The past few weeks have been so enjoyable. I am finally starting to 'settle down' into the role of Miss Washington and I am loving this job more than I ever could have imagined.
I was invited to speak at the opening day assembly for Ridgeline Middle School. This appearance was very special to me because it was in my hometown school district. Walking into the gymnasium I was greeted by many familiar faces – teachers that I had in elementary, middle and high school! The opportunities that I have to go into the school and talk with the kids are by far my favorite appearances. I feel right at home there, and with each school appearance I am reminded about what the future holds for me as a teacher. I couldn’t be more confident that I am headed in the right direction! Thank you Principal Johnson and the entire Ridgeline Middle School staff for hosting me!
I had my first rodeo experience ever while making an appearance at the Roy Rodeo. To tell the truth, I’m terrified of horses, so this was a BIG step for me. I arrived at the event scared out of my mind, and by the end of the day I did not want to leave. Thank you so much Bob and Lainey for having me and making the experience truly special. I cannot wait to come back!
I had my first rodeo experience ever while making an appearance at the Roy Rodeo. To tell the truth, I’m terrified of horses, so this was a BIG step for me. I arrived at the event scared out of my mind, and by the end of the day I did not want to leave. Thank you so much Bob and Lainey for having me and making the experience truly special. I cannot wait to come back!
Believe it or not, exactly one week later I was facing my fears again. I was in the Puyallup Fair opening day parade, and rode on a covered wagon! I not only spent a long time getting to know the horses on the parade route, but also back in the barn afterwards. Oh the barn.. That is a place I never would have thought you’d find me. But it really was fun! With all that exposure to the big scary giants, I think I’ll be horse-back riding sooner than I thought! Thank you to Marsha and Mac for a truly wonderful time.
I had an interview with Tony Ventrella to air on Comcast Local Edition. Thank you Tony for having me on the show and giving me the opportunity to promote Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children’s Miracle Network, and the Miss America Organization! I had a great time and look forward to coming back in the future!
Friday night I had a speaking appearance at Alpha Chi Omega, a sorority at the University of Washington. I must say that this was one of my favorite appearances so far. I was slightly nervous coming in because I had never been to a sorority before, but let’s just say that my ‘graceful’ tendencies got us off to a hilarious start and the night only got better from there. I split milk in their formal living room, we laughed a lot, they demonstrated a couple of cheers for me and told me all about what it’s like to live in a sorority. Believe or not, we even found time to get down to business and have a very valuable discussion that hopefully will help them as they recruit their new sorority sisters during this very big week at the UW. Thank you so much Karyn, Danielle, and to all of you Alpha Chi ladies for inviting me into your home and really for just hanging out and having a great time. Stay in touch!
I traveled to Bellingham for a couple of days for Big Brothers Big Sisters meetings, and also had the opportunity to speak at the Whatcom North Rotary in Bellingham. Thank you so much Brian for inviting me to rotary and I cannot wait to come back! Also, I want to give a special thanks to Anna and Max of the Bellingham Herald for their interest in the Miss Washington program and for writing a wonderful story to help me promote the organizations I am so honored to represent.
Saturday was the Miss Washington Volunteer BBQ, an afternoon dedicated to honoring our Miss Washington volunteers and reuniting with pageant family that we don’t get to see as often as we’d like. It was so refreshing to catch up with our friends. Thank you everyone who attended, and thank you so much Mike and Peggy Miller for opening up your home and hosting a perfect get-together for the pageant family.
I left from the BBQ to attend Big Brothers Big Sisters of Thurston County’s annual Dinner Auction and Gala. I was the featured speaker for the event and had a fabulous time. I want to especially thank Executive Director Roger Jones and Board President Jon Tunheim for welcoming me to the agency. I am really looking forward to working with you in the future!
On September 6th I participated in the Patriot Day parade and ceremony to honor our service men and women. This event was extremely meaningful to me and I was honored to share the afternoon with my family, as well as hundreds of fire, police, and military personnel who are working selflessly to preserve our freedom and safety.
On September 6th I participated in the Patriot Day parade and ceremony to honor our service men and women. This event was extremely meaningful to me and I was honored to share the afternoon with my family, as well as hundreds of fire, police, and military personnel who are working selflessly to preserve our freedom and safety.
These are a few of the things I’ve been up to in addition to working on two very exciting fundraisers, one to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters and the other to benefit Children’s Miracle Network. I will reveal more about these events as the dates grow nearer…… Also, if you’re wondering, I leave for LA in just a few days to begin filming the Miss America Reality Show series!
