Becoming Miss Kansas was a dream come true, not only for Emily Deaver, but for her family, as well.
Her mother Karen realized the incredible achievement but appreciated it on a more personal level.
"I got to realize my dream of becoming closer to my daughter," she said. "We have always been close, but this process brought us so much closer than ever."
Her father Terry, pastor of First Baptist Church of Augusta, had another kind of dream come true - one that any father of a 19-year old daughter could appreciate.
"She can't date without permission or be with young men without a chaperone," he said with a laugh. "It's every dad's dream."
Immediately after being crowned Miss Kansas, the preparation for the next step in the journey began. Deaver will face the dozens of media requests, a relentless travel schedule, and will begin working toward the dream of becoming Miss America.
Only three Kansas women have ever been named Miss America. The last was Tara Holland in 1997.
The rules and her schedule are strict - after all, she is one of 52 women with a chance to bear the title every little girl dreams about.
Her family was very surprised when Emily's name was called.
It wasn't surprise due to any lack of ability. The surprise was because this was her first time in the Miss Kansas pageant. Usually, it takes several attempts to polish your skills and learn the ropes before you have a chance at winning the crown.
When the eight finalists took the stage, the runners-up were identified. After the first runner-up had her name called, four girls were left on the stage. For one, a dream would be realized, for the other three, disappointment.
"I was really surprised when they called Emily's name," said her brother Daniel. "I knew she always wanted to be something big. I am just really proud of her."
When her name was called, Daniel and his friends began to jump up and down.
For Terry, his emotions were a little different.
"I was just really grateful," her father said. "I was so thankful for her and her talents and abilities. She has grown so much during this experience. I couldn't be prouder of her."
This day was not a foregone conclusion as Emily grew up, moving to Augusta as a seventh grader.
"She was into sports and music," Karen said of her daughter who could have been described as a tomboy in her younger years. "Her goal was never to be Miss Kansas. She was never a girly girl."
But as Emily grew up, her interests changed and a few years ago, she participated in the Miss Augusta pageant. She didn't place.
She also took a chance last year at the Miss Cheney Lake title without overwhelming success.
But after winning Miss Augusta earlier this year, her destiny seemed to be set.
"You would not believe how this has changed her life," her mother said. "I knew her talent was tops. But she has developed so much recently. It has been great to watch her grow."
Now with the Miss Kansas sash draped across her, Emily Deaver begins a journey few women ever get a chance to take.
Her proud family will be there to support her every step of the way.
