06/24/2026
This is a must read for all of us in this Sisterhood of Pageantry it is below my story.
My goal is to make a difference, and I know, for a fact that I have changed many people's lives with my actions and words. When I am privileged, I see it happen before my eyes.. I know some Pageants would like us to have a specific platform.
I have been observing the world around us, the current events and have personally seen first-hand how true mentors can make an enormous change in people's lives. Children in situations beyond their control are forced to grow up quickly. Having been placed in Foster care at 17 months and quickly Adopted most thankfully by the most loving and amazing Grandmother was a Blessing from God.
We are not shielded from the grief and the pain, and remember it well during those moments of being scared while people you don't even know
hold your life in their hands. My siblings and I were very lucky, my Grandma stepped in, took our hands and never let go.
I have grown into a level- headed, strong and caring Woman,
I have been awarded for my volunteerism since I was twelve years old. I have over 6,000 Certified and certifiable accredited volunteer and community service hours and counting. My life story up until this day can be seen in photos, I am neither a Braggart or attention seeker. Everything I do is on display. So that people can see there is a whole life out there, waiting for you and that people like me are here to help you achieve that strength, regardless of your station in life.
HOW TO BE A REAL QUEEN
It’s been quite a while since I’ve made a post about pageantry. But, as pageants start for the summer all around the world, I want to remind you of several important things.
1. It’s JUST a pageant. Don’t use what you and/or your friends win or don’t win to ruin your friendships.
2. Don’t be fake. Don’t fake being someone’s friend with empty compliments. Get to know your competitors. They may become your best friend or your child’s best friend some day.
3. Be the REAL you with the judges. Trust me, they do their best to see through all the smoke and mirrors you try to put on. Reflect your best self.
4. A director or system is looking for a titleholder who will be their partner to help grow and represent their organization over the next year, not the next 30 days.
5. Being their winner will be work. Are you ready for the job? A crown is only made of metal and stones but you are the one who gives it purpose.
6. Guests, don’t be a back seat critic and talk bad about others. Your voice carries. Does it radiate or criticize?
7. Be on time. Be prompt. Showing up late is rude and lazy on your part.
8. Never forget that everyone is watching you, even the sales clerk at the store where you bought your supplies for pageant week.
9. Accept the rules and regulations set forth by your director. Ninety nine percent of all regulations are in place because someone probably took advantage of her generosity.
10. in all you do. You have to live with the circumstances of the decisions you make, the things you do and say, but more importantly, the person you are to them will live with them forever.
11. Not everyone is going to win. You may be one of those people. Prepare to win but, if you don’t, also prepare yourself to be the best sincere supporting person in the room, not the best actress in the room.
12. If you don’t win a new crown, don’t forget you still have obligations to the one you arrived with. Your journey is not over until you crown YOUR successor.
13. Life is short. Pageant week is short. The decisions you make, the words you say, the kindness you show, and the lessons you learn or teach others will change you or someone else.
14. If you win, win with grace.
15. If you win, don’t disservice the crown or disrespect your competitors by putting it up on a shelf and doing nothing during your reign. The judges didn’t select you for you to do enough to just get by. They selected you to knock it out of the ballpark!
16. Be THAT queen that everyone measures themselves by, not against.
17. Jealousy is an ugly color. It won’t look good on you.
18. Idle chat finds its way out to the public ear. Out of abundance of the heart, your mouth speaks. Are your words sincere? Loving? Kind? Helpful?
19. Ask yourself “why THIS pageant “ or “why THIS crown?” If you are just there to win and get nothing from the experience or even to make a difference in someone else’s life, you’re more of a loser than a winner.
20. Treat your competitors how you want to be treated. Want for them what you want for yourself. Set your expectations for yourself higher than what you expect of others. That’s what a real queen is.
~Ms. Pat
God Bless you all, Ruthie
