Wrapping up 2011

The holidays have been a busy time for me and my family, but I have enjoyed every moment.  Before Cobb County Schools let out for Christmas, I had the opportunity to read to many classes at Sope Creek Elementary School.  I had so much fun reading to kids from all different grades and many, especially the little ones, thought I was a real princess. One of my most memorable moments was in a third grade classroom.  The teacher allowed time for a Q & A session which can always get interesting with children!  The students wanted to know how I earned my crown, where I went to school, and the always popular "How does the crown stay on your head?"  One little girl asked me, "Are you rich?" Well, you really do have to be ready for anything. I simply replied, "No, not rich.  But I definitely am blessed to have all the things I need."  I enjoyed talking to the older kids about the values of the Miss America Organization and my responsibilities as Miss Cobb County 2012. 

Reading to a third grade class

Last night, I attended the Send-off party for Miss Georgia, Michaela Lackey at the Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square.  She leaves for Miss America this week!  It was a red carpet event--the theme "Old Hollywood Glam."  She shared her wardrobe and even answered a few practice questions.  Be sure to tune in on January 14th on ABC to watch her compete for the coveted Miss America title! Best wishes to out beautiful and gracious Miss Georgia.

Posing on the Red Carpet before the Event

Our best "Hollywood Glam" poses

This week I am headed to downtown Atlanta all week for  a Christian Conference, Passion.  More than 30,000 people will be gathering in the GA Dome to hear artists such as Hillsong United and Chris Tomlin perform, and listen to speakers Beth Moore, Louie Giglio and more.  I am excited to see what God has in store for me this week!  It will be a fun, busy week, and when I return next weekend I will be headed to Rome, GA to give up my Miss Rome title.  

Happy New Year to you all! May God bless you and your family this new year.  Always be thankful for what you have been given, faithful in following your dreams, and steadfast in your commitment to service.

In Christ,

Stephanie

I challenge you this new year to make the resolution to make a dream come true.  Stop doubting yourself and your abilities.  Have the courage to make that dream a reality.  In every adventure, God will find a way to help you bring the glory to Him. 

"Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done." Matthew 21: 21 

Home for the Holidays!

I returned from school at Ole Miss this week and am looking forward to spending a few weeks at home visiting with family and friends for the holidays. This was a very busy semester at school, but successful nonetheless.  Just a few highlights from the semester are shown in pictures below:

As a member of the Columns Society at Ole Miss, I serve as an ambassador for the University and volunteer at numerous campus events.  This semester my favorite assignments included the Donor Dinner at the Chancellor's House and working in the Chancellor's Box at the Ole Miss v. LSU football game. 

I represented my sorority, Phi Mu, in the annual Parade of Beauties pageant  sponsored by Student Programming Board.  I placed in the Top 10 of 80 contestants. 

This picture was taken on Bid Day in October.  I am an active member of Phi Mu, serving as Philanthropy Chairman (January 2011-2012) and Chaplain.  This semester we raised $30,000 for our national philanthropy, Children's Miracle Network, by hosting a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament and raffle in November.

Since I have been home, I have already had the opportunity to make a few appearances.  This past Thursday, I volunteered at the "Home for the Holidays" dinner, benefiting Pebblebrooke High School, hosted by the Jennie T. Anderson theater.  Friday night,  I was able to enjoy the Home for the Holidays performance at the theater featuring students from Pebblebrooke, Dance Stop Studios and even our current Miss Georgia, Michaela Lackey.

On our tour of the RCA, Mr. Clark, climbed on top of the lockers and told us more about the school and the great energy and  enthusiasm he has for teaching.  The pictures behind him on the wall of the school are the fifth grade students at the RCA.  Every year the new class gets their picture put on the wall to make the students feel more at home. 

I also had the opportunity this past week to visit the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. My former teacher, Mrs. Kimberly Bearden, is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of this amazing school.  My mom and I had the privilege of touring the school and observing teachers in action.  We sat in on one of Mr. Ron Clark’s math classes in the morning.  His teaching styles are nothing short of phenomenal.  He holds his students to very high expectations, but treats them with respect and teaches them with enthusiasm.  The kids were engaged the entire lesson, many times breaking out into song and dance during the lesson.  

One of Mr. Clark’s methods of teaching is to have children learn songs and dance moves to go along with the words to help them remember things such as Order of Operations when solving a math equation.  The passion the children have for learning and the teachers have to inspire the students is something every person should have the opportunity to witness.  I feel so blessed to call Mrs. Bearden a former teacher and a mentor.  She truly has inspired me and countless other young people to reach our full potential.  

The slide!

Two of my favorite women, Mrs. Bearden (left) and my mom (right)

The Ron Clark Academy is unlike any other school, and the teachers and students alike are changing the world.  For more information or to learn more about the school visit www.ronclarkacademy.com. 

Miss Cobb in the news!

Here is the link to the Marietta Daily Journal article that ran a few weeks ago in the paper.  I am so glad I was able to share my story and hopefully show others more about who I am beyond the pageant arena.

It is a great article! Check it out @ http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/15182038/article-Crowning-achievement--Stephanie-Burkholder-is-Miss-Cobb-County-2012

Also be sure to look at the updates Miss Cobb website @ http://www.misscobb.com/index.html. There are some great pictures from the pageant!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

Cartersville Elementary School

Yesterday morning I had a an interview with the Marietta Daily Journal which will run next Tuesday. Be sure to pick up a copy next week or check it out on their website www.mdjonline.com!

Guest Speaker at Cartersville Elementary

In the afternoon, I had the privilege of speaking to Cartersville Elementary School's Honors Society about the importance of community service and how I have used my pageantry and now the title of Miss Cobb County to promote service.  I shared my experiences with the Boys and Girls Club of America and Children's Miracle Network.  I also talked to them about my experience in the Columns Society at the University of Mississippi which emphasizes the importance of humble service similar to the Honors Society.

The students watched "The Star Fish Video" which conveys the message that one person really can make a difference.

Check out this video @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wuSaNCIde4

Thank you to Cartersville Elementary School for allowing me to speak with your exceptional students.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive and inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Colossians 3:23-24

Featured in the East Cobber

Check out the link below to the East Cobber Blog.  I am featured as one of their "Do-Gooders."  I am honored to be recognized for all my scholastic, philanthropic, and pageant achievements.  More importantly, I hope other will be inspired by the work I have done.


http://www.eastcobber.com/category/do-gooders-blog/


Stay tuned later this week for my interview with the Marietta Daily Journal! 


"Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required" Luke 12:48

Miss Cobb County 2012

Hey Everyone!

My name is Stephanie Burkholder, and I am your reigning Miss Cobb County 2012.

The Miss Cobb County Pageant is an official preliminary for the Miss Georgia Pageant. It was held on August 6th, 2011at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in Marietta, GA. I was awarded $10,500 in cash scholarship for winning Miss Cobb County as well as the Kathryn Coffee Interview Award and the Corwin Robinson Swimsuit Award. I am looking forward to representing Cobb County throughout the next year and at Miss Georgia in June.

The road to Vegas starts here!

MDJ article announcing Miss Cobb County 2012 http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/14976024/article-Burkholder-wins-beauty-pageant---10-000-cash-scholarship?

And the winner is...Contestant #17, Stephanie Burkholder

Crowning moment...so special to share this with Briana Jewett again!