Geralyn Choltco Watson Mrs. New Jersey America 2003 Mrs. America ~ Third Runner-up |
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| 2002 | ||
 If the saying is true that “Time flies when you're having fun”, then I have had a Blast!
What an extraordinary year this has been. I can still remember as if it were yesterday how humbled and proud I was standing on the stage and hearing my name called as the new Mrs. New Jersey 2003! I was excited to continue my journey of not only representing the state of New Jersey at Mrs. America but to be an advocate for an issue that is dear to my heart “The Importance of Music Education”. The emotions were magnified even more when, as I stood on stage with 50 amazing women, placed in the Top Five at the Mrs. America Pageant. I was so proud and honored to represent our state that evening. Words cannot encompass all my thoughts, emotions and experiences of this past year. I can only hope to convey with words the magnitude of appreciation in my heart to ALL of you who have shared in this journey with me, for I did not walk alone! *First, thank you to David and Elaine for having a “vision”. You are truly wonderful people! *Thank you to my father who brought my attention to this pageant system and also to my family who have been an unending source of love, support and encouragement. *Kelly, your dedication to “making” me fulfill my dream was as strong as my own. Thank you for always being there. *To my sister Beverly, you inspired me to know that ANYTHING is possible! I love you! *To my very dear friend Steve Paull, no amount of thanks could ever be enough for all of the great work you have done in helping me with all of my preparations. *Evalon, Mrs. NJ 1984, first my judge and now my dear friend, thank you for your love, encouragement and words of wisdom in my quest for Mrs. America . *Christina, you are my friend, mentor and “angel” from heaven. You saw in me a flame that had extinguished and decided to light it again, no matter what torture you had to go through to do it! I could spend the rest of my life thanking you for believing in me and it still would never be enough. Love and Big Hugs! *To Richard and Fran Krauss, for years, your generosity, friendship and support have always kept me going. I deeply appreciate it. I love you both. *To Richard, you have shown me time and time again the true meaning of the word “friendship” and that it knows no boundaries. Thank you for always being there. *Thank you to “PM” who always reminded me to “Make it happen!” *Renee & Samantha, my extended family, although I started out being your teacher, I have learned so much more from the both of you. Love to you always. *Donna, Mrs. New Hampshire and my “roomie” at nationals…your kindness, sincerity and belief in my potential meant the world to me. You are one of the most beautiful people I know! Thank you. *Thank you to all of my sponsors for I am deeply grateful for your confidence in me and generous support. To my friends Matt, Janet, Dave, Kim, Ben, Doug, Dr. Glenn, Jen, Denise & Joe, Kim & Steve, Nicky, Charlie, Harry, the Gomella's and Senski's, and to ALL OF YOU who have traveled down the road with me to the end of the rainbow, you always gave of yourselves to lend a helping hand, a tender ear and a kind word. My appreciation cannot be measured by words. My only hope is that I have made you proud. My dearest husband Chuck, you have been my soul-mate, best friend and strength! Your unending love, encouragement and immense support over the years have been immeasurable. You willingly traveled the journey with me and with every moment, helped me to be the best I could be! Thank you and I love you. To the 2004 contestants, a very dear friend of mine once told me, “If you give up your dreams, you die!” From the moment you chose to follow your dream, you became a success. Only one person will leave with the crown but all of you will return home to your families knowing that you are strong, courageous women. For every courageous person lies a winner inside! “Believe and you can Achieve”. To my successor, Mrs. New Jersey America 2004, cherish every moment from the time that you are crowned, for you shall have a year filled with wonderful memories that will last you a lifetime! Take the title and use it as a symbol to go out into this world and promote that which is dear to your heart. Your crown is powerful. You will have the ability to touch lives so use the power wisely and graciously. Remember “In this world, you are one person but to one person, you might be the world”.
Sincerely, |