I mean, let’s be honest… Tennessee is one of those states that takes pageantry pretty seriously. So, when someone comes along who “breaks the mold” and is successful in pageants – people pay attention!

Hannah Robison, Miss Tennessee 2015, was the first Miss Tennessee in 7 years who isn’t blond – and the first in 14 years who isn’t a vocalist.

And even though many might’ve said the odds were against her, Hannah stayed true to herself and “did her thing” by remaining a brunette and playing the piano. And guess what happened???

Hannah become one of the “most decorated” Miss Tennessee winners in history… Earning the People’s Choice Award, a $5000 STEM scholarship, 1st Runner Up for the Miss America Quality of Life Award, and of course, finishing in the Top 7 at Miss America last September. All in all, Hannah has earned more than $46,000 in scholarships though the Miss America program – all while being a brunette and a piano player.

Yes – Hannah is a wonderful example of how embracing and accepting yourself is the first thing one needs to do when entering a pageant. Others tried to persuade her to take a different route (as you can hear on her podcast at this link), but she refused.   And boy did it pay off!

Hannah’s also had an incredible year as Governor Haslam’s Official Spokesperson for Character Education. This year, she traveled over 80,000 miles speaking to 50,000 schoolchildren about the Character Education Trait of Responsibility.

Not to mention all the work she’s done for her platform, Campaign Against Pain: raising thousands of dollars for Arthritis relief.

Yes – Hannah will long be remembered as a Miss Tennessee who achieved great success not by following a formula, but by being herself. A wonderful reminder to us all.

And now – who do Junkies think will win the title of Miss Tennessee 2016?

Dear Lord – If I only knew the answer to that question!

Even if I don’t know for sure, we’ve still made our Top 5 picks… You can see them when you become a Premium Junkie.  Learn more at this link here…

GOOD LUCK LADIES!!!  Junkies LOVE Tennessee!!!

#BigJunkieLove

Carrie Lakey

Dancer. Speaker. Advocate. Teacher.

Rachel Latuff, Miss Minnesota 2015 is a multifaceted state titleholder who knew how to remain true to herself in order to make her way to Miss America.  That’s why she chose to perform a ribbon dance for her Talent in Atlantic City.

As an advocate for the #BluePinky campaign, Rachel spoke to thousands of students, reminding them to stand up and stop bullying.  It’s always inspiring to see how titleholders affect students during their year – and seeing so many folks post photos of their “blue pinky” on social media was evidence of Rachel’s impact.

And as an Art Teacher in rural Minnesota, Rachel challenged her students to pursue their dreams – regardless of whatever shape or form they come in.

During Rachel’s podcast, she shared very openly about what it’s like to do everything you can to reach a goal, only to fall short (catch the whole thing here). Despite her disappointment, Rachel went on to show everyone in Minnesota that your placement at Miss America has NOTHING to do with how well your state will remember your year of service!  And that’s a great reminder to all titleholders within the Miss America system 🙂

Junkies wish Rachel and her fiancee all the best as they prepare their new life together!  We know great things are ahead in your future – and we can’t wait to see how you continue to influence young minds in positive, artistic ways for years to come!

And now, who do we think has the best chance to be named Miss Minnesota 2016?

You can find out who our we’ve picked to make the Top 5 at Miss Minnesota when you become a Premium Junkie. Learn more at this link here…

Otherwise – Having been to the Miss Minnesota pageant, we know there’s quite a competition in that state this year! It’s going to be a fight to the finish – and we want to wish ALL the contestants GOOD LUCK!!!

Don’t forget ladies – If we say your name, we hope you prove us right! And if we don’t say your name, WE HOPE YOU PROVE US WRONG!

Can’t wait to see who becomes Miss Minnesota 2016!!!

#BigJunkieLove

Carrie Lakey

Miss Illinois 2015, Crystal Davis, spent her year speaking passionately about her platform – “Crystal Clear Driving – Eyes on the Road”.

During her presentations, Crystal often shared about being in a car accident – and how many times it’s preventable if you’re concentrating on the task at hand.

She also spoke about a close friend of hers who passed away, because of another driver at the wheel who was distracted.

Crystal’s also had the chance to sing and perform the National Anthem all over the state, and also put her dancing skills to the test in “Dancing with Chicago Celebrities” and “Dancing with the Brokers”. Not bad for a woman from Anna, Illinois – with a population of a little over 4000 people.

Junkies know Crystal has made a difference in her community and in her state this year – and theres on doubt, she’ll most certainly continue making a difference in the years to come. 🙂  ALL THE BEST CRYSTAL!!! 🙂

And now – who do we think has the best chance at being named Miss Illinois 2016?

You can see our predictions for the Top 5 at Miss Illinois 2016 when you follow this link here…

GOOD LUCK LADIES!!! Junkies Love the Land of Lincoln!!!

#BigJunkieLove

Carrie Lakey

“In case the new Miss Georgia can not fulfill her duties – the 1st Runner Up will take her place…”

That’s exactly what happened when Miss Georgia 2015 Betty Cantrell, went on to win Miss America and Adeline Kenerly (Betty’s 1st Runner Up), was named Miss Georgia 2015!

Adeline’s crowning ceremony actually took place during half-time of the Alabama-Georgia football game at Sanford Stadium.  You can catch the whole event right here!

Talk about Exhilarating!!! And super fitting because Adeline is a featured twirler/majorette for the University of Georgia Red Coat Marching Band!

Some states are super lucky when they have not only an amazing Miss America, but also an incredible runner up who can step in and take over where the original winner left off. Adeline fits the bill incredibly well – which certainly speaks of the Miss Georgia organization as a whole! Congrats again Adeline – Junkies wish you all the best!

And now – who do we think will be named Miss Georgia 2016?  No pressure – but last year – we accurately predicted every one of the Top 5 finalist in Georgia… Can we do it again?

You can check out our predictions when you become a Premium Junkie… Find out more at this link.

GOOD LUCK LADIES!!! Junkies LOVE Georgia!!!

#BigJunkieLove

Carrie Lakey