Parting Thoughts from Miss Missouri USA 2011

            Tonight marks the end of an incredible chapter in my life and the beginning of the next. I cannot call this a farewell speech, because I know that you will remain an important part of my life. The whirlwind of winning the title of Miss Missouri USA came as a complete surprise and changed me forever. I have been blessed with opportunities that have allowed me to figure out who I am and what I want to do with the future. The past year has truly been the best time of my life and I owe it all to those who helped me along the way.

            Not only did I get to do some extremely exciting events like go on a New York City Media Tour and participate at Miss USA in Las Vegas; I also got to travel all around the great state of Missouri and visit wonderful organizations. Throughout my reign, I have been fortunate to meet incredible people while attending significant events, such as the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association, numerous elementary, middle, and high schools, Rotary Clubs, Veterans Affairs Hospitals, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Mizzou’s Children’s Hospital, day care centers, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The United Way organizations—just to name a few. Visiting schools and hospitals in addition to attending charity events and appearances have been the most humbling and rewarding experiences in my life.

            When I visited Joplin shortly after the tragic tornado disaster, I realized the very personal reasons of why the title of Miss Missouri USA meant so much to me. The first time I visited Joplin was with Farouk Shami, a national pageant sponsor, and I was able to be a part of his tremendous giving spirit to the people of Joplin. Being able to help those in need was what the Miss Missouri USA title was all about. I feel like I have been able to connect with people throughout my reign and that has meant the world to me. Wearing a sparkly crown and sash put me in the position to help on a larger scale than I had been able to do before. I am so grateful for the opportunity.

Throughout my wonderful journey, I had love and support from my family, friends, supporters, and Missourians that I will cherish and appreciate for a lifetime:

Mom and Dad: There are not enough words to describe my appreciation of your love and support throughout this year. Not only did you believe in me, you also made sure to be there for me every single step of the way. You let me grow and experience things for myself, but you were always there in case I needed advice or a helping hand. You both have been my inspiration, my managers, my biggest fans, my motivation, and my very best friends. You have always led me by example and I couldn’t have done this without you. I hope to always make you proud.

Aaron: I am so lucky to have a big brother like you. Not only are you one of my best friends, you are also someone I can always count on. Thanks for letting me hog Mom and Dad this year and for always supporting me no matter what. I love you.

To my amazing directors, John, Jason, and Jen: I don’t think anyone will understand how lucky I was to have you as directors. You have been my support team throughout my reign and also my second family. Not only did you go out of your way to help and prepare me, you also always made me feel confident and believed in me. Your motivation and support meant the world to me and there are not enough words to express my gratitude for giving me the best year of my life. I have appreciated every single moment with you and feel blessed to have had you in my life. I love you with all of my heart.

Ashley Litton and Danielle Bounds: Ashley, I don’t think you will ever truly understand how much you have meant to me throughout this year. Not only did you design two of my dream gowns—you were the very first person to truly believe in me and encourage me. The support and inspiration I received from you both guided me to a wonderful experience at nationals. I am proud to call you not only my sponsors, but also my friends.

Will Patterson, Janet, and Sherri: Will, Thank you for all of your beautiful photographs. You are so wonderful to work with and are incredibly talented. Janet and Sherri, thank you for always keeping me in line! I wouldn’t have been able to attend so many events without all of your help and organization. You are such an important part of this process and I really appreciated your help.

All of my sponsors: Brent Peterson, my friend, you are truly talented when it comes to hair and I know I will be seeing you in the future! Don Tiemeier, I cannot believe I am getting my very own oil painting—I will cherish it for a lifetime. Alaskan Fur, I will appreciate the beautiful fur coat for many years to come. Tae Dobee, I still cannot believe how you made my national gown fit like glove! Your work with gown alterations is absolute magic.

Jeff: You were there for me every step of the way to make sure my wardrobe fit perfectly. Not only did I value your fabulous alterations, but also your opinions. Thank you.

Friends: Thank you for being there for me throughout this year. I am proud to say that Missouri had one of the largest cheering sections at Miss USA J You gave me the confidence and security to do my very best at state and nationals and I will never forget your love and support. I truly appreciate each and every single one of you.

2011 Miss USA Contestants: Not only did we experience some amazing events together, I made friendships I will cherish the rest of my life. These incredible women and I share a bond that is unlike any other—we are the 2011 Class of Miss USA. To a special two that are sitting in the audience, Julianna and Kaitlyn, I cannot imagine my life without having met you. You are true inspirations to me.

Sydnee: My sister, my mini-me, my talented friend… What an amazing year it has been. Believe it or not, you helped me more than anyone. I am the luckiest queen in the world to have been able to share this year with you. I cannot wait to see what incredible things the future has in store for you.

Successor: Get ready for the best and fastest year of your entire life. From the moment I place the crown on top of your head, be sure to take in every single second of this amazing adventure. Wake up every day knowing how blessed you are and take advantage of every opportunity. Good luck, for your journey is just beginning.

It is so surreal that this year has come to an end. I am proud to say that I made Top 16 at Miss USA and even more proud that the public viewers ranked me fourth after the swimsuit competition! I am now moving on to the next chapter of my life and I know that I would not be who I am today without having experienced the Miss Missouri USA crown. The people I have met, the knowledge I have gained, and the experiences I have taken part in mean the absolute world to me and have changed my life. I am truly blessed.

Forever and always,

Your Miss Missouri USA 2011,

Hope Driskill