Once upon a time there was a Young girl who dreamed of someday becoming a princess. On February 5th 2005, that dream came true. For one year she reigned over the land of Placentia and was treated like royalty.

This past year has been like a sort of fairytale. Throughout my incredible journey, I have had the honor to participate in Chamber mixers, events, I was granted the opportunity to entertain with my singing or serve as the evening's MC. I was privileged to represent the city of Placentia in the Miss California pageant last June, where I was the only vocalist to receive a non-finalist talent scholarship award. My experience at Miss California taught me more invaluable lessons than I could have ever conceived. I discovered more about my self and my own capabilities than I ever imagined. I also learned how many people believe in me, even when I found it difficult to believe in myself.

My year would not have been what it was without the guidance and support of the amazing committee behind the Miss Placentia Scholarship program. To my executive director, Kathi Baldwin, thank you! I would never have known about the Miss Placentia pageant if you had not called me to participate, just as I was about to step onto the parade route for Disney's "Electrical Parade." Thank you for welcoming me into your home and your family with open arms. I am eternally grateful for your infinite words of encouragement, gifts and letters of inspiration, and unvarying faith in me. To Jocelyn Williams and Karen Urell, thank you for endowing me with the confidence to succeed at my every facet of the Miss California competition. Thank you for the constant coaching and countless hours you sacrificed getting me prepared for the pageant. Shopp9ing with you was a pleasure and you are both beautiful and intelligent women whom I admire greatly and strive to emulate. Mary Bette, you were my saving grace at Miss California. I value your opinion and am exceedingly grateful to have gotten to know you these past few years, To Miss Placentia's Outstanding Teen Jessica Galea, it has been a privilege having you alongside to represent Placentia and I know this is the start of many big things to come for you. I have never had a little sister and I found one in you.

In addition to my committee, I have to thank the city of Placentia for making my year possible. I truly believe in this city and it was an honor to represent such a compassionate, close-knit community. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Placentia City Council, Placentia Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Placentia. Furthermore, my reign would not have been possible without the generosity and continuous support of my extraordinary sponsor Pamela Walrod and the Placentia-Linda hospital.

To my family and friends, you deserve more recognition than one page allows, thank you. Specifically, my amazing mother who inspires me more and more each day. you are my best friend and I live to make you proud!

i hope that the next Miss Placentia realizes what a rare gift she has been given. You have a unique journey ahead of you and I hope that you cherish every moment. You too will realize you are capable of more than you ever fathomed. This program fosters achievers, and anyone who participates in any capacity is already a winner. I wish you a year full of unforgettable experiences, irreplaceable memories and a lifetime full of happily ever afters!

Sincerely,

 Laura Thatcher                       Miss Placentia, 2005