National Pancake Day at IHOP

Getting ready to donate to the Children's Miracle Network!


With all the Children's Miracle Network Balloons!


Heather, My Mom and Katie Miss Elkhart 2009 enjoying pancakes at the Elkhart IHOP




Yesterday was IHOP's National Pancake Day. On National Pancake Day IHOP gives FREE Pancakes to costumers with the request that they consider donating to the Children's Miracle Network. The Children's Miracle Network is Miss America's National Platform and I am therefore an ambassador for their cause. So, I took some friends and headed to the nearest IHOP in Perrysburg, OH. We had a great time enjoying pancakes and supporting the Children's Miracle Network. While taking a few pictures the manager came out and said to me, "They told me you were coming." As it turns out, Miss Ohio was going to be at the same IHOP a few hours later and the manager thought I was Miss Ohio! I explained how I am a student at BGSU but will be competing for the title of Miss Indiana. It turns out the owner of the this particular IHOP also owns an IHOP in Evansville, IN. He asked for an autographed picture and for me to email him the pictures of my trip to IHOP to put up in his Evansville store. So if you are ever in the Evansville IHOP look for a picture of me up on the wall!

Miss Cosmopolitan 2010

Heather, Katie Miss Elkhart County 2009, Lindsey Miss Elkhart 2008 and Jean


Aren Miss Indiana Co-Director, Megan Miss Indiana 2008, Katie, Frank Miss Indiana Co-Director, Me, Nicole Miss Indiana 2009


The Miss Indiana Pageant Posse having fun with newly crowned Courtni!


My FABULOUS Miss Elkhart County 'crew' Heather, Jan, Tara and Jean


I the had to opportunity to attend the Miss Cosmopolitan 2010 Pageant. The day of the pageant I got to spend some quality time with my Miss Elkhart Crew, Tara, Heather, Jean and Jan. We had a lot of laughs on the long drive to Indianapolis! I am so blessed to have these beautiful, strong and hilarious women in my life to help me to achieve my goals!

There were 17 girls that competed for the title of Miss Cosmopolitan. Each girl was so beautiful and I know the judges had a difficult task. Courtni Hall was crowned at the end of the night and I am so excited to spend time with her in June!

MuTS' Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser!

Speaking about the Miss America's National Platform, The Children's Miracle Network


Collecting Money!


Jimmy, MuTS Vice President


MuTS, which stands for Musical Theatre Students, is an organization I am involved with at Bowling Green State University. One of out main activities as an organization is to put on monthly cabarets to feature all the talented students on our campus. Our last cabaret was a 'love' theme as Valentine's Day is just around the corned. Instead of collecting money for tickets we decided to take donations to be given to the Children's Miracle Network. The Children's Miracle Network is Miss America's National Platform and Miss America serves as the Goodwill Ambassador for their organization. I was so excited to promote the Miss Elkhart County Organization, the Miss America Organization and the Children's Miracle Network in Bowling Green, OH.

MISS AMERICA!

Dressed and ready to go!



Ran into John Krasinski 'Jim' from The Office before the show!



The Crowning Moment!




What a wonderful opportunity to watch Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron crowned by Miss America 2009 Katie Stam! I sat in the front section near the film crew during the Saturday Night Finals! It was such an interesting experience to be able to see what the Miss America Pageant looks like live, and what really happens during the commercial breaks. Mario Lopez and Clinton Kelly did a wonderful job of hosting the event! I was so excited when they called Miss Indiana Nicole Pollard into the Top 15, she looked beautiful and represented our state with grace and class. It was a whirlwind evening that seemed so short! I was thrilled with the judges selection of Caressa! She will be a great Miss America and I feel honored to have been there to watch her crowned!

An Appearance in Las Vegas!

With the class... notice the palm trees in the background!



I love promoting my platform of "Supporting the Arts, A Vital Part of a Vibrant Community." So, I could not pass up the opportunity to speak to a middle school classroom in Las Vegas. I felt like Miss America for the day as I educated Canarelli Middle School 7th graders about the Miss America Organization and my personal platform. We played a fun acting warm-up and I also sang a few songs for them. Making an appearance as Miss Elkhart County in Las Vegas during Miss America week is something I will never forget.

Miss America!!!!!!

Miss America, Katie Stam on the Planet Hollywood Sign



Me! On the Miss America Stage!!



Nicole.. "What's a Hoosier Anyway?"



I sat right behind the judges! Rush Limbaugh, Vivica A. Fox, Shawn Johnson, Katie Harman, Dave Koz and Brooke White



Miss Indiana's Outstanding Teen Singing the National Anthem



Miss America's Outstanding Teen getting the front row excited!



Nicole competing in Swimwear



Miss America Katie Stam


Former Miss Americas






I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Las Vegas to watch the Miss America Pageant! I am finally back from my travels and am able to update you on all of my adventures in Vegas. Thursday night I had the privilege to sit front row at the Preliminary Competition. I sat behind the judges and got to watch everything up close and personal. Miss Indiana, Nicole Pollard, competed in Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimwear and Evening Gown. She look absolutely stunning and definitely impressed the judges in her flowing black gown. At the end of the evening Miss Michigan took the Preliminary Talent Award and Miss Oregon won the Swimsuit Award. It was such a thrilling experience to see all of the contestants and finally see the Miss America competition in person. I would be lying if I told you I didn't tear up a bit when all the contestants walked onto the stage. It was great to be so close to the stage where one day I may be competing!