As a little girl watching the Miss Teen USA pageants, I had dreamt of myself on-stage competing for the crown, but I never imagined actually doing it. I wondered how a basketball-playing, track-running, bookworm high school girl — with no pageant experience and less than six days to prepare — could win something like Miss Montana Teen USA and have a shot at the Miss Teen USA title.

Little did I know that “dress comfortably” meant heals and a cute outfit, so, of course, I stood out like a sore thumb when I arrived at my first rehearsal in sweats and tennis shoes. That was just the beginning of what I felt for sure was the end of my pageant career. I just made it through my first day, and barely arrived on time the day of the show. After my alarm didn’t go off, I knew it was a bad sign. When they called out my name as the winner and placed the crown on my head, it didn’t surprise me when the crown fell into the lap of an audience member — typical Katie!

Miss Teen USA - Katie Blair

I arrived in Palm Springs, California, for the 2006 Miss Teen USA Competition on Sunday, July 30, and the next two weeks were a complete whirlwind of fun with a group of amazing girls. I was having the time of my life and meeting so many awesome new friends. The first few days were a little rough getting adjusted to being so far away from my family and friends, but having Blair Griffith, Miss Colorado Teen USA, as my roommate and Lora Gallagher, Miss West Virginia Teen USA, next door made everything so much better, because we all became so close.

Although I tripped over a light on-stage during the Preliminary Show Swimsuit segment and my evening gown seemed to need some tailoring, I had a great time on stage. Once my family arrived for the telecast, I felt so relaxed and comfortable — ready to compete. After praying, packing, and getting a good night’s sleep, on August 15 I was ready to give the competition my best shot.

Waiting for the Top 15 to be announced felt like an eternity, but when “Montana” was announced, I was ecstatic; I had just made history for my state! The next thing I knew, I advanced to the Top 10 and was on my way to Top 5. All of the girls were so supportive backstage, and I was so anxious to finish the competition. Fourth runner-up, third runner-up, second runner-up... my heart was beating so fast. I couldn’t believe it was down to just Melissa Lingafelt, Miss North Carolina Teen USA, and me.

As I stood on-stage holding Melissa’s hands, I said one last prayer and whispered to her, “Have the time of your life in New York.” And then, with my face completely blank, “first runner-up is... North Carolina” was announced, and my jaw dropped to the floor — I was Miss Teen USA 2006! When Allie LaForce, Miss Teen USA 2005, put the Mikimoto crown on my head and I turned around to see all of the other friends I had made throughout this experience congratulate me, I realized my life was changed forever.

The next morning came less than four hours later when I awoke for a photo shoot with Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006, and Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006. Then it was off to New York City. Since that amazing night in Palm Springs, I have been traveling around the U.S., working on behalf of various teen charities, and attending different events in New York.

I returned to Montana in September, where I was greeted with open arms and graciousness by everyone throughout the state, and I got to see my family and friends for the first time since I won. I am so proud to have represented Montana. I’m only a couple of months into my reign, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of my year has in store for me!

Katie Blair of Billings, Montana, is a graduate of Billings West High School. Katie plans to attend Louisiana State University to major in advertising and marketing, and also expects to pursue an associate’s degree in fashion design.