Maple Grove Elementary

Yesterday, I visited Maple Grove Elementary. The room was full of girls (and some boys) and their parents anxious to meet "the princess". The librarian had chosen three books for me to read. After reading the stories, there was a question and answer session in which the children could ask me questions. I was asked anything from what my favorite color was to if I was given a carriage for my own personal transportation. Perhaps my favorite question was "Do you have a Prince Charming?" Well...I do. He just doesn't know it yet:) I love being around kids! They are the best!

The woman who, through the PTA, arranged this appearance later mentioned to me that never had they had a larger turnout for a PTA sponsored event. It is events like that that help me to further realize how fabulous of an opportunity being Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen 2009 is. Because of this position, the avenues for making a difference are expanded in ways that could not have been otherwise. Thank you Maple Grove PTA and the Miss Idaho Outstanding Teen Organization!!

The Pioneer Read Night

On Friday, May 7, I recieved the honor of being able to participate in the Pioneer Elementary's Read Night. I was Sarah from the book Sarah, Plain and Tall. It was so much fun and the kids and parents really enjoyed seeing a book character come to life! I am so grateful for the efforts of the Pioneer Elementary's PTA. They put the entire program together. Not only did it include a book character coming to life, but a puppet show, a used book sale (everything, 25 cents!), a special presentation, and lots of other activities! To the PTA- Thank you so much for your devotion to literacy!

Mr. Rocky!

Mr. Rocky, Josh Hasquet, Me, and Mr. Rocky Jr., Kevin Belnap

In the fall, I got to crown the winners of my high school's Mr. Rocky Pageant. Last year, I created and founded the Mr. Rocky Pageant, and also got to be one of two co-directors. I am so excited to have seen the pageant become a fun school tradition and I cannot wait to see where the program leads in years to come!

Local Pageants!

Over the course of my reign, I have had the fabulous opportunity to see some local pageants. The new local titleholders are all remarkable young women and I cannot wait to see them compete in June at Miss Idaho! The Miss Idaho/Miss Idaho Outstanding Teen Pageant will be held June 10-12, 2010 at the Morrison Center. There are so many awesome young women competing for both titles and I hope many people come and cheer them on!

Miss Ada County 2010, Rylee McClellan and I

Miss Meridian 2010, Genevieve Nutting and I

Miss Western Idaho, Jessica Richardson and I

Miss West River Valley 2010, Carly Campo and I

Party!

On the arrival day, after our Tony Bowls shots, we got to go to video recording. Funny story...So I wore a green shirt, but I did not know that they were using a green screen. They told me that I could not wear a green shirt because I would be this floating head on screen. It was then that I began looking frantically for another shirt to wear. However, Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen, Laura Lee Lewis, was in the same boat. She had a darling blue shirt to wear and she let me borrow it too. Laura Lee became of one my best friends during pageant week!

Later that night, we had this huge dinner and party. Our DJ was from MTV and boy, did we have one sweet dance party! That night, I had to say goodbye to my mother and was handed over to the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Program. I made sure to call her every single night. I love my mom, she's the best! I also got to meet my roomie for the week. She was New Hampshire's Outstanding Teen, Katrina Rossi. She is absolutely incredible and I love being around her! I could not have asked for a better roomate. All in all, the party was fabulous start to such an exciting week!

Miss Florida's OT, Miss Massachusetts' OT, Miss Virgin Island's OT, and Me!

My roomie for the week, Katrina Rossi, New Hampshire's OT. She also became one of my best friends over pageant week.

Tony Bowls Photo Shoot

Today Carley had the opportunity to have a photo shoot with Tony Bowls for his new line. Here are some of the photo's her mom snapped today! 

Off to the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant!!

It's here!! This summer has passed by so quickly! I have been preparing and working for this moment and now it is here! I am so excited and have full confidence in my ability to do my best and represent Idaho to the highest degree. I am leaving for Orlando, Florida on Thursday, August 6, 2009. My mother is coming with me. This will be our second flight. We actually went to Orlando on our first flight. I have this white monstrosity of a dress that takes up a suitcase of it's own, so we get to carry it on the plane instead. (Hopefully the person sitting next to us won't mind!)
On August 7, 2009, I check in, attend orientation, and get to do a photo shoot with TONY BOWLS! (Yay!!) On Saturday, all of the contestants will get to be a part of the Medieval Times dinner show. Medieval Times is this incredible restaurant in Florida that has a jousting show, sword fights, and a love story. I also get to eat with my hands. Yes folks, no utensils here! The next day, Savvy Magazine is sponsoring a red carpet event at Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney. I am wearing a pair of skinny jeans and some fabulous shoes. These shoes are about four inches high and are rhinestoned up the heel. Yes, they are awesome. On Monday, the contestants and I get to watch the Teen Choice Awards. Each of the contestants got to ask their favorite nominee a question. I simply adore Amy Adams so I asked her. My question is "When are you the happiest?" These are only some of the really fun things I get to do. I am going to have the time of my life. It's going to be a blast!!

P.S. Something really cool happened two days ago. I was asked to become a member of the state of Idaho's PTA (Parent Teacher Association). This would mean that I would literally (no pun intended) be able to promote my "Read With Me" program everywhere in the state of Idaho. I would be able to speak at the State PTA Convention and be able to get in schools all over the state of Idaho. I may even get to be a "Mystery Reader" at various schools during their reading weeks. So, now, not only is Idaho promoting my platform among government officials and school superintendents, but the PTA will be promoting it among parents, teachers, and most importantly, students. In my vast amount of appearances that I will have, I will not only be able to promote my platform, but the extraordinary Miss America's Outstanding Teen Program. HOW COOL IS THAT?!