Final Reflection from My Year of Service

Dear Miss Montana Supporters,

Thank you for coming out to support the talented, dynamic, and beautiful women vying for the position of Miss Montana 2009!

Prior to being named Miss Montana 2008 I had competed at the state level a total of three times. Each time I competed for the title of Miss Montana I grew as a woman, a dancer, a scholar, a community member, and a campus leader. The Miss Montana Scholarship Program not only inspired me to work towards the goal of perpetual self-betterment, but more importantly, provided me with an encouraging venue in which to display my personal development. I enjoyed every moment of the preparation process, as it was in preparing for my Miss Montana/ Miss America moments, that I learned a lot about myself; my unique attributes, my drive, my inner beauty, and my passion to serve others. Over the years I made some dear friends, fond memories, and earned over $10,000 in cash scholarships to further my education at the University of Montana!

As Miss Montana my year was primarily driven by my commitment to my personal platform, Beyond the Bell: Afterschool Programs for Montana’s Youth. As an accomplished young woman, I realize that the most important factor that contributed to my personal success was my involvement in afterschool programs. My Beyond the Bell message is centered on the 4 key S’s of afterschool programs: Safety, Studies, Support, and Success. As Miss Montana 2008 I drove approximately 12,000 miles delivering the Beyond the Bell message to all corners of the Great State of Montana. Beyond the Bell has been a lifelong journey that evolved into a powerful service project.

This year I celebrated Lights On Afterschool, a national awareness event, with three different Montana communities. I was also a featured speaker during the Montana Office of Public Instruction’s Youth Days, an opportunity that allowed me to share Beyond the Bell with over 700 of Montana’s young people during a series of 5 youth conferences. During the Montana legislative session I had the privilege of sharing my Beyond the Bell story and platform in an effort to lobby for increased funding for our state’s afterschool programs.

I also worked with the leading national organization for afterschool, the Afterschool Alliance, as an “Afterschool for All” partner and am featured on their website storyboard as a testament to the power of afterschool. Ultimately, Beyond the Bell has taught me that I am much more powerful than I ever imagined. It taught me to create the change that I would like to see. Beyond the Bell is no longer just about Miss Montana Jennifer Hepner, it is so much more than that, and for that I am truly blessed.

As I move on to the next chapter of personal story I would like to thank all of those who made this chapter possible. A big thank you to everyone that is part of the Miss Montana family, the fans, the little sisters, the sponsors, the volunteers, the families, and the board of directors. Thank you for opening your city, your wallets, your homes, and your hearts to the ladies of the Miss Montana Scholarship Program! You are funding education, inspiring self-betterment, supporting community service, and fueling the larger-than-life dreams of Montana’s female leaders.

Miss Montana 2009, I will am here for you! I look forward to being with you in spirit via the traveling crown case, a case that will begin a new tradition in the Miss Montana sisterhood. The box reads, “God Bless These Women During Their Time of Service to The Great State of Montana. May They Never Forget Its Majestic Beauty, Its Genuine People, and Its Impact On Their Identity.” Enjoy the journey ahead my dear!

Best Wishes Always,

Jennifer Lynn Hepner
Miss Montana 2008