Give Thanks for Blessings

I hope that everyone had a Thanksgiving that was filled with Family, love, and comfort food. Every year, my family has three Thanksgiving's. Let me explain. First, we head to my Aunt's house and have Thanksgiving dinner with my Dad's side of the family. Later in the evening, we celebrate with my Mom's side of the family. Finally, on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, my Mom insists that we cook at our house and have our own Thanksgiving! So much delicious food, so many shared memories. This year was especially important for me to give thanks for the blessings in my life... health, happiness, and opportunity. Of course, I am also thankful for being Miss Massachusetts! I am thankful for the support that I have received from those around me, the friends that I have made through my work with the Miss America Organization, and the fact that I can take my family on this journey with me. It is very rewarding to know that I am affecting lives by doing with I am passionate about – being a role model and helping others.

Last Wednesday, I had the honor of attending the official lighting of“Bright Nights” in Springfield, MA. “Bright Nights” is a holiday lighting display in Springfield that is one of the largest tourist attractions in the Northeast! For the countdown, I was in the good company of the Mayor Dominic Sarno and The Lieutenant Governor, Tim Murray.

On Friday, (after recovering from the annual Thanksgiving “food coma”), I participated in Springfield's “Big Balloon Parade”. I was joined by a few of the local titleholders and had fun, despite the chilly temps and damp air.

I was thrilled to find the GirlScouts marching and had some girl-talk with them before the parade began! I also ran into an old friend from UMass (Hi Neil!) After the parade, my Mom and I had some bonding time as we shopped a few “Black Friday” Sales. The holidays are underway!
Love, Alicia

UMass UDance

This past Saturday, I attended a very special event benefiting the “Children's Miracle Network”. I returned to UMass – Amherst and was a guest at the “UMass Udance-A-Thon”. The dance-a-thon was a 24 hour long dance party that showcased special guests and children from Baystate Hospital in Springfield, MA. I was so taken back as to how many people were participating in this event... It was awesome!

When I arrived, I met with Ely Dunn of Baystate Hospital, who has become a dear friend of mine through my involvement with CMN. She asked me if I would speak about my involvement with the Children at Baystate, how the funds raised would be used, and my job as Miss Massachusetts. I gladly agreed and took the stage. While speaking, I felt such a connection with this audience... After all, they were my peers. I told them about my interactions with children at Baystate and about how I am preparing to compete in the Miss America Pageant. Their cheers made it more real to me that I was not only representing myself and my family at Miss America, I would be representing each of them, The University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and ALL of Massachusetts... crazy. After I spoke, I danced and visited with volunteers.

Every hour or so, the event would feature “Morale Boosters”, many of which were children or parents of children who were treated at a Children's Miracle Network hospital. The entire time that I was at the dance-a-thon, there was a child there who wouldn't step off of the dance floor. He danced with everyone and people were falling in love with him. When it came time for another “Morale Booster” everyone took a seat and this boy's mother walked on stage. She explained to everyone that her son has been ill since he as born and then a video was shown detailing the boy's experience at Baystate Hospital. As the video was playing, I glanced around the room and saw tears welling up in most people's eyes, then I looked at the courageous young boy. At that moment, everyone remembered why they were there... to help improve the life of someone else. After the video, the volunteers were refreshed and ready to get back to dancing and raising money for the Children's Miracle Network. I think that it is important that we are all reminded how lucky were are and how essential it is that we help each other in times of need.

After leaving the Dance-a-thon, my spirits were sky-high. Before heading home, I had to make a pit-stop at Antonio's and grab some pizza (sorry, Katie Boyd)... GO! GO U! GO U-MASS! GO UMASS!!

Love, Alicia

Veteran's Day

Oh mock interviews... Miss America prep has kicked into high gear. I have been reading the newspaper, TIME Magazine, and Newsweek to form opinions on current events, exercising in attempt to get myself into “peak physical condition”, and shopping for my Miss America wardrobe. It is crazy to think “how will this all come together?” I tend to ask myself that question quite often, but I have faith that it will!

Speaking of faith, being Miss Massachusetts has made me much more spiritual. Being a titleholder is definitely a job that requires a lot of hard work. When times get tough, I remind myself that God has chosen this for me for a reason. He led me to win a state title and represent my state at Miss America. There are many amazing young women who would love to be in my shoes. I'm part of an elite group who get to live out this dream and I feel incredibly humbled and fortunate to do so.


Competing at the Miss America Pageant is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you want to be as prepared as possible for it. I think that one of the best ways to get ready for Miss America is by concentrating on working as a state titleholder. This past week, I had the chance to celebrate Veteran's Day in my hometown! Last Friday, I traveled to three different locations to visit Veterans. I was honored to be able to speak at each location and to personally thank each and every one of the Veterans for their commitment to our country and courage to defend it. At the Soldier's Home in Holyoke, MA. I found a gold dove that was dedicated to my Great Grandfather (Big papa) Mike D'Angelo, who was a Veteran. My Great Grandfather passed away and seeing that dove was like seeing him wave to me... It touched my heart.

On Saturday morning, I attended a brunch that honored the West Springfield Male and Female Veteran of the Year. Congratulations to Timothy Douglas and Lida Powell! These outstanding individuals were recognized at the event. I was especially inspired by the speech that Female Veteran of the Year, Lida Powell, delivered. She is a mother of two beautiful young ladies and hearing her experiences about serving our country while her daughters were at home, was very moving.

On Tuesday, I marched in a local parade with the West Springfield's Veteran's Council, including the Male and Female Veteran's of the Year, Timothy and Lida. I had a few laughs with Timothy because West Springfield actually gave him a sash (that resembled my Miss Massachusetts sash!) for him to wear in the parade. We were able to hand out flags during the march, while we boogied to the tunes of the West Springfield High School Band... Lots of fun!

After the parade, I went to Beaven Kelly Rest Home to award the Veterans a Certificate of Appreciation. The residents of the rest home were filled with questions for me and loved seeing my crown. I had a hard time leaving because I enjoyed talking with the residents so much!

I hope that everyone had a day of reflection and appreciation on this Veteran's Day. It is important that we are all aware of the sacrifice that so many people are making.

Love, Alicia

I'm an Out-of-Shape MissFit

Happy Election Day! Regardless of your political views, I hope that everyone went out to vote today! It is important that we as Americans exercise our rights. Every one knows that this is a historical election, any way that you look at it. I am anxiously awaiting the results and will support the next President of the United States regardless of the outcome.

Back to Miss America Prep. - Early this morning, I made my way to Framingham, MA to establish my workout and nutrition plan. I met with Katie Boyd aka “Miss Fit”. We talked about what I eat (french fries, chicken nuggets, and cookies...) and what I SHOULD be eating. I believe in the saying “everything in moderation” and we incorporated that into my new food plan along with egg whites, plain outmeal, almonds, and "Muscle Milk"...

Then, we hit the gym to lift weights. I usually stay in shape by dancing, so I have never lifted weights before and evidently my body wasn't used to it. It felt like the room was spinning and I had to sit to rest a few times during my workout! Luckily, I'm a fighter... I am committed to being healthy and ready for Miss America... So I will continue to lift weights and eat as healthily as I can ;)

Thank you Katie Boyd! ~ http://missfitco.com/

Love, Alicia

23

Happy Birthday to ME!

I begin my 23rd year today and can only hope that it is as blessed as my 22nd. God has touched my life in so many amazing ways including my family, friends, health, happiness, and ambitions.

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.'”

Love, Alicia