Wine Festivals and Princess Teas

I attended one of the best Princess Tea Parties I have ever been to, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church! Tables were filled with little princesses, and every one of them had a tiara and a feather boa. There was a small salad served along with finger sandwiches, desserts and of course tea (or juice for the ones that did not like tea). I sang In My Own Little Corner and A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella. Then, right before Cinderella and Prince Charming came out, I walked around to take pictures and meet all of my fellow princesses.

That same weekend I had the Wine Festival and Dover Downs.

The theme for the weekend was the 1950's! There were cars and trucks from the 50's along with other memorabilia like a map machine (sort of like a soda machine but it dispensed maps). Vendors had tables placed throughout the Rollins Center while the public enjoyed various acts of live entertainment in the evening.

Right after I performed, none other than Elvis Presley came out to entertain us for a while. Mario Rocco was the host for the event, and I never knew he had such a voice! We sang a duet Friday night to Summer Lovin' from Grease, he was amazing! During my performance I sang songs such as Be My Baby, Stop in the Name of Love, Hopelessly Devoted, Rockin Robin and a few others. There were wine tastings and samples of foods from various local restaurants. It was a great time, and the Miss Delaware Org was thrilled to be a benefactor of the event! Stay posted for a clip from the Wine Festival...I seem to be having technical difficulties for the time being...

Running Around

First and foremost I want to Congratulate two lovely ladies for becoming contestants of the 2010 Miss Delaware pageant! I am completely late on this so I apologize, but Marcie Smith is our Miss Rehoboth Beach 2010 and Shaila Gillis is our Miss Mid-Atlantic 2010. It was a great evening and all of the young women that competed that night did a fantastic job. I am truly not kidding when I say I would hate to be in the judges shoes! It's a tough job picking the winner!

I was all over the place in Novemeber! Ranging anywhere from Rehoboth Beach to King of Prussia, PA. Crowning Around sponsored a fantastic Pageant Prep Expo for girls all over area that were interested gaining various assistance in pageantry. There was a fashion show in the beginning after the keynote speaker, Don Baker, said a few words. Then everyone that came was able to enjoy networking with people that can help with almost any part of preparation you can imagine. There was wardrobe for any phase of competition, interview coaching, healthy diet planning, talent coaching, and so much more! It was a wonderful experience being able to model for my friends at The Bridal Suite! I wore a beautiful, short dress by Heather French Henry. It was great being there for the very first Pageant Prep Expo by Crowning Around and being able to share the experience with my fellow pageant queens!

One of the most touching and memorable appearances I have had so far would be the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial service that I attended on Veteran's Day this past November. I was honored to sing the national anthem for so many of those that put their lives on the line for our country. My Dad is a Veteran and is now retired military from the Air Force, so our nation's armed forces have always been something near to my heart. My cousins have fought overseas in Iraq, with one still being over there. War is something that affects so many families, and unfortunately not everyone has a positive experience. We honored the Delawarians that were killed during the Vietnam War with a beautiful Memorial and service. Several people shared their stories, and many eyes were filled with tears. It was a time I will never forget and I am so proud that I was able to partake in that experience.

I made a trip to East Millsboro Elementary to speak to their Just Say No group about the importance of holding true to one's character to set an example for others. We talked about how each of the six pillars of Character Counts can be used to say no to drugs. They came up with several examples on how they could use good character to help friends see that they are going to take the high road when it comes to drugs. By the end of our talk the students were able to share ways that they could be a role model for their friends, family, and fellow school mates. I shared with them that singing is something I love to do, and in order to do my very best when I sing, my lungs need to be as healthy as they possibly can be. Therefore, one reason why I don't smoke or use drugs is because my singing abilities would be significantly damaged. So after sharing a song with them, we decided to take a few funny pictures before a couple last minute remarks were shared by their teachers. It was great seeing so many students dedicated to being their best self and setting themselves as an example for others!

In November, we celebrated Medical-Surgical Nurses week, where Kent General Hospital held an Ice Cream Social celebrating everything these nurses do to help out the patients that come in everyday. Lt. Governor Matt Denn was there to read off the official proclamation from the State, dedicating the entire week to Med-Surg Nurses. I was invited to help serve the ice cream with two other very special princesses, Sara Garrison and Samantha Ponsell. I had the chance to speak with several nurses there, and I was even given a tour of the hospital. I learned so much about how sections are managed and how the hospital is so successful in what in does. The patients really are the most important aspect of that hospital, and everything from the layout of the building to the interior decorating is chosen to best help the patients staying at Kent General have an enjoyable stay.

I was privileged to sing the National Anthem at the Chase Riverfront Center for the 2009 BRAC and Beyond Conference. It was a business conference that was designed to explain in great detail how easy the transition can be for companies looking to move to Delaware, especially those dealing with the military. Governor Markell was there to give a few remarks as well as Rep. Mike Castle. I was warmly greeted by the staff working the conference. It was very educational, and I learned a lot about a few transitions being made in Delaware and nearby states. There was a wide variety of exhibits in the lobby to visit before the conference started and in between meetings. Unfortunately, I could not stay the entire time because I had a meeting with Lady's Image that day.

The same weekend as this conference I was invited to model during a bridal expo for Lady's Image with Former Rep. Donna Stone, and Miss Delaware 2007 Brittany Dempsey. Several local businesses modeled for soon-to-be brides and their families. The attire ranged from bridal party attire to cocktail pieces for the rehearsal dinner or reception to wedding gowns and tuxedos. Cake designers had tables, Toppers Spa at Dover Downs had a table, and even a couple that specializes in teaching brides and grooms how to have a spectacular first dance by choreographing one especially for them had a table for guests to visit. Lunch was served by Dover Downs and the food was delicious! The event was cooridinated by Rae Short a celebration event planner. Thanks for inviting Lady's Image to showcase their clothing, Rae, and thank you Lady's Image for asking me to model for you!

Caesar Rodney Homecoming Weekend

Having graduated from Caesar Rodney High School, I was honored to ride in their homecoming day parade. Unfortunately it was raining and I could not wear my crown, but everyone was just as excited to see me. Even though I was not in my typical red corvette for this parade, I was thrilled to be able to ride in Jonathan's 2005 black mustang. All of the students loved his car. I am pretty sure that I am in constant competition with the cars I ride in for parades, because the little girls love seeing the princess but the boys love the car and could care less who was in it haha!

Photo By Dave Chambers

After the parade I was asked to sing the anthem before the football game. Even though it was raining there was still a large crowd. That is true school spirit! Thank you Mr. McCarthy for inviting me to sing, it definitely brought back some great memories.

The next day was Rider Pride day. It was a time where people throughout the community were able to visit the high school and look at several exhibits for local schools and businesses. I believe there was even a petting zoo, which I was unfortunately not able to see. From the moment I placed the crown on my head in the restroom, I had people coming up to me for autographs and pictures. It is nice to see so many people excited to see Miss Delaware.

As I made my way to the gymnasium to find Principal Knight, I was welcomed by another huge crowd of students and family members. A line began to fill up the hallway as I tried to sign photo cards for everyone and take pictures. I felt like a celebrity! Finally Principal Knight found me and led me to the table where I would be signing autographs in front of the gym. I saw several old friends and made a few new ones. A little boy came up with his sisters for my photo card and he had to have only been a few years old. He had the biggest smile on his face. Even after his sisters said goodbye and left with their photo cards he tried to stay. When his family was leaving to head out to their car he looked back at me and smiled one more time. He was quite the little flirt!

I had a blast that weekend and it was wonderful to be a part of such a big event at the high school I attended. Thank you Mrs. Knight for including me!

End of October

Several events happened at the end of October. There was the Rehoboth Seawitch parade and the Milford Halloween parade. As well as Run for the Buds and the Special Olympics Fall Festival.

The Rehoboth Seawitch parade is a long standing Halloween tradition in southern Delaware. The parade starts with any kids in costumes that want to walk in the parade, and literally there are hundreds of them! They are followed by floats and cars decked out in costumes and elaborate decorations. Donald and I were placed between the Adam's Family (playing the theme song from their car) and Michael Jackson (playing Thriller the whole time). Needless to say we were experts at those two pieces by the end of the parade!

The Milford Halloween parade was wonderful. I saw Miss Milford Kristina Maynard there and even had Donald's granddaughter Taylor ride in the car with me! It is always great to have some company during the parade. There were so many people there! I had no idea it was such a big event. It was nice to see some familiar faces down the parade route. Thanks Taylor for coming with me!

I was also invited to the first annual Run for the Buds 5K at the Wilmington Riverfront. The Best Buddies organization and Lauren Stevenson did a fantastic job at providing games for the kids that were there and inviting Rocky from the Blue Rocks and the Chic-Fil-A cow to interact with the kids. We did a few dances to warm up before the run, and even though it began pouring down rain the runners were ready to go. After a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, the participants and I walked over to the starting line and after I gave the go ahead and sounded the alarm they were off! It was great being able to share the experience with Miss Delaware Teen USA, Kelsey Miller.

Run for the Buds, Rehoboth's Seawitch parade, and the Special Olympic's Fall Festival all happened the same day. It was a busy day, but I was able to meet so many new and interesting people that it was well worth it. The Fall Festival was at the University of Delaware's Field House and had volleyball, bocce, and running as the competitions for the day. I was able to dance with some of the participants in between their games, and I helped hand out their medals with a few local law officers as the top teams were announced. I made several new friends at the Fall Festival and it has been one of my most rewarding experiences as Miss Delaware.

JDRF Monster Mile Walk

I had a wonderful time a few weeks ago at Dover Speedway. No I was not watching one of their stimulating horse races or NASCAR races, I was participating in the walk for a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. It was wonderful to see so many people come out to support such a great cause. The Lions Club was a huge help in putting the whole event together. I was honored to sing the National Anthem before the runners/walkers started on their 5K journey. Don't think I got out of walking around the track though! My mom and I walked around with the rest of the supporters, and I was able to get in a small work out that weekend!

After the race/walk was finished, Danielle (MDOT) and I helped draw tickets for the raffle prizes, and boy did they have some amazing prizes!! It is always nice to see such smiling faces on those who are facing such trying times in their lives, whether they are personally afflicted with diabetes or if they are a family member or friend. This 5K and even the raffle put some much needed fun into everyone's life.

After the raffle I was able to sign a few autographs for some of the participants. The looks on the faces of the little girls that I get to meet will be some of my most rewarding memories as Miss Delaware. It is times like this that I know I am far more than some "beauty queen" I am indeed a role model.