A State Of Mind

After months of preparing mentally, physically, and emotionally, it is finally Miss Illinois week. This week begins the journey of my dream of becoming Miss Illinois. I couldn't feel more honored, excited, and gracious for the opportunity to pursue my dream!
I am a believer that we can achieve anything we want in life as along as we believe that we can. As my last post before Miss Illinois, I wanted to share a poem that I have read continuously over this past year. It has inspired me and helped me to truly believe in myself, and know that "its all in a state of mind." God Bless! - Jamie Johnson

A State of Mind
Anonymous

If you think you are beaten, your are If you think you dare not, you won't,If you like to win, but don't think you can It's almost a cinch you won't If you think you'll lose, you're lost For out in the world you'll find, Success begins with a fellow's will It's all in a state of mind For many a game is lost Ere even a play is run, And many a coward fails Ere even his work is begun Think big and your deeds will grow Think small and you'll fall behind Think that you can and you will It's all a state of mind If you think you are out-classed, your are You've got to think high to rise You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize Life battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man But sooner or later, the man who wins Is the fellow who thinks he can.

Modeling and Manners Camp!

This past week I had the unique opportunity of attending and speaking at Moye Elementary's summer camp Modeling and Manners. When I arrived at the camp the girls were creating their very own stylish flip flops, and were eager to show me the new necklaces they had made. I had the chance to talk to the girls about Character Counts! our Miss Illinois platform.

I enjoyed hearing how the girls demonstrate good character in their lives, and answering the many questions they had for me! Later on in the week I attended their fashion show in which they showed the audience the modeling and confidence they learned through attending. I was so happy to be invited and had a great time!

In just a few short days I will be leaving for Miss Illinois! I am so excited!! Check back soon to read my last blog before I leave!

Thank you for reading! God Bless!

Jamie Lynn Johnson
Miss Southern Illinois 2010

Spring Forum and Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen and Pre-Teen

This past weekend was our Spring Forum, and also the Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen and Pre - teen Pageants. I had so much fun this weekend meeting all of the wonderful women competing for the title of Miss Illinois in just a few weeks. We found out our contestant numbers, I am number 8, and who our roommates are. My roommate is the fabulous Miss Macomb Kelsey Reed.

During Spring Forum many generous people donated their time into making sure that we are as prepared for Miss Illinois as possible. I am thankful to all of you!

On Sunday afternoon, I attended the Teen and Pre-teen pageants, and was there cheering on Miss So. IL Outstanding Teen Mandy Marsh, and Miss So. IL Outstanding Pre-Teen Olivia McCurdy. I am so incredibly PROUD of both of them. Mandy even finished as 1st runner up!! Congratulations to the new Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen Kaitlyn Wehr, and the new Miss Illinois Pre-Teen Grace Khachaturian!

Over these next few weeks, I will continue to give 110% into preparing for Miss Illinois. I am so excited and motivated. Check back often as I will continue to update on my Miss Illinois journey.

Thank you for reading and God bless!

Jamie Johnson

Miss Southern Illinois 2009

Good Luck Mandy and Olivia!

Hello again! I can't believe that it is only 19 days until Miss Illinois! Time is flying by! This weekend I will be heading up to Springfield for Spring Forum, and most importantly to cheer on my teen Mandy and my pre-teen Olivia. These two young ladies have worked hard and exemplify what this organization is all about.

To you girls- Believe in yourselves, never give up, and keep working hard! I believe in both of you, and will be cheering for you! Make the most of every moment this weekend, as it will go by so quickly. Remember - Life battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man But sooner or later, the man who wins Is the fellow who thinks he can. Love you girls! Have a blast! - Jamie

Children's Miracle Network Radiothon and Moye Reading Night

Hello again! I can not believe it is already April! It is so nice to have such beautiful weather! This past month I had the opportunity to participate in two wonderful events. The first event was the St.Louis Children's Miracle Network Radiothon that was hosted by 102.5 KEZK. I heard about this event on the radio, andknew that I wanted to be involved. I called the St.Louis CMN, and was so lucky to have called just in time to be a volunteer. The radiothon took place at Children's Hospital in St.Louis. Children's hospital is a beautiful place for children and families who need care. It is so heartwarming to see the benefits of the Children Miracle Network taking place before your eyes. For an entire afternoon, I answered phone calls as many generous St.Louis citizens called and donated to the CMN. One of the best parts of this day was to meet the children who have been helped by the CMN. These

children are truly heroes, and their stories of hope are amazing. Another exciting part of the day was being interviewed for my first time on the radio. It was nice to spread the message of how the Miss America Organization is partnered with CMN and I had fun trying to get people to call in! Any time I get the chance to work with the CMN it makes me feel so proud that I have helped make to an impact in the lives of these children who have been through more in their short lives then I ever have in mine.

A few days after participating in the radiothon, I attended Moye Elementary's Family Reading Night. This was a blast! The theme of the evening was "bedtime." All of the students arrived in their favorite pj's and were eager to be read to. I had my own reading station in the hall equipped with an air mattress for the students to lay on while being read to. As an education student, getting the chance to read to students, and promote literacy with families is something very important to me. I loved spending time with the students! The most requested book to hear was " Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?" Many of the students said "NOOO!" as we came to the end of the story they realized that princesses are real people just like them , and they enjoy many of the same activities that other children do :)

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April is alcohol awareness month. I urge all of you to think about your choices and decisions. Take the time to become educated about alcohol education. Please visit my website of http://www.thinkb4youdrink.com/. Here you can find many links to learn about alcoholism, and find tips on how to avoid this from happening to you. Remember, "glasses can change your life.. especially if emptied quickly."

God Bless! Have a wonderful Easter!

Until next time,

Jamie Lynn Johnson

Miss Southern Illinois 2010

Miss America and Appearances :)

These last few months have literally flown by! So many wonderful things have happened. This past January I was so fortunate to have attended the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas! More than anything, it was such a neat experience to actually see everything that I aspire to do. I loved my time at this Miss America pageant. I even got to meet 25 different Miss Americas! The Miss America pageant concluded with the crowning of the new Miss America Caressa Cameron!

In December, I attended a luncheon for young girls in Metropolis. This event was so much fun. I enjoyed talking to the girls, and playing many games with them. This luncheon was a great confidence booster to the little girls who attended.

I also had the chance to emcee Zion Lutheran Church's A Night in New Orleans auction to raise money for their youth. I had so much fun auctioning off items, and I was even given the chance to preform my dance from Miss Illinois. I am so happy to say that Zion raised over $2000 that evening!

Recently I attended O'Fallon's Daddy Daughter Dance. This was so much fun! I got to dance with little girls all night to Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and the Jonas Brothers. It was nice to see an event which promotes father involvement in children's lives. I really enjoyed not only dancing the night away, but participating in such a wonderful event!

On February 21st, I crowned the new Miss Central Illinois Katie Fueshl in Champaign. It was so nice to finalize this amazing year I had. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the pageant. Also,I had so much fun reconnecting with all the Miss Illinois girls !

Everyday, I continue my preparations for Miss Illinois. I am looking forward to seeing what this year has in store. I will continue to update, with new appearances and events! Thank you for reading and God Bless! - Jamie Johnson Miss Southern Illinois 2010.