Speaking at Rotary Club/Triple Threat Mentoring/Best Wishes to Summer and Reghan!

I was honored to be invited by Roger Schmidgall, a family friend from church, to speak at the Sunset Rotary Club in Normal, IL yesterday on May 26, and I absolutely loved it! Roger kept the club in suspense as to who would be speaking until I arrived--he just said that they would be having a 'surprise royal guest.' Haha! The members were so welcoming and friendly, and my family and I enjoyed meeting them.
I spoke about my title and the Miss Illinois and Miss America Organizations, and played a slideshow of photos as I explained what I've been doing with my title. I focused on sharing about Children's Miracle Network and my personal platform, "Redefining Success: Using Your Talents to Serve Others." It was a great experience, and after I finished, there was a Question & Answer session so I got to interact with the members.
At the end of my senior year of high school, I actually won a Rotary Award, so I know that Rotary members are committed to community service. I thanked them for this and encouraged them to consider my perspective and continue to reach out to others. I felt so supported by this group of people, and I'm thankful to have been a part of their meeting. Their website is: http://www.bnsunsetrotary.org/
After the meeting, Roger and his wife Leah graciously treated us to dinner at Medici Restaurant, which was a fun way to end the night.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Earlier this month, I volunteered at a Triple Threat Mentoring event--Triple Threat mentoring is a program for underprivileged kids in Aurora, IL. It was a cold day, but the kids didn't seem to mind! The main event was a softball tournament with lots of kids from different elementary schools, and kids also had fun playing games and getting their faces painted. I had fun reviving my hula hoop skills with several cute little girls. It was great to see the reigning Miss Illinois Erin O'Connor, who I hadn't seen since the night she was crowned, as well as several other titleholders. Last spring, titleholders also had a chance to interact with the kids who are involved in Triple Threat. It was definitely neat to see how it works and have one-on-one time with them.

I'm glad to be a Triple Threat volunteer because I fully support their mission, method, and impact: (The following information is from their website:http://triplethreat.org/

MISSION: "Empowering urban youth to develop confidence,
character and life skills.
*To help urban youth realize their potential.
*To inspire high school and college students to develop a passion for serving under-resourced communities."
*To encourage adults to become personally involved in urban community development.

METHOD: "Offering urban youth opportunities and programming in the areas of Athletics, Academics, and Arts."
*Programs- Triple Threat will strive to address the real needs of today’s youth through strategic planning of events, programs, and projects.
*Partnerships- By developing strong partnerships with the community, schools, and churches, Triple Threat will seek opportunities to identify and serve youth in Aurora.
*Mentors- Triple Threat staff, college interns and volunteers will serve as positive role models, building relationships that encourage good character and instill values.

IMPACT: "Empowering youth who pursue goals
and live out their potential."
*To have the courage and confidence to make good choices.
*To be able to identify, develop, and achieve personal goals.
*To believe in a better future for themselves and their community.

Please consider visiting their website for ways to get involved in this valuable organization. Those kids are really benefiting from it, and I admire the staff who have really made sacrifices and put their hearts into this program, and believe in these kids. Thank you to all of them and everyone involved with Triple Threat!
----------------------------------------------------------
I will be in Springfield this weekend for Spring Forum. All of the contestants will meet each other and have meetings, rehearsals, mock interviews, etc., as well as attend the Illinois Talent Competition and the Miss IL Outstanding Teen & Pre-Teen pageant. I'm definitely looking forward to it!

***BEST WISHES to SUMMER ROBBINS and REGHAN PFEIFER at the MISS ILLINOIS OUTSTANDING TEEN & PRE-TEEN PAGEANT THIS WEEKEND!! Rachel, your family and friends, and I can't wait to cheer you on!! GO CAPITAL CITY GIRLS!!!:)***

*Best wishes to the contestants of the Illinois Talent Competition as well!
(More info for the above events is available on the Miss Illinois website.)

*The Miss Illinois website has been updated with photos of all the contestants! Check it out at http://missillinois.org

*AND if you want to come support me at the Miss Illinois Pageant in June, get your tickets ASAP by calling 630.584.7200 ext. 10!!! It's getting so close..I can't wait!

As usual, additional photos from my appearances have been added to my blog slideshow!

Children's Miracle Network Benefit!

On Sunday afternoon (May 23), I hosted a Children's Miracle Network Benefit that I organized at Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano. First of all, a big thank you goes to Craig, Kristen, Annie, Tracy, Stephanie, and Chris from Biaggi's for all their help!!! I really appreciated it!

From noon until 2:00 pm, there was a delicious lunch buffet for guests, and at 2:00, I gave a presentation. I spoke about the Miss Illinois/America Organizations, detailed information about the Children's Miracle Network, and the partnership between the two organizations, as well as my visit to St. John's Children's Hospital and other appearances/events I've been involved in during my reign so far. I showed a short CMN video and incorporated a slideshow of my photos as well.

Kaitlyn Paslay, a CMN 'miracle kid,' then shared her story and journey of the past couple years as she continues to battle leukemia. She talked about how this affected her physically, emotionally, mentally, how this has affected her family and her schooling, and the way that CMN and St. John's Hospital have helped her. It was inspiring to hear how she has overcome obstacles and kept a positive outlook. Kaitlyn is a very outgoing, confidant speaker, and I thought she showed a maturity and level of poise beyond her years. A huge thank you goes to Kaitlyn and her family for being my honored guests. It was a blessing to meet and talk with all of them. They have all gone through so much, and I pray that they will continue to see improvements.

After Kaitlyn spoke, she helped me sell raffle tickets and drew tickets for the prizes, which included Children's Miracle Network merchandise (thank you to Dawn Kuhn from CMN at St. John's for bringing these items!) and gift cards from Biaggi's, Rosati's Pizza, and Moe's Southwest Grill, all here in Bloomington/Normal. Thank you so much to these businesses for contributing generously and showing support for CMN. I also want to thank Wal-Mart Bakery for contributing a cake and Growing Grounds for donating carnations.
THANK YOU to everyone who came to the benefit, donated, or was involved in any way! I was so glad that my family and grandparents were there, as well as family friends, friends from church, and my princess Bella and her grandma! I'm so thankful for the generosity that was shown and that I was able to organize an event that will tangibly/financially help CMN and the kids here in Central Illinois. It's great to see how my work as Miss Capital City is having a real impact--I hope everyone is encouraged to know that individuals CAN make a difference and to find ways to serve others in some way.

Miss America Updates/Miss America vs. Miss USA..

Exciting news!! The Miss America Organization has announced that the live television broadcast of the Miss America pageant will once again return to ABC network, just in time for the 90th anniversary of the Miss America Pageant on January 15, 2011! They have signed a contract with ABC for the next three years. To celebrate, they are hoping to have as many former Miss Americas at the 90th anniversary as possible (60 are still living.).

This year, the pageant had 4.5 million viewers, which is about 1 million more viewers for the 2009 pageant. Sam Haskel, chairman of the MAO, says,"We were given a chance to re-brand, to keep what was traditional but make ourselves more today, and I think we've done that. We're now back with a lot of strength and back to show everyone that Miss America is the American tradition. It's a pop icon."

According to the Associated Press article about the announcement, 'Miss America 2011 would also reflect renewed efforts to distance the competition from Miss USA.."No little girl walks around saying, 'I want to be Miss USA when I grow up.' She says,'I want to be Miss America,'" Haskell said.'

On that note, for anyone reading my blog who may have questions about Miss America vs. Miss USA, I wanted to make a few clarifications, especially in light of the recent controversy over the racy photoshoot of this year's Miss USA contestants. I do not agree with the way they chose to portray these young women. The attire, context, and poses were not appropriate. In my opinion, rather than positively furthering pageants in general and respect for the women competing, this was degrading and depicted them as sex objects.

Here is the recent statement from the Miss America Organization:
"The Miss America Organization is not in any way associated with the Trump USA Pageant...We are a not-for-profit scholarship program rich in our 90-year history and tradition and hold ourselves to a higher standard."

Although the Miss USA pageant may disagree, it is not necessary to pose in lingerie to be 'relevant' in today's society. One of my goals is to be a role model, and this is not the type of image I would want to portray. Some people need to rethink what it means to be a young woman today and stop promoting the idea that the sexier you act or dress the better. Personally, I have a sense of modesty and values that I hold myself to--and that wouldn't include a photo shoot like Miss USA's. That doesn't mean I'm not confidant and comfortable with who I am, but I do respect myself and will hold to what I believe is right.

Miss America is about young women who are recognized for having the whole package--not just focusing on the outward appearance, which is still important, but judging talent, intelligence, communication skills, a commitment to service and spreading valuable messages, etc, and they then use the scholarships made available through the Miss America Organization to reach their educational goals. I am proud to be part of this organization, and I want to make sure that the differences between Miss USA and Miss America are clear.

Here is a link to the above announcement on Fox news. Gretchen Carlson interviews Miss America Caressa Cameron and Sam Haskell makes the announcement: http://video.foxnews.com/v/4209830/miss-americas-miracle-mission

Back to Brigham

This afternoon I had a blast speaking and performing for the kids at Brigham Elementary School, which is where I was a student from kindergarten through sixth grade. I loved my years there--I made so many great memories and friends that I'm still in contact with--so it was really special to be back. It was also a little bittersweet because today's assembly will be one of the last-- Brigham school kids will be moving to a new school after this year.

At 2:15 pm, Principle Schoonover got on the intercom to make an announcement that I had arrived and during the next 10 minutes, hundreds of excited children (and several teachers that I knew from my elementary school years) filed into the gym and filled up the floor and bleachers. When I was introduced and walked in, they just erupted in cheers and clapping! They had so much energy and were a great audience during my presentation, so we all had a lot of fun.

I talked about my platform, which I call "Redefining Success: Using Your Talents to Serve Others." It was very interactive--I had lots of volunteers answer questions and audience participation as I encouraged the students to identify what their talents are, to practice and develop them, and then most importantly, to use those talents to reach out and serve others in order to make a positive impact on those around them, which is what truly being successful is about. I explained that the way that I've personally applied this as a pianist is by playing for the elderly at nursing homes and patients at hospitals and by performing benefit recitals to raise funds for organizations like Children's Miracle Network. I also reminded them of the importance of being humble and respecting the different talents that people have because every person is just as valuable. I tied this into the Character Counts program by integrating several of the pillars of character into my presentation, since they have already implemented Character Counts at Brigham.

In addition, I encouraged the students to set goals for themselves related to their talents, and to work hard and not give up, even when they face obstacles along the way. I shared a personal story about my journey as a pianist and student, facing financial obstacles that prevented me from returning to Manhattan School of Music where I completed 2 years. But I thank God that through persevering by continuing to practice and having a successful audition, I have been offered scholarship money to transfer into the Music Conservatory at Wheaton College. I've gone through some very challenging times during the past couple years, but I have grown, learned, and matured so much that I'm thankful about it. I hope that hearing my story gives listeners hope that will help them get through their own situations when they arise, rather than hearing advice from someone who doesn't understand what it's like to face hard times and hasn't had these types of experiences.

After my talk, I performed two pieces on the piano for them, which they absolutely loved! I had so much fun, especially remembering the times that I performed in that very place as a little girl during the talent shows over 10 years ago.

After my performance, I answered a bunch of questions, ranging from "What's your favorite color?" and "Are you a real queen?" to "When did you start playing piano?" and "What's Miss Capital City?" It was also a big hit to have one of the teachers come to the front and try on my crown! Afterwards, a couple kids in the front row gave me a big hug..which turned into a big mob of kids surrounding me! They were so adorable. I think they really realized that I cared about them, which touched my heart. I signed too many autographs to count, including one girl's backpack..I hope her mom doesn't mind! There was such a big crowd of kids frantically waving pieces of paper for me to sign. I signed as many as I could and I hope no one missed their bus! Anyway, I'm glad I met a lot of the kids individually and gave them a card with my email address and blog on it for them to be able to contact me.

In years past, speaking at Brigham as a titleholder has always been something I've wanted to do when I would dream about competing for Miss Illinois and Miss America, so I'm so glad that I was able to. I'm glad that my parents were able to come and watch as well. I won't forget it--the whole experience couldn't have been better. A big thank you to everyone at Brigham for having me!

Today I spoke to children, but this is a valuable message that I desire to share with everyone. It applies to people of all ages and backgrounds--I believe that everyone has something to offer. I hope that people are encouraged, inspired, and motivated by the truths of my platform, this perspective, and the way of life that I am passionate about sharing.

Remember: IDENTIFY your talents, PRACTICE to develop your skills in order to reach your goals, and most importantly, use your talents to reach out and *SERVE OTHERS!*

~My Princesses~

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."
~William James

Hi everybody! I want to share with you some of the experiences I've had through the Miss Illinois Princess Program. The Princess Program gives little girls a chance to build a friendship with and be mentored by one of the Miss Illinois contestants.


Last year, my princess was Hannah, a girl that I know from church. We both like going to a local cafe called Fusion Brew and talking over bubble tea, which I introduced her to...she loves it! We also had fun watching ice dancing together when the winter Olympics were on TV. It's great to see her most Sundays and continue to build the relationships between my family and hers. I didn't realize what an impact I had on her until after the Miss Illinois pageant last year--her dad told me how much she has enjoyed spending time with me and that her self-confidence has improved. That really touched me to hear that. Also, Hannah tagged me in a facebook photo that said "You changed my life." Wow! I had tears in my eyes when I read that, and at that moment, I realized how much our interaction meant and what a positive impact it has had. The picture of Hannah and I (above) was taken before the Princess Luncheon at Miss Illinois last summer.

My new princess this year is Bella. She is really sweet and is an absolute bundle of energy! I met Bella's mom through work, and several months ago, I began teaching Bella piano lessons, so we get together once a week. We have fun playing games together--she's a pro at Mancala! Last weekend, I took her to see Normal West High School's production of the musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat," which we both loved! It's so neat to see how much she looks up to me, and I really enjoy spending time together! I'm looking forward to taking both girls pottery painting soon! Bella can't wait for the Miss Illinois pageant--there will be activities for the Miss Illinois contestants and their princesses, and the princesses will get to be on stage several times. Here are some pictures of us--in one of them, Bella is wearing the crown necklace that I hand-made for her out of clay.

I take this program seriously because I understand what a responsibility it is to be in a position of influence as a role model, friend, encourager, etc to Bella and Hannah and other people that I'm in contact with. It really does make a difference in their lives, and I've definitely learned and have been blessed in return as well! ~To Hannah and Bella--love ya, girls!~

If you'd like to find out more about getting involved in this program, Shelby Zane is the person to contact. Her email and more information can be found at: (http://www.missillinois.org/princess/index.html).

May is for Miracles..

Since May is Children's Miracle Network month, it's time to unveil an event that I've been planning: I will be hosting a Children's Miracle Network Benefit at Biaggi's in Bloomington on Sunday MAY 23! I'm really looking forward to this. Lunch will be served between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m., and I will be giving a presentation about CMN and their partnership with the Miss America Organization starting at 2:00 p.m. I really would appreciate it if you could make it. The cost is $20 per person (cash or check at the door). There will also be a raffle with great prizes!
If you are unable to attend, please consider helping me to reach my fundraising goal by donating through my webpage: http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=24788EEA3B471B



WHAT: CMN BENEFIT
WHEN: Sunday May 23, 2010
12:00-2:00 Lunch served
2:00-3:00 Speaker Presentation
WHERE: Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano
1501 N. Veterans Parkway in Bloomington
309.661.8322
WHY: To raise money for a wonderful organization!

Here is the link to the Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=119529144741323&ref=ts
I hope to see you there!!