Fall!

I am undeniably ecstatic about the weeks ahead as my arrival date to the 2011 Miss America Pageant inches closer and closer. Every once in a while, I find that I am almost at a loss for words when asked to describe my experiences as Miss Florida. It is an epic combination of so many incredible moments, people, thoughts and emotions wrapped into my heart, that words cannot begin to describe it. Being Miss Florida has exceeded all of my expectations and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to serve our country as Miss America 2011. Las Vegas can't get here soon enough!

I apologize for not updating in a while. The past couple of months have been non stop and I wanted to make sure I included as much as I could for all of you to enjoy. :)

I had the opportunity to film anti-bullying PSA's for both i-Safe and Community Tampa Bay in October, thanks to the wonderful St.Pete TV crew. It has been vital that my platform, Stop Bullying Now, is recognized and its message sent directly to the people of my state and ultimately our nation. As we have witnessed within the past few months, bullying is affecting our youth at drastic levels that are incomprehensible. Thank you to both i-Safe and Community Tampa Bay for our partnerships to help stop the spread of bullying.

I was honored to be a special guest at the grand opening of Stone Crab season at Joes Stone Crab in Miami on behalf of the Everglades Foundation. In order to have a successful Stone Crab season as well as keeping many of our fish and crustacean species alive and healthy, it is imperative that we protect our ecosystems. Thank you to Joe's for allowing us to spread our message to Floridians who are directly affected by the conditions of our Everglades!








Next, I was a "celebrity guest" at the Hollywood Welcomes the Stars event benefiting the Boys and Girls Club at the Westin Diplomat Golf Resort. I had such a wonderful time with the children who were directly benefiting from the night's success. They were so wonderful to visit with and were so very polite! I met quite a few Miami Dolphins players (both current and former) including Channing Crowder, as well as Dan Mangru of the Mangru Report on FOX Business Network, magician Murray Sawchuck and many more! I was so honored to receive an award recognizing my contribution to the Boys and Girls Club (I was very excited in the photo below!). Thank you to the sponsors and individuals who made this night possible!

My travels then took me to Orlando for UCF's Spirit Splash during Homecoming weekend! I had such a blast being introduced on-stage with the rest of the Homecoming Court and spending time with Miss UCF, Sara York and Mr. UCF, Jared Massucci! The Friday before the Homecoming football game, students enter the Reflecting Pond for UCF's biggest pep rally, and only chance to legally get into the UCF Reflecting Pond! The event featured UCF's cheerleading team, dancers and Marching Knights. Thank you to UCF for the wonderful recognition.

A couple of hours later, I had the wonderful honor of singing the National Anthem at the Black and Gold Alumni Gala held at the beautiful UCF Arena. I was joined by Veronica Levisay, the Mr. and Miss UCF Executive Director and Jared Masucci, Mr. UCF who sang an awesome rendition of the UCF Alma Mater. It was such a great feeling to be amongst fellow Knights who showed support for our University and its different colleges. Congratulations to all of the winners of the various awards that were presented in honor of their achievements. Pictured below with Veronica (other photos soon to follow!) Thank you to Jared for letting me wear your coat! It was freezing in the building!

The next morning, I woke up ecstatic to be a part of the UCF Homecoming Parade! I was riding in style in a beautiful, orange, convertible Mustang! I thoroughly enjoyed waving to and greeting all of the energized UCF fans in the crowd. I must say, it couldn't have been a more perfect day for such a wonderful tradition. GOOOOOO KNIGHTS! Thank you again to Veronica and LaVoyce Porter for joining me that afternoon. I am pictured below in front of my sorority house, Delta Delta Delta before the parade began.

The Community Tampa Bay District Wide Youth Conference was held on a beautiful morning in Pinellas County for high school students who are leaders amongst their schools. The day is designed to have students discuss issues that are relevant to their school climate and ways to develop leadership skills, create action plans to implement in their school and promote a safe and respectful learning environment. The topic of many discussions was bullying and respect among the student body. I shared my personal story about growing up being severely bullied and how I was able to positively inpsire other individuals to stand up for themselves if faced with a bullying obstacle. It is never a lighthearted presentation, but I was certainly effective in getting my message across to the students, and I know that they understood what they can to do stop the spread of bullying in school and in their communities. Thank you to Jessica Estevez for allowing me to be a part of an incredible day! Please check out http://www.communitytampabay.org/! Pictured below, setting up for the day and also with some of our students who attended!

Next, I attended the Plant City Rotary Club fundraiser for The United Food Bank of Plant City. Visiting with my fellow Plant Citians was a great feeling while raising money for a fantastic cause. There are so many families this Thanksgiving season that will not be able to afford meals for themselves. It is imperative that we help our neighbors and celebrate in this season of giving. Thank you to the Plant City Rotary and Kelleigh Klein for continuing to inspire our community to give back!

After spending a week in Miami with Mary for necessary Miss America preparations, I traveled back to Durant High School in Plant City for the 2010 Calendar Girl Pageant. It is a tradition that is great in raising school spirit and allowing the young ladies of Durant High to represent their school in another capacity. As a former Cover Girl, was honored to crown the twelve young ladies who received a month on the calendar, and of course, our beautiful 2011 Cover Girl! Thank you to Jim Hilsman and Courtney Singletary for allowing me to be a part of one of my favorite Durant traditions! Pictured below with a few of the handsome escorts, one of the many volunteers and our beautiful Cover Girl, Jordan Alfonso!

The Children's Miracle Network Torch Relay hosted by All Children's Hospital took place in St.Petersburg on a gorgeous Thursday afternoon. Individuals from all walks of life (ACH employees, parents, Mariott employees, friends, residents, volunteers) gathered in North Straub Park to kick off a three mile walk through downtown St.Pete to All Children's and back to the park. After thanking the crowd for their attendance and informing them of the Miss America/CMN partnership, I was given the privilege to hold our American flag at the front of the line! I also managed to not change out of my knee high 3 1/2 inch boots and made it through the entire three mile walk! I can certainly attribute that accomplishment to many pageant rehearsals and appearances. Thank you to Crissy McWilliams for inviting me to such a special event that I was blessed to be involved with. Pictured below is my autograph on the Torch Relay Bus that has traveled throughout the country raising funds and awareness for CMN!

The next evening, I attended the annual Pineapple Ball in Homestead, Florida benefiting the Homestead Hospital. I was more than honored to sing the National Anthem before the evening's festivities and celebration of the hospital's fundraising success! As you can see from the photos, the theme was "Circus" and had fun and colorful decorations throughout the facility! Thank you to Ann Marie for joining me on such a special evening!

The next morning, Mary and I drove to Orlando for the CMN Torch Relay in Orlando! I was once again, honored to sing our National Anthem before the walk kicked off. Kara from MIX 105.1 Orlando, Chris Orion, and contestants from NBC's "Biggest Loser" joined me in welcoming our participants and Miracle Children. I had a ball greeting everyone and playing games with some of the children in the carnival section! Thank you also to Vicky DiSanto, Miss Orlando for coming out to support Children's Miracle Network and Arnold Palmer Hospital.

Look out for another blog entry soon! Thank you again to all of my fabulous friends and family for all of your continued support and well wishes :)

Love,

Jaclyn

What an incredible journey....

After the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando, I drove home to celebrate my birthday with my family! It was wonderful to share the experiences and stories from MAOT with my mother, father and brother. I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing at home for the day and of course, eating lots of ice cream birthday cake! :)


I then drove to Miami to meet with the Everglades Foundation to discuss our exciting plans for the upcoming months. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a spokesperson for them this year, especially being a ninth generation Floridian, putting my efforts towards the restoration of our Florida Everglades is vital. I can't wait to see what great things our partnership will bring for the Everglades Foundation. To find out how you can help, please visit: http://www.evergladesfoundation.org/


Later in the week, I met with Stacie Blake and Jessica Esteves of Community Tampa Bay in St.Petersburg. I shared with them my mission and personal story regarding my platform, Stop Bullying Now! During the month of October, we are working on PSA's and also the Youth Conference, as well as other anti-bullying initiatives. Please visit their website: http://www.communitytampabay.org/.

With Stacie and Jessica of Community Tampa Bay.

The following day, I attended the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament to benefit the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation and All Children's Hospital in St.Petersburg. I had a wonderful time greeting guests and taking photos with a few of the Tampa Bay Lightning players and many of the other celebrities that attended. It was wonderful seeing one of the 2010 Miss Florida Judges and former Tampa Bay Buccanneer, Ryan Nece. It was great to catch up and hear about the recent successful events of his foundation. It was a fantastic event with great people for an even greater cause. Please visit: http://www.vinny4.com/ and http://www.ryannece56.com/. Thank you to Bill and Kim Doniel for traveling with me to the tournament!

Next, I traveled to Orlando to work at an IT Outsourcing Convention for three days, with the wonderful people of Stefanini. It was such a great experience to listen and learn from individuals who had such business savvy and words of wisdom to share with me. Thank you to Stefanini for an incredible and fun-filled opportunity.

Next, I traveled to New York City for a few days working on preparation for Miss America. While I was there, I had lunch with Shauna Pender, Miss Florida 2003! I have idolized Shauna growing up and it was very surreal to be spending time with such a legendary and phenomenal woman. Thank you Shauna for a FUN afternoon! :)

As soon as I returned home from New York, I attended the Miss Florida Franchise Meeting held at The University of Central Florida! I was so happy to be on the UCF campus again, although it felt strange not to be walking to class with a book bag and laptop in my arms! I can't begin to say how wonderful it was so see the local directors of Florida. We appreciate them so very much and all that they do for the young women of our state. I had the pleasure of speaking to them and informing them of where my travels had taken me and give them an update of my Miss America preparations. As soon as I left the meeting, I walked down Greek Park Drive and spoke at my sorority's weekly New Member meeting to talk to all of the new young women of our chapter. I spoke to them about leadership and what wonderful opportunities Tri-Delta had given me throughout my collegiate years and how vital it is to take advantage of them. They are such a beautiful and bright group of ladies. Thank you to Brittany and Annie for allowing me to visit with PC '10! Below is a photo of myself and my Grandlittles, Lindsay and Melissa (who I had seen for the first time when I walked into the meeting!)

The following day, Mary and I anxiously awaited for the 2011 Miss America Contestant Lottery! I was thrilled when I was called fourth to pick my placement, and received the exact spot I was hoping for. Remember: Group- Sigma... Number-8..... Tuesday AM: Interview....Tuesday Preliminary: Swimsuit and Evening Gown.... Wednesday Preliminary: Talent...... Thursday Preliminary: On-Stage Question.... Woo-hoo!

Waiting for the lottery to begin.......

The next day, I traveled to Plant City to Tomlin Middle School, where I attended middle school. I was excited to attend Rachel's Challenge and speak to many of the students and parents that attended. Rachel Scott, was the first student to be killed in the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School. Her uncle, Larry Scott conducted the presentation and travels the country promoting Rachel's Challenge. This program encourages students to be kind, understanding and helpful to others. It was an honor to speak with Mr.Scott about Rachel and my platform as well. Tomlin also launched a new club, Chain Links that is supported by the PTSA to build character and deter bullying! It was incredible to be able to make a difference by spreading such an important message. Thank you to Diana Lott for inviting me and to Larry Scott for continuing to be such an inspiration across our nation. Let's all being a chain reaction of kindness in our own communities! Visit. http://www.rachelschallenge.org/

With members of the Tomlin Middle School PTSA.

Next, I traveled to Miami for an open house event at Equinox in Coral Gables. Equinox has been an incredible sponsor and I was more than excited to be able to attend the event, that even featured a bellydancer! Thank you to Tom Kreiger who has been such a great supporter of the Miss Florida Organization. Equinox is absolutely fabulous and they have fitness facilities around the country! Visit http://www.equinox.com/!

Thank you Tom Krieger, for your generosity!

My next stop was Orlando to shoot with the fabulous Deanna Meredith for crowining and publicity shots. I am so happy with the amazing looks that Deanna was able to capture! Gina Lamm provided Hair and Make-up, which could not have looked better! Thank you so very much to Deanna and Gina for a GREAT day! http://www.deannameredith.com/

Mary and I leaving Deanna's studio in my fabulous CAMARO provided by STINGRAY CHEVROLET in Plant City, Florida!

That Tuesday, I attended an official BullyBusters of Hillsborough County meeting. While I was there, I had the pleasure of meeting many of the parents and kids that attended and was also given the opportunity to share my personal experiences with bullying. It is such a wonderful feeling to spread a message of hope and strength to the children and awareness to the parents. Thank you to Commissioner Rose Ferlita for beginning this wonderful and impactful program.

With Commissioner Rose Ferlita in my official BullyBusters t-shirt!

The next day, I was so excited to visit Knights Elementary to give them a Stop Bullying Now! presentation! I was pleasantly suprised at how well behaved the kids were, they were extremely attentive! I gave a presentation to 2nd and 3rd grade and another presentation to 4th and 5th grade, and had a blast interacting with each assembly and answering their (sometimes hysterical) questions :) After my presentations, I read to the 1st grade and under students, and they were just precious! I loved spending time with them and even showed a class how to put a crown on and they were so enthralled :) I had a fantastic time. Thank you to Mari Wilensky for allowing me to visit Knights!

Later that evening, I drove to St.Petersburg for a Rick Baker celebration at the Mahaffey Theater! It was wonderful to see Mr.Baker along with his beautiful family, a few of the St.Pete Council Members, and Mayor Bill Foster. It was an honor to be there and celebrate Mr.Baker's position with the University of South Florida! He was even presented with a USF Bulls T-shirt and sported it throughout the evening.

With the inspirational Rick Baker.

With friend and Mayor of St.Petersburg, Bill Foster

The next day, I was back at the Mahaffey Theater for the 3rd annual Curtain Call event! This was extremely special, as they give the audience a preview of each show coming to the Mahaffey during the year. The Miss Florida Pageant was one of the events featured and I was introduced onstage to speak about our partnership with the Mahaffey and the City of St.Petersburg. We are so thankful to call St.Pete the home of the Miss Florida Pageant. Thank you to Bill and Kim Doniel for attending with me.

Sitting in the audience of the Mahaffey where I was crowned. It was certainly a change to be sitting in the audience seats!

The following day, I drove to the Rosen Center Hotel in Orlando for the 2010 Florida Statewide Substance Abuse Preventions Conference. The theme of the conference was "Different Roles, Common Goals, Advancing Prevention, Empowering Lives", which parallels with my platform, Stop Bullying Now! Director of the Florida Office of Drug Control, Bruce Grant hosted the awards ceremony where I had the honor of sitting at the head table with other VIP guests including Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp. It was a pleasure to hear him speak and remind all of us that we will make a tremendous impact on our communities in preventing drug abuse. I was introduced and able to share my platform with the individuals in attendance, which is always a wonderful feeling. I handed out awards to the leaders in prevention and even recieved an award myself. Mr.Grant presented me with a Florida Office of Drug Control Who's Who in Prevention award for my service and dedication to prevention in Florida, working to protect youth and strengthen families and communities. What an honor! Thank you to Brooks Rumenik and Senta Goudy for inviting me and assisting me at the conference, I had a wonderful time!

With Lieutenant Governor of Florida, Jeff Kottkamp

Receiving my Florida Office of Drug Control Who's Who in Prevention award.

Sitting at the head table with the other VIP guests.


With King William (that's his real name!) a new friend and prevention leader!

After the conference, I headed immediately to South Florida for the Crosby, Stills and Nash concert at the Hard Rock Resort and Casino. I attended on behalf of the Everglades Foundation and promoted the foundation at the front of the venue as fans arrived at the show. I had such a wonderful time with Richard and Vivian creating awareness for the Everglades as well as the Miss America Organization. While we were there, we were lucky enough to be invited backstage! Below are a couple photos from the evening.

The next day, I modeled for Juan Carlos Pinera at a beautiful "Cirque" themed benefit for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami. I had such a blast getting my hair and make-up done for this event! It was pretty wild, I must say, but looked great with the theme! It was a successful evening for St.Jude and Juan Carlos' designs looked incredible on each of the models. St. Jude is the philanthropy for my sorority, Tri-Delta, so this cause is very near and dear to me, I was thrilled to be a part of it. Below are photos of my "hot Cirque look" for the evening!

Red extensions? Hmmmm.

The next afternoon, I attended the Miss Florida Teen USA Pageant with Mary and Carry O'Neal of Regalia. It was a nice feeling to be in the audience and cheer for my friends that were competing. It was stiff competition but each contestant shined beautifully! Congratulations to Mikyle Crockett! Below is a photo with one of my good friends and Miss Lakeland Teen USA, Jordan Weaver, who was absolutely stunning that evening!

REMEMBER: Your Miss America ticket orders will be due at the beginning of November, please e-mail the Miss Florida Organization for ticket information.

Another reminder of my competition lineup:

Group Sigma #8

Tuesday AM- Interview

Tuesday Preliminary- Swimsuit and Evening Gown

Wednesday Preliminary- Talent

Thursday Preliminary- On-stage Question

That is all for now, everyone. I will keep you updated, as October is in full swing and Miss America is right around the corner! :)

Best Wishes,

Jaclyn