We started out the weekend bright and early on Saturday morning for the Armed Forces Parade in Watertown. It was this event that marked the first appearance by our new Star Princesses, Joelle Leek and Sarah Roux. Joelle and Sarah will travel to Staten Island for the Miss New York pageant, where they will officially be crowned. They will have the opportunity to work with our choreographer and meet several other young girls participating in the new Star Princess mentoring program, and even go on stage at the pageant! The Star Princess program is not a pageant, and aims to prepare young girls, ages 5 - 12, for the Miss America pageant system through mentorship.
And here they are! Sarah on the left, Joelle on the right!
Saturday, May 21, brought large crowds and excitement to Clayton, NY. And no, the people of the Thousand Islands did not gather to prepare for the Rapture, but rather to celebrate classic cars. Now, I don't know much about classic cars, or cars in general for that matter, but it was hard not to appreciate the sleek beauty, and fabulous colors, of all of the cars that came to the Highway Legends Classic Car Show. It was my honor to, along with Kaili, and one of my princesses, Joelle, choose the car that would receive the Miss Thousand Islands Award. Kaili happens to be the guru of classic, and non-classic, cars. While I scoped the lot for a car that would best represent our organization using the criteria of unique and beautiful colors, Kaili could hardly choose because she was so enamored by all of them. She even got to "test drive" a few for a photo op. In the end, we all agreed on a turquoise one, that I cannot remember the make and model of right now. I have to say, although the winner was cool, I have to say that my favorite was a bright purple and clean white car that reminded me of something from a 60s movie.
Throughout the day, I signed several autographs for some of the cutest little kids, and even took some pictures! I met the sweetest elderly lady who was dressed up in a poodle skirt that she had sewn just for this occasion! Many of the car show goers were dressed to reflect the era of the car that they had brought. In fact, it was my pleasure to host and judge a fashion show held later in the day! Along with Kaili, Shelby, and Sue, I enjoyed a small showcase of people who had worked hard to create a costume, complete with hair and accessories, that reflected their car's era. In the end, we awarded each contestant with a first place prize because everyone was so creative. According to one of the event coordinators, fashion shows at larger car shows are becoming very popular, and their chapter of Highway Legends hopes that while their car show grows, so will the fashion show!
Shelby & I taking a break from tabling!
Almost as soon as the fashion show had ended, I hurried out of the arena and drove home to meet my family and Tony to leave for Ithaca. After three years at Ithaca College, I turned my tassle yesterday morning at the Ithaca College Class of 2011 commencement. It was an exciting milestone in my life, and I am glad that I took the time to be there. It was just November when I found out that by taking a few online classes this summer, that I could graduate an entire year early. While it was bittersweet to leave my friends, the decision was the right one for me.
With 1600 students in the graduating class, it took an hour to process across campus and into the football stadium. When we finally were seated, we were so lucky to enjoy addresses not only by Tom Rochon, the college president, but also by Dorothy Cotton, a woman who traveled the world with Martin Luther King, Jr. and David Muir, Ithaca College '95. You may also recognize David Muir from the ABC World News! His address was so interesting and inspiring. His message was to use our voices, and through personal stories from world events in Cairo, Japan, Haiti, and New Orleans, he communicated this message very clearly. At the end of his speech, he recorded us on his phone and showed the clip on the news last night! If you visit you can hear his speech, and see our class! You can see me up close at 18:07! Following the ceremony, I introduced my family and Tony to two of my favorite professors, met up with my boss, and then celebrated in my apartment with a delicious spread of food, and packing! Pictures to come!
Now that I am done with college, aside from the online classes I still have to take, my focus is completely on preparing for Miss New York. In the past few weeks I have been spending extra time working out, practicing my talent, and securing my entire wardrobe for the pageant. With less than a month until my departure for state week, I am excited, overwhelmed, and busy! I am really looking forward to the entire experience, and can't wait to tell you all about it!
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