A Crown of Glory
by Melanie Hemry
Nancy Chapman hugged her parents goodbye at their home in Altus, Okla., before heading back to her apartment in Tulsa. She waved at friends and neighbors, smiling at the signs they’d posted all over town.
Home of Miss Oklahoma, Nancy Chapman!
It had all started during Nancy’s senior year in high school when the director of the Miss Altus Pageant had phoned Nancy’s mother. They were looking for contestants who would be strong in the talent portion of the competition. A classical pianist, Nancy played for all the school choirs as well as other school events. She was also the organist at the Methodist Church.
“Do you think Nancy would consider being a contestant in the Miss Altus Pageant?” the director asked Nancy’s mother. Nancy agreed to compete—and won. Then, she’d gone on to compete at the state level, and placed as first runner-up. A couple of years later, she again competed and won Miss Oklahoma.
From the moment Nancy was crowned Miss Oklahoma, her life radically changed.
BVOV : 13
