HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -
There are some moments in life we will always remember. For Miss Hospitality 2011, Ann Claire Reynolds, she has a year full of moments she will never forget.
"I'll just miss all of the travel opportunities. I love going to different parts of the state, and being able to see the differences in the different parts of Mississippi, and just meeting the people across the state," said Reynolds.
Reynolds says she's felt like a princess this past year, and even was mistaken as one by a little girl, but Reynolds stresses being Miss Hospitality is about more than the gown and crown.
"The pageant promotes a lot of speaking. The girls go through a panel interview, a one on one interview, a 90 second speech and a 20 second on stage commercial," said Reynolds.
This promotion of good communication will carry these girls beyond the crowning moment, and Reynolds says those very skills have helped her.
"I have contacts from her to where ever in the country, and I just think that is going to be an excellent resource for me in my future endeavors," said Reynolds.
Or course, there can only be one winner, so Reynolds says she constantly encourages all 35 girls to have fun, and take away something positive.
"I've been telling the girls all week, while you may be disappointed with the outcome you should be happy with your performance. I keep telling them to try their best, and to do their very best, and then you walk away pleased because you've left it all out there. You've done your very very best," said Reynolds.
As for life after the crown for Reynolds she says she has a very thought out plan.
"Well, Sunday morning I will sleep very late until my little eyes pop open so I can catch up on the lack of sleep from this past week," said Reynolds.
Rest will be the very thing Reynolds needs this fall to finish her under-graduate psychology degree at Southern Miss.
