Sunday, August 17, 2008

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

No comments: