Kimberly Kirby might need to wear her running shoes next week.

As Miss Greater Greenville 2006, Kirby will be making several appearances in the Camellia City during her break from studies at the University of Montevallo.

She will be meeting area sponsors, speaking to civic clubs, visiting nursing home residents, sharing her testimony in church and performing vocals – all valuable experiences on her road to Miss Alabama this summer, Miss GG Director Sue Arnold said.

&uot;Every time Kimberly gets to speak to another group, or perform some songs, it is yet another opportunity for her to gain confidence and polish. And it’s also a wonderful way for the people of Greenville to get to know our representative to Miss Alabama,&uot; Arnold said.

Kirby was already busy in Greenville this week, promoting her platform on character education through the Girl Scouts of America.

On Thursday, she visited elementary classes at Fort Dale Academy both morning and afternoon.

Kirby emphasized the importance of honesty and showing kindness to others with her young audiences.

&uot;Little acts of kindness mean a lot…it doesn’t have to be a humongous community service project to make a difference,&uot; she told the children.

She encouraged the students to stop and think before they spoke or acted too quickly in order be sure they were doing the right thing.

When Kirby asked how many of the youngsters would like to be famous one day, many hands shot up.

&uot;Remember, if you do become a famous athlete or actor or politician, people will be looking at you closely,&uot; Kirby said.

&uot;If you did wrong in the past, and showed bad character, that will be remembered. Everything you do now, matters in your future.&uot;

Kirby gave the FDA students some further advice.

&uot;Remember these three things: first, make yourself a promise to be an honest person…second, think before you speak. Put that mouth in reverse if you have to. And, third, keep a journal or dairy every day. Record what you’ve done that was good and honest, and what wasn’t.&uot;

Kirby, a major in education for the deaf and hearing impaired, told the children she hoped to make to make Greenville &uot;an even better community&uot; during her reign as Miss Greater Greenville.

&uot;The first time I ever visited here was when I won the title…I really love this town and its people. I hope to do well at the state program and represent y’all well.&uot;

Kirby treated her well-behaved young audiences with acappella renditions of her Miss Alabama talent selection, a song from &uot;Thoroughly Modern Millie.&uot;

She is slated to share her testimony and sing at First Baptist Church at 6 p.m. tomorrow. The public is invited.

Next week, Miss GG will visit with the residents at Crowne Health Care Monday morning, where she will share a devotional and lead in singing hymns and gospel songs.

At noon on Monday, Kirby will speak and perform for the Greenville Lions at the Boys and Girls Club. At 5 p.m. she will be at City Hall and introduce herself during the weekly city council meeting.

Miss GG will return to Beeland Park Monday to share with the Camellia City Civitans at 7 p.m.

On Tuesday at noon, Kirby will share the podium with Rita Wright of the Butler County BOE during the Greenville Kiwanis Club’s weekly meeting at the B&GC.

She is tentatively slated to speak to students at W. O. Parmer on Wednesday.

Wednesday evening, Kirby will return to First Baptist Church to meet with the GAs and RAs from 6 to 7 p.m., then lead the youth from 7 to 9 p.m. in a mini-praise and worship time in the church’s Family Life Center. Area teens are invited to attend the event.

&uot;We are so excited to have Kimberly come and be with us and get to know the people of our town better. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to meet our lovely and talented Miss GG,&uot; Arnold said.