And the Fun Continues

This weekend has been filled with fun! Friday started off with John Pribanic's 100th Birthday at South State Assisted Living in Dover. I sang a few Patsy Cline songs and mingled with the folks that lived there. It was wonderful to see someone at his age still up and moving as much as he does. The past two years he has been their "poster child" for the Heart Walk.

After that my mother and I drove to the beautiful state of Vermont where I watched the Miss Vermont Outstanding Teen Pageant and the Miss Vermont pageant that Saturday. Marci McNair, Mrs. Delaware United States was a gracious hostess and I am so glad that she invited us along. I was able to be there when Laura Hall, Miss Vermont 2009 was crowned and I must say she is an absolute sweetheart! It was nice to finally sit in the crowd for a change.

Sunday was a long drive home filled with beautiful mountains and awful traffic. After the 12 hour car ride, I went to bed to wake up Monday morning to meet with Trainer Dan and play some pick up soccer.

Later Monday afternoon, a photographer with the News Journal stopped by my house to take pictures of me cooking spaghetti. On Saturday there should be an article about me in the paper and I am eager to see what picture they put in with it! Cooking is not my strong point but I have to learn somehow.

Tuesday consisted of meeting Susan and Linda to go with my mother and I to New York City for my official photo shoot! I am so excited to look through all of them and pick the ones I send to Miss America. Barry is a great photographer and his make up artist is the best I have ever had by far! Barry has taken photos of people ranging from Michael Jackson to Paul McCartney and his make up artist used to work for CNN, NBC, and several other news channels. It was a dream come true...I have always wanted to have head shots taken by a New York photographer and I am very pleased with how it went. We then made a quick visit to Soho so that I could say I went shopping there and we stopped in a cafe to eat dinner which took up most of our spare time before the train home. We left Dover at 8am and arrived home later that night at 9:30pm. It was a long day but well worth it!

Today I had a radio interview with WILM Radio 1450AM. It was a lot of fun and the first radio interview I have ever had! The interview was about 15 minutes long and will be aired on Saturday at 6am and Sunday at 8am. We talked about everything from Miss America to my platform to my emotions before I was crowned. You can always listen live to their station on their website if you are in an area that does not receive their program.

Tomorrow I have a parade for the 4th of July in Bethany Beach and then one on Saturday in Dover as well. It would be great to see some familiar faces if anyone wants to come out!! Have an awesome holiday weekend and stay safe everyone!

First Week as Miss DE 2009

This week has been full of rest and recooperation along with some appearances here and there. I am enjoying the gradual increase in the fullness of my schedule rather than being thrown into several things all at once. I had my very first TV interview with Linda Kurtz from WMDT that aired Thursday morning. "More news in less time" is their motto and they sure mean it. Linda asked several questions in a matter of two minutes and we talked about everything from my platform to my talent to Miss America! Thank you so much Linda for offering me the opportunity to appear on your show.

I also went to Whitten's Jewelers for the first time this week. They surprised me with a beautiful ring at the reception, however it was sadly far too big. They graciously allowed me to come in and went through their stock until they found a ring that could be sized down to my small finger! If anyone is ever looking for nice jewelry I highly recommend them!!! We took some more pictures of me in the store with the staff, and to my surprise they had a nicely framed display of me being crowned and wearing their ring up on a wall in the front of their store. I have received so many compliments on my ring already! Thank you Whitten's for sponsoring the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization.

In addition, I went to Michael Christopher's Salon in Wilmington to get my nails done by Cynthia. She is so funny and made my first experience at the salon a very enjoyable one! I talked to Sal and he introduced me to Michael himself. They are such amazing supporters of this organization as well, and I look forward to working more with them in the future.

I also had my first public appearance this week. I went to Saturday's Blue Gold Game at the University of Delaware with George and luckily missed the rain! It turned out to be a beautiful night and the crowd was so excited to meet and take pictures with me. It was amazing to see so many people came out to support such a great cause. I even had my picture taken with the Chick Fil A cow! Danielle and I finally found each other around the second quarter and it was so nice to talk with her and her mother. They were so excited to be there for my first appearance and I look forward to seeing them at many more throughout the year!

This week I will be interviewing with the News Journal, entertaining at a 100th Birthday Celebration at South Strate Street Assisted Living, and I will be attending the Miss Vermont pageant this weekend. So far so good. I can't wait to see what else is in store!

Starting Off My New Year!

Hello everyone!

I would first of all like to say that I am so excited and feel so blessed to be representing the first state! This was a tough year of competition all of the girls were very strong in each area of competition. I had a wonderful week with the other contestants and was able to learn more about everyone. If you could not tell (haha) I was completely shocked when my name was announced as the new Miss Delaware!!! I plan to work hard throughout the year to create new relationships for this organization and help it grow so that more girls have the opportunity to earn scholarship money and transform their lives! Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout the week and to every person that has stood behind me as I begin this journey. I intend to keep this blog and my calendar updated with as many pictures and events as possible! Thank you very much I cannot begin to express how honored I am to represent this state at Miss America!

Danielle, I am so excited to work with you and go to Florida to cheer you on at the national pageant! You are a sweetheart and I could not ask for a better little sister!

Galen, thank you for your help and encouragement over the years. I am so happy that I was able to share my crowning moment with you, and I am thrilled to join the Miss Delaware sisterhood along with you! You are so beautiful and I have very big shoes to fill!

Here are a few pictures that people have posted online in case anyone is searching for some. Keep an eye on my blog throughout the year to know about what I am doing and how I am preparing to do the First State proud at Miss America!

Love and Belief,
Heather

Friday Night Preliminary Winners - Congrats!

Talent: Heather Lehman (Left)
Evening Gown: Kayla Martell (Center Left)
Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit: Carly Economos (Center Right)
State Community Service Award:Kayla Martell (Center Left)
C. McKown Entreprenerial Award: Jenna Brindley (Right)

Thursday Prelim Winners - Congrats!

Talent: Carly Economos (Left)
Evening Wear: Carly Economos (Left)
Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit: Lauren Gagliardino (Right)
CMN Award: Shalia Gilis (Center)

Okay, somebody's been playing with my blog..where did all the purple, pink, pictures, and videos go??! I'm not a has-been yet!..sheesh hehe :)

Also, I am going to continue blogging at: www.ggiaccone.blogspot.com after my year as Miss Delaware has concluded...so you can keep following me if you'd like!!


Well this post dates back to May 16..the night of Allison's wedding..and WHAT a production it was! Let me first share with you the events of my morning that day. Background information: I had been having trouble with hives all week and couldn't figure out what I was allergic to. Well, when I woke up on Saturday morning, my eyes were so swollen that I could only open them half way! and they were as red as can be! It was awful! I took benadryl, washed my face, put cool cloths on my eyes, cucumbers..you name it! Those puppies were not getting any smaller! Eventually, the benadryl did kick in and I look fairly normal, however, it still looked like I was wearing pink/red eyeshadow..which I was not. Well I explained the fiasco to my date, Chris, so that he wasn't afraid of me when he saw me that afternoon. We headed on down to Georgetown for me to perform in the actual ceremony. The wedding went well. It was beautiful! but I'm still not sure how they fit the entire wedding party up at the front! There were a LOT of bridesmaids and groomsmen! Then Chris and I, in sheer exhaustion from him working the night before and the effects of my benadryl, made an emergency stop at Rite Aid to get red bulls haha! With some caffeine in our system, we were ready to tackle the reception which was by far, the most outrageous reception I have ever seen. Flat panel TVs, floating candles on the lake, floating candles in the air, lights galore, a sparkly runway throughout the whole property, bars everywhere, martini bar, coffee bar, cigar bar, live music, dance floor, trendy furniture, excellent food, FIREWORKS..YES..FIREWORKS! Not backyard fireworks either..this was like the 4th of July! They should have charged their neighbors for the entertainment! I also have to add the Melanie, our newest addition to the Miss DE Board, practically forced me to go up to the "single ladies" bouquet toss. She pushed me up there, tried to make me go up front but I insisted that I would stay in the back. Well well..wouldn't you know..that dang bouquet came flying RIGHT at me! I couldn't have avoided it! I'll get you back for that Melanie!..sleep with one eye open.



The very next day, I had another allergic reaction..swollen, itchy, red eyes, and hives. Ugh. I missed a Bingo Night for the Miss Diamond State!! Fortunately, that was the last day.

The next week welcomed me with Right Decisions Right Now presentations at Frankford Elementary School.


I have been working on gathering pictures and video clips for my farewell video, so on Tuesday, Kimberly met with me to work on some things. It's coming along nicely, and I am SO fortunate to have her helping me!!

We finallllllly had our Miss Delaware Golf Tournament on Wednesday, May 20. I even got to play 18holes! My team actually used my ball three times..not to shabby, eh? I'm thinking about getting some clubs of my own..in my free time, of course. The whole tournament went very well! Thank you to everyone who helped, participated, sponsored, or donated to the event!!!!



The next day brought more RDRN presentations. I love doing those. I will certainly miss them!


Friday night was my Gala! It was BEAUTIFUL!! Everything was black and white to resemble pianos :) There were even chair covers..how fancy, right! The food was great..even a sit-down dinner which nobody knew about! What a pleasant surprise!! It was a great way to end the year with friends and family. My dad's speech sure was a hit too! My mom made this heartfelt speech thanking everyone for such a spectacular year and my dad steps up to the podium, takes a deep breath like he's going to say something meaningful...and says... "ditto." The whole room burst into laughter! It was hilarious!


The next day I was at the Rita's in Stanton. They were holding a fundraiser for Alex's Lemonade Stand which raises awareness for Childhood Cancer. I had a great time chatting with customers and getting to know the owners and their families!..especially little Gabriella!!

The next Tuesday, I had more RDRN presentations at Mrs. Kemmerlin's school in Milford! The kids were great!!



Well this past weekend was Race Weekend in Dover, so on Friday, I was at the Nascar/Celebrity Billiard Tournament. I spent the evening with a few of the drivers, Clinton, Carl, and Kasey, and also with Herschel Walker..who just happened to be on the America's Junior Miss board when I was Delaware's Junior Miss a couple years ago. Small world! He was my bodyguard for the evening..how convenient!! Carl won the tournament and obeyed the cheering crowd which led to a back flip off of the pool table! After the tourney, we all went up to Michelle's to have a nice dinner with everyone. I bumped into a few family faces, met one of the truck series drivers, and even met some reporters that I ran into again later that weekend. I finished off the evening hanging out with a few of the drivers' pilots! What a night!




On Saturday, I had a performance at the Georgia House in Milford for an anniversary party. I met allllll of Melanie's family and had a blast!

Sunday brought the last day of the races. I went to Dover Downs and was escorted around in a golf cart, got my Hot Pass for the pits and got right into the pit after that! I met LOTS of people, took lots of pictures, was interviewed, and even played a game on the BIG screen. It was a numerology game with the Driver's and their car numbers. With the help of the audience..I got all of them right! By the time I made it over to the garage though, the drivers had already left to have the introductions..bummer! I got to see some of their friends that I had met the night before though!..and even met some pit crews..not a bad morning! I stayed in the pit for a while when the race started, but was then escorted to Dover Downs to meet with the GM. From there, we went to many of the sky boxes for the rest of the race! I had SUCH a fun day. A golf cart took my to my car about an hour after Jimmie won the race, and then I sat in the parking lot chatting with out-of-towners until the traffic died down.



On Wednesday, I gave the commencement speech at Dover High School. It was a huge honor to be back at my old school to speak to the most recent graduates and their families. I had recovered slightly from my case of laryngitis, but unfortunately, I still did not sound like myself. I made it through the speech though!


The following night we had the "Miss Delaware on the Green" performances. Because it was raining, it was moved to an indoor facility, and all of the Miss Delaware contestants (and me!) performed for the audience. We had a great time!



I had my very last Right Decisions Right Now presentation on Friday at North Georgetown Elementary school. The assembly went very well.


On Saturday, I was at the Walk for Infants event in Rehoboth, and then was off to the Spring Bash with the Governor in Milton.


We had my sisters Bridal Shower on Sunday which was a lot of fun!! Then I headed down to Georgetown to put the final touches on my Farewell Video for Miss Delaware with Kimberly.

Monday morning came ohhhh too soon...it was the start of Miss Delaware week..the start of the DATs..and the beginning of the end of my year as Miss Delaware. I also had my last school appearance that afternoon, then went up to Newark to have my first Kaplan DAT course. I'm a little overwhelmed with this whole DAT, Miss Delaware week, the end of my reign, and I'm still not completely over this laryngitis. It willllll get better :)

I'll update tomorrow, now that the internet connection in my hotel room is fixed. Three days left...

"Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving." ~Albert Einstein

Because I'm so excited..I'm going to go a little out of order, chronologically speaking. Yesterday, after I got all of my pageant stuff done for the day, I finally bought my road bike!! I wanted to get it months ago, but then decided to wait until the weather got nicer. I got a Trek 2.1 and I LOVE it! ..the helmet is a pretty awesome accessory too (hah, yeah right!). George from All Wheels in Rehoboth put up with me for a while, helping me to pick the right one. Anyone like biking?..I need some riding partners!







Let's back up a couple weeks. I've been a little busy and haven't updated in a little while.



At the end of April, I joined many performers at the two-night annual Hocker Jamboree in Dagsboro. I played a couple pieces with the band and then performed my Miss America piece, "El Cumbanchero." While a part of the band, I played "Bless the Broken Road" and "Last Date" (an oldie). I had such a good time that weekend! While I was being introduced, the emcee told the crowd that I wanted to be a dentist, and proceeded to suggest that if I come to practice in Sussex County, I better specialize in false teeth! haha! I also got to meet Beth Cayhall, a fantastic country vocalist. I even got one of her cd's that she signed for me! I highly recommend checking out her music. www.bethcayhall.com. Word on the street is that she even competed at Miss Delaware once!



The Saturday of the second night of the Hocker Jamboree, I was all over the state! My day began in Milford for the Bug and Bud festival. I met this kid who said he had met me the night before, but I was positive that I didn't see him at the Jamboree. He said he met me at Wawa..which is where the story gets a little funny (haha!). I stopped at Wawa the night before to get a Red Bull and on my way out the door and to my car, these young guys (in H.S.) were whistling and yelling "work it," blah blah blah..trying to impress the young girls they were with. I thought it was really funny so I got into my car, quickly signed a Miss Delaware photo, drove by their group, and rolled down my window. They didn't expect me to actually come over to them, so I asked, "Did you have something to say to me?" jokingly, of course. I handed them the photo and didn't say anything else and heard their surprised reactions when they looked at the photo and saw that they had been yelling at Miss Delaware haha It was hysterical. I never thought I'd see them again though..how coincidental..

That afternoon, I was back in Dover for the "Power of One" event at the Art League. I was one of the speakers, but had to slip out after I spoke to get to the Jamboree on time!





The next week was kicked off with an interview with the Pre-Dental Society for the board position of "Community Service Chair." I guess it went well because I got the position on the board!!..so excited!!



I had to set my alarm waaaay earlier than I wanted to the next morning...try 4:30am! ahhh..some how I actually woke up. I had an interview with WMDT very early in Rehoboth. I enjoyed the rising of the sun from behind the wheel. I even had to dodge some far equipment on Rt. 113...not so unusual for a "below the canal" gal haha.





Right after I got off the air, I had to drive back up north to Milford Middle School to make Right Decisions Right Now presentations. The kids were great! I also took a picture with a poster that said "Stellan." It will eventually be posted on this website: www.mycharmingkids.net. The whole things started to support a baby that was not expected to even be born. Learn more about it at on the site! The rest of my afternoon was spent back in Rehoboth at Starbucks...just getting work done until my TV interview in Salisbury, MD. I did, however, get to grab some lunch with my new pal, Jason. Check him out on the Real World Cancun this summer!!! By the time I got home at about 9:00, I was wiped out!!



May began with an appearance in Wilmington at my Uncle Chris' work, Mobious. Once I found parking that was available past 6pm, the night went much smoother. It was nice getting to meet all of the employees and clients, and getting the grand tour of the new office.



Saturday was a whirlwind!!! I had coffee with the Governor and Mayor at 8:30 at Woodburn, then met with Donald (my driver) and squeezed into the Old Dover Days parade..possibly my last parade :( As soon as the parade ended, I drove up to Elsmere for the Veterans Hospital Fair to celebrate with the patients. The rain tried to hold off, but I ended up under a tent or umbrella for part of the time. We had fun though! Then I came back down to Dover for the Open House event at the Governor's Mansion. I even danced the old colonial dances haha..I was a natural. Carla, Delaware's First Lady, asked me how I got out of wearing colonial attire at Old Dover Days. I told her that I had other appearances that day and she jokingly said, "I'm definitely using that excuse next time!" haha She's a trip! That evening I went to the VPAG concert at Dover High. I performed, spoke, and handed out awards to the arts scholarship winners. The performers were great!!!

Sunday, I was back in Georgetown for the "God and Country" event. I was back on the stage with a band performing country music, but I threw in some classical as well. The whole event went very well! and I'm so appreciative of those that attended and of course, our performers: The Hocker Band, Chelsea Betts, and All4Him. The event was a fundraiser for scholarship money for the Miss Delaware organization. After the long event, my family grabbed a bite to eat together :)







Last week, I celebrated my birthday!!! I went up to Newark, and my friends at school took me out to dinner :) They are the besssst!!! That day, I also had an interview on Pageant Talk Radio (yes, it really exists!). Check it out at: http://www.talkzone.com/archive.asp?aid=37785



Two days later, I had the Governor's Prayer Breakfast. I was asked to perform, and sat at the table with Governor Markell, Governor Minner, and Mayor Carey. The entertainment was incredible!!! and it was nice to see so many familiar faces!

That afternoon, I did RDRN presentations at Banneker Elementary in Milford. I presented to Mrs. Soucek's class. I've known her since I became DJM a couple years ago and ever since, she has been SO helpful!! I also presented to my cousin Courtney's class. Each of her students made me a birthday card and they even gave me a Happy Birthday balloon! How cute!!





That night I had my first Pre-Dental Society meeting as the new Community Service Chair. We listened as Brian from Temple's Dental School spoke to us about admission information. Then the old board, new board, and Brian all went for a bite to eat at Grottos. It was great to get to meet everyone!! I'm sure we'll have a very successful year...and if there are more nights at Grottos..I could do that too :)



A last minute schedule change had me at Trap Pond in Sussex County the next morning, which was quite a hike from Newark! I joined the "Nutrition Magician" in teaching the kids about proper nutrition and exercise. It was a beautiful day out, the sun actually made an appearance ALL day!!! I even had the kids playing the exercise version of Simon Says...and if a kid got out..they would have to jog in place instead of sitting haha! They seemed to like it.

That evening, I went to the Relay For Life event at the American Legion in Sussex County. I was able to speak with many of the survivors and supporters, then I emceed the event. One person was a 50 YEAR SURVIVOR!! whew!! I did the first walk with Pat and then headed for home. Because I was really hungry, I swung by..dun dun dunnnn....McDonalds (yes, I know..) to grab some food for the road. Wouldn't you know, one of the guys from Relay was in there and told everyone, while I was in the bathroom, that I was Miss Delaware..so I came out of the bathroom with everyone asking me questions hah! It was funny! I even met two little kids, Olivia and Owen, snapped a couple pictures with them, and even showed them my crown. No, I didn't have my crown in McDonalds originally..I went out to my car to get it for them. Turns out..I ended up seeing them again the next weekend!





We had our second Miss Delaware Orientation on Saturday. I was on the panel for mock interviews which was so fun! It was nice to be on the other side of the interview for once! I didn't get to interview everyone though because I had to leave for an appearance in Georgetown. I was at a car show that was held to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. I even saw little Olivia and Owen again!! (come on..the kids I met in McDonalds the weekend before, remember??!) We had a great time!! and it was a gorgeous day!





On Monday, I was welcomed by a room full of people at the Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation facility in Wilmington. I spoke to them, performed, and went out to meet each and every one of them..signing many photos along the way! They were so nice and had great questions about the whole experience!

That night, I went out to dinner with some friends from school for Nicole's birthday!! We had sushi, mmm...mmm...mmm!!!



As of Tuesday, all of my program book information is finished! I submitted all of my pictures, my farewell address, and my competition photos to the company. What a relief! Now, I just have my farewell video to worry about!



Don't forget!!!:





MISS DELAWARE GOLF TOURNAMENT

May 20

Jonathan's Landing, Magnolia, DE





MISS DELAWARE GALA

May 22

The Outlook at the Duncan Center, Dover, DE