Remembering the Celebrations

November 12, 2015 Off By Donna Wuerch

Day 310 of Photo Inspirations — Remembering the Celebrations
#TBT — 2004 was such a great year. FACEBOOK was created (Thank you, Mark Zuckerberg). Our 5th grandchild, Brennan, was born, and we were so fortunate to be a part of a historic event at Oklahoma City University.

Oklahoma has been so good to our family in so many ways, but the most incredible, monumental gift (that just keeps on giving) was our precious Muldrow, Oklahoma daughter (I don’t even admit to her being a daughter-in-law because since the first day we met her…..we knew God had given us another daughter).

Papa and I were thrilled to be invited to the festivities. Best of all, we got to see after our new little 2-1/2 month old grandson at the event. The occasion was the unveiling of the three life-size bronze statutes of Oklahoma City University’s alumni who all became Miss America winners. It was a significant contribution by Edward L. Gaylord to make the statutes a reality.

Each of the figures is dressed in a formal gown, and a plaque is on the front giving the name of the Miss America winner, the year she won, and her hometown. Each woman wears a crown and is holding a bouquet of flowers.

The bronze sculpture is in a circular fountain that is located in the Kerr-McGee Centennial Plaza on campus, at the NW corner of Blackwelder and 23rd which is at the very far SE corner of the OCU campus. OCU has other claims-to-fame. A star with Kristin Chenoweth’s name is on the plaza in front of the Miss America sculptures. Kristin Chenowith, well-known actress and singer, is also an OCU alumnus. Chris Harrison, seen in the photo with Shawntel, host of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” is an OCU alumnus and was the host for the statute unveiling. Oklahoma Mayor Mary Fallen was the keynote speaker:

1st statute (to the left) is Susan Powell, Miss America 1981, Elk City,OK
2nd statute (in the middle) is our girl, Shawntel Smith, Miss America 1996,
Muldrow, OK
3rd figure (on the right) Jane Jayroe, Miss America 1967, Laverne, OK Oklahoma

We’re in the month of Thankgiving, and I just can’t help it — I have to express my gratitude for the blessings in my life. And, I’m so grateful for Facebook that gives me the opportunity to archive, count my blessings, be on daily assignment to share positivity and encouragement, and celebrate God’s richest blessings on a daily basis. Oh, I know I don’t need Facebook to inspire me to count my blessings, but it is sure a wonderful way to express THANKSGIVING. Do you take lots of photos and make lots of memories? If you don’t, start today — I promise you, you’ll be so glad you did — especially when you’re in the 3rd Act of your play.like I am!