Meeting Utah Lt. Governor Hall

 We planned on meeting with Utah Governor Herbert on this day, however, just a couple of hours before our time to meet, he was called away on a family emergency. We found out a couple of days later that his mother passed away. Even though we were disappointed at not meeting with him, I know that he was were he should have been, with his mom before she passed away.

All six sister queens, anxiously waiting

We did, however, get to still meet with Utah Lieutenant Governor Hall.

 He greeted each one of us with a handshake, greeting and a smile.

 We are laughing here because he was congratulating us and said that he had never been a beauty queen before. We did get to talk with him for a few minutes and tell him what we did to win our titles and that we were getting prepared to represent Utah at Nationals in November. He wished us luck.

Utah State University Homecoming Parade

 The next morning after our fun day at Providence Elementary was the Utah State University Homecoming Parade. Since it is up in Logan, Utah, I have never been to it before, but I see that it is a big deal up here. Everyone lines the streets to watch. I think my mom said she heard that there were over 100 entries in the parade.

 Again we meet the most interesting characters when we are out.

 And we are off to the beginning of the parade

Waves and smiles, and more waves and smiles! We want to thank USU for inviting us to be in the parade and also thank Aubree's Dad for driving us during the parade. And especially thank Kailee Jade's mom, Jenn, for planning the entire fun weekend for us.

Providence Elementary Book Donation & Assembly

 When I won the title, Miss Utah Pre Teen, I was given boxes of books that all the participants had donated. Part of the National American Miss emphasis is on community involvement and all the participants brought books and stuffed animals. I'll post later about the stuffed animals.

I love to read and definitely see how important it is to read all kinds of books and how much it helps. I love all kinds of books from fairy books to Harry Potter to books about horses. I feel that books open up your imagination.

So we were invited to do an assembly for Kailee Jade's elementary school and each of us talked about why we feel reading is so important. We also donated lots and lots of books to their library.

We are anxiously waiting for the Assembly to begin.

Here is Brittney talking about why she feels it is important to read. I was a little nervous to get up in front of all these kids but I also wanted to share why I love to read. I talked about how reading helps you follow directions in school and also how reading helps grow your imagination way more that watching tv can help.

Here we are with the Providence Elem. Principal

We loved this picture right outside their gym.

 After the assembly, the Principal took us to one of the kindergarten classes to read stories. Kailee Jade is reading the Dr. Suess book "Oh the Places You'll Go!"

 We also stopped by Kailee Jade's 3rd grade class to say hi!

Salt Lake Alzheimers Walk

Olivia - Miss Utah Jr. Teen, Brittney - Miss Utah, me - Rachel - Miss Utah Pre Teen, Kailee Jade - Miss Utah Jr. Pre Teen, and Aubree - Miss Utah Teen.

 It was an early September Saturday morning that we met for the "Walk to End Alzheimers". Luckily, 5 of the 6 sister queens were able to come:  We missed having Brindee with us.

 The event was held at the Capitol Building in Salt Lake City. I was glad to be here. Even though I do not have Alzheimers in my family, my great grandmother lived with dementia for several years before her passing. I know that it was hard for my family and my grandma. Hopefully this Walk that we helped with will somehow help others who have it or care for someone who has Alzheimers.

 We definitely met some interesting characters!

 We also managed to have fun while helping at the same time. My favorite was borrowing Aubree's shoes, because I love shoes.

 We did lots of waving and cheering for everyone.

 I got to draw a name of someone to win one the prizes.

 We even met a local radio personality, Brian.

Providence Elementary Walk-a-thon

 

Standing in front of the school door - sign for Walk-a-Thon volunteers

 As each of the classes came out to participate, we helped them get organized and ready for the starting line. Then we cheered them on.

 The elementary school kids definitely ran hard and deserved something yummy and cold for their efforts. We got to congratulate each of the participants and give them ice cold creamy bars.

 It was a hot day and after handing out all the creamy popsicles, Kailee Jade and I decided to find some shade and enjoy!

Brittney, Kailee Jade, Aubree, and me

Highland City Parade

What a great day! This was my first parade in my very own city of Highland. I am glad that they invited me to participate at the last minute. I had only been crowned 3 weeks earlier. My neighbor had restored this great 1965 Mustang and drove us down the parade route. It was so fun and I am also glad I got to share the experience with my older brother Ethan and my cousin Anna too. Thanks Highland.

Utah - State Pageant - July 2011

This has been a whole new experience for me. I've never done a pageant before. When we got the invitation from National American Miss to come to an open call, we decided to check it out. My mom was happy that it is a natural pageant (no make up for girls 12 and under).

After the open call/interview, I got a call saying that I was a state finalist. Exciting. Now I needed to find sponsors and start preparing what to say and what to wear. We actually didn't stress about the speaking part too much because I didn't want it to sound forced, but we did practice some.

The weekend of the pageant came, I was a little nervous, not knowing what to expect.

2011 Preteen Contestants

We got to learn a group number to perform during the final pageant. This was really fun.

My Dad escorted me during the formal wear competition.

We did our public introductions and then went straight to the personal interview.

The final pageant came and they awarded all the optional participants. Then our group was narrowed down to the top 10 and given a rose. Still not knowing what to expect, I was happy to get a rose and be in the top ten. We were presented again and then the runner ups were announced. Then my name was announced as the winner. I was completely shocked. Happy shocked.

 Here I am with the Miss Utah Pre-Teen 2011 Court and the Judges.

I am very happy to represent the state of Utah and am excited about going to Nationals in November and representing all the preteens of Utah.