Sarah McCary, Miss Rattan High School 2010 and aspiring author.
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I got into my school's scholarship pageant merely because I wanted to do something different and fun. And because I wanted to spend some quality time with my best friend Kenny. We practiced hard and stayed late nights for nearly two months, through all the sweat and the tears. Let me tell you, those eight weeks went by so fast and before I knew it, I was standing on stage performing the opening number with all of the girls...and all of my new friends. I didn't really feel nervous, surprisingly. I just went with the flow and had so much fun.
Next was talent performance. I sang my heart out up there on the stage, the spotlight blinding me. I felt the words I sang, and felt the music rushing through my veins. I was an incredible feeling.
When evening wear finally arrived, I walked up onto the steps and stood with my head held high, my heart beat speeding up gradually. My escort helped me down the stairs and onto the runway, waiting patiently for my return. Then, we left the stage and I waited with all of the other girls for the judges to process the numbers and decide who would be rewarded what. After the wait, we walked back to the stage, all of our gowns sparkling and elegant. We stood...and we waited...
The first reward was Miss Congeniality. Shannon stepped forward to receive her prize. Then, the talent award. My name and number was called. I stepped forward, taken aback by my reward. I had not expected to win anything. Next, the crowd pleaser award. My name was called again. Then came highest scoring senior award. Marlana walked forward. Interview award, my name was called once again. After all of the minor awards were given out, the announcer spoke; "And now, ladies and gentleman, the moment we've all been waiting for. You're 2010 Miss Rattan High School Pageant winner is..." We all held our breath. Time slowed for a moment. "Contestant Number 9, Sarah McCary!"
My hand shot to my mouth and tears welled in my eyes. My heart was pounding, my throat was burning. I...had won? Out of then ten wonderful girls participating the judges chose me? I was so shocked. I walked forward and the former Miss RHS placed a tiara upon my head and embraced me. "Good job, Sarah" The former queen whispered in my ear. "I'm proud of you." I walked out on to the runway, met by a roaring applause. Tears tickling my eyes, I waved at the audience, holding three bouquets of flowers (that nearly overpowered me) with four ribbons laid across my chest, and a sparkling tiara on my head.
The night had gone by so quickly, I thought. It was all over. I'd won. I walked back onto the stage and all of the girls rushed toward me, embracing me and surrounding me. We were all laughing and crying and smiling. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. I couldn't believe it.
I found Kenny, my best friend and we embraced each other, clinging to one another, in such a way that made my spirit sing. We had faced this together. We had journeyed through trials and tears staying side by side through it all.
After it had all ended, I went back and changed into my good old jeans and T-shirt. We went to the pizza parlor and celebrated. And on the way home, I slept in the back seat, with a tiara sparkling upon my head.