On the evening of November 2, 2008, at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall in Springfield, Missouri, a dream came true for Stacey Smith. She was crowned the new Miss Missouri USA 2009! Being relatively new to the pageant, having only competed for the past two years, this was the night Stacey had been waiting for her entire life.

Stacey, a resident of St. Louis, Missouri, is a 22-year-old recent graduate of Saint Louis University. Stacey graduated in May 2008 with her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and plans to return to Saint Louis University to complete her MBA next fall. She is currently working full-time as an Events Sales Director at Chaumette Vineyards & Winery. While at work Stacey devotes most of her time planning weddings and corporate events, which total over 100 events annually. During Miss Missouri USA 2009, Stacey was asked many questions about her job, particularly about the responsibility of planning peoples’ weddings at such a young age. Stacey responded, “I put aside everything and focus entirely on producing a successful wedding and reception, while reassuring each bride that her event needs are of the highest priority to me.”

Stacey prides herself on being goal orientated, poised and a self starter. Her motto is, “Design with Confidence!” She believes that everything is possible and if you put your heart and soul in something the rewards will be endless! This life-lesson is something Stacey hopes to share with many young children throughout her year as Miss Missouri USA 2009.

Stacey supports many charities with her time and resources. Some of the charities include but are not limited to: Karen House, Girls Inc., The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

In her free time, Stacey enjoys being with her family and friends. She has one younger sister, Samantha, who is 20-years-old. Stacey says it is great having her around for shopping and advice on different things. She also enjoys cooking and her favorite food is pizza! Stacey loves sports, but she is the ultimate St. Louis Cardinal’s fan! Her other hobbies include, traveling, fashion, working out and watching movies.

Stacey plans to use the title of Miss Missouri USA 2009 to share the importance of having goals and dreams in life. She believes each child has a precious gift and that gift should be embraced! She thinks there are too many children that don’t know how special they are because they do not have enough people telling them they are. Stacey hopes she can change this by being a mentor and speaking to children at schools, community centers, shelters and social events. She is available for interviews, speaking engagements, emceeing events, autograph signing, or any other hosted event.

She will represent Missouri at the 2009 MISS USA Pageant this April in Las Vegas. The MISS USA pageant will be televised live on the NBC television network!

Photo Credit: Will Patterson