Lilia's Crowning Moment
When the pageant weekend arrived, I felt so excited to have
this opportunity! Magic was in the room…. Saturday was filled with meeting many
new people, orientation, practicing, practicing and more practicing for the
pageant production, personal interviews (I was so eager to share my “Love
Always” platform but a little nervous as well), prayer, pictures, more
information, a fabulous tea for the Pre Teens with Mrs. International 2018, supper,
more practicing and fun! It was a long day but very successful. When I got
home, I went straight to bed because it was late and this girl needs her beauty
sleep!!! I prayed so many times that night that this would be my year to shine
and that I could use this crown to do great things and serve others!
When I awoke
the next morning, excitement was in the air…. I knew I would do my best! My mom
and I prayed before we went into the Scheel’s Center for the Performing Arts at
Oak Grove where the pageant was held. As the pageant began, all the pretty
contestants with gorgeous gowns and wonderful platforms were sparkling. I put
on my opening number dress which was red … the color red symbolizes strength
and love. The music was electrifying and our opening number was powerful. We
all got to present ourselves and walk across the stage and introduce who we
are. Then we had fun fashion (my favorite), evening gown and on-stage
interviews for the competition as well as more entertainment, American Heart
Association information and farewells from the queens before they crowned the
new ones. And, then after what seemed like long, long time….the crowning
moment! I thought that I did my very best and prayed for this moment to be my
time, but I was just so eager to see who would earn the crown no matter who it
was! I was ready. All the amazing Pre Teens were excited to find out!
My mom said
she was sitting in the front row watching and was holding hands with another
mom. The emcees said: “Now, deep breaths everyone….. may we have the envelopes
please.” All the Pre Teens walked forward and held hands. I closed my eyes,
looked down and took a breath. The emcees are great at building anticipation by
SLOWLY talking and adding pauses…. it built up my excitement even more! The
emcees then said: “Pre Teens, are you ready?! …….and….. your Miss Pre Teen North Dakota
International 2019 winner is……. Lilia Rexin!!!” Even though I thought I did my
best and was praying to win, when my named was called, I was just stunned to
hear it. I immediately put my hands up to my mouth in disbelief…. MY name was
called!!! YAY!!! I think that the rush of emotions settled in and I cried happy
tears as my new sash was put on me. I then received a bouquet of red roses and a
trophy. My dad put my crown on my head which was just so special. I am so
thankful that he was there with me.
Jocelyn, Miss
Pre Teen North Dakota International 2018, helped secure my crown. My crowning
moment picture was taken by MaBelle Photography and they captured that moment
so beautifully. It was spectacular!
At the
crowning moment, I was just so happy and very proud of all my hard work. This
all seemed like a wonderful dream but it was actually real! I couldn’t believe
it. My mom told me she was screaming in delight and crying because I was
crowned the new Miss Pre Teen. My mom helped me so much by selecting dresses,
giving me pointers on walking, helping me with interview questions and coaching
me on how to present myself. I love you, Mom! After I was crowned, I had a huge
smile on my face and my dad and I walked to the side of the stage. It was so
fun to watch MacKenzie, Ava, Jessie and Wanda get crowned. They asked the new queens to come forward and
take center stage as they announced us as the 2019 North Dakota International
titleholders. “Ladies, enjoy the moment…. the stage belongs to you.” I was
completely thrilled at being in this moment and I will never forget it! We had
so much applause!!! The queens had our first group picture taken and enjoyed
the Queen’s Reception. KVRR News interviewed me to be on tv which was so cool.
It was all such a very, very happy whirlwind.
The only thing missing from the evening was that my brothers
were not with me. Both Andrew and Gabe had a birthday party to attend. Later, Gabe
raced at the Boy Scout Pinewood Derby and Andrew had his Boy Scout meeting. What
a busy day!
This crowning moment will give me so many more opportunities
to make a difference in my community and I’m blessed, thankful and thrilled to
wear the crown. It will give me more of a chance to live out my favorite scripture:
“Let All That You Do
Be Done in Love.” I Corinthians
16:14
Love Always,
Lilia Rexin
Miss Pre Teen North Dakota International 2019
