My Miss America Journey - Post Event

I just returned home from Miss America last night ready to take on the next 6 months…it’s amazing what a really great night of sleep can do for a person! I am so happy to come back home and still have my job as Miss Minnesota.

Taking in the experience as a whole, I literally left feeling so exhausted--mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. In an effort to always be real and open with who I am and how I feel, I want to take this opportunity to speak from my heart and share my honest feelings. In short, I feel very disappointed. How could I not? I think the hardest part of the whole experience is not that I didn’t win, but that this dream I have spent years working for is now over! That was my very last pageant competition, which is so hard to believe. I felt confident about my ability to be a contender competing on national television, but God clearly had different plans for me. Though I don’t understand fully right now, I have complete faith I will at some point so I just need to be open to every experience and see what I can learn from it. One of the other difficult emotions I am experiencing is this feeling that I let down those who have supported me 100%. Fortunately, I know I did the best I could, and I do not regret anything, but it is admittedly hard to shake some of the sad feelings!

But, I can’t even begin to express what a great all around experience I had at Miss America. I am at home in my apartment and I keep asking myself “Did I really just compete in Miss America?!” It came and went in a blink of an eye, but I have returned from this experience with new friends and much more. I am more than ready to continue working hard as Miss Minnesota, planning new Night of Inspiration Concerts, and continuing to raise money for such a wonderful organization, The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. My year is far from over, so I hope you don’t mind having me back! I look forward to what the rest of this year and my life holds.

I truly cannot thank you all enough for the many messages, cards, emails, prayers and thoughts! I felt a little bit spoiled for every time I went to my computer I had about 100 new facebook messages! This journey has been incredible and it wouldn’t have been without you. Thank you for allowing me to represent you the best I could; I am sorry the outcome was not what we hoped for! However, on a great note, I was really happy to find out that I received the non-finalist talent award as well as a new award for the highest scoring instrumentalist. Those awards mean so much knowing that my talent was recognized at Miss America. I am also honored that I was a quality of life finalist and, I believe, the third highest fundraiser for CMN. I have left this experience as a winner regardless of not receiving the crown I initially sought. Ultimately, I strive to hold the crown of our heavenly father and do his will…even if it doesn’t always match up with my own.
I will keep you updated with upcoming events! Blessings to you all and again thank you for following me and supporting me!

Love always,
Kathryn

P.S. Pictures will be posted soon!!

My Miss America Journey - Day 9, Part 2

This is my final blog at Miss America! I cannot believe tomorrow is the final night of competition and my last day at the Miss America Pageant! I also can’t believe it will be my last and final pageant competition. I wouldn’t want it any other way. It really is the best year to be competing for Miss America because of the 90th anniversary. I have been able to meet so many former Miss Americas and it makes me wish all the more to be a part of that sisterhood. I have no idea who the judges are going to pick for their top 11 or who America will pick for their top 4 so tomorrow’s show is going to be so suspenseful! We had rehearsals all day today and it really is going to be an entertaining night. I expect all of you to have a Miss America Party to watch the show on ABC!



Tonight was such a nice evening at the Night of Dreams Event. I was able to just enjoy my family and relax a little bit! Forty-eight of the 65 living Miss Americas were a part of the event!!





I am going into tomorrow night with a completely open mind. I have envisioned myself winning Miss America and the possibility of not placing at all. Either way, I know I will be leaving here with no regrets and a huge appreciation for my state, my friends, family, and supporters, and for this Organization. Oh, and leaving with lots of new friends! We have been told by the stage crew and hostesses that we are one of the best group of contestants they have had. Honestly, there is no drama or cattiness. All of us are experiencing this together and have truly gotten along so well!
I ask for you to again keep me in your prayers tomorrow… and I promise I will rock the stage and do my best! I love you all so much! Your support and good wishes have meant so much to me and have kept me going on these strenuous days!


Love, Kathryn

My Miss America Journey - Day 9, Part 1

Hello to the Family and Friends of our Dear Kathryn!

While Kathryn is busy with her Miss America contender duties for the remainder of this day, we wanted to let everyone get a little taste of the early excitement for the day with the DSW Show Us Your Shoes Parade. Presenting a photo blog of how Minnesota has and continues to make us proud with the past and present women representing our great state...here she is our Minnesota Nice Show Angel and company!!

God Bless,
Friend of Kathryn



A crowd of snow angel supporters (over 75 of us!!)!

Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron

Kari Heisler, Miss Minnesota 2001, escorting her sister, Miss Minnesota 2010, Kathryn!





An angel in the crowd!

Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2010-2011, Katarina Akridge

Miss Minnesota/Miss America 1948, Bebe Shopp

Miss Minnesota/Miss America 1977, Dorothy Bentham

Miss Minnesota/Miss America 1989, Gretchen Carlson

Miss Minnesota/Miss America 2011 Hopeful!!

My Miss America Journey - Day 8

Tonight was so much fun; the audience was much larger so the energy was pretty incredible! Competing in swimsuit and evening gown was a blast!!! I just love my evening gown; it definitely makes me feel like Miss America! :)






I am part of the Alpha group, which I must say is so talented, fit, and beautiful--inside and out. We spend a lot of time with our group members so it’s great that we all get a long so well! We are already talking about our reunions! :) Honestly, no matter what happens with this whole experience I will be leaving with some great friends…plus, now I can say I know someone in every state!

Rehearsals have begun for Saturday's show on ABC and it’s going to be great! Before tonight’s competition we went on Planet Hollywood’s roof to film the opening part of the show. I wish I could have had my camera to show you the view. It was the most incredible view, but so windy and cold in our fun opening number dresses!

Now tomorrow is going to be a great day for blogging! We are doing the "Show Us Your Shoes" DSW shoe parade at noon and a CMN fundraising gala in the evening. Plus, the press conference for the Quality of Life award is tomorrow…any one of the 8 finalists would be worthy of this award. It has been so wonderful to share the platform work we have done with one another; I love being around such driven, intelligent, and passionate women who make a difference in the lives of others and will continue to do so when this year is over.

It really is hard to believe that I only have two days left here. It feels like I have been here for weeks, yet at the same time it has flown by. The days are so busy that we joke, "did we do that yesterday or today!?" The days start to mesh together so it's nice to write down some of the events we are doing and share them with you!

I have to say I have the BEST cheering crowd at Miss America… and incredible support from those who can't be here as well; I feel you all in spirit! And I just LOVE the visitation time; it is one of my favorite times of the night. After the craziness of competing, being around those who love me and support me unconditionally is such a wonderful feeling!


Someone pinch me please.


Love you all!
Kathryn

My Miss America Journey - Day 7

Today I had my interview with three former Miss Americas for the Quality of Life interview; all of them were stunningly beautiful and even more so in person. I wish it had been longer than only 8 minutes, but I will definitely cherish that memory forever. I had the opportunity to share about all the work I have done with my Night of Inspiration concerts, the stories of people who have been recognized, my website, and so much more. To even be a finalist for the Quality of Life Award among this elite group is such an honor.


Tonight I competed in onstage question, which presents a really different night. While all of the other contestants are busy changing into swimsuits, evening gowns, and prepping for talent, the contestants in our group basically had the opportunity to “relax” backstage in the tent…except our minds are busy thinking of all the questions they could possibly ask. I felt good about my response being able to have a comfortable conversation with the host, Reggie. Now, I have tomorrow to look forward to when I will get to strut my stuff in swimsuit and evening gown!


Speaking of tomorrow night, we are now 7 days into the journey and half way through the competition. Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008, made a statement tonight that was right on point, “the person who wins is the last person standing (literally).” This is an incredible journey…absolutely positively one of the most riveting experiences of my life and I’m sure my fellow competitors feel the same. Nonetheless, we would all be lying if we said it wasn’t also one of the greatest physical, mental, and emotional challenges of our lives just as Kirsten suggested. I feel so blessed for all of the prayers and support I have received to help me be as strong as possible allowing me to continually do my best. Keep the prayers coming…I know it is what I will need to sustain me in the final days of this journey!



God Bless,
Kathryn

My Miss America Journey - Day 6

WOW! Competing on the Miss America stage is more incredible than I ever imagined! I felt no nerves tonight, just pure excitement!



I felt really good about my piano performance (though it is hard to remember because it all seems to be a blur), but all in all it was just plain fun and exciting. I sure hope I get a chance to do it again on Saturday night!


Check out the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnGWK7AanXc

I must say that the best part of today was seeing my family and friends afterwards at visitation. It’s so funny because I just saw them a week ago, but when you are in this semi-secluded world you develop even greater appreciation for those who love you. You don’t get to talk to family or friends much at all so you feel as if you have been cut off from the real world for a week!





This evening’s preliminary winners were Miss Hawaii for lifestyle and fitness and Miss North Carolina for talent. Her contemporary clogging dance was extremely entertaining and Miss Hawaii is, of course, beautiful! Both awards were very well deserved.

As the week continues, it just gets more and more exciting and fun. Tomorrow I will have my Quality of Life interview, and guess who is interviewing me? None other than Katie Stam (one of my role models!), Kellye Cash, and Ericka Dunlap. I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to this! This interview will take place at 9am (Wednesday), so please continue to keep me in your prayers.

Thank you all for your support! When I got back to my room tonight, I had over 60 emails and alerts from facebook... I feel pretty special. :) May the journey continue…

Blessings!
Kathryn

My Miss America Journey - Day 5

Today was my interview! I was quite proud of myself because I got up at 5:30 AM to work out before meeting with the group for our 7:40 rehearsal. The only time we have to work out (outside of just doing some crunches in the room) is at 6-7am on certain days. Today, I knew a good workout would help clear my head and release any tension. I felt very calm (with a few butterflies accompanying me) before my interview. I knew so many people were praying for me and sending good vibes my way so I felt at peace knowing I could just leave it in God’s hands. Prior to the interview, I had a certain expectation of how it was going to go (just like so many of us who try to micro manage and plan everything ☺), and guess what…it was unlike any interview I have ever had! Crazy how that works, but what a gift it was to be able to be real, open, vulnerable, and totally in the moment with the judges. The interview flew by so fast so it felt like one second I was walking in and the very next second it was over and I was out! I believe I did very well, but it’s so hard to know what the judges think (especially when they have to listen to 52 other interviews!)…ultimately, however, I’m glad I was able to just speak from my heart. If they choose me, what an honor; but, if they don’t, at least it’s not because I wasn’t Kathryn. So now… it’s time to move on and focus on the stage competitions…I can’t wait.

After rehearsing the rest of the day, we had a great dinner at P.F. Changs. BeBe Shopp Waring (a former Miss Minnesota who became Miss America!) and Heather French Henry (my favorite Miss America) were two of the people who gave very touching speeches. Bebe, who is now 80, looks so young and is still so gracious and graceful. Each spoke with such kindness and sincerity. I think all of us felt at peace afterwards; I know I did. From their perspective, whomever wins will need all the rest of us to love and support her because the job of Miss America is incredibly difficult; I LOVE that philosophy. As Miss America, you don't live anywhere other than hotel rooms. You truly are on call 24 hours a day and some days you are so tired that you could question your ability to make it through the next day. But knowing the huge privilege and responsibility Miss America is granted, knowing the people who love and support us, and seeing the difference we can make with our platforms and the Children's Miracle Network, makes it all worthwhile! And, the final thing they said that was so special and personal to me was how this amazing experience is just preparing us for the other future plans God has for us. Even though 52 contenders will not realize the dream of becoming Miss America, we all need to trust that this is still a part of the bigger plan in our life. I have believed this from the beginning, but to hear it from former Miss Americas who spoke so eloquently was really special.





It really is starting to get exciting and I might just add that families and directors are everywhere…it is pictures galore anywhere and everywhere we go! (I know I’m using the word “exciting” a lot, but really that is the true emotion of what I am experiencing!) How surprising it must be for passer-bys to see 53 sparkly crowns and banners on 53 beautiful young women!


After dinner, we got to have a “private shopping party” of Miss America merchandise, and guess what, like a typical girl, I wanted everything!! I did purchase a few things for my family (and for myself of course ☺) so it was a great night!

Tomorrow is my talent rehearsal and night 1 of preliminaries. I don’t know how much I will be able to blog, but I will continue to try my best (so just forgive me if it’s a little late in being posted)! Being here at Miss America is truly surreal. I can imagine how my heart will be pumping right before the opening number and before my talent. Regardless of what happens in the finals, I am so incredibly pumped to be able to perform my own original piano composition on the biggest stage and in front of the biggest audience ever! This is a dream come true and I plan to savor it.

There are only 2 more days left to vote for your favorite contestant, so please keep pushing to have people vote for me! Four contestants are chosen from those votes so that is a big deal! Again, I can’t thank you enough for your love, support, encouragement, thoughts and prayers. I am very blessed!

Love,
Kathryn Knuttila

My Miss America Journey - Day 4

I don’t know if it was all of your prayers, my prayers, or a combination of both, but today the opening number went much better for me--whew! I think I almost have it (just in time)! After another long day of rehearsals we are all starting to feel more comfortable with the walking patterns and the dance.

Some of the contestants had their interviews tonight, but prior to the start we were all brought into the theatre (which looks so incredible by the way!) to meet the judges. Seeing them in person took away some of my nerves and reminded me that they are real people! They were so encouraging and had great words of advice even saying, “be real because they will spot the phoneys!” I hate to break it to them, but there are truly none in this group of Miss America contestants. I have never met a more real and beautiful-inside and out- bunch of young women. I do not envy their job in making a selection amongst this fine group, but I do pray they see the real me and appreciate it!

I also have been very blessed to remain healthy outside of just feeling tired. Many of the ladies are getting really sick and I am praying I will miss out on that! Please say some prayers for my fellow competitors…we all know how hard it can be to be at our best when feeling under the weather. Competitors or not, I want each of these ladies to be able to make the most of this once in a lifetime experience.



Tonight was a beautiful night at the Eifel Tower in the Paris Hotel! The view was stunning! See for yourself!


I can’t imagine the view from the real Eiffel Tower. We were up about 500 feet, which is only half of the real Eiffel Tower, 1,063 ft!


Can you believe I am already in my room and it is not even 10pm?! This is the perfect night for me to take advantage of a good night’s rest to prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally for the days ahead including my interview, which will take place 12 hours from now!! After years worth of preparation, the moment has finally arrived; it's quite surreal! I know God has prepared me for this moment and I will continue to put my full trust in Him knowing His plans for me are nothing short of perfect. Keep sending the prayers!

God Bless,
Kathryn

My Miss America Journey - Day 3

I can’t believe it was only three days ago I checked in! With long days and great interactions with the other contestants, it feels like I have been here so much longer!

Yesterday, I mentioned that the opening number is hard. So today, after another full day of rehearsals, I ask the question (again) to my mother, “Why didn’t you put me in dance lessons!?” Ha ha…I am having such a hard time with the opening number, but I know I will get it and honestly it is going to be so cool! Our entire day was spent rehearsing, with breaks only to eat or do personal video interviews, but that also meant I could have a 5 minute practice on the piano! It felt so wonderful to be in the zone with my fingers after trying to get my feet to enter a zone they are not quite accustomed to during production number rehearsals! :)



This evening we were in a fashion show featuring an outfit from Joseph Ribkoff for us to wear in our own style. I have never been in a fashion show where the stage comes up from under the ground and has a really long runway; it was so cool! Afterwards, we signed so many autographs and met a lot of people who were visiting from all over the country. Then, we were off to one of my favorite restaurants, Bucca di Beppo (I love pasta!)! We eat at Bucca every year during Miss Minnesota week so it brought back those fond memories…especially when they brought out the huge brownie/ice cream dessert!



Tomorrow marks the beginning of competition for some contestants. The judges arrive and some of the contestants will have their interviews tomorrow night. It really is starting to sink in! My interview will take place on Monday morning at 10:50 so please say a lot of prayers around that time! I can’t thank you all enough for your encouraging messages! It truly is an honor to be a part of this experience and to know I have so many people rooting for me means so much!

One final note to bring recognition to a special young woman back in Minnesota…congratulations to the newly crowned Miss North Shore 2011, Caitlyn Thompson!

God Bless,
Kathryn

My Miss America Journey: Day Two

Hello Everyone!

This morning could not have started any better…in honor of the 90th anniversary of Miss America (and Elvis’s birthday) IHOP came to our hotel so we could flip pancakes AND enjoy a wonderful breakfast featuring a 90th anniversary pancake cake! This event also presented the opportunity for us to meet a 12 year old girl and 17 year old boy from a CMN hospital here in Nevada reminding us about the greatness of this organization as it supports the Children’s Miracle Network.

While I wasn’t very good at flipping pancakes at first, I must say I did quite well if I do say so myself…once I got the hang of it! After a big breakfast full of carbs and sugar (gotta love it!), we were off to a busy day of rehearsals.

Can I just say the opening number is going to be so sweet?! It is by far the most difficult dance I have ever had to do! I don’t want to spoil it by revealing the song, but I will say it is upbeat, a ton of fun, and makes you want to dance! I just hope I can learn it in time to not make a fool of myself on national television!! We also learned our walking patterns for evening gown and swimsuit from some amazing choreographers. They have a fun spirit so it has been awesome to work with them.
In the middle of rehearsals, half of the contestants (including me) were pulled to shoot short video clips for America to see if we make the top 15. We were also interviewed by Artistry by Amway who is underwriting all of the scholarships for this year’s Miss America contestants!

After a fun but exhausting day of rehearsals, we got to wind down and enjoy the Barry Manilow show…wow, can he sing! It was such an enjoyable night; I just wished my parents had been there to watch because I know they really would have enjoyed him!

On a more personal note, can I just say I love the beds here in Planet Hollywood?! :) They are so comfortable, big and inviting! Looking forward to sharing my day with you tomorrow! Thanks for reading!

My Miss America Journey: DAY 1

After bidding my family farewell on Wednesday and departing for Vegas to arrive one day ahead of schedule to get a good night’s rest, I was ready for the action that our first day would bring. (By the way, many thanks to Sun Country Airlines for sponsoring my luggage transportation, which totaled 6 suitcases, a carry-on, and a purse!!) We started the day with fittings and checking in to our hotel room where I met my awesome roommate, Miss California. With many similarities and personalities that really compliment each other, I feel so blessed to spend the next 10 days with her!

Next, we were off to the opening ceremony where we were introduced by Boys II Men; this definitely had my adrenaline going! They also announced the Quality of Life finalists, and I am so honored to be one of them! The Quality of Life Awards were introduced in 1988 to recognize contestants who excel in their commitment to community service. To be considered for this award, contestants must submit an application answering 5 questions to describe their involvement with Children's Miracle Network, the national platform of the Miss America Organization, and their own personal platform issue. From the eight finalists, three will be chosen to receive additional scholarships after we all go through a separate interview in just a few days—winners are announced on Friday, January 14th. This award means so much to me, so I can’t tell you how happy I was to be named a finalist.


After the opening ceremony, we hopped on our buses for a DSW television commercial. DSW is presenting the 2011 Miss America Pageant and also sponsoring a great shoe parade that will take place later in the week!


At last, it was time to eat; I was starving! After salad and pizza, we enjoyed some birthday cake in honor of Miss Iowa’s and Miss Oklahoma’s birthdays!

This whole day was so incredible. It finally sunk in that one of the contestants in that room is going to be the next Miss America. It could be anyone; it could be me! What an exciting feeling to experience my dreams coming true and to see how truly outstanding this organization is. Can you believe that this year’s contestants alone have raised $1.4 million for Children’s Miracle Network?! How invigorating it is to know we really are making a difference! I am also so excited for this 90th Anniversary of Miss America as the most former Miss America’s are returning than ever before! I have the great pleasure of meeting them all on Friday night at the gala; I cannot wait!

Well, it’s about time for me to turn in for the night considering it is already 12:44 am and I need to be awake by 5am (I can already tell it is going to be an exhausting 10 days, but I’m ready for it!). Before I go though, I just want to say that this really is an outstanding group of genuine and sweet women. I have a feeling this is going to be a great group and a life changing experience.

Oh, and one more practical point for anyone heading to Vegas…it’s chilly at night so don’t forget a jacket!!

Good night one and all. I love you all and thank you again for your support and prayers!

God Bless,
Kathryn