On Sunday, February 27th Ashely Casterline was crowned Miss Southern Heartland! Ashley is a very talented vocalist and has held several local titles in the Miss Indiana system, so I am glad to see that she is coming back to state for the 2011 Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant in Zionsville.
You might remember Ashley's sister Audra Casterline was crowned Miss Hoosier Heritage 2011 the same day I became Miss South Central 2011, and I am really excited that both of them can compete at the Miss Indiana Pageant.
The 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant will be held in June in Zionsville, and you can see a list of all the 2011 Miss Indiana contestants on my Road to Miss Indiana tab.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Glamour survey about women's body image gives 7 good tips for thinking better thoughts
A recent article and survey by Glamour magazine about how women think about their own body image is revealing about something that really needs to change: women need to start thinking better thoughts about themselves. You can search for the complete story online or you will probably see it on news stands.
According to the story and survey by Glamour, 97 percent of women have at least one negative thought about their body image every single day. They say on average, a woman has about 13 negative thoughts about her body each day, which accounts for one negative thought every hour she is awake. Enough already!
As Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund said in her blog "...it's OK not to be perfect. It's OK to have things you struggle with...everyone does. You are not a 2-dimensional image in a magazine. You are a real, living, breathing 3-dimensional woman. You are amazing and special and unique because you are YOU. And no one else can offer the world what you can. Love yourself. Respect your body. Rock on."
I like what Kirsten said a lot, so instead of focusing on the those 97 percent of bad thought numbers, I spotted a list in the article that talks about a few things women can do every day to feel better and live healthier, happier lives. From the Glamour article, here are a few positive things to try when you get into a bad cycle of putting yourself down: say stop, appreciate your body, play up your strengths, and basically rewire your brain to not distract yourself into putting down your own body image when something else is really bothering you.
I believe Miss America is about beauty. I believe the true beauty of Miss America starts inside our hearts, at the national pageant, the state competitions, and even at the local level. I believe every single local titleholder is a beautiful, talented, amazing young woman who will change the world. I believe 100% of the woman in the program will do great things in their communities this year. And that is true beauty. So in the words of Kirsten Haglund, Rock On!
According to the story and survey by Glamour, 97 percent of women have at least one negative thought about their body image every single day. They say on average, a woman has about 13 negative thoughts about her body each day, which accounts for one negative thought every hour she is awake. Enough already!
As Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund said in her blog "...it's OK not to be perfect. It's OK to have things you struggle with...everyone does. You are not a 2-dimensional image in a magazine. You are a real, living, breathing 3-dimensional woman. You are amazing and special and unique because you are YOU. And no one else can offer the world what you can. Love yourself. Respect your body. Rock on."
I like what Kirsten said a lot, so instead of focusing on the those 97 percent of bad thought numbers, I spotted a list in the article that talks about a few things women can do every day to feel better and live healthier, happier lives. From the Glamour article, here are a few positive things to try when you get into a bad cycle of putting yourself down: say stop, appreciate your body, play up your strengths, and basically rewire your brain to not distract yourself into putting down your own body image when something else is really bothering you.
I believe Miss America is about beauty. I believe the true beauty of Miss America starts inside our hearts, at the national pageant, the state competitions, and even at the local level. I believe every single local titleholder is a beautiful, talented, amazing young woman who will change the world. I believe 100% of the woman in the program will do great things in their communities this year. And that is true beauty. So in the words of Kirsten Haglund, Rock On!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Kentucky students rally for a tougher anti-bullying law
Recently in Indiana, a proposed change in Indiana's anti-bullying law failed to gain committee support. I am really hopeful we might see another proposal in Indiana soon.
In Kentucky, I am proud to report that students are making good progress to get more protection at school-sponsored events. Kentucky House Bill 370 was approved 21 to 1 at committee and now heads to the full house for debate.
Kentucky students testified before the house education committee on Tuesday, making it clear that even with the existing Kentucky anti-bullying law, they still need more help. This amendment to Kentucky House Bill 370 would protect victims at school-sponsored events and might even add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under the current law.
Students in Kentucky plan to rally today for support of 370, and I hope everyone takes notice of how important this problem is in every single community in America.
Take a stand, make your voice heard, and do something today to make life better for kids in your community.
In Kentucky, I am proud to report that students are making good progress to get more protection at school-sponsored events. Kentucky House Bill 370 was approved 21 to 1 at committee and now heads to the full house for debate.
Kentucky students testified before the house education committee on Tuesday, making it clear that even with the existing Kentucky anti-bullying law, they still need more help. This amendment to Kentucky House Bill 370 would protect victims at school-sponsored events and might even add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under the current law.
Students in Kentucky plan to rally today for support of 370, and I hope everyone takes notice of how important this problem is in every single community in America.
Take a stand, make your voice heard, and do something today to make life better for kids in your community.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Senate Bill 538 on bullying prevention doesn't move past committee vote in Indiana legislature
I was really excited about Indiana Senate Bill 538 during this legislative session. But as the midpoint of the session nears, I was really hopeful the legislature might have thought more about Billy Lucus from Greensburg when they considered enhancements to Indiana's anti-bullying law. Many of you know Billy's story, and how his life came to a tragic end after he was bullied relentlessly.
Unfortunately, the Senate Education and Career Development Committee voted three to five, rejecting the enhancement to Indiana's anti-bullying law. I wrote in an earlier post how excited I was about the proposed changes, so I hope we see another proposal soon.
Senator Tom Wyss authored the bill, and Senators Dennis Kruse, Frank Mrvan and Tim Skinner voted in favor of the proposal. Opposing SB 538 were Senators Carlin Yoder, Jim Banks, Jim Buck, Jean Leising and Scott Schneider. I hope you might take a minute to contact your representatives in the Indiana legislature and let them know you want to see Indiana have a stronger anti-bullying law. Indiana does have an existing law, but we we can do better. We can do so much better, and when we think about Billy Lucas and all the kids who experience bullying everyday, I think we can all agree on one thing: we need to do better.
Unfortunately, the Senate Education and Career Development Committee voted three to five, rejecting the enhancement to Indiana's anti-bullying law. I wrote in an earlier post how excited I was about the proposed changes, so I hope we see another proposal soon.
Senator Tom Wyss authored the bill, and Senators Dennis Kruse, Frank Mrvan and Tim Skinner voted in favor of the proposal. Opposing SB 538 were Senators Carlin Yoder, Jim Banks, Jim Buck, Jean Leising and Scott Schneider. I hope you might take a minute to contact your representatives in the Indiana legislature and let them know you want to see Indiana have a stronger anti-bullying law. Indiana does have an existing law, but we we can do better. We can do so much better, and when we think about Billy Lucas and all the kids who experience bullying everyday, I think we can all agree on one thing: we need to do better.
Going for the gold at state solo and ensemble competition
On Saturday, February 19th the Indiana State School Music Associate, or ISSMA, held state finals for solo and ensemble, and I was lucky enough to go with a really talented group from my school. I compete in a division where I sing in a group of four and you can imagine how hard we had been working this year to get to state.
ISSMA solo and ensemble was held at Perry Meridian High School near Indianapolis, and on Saturday that place was hopping. A friend of mine said it looked like school was in session, and I can see why. Just about every room was filled with people warming up and competing.
ISSMA has a very detailed schedule and competition times are listed down to the minute, so when the minute came for my group to perform, we were ready! And when the results were in we found out the great news: all of our hard work got us a gold medal!
Since I'm a senior in high school this year, that gold medal is the prize I get for working so hard with solo and ensemble over the past few years. That gold medal is on my mantel right now.
While I was at ISSMA, the Miss Indiana Trend Show was happening in Zionsville. This is a really cool event, and just one of the many things Miss Indiana contestants do as we get ready for the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant. I couldn't be there because ISSMA was taking place at the same time on the other side of town, but I know all the women looked beautiful and the show was a huge success. Go Miss Indiana!
So the lesson for this week is always remember to go for the gold, dream big and fly high!
ISSMA solo and ensemble was held at Perry Meridian High School near Indianapolis, and on Saturday that place was hopping. A friend of mine said it looked like school was in session, and I can see why. Just about every room was filled with people warming up and competing.
ISSMA has a very detailed schedule and competition times are listed down to the minute, so when the minute came for my group to perform, we were ready! And when the results were in we found out the great news: all of our hard work got us a gold medal!
Since I'm a senior in high school this year, that gold medal is the prize I get for working so hard with solo and ensemble over the past few years. That gold medal is on my mantel right now.
While I was at ISSMA, the Miss Indiana Trend Show was happening in Zionsville. This is a really cool event, and just one of the many things Miss Indiana contestants do as we get ready for the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant. I couldn't be there because ISSMA was taking place at the same time on the other side of town, but I know all the women looked beautiful and the show was a huge success. Go Miss Indiana!
So the lesson for this week is always remember to go for the gold, dream big and fly high!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Janet Jackson talks about her struggles with weight and body image on the Piers Morgan show
Janet Jackson has a new book called "True You," and as I'm getting ready to be a contestant in the 2011 Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant, I've been giving a lot of thought to the true me.
Miss America Kirsten Haglund talked a lot about body image, and I remember seeing the encouraging things she wrote on her blog. She would talk about how women are so much more than the measure of their waist lines.
Janet Jackson was so honest on the Piers Morgan show. She said "There was a time when I was so down and felt so unattractive and it lasted for a very, very long time." During the interview she said how she actually used to bang her head against a wall during her lifelong body image struggles.
I'm really excited about the Miss Indiana Pageant. I'm also really excited about graduating from high school this year and starting college. I think all of us struggle with our image and one point or another. I know those judges scores are going to be so important come state week. But there is another score that is far more important, and that is the score we give ourselves, the belief we have in ourselves when we look in that mirror, and the beauty that other people can see in our hearts.
Someone once told me that I could measure the success of my year by counting the number of children I make smile. How many people will you make smile today?
Miss America Kirsten Haglund talked a lot about body image, and I remember seeing the encouraging things she wrote on her blog. She would talk about how women are so much more than the measure of their waist lines.
Janet Jackson was so honest on the Piers Morgan show. She said "There was a time when I was so down and felt so unattractive and it lasted for a very, very long time." During the interview she said how she actually used to bang her head against a wall during her lifelong body image struggles.
I'm really excited about the Miss Indiana Pageant. I'm also really excited about graduating from high school this year and starting college. I think all of us struggle with our image and one point or another. I know those judges scores are going to be so important come state week. But there is another score that is far more important, and that is the score we give ourselves, the belief we have in ourselves when we look in that mirror, and the beauty that other people can see in our hearts.
Someone once told me that I could measure the success of my year by counting the number of children I make smile. How many people will you make smile today?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Indiana General Assembly considers legislation on bullying prevention
Senate Bill 538 on bullying prevention is supported by the Midwest Bullying Prevention Project, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and the Children's Coalition of Indiana, and the Senate committee will vote on the proposal on Wednesday, February 16th.
Senate Bill 538 has some new ideas about how to involve the department of education in bully prevention. Most of you know by now that I am an advocate for Happy Kids & Safe Schools, and eliminating bullying from our schools is one of my biggest priorities. I am really happy to see the assembly consider SB 538.
Under this proposal, the department of education would be responsible for making sure schools have prevention plans - this is a really big step in the right direction. Also, schools might be required to publish information in their annual reports about how bullying is impacting kids in their district. These reports might even include statistics on how many incidents of bullying take place at schools. More prevention plans and more accurate information about the problem could really help reduce bullying in schools.
I hope many of you will take a minute to contact your representative and let them know you support legislation that protects kids in Indiana and helps create safer schools.
Senate Bill 538 has some new ideas about how to involve the department of education in bully prevention. Most of you know by now that I am an advocate for Happy Kids & Safe Schools, and eliminating bullying from our schools is one of my biggest priorities. I am really happy to see the assembly consider SB 538.
Under this proposal, the department of education would be responsible for making sure schools have prevention plans - this is a really big step in the right direction. Also, schools might be required to publish information in their annual reports about how bullying is impacting kids in their district. These reports might even include statistics on how many incidents of bullying take place at schools. More prevention plans and more accurate information about the problem could really help reduce bullying in schools.
I hope many of you will take a minute to contact your representative and let them know you support legislation that protects kids in Indiana and helps create safer schools.
Monday, February 14, 2011
First Conference on Bullying in Orlando is this week!
The First Annual Conference on Bullying is being held this week in Orlando! This might be the first national conference about bullying, and I am really excited to see the program open with a speaker from the U.S. Department of Education. My personal platform is Happy Kids & Safe Schools, with a focus on eliminating bullying from our schools and creating safe community environments.
The First Annual Conference on Bullying in Orlando features three days of sessions and even includes information about cyber bullying and the public health issues created by bullying.
This is the first national conference about bullying, and creating this discussion on the national level is a big step in the right direction.
The First Annual Conference on Bullying in Orlando features three days of sessions and even includes information about cyber bullying and the public health issues created by bullying.
This is the first national conference about bullying, and creating this discussion on the national level is a big step in the right direction.
Congratulations to Miss Purdue 2011 MerrieBeth Cox!
Congratulations to Miss Purdue University 2011 MerrieBeth Cox. MerrieBeth was crowned at the Miss Purdue Pageant this past weekend in West Lafayette. I am really excited to be competing with MerrieBeth for the title of Miss Indiana in June in Zionsville.
For those of you who might be new to my pageant journey, I compete in the Miss Indiana program. To compete at Miss Indiana, girls must first win a preliminary pageant. By winning a preliminary pageant, and there are about 30 of them in Indiana, a young woman becomes what we call a local titleholder. My local title is Miss South Central, and MerrieBeth's is Miss Purdue. Being a local titleholder is kind of like being a mini-Miss Indiana, so we make appearances in our communities and advocate for our personal platforms.
I'm excited for MerrieBeth Cox to be Miss Purdue University 2011! Remember, you can see a full list of 2011 Miss Indiana contestants on my Road to Miss Indiana page.
For those of you who might be new to my pageant journey, I compete in the Miss Indiana program. To compete at Miss Indiana, girls must first win a preliminary pageant. By winning a preliminary pageant, and there are about 30 of them in Indiana, a young woman becomes what we call a local titleholder. My local title is Miss South Central, and MerrieBeth's is Miss Purdue. Being a local titleholder is kind of like being a mini-Miss Indiana, so we make appearances in our communities and advocate for our personal platforms.
I'm excited for MerrieBeth Cox to be Miss Purdue University 2011! Remember, you can see a full list of 2011 Miss Indiana contestants on my Road to Miss Indiana page.
Friday, February 11, 2011
What do you think about the First Lady Michelle Obama saying her dauhgters aren't on Facebook?
On a recent interview on the Today Show, First Lady Michelle Obama mentioned that her two daughters are not on Facebook.
The First Lady said "I'm not a big fan of young kids having Facebook. It's not something they need, it's not necessary right now."
There has been a lot of conversations happening about her statement. Facebook has an official policy that keeps young kids from having profiles, but I suspect some kids probably get on Facebook anyway.
With my personal platform of Happy Kids and Safe Schools, I know that social networks like Facebook can be big part of the solution, but I also know that we've seen some things in the news that should make us all think twice about what we can do to keep kids safe online.
So what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the First Lady?
The First Lady said "I'm not a big fan of young kids having Facebook. It's not something they need, it's not necessary right now."
There has been a lot of conversations happening about her statement. Facebook has an official policy that keeps young kids from having profiles, but I suspect some kids probably get on Facebook anyway.
With my personal platform of Happy Kids and Safe Schools, I know that social networks like Facebook can be big part of the solution, but I also know that we've seen some things in the news that should make us all think twice about what we can do to keep kids safe online.
So what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the First Lady?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
National Stop Bullying Day!
February 9th is National Stop Bullying Day! Bullying is a problem that effects kids in every single classroom in America, so I hope you will take a few minutes today to think about the important people in your life and what you can do to help.
Stop Bullying Now! Go the the national Stop Bullying Now! campaign online and learn what you can do to help, and as they say, take a stand and lend a hand.
Remember, many kids are afraid to ask an adult for help if they are being bullied, so I hope today you might lend a hand. How do you lend a hand? If you see someone who might be getting bullied, report what you see to a teacher, principal or another person you trust. Don't worry, talking to an adult is the right thing to do, and will make your school a better place for everyone. You don't have to say much, just tell the adult that you notice a person might be having trouble, and ask them to check in to make sure everything is okay. It is really that simple. Take a stand and lend a hand. I like it, and I know simple things like this go a long way in making the day better for kids across the country.
Stop Bullying Now! Go the the national Stop Bullying Now! campaign online and learn what you can do to help, and as they say, take a stand and lend a hand.
Remember, many kids are afraid to ask an adult for help if they are being bullied, so I hope today you might lend a hand. How do you lend a hand? If you see someone who might be getting bullied, report what you see to a teacher, principal or another person you trust. Don't worry, talking to an adult is the right thing to do, and will make your school a better place for everyone. You don't have to say much, just tell the adult that you notice a person might be having trouble, and ask them to check in to make sure everything is okay. It is really that simple. Take a stand and lend a hand. I like it, and I know simple things like this go a long way in making the day better for kids across the country.
Monday, February 7, 2011
My Big Amazing Adventure!
Welcome to my new blog! I am so excited to have this blog as a chance to connect with people and share stories about my adventures. One of the things I am most passionate about is my personal platform. Happy Kids and Safe Schools is my way of promoting safe school and community environments that are free from negative peer pressure and bullying, so you are sure to hear a lot from me on this topic. I'll share important news and point you toward helpful resources in my blog entries. But that's not all, because I'll be writing about my senior year of high school, my search for the right college, my dream of becoming a professional vocalist, and much more! And you will hear a lot about my journey in the Miss America Organization and my time as a local titleholder with the Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant.
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