Hasty Pudding Parade, Ari Birks, GirlScouts

Brr... It sure has been cold here in Massachusetts. I am definitely missing the warmth of Las Vegas! Since returning from Miss America, I have had the chance to catch up a little with family members and SLEEP. I've also had the opportunity to participate in many amazing events. I thought that after Miss America my schedule would slow down a bit... but boy, was I wrong!

Last Thursday, I was invited to be in Harvard University's “Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Parade”! The “Hasty Pudding Parade” is an annual event which honors a male and female actor for not only their achievements in the entertainment business, but their personality. Past winners include Halle Barry and Charlize Theron. This year's “Woman of the Year” is RENEE ZELLWEGER! When I found out, I was very excited. Not only is Renee talented, but she seems like a lot of fun, which would make the event even better! Each year, Miss Massachusetts is invited to ride in the car behind the “Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year” ; but this as the first year that Miss Massachusetts was invited to the “celebrity roast” afterward! My chaperone for the day was my Mema. She is a huge Renee Zellweger fan and initiated my interest in the performing arts. Little did we know that the day of the parade would be the coldest day of the year...

I wore so many layers of clothing... it is almost ridiculous. I had on tights, leggings, pants, two pairs of socks, Long sleeved “UnderArmor” (thanks to the reality show!! HAHA), a long sleeved shirt, a sweater, a shawl, and a coat. After I emerged from the warm I was alarmed to see men dressed as ladies. I was not alarmed because men were dressed as ladies, but because these ladies were wearing short skirts and short sleeved tops! This was a “Hasty Pudding Theatricals” tradition, but my oh my... those poor guys were freezing. I did my best to talk with them enough so that they could try to forget that it was below zero outside (almost impossible). Once Renee Zelleweger arrived, we got to meet with her then the parade began. After the parade, there was a celebrity roast. For those of you who do not know what a “roast” is, let me explain. It takes a special type of person to let people “roast” them. This person needs to have a good sense of humor, a fun personality, and not take themselves too seriously. Because Renee Zellweger embodies all of these elements, the roast was hilarious! She dressed in a fat suit in honor of Bridget Jones and danced the Charleston like her character from “Chicago” would have. After the show, I was informed that James Franco would be honored as the “Hasty Pudding Man of the Year” sometime next week... Hopefully I'll be around for that event! ;) haha

After retuning from Eastern Massachusetts, I received an email about an event on the following day. The event was for a young lady named Ari Birks. Ari was born with a mitochondrial disease and a benefit was being held in her honor at a Children's Museum in Holyoke, MA. When I arrived, I met Ari and her family. I instantly clicked with Ari and her sister, Mya, who agreed to be my tour guide for the evening. After mingling a bit and helping with the very successful Silent Auction, I set up an autograph table and signed photos until my hand felt like it was going to fall off. Meeting Ari, her family, and her friends made me remember the power of the spirit. I was astonished at the courage that this little girl possessed and honored that I could put a smile on her face.

My weekend did not slow down on Saturday. For lunch, my family and I went to “Red Robin”, an official sponsor for “Miss Western MA”, who generously provided us with gift cards for free burgers! After lunch, I made my way to meet with my friends, the GirlScouts of Western Massachusetts. The girls invited me to their Mardi Gras party and I couldn't wait to see them and share my experience at Miss America. These girls really are amazing. I can't even begin to tell you how many encouraging notes, emails, and gifts I receive from them. They are why I enjoy what I do and they have no idea how much they inspire me. At the party, we got to catch up with each other, frost cupcakes (YUM), play Bingo, and decorate Mardi Gras masks! Each time I visit with them, I ask them about their goals and what they can do to stay positive and achieve whatever they set their hearts on. I love being a role model, it is my favorite part of this job... that long with attending events where delicious food is available. I kid, I kid.

Love, Alicia