Girls State Week at Michigan State University!

June 14-21st found me attending Girls State at Michigan State University where girls from all over the state converged to learn more about how how government is run through mock elections, proposals, and every aspect of government.

I had a very sweet roommate named Emily and she was another red haired girl with very white skin just like me! We had a nice room where the bed was up high to the ceiling and the desk and drawers were underneath. Very different than I expected, but very comfortable.

On the second day I was very excited to be elected as the Mental Health Director and came up with a brilliant plan to save hundreds of thousands of dollars to implement excellent mental health care (and general hospital care) during the week until an unexpected natural disaster (a flood) destroyed my building!!!!! How rude!!! But it was all in good fun and I learned more than I ever wanted to know about how our State is run! Governor Granholm sure has her hands full!

I sang in the Girls State Choir (and got to sing on the Capital's steps) in Lansing, but did not get to see Gov Granhom during this trip. Although I did not bring home any awards it was a very enriching experience and I am so glad I was able to participate! I am now ready to return to address Congress again with a deeper understanding of our government system!

Summer Special Olympics!! :)

Returning to volunteer again for the Special Olympics was a highlight of my reign! This time it was the Summer Olympics and they did not disappoint! These athletes worked so hard to compete at their best and I was very proud of each and every one of them! It was so nice to see so many of them had come to the Summer games after I watched them compete this Winter up in Traverse City! The summer games were at Central Michigan University May 29-31st. I had never been there before and it was an amazing place!

My mom and I stayed in a student dormitory where several athletes also stayed. Our room was HUGE and really meant for four people so we only used half of the space. The night before we left the Olympics a funny thing happened. Mom and I were headed back up to the room for the night when I pulled the room key out of my purse and it fell out of my hand and down into the elevator shaft!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You could pay me a million dollars and I couldn't do it again!!! It was so embarrassing to have this happen in front of so many people waiting to get on the elevator, but all I could do was laugh!!

The closing ceremony and the dance is always a fun time! Everyone loves to dance to "YMCA" which is always led by the police and military ~ boy they can dance! Imagine my surprise when last year's Miss Michigan Teen USA 2007 Caitlin Klug showed up at the dance with her beautiful smile!! I was so surprised and and happy to see her! The athlete's were thrilled too as many of them remembered her!! :)

Although the weather didn't always cooperate, with a few events cancelled because of the rain, it didn't dampen any one's spirits! I always walk away from the Special Olympics filled with such joy! These athlete's really do work hard and their determined spirits are always a boost! I am amazed how genuine they are win or lose. They are proud of their friends and their effort even when their own personal effort may not have won! They are all truly winners in my eyes and I am so blessed to be part of their lives and to cheer them on as they compete!

National Pageant Training!

June 4-7th found me missing school :) and training in Cincinnati, with my Director, Melissa, for the National pageant! I had such a blast!

Former Miss Ohio USA queens Lauren Hall and Stacy Offenberger also helped Chelsie Miss Ohio Teen USA 2008 and me prepare for the big event!

While I was in Ohio, I was able to see more of the beautiful pictures that Todd Killen took from a photoshoot in January! I hope that you like them! I certainly do! The shot of me straight on in the black dress is hung up in Melissa's office and I was honored to see it!! She said it is one of her favorites! Mine too!

I am really working on this body everyday and getting it into the best shape that I can!

Melissa is expecting her second child (a girl!!) any minute and my prayers are with her and the baby! I will let you know the details when she is born!! :)