Thank you, Circleville, for the opportunity of a lifetime and a title I will forever hold. For me, 2023 was a year filled with resilience; I was hit with life lessons and challenges that I had to overcome. Facing these setbacks, I always had something that would keep pushing me forward, Miss Pumpkin Show.
Being chosen as a representative from my school and class was such an honor. They were giving me the opportunity to represent my school, Teays Valley; my hometown, Ashville; and my county, Pickaway which defines me as a person. I was gifted with a chance that not many girls receive.
When I got the letter that I had been chosen as a representative, I couldn’t wait to get started on everything. I had many things to complete including my questions, headshots, outfits, and more. I was so excited to get started. When my family and I started coming up with slogans we couldn’t think of something that would mesh well, until we came up with, “We’re Crazy for Sophia Daisy!” My middle name is Daisy after my maternal grandmother, and they’re one of my favorite flowers. I remember telling my mother that I wanted a color to stand out and grab people’s attention, so I chose a bright neon green. It was perfect!
Now that I had my shirts, crewnecks, buttons, and everything else finished, I had to start practicing my introduction speech, interview, and the infamous fishbowl question. This was the time when I was introduced to Jeanne Radcliff, who dedicates her free time to help girls prepare for the contest. Jeanne is one of those people you never forget. She pulled me out of my shell, taught me to stop and wave correctly on stage, and always had my back. Jeanne is a one-of-a-kind woman, and Idearly look up to her.
I not only have Jeanne to thank for coaching me but also a friend of mine, Rita Lewis. She judged me in my first festival pageant and has been there for me ever since. Rita asked me interview questions, checked over my outfit, cleaned up my walk and wave, and polished me to perfection. She is one of the most intelligent and hardworking people I know, and I am grateful that I have a mentor like her.
The day of the contest had come and I felt great; I was prepared and ready to go out and show the judges who l was. I mastered my speech and was ready for any question that would come my way. We had the dinner and the interviews with all fourteen girls. Riding in the parade was fun, and as Iadvanced toward the stage the evening became more surreal. I kept saying to myself, “You’re not nervous, you know your speech, you got this.” The funny thing is that as Iapproached the steps, Rob Febes said to me exactly what I was saying to myself. Those words gave me the confidence to take the stage and do my best.
I certainly did my best. I felt that the final question was made for me which I confidently answered. Right then and there I felt a weight lifted off of my shoulders. Everyone I knew who was there supporting me, cheered so loudly. At that moment, I felt like the only person in the world.
When the time came to announce the winners, I had a feeling that never felt before. Haley and Maddie were announced and I cheered. Finally, it came time to announce the queen, “Your Miss Pumpkin Show 2023 is… contestant number 7, Sophia Seymour!” I couldn’t believe I had done .
This was something that I had wanted since I was a little girl, and I accomplished it. My journey this year as Miss Pumpkin Show was a wonderful experience. Everywhere I went, people knew the Pumpkin Show. Iwas so happy to see their faces light up when they would say, “Oh we just love The Pumpkin Show!”
I was also very proud to be representing my community with the most recognizable festival in the state of Ohio. Throughout parades, little kids looked in awe at our dresses and our pumpkin-decorated float. I always loved seeing little kids smile and wave to me and my girls. As I look back on my past year, I want to thank some remarkable people. To my chaperones: Rob, Calee, Colin, and Diana, thank you for giving me your support and treating me like a true queen. I will forever remember the laughs we shared, the food we ate, and the endless Starbucks trips. Thank you for making my year so special. To my court: Haley and Madison, you girls have become my best friends. I know that I can always count on you two to pick up the phone or meet up for Texas Roadhouse. You two are very special people and have such bright futures ahead of you. I couldn’t ask for better friends and their supportive parents.
To my parents: thank you for always pushing me to be the best version of myself, for seeing confidence in myself when I don’t, and for always picking me up when I’m down. I hope that I can be half of the parent you both are. I love you and appreciate you more than anything in this world.
Winning Miss Pumpkin Show was the most defining moment in my life. Thank you, Circleville, for giving me this opportunity and letting me love this community. I will always cherish the memories I made. I am and forever will be the 2023 Miss Pumpkin Show Queen.
