Miss Coon Rapids 2019
Miss Minnesota 2019
In 2013 my life changed forever. That was the year I became Miss Coon Rapids Outstanding Teen, the year a group of volunteers made a huge impact on my life, and the year I fell in love with a community. By the time I passed on that title, the Miss Coon Rapids committee had become my second family and the city itself a second home. Years later in 2019, I knew I wanted to continue competing in the Miss America Organization and it was time for me to come home again.
Winning the title of Miss Coon Rapids 2019 can best be described as a “homecoming.” I was making the drive every chance I had from college in Mankato to home in Coon Rapids, where I was met with supportive friends, a tight-knit community, and rewarding volunteer opportunities. As Miss Coon Rapids I attended community events, spoke to Civic Organizations, sang in Senior Homes, fundraised for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and represented this great city at the state competition. I was fortunate to win the title of Miss Minnesota and continue my work for the Miss America Organization while traveling across our state. Of course I have favored coming to Coon Rapids above all other places! This accomplishment would not have been possible without a number of people who, in Coon Rapids, made a big difference.
Theresa, you are my go-to for big hugs and pep-talks, and someone who has believed in me since day one back in 2013. Thank you for almost daily phone calls to talk and plan for the year, I couldn’t have done as much as I did without your efforts. Beyond that, thank you for constantly being there for me. I’m so grateful for your reminders to consider what I need to stay healthy and happy. This experience would not have been the same without you, Coon Rapids is lucky to have such a dedicated woman as you on board!
Megan, thank you for encouraging me to be myself and fully commit to my love of classic styles! Who else would spend hours going through every single vintage shop in the cities to find clothes? Without your honest advice, I wouldn’t have looked so good at Miss Minnesota! Thank you for being such an involved member of this team and supporting me every step of the way.
Mark and Zay, from consistently opening your home, to hosting mock interviews, to providing completely honest critiques on paperwork, and really everything else too, you are people I can always count on. Thank you for not only being selfless volunteers but also great friends and mentors. You always encourage me to be the boldest, best, and slowest talking version of myself, thank you.
Teda, Julie, Laurie, Marcy, Stephen, Becky, Meghan, Heather, John and Sue, you all have been influential in this year and made it that much more special. Whether you helped with mock interviews, volunteered at events, helped put on my send incredible off, cheered me on at Miss Minnesota & Miss America, or are involved in one of the many moving parts of Miss Coon Rapids, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your efforts make a difference.
Miss Hanna Beck, boy was I in for a ride when we became sister queens! Your infectious bubbly personality always lifted my spirits, as does your high energy. It has been a pleasure and an inspiration to watch how hard you work to grow, learn, and make a difference. Thank you for the countless laughs, hugs, spontaneous singing outbursts, and memories. I fell over crying when you were the 1st Runner Up to Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen and I’ll never forget when you surprised me at Miss America where, once again, I fell on the floor crying. You and your family have been so kind to me and mine and I know this is not to end of our memories together.
Finally, none of the memories, the growth, or the Miss Coon Rapids experience would have been possible without some very special supporters. To the Lions Club, I will forever be grateful for the financial support you offer our program. To the Coon Rapids Fire Department, Cinderella’s carriage holds no comparison to being escorted by firemen in the Coon Rapids firetruck to my send off. Thank you for your involvement with our program and for making me feel like a true queen! To the many sponsors who support our program year-round, Dino’s, Pro Biz Sports, Gianna Capuzzi, and Paula Preston (who effortlessly captures the best shots!) thank you for making a difference through our local organization.
This is not the end of my involvement with Miss Coon Rapids, I know I will be back to help on the other side of the veil! I am forever grateful for the experiences I have had with this community and these people.
Love Always,
Kathryn