Miss America!

I've just returned home from Las Vegas where I competed in the 2009 Miss America Pageant. The entire experience felt like a surreal vacation with 51 of my best pals. Not only did we get to compete for the title of Miss America 2009, but we had a ton of fun experiencing Las Vegas!

On Wednesday, January 14th, I boarded a plane at Logan Airport with my Executive Director, Buffy. We decided to leave a day earlier than I as expected to arrive, so that we had time to get settled in and rest before the welcoming ceremony. Eight or so long hours later, we arrived at Planet Hollywood. After checking in to our rooms, we met up with Miss New Jersey and her traveling companion, Miss Oklahoma and her traveling companion, Miss North Dakota, Miss Oregon, and Miss South Carolina, and went to “Paris” for dinner. After we ate, we all went back to our hotel rooms and fell asleep... traveling is tiring and we had a busy day ahead!

The next day, I woke up very early (thanks to the time change) and unpacked my things while I waited for my roommate, Miss Georgia. I was very excited when she arrived! We didn't have much time to gab because our arrival ceremony was scheduled for later that afternoon. I was thrilled to see the other contestants as I lined up to be introduced! Following the ceremony, an informative meeting was held where we learned what the next couple of weeks held in store for us and where we also got to watch the last two episodes of the reality show!
Over the next few days, we rehearsed... and rehearsed... and rehearsed...and made some fabulous public appearances! We had the chance to race go-karts, see the “Phantom of the Opera”, flip pancakes for Ihop, and meet Joaquin Phoenix (who looked nothing like we were expecting)! The days were long, but I enjoyed every minute of it. We learned an opening number choreographed by Barry Lather. It was VERY different than anything Miss America has ever done. Our days began at 6am and lasted until roughly midnight. In between rehearsals and appearances, we all tried so squeeze in last minute competition prep. During rehearsal, it is hysterical to see a group of ladies reading the newspaper like the are studying for a final exam on one side of the room, then a group on the opposite side working out like they're training for a marathon! I think that all of us have learned that in order to compete for Miss America, you definitely need to have a balanced life, healthy lifestyle, and knowledge of self.

Before I knew it it was Saturday, January 24th 2009 and the beginning of the Miss America 2009 Pageant! Even though I did not make the Top15, I know in my heart that I did my absolute best that I could in every aspect of competition. I feel wonderfully about how the competition went and know that the Miss America Organization chose an outstanding representative in our MISS AMERICA 2009, KATIE STAM! Congratulations, Katie... You are an amazing young lady and I am proud to have you as our Miss America!

I feel incredibly blessed to have even walked on to the Miss America stage. Everything is put into perspective when you think of the big picture... THOUSANDS of young women compete throughout the United States to represent their state at Miss America. I was one of the lucky 52 who had the opportunity to do so this year. That is something that I will never forget. I cherish every moment that I have had with 51 of my new sisters. The women that I have bonded with as the Miss America Class of '09 are the most dedicated, ambitious, intelligent, and selfless young women in the nation.

I need to thank so many people who have helped to make my Miss America Experience what it was. First, I'd like to thank my beautiful family, friends and all of the Massachusetts Supporters who traveled to Las Vegas and experienced first hand the amazement of the Miss America Pageant with me! To everyone at home who could not make it out to Vegas, I carried a piece of each of you in my heart with me on stage! Thank you to the Miss Massachusetts Board of Directors for all of their guidance!
Special Thanks to Maria, Michelle, Raquel, and the staff of The Crowning Touch in New Bedford, MA for providing my Miss America wardrobe, to my Personal Trainer - Katie Boyd who always made sure that I was confident and prepared for anything, to Jack and Doug of Studio2000 and to everyone else who dedicated their time and talents! God Bless each and every one of you!!

Love, Alicia

Cheers to 2009!

I would like to begin this post by saying : HAPPY 2009! It is crazy how quickly time goes by... I can remember when it was the year 2000, like it was yesterday... Here I am, in the year 2009, preparing to compete for Miss America. Nuts! Isn't it? Who would have thought?!

Over the past few weeks, people have been asking me “Alicia, are you READY for Miss America?!” I tell them that I will never feel like I am completely prepared for this opportunity. How can you be? Competing at Miss America is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It feels as though there is always something else that you can do to better yourself in preparation for the experience. Personally, I think that is where the beauty of this opportunity lies. It is necessary to always push and set new standards of excellence for yourself so that when the time rolls around, you are the best YOU that you can possibly be. On that note, I have finalized and picked up my wardrobe. Participated in numerous mock interviews and current event cram sessions, Tried my best to follow a “high protein” diet and lift weights (HAHA!).

In preparation for the talent competition, I have been spending a lot of time in the dance studio. We had to rework my original dance because of the new 90 second time restraint, but I the final product is a piece that is moving and that I feel very passionate about.

Thank you to Valerie Amaral, Miss Massachusetts 2007, for providing the vocals, PD Studio for recording the track, and my brother, Eddie Zitka, for choreographing the dance. ]

When I perform my talent I know that I won't be dancing alone... Those who have contributed to my dancing career and who have helped shape me into the performer that I am will be dancing with me. Thank you all!

On Saturday night I had the special opportunity to perform my Miss America talent for the first time on stage, in front of an audience. I, along with “Miss Teen Western MA”, Amanda Morton, was invited to be a guest performer at the “Artistic Dance Conservatory Annual Charity Gala”!

There I ran into some old friends that I used to dance with and made some new ones! It was so much fun to be able to perform, watch the dancers, and speak with the audience about the Miss America Organization. I really think that this appearance was valuable preparation for the Miss America Pageant. I leave in less than two weeks and I am beginning to feel that it is crunch time!

All that is left for me to do is... PACK. Oh my. I have been dreading this... I can honestly say that I have over 14 ongoing lists of things that I cannot forget to bring to Miss America. Of course, I am bound to forget something, but I am trying my best not to. I found out that my roommate in Las Vegas will be “Miss Georgia”... Hi Chasity! I look forward to getting to know her better. Besides finishing up my Miss America Prep, I have had the opportunity to visit relatives and spend some time with my friends, which is nice.

Last Sunday, my local committee, “Miss Western Massachusetts/Greater Holyoke”, held a self-off party in my honor! It was a nice way for me to catch up with individuals who I have encountered on my “Road to Miss America”. The party was held at the Holyoke Carousel, which was a blast! I had never been, but it ended up being the perfect place for a party. During the event, I was able to mingle with family and friends, eat delicious food (Thank you Pajers, in Agawam, MA.!), and ride the carousel. Those couple of hours definitely shot my spirits to the sky and made me super excited to head to Vegas!

Thank you to the Miss Massachusetts Board of Directors, The Miss Massachusetts Board of Directors, my Parents, Friends, the Massachusetts Local Titleholders, and all of the Sponsors for their endless support!

Love, Alicia

Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Everyone! I had such an amazing time, spent with my family. My brother, Eddie was able to come home from New York and spent a few days at home. As cliche as it may sound, the best gift that I received this year was to have my entire family together for the Holidays.

On Christmas Eve, we celebrate at my Mema and Papa's (Grandparents') house, along with my Father's side of the family. We eat Polish food and open gifts. Later in the evening, we go to my Aunt Josie's house and have Italian desserts until we are stuffed to the brim.

Christmas Day is always spent at my house. We have Christmas dinner and people come and go through the day. This year, I was asked to say the toast at Christmas dinner. It was a very emotional for me because not only was I feeling overwhelmingly blessed, but I was asking for God to watch over my family and especially my cousin who will be deployed in a couple of weeks.

My cousin Jeff joined the Army and will be stationed in Baghdad for 16 months. Having him at Christmas dinner this year was very meaningful to me. I am so proud of him for the sacrifice that he is making in effort to protect our country. He will be in the thoughts of my family... and you can bet he will be receiving a lot of letters! ;)

Merry Christmas, Everyone... Go enjoy some desserts and quality time with family and friends!

Love, Alicia

More Holiday Visits

The holiday festivities have continued! Last Wednesday, Lorraine Gorham invited me to a “Holiday Party” at Dean Vocational High School in Holyoke, MA. I did not receive much information about what this event was about, but being the “up-for-anything-type” gal that I am, I wanted to attend anyway. When I arrived at Dean Vocational, I was very excited to walk into a cafeteria filled with over 400 people who had just got back from “Bright Nights” in Springfield, MA! What a turn out! There were people of all ages present along with a live band. I was quickly whisked away to the front of the room where the band introduced me and I spoke about my job as “Miss Massachusetts”, my platform, and my preparations for “Miss America.” Then I posed for pictures and signed autographs until the event was over. My hand felt like it was going to fall off and my face felt like it was frozen in a smile, but I had so much fun that those things didn't even matter!

The next day, I was fortunate enough to visit Baystate Hospital in Springfield, MA to help “William B. Meyer, Inc.” distribute teddy bears to the patients. I met Ely Dunn and the Representatives from “William B. Meyer” on the Playdeck at Baystate Hospital. Baystate is a “Children's Miracle Network” Hospital and what makes these hospitals so great is that they really make an effort to not only improve the health of the patients, but also the quality of life of the patients. The playdeck at Baystate is like an indoor plaground for children including toys, games, and colorful paintings. It is a place for them to go where they can forget that they are in a hospital and remember that they are children. While delivering teddy bears, I met with man children and families in the hospital. I hope that I brightened their day because they indeed enriched my own.

Thank you to William B. Meyer, Inc, Ely Dunn, and Baystate Hospital. God Bless!

Love, Alicia

Feeling the Holiday Spirit

Happy Holidays to all! This is the first year that my Christmas shopping is not done by now. I guess that I have good reason to be slacking considering that I am preparing to compete for Miss America, but I still feel a tad stressed. I am a person who takes great pride in finding the “right” gift for someone and unfortunately this year, it has been slightly difficult for me to do so because I have been on the go so much.

I have had a very busy December so far. Last Thursday, I attended the lighting of my hometown's “Christmas Scene on Town Common”! The event was held in the center of West Springfield and featured the Middle School Chorus, singing Christmas Carols. I was very excited to meet up with the GirlScouts of Western MA at the event, as well! It is a wonderful feeling to build a relationship with these young girls. I am honored to be a person that can consider a role model... truly believe that with positive role models present in the lives of children, encourage a healthy level of self-esteem. I sang along with the girls and handed out candy canes to the crowd. I was impressed with how many townspeople came out for the event! When the time came for the lights to go on, I was called on stage along with West Springfield's Mayor, Edward Gibson. We counted down from 10 and at 1, the town common lit up and the crowd erupted with cheers!

From there, I continued to spread holiday cheer throughout Massachusetts! On Saturday I marched in the Christmas Parade in Fall River, MA. First off, THANK YOU Bob of Executive Mitsubishi in New Bedford, MA. for donating your time and transportation for the event! The parade included giant balloons, Santa, and even the Grinch.
After the parade, I headed to the official Salon of Miss Massachusetts, STUDIO2000. I was in dire need of a haircut... and a chat session with Jack. Right now, I need to say - Thank you, STUDIO2000! Not only does the staff provide flawless haircuts, but they are the most amazingly talented and spunky beautifiers that you will ever meet. Leaving the salon, I felt refreshed, physically and mentally, and headed off to my next appearance.

Later that evening, I was invited by the “Easton Lions Club” to help light the “Rockery” in North Easton, MA. I was very excited to find out that I would be joined by North Easton native, Katie Vatalaro – “Miss Massachusetts Teen USA”! We chatted a little bit then were led to the microphone to sing Christmas carols... I am NOT a singer and I don't know if she was either, but we made it work and hopefully entertained the large crowd that had gathered. We then counted down the the lighting of the “Rockery”, signed autographs, and took pictures. I want to wish Katie Vatalaro the very best as she continues her year as “Miss Massachusetts Teen USA” and at the “Miss Teen USA” pageant later this year!

The next day, I headed to yet another Holiday Parade... this time in the small town of Maynard, MA. It was FREEZING outside, but you never would have guessed it by the crowd that lined the streets! THANK YOU to Acton Ford for providing transportation for the event! On the way back to Western MA from Maynard, we stopped at the “Natick Collection” for dinner. I was very surprised to see large ads publicizing the reality show “Countdown to the Crown” along with video blurbs featured throughout the mall! Part of me can't believe that I will be on a reality show and part of me doesn't want to believe it! Haha All in a day's work as a state titleholder! :)

Love, Alicia

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