A Dream Come True

Hi everyone!! My name is Bridget Linton and I am proud to announce that I am the new Miss Ohio Teen USA 2010! The weekend of October 9th and 10th was the greatest experience of my life and a dream come true. The weekend began early Friday morning with registration. Immediately following check-in, a full day of rehearsal began for the pageant. Kent and Lindsey were SO helpful throughout the entire rehearsal and made every minute of it fun and exciting. Throughout the day, I had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing young ladies. The camaraderie was unbelievable and everyone was so willing to reach out and lend a helping hand. I miss them all so much! The preliminary pageant was held Friday evening. Every contestant competed in the swimsuit and evening gown category.

Early the next morning, the interviews were held with the judges. You might think that this would be the most difficult and nerve wrecking part of the pageant, but in reality, it was a ton of fun! The judges made me feel so comfortable. It was like having a conversation with some new friends. Following the interview, all of the contestants were able to leave the hotel and spend some time with their families before returning to yet another full day of rehearsal. I was so happy to see my family and thoroughly enjoyed eating breakfast with them at Bob Evan's! My family is the greatest! You won’t find a better or more loving support group. My family has been my number one fan and they are proud of me no matter what the undertaking may be. As my family and I said good bye, I knew I would see and hear them cheering me on later that evening.

The big night finally arrived! All the contestants were able to participate in the opening number that Kent had choreographed to the hit song “I Gotta Feeling That Tonight‘s Gonna Be a Good Night.” I think the Black Eyed Peas prediction was correct! It was definitely a good night! The night flew by so quickly! It felt like I was there for only five minutes and then it was time for awards. People always say "time flies when you are having fun." I can honestly say this experience proved that to be right! Being backstage with the Miss Ohio and Miss Ohio Teen contestants, helping each other with make-up and hair, dancing and laughing together, it made me realize I wasn't going to worry about the outcome because this was already one the of most exciting nights of my life! I was thrilled to hear my name called out as one of the top15! I then competed once again in the swim suit and evening gown category. The judges deliberated and before I knew it, the top five names were called. When I heard my name called again, I was beyond excited! Each of the finalists pulled a question out of the fish bowl and answered it. Moments later, it was time for awards! Throughout the entire weekend, I was not nervous for one minute. I was beginning to think there something wrong with me! I truly think it was because I was surrounded by such wonderful people that made every second of this experience amazing. As the names of the runners-up were called, I could not believe I was still standing there. When my name was announced as Miss Ohio Teen USA 2010, my dream turned into a reality. I cried tears of joy and no one could wipe the smile off of my face!

The moment my dream came true!

My new big sister Amanda, Miss Ohio USA 2010!
Words can't describe how excited I am to spend this
incredible year with her! I am so fortunate to have
been blessed with such a caring and beautiful friend
that I get to spend my year with. :)

Words are too inadequate to convey my sincere thanks to all of the people that made this weekend possible! Your hard work and commitment made the Miss Ohio Teen USA and Miss Ohio USA pageant possible. Thank you to all of my supporters and especially my family. I love you with all my heart and you know I could not have done this without your loving support! I promise to represent the beautiful State of Ohio, the heart of it all, as Miss Ohio Teen USA 2010 to the best of my ability!! :)

Love Always,
Bridget <3