Kristen Glover
Miss Arkansas 2011
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Ouachita Baptist University pageant?
I competed in Miss Arkansas for the first time in 2008 and was hooked on the opportunity for scholarship and career development. Three years later and as a senior at Ouachita Baptist University, I considered it the greatest honor to represent my university at the Miss Arkansas pageant. I am so proud of my alma mater and always try to exemplify their qualities of faith and service.
Tell us about your platform, "Second Chances: Empowering Youth to Rise Above".
My platform focuses on empowering at-risk youth through a mentoring relationship. I often speak on my mentoring opportunities with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the Promise House. The Promise House is a temporary shelter for pregnant teenagers, and I moved into the house to mentor 8 girls during the summer of 2009. It was very difficult building a trustworthy relationship at first, but with patience and care, we finally connected. The girls were desperate for role models and I learned of the power of a mentor!
I was recognized for the work I have done with my platform at the Miss America Pageant by being named a Quality of Life Finalist. I always hope to be remembered for my platform!
How long have you been tap dancing for and how did you begin to tap dance?
I started dancing at the age of 3 while learning jazz, tap, gymnastics, and ballet. My dance teacher, Micki Petrus Konecny, was Miss Arkansas 1981 but I never fully appreciated her crown portrait hanging on the wall of her studio until she invited me to my first Miss Arkansas pageant. I dance on the Miss Arkansas court of honor for two years as a high school student and finally gained the courage to start competing at the age of 18. Mrs. Micki has taught me so much about leadership, passion, and pursuing your dreams!!
What was going through your head when you were announced as the winner of Miss Arkansas?
When preparing for Miss Arkansas, I dreamed of the crowning moment continuously! I was first announced as the overall swimsuit and overall interview award winner. I knew that I had a great chance at winning, but you never know with a final ballot! When my name announced, I asked myself over and over, "Is this reality? Or is this still a dream?" I remember the confetti falling and the rush of friends and family to the front of the stage. It will forever be a moment that changed my life!
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Arkansas?
The pageant week of Miss Arkansas was an incredibly memorable and emotional week. I was intentional with spending time with the contestants and soaked in every moment. Sunday night after the arrival ceremony, the outgoing Miss Arkansas always gives a "good, bad, ugly" speech when you talk about all aspects of the job. The girls asked an incredible amount of questions and really trusted my perspective. Then, the contestants and I attended the Rotary Club on Wednesday where I was the keynote speaker. I got emotional standing before the girls, many of which are so qualified to win Miss Arkansas but only one crown is awarded. I realized how special my year had been and blessed I was to be given the opportunity to serve as Miss Arkansas!
Lastly, what have you been up to after your reign as Miss Arkansas ended?
I gave up my title in July and had three weeks off before starting Pharmacy school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. I continue to promote my platform and work with local charities to improve the community. I also hope to stay involved with the Miss Arkansas Organization while primarily encouraging the girls competing. Someone will follow in my footsteps and I want her to be the most effective Miss Arkansas possible!
Visit Kristen's blog here: http://secondchanceskg.blogspot.com/
I competed in Miss Arkansas for the first time in 2008 and was hooked on the opportunity for scholarship and career development. Three years later and as a senior at Ouachita Baptist University, I considered it the greatest honor to represent my university at the Miss Arkansas pageant. I am so proud of my alma mater and always try to exemplify their qualities of faith and service.
Tell us about your platform, "Second Chances: Empowering Youth to Rise Above".
My platform focuses on empowering at-risk youth through a mentoring relationship. I often speak on my mentoring opportunities with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the Promise House. The Promise House is a temporary shelter for pregnant teenagers, and I moved into the house to mentor 8 girls during the summer of 2009. It was very difficult building a trustworthy relationship at first, but with patience and care, we finally connected. The girls were desperate for role models and I learned of the power of a mentor!
I was recognized for the work I have done with my platform at the Miss America Pageant by being named a Quality of Life Finalist. I always hope to be remembered for my platform!
How long have you been tap dancing for and how did you begin to tap dance?
I started dancing at the age of 3 while learning jazz, tap, gymnastics, and ballet. My dance teacher, Micki Petrus Konecny, was Miss Arkansas 1981 but I never fully appreciated her crown portrait hanging on the wall of her studio until she invited me to my first Miss Arkansas pageant. I dance on the Miss Arkansas court of honor for two years as a high school student and finally gained the courage to start competing at the age of 18. Mrs. Micki has taught me so much about leadership, passion, and pursuing your dreams!!
What was going through your head when you were announced as the winner of Miss Arkansas?
When preparing for Miss Arkansas, I dreamed of the crowning moment continuously! I was first announced as the overall swimsuit and overall interview award winner. I knew that I had a great chance at winning, but you never know with a final ballot! When my name announced, I asked myself over and over, "Is this reality? Or is this still a dream?" I remember the confetti falling and the rush of friends and family to the front of the stage. It will forever be a moment that changed my life!
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Arkansas?
The pageant week of Miss Arkansas was an incredibly memorable and emotional week. I was intentional with spending time with the contestants and soaked in every moment. Sunday night after the arrival ceremony, the outgoing Miss Arkansas always gives a "good, bad, ugly" speech when you talk about all aspects of the job. The girls asked an incredible amount of questions and really trusted my perspective. Then, the contestants and I attended the Rotary Club on Wednesday where I was the keynote speaker. I got emotional standing before the girls, many of which are so qualified to win Miss Arkansas but only one crown is awarded. I realized how special my year had been and blessed I was to be given the opportunity to serve as Miss Arkansas!
Lastly, what have you been up to after your reign as Miss Arkansas ended?
I gave up my title in July and had three weeks off before starting Pharmacy school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. I continue to promote my platform and work with local charities to improve the community. I also hope to stay involved with the Miss Arkansas Organization while primarily encouraging the girls competing. Someone will follow in my footsteps and I want her to be the most effective Miss Arkansas possible!
Visit Kristen's blog here: http://secondchanceskg.blogspot.com/