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
