From Tom Boy to Tiara

     April Leigh Herke started the first decade of her life as a tom boy, she would prefer to play kickball over going to get her nails done. When she was asked what she would like for christmas instead of the usual response of girls "Clothes or Barbies," April wanted an evil knievel dirt bike! April preferred sneakers over high heels, but finally her friend Shelly proposed that they try something different and dress up into their mothers dresses and heels. After wearing the beautiful outfit and accessories,  April knew that it was time to kick off the sneakers and put on some heels, it was time for her to become a lady. Aprils mother (Sheila) was a wedding designer and loved to see the beautiful dresses, hair and makeup on the brides. Sheila decided to enter April into a few pageants, April was not yet ready for them. April still had the jock side to her when performing so she trained and trained until she started making top ten and from then on she had placed 1st runner up in  every pageant. She didn't understand why she could not win but wanted to reach forward and try to win Miss Minnesota USA. So her mother Sheila, entered her into the pageant and April finally got the confidence and attitude of a beauty queen, she went up on the stage and made it her own. When she did win everyone went crazy. She learned although you can start with one perspective on life, a person  can change at any moment.  An individual  may think they want to be one thing but their path in life may change completely.  After April became Miss Minnesota USA 1991, which she thought she wanted for fame, became a means to give to others and do charity events. Its not about the "title" or "place" its about what you do with your title and learning your place in life. You may be Justin Bieber or Beyonce but were all equal and made from God.  April learned it wasn't about looks,  it was about the feeling of confidence and self actualization when she was in these pageants. Everybody has flaws and things that affect their self esteem but you learn to love the flaws! God has a path made for everyone and something that affects them for their whole life. When April became Miss Minnesota USA 1991 it helped to  make  her who she is today,  a strong, beautiful,  giving woman. April would do anything to please others, she is brave and has so much self confidence although she still loves playing sports and connecting with the athlete in her,  she found her calling and embraced it and made it her life and its one piece of her life's puzzle!