"Hostess with the Mostest"

What a FAB weekend...

On Saturday, I was off to Brookline, MA to host the final local pageant of the 2009 season. There were 16 lovely, talented, and intelligent young women competing for the final three spots in the 2009 Miss Massachusetts Pageant. When I arrived, I was thrilled to find out that three of the outgoing local Queens would be there giving up their titles. I had the pleasure of competing with these ladies at Miss Massachusetts, last year and am honored to be able to call them my friends. They have each had a special year and I know that they will all be very successful in whatever they choose to do next. On that note, Congrats to Miss Commonwealth 2008 - Stephanie Brinton on her recent engagement! :)

At the end of the evening, 3 new titleholders were announced: Miss Baystate, Miss Commonwealth, and Miss Mayflower 2009. Good luck to them as they prepare for our state pageant in July! Sunday was a busy day... It was an early morning, as I set out to Host the 15th Annual South Sectional Aquatics Meet for the Special Olympics at Bridgewater State College! I cannot even begin to tell you how the athletes participating in this event inspired me. They had the most spirit, pride, enthusiasm, and heart that I have ever seen. I had the honor of announcing each team as they entered the gymnasium. I felt the energy and spirit of these individuals as their team was announced. I have heard about how rewarding it is to participate in this event and feel incredibly lucky to have experienced it first hand.
At the conclusion of the Opening Ceremonies, there was a Meet-and-Greet where I had the chance to interact with the Athletes, sign autographs, take photos, and even dance with the crowd.Special Thanks to John Harper and the Volunteers of Bridgewater State College, along with the Athletes, Coaches, and Volunteers of the Special Olympics!

That afternoon, I was scheduled to appear at a benefit for "Children's Hospital of Boston" and "The Children's Miracle Network" at Champion's Pub in Peabody, MA. Right when I walked through the door, I was welcomed with open arms! The benefit celebrated the dedicated staff of Children's Hospital Boston. Funds raised from this event will help pay the medical costs of patients whose families cannot afford care, purchase essential medical equipment, support pediatric research, and provide training for the next generation of pediatricians. Also involved in the fundraiser was Chris Collins from NECN and Bill "Spaceman" Lee! I had a blast with them as we raised funds for an extremely worthy cause!

Thank you to everyone who attended the event and Volunteered their time, including the Mitchell Family, Paul Melendy, Chris Collins, and Bill "Spaceman" Lee.Special Thanks going to "Champion's Pub" for providing a great venue for the event and for the best Steak Tips that I have ever tasted! God Bless and Congrats to a successful event!

Love, Alicia

Right Decisions Right Now

Last week, I continued to visit schools to promote, "Right Decisions Right Now" and let me tell you, I had so much fun! I've decided that I am going to document this experience by attempting to write a few highlights from each school that I visit. Here goes...

On Wednesday, I went to Glenwood School to speak with the 5th grade students. When I arrived, I was excited to learn that my "contact person" was actually my second cousin (Mom's cousin)! It was great to see her and to catch up! She took me to the library where I would make my presentation to a smaller group than I am used to speaking with. I really felt like the smaller group made it easier for the students to open up to me. It was like I was chatting with my little brother or sister and giving them advice, which was nice. After my presentation, I went to visit a couple of Kindergarten classrooms, where the children kept calling me "The Queen of Massachusetts"!!

The next day, I was off to Sullivan School in Holyoke, MA to present to the 7th and 8th grade students. The group was energetic and eager, which made my job a lot easier! During the presentation, the Fire Alarm went off and we all had to evacuate the gym... Once we were outside, I had a wonderful time getting to know the students. After my presentation, I went into a few classrooms to say "hello". I was excited to see my friends, Ari and Maya Birks! In Ari's classroom, her friends read me journal entries that they were working on about what they planned on doing over summer vacation. I love children!

On Friday, I presented to the 8th grade at Agawam Middle School. I was very impressed with how the presentation was set up... I am a dancer/performer, so being able to speak on stage to a large group (spotlight and all!) was a lot of fun! After being asked about my talent, the students asked me to dance for them... Instead, I asked them if any one in the audience could dance. To my surprise, there was a Break-Dancer who came on stage with me and put on a show! It was really neat to see how engaged in the presentation these students were.

On Friday evening, I headed to Boston, MA to meet and have dinner with Miss New Hampshire, Natalie Shaw. It was a fantastic way to end the week. We walked around, at at an outdoor Italian Restaurant (Thanks to the LOVELY weather!) then grabbed some dessert (2 cupcakes and a canoli), all while catching up on what we have both been up to since Miss America. Seeing Natalie made me once again realize how lucky I am to experience this year... and to be in the company of some of the most amazing women in the USA, the Miss America class of 2009! Ladies, if you're reading this -- "I miss you all very much and hope to see you soon! Let's start planning the Hawaii Reunion! ;)"

Love, Alicia

Easter Candy and a PhotoShoot

"Increase in my mind and heart
the risen life I share with Christ
and help me to grow in your
wisdom and grace.

Lord Jesus, you appeared to your
apostles after the resurrection and filled
their hearts with joy when you said to them
"Peace be with you".

May the peace of your presence
abide with me and make each day you
give me the most beautiful day of my life."

That was a prayer that I read this morning that I felt summed this Holiday, a season of hope, growth, renewal, and praise. Spending time with family is my favorite part of Easter. (That and snacking on Reese's and Cadbury Creme Eggs!) This past week has been a difficult one... My Papa was rushed to the Emergency Room last week because he was having trouble breathing. Thankfully, he is doing much better now, but he had to miss the Easter Holiday. Every year for Easter, my family goes to my Grandparents house where we have brunch, hunt for Easter Eggs, and catch up with one and other. As time passes, the "family time" becomes more and more valuable. People get older, children grow up and some move to a different location, so it is comforting to know that these holidays allow us to share our individual growth with those closest to us, Family.

Sometimes, I can't believe how quickly time passes! My youngest cousins are now 15 and 13! When did that happen?! Since I am one of the eldest cousins, I was lucky enough to hide Easter Eggs for the youngsters this year... Now, being a terrible "Easter Egg Hunter" myself, I sympathized and didn't hide the eggs in impossible locations. My cousin Kelsey, on the other hand, would literally find a pile of leaves, place the egg underneath, then cover it with leaves again. The best part was after we both hid 12 eggs, we began to forget where we hid them! That definitely led to an interesting egg hunt. I finished the day with more family time and a relaxing evening at home, which was very much appreciated.

Last Friday, I had a photoshoot at Steinmetz Photography in my hometown on West Springfield, MA. The owner, Walt Steinmetz, is such a pleasure to work with. We began working together when he shot my Senior Pictures in High School. I had so much fun that I contacted him again when I needed a headshot for the Miss Massachusetts Pageant. This time, we shot some photos of me wearing the gown that I wore in the Miss America Pageant. I had an amazing time at Steinmetz Photography with Walt and his Interns and I hope that they had fun, too! Here are a couple of photos from the shoot...


For more information about Steinmetz Photography in West Springfield, MA. visit: http://www.steinmetzphotography.com

God Bless!

Love, Alicia

Spring!

The beginning of April has been filled with the planning of appearances. There is so much that I have yet to do before July... I won't stop working until I place the crown on the head of "Miss Massachsetts 2009"!

The bulk of my appearances are for my 20 school - tour, where I will be promoting a program entitled, "Right Decisions Right Now". The program is meant to discourage youth from using tabacco products, drugs, and alcohol. I have also been able to place key ideas from my platform into the presentation, such as the importance of resisting peer pressure and setting goals. For more information on "Right Decisions Right Now" visit their website at http://rightdecisionsrightnow.com/ .

I am still in the process of booking schools, so if you know a school in Massachusetts that would like me to visit, feel free to drop me an e-mail at aliciazitka@gmail.com ! :)

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the "Miss Middlesex County" pageant. There were a total of 15 girls competing so the Miss Massachusetts Board allowed THREE titles to be given away! Before the pageant, I had a lot of fun chatting with the local titleholders and reuniting with a few from last year, including "Miss Baystate 2008" and "Miss Middlesex County 2008"! It was so nice to see those girls. Both of them have been amazing representatives of the Miss America Organization throughout their reign as local titleholders. Just as fun, was catching up with the ladies that will be competing for Miss Massachusetts 2009. I enjoyed hearing how their preparations were progressing and how excited they all were for the state pageant in July.

The pageant itself was fantastic... everything ran smoothly, all of the girls looked amazing, and the talent that was showcased was awesome! At the end of the evening, three new titleholders were crowned... Congratulations to the new "Miss Collegiate Area", "Miss Middlesex County" and "Miss Southcoast"! You all did an outstanding job and best of luck preparing for the state pageant!

Love, Alicia

St. Patrick's Day

March 22nd was my Dad's Birthday! I was scheduled to ride in a parade on that morning, so I decided to have my Dad ride in the car with me. For my Dad, that would be like a Birthday gift. Seriously. My Dad loves the fact that I am Miss Massachusetts. It is really funny how much he enjoys it....

For example, one day, while driving his car, I looked on the passenger seat and there was a print out of a photo of us in a parade. I was sitting on the top of the car and my Dad was in the passenger seat. In the pic, we were both waving to the camera. On the side of the car, was a magnetic sign that was supposed to read “Miss Massachusetts”... On the picture of us, instead of the sign reading “Miss Massachusetts”, he added a “-ter” to make it read “Mister Massachusetts”! I am sure that he showed everyone at work and they all got a kick out of it, like I did! Well, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY! I love you very much! <3

The parade that I was involved with on the 22nd is the 2nd largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the nation... The Holyoke St. Partick's Day Parade! The city of Holyoke, MA is next to my hometown, West Springfield, MA and I was looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces. The parade begins in a huge parking lot, where everyone has food/drink stations set up to stimulate mingling. When I arrived, I was greeted by Mayor Gibson of West Springfield, the 2009 West Springfield Colleen and her court and other residents including my old dance teacher, Miss Beth! Miss Beth has had such an impact on my life. She taught dance classes but also taught me about hard work, how to set goals, and how to stay committed to achieving them. It was great to see her and her children!

While waiting for the parade to begin, I got to walk around and view the different floats and talk to members of different Organizations. The wind began to pick up and everyone kept commenting on how my hair would get stuck in my crown. It was a nice convo starter :)

Anyway, the parade itself was almost 3 miles long and moved at a slow pace. While riding, I couldn't believe how many people were calling my name. “Alicia! Alicia! Alicia!” So many people in fact, that I thought that my name was on the side of the car. I was overjoyed by how well received I was! It warms my heart to know that people recognize me, my title, the work that I am doing, and the wonderful Organization that I am representing.

Later in the week, I was invited to a Children's Miracle Network Luncheon. I really enjoyed this event because I was able to inform others about the partnership between the Miss America Organization and the Children's Miracle Network. I am honored to take part in these programs that enhance the lives of so many.

Love, Alicia

Radiothon and "The Volunteers"

Last weekend I had the opportunity to once again, visit Baystate Children's Hospital. This time it was to volunteer for the annual “Radiothon”. I have participated in the “Radiothon” for the past few years and enjoy it every single time. 94.7 WMAS makes the event even more meaningful by broadcasting the stories of children who have benefited from The Children's Miracle Network during the event. At times I was almost moved to tears by these stories... Ely Dunn, the Fundraising Coordinator for CMN, allowed me to leave my phone station for a while and visit the children on the Playdeck of Baystate Hospital.

Visiting with these children always makes me realize how much I love what I do. I am in a position to make a difference in my community, state, and the lives of children. It is incredibly rewarding when I see the smiles that spread across the faces of these courageous children, who have been through so much in their young lives.


After feeling invigorated by the Baystate visit, I made my way to a concert put together by my friend Jim Berelli and the “West Springfield Veterans Council”. The concert featured a band called “The Volunteers”, who were a US Army Field Band. Their concert set featured pop, country, and rock hits, along with a Patriotic tribute to all of the Veterans in the audience. Being in attendance at this event, in the presence of so many men and women who are committed to our nation, was very humbling. After the concert, I ran into some old friends (Lida Powell and her beautiful daughters, Jim Berelli and his family, and West Springfield's Mayor Gibson) and made some new ones...including "The Volunteers" themselves and I can say that not only are they talented, but also GENUINE and SWEET!

Above, I have included an original song that "The Volunteers" performed at the concert. The song is entitled "Defenders of the Stars". For more information about the band, click here - http://www.army.mil/fieldband/pages/ensembles/vols.html







Love, Alicia

Tango!

One of the most valuable lessons that I have learned from being Miss Massachusetts, is to go with the flow. Before this experience, I needed to have everything planned and felt most comfortable knowing exactly what to expect. I've learned that if you have immerse yourself in the moment and not take yourself too seriously, you will have the most fun and connect with the most people...

A few months ago, I received an email about being a special guest at a “Dancing With the Stars” event to benefit the Jackson Mann Community Center in Boston, MA. I gladly agreed because 1.) I am a dancer. 2.) I love the television show "Dancing With the Stars". 3.) Anything that I can do to help anyone, I will do. As the event got closer, I wasn't receiving much information other than the location and time.Well, the night before I was told that I was scheduled to perform the Tango! Now, when I say I am a dancer, I mean that I am a ballet, modern, jazz, tap dancer... not Tango. I was going to be auctioned off and the highest bidder would win a dance with me. I kept thinking “that poor person who is going to be paying to dance the Tango with Miss Massachusetts doesn't know what they are getting themselves into...” When I arrived at the event, I was greeted by the other “local celebrities” including Joyce Kulhawik, Sr. Rena Foley, and Ayla Brown. In the end, my Tango was auctioned off for $275... I had a blast and met some amazing people! Thank you to the Jackson Mann Community Center for arranging this event and allowing me to take part!

The next morning was the “Miss Western MA / Greater Holyoke” Pageant. This is something that is very dear to my heart. My journey to Miss America began on that small stage at Holyoke High School when I won the title of “Miss Western Massachusetts”. This year, I really enjoyed getting to know the girls backstage and helping our Host, Eric Fisher from News40.
Congratulations to our new “Miss Western MA”, “Miss Greater Holyoke”, and “Miss Pioneer Valley” and best of luck at the Miss MA pageant!

Love, Alicia

February Fun

Congratulations to the new “Miss Greater Worcester”, “Miss Shrewsbury”, and “Miss Worcester's Outstanding Teen”! On February 15th, two new local Miss-titleholders were crowned and given the chance to compete for the title of “Miss Massachusetts 2009”! Lauren Mangano, a former Miss MA contestant, put together a wonderful and entertaining pageant. I am so proud of her... I remember the first year that I competed for Miss MA, Lauren was so supportive and encouraging to me. I know that her titleholders are in great hands.

Also on February 15th, my older brother, Eddie turned 26 years old! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BIG BRO! I love you!

Last Tuesday, I had a very busy day... For those of you who didn't know, it was “National Pancake Day” at Ihop. Between the hours of 7am and 10pm, Ihop gave away a short stack of pancakes to customers in hopes of receiving donations on behalf of the Children's Miracle Network! I was fortunate enough to stop into the Ihop in West Springfield and show my support (and eat pancakes!) Ihop and The Children's Miracle Network ended up raising $1,300,000 during National Pancake Day 2009!

After visiting Ihop, I was on my way to a GO RED for Women Fashion Show in New Bedford, MA. I was joined by Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen, Miss New Bedford and Miss Mayflower. During rehearsal, I noticed someone who looked painfully familiar... I just couldn't put my finger on how I knew him! I figured I must've met him at an appearance...maybe he was a Veteran, Police Officer, or Principal in the New Bedford area... I couldn't figure it out. UNTIL someone mentioned that he was a contestant on “THE BIGGEST LOSER” which happens to be one of my very favorite television shows! I was so star struck! My family and I watch the show together every week... When I ran out to tell me dad the news, I found him talking to Jay's brother and “Biggest Loser” partner, Mark. They were both in the Fashion Show! Of course my dad was going into detail about how much we love "The Biggest Loser". The fashion show was a great success... everyone looked smashing in their Red ensembles. Thank you to “The Crowning Touch” in New Bedford, MA for again making sure I looked like a Queen.

Love, Alicia

Happy Valentine's Day!

“Love is patient, Love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast.
It is not proud, it is not rude.
It is not self-seeking,
It is not easily angered,
It keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil,
but rejoices in truth.
Love always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endured all things.
Love never ends. Love never fails.”
Corinthians 13:4-8
To me, this quote describes all kinds of love. Love for a significant other, love for family, love for friends, and even love for yourself.

Love, Alicia

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