Some of my other favorite photos from the week

Congratulations Miss Ohio 2008 Karissa Martin!

When the Top Five was announced I was very disappointed for Katie, but much moreso for Andrea and Jillian, since this was their last year of eligibility. Either one would have done an outstanding job as Miss Ohio and given the chance, could have done much for the program, but it just wasn't meant to be. Any one of the Top Five would have done an excellent job too, but I will admit that I thought it would be between Kasey and Becky. They both performed so very well all week, and both have such presence onstage, not to take anything away from Karissa. I had the pleasure of judging her once and I'm sure she'll do a great job.

And finally, Finals Night

I really had mixed feelings Saturday about not attending that evening, but I felt my job had been done, and with the Coronation Ball following the crowning, I wouldn't have been able to see the girls anyway. So instead I had two of my favorite formers over, Maynan and Lexi. I didn't start getting nervous until right before Top Ten was announced. I was thrilled for Jillian since she'd taken so much heat on the voyboards and Andrea, since she felt she had something to prove. No, she wasn't a fluke. You both showed the naysayers! I was ecstatic for Katie since this was her first trip to Miss Ohio. All of the excitment was tinged with a little sadness, as Amy had worked so hard to get there and do well, and although she didn't make the cut, my sadness was quickly replaced with pride in how well she had represented herself. Especially considering that she didn't have much other help. Each girl did her absolute best, and I couldn't have hoped for more for them. I felt in my heart that one of them would become Miss Ohio, but some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.