"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." Once upon a time , in a the year 2006, a wonderful dream came true and I was crowned Miss Placentia. As this storybook chapter of my life comes to an end, I reflect upon my year as Miss Placentia with sincere admiration for the Miss America Scholarship Program and its volunteers.

The Miss America Scholarship Program has generously funded seventy-five percent of my college education, as I pursue my teaching credential and degree in Child and Adolescent Development. True to form, this year's schedule was demanding yet the program always prioritized my educational pursuits. I will forever be grateful.

Although my year of reign is finished, I will go forth carrying the lessons of many invaluable experiences, opportunities, and friendships. Each has been a contribution to this dream of mine come true and will never be forgotten. Sadly, this past August I lost my precious grandfather. Poppy leaves a legacy that words can not describe, a legacy of great character and wondrous joys: the kind that puts a smile on one's face when one remembers back to such a time as this. May I be blessed to also leave such a legacy.

Highlights have abounded this year. I think of singing and helping MC at various Chamber of Commerce mixers, Placentia's Easter Egg Hunt, and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. I remember the delight of singing our national anthem and God Bless America at the firework shown in Placentia and Yorba Linda. With great joy I sang at Placentia's Little league Opening Ceremony and rode in the Heritage Day Parade. and then there was the Miss California scholarship Pageant, where I was privileged to place in the Top Ten and be awarded first place in Friday's Evening Wear competition. all this, yet my favorite highlight was promoting my platform of Children's Literacy as I visited local elementary schools and spoke, read, and sang with so many precious children.

My very special thanks to Glen Miller, Michael Ebenhoch, and the Rotary Club. You have been a wonderful sponsor. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and fun as I visited your functions. To all my additional sponsors, I would not be what I am today without your willingness to financially support and encourage me. To Lee Castner, no matter what condition the accompaniment, you always made me sound the best I could be. Thank you.  To Gary McGinnis, you have touch my heart by greeting me with a smile and hug each time I saw you. thank you for making me feel so special. To Mary Bette (Mama Mary), thank you for being like a mother and taking care of me at the Miss California Pageant in Fresno. My mom and dad thank you too! To Karen Urell, I never knew how fast one could navigate through a mall. Your fashion advice and encouragement will forever be cherished. Every time I put on those red pumps, I think of you! As for Jocelyn, my advisor, supporter, and friend, you have been my "go-to gal" through all of this. I quickly learned that if I had a question you had the answer. Thank you for all your help with wardrobe and preparation for my Miss California interview. I hold our friendship close to my heart. To Glenn and Kathi Baldwin, from the bottom of my heart you are the two most generous people I have ever met. Mr. Baldwin, or better known to me now and Glenn, I appreciate your wisdom and honest opinions so graciously shared. and to Kathi, my second mom this past year, you were so right when telling me how fast my year of reign would go. Thank you for taking me under wing and helping me to achieve my goals. I am blessed to have sat under the direction of such a phenomenal woman as you. You have meant more that works can say.

To my family, Mom, Dad, and Ryan, thank you for your undying support and love throughout this year. You more than anybody, know what a rigorous schedule blew through our home. and you were there helping me each step of the way. Thank you for motivation me to pursue my dreams and for being my biggest fans! I love you. to my "Miss California Fan Club," my experience was made far richer by you presence. To my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, you have been wonderful and have my love always. Most importantly, I thank my Lord and Savior for His blessings. none of this would have occurred without His hand on my life. I know that all things are possible through Him.

As this storybook season and time in my life comes to a close, farewell. I am eternally grateful for the memories, life-changing experiences, and opportunities given to me. It has been my great honor to represent and serve the wonderful citizens. of Placentia.

With Sincere Appreciation, Jolie LaCroix                       Miss Placentia, 2006

"The Lord is my strength and my shield: my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices: and with my song will I praise Him" Psalm 28:7