Mi$$ Walton County Need$ Your A$$i$tance

[sassysue920]

Hi SoWal members,
My name is Sassy Bogart and I’m the 2007 Miss Walton County. I had the great fortune of meeting Kurt Lishka and his friends ,in July, when I was volunteering for the Beaches of South Walton by handing out information about the beach safety flag system. He suggested that I join the sowal.com board and introduce myself to its members. I became a member, but was so busy during the summer that I didn’t have time to introduce myself until now.
As Miss Walton County 2007, I have the distinct honor of becoming acquainted with the wonderful people of Paxton, DeFuniak Springs, Freeport, and of course, the beautiful beaches of South Walton. Some of the community activities that I have participated in during my reign include helping host a Mother’s Day Tea at Stanley Retirement Home in DeFuniak Springs, speaking at the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Walton County Courthouse, working at the children’s booth at the 4th of July festivities, cleaning up the beach, and hosting Camp Sassy-- a 3 day camp for young girls. In addition to these community events, I have met the City Council members of Freeport, Paxton, and DeFuniak Springs, the Walton District School Board members, our County Commissioners and our sheriff Ralph Johnson. Currently, I am creating a third grade reading program that features reader’s theatre and vocabulary games. I have represented my county at the Brundidge, Alabama Patriotic Celebration; the 4th of July parades in Seaside and DeFuniak Springs and will ride in the Homecoming parades at Walton and Freeport High in the near future.
One of my privileges as Miss Walton County is that I will represent my home at the Miss National Peanut Festival Pageant in Dothan, Alabama on October 18th-20th. To prepare for this phenomenal pageant, I have visited a peanut farm, prepared an extensive personal portfolio, developed skills in verbal communication, practiced on stage poise, and selected a wardrobe appropriate for this prestigious pageant. To even be remotely competitive in this 64-year-old pageant that is nicknamed “ Miss America of the Tri-States”, I will be devoting several hours everyday for the next 6 weeks to making final preparations.
I will also be spending time raising the needed funds to help me compete in this pageant. In May, I needed to raise $5100. With the help of friends and family, I have sponsored 2 car washes, a bake sale, a Boston Butt sale, a Simply Good Barbecue Dinner sale and a t-shirt sale featuring my Simply Sassy silhouette. I have another bake sale scheduled for September 29th at Walmart, but my expected profits will not be enough to raise the needed funds. By my calculations, I will be about $1200 short. That is where you, the members of the SoWal Message board come in. Mr. Lischka shared that you are some of the most caring and generous people in the world and that some of you would help me achieve my dream of being competitive in the Miss National Peanut Festival Pageant, if I shared my situation.
I will turn 18 on September 20th. My birth name is Rhapsody Danika Dawnae Bogart: however, my only brother nicknamed me Sassy when I was a baby and that moniker described me perfectly. I have four sisters and a niece and nephew. My father works in the construction section of the Florida Department of Corrections and my mother is a substitute teacher, completing an EPI degree to be a fulltime educator. My dad just retired from the Florida Army National Guard and spent 2003-2004 in Iraq with his troops.
I am a senior at Walton High School in DeFuniak Springs. I am proud to be the secretary for the Anchor Club, treasurer for the National Honor Society, a member in the Pep Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Drama Club, and WHS Student Council. I am also a varsity cheerleader. I have been honored by Who’s Who Among American High School Students, National Honor Roll , United States Achievement Academy Leadership and Scholarship Rosters and numerous other school awards. I am also a sophomore at Okaloosa Walton College. I am in Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society for Community Colleges. Recently, I made The President’s List at OWC. I will graduate from OWC in May 2008 with an AA degree focusing on Criminal Justice and from Walton High in June 2008, both with highest honors. My future plans are to transfer to Florida State University next school year to pursue a joint bachelor’s/master’s degree in Criminal Justice, then complete two years training as a sheriff’s deputy. My ultimate goal is to be an FBI agent.
As you can tell, I am not your typical high school student. I am not your typical beauty queen either. One of my proudest accomplishments is that I recently took a handgun safety class presented by the Walton sheriff’s department. I had never fired a gun before in my life, but I scored the highest on the range and on the written exam. It just proved that being an FBI agent is God’s will for my life and He is preparing me to be a success.
I wear my sash and crown with pride and absolute Christian morals because many young people, especially young girls, consider me a local role model. I am committed to maintaining virtuous morals and energetic self-motivation throughout my reign because these young people need to know that personal integrity is beautiful.
I apologize for sharing so much personal information with you, but I want you to know a little about me before you make a decision on whether or not you should assist me financially with achieving my dream. If you have any questions for me, please e-mail my mother or me at misswaltoncounty2007@yahoo.com or you can leave a message on my mother’s cell phone---850 687-9747 . If you can help- even a few dollars, I would really appreciate it.
You may send any donations to
Sassy Bogart—Miss Walton County
C/o Walton High Drama Club- David Pert
555 Walton Road
De Funiak Springs, Florida 32433

I have an account for Miss Walton County / Sassy Bogart
at the Walton County Teacher’s Federal Credit Union. You may deposit directly into it. Their contact information is:

Walton County Teacher's Federal Credit Union
1586 Highway 90 West (physical)
P.O. Box 634 (mailing)
DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435

Phone:
850-892-2024
850-892-4730

Fax:
850-892-4813

Tellerline:
850-892-4472
850-892-4654
Thank you for taking the time to read this message and I hope you will pray for me these next 6 weeks as Miss NPF draws near.
Sincerely,
Sassy Bogart

I am also going to attemptposting a picture in the near future, so you can get to know me a little better.

[Allifunn]

Sassy!!! It's about time you got your cutie patooty on SoWal! Really enjoyed meeting you this summer!
Come on guys, welcome this sweet girl out! She is a real together lady and a sweetheart! Kurt, Tootsie & I met her this summer at Grayton with her mom....great ladies!

[NoHall]

She writes a lot better than some "Miss"es talk, anyway...

[TNJed]

[I]That\'s[/"]MySpace Video - Watch & Share Videos, Video Clips, Music Videos, TV Show Vids & Movie Trailers Online

[Smiling JOe]

Wow. You sound like you ARE busy. Out of curiosity, why does it cost $5,100 to enter the pageant? That seems extremely expensive to enter a contest.

I hear that the Peanut Festival is a great time. I always intend to go, but never make it.

[GIjo]

WelcoMe SaSsy!!!!!!!

[Hop]

[Allifunn]

Wow. You sound like you ARE busy. Out of curiosity, why does it cost $5,100 to enter the pageant? That seems extremely expensive to enter a contest.

I hear that the Peanut Festival is a great time. I always intend to go, but never make it.

donate some $$ and you will have a reason to go!!!! Go and watch our Sassy win!!!

[ItzKatzTime]

Welcome to SOWAL Miss Sassy Walton County

Good Luck Girl! Love to see some pictures!!!!

[Minnie]

Wow. You sound like you ARE busy. Out of curiosity, why does it cost $5,100 to enter the pageant? That seems extremely expensive to enter a contest.

I hear that the Peanut Festival is a great time. I always intend to go, but never make it.

I am sure Sassy can you give the exacts, but pageant competitions are expensive. Usually there is an entry fee, then travel expenses, any time you go during a peak time, hotel rates go up, food, etc.

Clothing for the event can be very expensive as they need multiple outfits, pageant gowns can easily be over $1500.

So it is very easy to come to $5000 very quickly.

[Minnie]

I believe this will be her on the right. At least that is what the banner appears to be. Sassy if that is not you, let me know. :)

[NoHall]

I believe this will be her on the right.

Awww...what a cute gull! She has a sweet face--hard to imagine her toting a gun!

Sassy, your letter is wonderful. You sound like a really smart girl, and I hope this all works out for you. It's amazing to read what you've accomplished; most people don't do what you've done by the time they've reached twice your age.

(Wait a minute. I'm twice your age.)

More power to you, dear! Keep us posted, will you?

[Smiling JOe]

I am sure Sassy can you give the exacts, but pageant competitions are expensive. Usually there is an entry fee, then travel expenses, any time you go during a peak time, hotel rates go up, food, etc.

Clothing for the event can be very expensive as they need multiple outfits, pageant gowns can easily be over $1500.

So it is very easy to come to $5000 very quickly.

I hear you on the expense, but I never understood the great cost. Dothan is only a little over one hour drive from Defuniak, and even so, the hotels there are cheap. Gas isn't too costly for the short drive. Food in Dothan is cheap. I'm sure the dresses are expensive. Where does the money for the entry fee go? Do they give it all to the winner? Would a girl in the pageant wear more than one gown in Dothan contest?

[Minnie]

I hear you on the expense, but I never understood the great cost. Dothan is only a little over one hour drive from Defuniak, and even so, the hotels there are cheap. Gas isn't too costly for the short drive. Food in Dothan is cheap. I'm sure the dresses are expensive. Where does the money for the entry fee go? Do they give it all to the winner? Would a girl in the pageant wear more than one gown in Dothan contest?

In most all pageants you will need casual wear, possibly a swimsuit, and a dress for the interview, public appearances during the weekend and then the actual pageant gown.

I have known pageant gowns to cost over $3000. From the official website photos I would also think she has already had to attend some
preliminary events, which involved wardrobe and travel.

We stay in Dothan on our way to Orlando every year and I paid $125 at the Hampton Inn.

I don't know Sassy and she can fill everyone in, on where the money goes but I do know about pageants and once you compete on this level it gets very expensive.

I know most all pageants offer scholarships to the winners, so usually money goes to that.

[NoHall]

I hear you on the expense, but I never understood the great cost. Dothan is only a little over one hour drive from Defuniak, and even so, the hotels there are cheap. Gas isn't too costly for the short drive. Food in Dothan is cheap. I'm sure the dresses are expensive. Where does the money for the entry fee go? Do they give it all to the winner? Would a girl in the pageant wear more than one gown in Dothan contest?

Darlin', you wouldn't believe where that money went if they told you. You would start by telling them to bump up the AC, get the CVS lip gloss (shout out ot Audie) instead of the cosmetic counter stuff, check for the same dress on eBay, eat at McDonald's instead of having everything catered, don't give all the pageant people gift bags full of expensive junk, etc.

Not that you would be wrong; it's just that some things (like pageants and government work) doesn't run that way. It's based on an intricate formula: Multiply what a normal person would pay for these things by pi, or something like that.

[Smiling JOe]

I could justify spending $3000 on a gown if I had a chance to win $25,000 as the winner. I guess I just don't understand why people enter such expensive contests, when that money could be applied toward college. I don't mean to criticize, just asking some questions. I knew a girl in my high school, who did the pageant circuit for a while, and I just didn't understand it, and still don't.

If I do make it up to the Peanut Festival, I'll be sure to eat some boiled peanuts out there in the dusty fairgrounds.

[Minnie]

I could justify spending $3000 on a gown if I had a chance to win $25,000 as the winner. I guess I just don't understand why people enter such expensive contests, when that money could be applied toward college. I don't mean to criticize, just asking some questions. I knew a girl in my high school, who did the pageant circuit for a while, and I just didn't understand it, and still don't.

If I do make it up to the Peanut Festival, I'll be sure to eat some boiled peanuts out there in the dusty fairgrounds.

Actually it is a great experience to get to know people, network, etc. Much like particpation in a sorority or fraternity but if I had to guess, you don't get that either. No critism there either Joe just not your thing.

Let me put it this way, is there anything you truly enjoy that there is only enjoyment and no monetary gain from doing it.

[NoHall]

In addition to the scholarship money, winning a reputable pageant can be a good thing. A girl who went to my high school was Miss Georgia (as in the lower tier of Miss America) and that leads to opportunities to do some public speaking (which can bring some of that money back eventually) and it can be good experience in finding good jobs down the road.

A 20-something year old young woman who has survived the pressure of pageants can usually handle whatever a job in corporate America dishes out, and she can do it with a smile.

[Smiling JOe]

Actually it is a great experience to get to know people, network, etc. Much like particpation in a sorority or fraternity but if I had to guess, you don't get that either. No critism there either Joe.

Let me put it this way, is there anything you truly enjoy that there is only enjoyment and no monetary gain from doing it.

I absolutely understand networking, though I don't believe one has to join an organization to network.

And yes, I do enjoy things that cost money, but I don't have to wear a $3000 suit to enjoy them.

I was just curious to hear why the pageants entry fees are so great. I'm sure the pageants can be beneficial to many of the contestants, and looking at Miss Walton County's list of Been-There-Done-Thats, I'd say she is doing very well.

[Mango]

Sassy. Good luck to you.

[kurt]

Hi Sassy! Best of luck to you.

SJ - answers are $50.

I have contributed and I hope some of you will. Sassy struck me right away as more than your average pageant participant. When she told me she wanted to be an FBI agent that sold me because I figured she might save my life one day.

As you can see her partial list of accomplishments is impressive. I agree with her about role models. She is a special person and can be a great role model for her peers and younger kids.

[seacrestkristi]

That's Sassy!

Thanks TnJed! I needed that Saaassssy start this mornin'!
Good luck Miss Walton County. You sound like a very busy young lady. Thanks for helping keep the beaches clean, and setting an example for other young people to do the same.

[Allifunn]

Sassy is a most articulate young lady. She is a very down-to-earth, a wonderful role model to all young children...heck she totally impressed me!
She has impressive goals and one of those happen to be this pagent.
And yes, NoHall, experiencs like this allow her the where with all to deal in any situation.

If I am in SoWal during this time, I would love to see her compete!

[ShallowsNole]

Welcome Sassy...good luck in Dothan!!!


Oh, SJ...the boiled peanuts are to die for.

[seacrestkristi]

Yeah, sassysue920

Very cute photo. the cute dresses and the pose of the boys too esp the one in front.

[Smiling JOe]

Oh, SJ...the boiled peanuts are to die for.

duh, I grew up on a peanut farm.

[sassysue920]

I want to thank you all for your support and your questions!!! The Miss NPF Pageant is expensive because a competitive wardrobe is needed and with that, comes a high price. My dress alone which I, along with several others designed, was priced at $3800 and that does not include my two suits, that I also designed, which each range around $800 each. But the money is well worth it. If I win Miss NPF, I recieve thousands of dollars in prizes along with enough money to pay for my first year of college at a university. Even if I only place, I will still recieve scholarship money and tons of prizes.
I'm getting very excited for my Peanut adventure and hope that I will do very well.
If anyone has anymore questions, I am more than willing to answer, and, yes, that is me in the blue and black floral dress. That picture was taken at Wallace Day, when I first met with the other queens I will be competing with.
Thanks for everything,
Sassy

[Teresa]

and good luck to you sassy! I met you on the beach that day with kurt and all. I appreciate all you have accomplished and have done to help out in so many ways in Walton County - you've not only earned your title, but honored it as well. Thank you for being such a role model to us all.

[TNJed]

Thanks TnJed! I needed that Saaassssy start this mornin'!

De nada! You can't spell Sassy without Phil Hartman.

Okay, spelling isn't my strong suit, but that's sooo Sassy!

[SHELLY]

Is 'Sassy' your given first name?


.

[Smiling JOe]

Is 'Sassy' your given first name?


.

What? You didn't read the bio?

My birth name is Rhapsody Danika Dawnae Bogart: however, my only brother nicknamed me Sassy when I was a baby and that moniker described me perfectly.

[SHELLY]

What? You didn't read the bio?

Apparently not...I'm still trying to find the US on a map.


.

[InletBchDweller]

duh, I grew up on a peanut farm.

but they are just better at the fair, just like funnel cakes, corn dogs, roasted corn on a stick....






Sassy, Best of luck to you!!!!

[teribull5]

Hi,
My name is Teresa Chambless-Bogart and I'm proud to be Sassy's mom. I decided to join SoWal to help her answer questions and to get to know everyone here on the board. She was so excited that in less than 24 hours, several of you had read and responded to her request. She checked the SoWal board between her Abnormal Psych and Intro to Criminal Law class at OWC today.
Believe me, if someone had told me 5 years ago that my daughter Sassy would be Miss Walton County and needing a $5000 wardrobe, I would have laughed. My older daughter Liberty was Miss DeFuniak Springs in 2003 and placed 4th in the Miss National Peanut Festival Pageant that year. She was the only Florida contestant to make top 5 that year. Sassy had a great time watching Liberty in the pageant, but swore that she had no desire to ever go to " Peanut". Sassy was all about reading, studying hard, and pursuing her education and future. Besides that, the verbal communication portion of this pageant is a killer. Each contestant must draw a word or phrase out of a bowl and give a 30-59 second impromptu speech about it. The judges select all of the contents in the bowl and the contestants are not given even a hint of what the judges have put in the bowl. This counts 20% of the preliminary portion of the pageant.
Then....
This past November, Sassy won her school pageant-- Miss War Whoop. She was in such shock, her knees buckled and she feel to her knees on the stage when her name was announced. She had competed in 9th and 10th grade and never won anything, so she never expected to even place. She really didn't want to do the pageant, but I wanted her to so she would have a " pretty" picture in the yearbook. Her school pictures were terrible, and she had missed most of her club pictures because of medical appointments and college obligations. She finally agreed to be in the Miss War Whoop pageant because I bribed her with a pair of black heels that she had fallen in love with. Yes, Sassy loves shoes-- sandals, high heels ,tennis shoes-- she loves them all. Then she won!! It finally dawned on her that maybe she was attractive and maybe she had something to give back to the community. She immediately got busy raising money to send t-shirts and hoodies to the wounded soldiers at Landstuhl Army Hospital in Germany.
She competed in the Miss DeFuniak Springs pageant in February and had a horrible day... week! It was truly a Murphy's Law kind of day-- week. She only placed as second runner-up. It took courage and a strong belief in herself and God's plan for her life before she ever agreed to compete in the Miss Walton County Pageant at the end of March.The funny thing about that pageant was that the 2006 Miss Walton County -- the wonderful, talented Rachael Jones wore Sassy's prom dress in the opening number and one of her friends- the 2006 Teen winner wore the same dress that Sassy was wearing in the opening number. It didn't really matter to Sassy at that time, but when we found out that other stores in Dothan were selling the exact ivory suit Sassy had selected to wear for her interview at the Miss NPF pageant, we decided to custom design her 2 required suits. That would keep Sassy from worrying about another girl sharing her taste in clothing and history repeating itself.HaHa!
We have been very busy with fund raisers this summer and my husband and I have helped what we could. I substitute teach, so I have no salary all summer and he just got out of the US Army National Guard. He officially draws a retirement check in October/November, but for a few months our famliy missses out on his army pay altogether. We believe that Sassy being Miss Walton County is a part of God's plan for her life and that everything she needs will be provided, even if we cannot just pay cash for it. She is a remarkable young lady with a great work ethic, morals above reproach, and a deep love for her country and the people who live here. We believe that she has what it takes to succeed, so we give her the wings to try.
For someone who isn't familiar with the calibre of contestants and their wardrobes in the Miss National Peanut Pageant, I can only say-- surf around the Miss USA website. Miss NPF is that competitive! Sassy will also compete in a Miss or Teen Miss Florida preliminary next year in her wardrobe.
Sassy and I just want to thank all of you for your interest in her and her dreams. More than anything, please pray that she will represent our county and our way of life well in 39 days. Wow!! It's just around the corner.
Sorry I went on and on.... but I absolutely love my Sassy!!
Teresa

[Kimmifunn]

I wish I could contribute, but I'm living the Hollywood dream and can barely support myself. Smiley J has a big check book and deep pockets (among many other giving Sowallers). I'm sure you'll have no problems raising money.

Go get 'em Sassy!

[Smiling JOe]

[Kimmifunn]

That's sooo cute!

[cp]

Good Luck Sassy from CP in Ms!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NoHall]

Hi,
My name is Teresa Chambless-Bogart and I'm proud to be Sassy's mom.

Sounds like you have every reason to be proud! I'm broke, too, but I'm cheering for her. Love your daughters' names, by the way.

[Minnie]

Good luck Sassy,

Why does this all want to make me sing, Found a Peanut.

I love the Elvis peanut statue on the side of the road at Dothan, we always have to stop for a photo op.

[Allifunn]

De nada! You can't spell Sassy without Phil Hartman.

Okay, spelling isn't my strong suit, but that's sooo Sassy!

Is 'Sassy' your given first name?


.

Please can we have a slap your face smilie? go to another thread if you are going to be sarcastic.....get out of here...shoo shoo..or take it to the lounge..........>

[TNJed]

Please can we have a slap your face smilie? go to another thread if you are going to be sarcastic.....get out of here...shoo shoo..or take it to the lounge..........>

Who's being sarcastic??
[nomedia]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTUruCv4Qi4[/nomedia]

[sassysue920]

Hello everyone,
I once again want to thank you for all of your support and that sign is soo cute.... I've never had my own sign before!!! Believe me, I understand about being broke!!! I just spent the last of my summer earnings buying a Homecoming Court dress because I've never made Homecoming court before and I'm so excited. But honestly, your support and prayers are just as important as a monetary donation.
Thanks and I'll keep you updated on my progress as "Peanut" gets closer,
Sassy

[Smiling JOe]

Ever thought of incorporating the SoWal.com logo, in sequins, into one of your dresses? It would be way cool.

[Kimmifunn]

Ever thought of incorporating the SoWal.com logo, in sequins, into one of your dresses? It would be way cool.

Like a billboard?

[sassysue920]

Well I would love to wear a dress with the sowal logo on it, but right now I'm concentrating on paying for my first designer dress. :)
Sassy

[Kimmifunn]

Well I would love to wear a dress with the sowal logo on it, but right now I'm concentrating on paying for my first designer dress. :)
Sassy

Who is designing it? Someone local?

[Miss Kitty]

Ever thought of incorporating the SoWal.com logo, in sequins, into one of your dresses? It would be way cool.

Make that peanuts, and I bet she'll win!!!

[NoHall]

Oh, Lordy. Forgive them, Sassy. They're rotten.

[BrownEyedGull]

Sassy,
You sure are one ambitious young lady!!! It's so wonderful to hear when the younger generation has so many goals and plans for their future!

I grew up in Dothan and certainly remember the Peanut Festival and Pageant. My parents would always volunteer at the festival and we would get passes to get into the fair! We were there every night!! Lots of fun - Yummy hand-dipped foot long corn dogs and elephant ears!!! We'd stand in line forever for those!!!

Sending a donation your way!!!

Good Luck to you from Northeast Atlanta, Georgia!
.