My journey began on Sunday, August 9th, by flying from Boise all the way to Orlando with my two excellent and very enjoyable executive directors, Amy and Brenda! We had quite the time on the flight, reading the latest issue of Glamour, playing Uno and Skipbo, and even making bracelets. The flight attendants probably thought we were a little crazy, with our beads for the bracelets, and plenty of fresh, yummy snacks, but who cares when you’re having fun?
With a quick night’s sleep after our arrival into Orlando, we went to meet Carry and David at their fantastic pageant dress shop, Regalia! I had really been looking forward to meeting Carry and David and seeing their shop, because this was going to be where I was going to select my competition wardrobe for Miss America! There, I tried on dress after dress for many, many hours with the constant patience and humor of Carry. After I had put on well more than 1000 dresses (okay…probably only 150) we had decided on an evening gown and talent dress! Carry and David were so wonderful, and I loved every minute I spent in their shop! They are definitely the best!
That day I was also able to meet my roommate for the week, Miss Washington 2009 Devanni Partridge! Devanni was so much fun from the start, and I had a blast with her staying up into the wee hours of the night watching Sex and the City reruns and chatting about school, friends, pageants, boys, and life in general! She is such an incredible person and a fantastic titleholder for the state of Washington, and I can’t wait to see her again in January!
My journey continued on Tuesday with my parents, who had both flown down, taking me to Disneyworld! It just happened to be my mom’s birthday, and I was so excited to spend her birthday in one of the coolest places in the world! It was also my first time ever to a Disney theme park, so as soon as my parents picked me up that morning, I was shaking with anticipation to spend the day at a place I have dreamed about going to since I was a little girl! We had so much fun going on all the rides, seeing the characters, going through the gift shops and trying on the silly hats, and experiencing the magic! It was definitely a memorable day!
Before you knew it, I had to leave Disneyworld and head right back to the hotel for the 1st night of preliminaries for the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant! I was so incredibly proud of all the contestants, it was hard to believe they are all still in high school! I was especially proud of Carley, Miss Idaho’s Outstanding Teen, she was awesome and had so much confidence on stage!
The Princess Mouse Ears didn't exactly fit over my head, but I still tried!
In front of the castle :)
Pretending to scream before riding off on the Runaway Train at Disneyworld!
It wasn't me!
Carley and me after the 1st night of prelims during visitation!On Wednesday, I was able to spend time with all the other Miss America contestants when we spent the day at Universal Studios with “VIP Access.” We had an awesome tour guide, and he took us straight to front of the line for all the best rides! I’ve always wanted to go to Universal Studios in Orlando, so this was definitely the way to experience it! Universal Studios treated us so well that theme parks are ruined for me-I won’t ever be able to wait in a long line again! It was definitely the experience of a lifetime, and I loved being able to get to know all the other state titleholders through such a fun time! That night, we also attended the 2nd night of prelims, where Carley performed talent! She was phenomenal!
Miss Ohio, Miss Wyoming and me with theSimpsons at Universal Studios!
The next day was filled with filming and photos for the Miss America special they will be airing the day before the pageant, and for the new Go Green Initiative the next Miss America will be promoting. A production crew from TLC interviewed each of us individually about our backgrounds, platforms, favorite foods, and why America should vote for us to be the next Miss America. They also informed us that viewers will have the chance (again!) to vote for their favorite contestants, and the four contestants with the most votes will automatically make the Top 15! The special is supposed to air sometime in the week before Miss America, so stay tuned for more details!
That evening, Regalia treated us all by taking us to a delicious Italian restaurant. I was very lucky because David from Regalia sat next to me throughout the dinner- he is so much fun! All of us contestants had an awesome time while enjoying some very yummy food! Thank you David and Carry for treating us so well! We finished the evening by attending the 3rd night of prelims. Carley competed in talent and evening gown and on-stage question. She looked so beautiful in a gorgeous purple evening gown that had came from Regalia, and she handled her on-stage question with so much poise.
David from Regalia, and me at Little Italy! He is so awesome!Because of the interview schedule, I had most of Friday free, so I was able to go to SeaWorld with my Mom and Dad. From enjoying the roller coasters, watching Shamu and all his friends, to petting the dolphins, I loved every minute I spent at SeaWorld! It was so much fun, and I am definitely looking forward to going to SeaWorld again in the future.
That evening, the 52 other Miss America contestants and I went to the Siegel Estate, where Mr. and Mrs. David Siegel were generous enough to host the Miss America Scholarship Gala. Their house was incredible, and we were able to fundraise over $25,000 for the Miss America Scholarship fund! I felt so privileged to be a part of this event, and I was even able to provide some entertainment by performing on my viola. Oh, and I got to talk a bit with Katie Stam, Miss America 2009! It was definitely an unforgettable, incredible evening!
All of us Miss America 2010 Contestants and Miss America herself, Katie Stam! (And I'm even in the front row!)
I'd never seen a crown cake before in my life!
Me with Katie...you know, Miss America!Saturday was my last day in Orlando, and it was filled with an informational meeting, filming for Green T with Tamara, shopping, and the Finals for the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant! Congratulations to Jeanette Morelan, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2010 from Wisconsin! This girl is incredible, and she will do an amazing job this next year.
My interview with Tamara from "Green T with Tamara"After watching all the nights of competition and finals night, I was especially proud of Carley. She represented our state with so much energy, enthusiasm, grace, and class! She rocked every area of competition, and stood out so well during the dance numbers. I am so proud to be sister queens with her!
Looking back on all the experiences I’ve had this past week, I feel very humbled to have these opportunities and serve as your Miss Idaho. I am so pumped for Miss America, and I am going to do everything I can to be prepared for January. I can’t believe I have a chance to be the next Miss America!
