I’m completely convinced that Alex Eppler, Miss Oklahoma 2014, is unstoppable.  Here’s how I know…

In case you haven’t heard our podcast with Alex (or from other sources), Alex was at her own trunk show – a time when she was showing her wardrobe to friends and family who couldn’t make the trip to Atlantic City.  As Alex took the stage to show everyone her talent (dance), something went horribly wrong.

Shortly after starting, Alex says she “cut the landing” on her first leap and then, she “heard a snap”.  She didn’t want to disappoint those who had come to support her, so she kept going – despite the fact that she knew something was wrong and felt her foot go limp.

Yup.  Six days before she left for Miss America, that’s what happened.

You can hear it in Alex’s own words during our podcast with her at this link… or read her own account of the events at her blog, at this link.

After being evaluated by a doctor, it was determined Alex had 2 fractures and 2 torn ligaments. But here’s the deal… Alex refused to quit.  After six attempts at state, she wasn’t about to let a little old bunch of non-functioning bones and ligaments in her foot keep her from competing at Miss America!

And compete she did! Alex became the 5th woman in a row from Oklahoma to win a preliminary award at Miss America – And then she went on to finish in the Top 10!  The fact that she went as far as she did shows how much the judges enjoyed her… And her story is a great reminder of the fact that life doesn’t always happen on our terms.  And when things take a turn unexpectedly, in a different direction that what you were anticipating, it doesn’t mean the story is over.  It just means you get to choose how you proceed.

And that’s why Alex gets our “Junkies Trooper Award” this year… Because she refused to be defined by one leap.  You can easily look at the impact she made in Oklahoma this year – and quickly realize that thousands of people across her state will remember her for much more than her foot.  We hope you do too.

And now – who gets the chance to continue the storied Oklahoma program this year?  Well – let’s just say, the bench is ALWAYS warm in Oklahoma – and there are plenty of girls who could make some waves in 2015… Only picking 5 ladies, was torture on us.  I have no clue how the judges are gonna do it.

If you’d like to see our predictions for Miss Oklahoma, that information was released on Sunday in the Junkies Newsletter!  Click here to sign up for the Junkies Newsletter and we’ll send you our latest predictions by this time tomorrow!

 Photo below is of the Community Service Award Finalists in Oklahoma (no group photo was found prior to posting of this blog).

GOOD LUCK LADIES!!!  JUNKIES LOVE OKLAHOMA!!!

#BigJunkieLove

Even before she was named Miss Nebraska, Megan Swanson knew exactly what the job would be…

“She isn’t just a pretty face, she’s a businesswoman who markets, books, and sells herself in conjunction with her platform to bring a message that matters,” said Megan.  “For some reason, putting a crown on your head and a sash around your waist makes many people listen, and the job of Miss Nebraska is exactly that; an opportunity to say something meaningful and have it impact lives.”

Considering Megan was only in one pageant prior to winning Miss Nebraska (her local), I’d say she was “being prepared” to serve as her state titleholder even when she may not have ever considered it.

Megan is six feet tall, has been modeling and playing basketball since her pre-teen years, she plays the cello, piano and guitar, and has a commanding voice (here she is singing How Great Thou Art on a local TV segment in Nebraska).  As Miss Nebraska, she’s taken her state’s social media to a new level (which we LOVE) and as a rising Senior at Belmont in Nashville, I’m pretty sure you’re going to be hearing from Miss Megan in the future.  Junkies wish Megan all the best in her future endeavors!

And now – it’s a new day at Miss Nebraska… Only two of the top 5 from 2014 are back – but that means Junkies have their work cut out for them when it comes to researching a new group of contestants!

Oh – and we need to give a HUGE SHOUT OUT to BRANDI PETERSON of KETV… Brandi is a former Miss Omaha and did an OUTSTANDING job profiling all of the contestants at Miss Nebraska!  Check out her blog right here…   You’ll get a wonderful sense of each contestant because Brandi took the time to blog about each one!  THANKS BRANDI!!!

If you’d like to see our predictions for Miss Nebraska, that information was released on Sunday in the Junkies Newsletter!  Click here to sign up for the Junkies Newsletter and we’ll send you our latest predictions by this time tomorrow!

GOOD LUCK LADIES!!! JUNKIES LOVE NEBRASKA!!!

#BigJunkieLove

In the world of Miss America, Caitlin Brunell has one of the most recognized names around.

After serving as Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2008, Caitlin came back, competed 3 times before winning the title of Miss Alabama 2014, and became the first MAO National Teen titleholder to compete for the title of Miss America.

And compete she did – Caitlin finished as a Top 10 finalist and received the coveted Quality of Life award for her platform work as the founder of Caitlin’s Closet.

But, those aren’t the real reasons why people recognize her name.

In truth, Caitlin is delightful.  And once you speak with her, you’ll never forget her.

We loved interviewing Caitlin on our Pageant Junkies Podcast – which you can hear for yourself by clicking this link – She absolutely exemplifies everything the Miss America Organization stands for and has already made a big impact during her short life.  If your daughter needs a role model, look no further than Caitlin Brunell.

And now – in one of the toughest competitions this year – the Miss Alabama 2015 pageant is bound to be a doozie!  EVERYONE from last year’s Top 10 is returning this year… And Miss Alabama recently announced they’re going to have a Top 12 for this year’s contest!  Who do we think will be in the Top 5?   That information was released earlier this week in the Junkies Newsletter!  Click here to sign up for the Junkies Newsletter and we’ll send you our latest predictions!

GOOD LUCK LADIES!!!  JUNKIES LOVE ALABAMA!!!

#BigJunkieLove

On top of being tall and gorgeous, Miss Wyoming Jessie Allen is crafty too…

Jessie has created these original pieces of jewelry from Wyoming quarters, and included a few individual charms for each necklace.  WE LOVE THEM!  Contact Jessie on her Facebook page if you’d like her to make a special charm necklace just for you!

Also on Jessie’s Facebook page, we found a wonderfully well-written  summary of her time in Atlantic City… It reads as follows…

“Throughout these two weeks I gained 52 sisters. These women inspired me EVERY single day. I’m humbled to have been among such kind-hearted, intelligent, courageous women. We were constantly told by the MAO staff and volunteers that not only were we the most qualified class they’d ever seen, we were the closest and most compassionate to one another. I admire and appreciate each one of these women.”

She continues…

“I couldn’t be more eager to hit the road as Miss Wyoming! It wasn’t in God’s plan for me to become Miss America 2015, so I am beyond excited to see what else He has in store. I feel so blessed to be exactly where I am right now, with new opportunities, experiences, friends and lessons learned.”

Jessie – You’re a class act.  And although we have a sneaking suspicion you never “needed” the crown to be successful, I’m thrilled Wyoming was able to have you be their representative this year.  Pretty sure the best is still yet to come for you. 🙂  #AllTheBest

Who do Junkies think will win Miss Wyoming?  That information was released earlier this week in the Junkies Newsletter!  Click here to sign up for the Junkies Newsletter and we’ll send you our latest predictions!

GOOD LUCK WYOMING LADIES!!!

#BigJunkieLove