Dutton & Brady -Sneakers & Heels (March 2)

Once I finished in Missoula, I set out for Dutton in the afternoon. I drove Highway 200 through Lincoln for the second time this year, and was again in awe of the beautiful landscapes this state possesses. The other fascination that kept me entertained if not simply attentive, was watching the weather. It amazes me when the sun is shining and I drive into a foggy cloud where it snows tiny sphere-shaped balls of snow. Then literally three minutes later, I’m back in sunshine with long range visibility. It’s the same awe struck feeling of watching a rain cloud move down a long valley while still standing in the sun, but knowing the rain will arrive soon. It reminds me of how helpless we are in comparison to the forces of nature.

I arrived in Dutton and learned that the schools in Dutton and Brady (15 miles north) are combined with the grade school and high school in Dutton, and the middle school in Brady. Therefore I would make three presentations between the two schools. I stayed with the music teacher which is a big advantage because she took me over to the school in the evening and set up what I would need in the morning. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I would be presenting in an auditorium! Yes, it was a smaller auditorium, but the performer in me appreciated the formal space. They have a great facility for plays and concerts, of which, I happily learned, they take full advantage. Over at Brady with the middle school, we had a more intimate space in the lunchroom which I think worked very well since it was a smaller group.
I made a funny mistake with them, but because we were so close, I caught it before I began my presentation. Walking in from the car, I wore my comfortable casual sneakers and carried my high heels in my bag. When I was setting up, I hadn’t even noticed that I forgot to change my shoes. When the students came in, I heard a few whispers and looked down with a little embarrassment. I quickly changed them and one of the girls said, “I didn’t think those shoes matched your skirt too well.” At least they know I’m human :)

Missoula's Hellgate Elementary School

When I returned to Montana, I was back on the road for school presentations the next day, February 28. I drove to Missoula with a watchful eye on the weather and gave two presentations at Hellgate Elementary school on March 1. The students knew both the National Anthem and the Montana State Song very well. I never tire of hearing a couple hundred students singing these two songs with great energy. It is refreshing every time I hear them. I would like to acknowledge that at this school and many others, the PTA sponsors my school presentation. I am grateful for their interest and support in enriching their students by keeping music an important element of their education.

Grad School Auditions

With the excitement and experience of Miss America behind me, I have set my sights on the last few months of my reign and also what lies ahead beyond June. Some may not know that the graduate school to which I was accepted in the fall of 2006 would not defer my acceptance nor hold my scholarship for a year. Therefore I was asked to reapply and re-audition this spring. I did so, but also decided to apply and audition at a few other schools as well. In February, I made the rounds and auditioned at four schools in three states in ten days…whew! When I receive word from these schools and make a decision, I will announce my plans for Fall 2007.

Mission Ridge & Miss MT 1947

Mission Ridge and their Activities Coordinator, Margie, asked me to be the entertainment for their bi-annual dinner theater/fundraiser. The event turned out to be bigger and better than expected.
One of the residents happens to be among the very first Miss Montana from 1947. She and I met the afternoon of the dinner and were photographed by a Gazette photographer. We talked and conversed for a while before I did my sound check on the stage. She was introduced at the dinner and given a corsage. She had some very kind words for me and I am still impressed with her sweet nature and gracious presence. At the end of the program, I had a chance to express my pleasure in our meeting and conveyed my hope that in sixty years I might have the same grace and poise as she possesses. The next day we were interviewed by the local NBC affiliate television station as a feature story. We again had the chance to exchange pictures and share stories. It was a wonderful experience and she is such a true lady in class and dignity. I hope our paths will cross again.
The money raised from the evening was designated to the Billings Police Department for the purchase of Child ID Kits. Several volunteers in uniform were in attendance including the Chief of Police. The event was sold out and the evening was a lovely affair. I must thank my ever steadfast piano partner, Sandi, with whom I have sung many years. She even played for me at Miss America. We presented many types of music: operatic, classical, and jazz; all with the subject of love – the theme for the evening with Valentine's Day in the air.

Big Sky Elementary

On February 8, I visited another Billings school, Big Sky Elementary. I am relieved that I am visiting close schools while the weather is proclaiming the winter season. That may change in the weeks ahead, either the weather or the schedule – I’m not sure…it is Montana, you know! The students did very well, and there’s nothing like 250 young voices singing the National Anthem or the Montana song!

"THE" Miss America Pageant

The Miss Montana cheering group was comprised of more than 80 jubilant supporters. Besides family and friends, the board was represented by Avice, Cami, Linda, Colette, Cindy, and Taryn, several volunteers who help to make 'Sweet Home Miss Montana" pageant week a success also attended as did fellow contestants and their parents, former Miss Montana titleholders, sponsors, and judges. I thank Sheri Hill for the beautiful opening number dress and her daughter for the great heels, Venus Swimwear for the two great suits, and Sarah for finding the devine Steven Yearick gown and other attire, and Leanne for the help with heels, the red Jovani and the antique gold & coral Maggie Sottero that I wore for my talent "Il Bacio", and to Mary at the Red Hanger for the wonderful "bling-bling" that was admired by many. Thanks to my many coaches. Here are some photos to enjoy!

1. Gown alterations at talent practice
2. In swimsuit competition.
3. Tom -- my relative and hairdresser who gave me my on-stage hairdos
4. At visitation.

Miss America

Here are photos taken at Miss America during the week leading up to interviews, the preliminaries, and the final competition.

1. At CMN Gala
2. Dancing the night away
3. With Jennifer Berry Miss America '06 and CMN representatives
4. Dreamgirls movie showing
5. Getting ready for rehearsals in Aladdin room
On Monday we visited the Venetian Hotel and rode the gondolas. While on the boat, one of the bystanders saw my sash and said, “Hey, we’re from Montana!” I found out they were from Kalispell and I asked if they knew a distant relative who is a veterinarian up there. They said yes and I said, “Well, I’m kinda related to that family.” They were amazed, as were the other contestants in the boat. I just responded, “Montana is relatively small. I think I have relatives everywhere.”

Tuesday night we were invited to the Planet Hollywood restaurant in the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace. We had a nice sit down dinner and then cleared the tables to dance a little. They wanted us to relax and have a little fun before the competitions began the next morning. The manager was very welcoming and made sure we were all having a good time.

Wednesday marked the first competition of the pageant, the interview. Throughout the day and continuing into Thursday, each contestant had their turn to be interviewed by the celebrity panel of judges in a closed room. I would definitely say this was the most intense interview I have ever had and cannot imagine another one like it. However, I am thankful for the preparations I had with coaches and practices with mock interview panels. I’m not sure how I would have handled this interview without those advantages. Also on this day I did a phone interview with Diane Cochrane of the Billings Gazette and she wrote a nice article with pictures supplied by the Associated Press for the January 26th paper.

Thursday was the first night of preliminary pageants. I performed my talent and was very happy with my presentation. It can be seen online through CMT’s website. Go to MissAmerica.cmt.com and click on the “Preliminary Talent Video” located on the right column of the page. Note: requires Internet Explorer to view the video. I am about eight minutes into the video and almost the entire two minute talent is shown. After the pageant, I saw my family and close friends for the first time since coming to Las Vegas. It was so great to see everyone and hear how much fun they were all having around town.

Friday and Saturday were similar schedules with rehearsals and preliminary pageants. It was commented by many volunteers and staff members that our class of contestants has been the most enjoyable to work with in many years. We all agree it is due to the numerous opportunities we have had to meet and connect before the competition. Our time in LA had a great effect on our relations which reflected in Las Vegas. It was truly like going back to a big group of friends.

Sunday was a “day off”…but not really. It was the break between the preliminary pageants and the final night. We still rehearsed and had a big event in the evening. The first annual Children’s Miracle Network Gala was held as a joint fundraiser for CMN and the Miss America Organization. All of the contestants were in attendance as well as Miss America, many former Miss Americas, and several prominent individuals from both organizations as well as supporters. The black tie affair included steak and lobster for dinner and a fabulous show by outstanding Las Vegas Entertainer, Danny Gans. He was marvelous in his musical impressions of every major pop vocalist one can think of. It was a great evening and one to help take my mind off the big day to come…

Monday finally arrived and we began with…you guessed it, more rehearsals. But this time it was with our host, Mario Lopez! No, I didn’t get to formally meet him. They mostly had him in specific areas plus I’m not one that usually oogles over celebrities. The time leading up to the pageant was a little restless because one can only primp so much until it’s useless. Walking out on stage was adrenaline pumped and the energy from the audience was exciting. It seems that I wait so long for the moment to arrive but at the same time everything has flown by so quickly. It’s very conflicting to describe. When they announced the top 10, I had a bit of disappointment but could look at those that were chosen with pride and knew that they were all ones who deserved the honor. My roommate, Miss Mississippi – Taryn Foshee, made it to the top 5 and performed her piano talent. I am very proud of her and how well she did. I am also very happy for Lauren Nelson and am excited for all the things she will experience in her year as Miss America.


I have often said that Miss Montana is a year of education that one cannot get at any university and that it is also a year of accelerated growth learning skills and techniques while discovering more about one’s self. The Miss America experience itself can also be summed up in this same way. Although the week starts with more fun events and time to relax, the last few days accelerate to include more emotional extremes and mental demands. They are still highly enjoyable with fun events and truly kind people, but with the constant anticipation of the final night! One of many special pieces of mail I received was a package from the Rapelje 5th and 6th graders. Each of them made a good luck card for me with beautifully drawn and colored pictures. It was very touching to receive and reminded me of who I was representing…the ENTIRE state of Montana and not just myself. I feel very blessed to have been given the chance to experience Miss America and am even more moved by the amount of support from all 75 Montana supporters in attendance and everyone watching at home. Even from backstage I could hear their cheer, “M-O-N-T-A-N-A Christie, we love you!” (a play on the Montana song that I happen to teach in my school presentations). If you happened to watch the telecast, you may have noticed the huge banner and picture of me hanging from the balcony. That was put together by my executive director, Avice, as were the hand signs and the life-size cutout of me at the Miss America trade show. Thank you, Avice and the Miss Montana Board for doing so much at Miss America.

I very content with my performance at Miss America because the experience was success in itself. I know that life takes us down certain paths and the events that happen along the way are for specific reasons. It is a matter of trust and faith to know that something else lies ahead.

Elder Grove School

Elder Grove is a K-8 school just outside the Billings city limits where I gave my presentation on January 17. The gym had a stage set in the center of the floor, but not one that I was going to make use of. Their drama department was all set up for a play and it would not be appropriate to do my presentation in the “woods” :) The students were all well behaved and excited for me to go to Miss America (I left for Las Vegas two days later).

Laurel's Distinquished Service Awards

The Laurel Chamber of Commerce and the Laurel Jaycees hold an annual banquet to present their Distinguished Service Awards to individuals in the community. The Laurel Jaycees scheduled me to give a short program of entertainment during the banquet and also help them introduce their awards on January 15. The event was held on the second floor of DJ’s Steak Palace and the community was well represented, filling the room. The Jaycees stand for “Junior Chamber” and gives its members growth and development in a business sense – public speaking, community service and projects, networking, and so on. These skills were apparent as one of the members introduced me to much of the room including many business owners, school board members and administrators. The members of the Jaycees are a fun bunch and the evening went wonderfully well.

Miss MT Send-Off Party

The Miss Montana Send-off party had been a long planned and anticipated event within my family. We held the event in conjunction with the Shrine Dance Band on Sunday, January 14. I sang a few numbers with the band and had rehearsed with them in the weeks leading up to the event. We began selling tickets at the beginning of January, and before we knew it, we had over 100 sold…before the event! When the day came, the turn out jumped to 170 of family, friends, board members, parents of contestants and former Miss Montana titleholders, sponsors, community supporters, and also some Dance Band regulars.

Throughout the afternoon as the band played, I modeled my Miss America wardrobe including the swimsuit (yikes!) and also performed my talent. The local TV news station crews were in attendance and interviewed me. They have been very supportive in their coverage of my year and I am extremely grateful.

Highgate Senior Living

The residents of Highgate Senior Living were particularly welcoming and appreciative when I sang for them on January 12. I was excited when I talked about the piano player on my accompaniment CD and they knew who he was! I use a CD that I recorded with some Billings musicians a few years ago and the sound engineer removed my vocals so I could use the accompanying music and sing live. One of the piano players on the recording is my grandmother’s cousin (first cousin twice removed?) named Orland and he has played around Billings since the 1930’s. He still gets around town and has played for this retirement community with Doc McBride. This is the reason they knew him and his piano playing already. I announced my upcoming send-off party with the Shrine dance band and one lady let me know that she planned to come. They were all very sweet and complimentary.

Princess Dreams

Miss America preparations come in all forms and disguises. One normally thinks of frequent exercise and reading the newspaper as beneficial if not necessary pageant preparation. However, an already scheduled appearance can have as much benefit and experience. On January 7, I was a part of the Wedding Fair 2007 with Y93 and David’s Bridal. Besides the little girl dream of wearing big beautiful dresses, the event gave me practice for stage walking and modeling in front of a large group of people. I had done two wedding shows in the past and one happened to be in 2005 with then Miss Montana, Evangelina Duke – that’s when she suggested I look into the Miss Montana program :) .