On Sunday, May 15, I heard those words, "Mrs. Louisiana United States is....Laura - Lott - Valenti!" I cannot begin to explain how that moment felt, and all I could do is grasp my face in hands and tear up as I humbly began to realize that dreams, hard work and perseverance aligned. It was my time, Olivia Simpson (Mrs. Louisiana America, 2010) whispered, as she hugged me congratulations.
Pageant day started briskly at 10:00 am with a panel interview of five distinguished judges from around the state. I was blessed to have the support of my husband, Richard, and good friends Rachel, Millie and AK to calm my nerves as I headed to the lobby. I even had to run into the parking lot before one last hair spray to do some jumping jacks! The text messages of "good luck" from my family and dear friends gave me moments of confidence, and to the lobby we practically ran. Quickly it was my turn as delegate #4 to enter the room. I took a deep breath, and walked in with a huge smile, "ready."
Interviews went great! Rehearsals ran smoothly as we learned the dance and stage spots, and the anticipation began to build up for the evening for all of us. Hair in rollers, tanning lotions applied, last minute diet cokes - the works! Mona, my preliminary director, practiced with me one last time before hair and makeup were finished, and then it was showtime! At 6:00 pm we headed on stage. Swimsuit was the first round of competition, followed by a parade of gowns, evening gown competition and on-stage conversation.
I can tell you that we had some lovely, accomplished and beautiful women on stage that night. It is amazing what some of these women have done with their lives and family, and I was honored to meet all of them and learn their stories. As the moments drew closer, I thanked God my mum was in the audience shaking her head "yes" when I was on stage and that Rachel waited with me in the doorway to give me strength.
Awards time!
Spirit of pageantry: Debbie Farmer
Photogenic: Olivia Simpson
Swimsuit: Laura Lott Valenti
Evening Gown: Olivia Simpson
2nd Runner Up: Dana Fontenot
1st Runner Up: Olivia Simpson
(Unannounced - Interview: Laura Lott Valenti)
It was my third attempt at Mrs. Louisiana, the fist two being in the America system. All I can say is,“Build a dream and the dream will build you” (Robert Schuller). If it weren't for those experiences, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I will tell you that I put the night into God's hands with every thought, and He made it happen. I am only grateful.
Honored and privileged to represent my native state of Louisiana, and I am very excited about this journey! I plan to make the most of it, and hope you'll follow me through it all. No person gets where they are alone, and I appreciate all the support, from the "go get 'em's!" to the "congratulations!" I remember how each and every one of them made me smile.
To my husband for driving me around the state with preliminary titles and showing Louisiana that this team is ready to be the Mr. and Mrs. Louisiana - I love you dearly. We are creating our lives as God would have it, and I am glad you are the one that winked at me on match.com. To my family (mum and daddy, KT and Josh, Ms. Stacy, Nicky, and Kim) - I love you for being there and my biggest raving fans. To my dearest friends (Rachel, Lauren, Brandy, Millie, AK, and Mona) with whom I have special relationships with all of you - I am here because of your support, and thank you for all the help you have given me. For all the pageant sisters and family that I have met over the last year (Sandy, Aquilla, Page, Christian, Kelly, Madison and Adrienne), and for those to come, I am excited to share this with each and every single one of you. For my entire support system: I could not, and would not, be here without all of you. -Thank you-
Now - let's rock nationals and make Louisiana proud!!!
Yours truly, Mrs. Louisiana United States, 2011, Laura Lott Valenti
