To everyone,
WOW! Who
would have guessed one year ago that I would become the 2011 Texas Jr. Teen! Not
me ... Lol! It has been such an honor to represent our great state of Texas
this past year. National American Miss
has touched my life in so many ways, although winning was the highlight of my
pageant weekend, I have gained so much more.
I have had a blast meeting girls across the country, and met my lifelong
sisters, partners in crime, my new BFF's Angelle, Samantha, and Mary-Grace. I
have also conquered my fear of public speaking, grown in leadership by working
side by side with the staff and choreographers, and learned that giving back to
others is the greatest joy of all.
I have
been very busy this year volunteering with many charities, such as Light The Night Walk where I helped raise over $100,000 for the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society, the Project Hero
fundraiser where our community gave back to provide a home for a disabled
veteran, baked and served cupcakes to
eager young faces at the Salvation Army homeless shelter and I continued
sharing my heart weekly with the Shining Stars, a special needs dance team that
has been dear to my heart for the last 4 years.
A couple
of special thank you's: I truly thank God for blessing me with this opportunity
to become a role model to girls across the nation. Steve and Kathleen Mays and
Nam staff, thank you so much for this unforgettable opportunity . I have truly
grown in more ways than I could have ever imagined. To my Mom, Dad and my brother Russell, Thank
you for always being there for me and for supporting me through everything I
do. I don’t say it enough but I really
do appreciate all you sacrifice for me! I love you guys! And finally to my #1
fan, my Pops! Thank you for always believing in me. You are always there at
every pageant and ready to cheer me on! You are the best grandpa any girl could
ask for! I know Nana would be proud of me! I love you Pops!
Ladies ....I would like to leave you with the
top 3 things that I have learned this year that I will never forget .
1. Keep God first . Trust him .
He definitely has a unique plan for your life.
2. Take a risk . Try something
new. Each time you put yourself out
there you grow in self esteem, public speaking and poise.
3. Enjoy being you. There's a quote that says
", Why be a copy when you can have the original ?"
If you’re at the Texas pageant, stop by and say
"Hi". I'll be the girl with
banner and the crown.
Well...
One of them :)
Jer 29:11
& much love,
Sheridan
Donevant
2011
National American Miss Texas Jr. Teen
