Local teen, Mary Cartmill, left on July 18th for an opportunity of a life time to compete in America's National Teenager Scholarship Organization as the 2012 Miss Georgia Sweetheart.

Mary, also known as Miss Georgia, competed with beautiful girls across the country.  Upon arrival in San Antonio, TX, Miss Georgia Sweetheart was busy with rehersals (no parents allowed) and preparation for prelims and the big day.

Areas of competition were school involvement, grades and activities and community service work, interview, personal expression jeans, evening gown and the infamous, ON STAGE QUESTION.

After Interview 60% of the score had been comprised.  All that was left was personal expression jeans, onstage question and evening gown.  By the time finals night had arrived all the areas of competition were complete.  Opening number and then time to announce the Top 5.  3 states had been called, only 2 spots left.  As her heart was pounding the Emcee announced the next Top 5 Finalist was from the largest state East of the Mississippi River.  Yes, Miss Georgia!!!!

After the Top 5 were announced, it was time to change and model personal expression jeans, evening gown and 1 more Onstage Question.  And then the nailbiting moment arrives.  4th RU, 3rd RU, 2nd RU, Miss Georgia had not been called yet.  Mary and Miss Nebraska embraced in a hug and congratulated each other in a whisper that only the 2 of them could hear.  Then Miss Georgia was announced as the 1st Runner Up.  WOW!! Mom, the State of Georgia, and Walton County holds pride in what this amazing young lady accomplished.  Not only did she walk away as 1st Runner Up she also won Supermodel and was named by the National Director as Miss National Teenager Ambassador.  This title was given for all of Mary's community service work with her organization, Mary's Heroes, and working with the Boys and  Girls Club.  What an honor!!! America's National Teenager Scholarship Organization, ANTSO, honors gifted young women for their work in their community.  Mary was honored with the Boys and Girls Club insignia pin which was placed on her sash by the National Director, Jenny Telwar.

Mary arrived home with many honors but mostly she cherishes the fun and friendships she made from the most amazing young ladies across the country.  One of Mary's fondest memories is when she was in rehersals and the girls were all comparing their different accents and dialects. 

Once Mary arrived home she had one more pageant to attend.  This past weekend Mary competed with some of the most amazing and beautiful young ladies across the state in the Miss Georgia Girl State Pageant.  Mary modeled jeans and her evening gown.  Again, that nailbiting, heart beating moment arrived when the winners are announced.  Mary won photogenic......all awards had been announced except 2.  Mary and her friend Olivia D. were left on stage.....wondering......and then Miss Spirit of Georgia Girl is announced  MARY CARTMILL and the Supreme Title went to Mary's friend Olivia D.  What an honor!!! Miss Georgia Girl makes it clear, if you don't want to use your crown to bless others then this isn't the pageant system for you.  After winning, Mary and all the contestants signed a contract, committing to do 8 community service events in the next year!!

Yes, there is Toddler & Tiara's, and then there are real Pageants that believe in giving back and going beyond yourself.  Basically putting others needs above your own. Mary is a "director chaser".  Mary says, "If the pageant system doesn't do community service work then I don't want to be a part of it."  In the past week Mary has seen her community service work honored and is looking forward to doing additional community service work in her community and outside the State of Georgia as well.  If you would like to book Miss Spirit of Georgia Girl/ANTSO National Ambassador for an event please send request to:  cartmillmary@gmail.com.