Memphis Princess and Shelby County's Outstanding Teen Pageants

What an honor it was today to judge 13 beautiful, talented, articulate, and poised young ladies as they vied for the titles of Miss Memphis Princess and Shelby County's Outstanding Teen.  The production was first class, and I was inspired by the hope for change and zest for life these contestants conveyed.  Congratulations to Jocelynn Jordan, 2011 Miss Memphis Princess, and Grace Burgess, 2011 Shelby County's Outstanding Teen.  You two are wonderful representatives of our city and county.  Also, congratulations to Ivy Depew, 2011 Miss Memphis, and Jill Brooks, 2011 Miss Shelby County.

Me after the pageant with the adorable Amber Reed, 2010 Miss Memphis Princess. 

Judges with the newly crowned Miss Memphis Princess and Miss Shelby County's Outstanding Teen 

Busy Weekend

My weekend kicked off on Thursday when my husband and I judged the Memphis City Schools Think Show! at Georgia Avenue Elementary School in downtown Memphis.  The talented kids treated us to a Blues Music Show, an Al Green performance, great artwork, and reports on famous Memphis natives Elvis Presley, Cybil Shepard, and Aretha Franklin.  We were joined at the school by fellow judge Brittany Fitzpatrick, Miss Tennessee International 2011 first runnerup.  The three of us had a wonderful time with the kids and were honored to be part of the event.

On Friday night, I joined several Miss Tennessee local titleholders at the "Tinsel and Tiaras" event at the Busy Womens' Expo at the Agri Center in Memphis.  As the women arrived, they were each welcomed and "crowned."  The event was a huge success.  What woman doesn't love to wear a crown once in a while?!  The proceeds from the event will benefit the National Kidney Fountation.

Saturday began with the Alzheimer's Memory Walk at Autozone Park in downtown Memphis with my husband David, Miss Tennessee International, Bobbie Marie Gregg, and Miss Teen Tennessee International, Randi Strong.  Although the rain refused to stay away, hundreds of people walked together in memory and in honor of those who suffer and have suffered from Alzheimer's Disease.  The Walk started off with a high energy dance warmup which the three of us enjoyed very much!  It was an honor to spend the day with Bobbie Marie and Randi who are both wonderful, genuine, kind young women.

Welcome November

November is already shaping up to be a busy month!  This Thursday, November 11, my husband David and I will be judging the Memphis City Schools Think Show! at Georgia Avenue Elementary.  The Think Show! is a creative competition being held in conjunction with President Obama's Graduation Initiative.  Memphis was one of four cities chosen to develop and implement a program designed to allow the children of our nation to showcase their creative talents.  I am honored to be part of this amazing opportunity for the children of Memphis, and I look forward to being treated to a day of musical, artistic, and scientific entertainment!  If you are interested in judging with David and me, e-mail me, and I will get you signed up!
http://thinkshow.org/      
mrstnint2011@hotail.com

On November 12, I will be a special guest at the "Tinsel and Tiaras" event at the Memphis Busy Womens' Expo.  Gather your girlfriends and come out to the Memphis Agri Center and treat yourself to a night of shopping and pampering.  On the morning of November 13, David and I will join Bobbie Marie Gregg, Miss Tennessee International, and Randi Strong, Miss Teen Tennessee International, at the Alzheimer's Memory Walk at Autozone Park in downtown Memphis.  My grandmother, Ruth Porter, was stricken with this disease, so I will be participating in her memory. 

God Bless,
Mary-Marsha Riley
Mrs. Tennessee International 2011

STREETS Ministries Halloween Party

Today was a good day.  My husband David and I, along with a group of wonderful friends we recruited, hosted a Halloween party for Georgia Avenue Elementary third graders in downtown Memphis.  The cupcakes, popcorn balls, chips, Capri Suns, and candy were flowing!  We helped the kids decorate pumpkins to take home with them, and we all had an amazing time.  These children are inspiring, and spending time with them is always uplifting.

I have also had a wonderful first month of tutoring Devon and Jamal.  I have had the opportunity to spend 6 hours of one on one time with the boys this month, and their progress is impressive.  They both took part in the party today, and I look forward to seeing them again on Tuesday and embarking on our second month of tutoring.  I have no doubt that the remainder of our school year together will be amazing.  You can see Devon in the photo below in between me and my husband.  We both adore the little guy!    

     

Memphis Child Advocacy Center's Chefs' Celebrity Gala

On October 21, 2010, I was honored to be a "celebrity server" at the Memphis Child Advocacy Center's annual Chefs' Celebrity Gala.  The lovely evening raised $263,000.00 for the CAC which provides the abused children of Memphis with treatment, comfort, and support.  I was honored to spend the evening with more than 600 kind hearted Memphians who share my passion to help abused and at risk children succeed in life and achieve their dreams.

    

In Memory of and with Everlasting Love for Jordan

After fourteen years, six months, and five days of unconditional love, companionship, support, and pure joy, my sweet baby dog Jordan lost his battle with cancer and peacefully returned to God in Heaven on October 20, 2010.  Jordan has been the most beautiful blessing of my life, and my love for him will endure forever.  I hereby dedicate my year as Mrs. Tennessee International to Jordan.  Thank you to everyone who loves him and me and for praying for us and sending me such kind words of support of encouragement.  I am so lucky to have so many compassionate and caring people in my life.  God Bless and take care of Jordan Porter Riley until I see him again.   

Titleholder Photo Shoot

I had quite the day of pampering today at the official Tennessee International Pageant photo shoot in Nashville.  Kristy Belcher, for anyone who does not already know, is an amazingly talented photographer, and she is absolutely beautiful on the inside and out!  The precious Bryan Wood was there to beautify our hair, and the classy Lisa Proctor worked her magic on our faces.  I can hardly wait to see the photos, and I am SO thankful and blessed to share this year with Phil, Bobbie Marie, and Randi who are all simply wonderful.  Thank you to everyone involved for such a special day.

God Bless!
Mary-Marsha Riley