Mrs. Michigan United States 2007
Stephanie Hunt
Farewell Speech
I’d like to begin with this quote from Martin Luther King Jr.
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and Importance and
should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."
I’ve kept these words close to my heart over the last 12 months. My
reign as Mrs. Michigan United States 2007 has been an incredible
year and even though I cannot believe it is coming to an end
already, I look forward to the year that is coming where I can enjoy
the many friends I’ve made along the way.
I have so many memories to take with me...filled with wonderful
people who have touched my life tremendously.
First and foremost, I must thank my heavenly Father
-Thank You for all the blessings you continue to bestow upon me.
-Thank you for your grace, mercy, patience & forgiveness.
I'd like to thank NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders).
This year has been a success because of the people that make up this
remarkable organization.
Thank You for your endorsement, partnership and your 25 year
commitment to helping the millions who suffer from Rare Disease.
Kristina...The Best Director Ever!
Thank you for taking such care with me!
You epitomize professionalism, class and integrity. Thank you for
your leadership, vision and your standard of excellence. This
program provides married women with an avenue for service, a path
for advocacy, and an opportunity to make a difference. Thank you for
your faith in the women of Michigan to carry this through.
Jeff, Mary, Tiffarah, Syndey, Bill, Heidi, Daphne, and Tracie.
Each of you is incredibly important to me. Saying Thank You seems so
inadequate to express my sincere appreciation. This experience would
not have been complete without having shared it with you. Thank you
for your support. Yes, Mary...it is amazing how God put some of us
together to be life long friends!
It took a village to make this Mrs. United States...Thank You for
sharing your unique talents with me...
Janice McQueen Ward, Mrs. United States 1999, Bill Hall of
Pageanthelp.com, Trisha Signs, Dave Dausey, Mike Mauney Fitness
Trainer & Sam Tang,...Oh Sam, you’ve captured my image like no
other...you are an artist!
Nola...This year has been challenging...you have catapulted my title
into something Really Spectacular, we made it through a huge
obstacle!! I can't believe the things I've done, the places I've
gone and the people I've met! And no matter where I'm whisked to,
you are always spoken of in the highest regard. You are more than my
publicist...you are my friend. Even with the “homework” -- I thank
you for your hard work & dedication...from the bottom of my heart!
Northwest Airlines have been more than an employer – they have stood
behind me, supported me, and made sure I made it everywhere that I
needed to be and in doing so were able to put smiles on the faces of
many and make more than a few dreams come true.
Matthew
You are a diamond in the rough! thank you for helping us bring
"Every Child a Cure", to life.
To my wonderful children...Jordan and Donnie you will always be my
greatest accomplishments!
Thank you for your selflessness and your sacrifice by sharing your
mommy with the rest of the Country. I Love you guys!
To the Queen mother...my other voice...Mom says...
Thank You for instilling in me that beauty comes from within.
You go beyond the call of duty as a grandmother...taking such great
care of my family in my absence. Your generosity is Amazing! My love
to you...always!
To the angel looking down on me everyday! Dad...I miss you
immensely. You and mom taught me the value of life's lessons & the
spirit of determination. You encouraged me to take chances and to
refuse to be limited by circumstances. For this I am eternally
grateful.
To Mr. United States...Don, the wind beneath my wings.
Thank you for encouraging me to enjoy this life experience.
Thank you for knowing me and loving me...especially for putting up
with my drama and never pressuring me to be low maintenance! Thank
you for enduring my schedule and for taking care of "everybody and
everything".
I am incredibly blessed this year to be Mrs. United States, but even
more grateful to be Mrs. Donald Hunt, for an eternity. I Love you
Honey!
I will forever be grateful for all that I have accomplished with my
platform this past year.
Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome/ Rare Disease Awareness.
I am proud that I have created opportunities to make a difference in
the rare disease community. I will remain dedicated to this cause
because for every day that I do, it will be one day closer to “every
child a cure.” I will never give up.
Representing Michigan at the National competition, in Las Vegas, NV,
and winning was an uplifting and humbling experience. The excitement
in that crowning moment was exceeded only by the realization that I
was also making history as the first Mrs. Michigan United States and
the first African-American Mrs. United States in the 21 year history
of the pageant. I am truly blessed to take both these “first steps”
and to bring those honors back to the great state of Michigan
Congratulations to all of this year’s Michigan Delegates for
believing in your dreams and staying true to yourselves.
And to my predecessors, and this evening's successor I would like to
share this poem by John Wesley:
All you Can
Do all you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can
Mrs. Michigan United States 2008...you will be given the chance of a
lifetime-- Make Michigan Proud!
All My Love & Many Blessings!
Stephanie Hunt
Mrs. Michigan United States 2007
&
Your reigning National Queen
Mrs. United States 2007-08
Farewell!
