If you are a pageant contestant or titleholder like me, you probably have lots of dresses hanging in your closet. With prom and spring dances happening right now for so many girls across the country I want to encourage everyone to share a dress.
Sharing a dress means donating one of your old gowns or dresses to an organization that gives them to girls to wear to prom or formal dances. It is easy to forget how blessed we are to have lots of great dresses hanging in our closets. There are young women in all of our communities who want to go to prom but can't afford to buy a dress. Maybe you know a youth program or church group, or maybe you just mention to a few teachers that you have dresses to lend or give away to a young woman who needs a dress for prom. Chances are you have a dress you could donate.
There are lots of ways to donate your old dresses if you do a little searching online, plus you can do things in your own community. You might even contact your church or school to see about creating a dress closet in your community.
So look for ways to share your dresses. Some of your dresses probably have some great memories attached them, and it would be a wonderful next step in the life of a dress to make a girl's day by helping her go to prom.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Nickelodeon public service campaign to stop bullying
This week we will start to see a new public service campaign on the Nickelodeon network aimed at the prevention of cyberbullying. Nickelodeon says these new ads could run for up to two years, which is a huge step in the right direction.
Miranda Cosgrove from ICarly is part of the campaign, and the ads focus on telling kids it is okay to stand up for themselves and report bullying. The ads give advice for kids to sign off of computers and block messages from bullies instead of replying.
In a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, experts said Facebook and other social media websites can enrich children's lives, but the might also be hazardous to mental and physical health. Gwenn O'Keeffe, the co-author of the report, said some children may be at particular risk, and encouraged parents to be involved in their kids when it comes to online activity and cell phone use.
The prevention of bullying and negative peer pressure is my personal platform, and I promote this through my Happy Kids Safe Schools program. Throughout the year I will be posting news about bullying, and to learn more please check out the Happy Kids Safe Schools section on my blog.
Miranda Cosgrove from ICarly is part of the campaign, and the ads focus on telling kids it is okay to stand up for themselves and report bullying. The ads give advice for kids to sign off of computers and block messages from bullies instead of replying.
In a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, experts said Facebook and other social media websites can enrich children's lives, but the might also be hazardous to mental and physical health. Gwenn O'Keeffe, the co-author of the report, said some children may be at particular risk, and encouraged parents to be involved in their kids when it comes to online activity and cell phone use.
The prevention of bullying and negative peer pressure is my personal platform, and I promote this through my Happy Kids Safe Schools program. Throughout the year I will be posting news about bullying, and to learn more please check out the Happy Kids Safe Schools section on my blog.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Jessica Leedy is Miss Fort Wayne 2011!
Congratulations to Miss Fort Wayne 2011 Jessica Leedy! Jessica competed among a field of five contestants to win this year's Miss Fort Wayne title and advances to the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant.
Miss Indiana is a week long event in historic Zionsville, located on the north side of Indianapolis. Tickets for the pageant will be available soon, but there are lots of chances for the entire family to meet the Miss Indiana contestants. During the week we will visit Riley Hospital for Children (I am so excited to visit Riley!) and make many appearances in the Indianapolis area. One of the events I am looking forward to the most is the parade through downtown Zionsville which takes place on the same Saturday as the final night of the Miss Indiana competition. The parade is absolutely free to attend, so I want everyone to come out and cheer for all the local titleholders in the Miss America Organization as we go by in our convertibles. Right after the parade you can meet me and the other titleholders during the Miss Indiana autograph session. Its the best way to spend the afternoon strolling and shopping in Zionsville, plus you can meet your favorite titleholders and get autographed pictures.
Visit the Miss Indiana website for all the details, and keep checking my Road to Miss Indiana section for a complete list of this year's local titleholders competing in the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant!
Miss Indiana is a week long event in historic Zionsville, located on the north side of Indianapolis. Tickets for the pageant will be available soon, but there are lots of chances for the entire family to meet the Miss Indiana contestants. During the week we will visit Riley Hospital for Children (I am so excited to visit Riley!) and make many appearances in the Indianapolis area. One of the events I am looking forward to the most is the parade through downtown Zionsville which takes place on the same Saturday as the final night of the Miss Indiana competition. The parade is absolutely free to attend, so I want everyone to come out and cheer for all the local titleholders in the Miss America Organization as we go by in our convertibles. Right after the parade you can meet me and the other titleholders during the Miss Indiana autograph session. Its the best way to spend the afternoon strolling and shopping in Zionsville, plus you can meet your favorite titleholders and get autographed pictures.
Visit the Miss Indiana website for all the details, and keep checking my Road to Miss Indiana section for a complete list of this year's local titleholders competing in the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant!
Congratulations to Miss Indiana University Jaclyn Fenwick!
Congratulations to the new Miss Indiana University, Jaclyn Fenwick! I was excited to be at the Miss IU pageant in Bloomington on Sunday night to see Jaclyn crowned, and I can't wait to see Jaclyn and all the Miss Indiana contestants at the 2011 Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant to be held in June in Zionsville. Jaclyn competed among a field of 11 contestants to win the title of Miss Indiana University.
Don't forget, Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids is coming up on May 1st! Get in touch with me for more information or visit the Miss Indiana website to get all the details. Teams are forming now for the 2nd annual Miracle Bowl for Kids to be held in the Indianapolis area, and this event benefits the Childrens Miracle Network.
Find a list of the all the 2011 contestants for the Miss Indiana pageant on my Road to Miss Indiana page by clicking on the tab at the top of the page.
Don't forget, Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids is coming up on May 1st! Get in touch with me for more information or visit the Miss Indiana website to get all the details. Teams are forming now for the 2nd annual Miracle Bowl for Kids to be held in the Indianapolis area, and this event benefits the Childrens Miracle Network.
Find a list of the all the 2011 contestants for the Miss Indiana pageant on my Road to Miss Indiana page by clicking on the tab at the top of the page.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Congratulations to Miss Ball State University 2011 Kara Mitchell!
A big congratulations to Miss Ball State University 2011 Kara Mitchell!
Don't forget teams are forming now for the second annual Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids to be held in May in Indianapolis. Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids raises money for the Children's Miracle Network. Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis is the only CMN hospital in Indiana.
You can support Riley and CMN buy joining the Miracle Bowl team with your favorite Miss Indiana local titleholder, or look for the CMN balloons or Riley wagons to donate a few dollars whenever you shop.
Look for more info about Miracle Bowl for Kids on the Miss Indiana website, and be sure to check my Road to Miss Indiana page for a complete list of local titleholders who will compete at the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant!
Don't forget teams are forming now for the second annual Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids to be held in May in Indianapolis. Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids raises money for the Children's Miracle Network. Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis is the only CMN hospital in Indiana.
You can support Riley and CMN buy joining the Miracle Bowl team with your favorite Miss Indiana local titleholder, or look for the CMN balloons or Riley wagons to donate a few dollars whenever you shop.
Look for more info about Miracle Bowl for Kids on the Miss Indiana website, and be sure to check my Road to Miss Indiana page for a complete list of local titleholders who will compete at the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant!
Congratulations to Miss Huntington 2011 Mindi Hoffman!
Congratulations to Miss Huntington 2011 Mindi Hoffman! Mindi is a very talented vocalist will be an amazing representative of the Miss Huntington program.
Be sure to follow all of the Miss Indiana contestants as we head toward the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant to be held in June in Zionsville, Indiana. Miss Indiana is a week-long event that includes several nights of prelims, the Miss Indiana's Outstanding Teen Pageant, and the Miss Indiana finals on Saturday night.
I hope to see you all there cheering on your favorite contestant!
Be sure to follow all of the Miss Indiana contestants as we head toward the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant to be held in June in Zionsville, Indiana. Miss Indiana is a week-long event that includes several nights of prelims, the Miss Indiana's Outstanding Teen Pageant, and the Miss Indiana finals on Saturday night.
I hope to see you all there cheering on your favorite contestant!
Congratulations to Miss Vincennes University 2011 Alexia Brower as Miss VU celebrates 45th anniversary!
A big congratulations to Alexia Brower, Miss Vincennes University 2011! Alexia will compete at the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant in Zionsville in June, and I can't wait to see Alexia again and meet all the contestants. I am really getting excited!
Alexia has the honor of being crowned at the 45th anniversary of the Miss Vincennes Scholarship Pageant. Miss Vincennes University is probably the oldest preliminary to Miss Indiana, and it was an amazing night filled with former titleholders sharing their memories about the program.
Miss VU Alexia has been added to my Road to Miss Indiana page, so be sure to keep checking back as we get closer to Miss Indiana in June!
Alexia has the honor of being crowned at the 45th anniversary of the Miss Vincennes Scholarship Pageant. Miss Vincennes University is probably the oldest preliminary to Miss Indiana, and it was an amazing night filled with former titleholders sharing their memories about the program.
Miss VU Alexia has been added to my Road to Miss Indiana page, so be sure to keep checking back as we get closer to Miss Indiana in June!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Think about volunteering with an alternative spring break program
I am so happy the weather is finally getting warmer, and since it is spring break time for lots of students I wanted to remind everyone about the volunteer opportunities with many alternative spring break programs. I think the farmers almanac predicted an old fashioned winter, so its time to shake off the winter blues and enjoy the fun and sun.
Alternative spring break programs allow students to use their time away from school to do good work in their communities. An alternative spring break program my put you in your own backyard or give you the chance to travel to a distant country. The bottom line: it is about using your time to make a difference in the world.
If the chance to do volunteer work on spring break sounds interesting to you, try searching online or asking at your school about the possibilities. And don't worry, even if you can't find a program you can still do something on your own. You don't have to spend your entire spring break volunteering. Instead you might focus on doing one simple good deed every day, or maybe spending a few hours on a single volunteer project.
No matter what you do, I hope you remember to give back, return favors, and pay it forward.
Alternative spring break programs allow students to use their time away from school to do good work in their communities. An alternative spring break program my put you in your own backyard or give you the chance to travel to a distant country. The bottom line: it is about using your time to make a difference in the world.
If the chance to do volunteer work on spring break sounds interesting to you, try searching online or asking at your school about the possibilities. And don't worry, even if you can't find a program you can still do something on your own. You don't have to spend your entire spring break volunteering. Instead you might focus on doing one simple good deed every day, or maybe spending a few hours on a single volunteer project.
No matter what you do, I hope you remember to give back, return favors, and pay it forward.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Indiana House stays in the news with lots of statehouse demostrations
There is so much happening with the Indiana legislature this session it is getting difficult to keep up with it all! Indiana House Democrats walked out several weeks ago, and even with news of talks between party leaders it still seems this year's legislative session in Indiana may not be as productive as we would have hoped.
Last week in Indianapolis we saw one of the largest demonstrations at the Statehouse as thousands of union members took to the streets of downtown to make their voices heard. Labor issues and public education sure seem to be at the top of the list of big challenges we need to tackle this year. The demonstrations about changes to the Indiana Constitution are very important, as House Joint Resolution 6 will likely go before a Senate committee later this week. No matter where you stand on HJR 6, keep in mind that to become part of the state constitution, the resolution must pass the current legislature, pass the one elected in 2012, and then get voter approval in the 2014 general election. For all you students out there who are in college or headed there soon, keep an eye on legislation that deals with state funding for Indiana colleges and universities. Governor Daniels has made college funding a frequent topic of discussion so it will be interesting to see if any big changes happen during this session.
Outside of Indiana, the news coming out of Japan is very troubling. I'm very sad to see daily reports with growing numbers of people who have been hurt, plus thousands more have lost their lives in this terrible disaster. Please keep these people in your thoughts, and even better, find a way for this to be your inspiration to do good work in your own community, and be ready to help when help is needed close at home.
Last week in Indianapolis we saw one of the largest demonstrations at the Statehouse as thousands of union members took to the streets of downtown to make their voices heard. Labor issues and public education sure seem to be at the top of the list of big challenges we need to tackle this year. The demonstrations about changes to the Indiana Constitution are very important, as House Joint Resolution 6 will likely go before a Senate committee later this week. No matter where you stand on HJR 6, keep in mind that to become part of the state constitution, the resolution must pass the current legislature, pass the one elected in 2012, and then get voter approval in the 2014 general election. For all you students out there who are in college or headed there soon, keep an eye on legislation that deals with state funding for Indiana colleges and universities. Governor Daniels has made college funding a frequent topic of discussion so it will be interesting to see if any big changes happen during this session.
Outside of Indiana, the news coming out of Japan is very troubling. I'm very sad to see daily reports with growing numbers of people who have been hurt, plus thousands more have lost their lives in this terrible disaster. Please keep these people in your thoughts, and even better, find a way for this to be your inspiration to do good work in your own community, and be ready to help when help is needed close at home.
Congratulations to Miss Collegiate North Mallory Bunting!
Congratulations to Mallory Bunting, the winner of the Miss Collegiate North pageant held this past weekend in northern Indiana. As Miss Collegiate North, Mallory will compete among Indiana's most talented and successful young woman at the 2011 Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant to be held in June in Zionsville, Indiana.
I am really excited about the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant and being able to enjoy the entire week making new friends and reconnecting with girls who have been in the program for years. I am really happy Mallory will be in Zionsville and part of Miss Indiana this year.
As we get closer to the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant, be sure to remember that the Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids is coming up in April. Teams are forming now and you can get all the information by contacting me or checking out the Miss Indiana website. Tickets for the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant will be available soon, so keep and eye on the Miss Indiana website for lots of exciting announcements. And for a complete list of the 2011 Miss Indiana local titleholders who will be competing at state this year be sure to check out my Road to Miss Indiana tab.
I am really excited about the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant and being able to enjoy the entire week making new friends and reconnecting with girls who have been in the program for years. I am really happy Mallory will be in Zionsville and part of Miss Indiana this year.
As we get closer to the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant, be sure to remember that the Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids is coming up in April. Teams are forming now and you can get all the information by contacting me or checking out the Miss Indiana website. Tickets for the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant will be available soon, so keep and eye on the Miss Indiana website for lots of exciting announcements. And for a complete list of the 2011 Miss Indiana local titleholders who will be competing at state this year be sure to check out my Road to Miss Indiana tab.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A New Year's Resolution: One Good Deed Each Day
I've been involved in the Miss America Organization for many years as a local titleholder, first in the Outstanding Teen program and this year I am honored to be competing at the Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant in the Miss division. I hope to see many of you in Zionsville in June cheering for me and the other Miss Indiana contestants.
One of the things I like most about Miss America is the focus on service, and I recently saw a story about a 14 year-old girl in Iowa who found a great way to make service part of her daily life. Her name is Maren McNess, and she made a New Year's resolution to do one good deed for someone who needs help every single day.
Maren has made service part of her daily habit, and while the things she does might seem simple, they are very meaningful to the people she helps. And she does all this, all of this giving, every single day, without a crown or sash. She does this because helping people is important.
Miss America is one of the largest volunteer programs in the nation, and those volunteers give from their hearts to make sure contestants and titleholders like me can have special moments and good memories from their year of service.
So I'm going to work just as hard to make sure that I give back to my community in a way that matters, and I already have some good ideas. What will you do to give back today?
One of the things I like most about Miss America is the focus on service, and I recently saw a story about a 14 year-old girl in Iowa who found a great way to make service part of her daily life. Her name is Maren McNess, and she made a New Year's resolution to do one good deed for someone who needs help every single day.
Maren has made service part of her daily habit, and while the things she does might seem simple, they are very meaningful to the people she helps. And she does all this, all of this giving, every single day, without a crown or sash. She does this because helping people is important.
Miss America is one of the largest volunteer programs in the nation, and those volunteers give from their hearts to make sure contestants and titleholders like me can have special moments and good memories from their year of service.
So I'm going to work just as hard to make sure that I give back to my community in a way that matters, and I already have some good ideas. What will you do to give back today?
Monday, March 7, 2011
Congratulations to Miss Duneland 2011 Jackie Jerlecki and Duneland's OT Rebecca Kain
It was a great weekend of pageantry in northern Indiana, and I am excited to congratulate the newly crowned 2011 Miss Duneland Jackie Jerlecki. Jackie is a beautiful young woman and a very talented vocalist. You can see me, Jackie and all the 2011 Miss Indiana contestants compete at the state pageant in June, so I hope you see you there!
I am also proud to announce Rebecca Kain as 2011 Miss Duneland's Outstanding Teen. I have a lot of great memories from the Outstanding Teen program, and I wish Rebecca lots of luck at the state pageant.
The 2011 Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant will be held in June in Zionsville, and I can't wait to get there and meet all the girls!
Coming up in April is the second annual Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids. Miracle Bowl will be held in Indianapolis and you can get all the information on the Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant website.
Don't forget to check my Road to Miss Indiana section to find a complete list of all the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant contestants.
I am also proud to announce Rebecca Kain as 2011 Miss Duneland's Outstanding Teen. I have a lot of great memories from the Outstanding Teen program, and I wish Rebecca lots of luck at the state pageant.
The 2011 Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant will be held in June in Zionsville, and I can't wait to get there and meet all the girls!
Coming up in April is the second annual Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids. Miracle Bowl will be held in Indianapolis and you can get all the information on the Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant website.
Don't forget to check my Road to Miss Indiana section to find a complete list of all the 2011 Miss Indiana Pageant contestants.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Good luck to all the contestants competing for the title of Miss Duneland!
The Miss Duneland pageant will be held Saturday, March 5th in Michigan City, and we will soon have another contestant for the 2011 Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant! I am so excited about the Miss Indiana Pageant in June in Zionsville!
Over 20 of Indiana's most talented and successful young woman have already won local preliminary titles and are headed to the state pageant. The 2011 Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant is sure to be the best ever, and I can't wait to meet the new Miss Duneland.
Don't forget, the Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids will be held in April in Indianapolis, so be sure to visit the Miss Indiana website for all the details.
Over 20 of Indiana's most talented and successful young woman have already won local preliminary titles and are headed to the state pageant. The 2011 Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant is sure to be the best ever, and I can't wait to meet the new Miss Duneland.
Don't forget, the Miss Indiana Miracle Bowl for Kids will be held in April in Indianapolis, so be sure to visit the Miss Indiana website for all the details.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
White House to hold conference on bullying on March 10th, and Kentucky approves new anti-bullying measures at the state level
Last fall, President Obama said that it is time to dispel the myth that bullying is an inevitable part of growing up. You might remember the It Gets Better campaign and how President Obama recorded a video for the project.
Bullying is clearly gaining traction as a nationally important issue, and I hope that when the Indiana House gets back to business their still might be a chance for an improved bullying law to be passed this session. Kentucky got it done, and the first national bullying conference was held in Florida, so I'm happy about the progress happening around the country.
Kentucky lawmakers quickly voted to approve their state bill following an emotional testimony by a thirteen year old student who had been bullied at school. I applaud Kentucky for taking this important step forward.
White House Domestic Policy Advisor Melody Barnes said that the conference is an event that would include President Obama and the Education and Health and Human Services Department.
Spring in upon us, and now is a good time to take a stand and start advocating for Happy Kids and Safe Schools in your community. My challenge to students, parents and teachers: speak up now and tell your school administrators and representatives that we need better policies and laws to protect our children.
Be the change you wish to see in the world! Take a stand!
Bullying is clearly gaining traction as a nationally important issue, and I hope that when the Indiana House gets back to business their still might be a chance for an improved bullying law to be passed this session. Kentucky got it done, and the first national bullying conference was held in Florida, so I'm happy about the progress happening around the country.
Kentucky lawmakers quickly voted to approve their state bill following an emotional testimony by a thirteen year old student who had been bullied at school. I applaud Kentucky for taking this important step forward.
White House Domestic Policy Advisor Melody Barnes said that the conference is an event that would include President Obama and the Education and Health and Human Services Department.
Spring in upon us, and now is a good time to take a stand and start advocating for Happy Kids and Safe Schools in your community. My challenge to students, parents and teachers: speak up now and tell your school administrators and representatives that we need better policies and laws to protect our children.
Be the change you wish to see in the world! Take a stand!
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