My Farewell.

Dream. A simple word when made into reality is immeasurably powerful. In these last few moments as Miss Perham 2011 I am overwhelmed with emotion by my dreams realized; not only as your Miss Perham 2011, but as Paige Meyer. I give all the credit first to my Creator for intricately knowing the desires my heart and giving me people to love and shape me through my dreams.

Mom, thank you for loving me when I was overwhelmed, excited, nervous, and full of joy in the many experiences I had this year. From college, to trips to New York, Washington D.C, California (alone!), Miss Minnesota, and endless other appearances and job shifts. Dad, thank you for your encouragement throughout my endeavors this year as well. Know I will always be behind you in the challenges you face. Terry, where would I be without your behind the scenes acts of love? From providing financially, complementing an outfit, and going with the flow of pageant craziness. My brothers and sisters, thank you for loving me even when I had to miss one of your big events to be Miss Perham. 

To Gina, my faithful guide and supporter. Every minute you spent contributed to who you see stand before you today. As you now begin a new leadership role in the Miss America Organization please know your years of service in Perham continue to leave a legacy. Selfless women and volunteers like you are the roots to this organization. Candice, you will never experience enough of my gratitude for our conversations we had about pageants, college, but more importantly God’s calling for our lives. Robin, my beloved ballet teacher, thank you for taking my stencil of “Via Dolorosa” for Miss Minnesota and turning it into a work of art. Bob and Laurie Sazama, you both are extraordinary examples of genuine supporters. 

To my readers of the East Otter Focus, it was an honor to be your weekly columnist. Each one of you who took time to thank me for my articles consistently reminded me of the honor I had to be your representative. To the students, staff, and educators at Perham Public Schools, thank you for allowing me to share my platform “It’s No Joke, Say NO to Smoke,” in your classrooms. To SADD National, for allowing me to influence my entire generation across the United States. I always appreciated your support and love as I was not only serving on the Student Leadership Council of SADD National, but also with the Miss America Organization. 

My beautiful Miss Minnesota Class of 2012 sisters. The Lord had a big plan for the state of Minnesota as each of us became Miss Local’s. My experience at Miss Minnesota would not have been as inspiring without each of you. I am continually thankful and uplifted to know people who share a similar desire to leave a powerful legacy in this world. 

To the community of Perham and sponsors of the Miss Perham Scholarship Program, as I was crowned just one short year ago my number one goal was to further establish the Miss Perham Organization. As I now become a former Miss Perham my hope is that you will continue to embrace your new titleholder. I ask this because you embraced me with open arms. To the contestants of Miss Perham, every one of you have a unique path laid for you, and for one lies the title of Miss Perham 2012. Whether that journey is ahead for you, always remain confident in the contribution you hold to our world.

As I crown your new Miss Perham the last sentence of my year will be written, but more importantly another dream realized and fulfilled. Remain strong and confident that I will continue to carry the love of Perham, and my dreams realized here, wherever I am lead next. 

Blessings and much love, 

Paige  Meyer

Miss Perham 2011

My last few days as Miss Perham...

Well, my last week as Miss Perham was better than I had imagined. I couldn't have asked for a better week. I sure was a busy lady as I was leading rehearsals with our 2012 contestants each evening, heading to the Turtle Races, Rotary meetings, last minute visiting royalty appearances, and of course work. I wanted to give everything I had my last week.

Today has been a bittersweet day as I have had much time to reflect on my experiences and the people who have touched my life this past year.The Miss America Organization has changed my life. It has expanded my aspirations and goals and has challenged me to become my absolute best for others. I will be honest and say it is difficult to close this chapter. I have dreamed of being Miss Perham for many years. Our MC Miss Perham 2001, Elizabeth Tweeton was the first Miss Perham crowning I remember witnessing. Standing on the stage ten years later, speaking with her about my year, was an incredible realization of my dream fulfilled. For one last time as Miss Perham 2011 I shared my talents with my voice, and classical ballet. It felt so good to be on the stage I call home. Thank you everyone who came to see me and the contestants vying for Miss Perham 2012 last evening.

I am thrilled to share my pageant journey is still being created as I write to you. As I look ahead to my next adventure I am confident it will carry many blessings. Please stay tuned with what is in store for me next.

I will be releasing my new website very soon! Here you will be able to learn more about me and my new exciting aspirations. Stay tuned!

Much love and God's abundant blessings,
Paige
Miss Perham 2011.

EOT article highlighting Miss Perham 2012.

Greetings Perham,

            The month of August has arrived. It wasn’t that long ago since I made my way home from college in Jamestown, ND. I am now less than a month away from heading back to college as a sophomore. I can hardly believe how fast the time has flown I really have realized how precious time really is during this last year. Speaking of which, I will be crowning the new Miss Perham next Friday evening. I now officially have one week left as your Miss Perham 2011.

            Looking at my next adventures will be my light and inspiration as I crown my successor. A valuable lesson I have learned whenever a big moment in my life concludes is to take a moment of appreciation and look forward in anticipation to the next adventure. It can be very easy to reflect upon the favorite moments in our lives and be bogged down as they conclude. Of course I will be sad to see my year as Miss Perham 2011 come to a close, but I am confident that a very exciting adventure awaits me next. I am thrilled to see the new place I will begin to invest time, talent, and energy into. I am also eager to see who the next lady will be the next representative for our community.

            The Miss Perham Scholarship Program will be held in the Perham High School Auditorium on August 10^th at 7:00 p.m. We have five young ladies competing for Miss Perham 2012. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The pageant feature the contestants and will include guest performers such as Sam Stoll, Amy Kalina Braddox, and Christian Bueng. I will also be sharing my talent selection from Miss Minnesota as well as singing a little number. Please consider coming to see some local talent! Have a wonderful week. 

Days in Frazee, 1st Annual Meyer Family "Jump in the Lake 5K," and the Turtle Races

Well guys, my last few weeks as Miss Perham have been going with a bang!

Last weekend I spent some time  in Frazee to cheer on the local ladies competing for the title of Miss Frazee and Miss Frazee's Outstanding Teen. The beautiful eight young ladies who competed were excellent representatives of their community. I sure enjoyed watching their talents and hearing them speak about their personal platforms. it's always such a wonderful experience. Congrats to Miss Frazee 2010 Emily Kallis for doing a wonderful job MCing the show. Congrats also to the new Miss Frazee Rebecca and her outstanding teen sister Becca. You will both do a wonderful job!

My first appearance as Miss Perham was the Frazee Pageant and the Turkey Days Parade. Once again on Sunday I rode the streets of Frazee from the top of the Perham Express. It was so nice to see some local faces at the parade. The community of Frazee has always been so supportive of my life in pageants. I am so thankful for them. It was a bit bittersweet to ride the Perham Express one last time as Miss Perham.

My Dad's side of the family is in town! His five siblings and all of their children have had tons of time to be at the lake. I sure have enjoyed their company this past week. We even started a new tradition the Meyer Family "Jump in the Lake 5K." I have been wanting to do a 5K for about two years now and am so happy to say I did it!! To do it for the first time with my family was such an inspiring experience. It was great! My goal was to complete the race in less than 30 minutes...I did it with a time of 27:01! I have no idea how great that time is, but it will work for  me. My jump in the lake was probably my best yet as well. If you have never challenged yourself to a 5K give it a shot!

After my 5K race I made my way to Perham to congratulate the Turtle Race heat winners! We had 40 plus racers today. The beautiful morning sure did add to the wonder of the entire day. I love seeing how many people come from all over to participate in the International Turtle Races.

Well guys, the countdown is on just 9 more days as your Miss Perham.

Much love,
Paige