Ashley Gordon - Miss Albertville Candidate

"Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more" -Anthony Robins.

It is no understatement to say this weekend was jam-packed with excitement! The Miss Albertville candidates,  Junior Royalty Candidates and chaparones, lovingly known as our “Kellys” spent from noon to midnight on Saturday at the Coborn’s in Albertville on rocking chairs for the annual Miss Albertville Rock A Thon.

To say we “rocked” would not be quite accurate, actually we jumped from our seats to Hula Hoop, chatted on the radio at KRWC, and danced a few steps to shake out the cramps.

The downpour and winds also kept us all jumping and sweeping away the pools of water!

Despite the soupy weather, and the damp ground our spirits were high and we had a great time. In between all the fun and activity we rocked and chatted. We bonded over stories about our families , friends and school. It seems that community to all of us is really a gift we don’t value as often as we should. When faced with a opportunity to talk about it and work within it, we are rewarded with the realization of how much it means to each of us, and how our community has shaped our lives and prepared us for our future.

I have always wanted to be a part of the Albertville Royalty Family. I ran for a chance at becoming a Junior Royalty Candidate when I was a first-grader. It was so exciting getting to ride in a parade and wave to my neighbors and teachers. I think it was even more exciting to talk to Miss Albertville and her Royal Court. I dreamed of getting to grow up and be just like them.

I didn’t win a crown back in that time. However, I think I won something more. A friendship started with the program that expanded when I turned older and began to assist the Albertville Royalty Committee with their annual Friendly City Day events at the STMA High School Auditorium.

I ran lights and sound for many years of the Miss Albertville Style Show and Coronations. If you have never attended these events, I urge you to try to place these dates on your calendars for this year!  A lot of planning goes into the Miss Albertville Style Show. The event has been sponsored for years by Maurices from the Albertville Outlets.  The cutest spring clothing and accessories are showcased at this event from this unique store. For me as a candidate, it is one of the most fun events to get to be in.

After braving the wind and rain Saturday, Sunday we were fitted for the Style Show by our friends at Maurices. I felt a lot less wind blown and I am excited to show off my summer dress!

I always wanted to be a Miss Albertville candidate. It has been a great opportunity to learn from and talk with the program leaders who have been promoting our community for years. Last year they covered over 32 parades and planned a number of community service projects here at home. They live here, volunteer here and quietly serve all of us with a cheerful heart and a generous hand.  This has been a great lesson to me.

Being involved with the program not only helped me to connect with others and meet new people, but gave me a sense of what the Royalty program is really about.  Our Albertville Royalty family acts as ambassadors to neighboring communities for the City of Albertville, known as the Friendly City. We live up to our name. Albertville City Hall and the Royalty Program have found a unique way of mixing local government and a non profit to promote our city. This year, I might not win a crown again. That is O.K. The time I spent with the program has been a true privilege, and has already taught me to be something more, by helping others.

Upcoming Miss Albertville events include:

6/7/11  @ 6:30pm -Miss Albertville / Maurices Style Show- STMA High School PAC

6/12/11@ 1:30pm- Albertville friendly City Days Parade- Main Street- Albertville

6/12/11@4:00pm- Miss Albertville Coronation- STMA High School PAC