-

2009-05-07T23:32:00.000-05:00

Hmmm

2009-05-07T23:22:00.004-05:00

Well, I have been thinking for quite some time about what to say about Miss USA... Still not ready. So I have pictures instead!

Miss USA- No, Seriously I was at Miss USA
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2361721&id=15901814&l=f61e50a453

Miss USA Take II
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2361730&id=15901814&l=7ff74ed737

Miss USA Take III
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2361747&id=15901814&l=9484aa6995

Well, its over.

2009-04-23T21:12:00.002-05:00

I'm finally back in Kansas! I can't say I'm not disappointed/a little surprised. But life goes on and now I officially have no reason not to go to CA! I will write more about all my experiences and have pictures but just not today :)

Greetings from New Mexico!

2009-04-03T10:59:00.002-05:00

Currently I am sitting in the Albuquerque, NM airport. All flights going to Las Vegas are delayed about an hour due to high winds in Vegas. Great as if flying doesn't freak me out enough!
My day started out way too early- getting ready, finishing packing, and getting to the airport was a long process. But my parents and my doggie were there to help and send me off! I am cracking up because I am currently carrying my evening gown and people keep stopping to ask if I am getting married! No way. But I have gotten to share that I am Miss KS USA with quite a few people.

I am almost there! Miss USA I'm on my way.

The Wichita Eagle

2009-04-01T00:06:00.000-05:00

http://www.kansas.com/living/bing/story/752808.html

The Vanbros girls

2009-03-31T16:05:00.000-05:00

The Last Bootcamp

2009-03-29T22:09:00.003-05:00

This weekend was my last bootcamp with Vanbros because I leave for Vegas on FRIDAY! Wow. That is absolutely insane! I cannot figure out where the last three months went at all. By this time next week I will be settled in Planet Hollywood. Ohmygosh Ohmygosh Ohmygosh. If you can't tell, I am just a tiny bit excited!

Tommorrow I am headed out to Topeka, KS to appear on WIBW Tv at 4pm! I am pretty pumped for this as well! This is the first live interview I will have given as Miss KS USA and I am very happy to have this opportunity. No fear. Its only tv! :-)

I am thankful this weekend that were able to go over any remaining questions that I had about Miss USA with Darryl Woods of Fearlessly ME and Jason & John Vannatta. These guys know what they are talking about and I am so glad that I have been a part of their program!

I am EXHAUSTED and am ready to crawl into my cozy bed! I am guessing I will dream something about Miss USA!

And Congrats to the KU Jayhawks on a great basketball season! But a big CONGRATS to my Mizzou Tigers on an amazing season that was beyond anyone's expectations!

:-)

2009-03-26T17:17:00.003-05:00

Thankfully my two large boxes are shipped to Las Vegas and no longer a point of stress for me!

A special thanks to my wonderful friend ANDY for being brutally honest of what he thought of all my stuff (even the duck dress), and making sure I didn't look like a 16 year old but still as preppy as possible. I am so glad that you spent a part of your spring break kicking it with me, I had a great time and it really helped me get rid of my stress about leaving for Vegas. Mwah!
But unfortunately Andy goes to KU and has predicted a loss for the MIZZOU Tigers tonight. Boo on you my friend.

So, if you cannot guess my night will be consumed by college basketball and the gym tonight!

My Apartment Has Exploded!

2009-03-25T00:52:00.004-05:00

Yes, Its true my little apartment in Olathe has exploded. Ok, not really but there is stuff EVERYWHERE! My mom and I have been trying to finalize this very large wardrobe I am taking to Vegas including way too many shoes and pieces of jewelry. To have my wardrobe boxes reach Vegas before I do I have to get them shipped by Friday and that sort of snuck up on me! But I am so glad I have my wonderful mom and faithful dog here to help me. My mom says she's really sorry for upping my stress level hehe, but she worries about and thinks of things that would never have crossed my mind. Plus we just happened to get her some FAB things for Vegas too!
Mickie, the doggie, is convinced we are trying to hem her in with boxes and clothes racks! But I am very pleased with my wardrobe and am pretty sure I now can face any activity the may throw at us for Miss USA! And I'll be happy NOT shopping for a very long time to come.

Thanks Momma!

The Olathe News

2009-03-23T01:04:00.001-05:00

http://www.theolathenews.com/home/story/376862.html

Wow! Frontpage of The Olathe News

2009-03-22T00:32:00.004-05:00

Today (Saturday) I was on the front page of The Olathe News!
I almost forgot to go out and get a paper! But don't worry- I got TWO! Just as soon as the post the the Saturday paper online I will put the story up. It is just not online yet, or I just can't find it. I am happy with the story and the pictures. Even though they are in my evening gown- you can't really tell what it looks like. Fyi- its amazing :-)

I just had a very long workout and am ready to call it a night. My momma is coming up tomorrow so I'd better be well rested!
And a shout out to my friend Cheri B! I am really happy you read my blog!

I love College Basketball!!

2009-03-20T14:38:00.002-05:00

Oh I love March Madness! I am a huge college basketball fan so one of favorite parts of the year started yesterday with the NCAA Tournament! I am definitely having a low-key day today and watching my Alma Mater- MIZZOU take on Cornell. Go Tigers!
Also on the agenda for today is putting together my wardrobe boxes to ship my whole life to Miss USA! I am not sure how I feel about this just yet. But at least I do not have to lug 18 suitcases through multiple airports.
Basketball is calling my name- got to run!

Less than 3 Weeks!

2009-03-16T17:42:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe I leave for Miss USA in less than three weeks! I am so excited I can hardly concentrate! Or sleep. Or think about anything else.
This week is filled with a few appointments for Miss USA and a few just for me. I do have my final dress fitting and I could not be happier. I love my dress and I hope you love it too. I am also concentrating on getting my wardrobe together. Three weeks and roughly three outfits a day equals a whole lot of luggage! So today I have had the tough chore of doing a little shopping... Sigh... Its really rough! hahaha. Plus it is the most beautiful day here is Olathe, KS so I am a pretty happy camper. I am actually getting ready to head back out.
Last week I had a phone interview with the Wichita Eagle newspaper and this week I have an interview with the Olathe News. I am more than happy to do these interviews and I can't wait to see them! The Wichita article should be out either the 23rd or the 30th so keep your eyes peeled.

Thanks to all my friends that are putting up with me endlessly talking about Miss KS and Miss USA. I appreciate you all so much- you have NO idea! And I am surprised how many people have mentioned they really read my blog. I love it!
Have a great evening & don't forget your green tomorrow!

FAQ

2009-03-13T17:45:00.002-05:00

I thought I'd address some of the questions I find myself answering most frequently about being Miss KS USA & going to Miss USA.

When do you leave for Miss USA?
I leave for Miss USA on April 3rd! Its so close!
Is there a talent portion/Whats your talent?
Nope, there is no talent competition in Miss USA. Miss America has the talent contest.
What do you do all the time you are in Las Vegas?
During our time in Vegas we make many appearances throughout the city, we go to TONS of rehearsals both for prelims & television. I've heard we are going to be bust, busy girls!
What are the phases of competition for Miss USA?
All 51 girls compete in preliminary swimsuit, evening gown, and panel interview. The judges then select their top NINE girls, and from the remaining girls the Miss USA Org. chooses SIX more to round out the top 15. The top 15 are announced live on stage of the final night and go on to compete in swimsuit. The top 10 are announced and go on to compete in evening gown. Next, the top 5 are announced and compete in on stage question. Then, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st runner-up, and Miss USA!
What is the best advice you've gotten in this process?
Don't try to be anyone else, only be the best version of yourself.
What is your piece of advice to girls who want to win a state pageant?
Know who YOU are and what YOU believe in. Be confident in yourself and don't say the things you think a titleholder should say, say the things you say. State titleholders are not a cookie cutter, they come in a wide variety and thats the way it should be!

Dinner with Alexis!

2009-03-10T23:03:00.003-05:00

Tonight I was really happy to have dinner with my friend Miss KS Teen USA, Alexis Rewalt! Let me tell you that she is so cute and is going to rock when she gets to Miss Teen USA. Time flew by and we sat and talked for over two hours about everything we could think of! Alexis and I think it is really funny that for the entire state of Kansas, Miss KS and Miss KS Teen live about 5 blocks from each other. Weird the way the things work. I am also really happy that Alexis and her family are going to Miss USA to cheer for me this April! Her grandmother is just the neatest little lady ever :-).
Its REALLY COLD and REALLY WINDY here is KS, so I hope its better wherever you are!

Ohhhh Thursday

2009-03-05T21:03:00.005-06:00

Today I was honored to be a Celebrity Reader at Leawood Elementary School. I had a great time reading to four third grade classes in their beautiful school. I also tried to answer as many questions as I could for the children, and there were lots! I was very glad to read with the children because they still think I'm cool! Haha, friends my age know better! I am still waiting for the pictures from today to reach me and I will put them up asap.

Earlier this week I met with my personal trainer, Brian Atteberry, in Oklahoma to make sure everything is on track with my workouts etc. Brian is really cool and really knows his stuff. In his office he has a very impressive wall of fame of all the pageants girls he has trained and many professional body builders as well, including a 6 time Mr. Olympia that is the scariest man I've ever seen!

This weekend I have another Miss USA Prep Bootcamp with Vanbros & Assoc. and I am very excited! I'm not sure what we'll be doing but I'm sure it will be interesting!

Oh my!

2009-03-04T22:36:00.004-06:00

Tonight I was checking the Miss USA website for ticket information and found that the delegate pictures are UP!!! Let me tell you that seeing the link and the faces of 50 other beautiful ladies made my stomach flutter! I'll be totally honest in saying that my picture was picked out for me and at first I did not know what to think about it, but the more I look at it the more I am liking it. Plus its taped to my refrigerator :-). I've been told this is sort of a sexy picture and that makes me laugh because I think it is really hard for me to be sexy!

Check out all the ladies at
http://www.missusa.com/2009/index.htm

I am very excited for tomorrow as I am going to be a "celebrity" reader at Leawood Elementary School. I have always loved to read and am excited to share this with young minds. Reading is the foundation of all education and I feel that is incredibly important to young people to make sure their reading skills are great. It doesn't hurt that I get to wear my beautiful crown and sash! I'll remember to take my camera.

Btw- Way to Go Mizzou!

Finally Friday

2009-02-27T01:10:00.002-06:00

Yes, I am up pretty late tonight! My momma will cringe when she sees the time. :-)
But I just finished a long workout and lost track of time! I am really trying to step up my cardio workout and tighten up my diet, and whew it is going to be tough! I really want to cut body fat and really I only have month to do it! Now how scary is that? I leave for Las Vegas in a little over a month! OMG!
Have a great Friday and I don't know about where you are but it is COLD here is KS!
Mwah!
Court

Not my pictures for Miss USA- Just ones I liked

2009-02-23T00:19:00.003-06:00

Busy Weekend!

2009-02-22T22:46:00.002-06:00

Well this weekend I was busy preparing my mind and body for Miss USA! It was my first Miss USA Prep Bootcamp with Vanbros & Assoc. and I had a WONDERFUL time! Not only did I learn a lot but I had fun with Misses AR, OK, MO, & NE USA. It is comforting that we are all going to Miss USA together and know each other previously.
Almost all of this weekend was spent with Daryll Woods of Fearlessly ME. Daryll is a lifecoach from Nashville, TN. Now, I know what you are thinking- Life coach, really? Trust me I had the same thought going into it, but it was a great experience and I highly reccomend him. He spoke in confidence in ourselves, overcoming negative thinking, and living purposefully and deliberatley. He also taught us the "sexy walk" that is critical for Miss USA! Daryll was great in teaching us movement while showing attitude and confidence. Trust me I can use all the movenment help I can get! But it was very much fun. Today, was spent in mock interviews, and boy, did that time fly by! Interviews at Miss USA are very short, so there is no time to ramble. But I enjoy interviewing, so this is not the part of the competition that stresses me out.
Each night the girls and I took long trips to the gym and then out to healthy, healthy (or at least we tried) dinners. I played the chaffuer as I was the only girl who didn't have to fly into town. Gosh, that 20 minute drive from my house to the Vanbros office is really stressful! :-) But it did make me I realize how lucky I am to be so close to my directors and so many of the sponsors. Being Miss KS USA has its perks!
We also were able to see how offical headshots that are being sent to Miss USA! All the girls' pictures were so glamorous and beautiful. I just hope my picture is well recieved because I just cannot decide what I think of it just yet. You know how girls are about pictures!
Well, I hope this next week goes as well as the weekend!

Hope you had a great weekend

2009-02-16T11:06:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I sure did! I was tickled to spend Valentine's Day with a good friend of mine who actually came to my house and cooked a wonderful dinner and dessert for us. Let me say that I was very impressed with his culinary skills!
Today I was supposed to be doing a test shoot for a photographer in Kansas City but unfortunately wires got crossed and the shoot did not take place. Oh well, at least I was up and going nice and early this morning.
Last week I was surprised to receive a Fed-Ex package from the Miss Universe Org! It was the first set of information regarding my trip to Miss USA and it made me even more excited. I still cannot believe that I have the opportunity to compete at Miss USA on NBC. I am so blessed and truly living a dream! I am grateful because I know there are so many young women that work and dream and are never able to hold a state title. I know I was chosen for a reason and I couldn't be more pleased.
Also, in the package were our roommate assignments for Miss USA.... Miss Kansas and.... drumroll... Miss Indiana USA Courtni Hall! Hmmm, do you think they put us together because we are the two Courtneys? :-) I haven't yet met her but I am very excited to!
Have a great Monday!

Fyi- Tickets for Miss USA are rumored to go on sale about a month before the pageant! Be sure to check missusa.com.

No Greater Love Day!

2009-02-13T22:29:00.009-06:00

Greetings from a cold and wet Kansas!

Today I was honored to be a part of the Veterans recognitions at the Kansas City Veteran's Administration Hospital! Thank you so much to my new friend, Freddie Gray, for inviting me and helping me spread some cheer. Although hospitals are very daunting to me I made it through this day with ease and met so many friendly faces! I cannot express my gratitude to all of our American Veterans for all that they have done for our country! You are truly heroes in every since of the word, and I am glad that I was able to do anything I could to lift your spirits!

I also met anchorman John Holt from Kansas City's Fox4 News. His only complaint for me was that after the veterans had met me they had no interest in meeting a boring old news man! :-) Surely that cannot be true, I don't believe it!

After a long day I am happy to curl up with a good book, and I have to ice down my still chubby cheeks!
Be happy- its almost Valentine's Day!

Big Monday!

2009-02-09T23:05:00.002-06:00

Well today was a great today for one of my passions- College Basketball! It was Big Monday in ESPN's Rivalry Week. I am very happy to report that my alma matter, the University of MO, came away with a 62 to 60 win over KU! College basketball makes me pretty happy :-).

I am very ready to get going again after all my down time for the last few days. My teeth surgery is healing nicely and I should stop looking like Jay Leno any day now!

I am excited to announce that I will be appearing at the "No Greater Love Day" at the Kansas City VA Medical Center this Friday February 13th. This is a very big week for Veterans' Recognition and I am grateful that I can play a part!

Rough day!

2009-02-06T19:41:00.003-06:00

Well, this morning I had to do something I have been dreading for years. I had to get my four wisdom teeth out! I decided I had to do it before I ventured out to Miss USA so I wasn't in pain when I got there. I'm am doing pretty well and my wonderful momma is here is take care of me. She also brought my favorite snuggling buddy, the family dog, who is pretty happy to join me on my bed!
Earlier this week I also got my teeth sparkling and white to have that movie star smile in Vegas! I am very grateful to Dr. Ross Headley and his wonderful staff for their great treatment. Messing with dental stuff is my least favorite thing and I am glad to be done with it!
As you can imagine I am ready to end what I have affectionately titled "The Week of the Teeth"!

Have a great weekend!
Did you know when hospital patients are visited by gentle dogs their blood pressure immediately goes down? So hug up your doggie, its good for your health!

:-)

2009-02-04T00:04:00.000-06:00

"What? I'm going to Miss USA?!"

Sunday Fun day!

2009-02-02T23:54:00.002-06:00

My Sunday was spent at the Vanbros Offices, directors for KS, MO, AR, NE, & OK, for a photoshoot with Will Patterson. Cross your fingers for some really great pictures coming out in a few weeks! Will was very easy to shoot for and make it a nonstressful event. It was an opportunity for us to be ourselves and get comfortable in front of the camera. Thanks also for the hair & makeup services provided- it always makes me feel glamorous!
I also have been preparing my personal information that will soon grace the Miss KS USA website, along with more pictures! I am going to have to call on my Mom to help about this one because I find it really hard to write a profile on myself! Also, all my paperwork info for Miss USA is complete and on its way. The questions they asked really have caused me to reflect on my life and I actually am very grateful. But don't worry I didn't answer any question with "World Peace"!
Today my day was rounded out with errands. Yes, even Miss KS has to go to the grocery store! lol Teasing of course. It is one of my absolute favorite things to do. Next time you go be sure to stock up on fruits and vegetables!

Something to try- Cut out carbohydrates after 6pm. According to my trainer, Brian Atteberry, your body does not require carbs in the evening to refuel. Save the carbs for early in the day and lunchtime when you still require the energy for the rest of the day. Whole Wheat English muffin for breakfast anyone?

Dress Day- Take two

2009-01-31T19:43:00.004-06:00

Today I returned to Crown Chic to try on just a few more gowns so I could be 100% sure I made the right choice. And it was a good thing I did! I tried on a variety of styles, colors, and designers seeing what was just right for me. I found a gown that I am sure was waiting just for me! I love it and I know its the dress for me to take to Miss USA! Description? Nope, not yet! I will say it is going to be amazing under the Vegas spotlights! Most importantly, I feel great in it and I hope that shines through.
So, thank you again to A. Renee Designs & Crown Chic and my great director for putting up with me and helping me find THE dress.
Thanks to Kitch Fairman at Salon Kitch for giving me a much needed haircut today as well. Kitch is a wealth of knowledge and a talented stylist! I am so happy to have such a great sponser during my year as Kiss KS USA! I also was able to spend a little time with the lovely Miss OK USA, Lauren, and her mother at the salon as well.
Tomorrow I have a photoshoot with Will Patterson and Misses OK, NE, MO, & AR USA! It will be a chance for us to really have a glamourous photoshoot and get to know each other in preparation for Miss USA. I am really looking forward to it (even if I have to miss the Super Bowl).

Have a great weekend! And be sure to check out Amber Seyer, Miss MO 2007, in a Powerade Commercial during the Super Bowl! Congrats Amber!

Dress Day!

2009-01-30T18:00:00.002-06:00

So yesterday was a day I was really looking forward to! It was.... drumroll please- Dress Day!

I was able to go to Crown Chic with my wonderful director and try on my dress for Miss USA! I am dying to tell what it looks like but that is a secret I'm going to keep for a little longer :-). The dress is lovely and the best part is it lends itself towards VERY large earrings! What can I say, I am a sucker for sparkles on the dress or on the ears. I stood in front of the mirror for a very long time envisioning myself in that dress on the Miss USA stage, and it wasn't as hard to imagine as I thought it would be.
It was really a good time spent with the lovely ladies of Crown Chic/A. Renee Designs and I appreciate their support of the Miss Kansas USA pageant!
Just to round out the day I did a little fit modeling for a company in Tonganoxie, KS. Let me tell you that it was suprisingly hard work!
Have a great Friday night!

Remember- it is not about the dress- it is about the girl in the dress.

Lets Workout!

2009-01-28T17:46:00.002-06:00

Whew!
Thanks to Brian Atteberry of Results in Edmond, OK for putting me on a great workout program! I am like so many people that find it hard to get motivated enough to leave the house to workout, but after I am done I feel great! Currently, I am trying to cut my body fat percentage down and work towards lean, defined muscles. Muscles that will look great in a swimsuit!
Part of changing my body also includes changing my diet. I am eating a high protein, high fiber, low low fat diet and its a struggle. No one loves junk food and Mtn Dew more than me! But I am sticking to it and also drinking Whey Protein. Yuck. I really have already noticed a difference in they way I feel on my new diet. And no mom, that change would not be more grumpy! :-)

Something for you to try- Don't do the same workout everytime! Its gets dull and over time your body becomes more used to it which actually lessens the workouts effectiveness! So shake things up!

Hey there!

2009-01-28T01:47:00.001-06:00

I became Miss KS USA on Dec. 21st and my life has changed a lot since then!
Winning a state title and taking that trip to Miss USA has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Pageants can be wonderful but they can be disappointing for the ladies who do not end up with the crown. That is something I understand, but in December my hardwork paid off! I am so thankful that I have been blessed with this amazing opportunity. And if you have seen any pictures from the pageant you can tell that I was beyond happy to be the last lady standing!

Preparations for Miss USA are well under way and I couldn't be more excited. This year Miss USA will be held at the Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, and broadcast on NBC April 19th. The contestants will be spending three weeks in Las Vegas- boy, that is going to require a ton of luggage!

That's all for now- got to get that beauty sleep! ;-)
Court aka Miss KS USA!

Something for you to try- Vaseline under your eyes at night. Its gross but its a miracle worker!