Crowns for Babies!

Meeting other "Queens"


Walking in the Pageants by Ashley Fashion Show



Entertaining the Crowd



Taking some professional shots in the Fashion Show dresses




With Katie, Miss Indiana South's Outstanding Teen



Group Shot


The Group with some Babies


Yesterday I attended the fundraising event "Crowns for Babies" held at Bent Oak Country Club in Elkhart. Queens from many different pageant systems and age groups participated in the fundraiser to help raise money for the organization; March of Dimes. March of Dimes is an organization that provides funds for premature babies. I participated in a fashion show, showcasing pageant dresses from Pageants by Ashley. I also entertained the crowd by singing as well as 'talking up' the silent auction items. The event raised almost $2,000 for the March of Dimes! It was such an enjoyable afternoon meeting fabulous young women and supporting a great cause.

Kick off the High-Heels and Dance!

Quick stop at the nursery!


Bounce to the Right


Dancing like our favorite animals! A Hamster :)


Stretch to the Sky


Jump Up, Spin Around and Get Down




Couldn't fit everyone in the Group Shot!


Group Hug


This morning I headed over to the YMCA of Elkhart to have some fun with the preschool class. I taught drama and dance to 40 preschool age children! 40! We warmed up our dancing feet, learned why we stretched, and acted and danced like our favorite animals. I sang a short song to them, which was the only time the kids were silent, and then took their questions. Most of the questions consisted of the children raising their hands and telling me what they like to do for fun, or that Batman is better than Spiderman. But, I guess I will never know what a judge might 'ask' me in my Miss Indiana interview!

Thanks so much to Jan Hill for helping me with this appearance!

Persuasive Writing and Drama?

Explaining the many uses of Drama in a Language Arts classroom




"Supporting Argument" scenes performed by the students



A few lucky volunteers being crowned!


Answering a few last minute questions

I spent the day with Mrs. Stoltzfus' 8th Grade English classes. One of the goals of my platform, is to take the 'Arts' and incorporate them into other areas of the academic curriculum. I read a 'Letter to the Editor' and had the students act out elements of the letter. The students learned how audience, main idea, tone of voice, and supporting arguments can turn into plot, dialogue and supporting actors. The activity helped the students creatively think of supporting arguments to help enhance their persuasive writing. At the end of the activity I revealed that I actually wrote this particular "Letter to the Editor" when I was in Mrs. Stolzfus' 7th grade Writing class! The 8th graders learned a lot, but also had a lot of fun. There are so many ways 'Arts' can be used to help students learn and grow! "Support the ARTS: A Vital Part of a Vibrant Community"

A Busy Day at Goshen Middle School!

Speaking with the students.


Helping groups work on their 'scenes'


Short scenes from the 7th and 8th Graders





Having Fun with the students!




I spent the entire day with Mrs. Carboneau's Language Arts classes. I spoke, and did activities with, two 7th grade classes and two 8th grade classes.

The seventh graders were learning about the play "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde. We took the play and put on our own productions of this piece. However, groups had to perform their section of the script in 3 minutes, then 1 minute, then 20 seconds, 10 seconds and 5 seconds! It was fun to watch the student scramble to make sure the main idea was being portrayed in just 5 seconds. This activity really enhanced the students comprehension of the story, charters and themes.

The 8th graders were learning about persuasive writing. We used role playing to learn how to enhance supporting arguments! I will be using this same exercise later this week, so more to come on the specifics!!

It was very long and busy day, but I had so much fun!

5th Graders at Model Elementary

Speaking with the students


Excited to be there!





Put your hands in the air and stretch!


Shake it out!


Students performing "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder



I had so much fun visiting Mrs. Conn's 5th Grade classroom at Model Elementary. The students will be performing a selection from the play "Our Town" for a big event for the students and their parents. I spoke to the students about my platform and about the Miss America Organization. Before I was entertained by the students, I led them in some acting warm-ups that even I do before a performance or rehearsal.

The 5th Grade students rehearsed "Our Town" for me and I was thrilled to provide some acting feedback. They truly did a wonderful job with such a demanding script and story. I wish them the best of luck when they perform!

Girl Scouts of Goshen

With the girls I interviewed!


Strike a Pose!




With the Girl Scout Troupe Leader, Rosanne, who is a former Miss California USA. We showed the girls how it's done!

I was thrilled to be invited to spend the afternoon with the Girl Scout Troupe of Goshen. Girls ages 13-16 were learning about Interviews as well as preparing for an upcoming Fashion Show. I interviewed each girl, as well as gave them some interview tips and pointers. They were curious what a Miss America interview is like, so I was happy to share my first hand experience.

The girls then practiced their modeling skills for their Fashion Show. I walked with the girls to help them loosen up and have fun! It's no secret that I love being on stage and helping those around me find that same confidence!

Thank you Girl Scouts for a wonderful afternoon!

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!