The Deluge (9/14/08)

This week brought a deluge, not only of rain, but of appearances, information, and emotions. Jason secured four school appearances in one day (Jason you rock!), I found out my number and contestant grouping for Miss America, and the reality of leaving for three weeks to film Miss America Reality Check is finally settling in. After anxiously waiting for “Illinois” to be called in the online contestant lottery, (a simple program where all 52 contestants log in to randomly choose their numbers and placement) I was one of the last to be called and ended up with #4 in the Sigma Group. Overall, I’m very pleased with my placement and will have interview, evening gown, and swimsuit on Tuesday, talent on Wednesday, and on-stage question on Thursday.

I visited nine schools in two weeks and had a great time interacting with the students and staff. At Harper Elementary in Wilmette, I had the pleasure of meeting another “Katie Lorenz”. Even though we’re not related (at least not directly) it was fun talking about our name’s history and Katie’s mom even shares the same name as my grandmother! Thank you to May Whitney Elementary and Isaac Fox Elementary in Lake Zurich, Harper Elementary in Wilmette, Oak Terrace in Highwood, Fernway Park Elementary, Christa McAuliffe, Helen Keller Elementary, Grissom Middle School, and Prairie View Middle School in Tinley Park for welcoming me into their districts!

After numerous appearances on behalf of Children’s Memorial Hospital, I finally had the opportunity to visit the actual hospital. As one of the world’s premiere Children’s Hospitals, Children’s Memorial has been able to create an atmosphere of fun for the children despite the fear naturally associated with hospitals. I colored, played video games, signed autographs, and took Polaroid pictures during my fun afternoon there.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the American Lung Association both had events in Grant Park this weekend and the rain, unfortunately, kept the Lung Association’s event, Blow the Whistle on Lung Disease from happening. I was able to attend Light the Night with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and was amazed at the dedicated, yet wet, volunteers who braved the storm to walk for their loved ones and friends effected by cancer. The gesture was truly beautiful as hundreds of (last year almost 4,000) people walked through Chicago with glowing balloons in memory and in support of those affected by the disease. I was most inspired by the teams who were walking for people who had battled the disease decades ago. Even though their loved ones had passed many years ago, they were still there, sharing memories of the person and raising the much needed funds to ensure that other families wouldn’t have to experience the devastation that they went through.

Special thank you to Gina McAndrew of McAndrew Coaching and Training Services (http://www.mcandrewcoaching.com/svcleadership1.html) for working with me on my Miss America preparation. I can’t even begin to speak to her level of expertise and personalization but highly recommend her for both your business and personal needs. My favorite bit of advice: 10% of your life is what happens to you – 90% is how you react to it.