Miss Miami Valley 2012

This past weekend, my choreography was performed on a Kent State University stage in The Roe Green Center's brand new black box theatre at the Student Dance Festival performance, "One in Itself." 

The title of my piece was "Something More," featuring three dancers. Many of you Miss Ohio fans out there would recognize the song I used for my piece....it was the same song used for evening gown at Miss Ohio last year! Needless to say, my past Miss Ohio experiences influenced and inspired my choreography for this piece.

Preparing for the show was a very long process. We began last fall semester, in October, with auditions for dancers. Processes to obtain copyright releases  for music, choreographing movements and rearranging formations seemed to take  forever. My group practiced twice a week for about 8 weeks before we were under the lights and in front of an audience. I am so thankful for my three incredibly talented and dedicated dancers. They were phenomenal performers and I couldn’t have done a better job myself. I must admit though, that it was weird to be sitting out in the audience instead of performing. However it was such an honor and an awarding experience to watch others perform my choreography. 

With the seven other student choreographersfor SDF. We couldn't be more proud!

My dancers, performing "Something More."

"Something More"

With my lovely dancers! Jess, Wes and Kristen!

Being a goof as always!

SDF "stars!"

This past year had been filled with so many different adventures. Here are just a few of my favorite highlights from this past year! Take a look....

Miss Maple City 20th Anniversary- I had a blast at the MMC 20th anniversary pageant. My good friend and Miss Ohio roomie, Marisa Bucheit, crowned my other good friend and old sister queen Amber Bussa! It was a fun night, despite the blizzard. It was SO neat to have the opportunity to meet and talk with past and present queens, along with my former director and all-around sweetheart, Dolly Ruffing.

National Pancake Day- I had a blast at the IHOP in Akron this past March for National Pancake Day. We raised over $5,000 for the CMN!

Soledad O'Brien- The Allocations Committee funded Soledad O'Brien to come and speak to KSU's student body. She was so sweet and she loved my crown!!

Student Leader of Excellence- For my hardwork with student government along with all of my other leadership roles on campus I was honored along with other campus leaders. It was such a great evening!

TV-2 Best Anchor Award- This past May, I was named TV-2's Best Anchor. It was such a surprise and honor!

D.A.R.E. Graduation- In May I had the honor of speaking to the fifth grade class at South Range for their D.A.R.E. graduation. These youngsters impressed me with their vast knowledge and understanding about the severity of drugs and drug use. I was so proud to be able to speak with them about reaching for their dreams and never giving up on their goals.

Miss Ohio Top Ten- I was so honored and blessed this past year at Miss Ohio for my top ten placement! The entire week was like a dream and making the top ten was just the icing on the cake. I am already counting down the minutes until this year's competition!!!!

TV-21 Operation: Supply Our Soldiers- This past July I began an organization called Operation: Supply Our Soldiers. This is a non-profit, non-partisan organization focused on collecting items to be put into care packages that are sent to the men and women fighting for our freedoms. So far, Operation: S.O.S. has been a success and I've been able to send several care packages overseas!

National Society of Leadership and Success- This past semester I was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success for my involvement on campus. It was so nice to be honored for all of my hard work!!

SDF Choreographer- It was during this past Fall semester when I found out that I had been chosen to choreograph for the Student Dance Festival for this upcoming Spring Semester. I can't wait to begin my rehearsals, the performance will happen this March.

Crowned Miss Miami Valley 2012- This past September I was crowned Miss Miami Valley. I have been so blessed with an amazing team of individuals that truly care and support me!

Bruce Jenner- As a part of KSU's Student Government on the Allocations Committee, we brought in Bruce Jenner to speak to Kent's student body. It was great to meet and speak with Bruce, he's so down-to-earth and easy to talk to (especially since I was a little star struck, I love him on the Kardashians!).

Peace Race- The fall foliage was beautiful as I ran a 10K through Mill Creek Park in Youngstown, I had an awesome time!

Crowning Miss Maumee Valley and my 22nd Birthday!- This past October I said goodbye to two amazing people, Eric and Linda Wagoner, as I crowned three amaing girls into the Miss Maumee Valley Scholarship Program. It was a great day because it was also my birthday and I shared it with two other contestants!

Turkey Trot- I really enjoyed running the 5 mile Turkey Trot this past Thanksgiving Day!

Featured in the Burr Fitness Section- This past semester I was featured in fitness sectins of The Burr, Kent State University's leading magazine.

Dean's List- I finished 2011 strong with a great fall semester and making KSU's Dean's List. It was a lot of hard work between classes, exrta curriculars, working a part-time job, TV-2, Student Government and dance rehearsals, but somehow I made it!!!

For my New Years reslution, I plan to read more books. I've never got the time, but I've decided that it's necessary to MAKE time. Check out Miss Ohio, Ellen Bryan's Blog for a great list of books!! Thanks to Santa and my Mom, I've already got a few books to get started on, I can't wait!

As I was leaving my last ballet class of this fall semester, I couldn't help but feel slightly heartbroken. I now only have one semester left of studying dance here at Kent State University. I also began to think about how vastly my dance technique and choreographic ability has improved since my time began here as a dance minor, a few years ago.

For our final pointe class, we performed

"Four Little Swans," wphew it was TOUGH!!

I must give credit to the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program for giving me the drive and determination to continue improving and building my dance technique and ability. If it were not for the MOSP I do not believe I would have minored in dance. Many dancers do not continue to study the art form after the years in high school as a "competition dancer." I have been very blessed to have been given this opportunity to continue to dance, and I feel that my dance tehnique has improved with every semester.

Performing my talent at Miss Ohio 2011.

This past weekend I was in the Kent State University Faculty Concert, Dance 2011: Parallel and Intersect. I was in Professor Joan Meggit's piece titled, "Getting Up to Speed," an abstract number where 'time was a factor.' If it were not for my involvement with the MOSP I do not believe I would have ever have had the confidence to step out my comfort zone and try a dance number like this:

Can you spot me?! (Hint: My costume is mainly blue and nude....)

Picture From Dance 2011: Parallel and Intersect "Getting Up to Speed."

The Miss America Organization places a large emphasis on showcasing the talents of titleholders. If it were not for my involvement with the MOSP, I would not have continued to follow one of my true passions: dance. I am so thankful that I was influenced to continue to dance. I would not trade my years studying dance at Kent State for anything. I have learned invaluable practices and I vow to never stop dancing.

As we head towards the end of the semester, it feels like my schedule is growing rapidly out of control! The tests are harder and the papers are longer, all the stresses of being a young college student seem to pile up at this time of the year. But there's nothing like the spirit of Thanksgiving to help pull me through!

This Thanksgiving I ran the Turkey Trot in the morning and came home to a yummy-smelling turkey in the oven! My mom and I preprared the rest of the meal while Brandon decorated our Christmas tree! Spending the holiday with my family and having a long weekend break from school helped me realize how thankful I am for the people in my life and all of the opportunites I've been blessed with.

The end result of the Christmas tree, thanks for your help Brandon!

I am thankful for my loving and supportive family and friends.

With my Mom and Grandma after Miss Maumee Valley, it was also my 22nd birthday!

I am thankful for my health and my ability to run distance races like the Peace Race and the Turkey Trot.

Finishing the Peace Race (10k) in Youngstown, Ohio.

Finishing the Turkey Trot (5 mile) on Thanksgiving Day in Champion, Ohio. I have run the Turkey Trot every year for the last 12 years!

I am thankful for the continued success of Operation:S.O.S. and recently mailing off 15 care packages overseas to the troops with the help of North-Mar Church.

I am thankful for my pageant friends and family and being able to crown the new Miss Maumee Valley, Miss All-American City and Miss Fallen Timbers. I am also thankful for my Miss Miami Valley pageant family and all of the love and support I receive from all of the volunteers of the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program.

With my Miss Maumee Valley Directors, Eric and Linda. Thank you for a great year!

The new Miss Maumee Valley, Janae Deleon,

it was also her 22nd birthday!

With Miss All-American City, Priya Sharma!

With Miss Fallen Timbers, Nina Haaskivi.

Taking a minute to reflect on what I'm most thankful for helps me stay grounded and focused on my big goals and dreams. Having an attitude of graditude can change your life in a way you never thought possible. I challenge you to take a moment and write down a list of 20 things you are most thankful for in your life. Stop, close your eyes, and think about how grateful you truly are for the blessings in your life.

Boy, has my life been busy, busy, BUSY; hence, the title of this blog entry!

The school year has started, the temperature has dropped and Fall has begun. My class schedule has me running from one thing to the next, daily, but I like it that way! Being busy keeps me focused, on my toes and ready for anything! This semester I have overloaded my schedule with extra-curriculars and fun, new things that I've never done before. This is my last year as a college student, and I want to make it count!

Alissa and I after the Miss Miami Valley pageant!

I am very excited to be making my way back to the Miss Ohio stage this coming June! I was crowned the new Miss Miami Valley over the Labor Day weekend at the Montgomery County Fair, earlier this September. I am incredibly blessed to have a wonderful new pageant family and director, along with my new sister queen Alissa Brumbaugh! I am ready for another exciting year of hard (but super fun) work! I am eager to see what this next year will bring.

After party at Franco's with some of my favorite girls and Franco himself! We had a blast!

I recently auditioned and was casted in the Kent State Faculty Dance Concert, titled Dance 11: Parallel and Intersect. Rehearsals began this past Monday and the show will be held in the E. Turner Stump Theatre from December 2-4.

Not only will I be performing in an upcoming dance performace, but I am also selected as one of six student choreographers for the Student Dance Festival. I am currently choreographing a dance piece that will be performed, by casted dancers, in the KSU Wright-Curtis Theatre. Auditions for dancers to my piece will be held in late October and the performance will take place this Spring semester.

I'm also reporting for TV-2 KSU News every Monday. I receive an assignment every Monday morning and I spend the day shooting video and interviews, editing my story and airing it live at 5:30 on www.Kentwired.com. You can also watch past newscasts on iTunes, just search TV-2 News.

Ready to go live on-air on TV-2 KSU News, you can download our newscasts for free on iTunes!

I was recently selected to become a member of the National Society of Leadership. I am very excited to be a part of this prestegious group. Leadership has always been a big part of my life, especially through my involvement with 4-H, so I am happy to continue my involvement with other leadership organizations through the National Society of Leadership.

A new school year also means a new year for Undergraduate Student Government. I am excited to be serving a second term on the USG Allocations Committee. We meet every Wednesday in the Governce Chambers of the Student Center to review student requests for University funding.

In my spare time (when I can find some) I have been working on Operation: Supply Our Soldiers. A new initiative that I began in my hometown of Warren, Ohio to collect items for care packages for our troops. Operation: S.O.S. is non-paritisan and non-profit organization. The next collection date for care package items will be NOVEMBER 12TH. Mark your calendar's now!!
Here are just some of the items that were collected from the first Operation:S.O.S. drop-off.

Tuesday morning, I was very excited to be a guest on WFMJ Today, the Valley's number one morning show. I was there on behalf of my most recent project, Operation: S.O.S. Supply Our Soldiers. Operation: S.O.S. is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that is dedicated to collecting items to make care packages for our troops.

I will be collecting items for care packages THIS SUNDAY from 1-6pm in the LOG CABIN downtown Warren. Please stop by and donate!

Here's the link to my TV Interview, in case you missed it! Click Here

Being interviewed by TV-21's Lauren Lindvig about Operation: S.O.S.

Operation: S.O.S. Mission Statement "Encouraging the brave men & women of our valley,who are fighting overseas, by supplying them with the essentials that we takefor granted every day. 

4-Her's are always looking for ways to get involved and give back to the community; so I thought to myself: "What better way to give back than through supporting our troops!" My goal of Operation: S.O.S. is to collect as many items and to make as many care packages as possible, and then send them overseas to the troops fighting for our country. If you're interested in donating any items but don't know what should go into a care package then check the list below. Many of these items can be found around the house, so there's no need to go out and buy anything, just clean out your closet!

-Crystal Light packets          

-Kool-Aid packets

-Wet wipes                            

-Sunscreen

-AA batteries                         

-Disposable razors

-Mini hand sanitizer              

-Hard candy

-Gummy bears                     

-Magazines & Novels

-Small lotion / moisturizer   

-Hostess cupcakes

-Birthday & holiday cards   

-Ramen noodles in a cup

-Small bags chips, pretzels or popcorn

-Canned fruit, soup & pasta w/ pop tops

I want to send out a big thank you to Scott Schneider and Lauren Lindvig of TV-21 for having me on the morning news to talk about my new project and passion! Thank you!!

Friday afternoon I had the pleasure of speaking to the 5th grade D.A.R.E. graduation class of South Range School. D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a highly acclaimed program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs and violence. D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.

Throughout my years in school, I benefitted greatly from the D.A.R.E. program. Because of my love of the program and my love for 4-H, I have decided to incorporate the D.A.R.E. program in to my platform. In the 4-H pledge it states, "I pledge my head to clearer thinking." To be able to think clearly it is vital to remain drug free, which is why D.A.R.E. is a perfect fit with 4-H.

I spoke to the kids about achieving their dreams through focus, drive and determination along with understanding the power to say no. Sometimes you have to say "no" to say "YES!" I want to thank Officer Brian for making this event happen, along with the wonderful goody bag I received! Here are a few photos from the event along with a short clip of me signing autographs for the kids!

Last weekend I attended TNR's Spay-ghetti dinner. TNR (Trap Neuter Release) is a local organization in my hometown that traps stray cats, gets them spayed or neutered and once the wounds have healed, the cats are released back into the area to enjoy their lives as stray cats. While the cats don't have owners or live in a home, the aniamls still benefit from the organization, year-round, by receiving food, water and shelter in harsh weather. I had a great time at the dinner and my 4-H club was there volunteering! The members of the Silver Claws 4-H Cat Club do an incredible job in the community with giving back and volunteering. It was awesome to be able to help out and give back with fellow 4-Hers.

Two of my 4-H advisors, Linda and Barb.

This past weekend, the 2011 Miss Ohio contestants gathered in the Mansfield area for the annual Bowl-A-Thon and Community Service Weekend. This is a geat opportunity, for us contestants, to give back to the community that gives so much to us. Jenna Fowls (Miss Mohican Valley), Alissa Brumbaugh (Miss Miami Valley) and I spent the day with residents at the Mansfield Memorial Homes. Miss Ohio 2010, Becky Minger, stopped by and performed a beautiful rendition of one of my favorite songs, "Kiss Me in the Rain."  Jenna, Alissa and I each performed a couple of numbers and we even got to play Bingo with our new friends until it was time to head over to the Miss Ohio Bowl-A-Thon.

My bowling team: Jessica Nelson (Miss Cuyahoga County), Jessica's friend, Nick, Heather Waterman (Miss North Central Ohio) and myself made up the team "Four Paws." Fortunately, this score is not calculated into the contestant's total score at Miss Ohio because I only bowled a 53 and a 55. I guess I need a lot more practice!!

Overall, the day was an incredible success. I had an absolute blast. In fact, throughout the day my mouth began to hurt from all of the smiling I had been doing! Thank you Mansfield for another great Community Service Weekend and a special thanks to Donna from Mansfield Memorial Homes for the lovely gift bag!

Sunday afternoon, I had the pleasure of joining my old 4-H Silver Claws Cat Club as the guest speaker! 4-H meetings are entirely run by the members, which range in age between 8 and 19-years-old. After the meeting and a few presentations given by members, I was asked to take the floor. I spoke to the 4-Her's about their jobs and duties as tomorrow's future leaders along with my job and what I do as Miss Maumee Valley. I think I may have even recruited some future Miss Ohio contestants! Everyone had a blast and I look forward to meeting with the Trumbull County Senior Fair Board in the near future.

With a few of the members of the 4-H Silver Claws Cat Club.

In other exciting news, this past weekend I attended the end-of-the-year TV-2 Banquet. I was honored to have been awarded this semester's "Best Anchor." It was a great ending to a great semester!

With Co-Anchor Jake Kaufman.

With TV-2's General Manager, Nate Edwards.

With TV-2's Advisor, John Butte.

Last but not least, I received an exciting email that after review of my application and a private inteview, I have been selected to serve another year on Kent State University's Undergraduate Student Government Allocation Committee for the 2011-2012 year. I am honored to be able to serve the student body for another year. It truly is a great opportunity to be able to allocate money to those student groups and organizations that are bettering the Kent campus and community.

Monday night, Kent State University's Center for Student Involvement held an awards ceremony honoring KSU's most prominent campus leaders. I felt incredibly honored to be a part of the night's festivities. Hundreds of students were in attendance along with faculty, staff and university board members. I received the Leadership Excellence Award, an award that honors students that have shown extrordinary leadership and dedication to their student organization and Kent State University.