Back to School and "I'm Famous"! (8/30/08)

“How did you become famous?”, “How did you become a star?”, “Is your last name Illinois?” “Can I wear your crown?”– These, and countless others, are examples of the many questions I’ve received in my first Character Counts! and Right Decisions Right Now presentations. I’m quickly learning how to cater my presentation to the different age groups I encounter and “criss cross applesauce” (a term used to tell students to sit cross-legged) and “Which Jonas Brother is your favorite?” are now part of my vernacular. It’s been a fun-filled week and I love learning from each experience. I feel confident about my presentation but I can’t wait to see what it will look like six months from now!

I’ve made five presentations so far with audiences as small as 50 and as large as 650. Thank you to Alden-Hebron Middle and High schools, Garfield Montessori and Phoenix Academy in Decatur, and Millennium Elementary school in Tinley Park for having me in to help start the new year.

A quick side story that I must share with you all. The English major in me tried typing this out with theatrical suspense and dialogue – bad idea. Here’s the gist – someone asked me “Are you Miss Illinois?”!!! and it absolutely made my day. A young woman recognized me in a Starbucks and I probably scared her away by how excited I was. Subsequently, I’ve run in to a number of different people this week who have seen my picture at one of the (many) Dairy Queens I attended on Miracle Treats day, saw me at an appearance, or I met, of all places, at Disney World. It is such a small world and I’m excited that I’m starting to have a big enough presence where I can come across people twice!

As I begin my third month as Miss Illinois, I’m also excited to develop deeper relationships with the organizations I work with. Operation Support Our Troops (Rockin’ for the Troops) had me out to their facility and Annette Riegel showed me how every item is meticulously packed before being sent over seas to our troops. I had a wonderful time meeting the volunteers and signing autographs to go into the care packages – if you’re ever looking for a fun way to volunteer on a Saturday morning this is the place to go! Visit www.osotil.org for a list of items you can donate, drop by their many locations across Illinois to help pack boxes, or simply write a letter of thanks to be included in a package. After speaking with some of our soldiers who received these letters you’d be surprised at how much a simple “thank you” from a stranger can brighten their day.

In keeping with the theme of familiar faces, I got to see Sofia Spentzas of Spiral Art Design three times in two weeks at both her studio and at Greek Fest. She took some amazing photos in my crown and Bella Bridal apparel and we gave out more than 250 autographed photos at her Greek Fest booth. Special thank you to Sofia for my beautiful pictures that I’m in love with, Tessia (I hope I spelled that right!) for the amazing hair and makeup, and Ryan for making sure every detail was perfect. I had so much fun with them and recommend this team for any of your portraiture or professional photography needs!

The Women of AT&T Northern Illinois Chapter hosted me during their lunch hour to talk about the Miss America Organization, Character Counts!, and my platform. I participated in my first video conference and could actually see and interact with the women listening to me in another city! As a young woman coming from the corporate world, it was inspiring for me to see another company that was vested in and encouraging of women in business and it was particularly exciting to see this group in action.

I went back to Indian Lakes Resort on Saturday for the Tyler Volenec Golf Outing sponsored by Tyler's Touch. Celebrating its 10th year, the volunteers for this organization were every bit as passionate and excited about raising money for families of children with pediatric cancer as they were their first year. I helped sell raffle tickets, interacted with guests, and signed autographs throughout the outing and dinner and was amazed by the generosity of the guests and the gratitude shown by the organization. “Shout out” to Jessica and Sarah – my fellow young raffle ticket sellers who I promised to put in my blog. J

I closed out the week with a trip to Hoopeston for the Miss National Sweetheart pageant. Erin Madden, Miss Greater Lakes, did a wonderful job representing Illinois and looked FANTASTIC on stage with her new haircut. I loved hearing about the history of the pageant and was proud that such a wonderful tradition takes place in our state! We had great representation from the MISA in the audience and there was no doubt that Illinois was the crowd favorite – hey we’re a little biased! Congratulations to the week’s Miss Arizona for winning the 2008 title.

Finally, congratulations are in order for Claire-Thorpe Klinsky, Natalie Scherer, and Brooke Judy for winning Miss Southern Illinois, Miss Shawnee, and Miss Hoopeston respectively. (Brooke gave her farewell speech at Miss National Sweetheart but will be representing Hoopeston in the 2009 Miss Illinois pageant) Good luck ladies!

Thank you for reading and promise me you’ll enjoy the last days of summer weather – I know I will!