Sunday, August 27, 2006

Miss America- Monday, January 29th, in...

LAS VEGAS!!!

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Project Redway-Woodcock-Miss Maine Day

This past week has been a busy one! On wednesday, I took part in Project Redway (http://www.projectredway.com) to benefit the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women Campaign. It was quite the experience...I don't model so it was my first fashion show. Macy's donated clothing in addition to some designer pieces! There was a 'wedding' at the very end and I had the chance to wear the bride's crimson red designer dress. Everyone had a great time... and the models were fabulous!

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Jim & I in our businesswear :-)

This Friday, I had the opportunity to attend a social event for Chandler Woodcock. I got to meet and speak with people and performed two songs. What an honor!

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And finally, today was Miss Maine Day, which is a fundraising pageant that benefits the Miss Maine Organization. There were 17 contestants and four divisions. All the girls were beautiful and talented, with bright futures ahead of them! I had the pleausre of speaking with them and performing in the show. I saw some future Miss Maines!

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Monday, August 21, 2006

Since I was a little late on starting my blog...here are pictures of some of the things I've done over the summer...

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Me at my hometown parade (La Kermesse) in which I ended up in the hospital, but that's another story!
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Freeport Parade
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Freeport Signing
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I received a color consultation with Gari Lewis in Connecticut
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I went to the Miss Connecticut pageant (with mom & dad)
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at Thomas Point Beach with Maine's Outstanding Teen, Mallory, to perform at the Beautiful Beach Baby contest
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At the Subaru dealership
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Barbara Bush's 'The Greatest Race' Silent Auction
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Barbara Bush's 'The Greatest Race' Silent Auction
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Singing at the Seadogs Game

Voices in Harmony


I have been a choir member of Voices in Harmony for three years and was unable to join the group again this summer. But- on Sunday, I had the pleasure of being the 'special' guest at their performance! I was interviewed on stage, and sang my talent song towards the end. Everyone was welcoming, supportive...and I missed being part of the group! They sounded phenomenal, as always. There is so much talent in the Biddeford/Saco area, and they're lucky to have such an inspirational choir director, Camille Curtis.

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signing pictures
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two of the choir members, and my friends!

Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant, Orlando, FL

I just got home from the Miss America's National Oustanding Teen Pageant in Orlando Florida. What a blast! I was able to be there to support Maine's Outstanding Teen, Mallory Lavoie, and also, meet 37 of the 52 Miss America contestants. The night I flew in, the Miss America contestants all went to dinner at Olive Garden, where we had a chance to meet each other for the first time. After that, we all went to watch the third night of the MAOT Preliminary Competition.

The following day, we all took a VIP tour of Magic Kingdom. We had fun exploring, going on the rides, and still getting to know one another. It was a long day, but we got star treatment! That evening I attended the Gala, where we had a nice dinner in support of Meghan Miller, the first MOAT.


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a group of us at Disney
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the girls at Magic Kingdom
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connecticut, maine, kentucky and north carolina with our bodyguard!
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me, chelle, and mickey!
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Mallory and I :-)


On Saturday, The MA contestants all went to lunch at Planet Hollywood. We wore our CMT shirts (CMT is the network that hosts Miss America), did photoshoots, and introduced ourselves to everyone that was eating at the restaurant.

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Maine, Illinois, Kentucky

That night, we attended a VIP reception and the final competition. Hosted by Jennifer Berry, Miss America 2006, and ex-N'Sync member, Joey Fatone, the pageant will air on the 'N' in October. If you want to know who won, visit http://MAOTeen.org


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Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Giving Maine Promise

A few weeks ago, I met with WGME 13 to film some PSAs. Their mission is to 'Give Maine Promise' under the America's Promise Alliance (which is my platform) so it is a great way for me to get myself and my platform out there. The short clips have aired, and the longer PSA should be out soon, so keep an eye out on channel 13! :-)

Friday, August 11, 2006

American Idol Hair Stylist, Dean Banowetz Comes to Town

On Wednesday, I went to the Amore hair salon in Portland, (where I get my hair done for the year), because American Idol hair stylist, and personal stylist of Ryan Seacrest, Dean Banowetz, was there giving two winners from Q 97.9’s contest hair makeovers. He was a wonderful person- funny, friendly and willing to give us the low-down on what goes on back stage at American Idol. The winner’s hair came out fabulous, and I got a little style done from him, too!

Now that I have the connection, I will be finding a way for him to meet the Miss America contestants out in LA when we film ‘Becoming Miss America.’ Hope it works out!

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**Check out the news segment:
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=39824

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Rockland

This past weekend I traveled up Maine to do some appearances in Rockland for the Lobster Festival. I had a wonderful time! On Saturday, I rode in the Rockland parade, the biggest in Maine, in a black corvette! There was a big crowd and in talking to them, many were from all over the country.

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That night I sang at McMahon's Rockport Grille with the bluegrass band, Playing Possum! Although I enjoy bluegrass, I am not really familiar with that genre music but we managed to work it out. I was able to perform 'Summertime', 'Over the Rainbow' and few bluegrass songs I had learned an hour before we went on. I had a blast...the band was great, the audience was supportive and my lobster dinner was delicious :-)

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The next morning, I had a meeting at Hot Diamonds (
http://www.hot-diamonds.co.uk/) the line of jewelry is from the UK, but a few stores have opened in Maine carrying the jewelry. I had the privilege of choosing a variety of beautiful pieces to have during my reign as Miss Maine (and they will be coming with me to Los Angeles&Miss America!) It was extremely generous of them...the pieces are gorgeous and I'm excited to wear diamonds!
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Pictures courtesy of Jan Gilley ©

One more thing...my weekend in Rockland only reminded me of how beautiful Maine really is. The weather, the trees, the rocky coast, its lakes...I'm so lucky to have grown up here, and now, to be representing the state, I'm truly honored!

America's Promise Regional Forum, RI

I've been very busy, forgive me! Here's a recap of what I've been doing. Also- I will add in pictures to my previous blogs and the ones following once I figure it out. I know pictures will make my entries much more interesting so keep checking for them!

On July 26 & 27, I attended the America's Promise (
www.americaspromise.org) national forum in Providence, Rhode Island. There, I had the opportunity to meet the President and director of operations and get in-depth knowledge of the alliance. From here on out, I will be working to become a spokesperson for America's Promise and hope to carry its message forward; that in order for young people to reach their full potential, all communities must strive to give them Five important Promises:


1. Caring adults in their lives, as parents, mentors, tutors, coaches
2. Safe places with structured activities in which to learn and grow
3. A healthy start and healthy future
4. An effective education that equips them with marketable skills
5. An opportunity to give back to their communities through their own service


The forum was great and I met many wonderful people. The night of the dinner social, a group of young teenagers from the city performed rap songs that they had written personally addressing issues that they (teenagers) face today. It was the most interesting and creative way of expression....very inspiring and I hope to get them to perform at some schools here in Maine!

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Me with America’s Promise President and CEO, Marguerite Kondracke

Anyway, In September I plan to visit the America's Promise headquarters in Washington DC before I begin my venture in the fall as one of its ambassadors!