Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen 2008, Emily Travis, and I had a whirlwind week settling in to our new roles and, after speaking Spanish to each other, conversing in British accents, and telling dorky jokes, I’m convinced we’re going to get along just fine. J
We started off Sunday with a delicious brunch in the Garden Atrium at our host hotel, Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, and headed out to the Swedish Days Parade for our first official appearance. After dancing with A Factor dance team, meeting a Johnny Depp look-alike, and drinking out of a fire hydrant, we received a warm welcome by the generous people of Geneva. Thank you to Glen #1, Marta, & Lisa for sending us confidently on our way and to Glen #2 and Jason for putting up with our ramblings in the back of the car!
On Monday, we arrived at Fox-32 Chicago at 6:30AM for a quick interview with Mike Barz and to see Tammie, our emcee, and Jan Jeffcoat, morning news anchor, in action. We were fortunate that they asked us to stay for a second segment and were blown away by how everyone at the studio was so kind and accommodating - they had us laughing at every commercial break. You can view the first clip here:
Katie & Emily on Fox
And, if you kept watching, you caught the second clip of us chatting at the news desk at the end of the show.
As Emily headed back down South for her homecoming on the 29th, I had three appearances to finish out my first week as Miss Illinois. The first was at the ACE Hardware Retailers Golf Outing to benefit Children’s Miracle Network/Children's Memorial Hospital where I started out the day showing golfers how to putt with a plunger…yes… a plunger. I emceed the dinner program for the golfers and listened, in awe, to the amazing stories the representatives from CMN told. Over $50,000 was raised that night and 100% will stay in the state of Illinois to benefit local families – a truly amazing feat indeed.
The next day took a slightly different turn when I visited the Illinois Association of Funeral Directors Convention. After debating whether or not to wear black (contrary to popular belief, funeral directors do wear colors), I arrived at the Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel ready for anything. Inside, I met Don and Denise from Miller Architects and Builders and we spent the day welcoming visitors into the booth, signing autographs, taking pictures, and trying not to look at the rows of coffins ahead of us. In actuality, I learned a lot about the funeral profession and thank both for showing me around and teaching me about the new and unique ways that we can remember our loved ones.
Thursday, June 26th was my 24th birthday (!) and I had the opportunity to spend my birthday dinner with the Rotary Club Financial District. After installing their new president, Joel Carlsen, (I was the official “pin bearer”) I was named an honorary member of their club. My grandfather was a Rotarian and I’ve always valued the importance, relevance, and necessity for service clubs and their members. I respectfully accept this honor and thank the RCFD for their support both before and after Miss Illinois.
I love receiving your emails – keep ‘em comin’!
KT
MissIllinois2008@gmail.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment