Monday, June 24, 2013

March, April, and June Update!


So much has happened in the last few months I do not even know where to begin! It has been a while since I last posted so this may be a long one....but here it goes!

Early March I traveled 12 long hours from Tuscaloosa, Alabama to my hometown of Parkland Florida to compete for the title of Miss Fort Lauderdale. All my handwork and dedication paid off and I am proud to say I am the new Miss Fort Lauderdale 2013. This means I will be competing in just a few short weeks at Miss Florida, a state preliminary to Miss America! My sister, Casey, also won the teen title that night so she will be competing at Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen. I am so excited we get to share this memorable experience together!

Casey and me before our interviews

I started in the Miss America Organization's teen program, MAOTEEN, at the age of 17 and ever since then I have continued to compete within this incredible Organization. In 2011 I won the title of Miss South Florida's Outstanding Teen and went on to compete at Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen. Last year I won the title of Miss Daytona Beach and competed at Miss Florida for the very first time. My experiences with this organization are the reason why I continue to compete. Although I was one of the youngest girls, I felt I did extremely well and I even brought home a preliminary swimsuit award which was for sure the highlight of my summer! With the 2013 Miss Florida Pageant only 2 weeks away it is officially crunch time....literally!

Miss Florida last year with one of my favorites, Kristina Janolo, Miss Florida 2011

Performing my talent last year on the Miss Florida stage

After my name was called for winning Preliminary Swimsuit at Miss Florida last year (I was pretty excited if you couldn't already tell) with Laura Mckeeman, who was later that week crowned Miss Florida 2012, and Kristina Janolo, Miss Florida 2011

April 
In April I had the opportunity to attend Coach Gene Stalling's and the Rise School's Annual Golf Tournament with some of my Crimsonette teammates along with Crimson Cabaret Dance Team members. The purpose of the Rise Program is to provide exemplary services based on recommended practices to young children with diverse abilities and their families. I have been involved with Best Buddies, United Cerebral Palsy, the Ann Storck Center, and Lighthouse for the Blind, so when I found out about the event I could not wait to volunteer my time for such a great cause. 

To find out more info visit: 
Volunteering at Coach Gene Stalling's Annual Golf Tournament


Later that month, April 27th to be exact, tryouts for the 2013-2014 Crimsonettes took place at Foster Auditorium. I am proud to say that I will be returning for a second year representing the University of Alabama on one of the most prestigious twirling lines in the country. I cannot wait to be a part of the Crimson Tide's journey to the 16th National Championship. RTR!



A week later, it was time to pack my things and return home to South Florida. I can't believe  my freshman year at the University of Alabama has come to an end. So much has happened this year, and I am so very blessed for all of these amazing opportunities I was given. I cannot put into words how unreal this year was. Not many can say they had the chance to perform at the BCS National Championship ( where Vince Vaughn was 5 feet away from 
me and even said hi). My freshman year was truly incredible.

May
Just a few days after I returned home, I traded in my sparkly Miss Fort Lauderdale crown for some sneakers and participated in the Fort Lauderdale 5k Color Run. The Color Run benefitted the Riverwalk of Fort Lauderdale Charity.
Casey and me showing off our muscles after we finished the run

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)organization responsible for the programming, beautification and promotion of Riverwalk Park. We are composed primarily of volunteer private citizens and overseen by a board of directors. All members uphold the organization’s directive, as stated in its mission statement, “to be the catalyst in building and nurturing Riverwalk as a vibrant community connected by the New River.” We pursue our mission through a wide range of fundraising and membership events and advocacy on behalf of the Park through our informative website and GoRiverwalk magazine.


Later that month, I met with Commissioner Ritter of Broward County's Chief of Staff to discuss volunteer opportunities and initiatives in Broward County. I also discussed my personal platform, "The Footprint Campaign- Inspiring Volunteerism". 


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