First and foremost, I cannot even begin to form a thought, without first recognizing the glory and graciousness of God, my savior and protector. I couldn’t have done it without my Heavenly Father. He gives me the strength, guidance, unconditional love and grace to make it through every day with my heart in the right place. Thank you so much, God, for all that you have been to me and all that you will continue to be!
Since September 11, 2010, I have been truly blessed, like many before me, to stand before you and represent this beautiful crown, while carrying the title of Miss Karnes City. When I won last year, I promised myself that I would be the best Miss Karnes City that I could be. This opportunity has allowed me to acquire many experiences and realize my personal goals.
Everyone needs help on the way to success and, of course, none of this would be possible without any of the special people who willingly stepped aside to help. First, I would like to thank the Rotary Club and the Young Progressives for their kindness, patience and support. Second, thanks to Mr. Renteria, Mr. Gabe, and my dad, Paul Kinney, for being so kind to pull the float whenever it was needed. Thank you, Mrs. Mackie Kimble, for always helping me make sure we had a driver, providing me with directions to make things run a lot smoother, and keeping me on top of things. To Mrs. Winn, thank you for allowing the girls and I to re-decorate the float at your house and happily lending us just about every staple you had for our staple gun. It made the float glow! Thank you to all of my friends, special teachers, administrators and members of the community who always encouraged and supported me at every parade. To my mom, thank you for always being there. You were always smiling so bright and waving back looking like the proud mother you are. Sometimes you would be so happy that you would forget about snapping the picture, which took you two minutes to take. By the time you took it, it was usually a picture of the float behind us. Thank you for always putting up with me during those early mornings and helping me lace up the back of just about every dress. Daddy, maybe we will tell you one day just how much these dresses cost! To my little brother Paul Jr. or as we call him, “June,” even though you always complained and criticized my dresses, I know you liked them. Last, but not least, a big thank you to the ladies of the court, Darian Ramirez, Krysttal Renteria, Kelsey Stulting and Ashton Kunschik. Thank you for being the best group of ladies I could ask for. Through the heat, poofy dresses, frizzy hair, rain, lost music, freezing temperatures and not to mention Ashton and I falling on the float during parades on those early Saturday mornings, we somehow still made things work.
I will never forget when we all fell asleep on the float while waiting for the parade to start. All of a sudden, a little innocent voice shouts, “Mommy! Why are the princesses sleeping?” It’s moments like that, that create memories that last a lifetime.
I would like to tell all of these beautiful young ladies good luck and regardless of what happens tonight, you are all winners. Ladies: dare to dream big! Dr. Henry Grayson put this idea very eloquently when he said, “Who and what we are is so magnificent, that it far exceeds our wildest imaginations and dreams.” Although only one will leave with the crown tonight, all can aspire to make significant contributions to our community. We all have the power to make a difference, so to the young lady who will be crowned the next Miss Karnes City, this year will be what you make of it. Make your reign spectacular! In the words of Lee Ann Womack, “When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance!” Remember to be humbled and to work hard because you have the power to make a difference in the lives of others and serve a cause greater than yourself. Prayer will be your greatest ally. Be patient, kind and understanding, but most importantly, be proactive.
No matter where I go in life, I will always remember this experience and all it has taught me. I hope I was able to make you proud. I am honored to have been able to serve as Miss Karnes City 2010. Thank you for all of your support and God bless.
– Brittany Kinney
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