Once again, the past two weeks have been jam-packed with appearances and Miss America preparations. I experienced Southern Illinois hospitality, had 3 Focus Groups/Mock Interviews, learned my Miss America choreography, visited 11 schools, auctioned $8,000 in pearls, strutted a runway, raised $400 for CMN, signed autographs on Michigan Ave, and helped crown 2 new titleholders – phew!
In the interest of my time – and yours – I must resort to bullets. Expect a thoughtful, eloquent, and erudite blog over the Thanksgiving holiday!
Yorkville High School Achievement Awards - Yorkville
- Keynote speaker for the 300+ crowd of students (& their proud parents) who achieved a 92% or higher
Assistance League of Chicagoland West Luncheon – Glen Ellyn
- The Assistance League is a national nonprofit organization that facilitates community-based philanthropic programs
- Sold raffle tickets for a GORGEOUS one-of-a-kind pearl necklace from Iridesse
- Thank you to Aunt Sheila for making this connection!
Southern Illinois – Marion, Metropolis, & Goreville
- Visited Crab Orchard School, Goreville School, Metropolis Elementary, Brookport Elementary, & Jefferson Elementary
* Every school had wonderful participation and Crab Orchard had an entire wall of pictures for me (of me!) to welcome me to their school
* Miss Metropolis, Kaylee Little, & Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen, Emily Travis, assisted with one of my presentations!
- Thank you to Jane Anne Cruse, Carrie Neely, and Caroline Jones for opening their homes (and refrigerators) to me. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed my stay and I can’t wait to enjoy “real” Chicken & Dumplins after Miss America J
- I also had an extremely helpful mock interview at John A. Logan college. Thank you to all my mock interviewers for your insight and honesty!
- Thank you to Debbrah’s for the amazing gowns to take to Miss America and to Jane Anne and Cindy Hunt for your critiques!
How Lakeview Looks Fashion Show – Chicago
- Modeling the latest fashions from Cerulean 1 to help support local Lakeview businesses and charities
- This was a truly great event that gave me the full star treatment – hair, makeup, & cute outfits!
Sycamore Trails Elementary & Eastview Middle School – Barlett
- Probably one of my favorite school appearances yet!
* Sycamore Trails is Joey Durante’s school and Eastview is Jessica Durante, Miss Illinois Princess’s school
* Jessica helped with my presentation and did an excellent job speaking about our program. She even took over when it came to choosing the best volunteers!
- Thank you to Laura Durante for contacting the schools and to Don Haines for chaperoning!
Children’s Miracle Network Fundraiser – Chicago
- We had a wonderful event at the Kerryman in Chicago to help raise money for CMN
- Amalia and Laura made some fun baskets to raffle off and Jessica wowed us all by selling ALL 90 tickets – look out for Jess!
- Thank you to everyone who came, donated to the cause, or both! Special thank you to my parents for driving all the way from Michigan to be there. J
Hooper, Pleviak, & Palombi Schools – Lindenhurst & Lake Villa
- Three great schools who already knew a lot about character!
* Many past and present Lindenhurst & Lake County titleholders helped me present at Hooper!
USO/Operation Send Support - Freedom Museum – Chicago
- I encouraged attendees of the Festival of Lights to warm up inside the Freedom Museum and show their support for our troops
- With the USO, I signed autographs, took photos, collected donations, & urged families to show their support by writing a postcard or signing a banner to be sent overseas
Miss DuPage County – Naperville
- Chris Negron put on an awesome show for 10 Miss and Teen contestants
- All the girls were raving about his program and how much fun they had preparing for competition. I loved hanging out with them backstage and can’t wait to see each of them as they continue to grow in this organization!
- I performed my talent and crowned the new titleholders with Jessica Durante (who performed an AWESOME baton routine to – of course – the Jonas Brothers)
- CONGRATULATIONS to Miss DuPage County, Aubry Bozzano, and Miss DuPage County’s Outstanding Teen, Andrea Novak!
That’s all for now. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving and look for me on TV in Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!!!
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