Saturday, August 11, 2007
Update
Since my reign as Miss Maine has ended, I decided to stop blogging and instead, create a new website that will include new pictures and updates of the projects I have and will be working on. The site is in the works- it looks fabulous, thanks to Jonathan Ehrlich (http://www.jonathanehrlich.com/). Stay tuned...the launch of karissaleestaples.com will be coming soon :)
Friday, June 29, 2007
Congratulations Miss Maine 2007, Tara Allain!
She is a lovely girl, who I know will represent the state of Maine very well :)
Check her out at www.missmaine.org
She is a lovely girl, who I know will represent the state of Maine very well :)
Check her out at www.missmaine.org
Sunday, June 03, 2007
A New Life
Upon moving to New York City, my life has changed completely. I have a great apartment right near Herald Square, which I share with three other roomates. My internship at the International Fight League has been so much fun as I'm learning and experiencing the work life. Most of all, I'm two weeks into this transition and I've already had amazing opportunities. The second night I was there, I took part in the reading of 'Red Hook', an indie feature film that will be shot this August in the city. I also had the chance to be a guest as Miss Maine on board the Hue City ship during the Navy's Fleet Week. On top of that, I've been networking, seeing shows, and will finally be taking acting, voice and dance lessons so I can delve into the theater world completely.
I am home now for 10 days because 'Pageant Week' has finally arrived. Starting Monday, I will be with the contestants attending appearances and rehearsals all week and then next Saturday, it is (sadly) time to pass on the crown to the new Miss Maine. It will be quite an eventful week!
I am home now for 10 days because 'Pageant Week' has finally arrived. Starting Monday, I will be with the contestants attending appearances and rehearsals all week and then next Saturday, it is (sadly) time to pass on the crown to the new Miss Maine. It will be quite an eventful week!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
NYC
The best advice I ever received was from my mom (of course). At the start of my reign, I remember she said to me, "never miss an opportunity." And I'm so glad I listened.
I was 1 of the 13 contestants who chose to go on the Miss America Cruise to the Bahamas this past October. We stopped at Nassau, went to a diamond store to take publicity photos, and I ended up bumping into two producers (as well as amazing people!); Joel and Phyllis Ehrlich. I was so lucky to make this connection and now Joel has taken me under his wing and has given me so many opportunities!
I am moving to New York City tomorrow into an apartment right in Midtown Manhattan. There, I will work as an intern for the International Fight League (see past entries) while Joel takes me to shows, readings, dance and acting classes and auditions. FINALLY, I will be a part of the NYC world- something I have always dreamed of doing. (And I thank Joel and Phyllis for all of their love, guidance and support!)
I am almost done my reign, and it has been quite a year. Of course community service has been such a big part of my life and I will continue that as well as the rest of my duties for Miss Maine although I am moving away. The next titleholder has quite a year ahead of her! It is so rewarding what the Miss Maine/Miss America Organization can do to a young girl and how many wonderful things can come out of it. I'm truly blessed!
I was 1 of the 13 contestants who chose to go on the Miss America Cruise to the Bahamas this past October. We stopped at Nassau, went to a diamond store to take publicity photos, and I ended up bumping into two producers (as well as amazing people!); Joel and Phyllis Ehrlich. I was so lucky to make this connection and now Joel has taken me under his wing and has given me so many opportunities!
I am moving to New York City tomorrow into an apartment right in Midtown Manhattan. There, I will work as an intern for the International Fight League (see past entries) while Joel takes me to shows, readings, dance and acting classes and auditions. FINALLY, I will be a part of the NYC world- something I have always dreamed of doing. (And I thank Joel and Phyllis for all of their love, guidance and support!)
I am almost done my reign, and it has been quite a year. Of course community service has been such a big part of my life and I will continue that as well as the rest of my duties for Miss Maine although I am moving away. The next titleholder has quite a year ahead of her! It is so rewarding what the Miss Maine/Miss America Organization can do to a young girl and how many wonderful things can come out of it. I'm truly blessed!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Visits and Pre-Pageant Clinic
My reign may be coming to an end, but I've still been busy with appearances- each one very rewarding! I just recently visited Wiscasset High School to speak to the students there about America's Promise and the importance of aftershcool programs. They were a great audience and the students and teachers were all so kind!
I also made a trip up to Newport to visit students. I hosted the Crossroads Talent Show and had the opportunity to speak about my platform there as well. I saw some future stars!
This past Saturday was the Miss Maine Organization's annual Pre- Pageant Clinic. There, I met (most) of the 2007 Miss Maine contestants. The day is a critique for them in all areas of competition as they get to know one another before they compete. It seems like yesterday I was just there! It's amazing how fast time flies.
At night, the organization hosted the annual Springtime Gala. There, we had a nice dinner and friends and family had the opportunity to see the contestants perform. I had the chance to perform and speak about my year as well.
Taking pictures after having tea with the beautiful Pine Tree Princesses
With most of the contestans and a couple of the teen contestants as well
My picture was on the cake (and I got to eat my face! yumm)
With the Emcees of the Gala
I also made a trip up to Newport to visit students. I hosted the Crossroads Talent Show and had the opportunity to speak about my platform there as well. I saw some future stars!
This past Saturday was the Miss Maine Organization's annual Pre- Pageant Clinic. There, I met (most) of the 2007 Miss Maine contestants. The day is a critique for them in all areas of competition as they get to know one another before they compete. It seems like yesterday I was just there! It's amazing how fast time flies.
At night, the organization hosted the annual Springtime Gala. There, we had a nice dinner and friends and family had the opportunity to see the contestants perform. I had the chance to perform and speak about my year as well.
Taking pictures after having tea with the beautiful Pine Tree Princesses
With most of the contestans and a couple of the teen contestants as well
My picture was on the cake (and I got to eat my face! yumm)
With the Emcees of the Gala
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Appearances
Happy Birthday Kelsey!
Big Brothers, Big Sisters bowling event
A beautiful group of bowlers!
Visiting students in Jonesboro
Visiting Jonesboro students k-3
Visiting DW Merritt School- next to the nice sign the students made me!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Appearances
Television Interview for Time Warner
Visiting students from Memorial Middle School who are part of the school's REACH leadership program
Visiting my fur coat sponsor at the Maine Sportsmen Show in Augusta
Friday, March 30, 2007
Appearances
Hosting the Brunswick Fashion Show with Senior Nick Saba
visiting the Holy Cross Middle School in South Portland
I was the keynote speaker at the Oxford Hills Middle School's Wellness Day. Project AWARE traveled to Gorham and Oxford Hills to premiere the new movie 'Falling' and to conduct youth empowerment workshops to middle school students!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Update
Not too long ago, I visited Westbrook high school to speak to a few classes. Since my platform, America's Promise, is geared toward younger students, my main focus was to raise awareness about prescription drug abuse. Since my involvement in Project AWARE, I've learned that it is a growing trend among teens. The class was great and the students were responsive.
I was also a keynote speaker at the 21st Century Grant Conference in South Portland. There, I spoke about the after school program, Crossroads. I have been a 'Crossroads Kid' since the 8th grade and it affected me greatly. I performed in shows, volunteered at their camps and eventually became a mentor. Crossroads gave me the Five Promises growing up, and in turn, led me to where I am today.
On Saturday, I modeled and performed as Miss Maine in a fashion show put on by the Freeport Merchant's Association. I was happy to meet and get to know some of the 2007 Miss Maine contestants. (They are all so wonderful!) Despite the weather, the event pulled through!
modeling Anne Klein
with Mrs. Maine US, Kristin Center
With two of last year's Miss Maine contestants, Jona and Jessica. I've missed them!
I was also a keynote speaker at the 21st Century Grant Conference in South Portland. There, I spoke about the after school program, Crossroads. I have been a 'Crossroads Kid' since the 8th grade and it affected me greatly. I performed in shows, volunteered at their camps and eventually became a mentor. Crossroads gave me the Five Promises growing up, and in turn, led me to where I am today.
On Saturday, I modeled and performed as Miss Maine in a fashion show put on by the Freeport Merchant's Association. I was happy to meet and get to know some of the 2007 Miss Maine contestants. (They are all so wonderful!) Despite the weather, the event pulled through!
modeling Anne Klein
with Mrs. Maine US, Kristin Center
With two of last year's Miss Maine contestants, Jona and Jessica. I've missed them!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Children's Miracle Network
CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK SELECTED AS NATIONAL PLATFORM FOR MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION
First Time in History the Miss America Organization Creates On-Going Philanthropic Alliance
Salt Lake City, Utah – January 23, 2007 – Children’s Miracle Network today announced that they have been selected as the official national platform for the Miss America Organization. This partnership represents the first time in the 86-year history of the Miss America Organization that they have adopted such a program. Children’s Miracle Network has had an 18-year history working with the Miss America Organization, with this newest initiative signifying a permanent and on-going relationship between the two.
The new partnership will provide opportunities for the Miss America Organization to not only raise funds and awareness for the 17 million children treated each year at the 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, but also for the Miss America Scholarship Program, the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women, providing more than $45 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance to them each year.
“We are thrilled to have formed this national partnership to continue to help the many children that are supported in every city in America by Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Together, we’ll work towards raising funds for our scholarship program to enable young and talented women across the country gain new opportunities,” said Art McMaster, president & CEO Miss America Organization. “We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Children’s Miracle Network.”
Each year the new Miss America, in addition to bringing awareness to her personal platform, will be an official goodwill ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network as she raises funds and awareness for both Children’s Miracle Network and the Miss America Organization. This partnership also extends to the woman competing at the local, state and national levels of the pageant, asking each contestant who participates to be responsible for raising funds on behalf of Children’s Miracle Network and the Miss America Organization.
“We are honored to be selected as the official national platform of the Miss America Organization,” said Jim Hall, CEO and president of Children’s Miracle Network. “The Miss America Organization and Children’s Miracle Network have had an amazing 18-year history and we’re looking forward to building on that and increasing funds for both organizations.”
First Time in History the Miss America Organization Creates On-Going Philanthropic Alliance
Salt Lake City, Utah – January 23, 2007 – Children’s Miracle Network today announced that they have been selected as the official national platform for the Miss America Organization. This partnership represents the first time in the 86-year history of the Miss America Organization that they have adopted such a program. Children’s Miracle Network has had an 18-year history working with the Miss America Organization, with this newest initiative signifying a permanent and on-going relationship between the two.
The new partnership will provide opportunities for the Miss America Organization to not only raise funds and awareness for the 17 million children treated each year at the 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, but also for the Miss America Scholarship Program, the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women, providing more than $45 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance to them each year.
“We are thrilled to have formed this national partnership to continue to help the many children that are supported in every city in America by Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Together, we’ll work towards raising funds for our scholarship program to enable young and talented women across the country gain new opportunities,” said Art McMaster, president & CEO Miss America Organization. “We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Children’s Miracle Network.”
Each year the new Miss America, in addition to bringing awareness to her personal platform, will be an official goodwill ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network as she raises funds and awareness for both Children’s Miracle Network and the Miss America Organization. This partnership also extends to the woman competing at the local, state and national levels of the pageant, asking each contestant who participates to be responsible for raising funds on behalf of Children’s Miracle Network and the Miss America Organization.
“We are honored to be selected as the official national platform of the Miss America Organization,” said Jim Hall, CEO and president of Children’s Miracle Network. “The Miss America Organization and Children’s Miracle Network have had an amazing 18-year history and we’re looking forward to building on that and increasing funds for both organizations.”
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Post Miss America
After such a great week, I finally crashed. I have been sick for a few weeks, but now I am back on track. I think the stress, excitement and travel of the competition caught up to me! Upon my arrival home, I was able to visit Thornton Middle School and Saco Middle School. What a wonderful group of kids! I also emceed the Westbrook High School fashion show, which was fun. It made me miss putting together school events and being a part of them!
FYI...The International Fight League kicks off their 2007 season in Atlanta this weekend! There are lots of new and exciting things happening with the league. I'm now a fan!
FYI...The International Fight League kicks off their 2007 season in Atlanta this weekend! There are lots of new and exciting things happening with the league. I'm now a fan!
Friday, February 09, 2007
the 2007 Miss America Pageant
The Miss America pageant was a blast! It was my first time in Vegas, too, so it was all very exciting. The first few days we were out there, the contestants had appearances. We modeled in a fashion show, attended dinner receptions and a private screening of Dreamgirls, and also had a night out at Planet Hollywood. During the day, we rehearsed for the show.
At the end of the week, we had preliminary competitions in all categories. I was the very first interview then I competed in swimsuit, eveningwear, talent and onstage question. It was nice to finally be standing on stage after six months of anticipation!
Although I didn't place, competing at Miss America was one of the most memorable experiences of my life thus far!
Congratulations to Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007! The title was well deserved!
Click HERE for pictures!
At the end of the week, we had preliminary competitions in all categories. I was the very first interview then I competed in swimsuit, eveningwear, talent and onstage question. It was nice to finally be standing on stage after six months of anticipation!
Although I didn't place, competing at Miss America was one of the most memorable experiences of my life thus far!
Congratulations to Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007! The title was well deserved!
Click HERE for pictures!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Thank you!
After six months, it's hard to believe I am finally competing for Miss America. It's amazing to think about all that has happened in such a short amount of time and I feel like I've grown up so much.
I thought this would be a good time to thank all of the wonderful people who have helped coach me into being the best that I can going into this pageant. I've had the 'dream' prep team and phenomenal supporters along the way.
so THANK YOU to:
Dawn Summers- nails
Robert Towle- hair and clothing stylist
Dale-Carnegie- public speaking class
Camille Curtis- voice lessons
Carol St. Hillaire- my trainer
Janet Ross- interview and talent coach
Deb Landry- platform and business manager
Ray Richardson- current events
Mom- my pocketbook (kidding!) love, support, encouragement...everything!
and also...
The Miss Maine Organization and Board members
On Sunday I had a sendoff celebration to show off my wardrobe for Vegas. (Thank you John, Danny and Lucille for hosting it, and Robert for planning it!) Unfortunately, I don't have time to post the pictures before I leave, but I will when I return home.
I'm so excited to go out there and do my thing! No matter what happens, I've had experiences of a lifetime already and it's an honor alone to be representing my state at the 2007 Miss America Pageant!
So tune in..
Pageant School: Becoming Miss America, Jan. 26th @ 9
2007 Miss America Pageant, Jan. 29th @ 8
BOTH on Country Music Television
also, check out my new website thanks to VideoCreations:
http://www.karissaleestaples.com
:)
I thought this would be a good time to thank all of the wonderful people who have helped coach me into being the best that I can going into this pageant. I've had the 'dream' prep team and phenomenal supporters along the way.
so THANK YOU to:
Dawn Summers- nails
Robert Towle- hair and clothing stylist
Dale-Carnegie- public speaking class
Camille Curtis- voice lessons
Carol St. Hillaire- my trainer
Janet Ross- interview and talent coach
Deb Landry- platform and business manager
Ray Richardson- current events
Mom- my pocketbook (kidding!) love, support, encouragement...everything!
and also...
The Miss Maine Organization and Board members
On Sunday I had a sendoff celebration to show off my wardrobe for Vegas. (Thank you John, Danny and Lucille for hosting it, and Robert for planning it!) Unfortunately, I don't have time to post the pictures before I leave, but I will when I return home.
I'm so excited to go out there and do my thing! No matter what happens, I've had experiences of a lifetime already and it's an honor alone to be representing my state at the 2007 Miss America Pageant!
So tune in..
Pageant School: Becoming Miss America, Jan. 26th @ 9
2007 Miss America Pageant, Jan. 29th @ 8
BOTH on Country Music Television
also, check out my new website thanks to VideoCreations:
http://www.karissaleestaples.com
:)
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Miss America Update
Our 2007 Miss America Pageant host...
Mario Lopez
The 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT will air live at 8 p.m. Eastern; 7 p.m. Central; and will be tape delayed to air at 8 p.m. Pacific; and 9 p.m. Mountain on Country Music Television
Mario Lopez
The 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT will air live at 8 p.m. Eastern; 7 p.m. Central; and will be tape delayed to air at 8 p.m. Pacific; and 9 p.m. Mountain on Country Music Television
Monday, January 01, 2007
IFL World Team Championship
This past Thursday and Friday I was invited by Joel Ehrlich to sing the national anthem at the International Fight League World Team Championship at the Mohegan Sun in Conn.! I had so much fun getting a behind-the-scenes look as to how a big event is put together. I attended the weigh-in, the sold out show, the pre-party and the after party with top producers, agents and athletes from around the world. What a surreal experience! The event aired on Dec. 31st on FSN. To learn more about the IFL, go to http://www.ifl.tv/
signing autographs at the weigh-in with the talented Jodi K and the athletes
with Carlos :)
With Phyllis, Jodi & Joel!
With rap recording producer, Jazze Pha
backstage with Jodi and her dancers
Singing in front of 8,000 people!
Watching the match with Joel!
Fighters in action!
signing autographs at the weigh-in with the talented Jodi K and the athletes
with Carlos :)
With Phyllis, Jodi & Joel!
With rap recording producer, Jazze Pha
backstage with Jodi and her dancers
Singing in front of 8,000 people!
Watching the match with Joel!
Fighters in action!
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