At Miss America Preliminary Night 1

What? I had to make sure they tasted good???

Wowza! I can't believe how fun, crazy and jam packed February has been! From Miss America in Vegas...a road trip to Oklahoma...volunteering in Lincoln...and Children's Miracle Network fund raising...I have A LOT to share. So, as my favorite Julie Andrews song in The Sounds of Music says, "Lets start from the very beginning, a very good place to start".

There She is...
The action packed week at Miss America in Las Vegas was truly amazing. What an honor is was to be there in person to watch Ashley compete on the Miss America stage. Everyone from Nebraska was SO very proud of the grace and talent she exuded all week! Of course Vegas wouldn't have been complete without shopping, shopping, shopping! The other 6 Nebraska local titleholders and I had so much fun roaming the boutiques and exploring all of the sights. What better place to get you in the mood to compete in Miss Nebraska then at Miss America.

Studio 2-B...
As soon as our plane hit the ground, preparations and appearances began. I started off with a Studio-2B Girl Scout training intensive retreat. Leaders and advisor's from all over the state gathered to learn and discuss the importance of fostering self-esteem in adolescent girls and how we can guide and mentor them along the way. My group of girls at Park Middle School continues to keep me on my toes. We started a new discussion about "Taking Charge" and the girls have done activities that illustrate that mentality. From kick boxing to learning to eat healthy, we are learning a lot together! I couldn't be more proud of them and they continue to reaffirm why I am so passionate about my platform. Another exciting note...I have produced and filmed a Public Service Announcement about Girl Scouts/Self Esteem that will air on t.v. woohooo:-) I'm working on uploading the link so I can share it with you.

Pancake Princess...
Not really, but I did have the opportunity to help raise funds for Children's Miracle Network National Pancake day. This day was sponsored by the famous, and delicious eatery, IHOP. All across the country IHOP restaraunts' were offering free short stacks of pancakes in exchange for a donation that would benefit Childrens' Miracle Network. I visited a local IHOP in Lincoln where I got to talk to the customers about the Miss America and CMN partnership as well as mingle and take photos. I could not BELIEVE the attendance and the support that this event garnered. Everyone who walked through the door was open and eager to chat about the event as well as donate to the worthwhile cause. I had so much visiting with the staff and customers and I even made some new little friends. I'm really looking forward to another CMN fundraiser I will be participating in this week called Dance Marathon. I love to bust a dance move and the theme is "Shake Your Miracle Maker" which includes 14 hours of dancing and entertainment with proceeds benefiting CMN.

Finally, I couldn't round the month out without going on a road trip. So... my Dad and I did what we do best and drove to Oklahoma! Preparations, shopping and driving all went splendidly.

My novel of a post is complete, for now anyway!
Love and Belief,
Brittany