Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant

I just returned home from the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando FL... and what a week it was! I must begin by congratulating Taylor Kinzler, "Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen". Taylor did an incredible job of representing Massachusetts. Throughout the week long competition, she was always poised, gorgeous, and friendly every time that I saw her both on and off stage! We could not be more proud of you, Taylor!!

The Miss America Organization had quite the week planned for the Miss contestants jam packed with activities... I must mention that there were over 40 Miss America contestants present. It was a treat to be able to meet everyone!

We arrived in Orlando on Tuesday afternoon, where I met my roommates for the week, Ashley Fairfield - Miss New Jersey and Emily Cox - Miss Kentucky. We checked into our room and then met our Directors for lunch. That evening, we attended the first night of Miss America Outstanding Teen preliminaries. During intermission, I had the opportunity to meet Miss America 2008 for the first time!

After the preliminaries, I had the chance to catch up with a few of my good friends who were attending the pageant, Cherise LeClerc and Amanda Kelly. They are Miss Massachusetts contestants who also came to the pageant to support Taylor! We all had a late dinner and turned in for the night.

My roommates and I awoke very early the next day to make an appearance with the rest of the Miss America contestants at the "Daily Buzz" television show. It was early, but the crew greeted us with open arms (and coffee!) We all had a blast being in the studio! Thank you to the "Daily Buzz"! That afternoon, we attended a Miss America Workshop where we were all moved by the motivational speaker Brendon Burchard. Brendon is the author of "Life’s Golden Ticket." His speech reminded us that we all have a purpose in life and that we need to always act "on" and "alive" because every day that we have is a gift. After the workshop, the Miss contestants attended a fundraiser for MAO. The fundraiser was a "mix and mingle" event at the home of David Seigel. We were delighted to talk with supporters and dine on food from area restaurants. All of the girls were in awe of Mr. and Mrs. Seigel's home, family, and support of the Miss America Organization.

Thursday was another early morning because the Miss contestants went to Disneyland! When we arrived, we spent most of the morning filming a promo with Mickey Mouse! The afternoon was spent riding rides (SPACE MOUNTAIN!) and getting to know eachother in a fun atmosphere! The fun continued into Friday when we went to Sea World... I saw Shamu for the first time and fed dolphins! On Friday evening, MAOT arranged a special event for both the Teen and Miss contestants... a Sock Hop! We dressed in out 50s best and danced the night away!

On Saturday, we had a meeting for the Miss America Reality Show where we learned a little more about what we will be experiencing in September. Most of it will be a surprise for us, but it was nice to receive some clarification. The show will be filmed from Sept. 21 - Oct. 9. That evening the Miss contestants had an autograph signing and attended the final night of the MAOT Pageant! Congratulations to the new Miss America's Outstanding Teen, Taylor Fitch! Everyone did a phenomenal job and I was blown away at how much talent and poise these young women possessed.






It was a week that I will never forget! Thank you to everyone who made it possible!


Love, Alicia

Dairy Queen Miracle Treat Day and Glamour

What a dream... On August 9th, I had the chance to attend "Miracle Treat Day” in Milford, MA. For those of you who don't know, “Miracle Treat Day” is an event sponsored by Dairy Queen where all of the proceeds from Blizzards sold, go to the Children's Miracle Network. I was super excited for this event not only because I love Dairy Queen... but also because Jim Hall, the CEO of the Children's Miracle Network, would be in attendance!

I was lucky enough to be accompanied to this appearance by my Mema and Executive Director. When we arrived, we were introduced to Jim Hall, the Dairy Queen staff, and Max – a CMN “Miracle Child”. Shortly after our arrival, Jim, Max, and I were brought behind the counter and each learned how to make a Dairy Queen “Blizzard”! I have to say that I may have found my calling after my reign as “Miss Massachusetts”... I can mix and blend the “Blizzards” like it's no one's business! :) We also had the chance to work the drive-thu window and personally thank customers for contributing to CMN.

I stayed at Dairy Queen for longer than expected because I became engaged by talking with customers and eating icecream! Nothing beats good conversation and DQ soft-serve...
When I returned home, I was ecstatic to learn that I was featured in September's issue of Glamour Magazine! There was an article about my involvement with Kmart's Style Showoff contest!

Thank you to Jim Hall, the staff from CMN, and to the wonderful staff of Dairy Queen in Milford, Massachusetts for preparing me for the swimsuit competition at Miss America by feeding me desserts! I will be sure to visit again soon!

Love, Alicia

Paperwork.... and Spontaneity

I have been busy finalizing my Miss America paperwork... late nights and early morning meetings with Directors to brainstorm about my platform make me realize just how quickly the Miss America pageant is approaching. Time really does fly by!

I have also been busy making appearances to promote my platform. Yesterday I participated in an event in Holyoke, MA entitled Holyoke's “National Night Out”. I had been looking forward to this event for quite some time because I would be appearing with Bill Cosby! Shortly before the event, I received a call that Bill Cosby could not make it to Holyoke, therefore I would be the keynote speaker for the evening! I rushed off and as soon as I arrived, I was shuffled on stage to say a few words. This cemented the idea that with a job such as “Miss Massachusetts” you need to be ready for anything that is thrown at you... whether it is a little boy telling you that “You are sweating like a man” (which has happened! HAHA) or having to speak at a prestigious event at the last minute, you need to know how to respond accordingly and with ease.

While taking part in media interviews, a man handed me the phone. Still trying to take everything in stride, I said “hello” and could not believe when the man responding said that it was Bill Cosby! We talked about summer bugs (ew!) and the wonderful cause that we were all gathering to support. Holyoke's National Night Out was an event that brought together Holyoke's Fire Fighters, Police Officers, local organizations, and citizens to take a stand against violence. It was a night where everyone came together to meet the courageous individuals who were protecting their city.

I had a great time and must say THANK YOU to the city of Holyoke and to Lorraine Gorham for helping to arrange my participation in this event.

Love, Alicia

Smiling and Waving in New Bedford

Today, I was in my first parade as Miss Massachusetts! The parade took place in New Bedford, MA. and I was ecstatic to find out that some of the local Massachusetts titleholders would be joining me for this event! I had not seen these girls since winning Miss MA, so I was very excited to see how they were doing. I spent the day with Chantelle Pavao "Miss Fall River", Marissa Louro "Miss New Bedford", Alyssa Setera "Miss Mayflower", and Alyson Levy "Miss Bristol County". We met at Executive Mitsubishi, where Bob provided us with cars for the event. Once we arrived, we found "Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen", Taylor Kinzler! We talked with her about her preparations for the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant. She is ready and excited to represent Massachusetts on a national level! I look forward to traveling to Orlando to support Taylor! :)

Thank you Bob at Executive Mitzubishi and the amazing women who spent the day with me in New Bedford. xoxo

Love, Alicia