Miss & Mrs. Dallas in the Dallas MLK Parade

I was introduced to Mrs. Dallas 2009, Lee Pettyjohn. We will both be competing in the Texas International Pageant in March, in San Antonio. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., one of the parades was held in Dallas. The day started out so cold, but as we gained momentum it began to warm up! It started at Dallas City Hall, and ran to MLK blvd. in downtown. This was the first parade that I have made an appearance in, and it was so exciting seeing all the smiling faces out to celebrate the birthday of such a historic figure. In addition to the presidential inauguration, the feeling of joy was definitely a presence in the streets of Dallas!

Jade Monfils Guest Speaker for Bea's Kids

Bea's Kids after school program gives young kids tutoring and a safe place to be during the peak hours of violent juvenile crime (between 3:00-6:00 pm). Once a month the North Dallas chapter invites a key speaker to talk to the youth as a "Wednesday's Winner". I was honored to be the January speaker, and talked to the kids about my "path to success" and the importance of education and staying in school. I also talked about setting goals and believing in yourself. When I got there everyone was writing a letter to President Obama, and what they wanted to see him change. The kids there ranged from 1st grade through high school juniors. There were several volunteers there helping them with their homework which ranged from math to writing. Helping kids become positive impacts on our future is something that I am so passionate about, which is why it was so rewarding for me to speak to these children and share with them my experiences!