Our President (elect) is from the Chi (11/9/08)

I had the distinct pleasure of working the polls on November 4th as a Polling Place Administrator. It was amazing to see the voter turnout and the surprisingly pleasant demeanors of people waiting in line as long as three hours. I chatted with voters in line, helped them to understand the ballot and how to cast their vote, and dealt with any equipment malfunctions. I even got to assist some Spanish speaking voters cast their ballot. While I didn’t make it home in time to get to Grant Park, my roommates and I swear we could hear the excitement of the crowd from our apartment. It was an honor to be a part of this historic election and I’m proud our President elect calls Illinois home.

The past two weeks brought me to three schools: Albright Middle School in Villa Park, Cumberland Elementary in Toledo (not Ohio!), and Hadley Middle School in Homer Glen. Each school had some phenomenal examples of character (one student described “Responsibility” when she told her parents her cousin had run away from home, even though she promised her cousin she wouldn’t tell) and it was wonderful to see the variety of answers in my three presentations in Homer Glen for each different age group.

As it gets closer to Miss America, my interview prep is also intensifying. Amalia has set up some wonderful “focus group” sessions where I’m able to interact and have mock interviews with people from different backgrounds. Wednesday was my “mom” group and Laura Durante graciously hosted a handful of women to quiz me on issues facing parents today. They brought to light some different perspectives for me and I’m so grateful to have had their feedback!

For one of the first times, if not the first time, in Miss America history, two state titleholders will be competing at Miss America having started out from the same local. In 2004, while I was attending the University of Michigan, I won the title of Miss Washtenaw County and really and truly developed my love for the Miss America Organization under the direction of Executive Director, Laura Bloomensaat. My successor was Ashlee Baracy, a close friend I’ve known since we were mice in the Nutcracker (a long time), who is now Miss Michigan 2008. The two of us were able to share the stage at Miss Washtenaw and perform a duet we choreographed while filming the reality show. It was a wonderful experience and showed the true spirit of this organization – celebrating dedicated volunteers, competing states working together, and recognizing the huge support system of friends, fans, contestants, and volunteers that form our Miss America family.

The Miss Kankakee and the Miss Kankakee River Valley pageant (a surprise double crown!) was held on Sunday, November 3rd at the Holiday Inn in Kankakee. I dined with the judges, performed my talent, was interviewed by the emcee, Ashley Hatfield, Miss Illinois 2007, and hung out with the six contestants back stage. It was a great competition with a distinguished judging panel and I’m sure any woman could have come out on top that night. Congratulations to Miss Kankakee River Valley Janiece Fleming and Miss Kankakee Marciana Lee!

I ended this week with a phenomenal charity dinner aptly named “Canvases and Corks” to benefit Rainbows Children’s Charity. Rainbows is an organization (present in 48 states and 16 countries) that provides curricula, games, and teaching tools for over 2 million students who have suffered a death in the family, divorce, or separation from a loved one and need help working through their grief. The stories founder, Suzy Marta, shared brought tears to my eyes and I was inspired to hear this international organization started on her kitchen table. Thank you to Gina McAndrew for inviting me to this eye-opening event and for letting me “work” the diamond earring raffle and live auction!

I’m heading South next week and look forward to a busy schedule! Stay warm!