Annie

Annie Franklin, an 18 year old freshman at Morehead State University, was named Miss Heartland 2011, on September 25, 2010 at the Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center. Annie was selected by a panel of 7 judges from a field of 6 contestants. She sang "Feeling Good" and her platform is "The Importance of Arts Education." Annie will compete for the title of Miss Kentucky, in July, 2011 at the Singletary Center for the Arts on the University of Kentucky campus.

Annie, from Winchester, Kentucky, plans to obtain a B.A. in Theatre Arts with a minor in Vocal Performance. She then plans to obtain her M.F.A in Theatre and subsequently pursue a career as a Performer. She is on the Dean's list, recipient of a Morehead State University Theatre Scholarship, Morehead State UniversityAlumni Scholarship, Clark County Music Alumni Scholarship. She was on the list of Who's Who Among American High School Students, member of Kentucky Youth Salute, Proficient/Distinguished CATS testing, Distinguished On-Demand writing, Honor Roll, National Society of Arts and Letters, and was Academic All State for four years in High School. Annie is a member of Chi Omega Fraternity, Make a Wish Foundation, Morehead State University Choir, the Clark County Community Action Planning Committee and GRCHS Commercial Music. Annie was the Stage Manager for the performance of "Medea" at Morehead State University. She is Captain of her Club Soccer Team, St. Agatha Academy Middle School cheerleading coach, Photography Editor for "Smoke Signals", Organizer of a student led show, Worship leader in her youth choir at church, and a leader in her youth group. Annie was fourth runner-up to Miss Kentucky in the 2010 Miss Kentucky Pageant, 2010 Miss Madison County Area, 2010 Miss Madison County Area swimsuit winner and a member of the Governor's School for the Arts. She played the lead role in the following: the musical "Aida", the play "You Can't Take it With You", the musical "Beauty and the Beast", the play "Othello", and the musical "Children of Eden." Annie received the Best Skills Award for Soccer, Talent Award, Self-Expression Award, and the Interview Award at the Clark County's Junior Miss Pageant. She is the winner of GRC Thespian Award and the Discus Award.

Annie has traveled to England and played soccer against different girl's teams there. She has appeared on the "Today Show." She is active in community theatre and school theatre. Annie loves to workout...she does Zumbo, Kick-Boxing, and running and weight lifting training. She has performed at the Winchester Pioneer Festival and modeled in the Kentucky Junior Miss Fashion Show. Her mother is a former Miss Kentucky.

Annie is passionate about her platform, "The Importance of Arts Education." When one thinks of the core content at school, the thought of Math, History, English, and Science may come to mind, but for others it may be Music, Art, Theater, or Dance. Many schools are cutting music and art programs out of their curriculum, but with that they are depriving students the opportunity to take chances and experience a world of creativity they may never come across. She wants to make a difference and show teachers, school officials, children and even people in communities across the State the arts are truly essential in ones education and without it we are not fully prepared. She has helped organize student led shows where people may sign up and incorporate a skit, song, or dance to showcase their talents. The variety show was started in 2009 and is called Dramapaloozafestorama and included a step routine, various monologues, musical selections from "Wicked" and "A Chorus Line" and even a student written scene.

Having the title of Miss Kentucky and ultimately Miss America would allow her to expand upon the work and awareness she has already created. Her platform issue would help move this program forward by creating more ways to help others and recognize another area of need. By incorporating her platform with the title and image of Miss Kentucky/Miss America, it would allow her, through the help of Arts Education Partnership, to further the arts in schools around the State of Kentucky and the entire United States.