Massachusetts State House

I have just returned from a visit from the Massachusetts State House in Boston! My father was very excited when he heard about this event. He came with me, which made my day even more special.

We were greeted at the State House by Mary Riley who formally introduced me to Senator Stephen Buoniconti. Senator Buoniconti and I have a special bond... He is from my hometown, West Springfield, MA. and every time I have been in the newspaper, sends me a laminated copy with a personal note! Senator Boniconti gave me a tour of the State House and told me some quirky facts. Did you know that the distance to Boston, MA. is measured by how far away you are from a certain chandelier in the State House? I thought that was interesting!

Before breaking for lunch, I was introduced to the Senate by Senator Buoniconti and to the House of Representatives by State Representative James Welch (who is also from my hometown). I looked over at my Dad as I was being introduced and he was there with tears in his eyes as his little girl was receiving a standing ovation from the Senate and the House of Representatives. I will never forget that moment...

As I was leaving the State House, people got such a kick out of someone walking around Boston with a crown and banner. Duck Tours drove by yelling to me and waving, people came up to me during lunch asking for photos (I hope I didn't have anything in my teeth...) and people stopped me on the street for autographs!

I enjoyed meeting everyone that day and I am so thankful for the amazing opportunity!

Special Thank you to Mary Riley, Senator Stephen Buoniconti, State Representative James Welch, and everyone at the Massachusetts State House for making me feel like a Queen.

Love, Alicia

Visiting Sponsors and NYC Trip

Since being crowned Miss Massachusetts, much of my time has been devoted to visiting sponsors, completing endless amounts of Miss America paperwork, and planning my year... I have been enjoying every moment! When visiting sponsors, I cannot thank them enough on behalf of the young women vying for the title of Miss MA. They help make pageant week more enjoyable by donating their products and services to the pageant.

This past week, I also had the opportunity to spend a few days in New York City. Before I won Miss Massachusetts, I won a national modeling competition and became a "KMart Style Showoff." To enter the contest, I sent in a photo of myself along with a 100 word essay describing my personal style... easy enough for me since I am a girl who is obsessed with Fashion :) Months passed and I forgot about the contest, until someone notified me that I had won the Grand Prize! The prize package included KMart/Sears gift cards, an opportunity to appear in a National ad, and a trip to NYC. The main reason for the trip to NYC was to visit the KMart Design Center in Soho. I had the opportunity to see how a department store like KMart, takes inspiration from the runway and incorporates it into their own clothing designs. I witnessed what goes into picking fabrics, colors, cuts, and styles that will be showcased in KMart stores in the Spring of 2009. Being someone who is interested in the Fashion Industry, it was inspiring to watch the talented designers work their magic.

A huge thank you goes out to KMart, Lisa Schultz, and everyone at the Soho Design Center for allowing me to observe their creative process, valuing my opinion, and leading me to Magnolia Bakery and the fabulous vintage shops of NYC!

This reminds me that I need to give a special "Hello!" to my fellow KMart Fashionistas. The week before I won Miss Massachusetts, I was presented with an opportunity that I could not pass up. KMart was sponsoring the Daytime Emmy Awards and wanted me to attend! I was in LA for a week where I had the most unbelievable time. During the week, I shot promos with ABC that were aired on national television during the Daytime Emmy Awards, met Soap Stars, walked the red carpet, and bonded with four amazing, positive, incredibly talented aspiring actresses... I miss you Milena, Caroline, and Angela! I hope to see you soon!

Spending time with those women taught me to value every moment and to treat it like a blessing. I carried that attitude with me to the Miss Massachusetts pageant and will carry it with me to Miss America and through my year of service.

Love, Alicia

Atlantic City, NJ... and EDDIE!

On Sunday, my family and I headed south to Atlantic City, NJ. I took time away from schedule as Miss Massachusetts to see my brother perform in the National Tour of “The Wedding Singer”! My older brother and I are very close and I couldn't wait to see him again. We grew up dancing together... He was my dance teacher, partner, and best friend. After High School, he attended a performing arts school in New York City and pursued his dream of becoming an actor on Broadway. We don't get to see eachother as much as we would like to but when we do, we make every moment a new memory. When are arrived in Atlantic City my brother, Eddie, surprised me with a “Build-a-Bear” dressed as a beauty queen, complete with a crown and a handmade sash reading Miss Massachusetts 2008! It was so thoughtful! That night, we had the opportunity to watch my brother on stage. He is so talented and is truly an inspiration to me. I am so proud of all that he has accomplished and can't wait to see his name in lights on Broadway! While in Atlantic City, I had the opportunity to visit the Convention Center where Miss America originated. It motivated me and made me realize how lucky I am to be part of this timeless tradition!

I returned home from Atlantic City on Wednesday and left the next morning for an appearance at the Veterans Home in Bedford, MA. I had the opportunity to travel to Bedford with my Business Manager when I held the local title of “Miss Western MA 2007”. It was great to catch up with her on the drive and we had a blast at the 80th Anniversary Celebration of the Veteran's Hospital! At the event, I had the chance to mingle with the Veterans and personally thank them for serving. As cliché as it sounds, it was very rewarding to see the smiles that I brought to their faces when I asked them how they were or gave them a signed picture. It was an experience that I will always remember and I intend to keep my promise of visiting them in the near future!

A sincere thank you goes out to the Bedford Veteran's Hospital... See you soon!

Love, Alicia

Wareham Swan Festival

Today was my first “official” appearance as Miss Massachusetts. I would be a special guest at the Swan Festival in Wareham, MA. I couldn't wait! My parents took the trip with me to Buzzards Bay, MA where we met with State Representative Susan Gifford. From there, we rode the train to Wareham, MA. Dring the ride, I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and greeting the guests.

We arrived at the Swan Festival in Wareham and I walked around to mingle with the crowd. The fair included delicious food, fun games, and fabulous entertainment! First, I was introduced to the crowd by Representative Gifford and spoke about my plans for my year as Miss Massachusetts, my platform “Building Self-Confidence in Children” and the Miss America Organization. Next, I made my way through the festival to visit the numerous booths that were set up. One booth even helped me when my crown began to slide off of my head! The booth was called “The Princess Station” and truly made each girl there feel like royalty by allowing them to decorate and wear their own princess crown. Needless to say, I spent quite a bit of time there talking to the girls and signing autographs. From there, I went to watch a local dance studio perform. The dancers responded very well to the audience and looked adorable! Perhaps somewhere on that stage, there was a future Miss Massachusetts!

A special thanks to State Rep. Susan Gifford, the Cape Cod Central Railroad, and everyone at the Wareham Swan Festival!

Love, Alicia

Fourth of July Weekend

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND, EVERYONE!

I hope that you all had an an enjoyable weekend filled with family, fun, and patriotism. We must be thankful for all of the men and women who are fighting for our freedom and keep them in our thoughts on the 4th and in our prayers every day.

Fireworks and barbeques aside... I had a busy week. On Wednesday, I met with the Miss Massachusetts Board of Directors to begin my paperwork for Miss America. This was interesting because I have never had anyone help me fill out my fact sheet and platform statement and I never thought that it would take so much time to make everything correct!

On Saturday, I woke up early to make my first visit to Studio2000, the official Salon of the Miss Massachusetts Organization! I was in dire need of a haircut. I never like having it cut before a pageant because a lot of teasing, curling, and hairspray goes into my “pageant hair” and it feels great to have it trimmed after all of that! My visit to Studio2000 was a dream... I have always had long straight hair, so I wanted a little change. Jack cleaned it up and gave me lots of long layers throughout to add some “oomph” to my limp locks. I hardly had time to admire my new do' because we finished just in time to rush off to my photo shoot. My photographer for the day was Rob Pelleter. Our plan for the day was to shoot my official Miss Massachusetts crown shot and my new headshot for Miss America. I am proud to announce that we did all of that in record time! Everything went smoothly and Rob and his daughter were fabulous to work with! I was very comfortable shooting with them and feel honored to work with such talented people.

Thank you to Studio2000 in Riverton, RI and Rob Pelleter!
You make me lovely! :)

Love, Alicia