Union University - Lest We Forget Yearbook (Jackson, TN)

Page 19 text:

Kcllye Cish buck home injackson in spe- cial parade honoring her alter receiving [he Miss America cicle. Cindy Smith, Miss Union University, 1986, in the special parade for Miss Cash. ■ ' .P ' S EEASLiV MISS TENNESSEE The current Miss Tennessee. Kris Beasley, was originally the first runner up in the Miss Tennessee Pageant. Kris, a native Memphian, received the title when Miss Cash, the original winner of the Pag- eant, crowned Miss Beasley during a special cere- mony here in Jackson. Miss Beasley competed in the Miss Tennessee Pageant by previously winning the Miss Memphis title. Miss Cash captured the Miss America title which allowed Miss Beasley to become the new Miss Tennessee. Kris was interviewed by the local news shortly after receiving her new title. She was obvi- ously happy for Kellye and elated by the series of events which had taken place. Kris will definitely represent Tennessee with style — Tennessee style!

Page 18 text:

2ash Strikes It Rich X Miss Cash entered a local pageant dreaming of becoming Miss America, and it happened. Kellye began her climb to Miss America by capturing the title of Miss Milan Crown and Sceptor; after claiming her first victory, she never looked back. Miss Cash ' s big smile, fantastic talent and pretty figure were a captivating com- bination. Kellye was a major force in all areas of competition. In the talent com- petition, she sang and accompanied her- self on the piano while wearing black. Miss Cash was quoted as saying she guessed that it ran in the family. She is the grandniece of entertainer Johnny Cash. When she won the title of Miss Ten- nessee in Jackson ' s Civic Center, she was elated. This win gave her the extra confi- dence she needed to compete in the Miss America Pageant. Kellye left for Atlantic City, New Jersey with high hopes and with best wishes from the entire state. When Miss Cash appeared on stage in Atlantic City, she was an instant star. She dazzled the audience as she sang I ' ll Be Home in hopes of bringing the title back to Tennessee. Kellye did just that by capturing the title of Miss America, 1986. Kellye is the first Miss Tennessee since 1946 to become Miss America. This ac- complishment was an honor both for Kellye and Tennessee. What a way to make 1986 a real homecoming!

Page 20 text:

omin ' Home X 1986 was truly Tennessee ' s homecoming! It was a year for re- living old memories and making new ones. Reflected in the Tennes- see homecoming logo, this was a time for returning home to cele- brate good friends, good times and the good life ; a time for rediscov- ering roots, looking into the past, and building on it for the future. It was more than a celebration; it was a rediscovery of those values that Americans everywhere recognize as their roots and their heritage. With the help of Pilot Commu- nities all over Tennessee, the state had a complete facelift. The Pilot Community of Milan, Tennessee had I ' ll be home for Christmas as its theme, with a big red bow tied around a tree in every yard in town. Everyone from Minnie Pearl to Alex Haley joined the celebrations. Commercials on both television and radio enthusiastically encour- aged people to come on and en- joy a foot-pattin ' down home good time! True Tennessee pride was shown throughout the state as Tennessee was given this special year to shine. And shine we did!! Civil War reinactments at Shi- loh, Parker ' s- Crossroads, Pick- wick, and others were visited by people from all over the United States from New York to California. The softer side of the celebra - tion was seen in commercials such as the one with Amazing Grace being sung or played in many vari- ous ways. The theme rang out that no matter how you play it, the message is always the same! People all over the state, from the great Smokeys to the Mighty Mississippi, from the one -room country churches to the State Cap- itol, Tennesseans are proud to be Americans and are proud of their state! Whether it ' s 1986 or the year 2000, Come on home to the good life ...