You don’t need a medallion

I prayed that yesterday would be the longest day of my life, but it ended up being the quickest.

In the afternoon we all went to the State’s Specialty Party where each state sets up a booth and distributes a special food item from their state. This was one of my favorite parts of the whole two weeks!! I love meeting everyone from the state level and then getting to know something about their state. I even saw my good friend Barbara with our matching medallions!

Then after a lengthy dress rehearsal it was time to get make up done for the show!

During the show I was able to present Mayor Stimpson with a medallion and declare him the first Distinguished Young Man of America. When we filmed our video 2 weeks ago (and took selfies) he told me he wanted a medallion, so I made it happen. It has been such a joy getting to know him better this year and I am forever grateful for the city and the support it gives our program.

I was so blessed to share the stage with the contestants, Katye Brock, Christina Maxwell, and all the Has Beens for one final number even though I couldn’t see the stage to dance because I was crying so much.

Just a short while later they announced the name of the winner who is the precious Brooke Rucker from Georgia. I can not explain my joy and excitement for her and what I know she is about to experience this year. She will represent this program with grace and humility and I can’t wait to be there for her with unconditional love and support.As I close the cover on this year, I wait with eager eyes on the first blank page of the rest of my life. I may not know what it contains, but luckily I know the Author and I know that He writes the best books. I will always, support, give back, and keep COMING back to this program because of the people involved and the impact it has made in my life.

I will be forever indebted to each individual that touched my life this year no matter how big or small. You are  the reason I made it this far and were the inspiration that kept me going. I can never thank you enough for following me and believing me this year. Please continue to follow this blog or my other forms of social media as I live my life in an adventure.I hope you continue to ask yourself how would a Distinguished Young Person would live and then live that way. Anyone can do it; you don’t need a medallion. Be Your very Best Self every single day because that’s where you shine the brightest.

I’m now going to sleep for 3 days.

I really LOVE YOU ALL.

Love always,

Nicole #dostuff