A Traveling Queen Part II: Miss Capital City Pageant

I believe one of the best ways to prepare for a competition is to completely emerge one's self in the sport. As a pageant competitor, I believe that it is important to watch pageants regularly and to watch footage of myself in previous competitions, as well. I call it keeping my head in the game. Lately, I have been putting my theory to the test by attending every local pageant that I can. Most recently, I attended the Miss Capital city pageant, in Tallahassee, Fl. This was a grueling competition of beautiful, poised, intelligent and talented women all vying for the ability to represent their region at their state pageant. As I watched the pageant, I could not help but to reflect upon similar experiences that I have had as a pageant competitor and wonder what the future holds for me at the Miss International Pageant which will be held this July in Jacksonville.With the Miss International pageant, roughly, 80 days away, I will do all that I can to prepare and we soon will know what is in store for me as I travel a new road in pageantry. 

From L to R: Tori Cowen (Miss North Florida), Khalena Knox (Miss Florida International 2014)

From L to R: Tori Cowen (Miss North Florida), Ashley Brook Wilkinson (Miss Tallahassee), Khalena Knox (Miss Florida International 2014)

Lupus Awareness Month Declaration at Capital

 

Recently, I had the honor of being an esteemed guest with the Lupus Foundation of America's Florida Chapter at the state of Florida's Lupus Awareness Month Declaration ceremony which was held in conjunction with Florida Osteopathic Medical Association Day. This day was pivotal in the fight for progress in Lupus research as well as advocacy for Lupus as the month had never been recognized in the state of Florida which is home to approximately 100,000 individuals who suffer from the disease. Although a small step in the grand scheme, it is my sincerest hope that this day will be reflected upon as the day in which state government began to lend help in the fight silently fought by millions daily.

A Traveling Queen: Miss Alabama International Pageant

From Left to Right, Miss Georgia International Olivia Guettler, Miss Alabama International Whitney Devane and Miss Florida International Khalena Knox.

One of the most exciting roles to play in pageantry is that of a spectator, I must say after attending the Miss Alabama International pageant. The competition was fierce, the answers riveting, the dresses awe inspiring and the contestants were beautiful. I was inspired by the entire production and almost could not listen to the results because the contestants were all deserving. While awaiting the results, I had the opportunity to introduce myself to the audience and inform them about my platform, LUPUS Awareness. I also had the opportunity to meet other traveling queens who were very pleasant. I highly recommend that all title holders travel to other pageants and support their system. It was a great learning experience for me and an excellent medium for speaking about my platform. With scores tabulated and fingers crossed, Robin Thaggard, Whitney Devane and Lynze Tyme Morris were crowned Mrs., Miss and Miss Teen International. Though, all the women who competed were amazing, there can only be one. I can't wait to attend the next pageant!

Walk to End Lupus Now

As Miss Florida International, I hope to accomplish several things but the one goal that is dearest to my heart is making an impact working with the National Lupus Foundation. Lupus is an auto immune disorder which causes the body's immune system to attack its own tissues. It can be painful and disfiguring at worse. Working as an Ambassador for the National Lupus Foundation, I hope to inform people about the disease, its symptoms, and how it can be treated and controlled. I have devoted my time to help garner support for the National Lupus Foundation as well as dissolving misconceptions but, I cannot do it alone. Working together, we can make a greater impact. If you are local to Southwest Florida and would like to participate in an upcoming walkathon please visit Walk to End Lupus Now. To learn more about lupus or to find out how to advocate for lupus research in your community please visit, the National Lupus Foundation.

Miss Tri State Pageant

Recently, I had the honor of being selected to judge the Miss Tri State pageant. The Miss Tri State pageant is nothing short of amazing. Young ladies from three states, Alabama, Florida and Georgia, compete to win the amazing titles and all of the prizes, accolades and responsibilities that come with being a title holder. Along with being an official recruiter for the Miss Alabama USA pageant system, the Miss Tri state pageant is rooted in community service and boasts a strong presence in the American Cancer Society's fundraiser Relay for Life  as the fabulous Glam Squad team. Ranking all of these beautiful young ladies was probably one of the most arduous tasks that I have ever experienced because they were all so beautiful, polished and deserving. They were truly all winners but there can only be one Miss Tri State! To learn more about the Miss Tri State pageant, visit www.misstristate.com.

From Left to Right: Brittany Noel (judge)  Taylor Jones (1st Runner Up), Taylor Starling (Miss Tri State) Whitney Wilson (2nd Runner Up) Lucy Sims (Judge) Khalena Knox (Judge).








From Left to Right: (1st Runner Up) Madilyn Bedsole, (Miss Teen Tri State 2014) Raeleigh Baldwin, (2nd Runner Up) Shelby Lynn Pilcher



From Left to Right: Brittany Noel (judge),Deanna Reynolds (Jr. Miss Tri State) , Taylor Starling (Miss Tri State) , Krystle Bell(Ms Tri State) , Raeleigh Baldwin(Teen Miss Tri State) , Lucy Sims (judge) and Khalena Knox (judge).

American Heart Association- Go Red for Women Day with Good Day Orlando

Did you know that the number one killer of American women is heart disease? Every second, in the United States, one woman dies from heart disease. The American Heart Association started the Go Red for Women initiative to bring much needed attention to the silent killer. Every year, on February 7th, women from all over the country band together by wearing red and advocating to share information about the debilitating effects of poor heart health in an effort to help spread the word to many that may not be aware of their risk. This year, in sunny Orlando Florida, Fox's Good Day Orlando morning show highlighted the American Heart Association's effort with a segment celebrating women wearing red to to help gain support for advocacy. I appeared on the morning show and proudly modeled my red styled by Jeanette Scott of J's Everyday Fashion. For more information, visit www.goredforwomen.org.

One Church One Child of Florida Christmas Adoption Celebration

The holiday season is full of joy, laughter, family, great food and reflection but, for some children the holidays can be a reminder of circumstances that are far beyond their control. As a newly appointed board member of One Church One Child of Florida, I spent my holidays focusing on the lives and needs of well deserving children. 

One Church One Child of Florida, which was implemented in March of 1988, operates statewide in Florida and is a private, non-profit, faith-based organization that provides adoption related services and works in partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families and churches. One Church One Child of Florida has been instrumental in finding adoptive and foster homes for children, providing awareness, support and training to families, community agencies and organizations. One Church One Child of Florida seeks to fulfill its philosophy which is "Find at least one family in each church to adopt at least one child" by recruiting adoptive families for children in foster care. 

This Christmas season, One Church One Child of Florida partnered with the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club to make the dreams of many children come true by donating  an assortment of bicycles for local children. Children selected from local schools were also awarded their very own lap top to assist with the challenges of academia. I was given the honor of speaking at the Christmas Adoption Celebration which was a moving occasion. For more information on One Church One Child of Florida, please visit One Church One Child of Florida.

                                       

From Left to Right: Leon County School Board Member Elect,
Maggie Lewis and Miss Florida International 2014

Reverand Al Williams as Santa Clause

Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club