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

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