July 15, 2011
I still think back to the night of June 18 and ask myself if it really happened?! My heart was pounding, not racing, but pounding out of my chest, right before Allison announced the winner. As soon as she called my name, my emotions took over and my journey as Miss Tennessee began. As your Miss Tennessee 2011, I will do everything in my power to serve this great state to the very best of my ability. I am humbled by this opportunity and promise to work harder than I have ever worked before to make you proud. I cannot wait to get started!

Immediately after being crowned, I was led to the Miss Tennessee Room in the Civic Center to deliver my acceptance speech and greet judges, board members and sponsors. I was incredibly honored to be the one chosen to stand before this distinguished group of people and accept this job. After a few more pictures and hugs from my family and friends, I was off to the Doubletree hotel for my duties to begin. Still in my evening gown and crown, I felt like I needed to pinch myself as I discussed details about the next day with Allison, Amy, and Ms. Jane. A good night’s rest was not an option for me because I had an interview with the Jackson Sun the very next morning and a meeting with Team Tennessee! I was already feeling very at home in Jackson and was treated to lunch at Coyote Blues, thanks to owner, Jerry Corley. I had to skip on Coyote Blue’s famous bread pudding because preparations for Miss America were already underway!

The next day, it was time to take my official Miss Tennessee portrait. Thanks to the artistic talents of Darren Lykes, everything went smoothly and I am thrilled to represent the entire prep team in the picture that will hang in the Miss Tennessee Room forever! Ms. Jane and I have enjoyed getting to know each other more and I am so thankful she has been by my side during my time in Jackson. I am looking forward to a great year with Ms. Jane and feel very fortunate she is my Executive Director. After a long day of photos, Ms. Jane and I headed together to meet with Mr. Chuck Graves of Chuck Graves Chevrolet in Humboldt, TN. What a blessing that we have your sponsorship, Mr. Chuck!

The next day, I had an interview with Dan Reeves on 101.5 in Jackson. He was very welcoming and we had a great time talking with each other. I was honored to be included in his show that day. Then, Ms. Jane, my mom, and I were off to the Exchange Club luncheon and meeting. It was very meaningful to me because I got to see friends I had met at the previous week’s meeting during the pageant. After I shared my story and plans for my year as Miss Tennessee, I was presented with a beautiful Pandora bracelet with the perfect charm. It was a little bee wearing a crown, which symbolizes the busy bee I am going to be this year! I appreciate the opportunity to be an honorary member of Jackson’s Exchange Club for the year. I look forward to returning to their meetings when I am in Jackson throughout the next year.

After the luncheon, Ms. Jane and I were on the way to Joann’s in Union City. I had so much fun picking out gowns and cocktail dresses with Paige to prepare me for my job. It was very comforting to see what dedication goes into making me feel my very best as Miss Tennessee. I cannot wait to work with Paige throughout the year. I feel so fortunate to have her as my Official Wardrobe Sponsor and have already been enjoying modeling her beautiful clothes. I appreciate all that Paige, Jared and Nikki did to make me feel like Miss Tennessee! I look forward to many more fun days at Joann’s over the next year and appreciate her sponsorship more than Paige will ever know.

Back in Jackson, I headed to the 101.5 radio station again and recorded a commercial and a few cuts for their radio programs! After that, I was off to Nashville to see Gordon, the official hairdresser to all TN Queens! It was a fabulous drive in my 2011 Chevrolet Equinox and I jammed out to hits on my XM radio. I always love seeing Gordon because he is so friendly, hilarious, and extremely talented. I have been a client of Gordon’s since I won my preliminary title so it was a fun homecoming for me to see him again. It is such a blessing to have Gordon on my team because I trust his knowledge and expertise. He is truly the best!

After some pampering, I was set for my official Miss America photo shoot. Did I really say that?!? Pictures for MISS AMERICA! How lucky am I to have such amazing people to work with?! Ms. Jane and Allison were there to make sure everything was perfect for the shoot. Team TN definitely goes above and beyond the call of duty! Michael Gomez was the photographer and he was a hoot! He made the shoot very fun and relaxing.

After a full day of photos, I rushed by Allison’s house to get ready for the Nashville Sounds baseball game where I was asked to throw out the first pitch. It was my first appearance and I was overwhelmed with how excited people were to see “Miss Tennessee!” They shouted “Miss Tennessee” at every turn! After I threw the pitch, which I must admit went better than I thought, I was escorted by the Sounds mascot, Ozzy. As we walked off the field, Ozzy surprised me by dipping me and giving me a big kiss. It was hilarious and the crowd roared!

As soon as I woke the next morning, I hit the gym then began packing up my car for my drive home! Before I headed back, I worked on my Miss America Paperwork with Amy and Allison. They are so amazing and talented with words. I had no idea so much time and effort went into all of this paperwork!

Back in Jackson, I had a full day beginning at Gold’s Gym with my new trainer, Steve Roten. Steve and I have already forged a great relationship and I look forward to working with him more on my journey to Miss America! I love that Steve has a different approach from any other trainer that I have had before. He really takes a client’s nutrition into consideration and is a teacher, not just a trainer. I hope to develop into a healthier person for the rest of my life, not just for a pageant, with his guidance and tutelage.

I spent the afternoon on camera for back-to-back interviews with Six in the City on JEA E+TV 6 and then with the Jackson Sun Newsmakers. These were great opportunities that allowed me to share my role as Miss Tennessee, the most important part being the Governor's Official Spokesperson for Character Education! I also enjoyed sharing a little about my background so they get to know me as a person as well. After an afternoon of interviews, I headed to Mrs. Elizabeth Pope’s house to work on my wardrobe. I am so thankful for her dedication to the program, as well as her friendship!

As I head back home, I cannot help but feel extremely grateful for the opportunity I have before me. I promise to work as hard as I possibly can every day and will give this year my complete and total dedication. I cannot wait to see what this year has to offer and I am appreciative for all of the people who are working so hard for me to make sure this is the most unforgettable year of my life!

Loyally,
Erin Hatley
Miss Tennessee 2011