Kelsey Cartwright Thanks Collinsville -- February 16, 2009 -- Collinsville, OK -- www.cvilleok.com

To the City of Collinsville:
As the rush from Miss America is beginning to die down, I want to take this opportunity to thank my hometown and the many incredible individuals who have helped make all my dreams come true. I never thought in a million years that I would be standing on the Miss America stage, nor did I think I would be featured on national television for a reality TV show! But I did, and its all because of the love and support of my family, friends, teachers, and community leaders in Collinsville, Oklahoma.
I first want to thank the City of Collinsville for donating the two large banners and providing the license tags for my fundraiser. We were able to raise close to $1000, and that money will be used to benefit children nationwide through the Children’s Miracle Network. Your money not only helped me get to the Miss America stage, but it is also helping to heal sick children right here in Oklahoma. Donations were also received from Wal-Mart, Piggly Wiggly, Bill and Carolyn Harris, Helen Murphy, and George and Delores Sallee. Thank you to all those who attended the fundraiser and those who purchased a license tag. These car tags were part of the fundraiser from “Kelsey Cartwright Day,” where the city of Collinsville gathered together to raise funds to send me to Miss America. I want to give a special thanks to Stan Sallee, Pam Polk, Susan Babbitt, and State Representative Earl Sears, for organizing this fabulous event and promoting the Miss Oklahoma Organization. The support I’ve had from Collinsville has been tremendous- not just from individuals but from businesses as well. Our local SONIC, Silver Dollar Café, EZ Mart, and Bill and Ruth’s were willing to hand out advertisement for the fundraiser with each meal purchased. Thank you for helping promote “Kelsey Cartwright Day!” And where would I be without someone to publicize these wonderful events? I want to say thank you to Bill Johnston and Ted Wright for your consistent efforts in keeping Collinsville informed. Thanks to you both, I have wonderful memories to look back on forever and ever. I can’t thank you enough!
There is also a new business in town, and it gets two thumbs up from me! I want to give a huge thanks to Sherry Campbell, the owner of All Dolled Up, for providing my Daddy with a tuxedo to wear in Vegas. I just stopped by one day and thought I would ask for a discount, since it was such a special occasion (expecting to hear...”Ummm I don’t think so.”) But she immediately responded with “Bring him in! We’ll take of it- no problem!” Your generosity is much appreciated, Sherry! Thanks for making my Dad look like a million bucks! Speaking of looking like a million bucks- I want to specifically thank RCB Bank, Bank of the Lakes, and American Bank for providing the funds to get those incredible signs on both sides of town. Having my name posted on a huge sign for everyone to see when they enter Collinsville sure makes me feel like a celebrity!
Sure, being Miss America would have really solidified my status as a celebrity. And as nice as that would have been, I was secretly so happy that I was able to come back home and be Miss Oklahoma. There is no place I’d rather be! I had the time of my life in Vegas and it was so great to have lots of friends and family from Collinsville there to support me. It was an unforgettable experience and a dream come true. As badly as I wanted to be in the top 15, so that my community could see all the hard work we have put into this, I believe God is in control and all things happen for a reason. We ended up with the PERFECT Miss America. I mean, I think she came out of the womb ready for the job. Her name is Katie Stam, and she is going to do great things for the organization and for the young people in our nation. I have the amazing opportunity to attend her homecoming party in March…which is quite an honor because only 10 contestants were invited!
Now that I’m home it’s back to work for me! I’m making appearances and speaking to schools nearly everyday. I was even able to speak to Herald Elementary, which was obviously my favorite school assembly so far! I have been named as an official spokesperson for IHOP’s national pancake day on February 24th, in which the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. I’m also emceeing the Miss Keystone Lake pageant on February 28th where I give up my local crown to the new titleholder. Ah, that will be a sad day, as I realize how the year has flown by! After I give up the amazing title of Miss Oklahoma, its back to OCU for me, as I finish my degree as a Dance Management major. And with the overwhelming amount of scholarship money I have received through the Miss Oklahoma Organization, I want to also attain a degree in Veterinary Technology, because I love working with animals. Yes, the coming weeks are jam-packed!
I wish I could explain how proud I am to have gown up in Collinsville. Throughout childhood, college, and this crazy life as Miss Oklahoma, I have been blessed with never-ending support from the small town bond we all have here in Collinsville. It has been an absolute joy representing our great state, and I hope that I have made you all proud!

With Abundant Appreciation,
Kelsey Cartwright
Miss Oklahoma 2008