Girl Scout Troop #649

Of all the amazing things which come from being Miss Green Country, sharing my platform is by far, my favorite! On April 16th I met with the Girl Scouts of Metro Christian – Troop #649. They are a group of fourth-grade girls who were following my presentation so perfectly – with thoughtful insight and a yearning for positive change.

I had a wonderful time visiting Metro Christian and enjoyed every question they had. From asking about my most shocking experience with bullying to how I keep my high heels on – we covered it all! Troop #649 is truly so fortunate to have great troop leaders who recognize the need for this type of program and maintain a close eye on their member’s relationships.

One member stayed to chat as the girls transitioned to craft activities and said she wanted to be just like me. My heart absolutely melted. It is always so special to meet someone who is struggling in many of the ways I have and who is searching for some sort of hope. I was so flattered by her honesty and really enjoyed talking about our experiences with relational aggression together.

This sweet troop also gifted two delicious boxes of Girl Scout cookies (those amazingly decadent Thin Mints and a box of peanut butter delight – Do-Si-Dos!) – which will be such a treat. Good thing Thin Mints are even better frozen! Several girls also said they will attend Miss O in June – how cool is that?! Thank you Troop #649 for a wonderful afternoon and such excitement about  working against relational aggression! I absolutely loved meeting each one of you!

Leigh Thompson Photography

Thank you to Leigh Thompson photography and my ever fabulous “uncle” Larry Chowning for helping make my Miss Oklahoma photos the best they could be. We had so much fun taking them – and I had help from many friends. On the day of my pictures, my mom had to leave early and my director was sick, but many people stopped in to say hello and spend time with us while we worked through the shoot.

Luckily, I made several friends including Miss Oklahoma 1978, Kendi Brown! She happened to be getting her hair done by Larry and sat in for a good portion of my photo shoot. She was a true joy to be around. Kendi told me about competing in Miss Oklahoma and Miss America – including having a full orchestra play her talent song while she tapped! I am excited to see her again in June – and the pictures and memorabilia from her days as Miss O in the former’s gallery!

These photos will be used in ad pages, the judge’s book, and in the program book. Thanks again Larry and Leigh!!

Girl Scouts of Muskogee

On Friday morning, I woke up sicker than I have been in quite some time. I even had to take the day off of school! After spending the entire day in bed, I wasn’t sure how I would make it to the Girl Scouts of Muskogee on Saturday morning – but I did know I would find a way to power through!

Saturday morning, I woke up feeling a bit better – but definitely not great. I was so weak from a lack of nutrients, that I had to ask a neighbor to help carry my bag down. Yikes. As I began the hour-long drive, I realized I had passed Muskogee and we were a bit beyond Ft. Gibson. A Girl Scout troop leader met me at a gas station, and I followed her about 12 miles down a winding road, filled with the greenest of trees. I wonder how Green Country got its name….

 

We eventually turned down a dirt road, which continued for a few more miles, and led us to the Girl Scout camp grounds. These girls take camping seriously!!! The camp grounds had several cabins and sat near a lake, surrounded by lush forest. I even saw deer roaming when I drove in! (Though, my home has a deer feeder in the front yard, so I suppose I come from somewhat of a rural area of Oklahoma!) The troops came from Muskogee, Tahlequah, and surrounding towns – just to hear me speak! The middle school students were a bit shy at first, but warmed up quickly by providing answers and asking incredibly thoughtful questions.

Speaking with these troops, we had an amazing conversation about the bully circle and what roles we have experienced, with examples. Towards the end of my presentation, many girls had questions and I encouraged other troop members to think back on our discussion and see if they could problem solve a few solutions or responses. It was amazing to see them work issues out on their own with the feedback I had given.

Gifts galore of sweet treats!

The troops were so kind to invite me to speak (they even created a flyer to advertise it!!!), and gave me the sweetest gift as I left! I now own a Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma bag to travel with, and it was filled with Girl Scout cookies (yum!), another bag, notepads, pens, a 100 Years of Girl Scouts bracelet, and much, much more! Thank you, Girl Scouts of Muskogee and Eastern Oklahoma, for sharing a wonderful afternoon with me! It is a trip I will not soon forget!!

Swimsuit ready for Miss O!

*On the way back to Shawnee (a good three hours!), I saw a Jeep with a Chi Omega sticker (how funny – just like my friend Kristin‘s – who lives in Nashville!). Wow, it even has an Indiana license plate like Kristin’s! What are the odds?! As I drove past the Jeep, I realized…IT IS KRISTIN!

Kristin dances with Nashville ballet and we became the best of friends as sorority presidents at OU. We both took the next exit and I was SO SO SO excited to chat with her and give her a great big hug! I knew she was coming to Oklahoma and that we would not get a chance to see each other. What are the odds that she and I would be driving from Ft. Gibson and Nashville, at the exact same time, on I-40? Fated friends. Here we are:

Miss Oklahoma 2012 Contestant Groupings

Here is the line-up for Miss Oklahoma 2012!

Contestant’s Day

I’m now sure how time flies faster with each year, but Contestant’s Day has already come and gone! Yesterday, we gathered every Miss and Teen contestant, their local directors and volunteers, and several family members at Jenks Performing Arts Center.

I was SO thrilled to drive a short five minutes to something Miss Oklahoma related, since normally we are Tulsa bound from Shawnee at 6 am!!! We turned in our ad sales information and the talent run-throughs began. Though I had taken allergy medicine, drank a tall glass of green tea and used a neti-pot for the first time, seasonal allergies were giving me a run for my money! Fortunately, I made it through and was happy with how I performed. In fact, it makes me anticipate singing on the Miss Oklahoma stage that much more! This year, I will be singing “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

Watching talent rehearsals reminded me of the amazing talent our contestants possess. Makes me glad I am not a judge!!! After talent rehearsal, we spent some time dancing around with Kent – the nation’s best choreographer (I’m not biased or anything…), and working on a bit of modeling. The show this year is going to be unbelievable! Kent said it currently stands at about sixteen minutes, with contestants performing back up to SEVERAL former Miss O’s dancing and singing. How he tops himself every year, I will never know!

Mignon spoke with us (I have always loved Mignon – what a role model!), about the job of Miss Oklahoma in great detail and what qualities Miss Oklahoma 2012 should possess. She greatly emphasized “committed to educational goals,” which is such an important aspect of Miss Oklahoma, being a scholarship organization, and a mentor for students.

Once we had learned the chorus of our opening number, we gathered with our pageant families to hear from Betty and watch her interview from Miss America. I think it’s quite obvious that her interview was nothing short of fantastic. Betty has done an excellent job as Miss Oklahoma, and it is apparent by the way the board speaks of her as well. They told of her incredible work ethic and how she has never been late. Betty also gave each contestant a gift – a light up (LED) lip gloss with a mirror from Artistry by Amway, a Miss America sponsor! It is seriously super cool. She attached a wonderful poem reading, “If your lips would keep from slips, Five things observe with care; To whom you speak, of whom you speak, And how, and when and where.” She explained how important it is as Miss Oklahoma to always “be” Miss Oklahoma, regardless of how bad your day is going, because someone is looking up to you.

After watching Betty’s interview, we drew for placement! I am very excited to be in the MU group! My schedule will be:

Monday AM: Interview

Tuesday: Swimsuit

Wednesday: Talent

Thursday: OSQ/Evening Gown

The judges were revealed and HOO BOY – what an amazing panel! They are a fascinating group, which I would like to interview, though I will be interviewed by them! Miss Oklahoma has selected an extremely well-rounded panel with entrepreneurs, philanthropists, high achievers, and names with national recognition. We even have an NBA basketball player, a former Miss Oklahoma and a former Miss AMERICA!

Contestant’s Day is special for many reasons, but most of all I love getting to visit with the extended members of the “pageant family.” Those who I have known since the teen system, former directors, contestants, and many who have judged me in past competitions. Much like other families who are separated by distance, it takes a pretty big deal to get us all in the same room together – but when we are, it is just  the most enjoyable day ever! Thank you to everyone who has sent such kind words my way with feedback about talent and more. Here’s looking to June!

Brownie Troop #64

With each group I visit, I am always able to take something away. I learn about their view on relational aggression, their experiences, how it has changed them, how they feel, what impact they believe can be made…the list goes on and on! This particular troop, located in Owasso, gave me something incredibly thoughtful and special.

I met Troop #64 on Tuesday, March 13th – an exciting day for one of their troop members – Marina’s ninth birthday! Marina’s mom found my blog and invited me to speak with their troop. How amazing is that?! Little did I know what an amazing communication tool this blog would be when I began last year.

Troop #64

The troop of 2nd and 3rd graders were absolutely exuberant! Not only were they so intelligent, but insightful and reflective as I spoke with them. They told stories I could also relate to, particularly having a friend who did not invite you to their birthday party (though everyone else came back with loads of favors to school – further deepening the wound), because they could only invite eight girls and you were tenth on the list.

Having an inclusive personality, it still stings to think about the situation (which happened more than once). What is more unbelievable? Knowing that these girls are more than ten years younger than me, and the same scenarios are still playing out. Another troop member recalled being a bystander for a special needs student at school, and I could feel her bravery in standing up for a boy who did not possess the words to stop the aggressor himself. Remembering myself at her age, I knew I would not have had the courage for fear of becoming the victim. Proof that the Girl Scouts of the United States are instilling the most imperative of values in Oklahoma’s youth.

After I spoke to the girls, they gave me THE most amazing surprise! I was presented with a huge crate of books and puzzles for my classroom. Teaching in a  low-income area, I have no books outside of the ones my (fortunately very experienced!) co-teacher possesses. Eric Carle, Fancy Nancy, hard-back books, and wooden puzzles – like glitter to my teacher’s soul! I am so very grateful for their contribution and my students were SO excited to see new, bright, colorful books on our shelves this morning. THANK YOU Troop #64! It was such an amazing and kind gift.

We later celebrated Marina’s (she’s also an Oklahoma Star) birthday with cupcakes (I still have three months – plenty of time to celebrate with a sweet treat!), slap bracelets and green (yay!) necklaces. The girls asked me to autograph their glow-in-the-dark bracelets, slap bracelets, cups, you name it! That night, I was not the only role model in the room – but the small group of Owasso Brownies who portrayed selflessness and service to my students.

Thank you again, Troop #64!

Winter Meeting

Winter Meeting was held last Saturday and it was SO nice to have everyone in one room! There are 45 Miss contestants this year (more than I can ever remember competing!), with 23 rookies and 21 veterans. We’re quite outnumbered!

Team Green Country

In the morning we went over wardrobe requirements, ad pages (who wants to buy an ad from Miss Green Country?!), and the Duke of Edinburgh award. This award recently partnered with the Miss America Organization and the Boy Scouts of America, among many others world-wide. Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011, is an award winner as well! If I were to sum it all up, it could take a bit – so I copied this from the website to allow the creators to explain it as they intended it to be understood.

“We provide a balanced programme of activities that develops the whole person – mind, body and soul – in an environment of social interaction and team working.  Young people progress through three levels of DofE programmes to achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

Taking part builds confidence and develops self-esteem.  It requires persistence, commitment and has a lasting impact on the attitudes and outlook of all young people who do their DofE.

Our participants are aged between 14 and 24.”

These are the reward requirements:

THREE LEVELS

The Award is based around three Levels, each successive one requiring a greater degree of commitment.

• BRONZE is for those 14 and older.  The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 6 months
• SILVER is for those 15 and older.  The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 6 months
• GOLD is for those 16 and older.  The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 12 months

The Award may not be achieved in a shorter time span by working more intensively.  Participants must persist for at least the above minimum periods.

It is possible to start at any Level – many participants work their way through all three, while others start at Silver or Gold by fulfilling additional time requirements.

FOUR SECTIONS

To gain an Award, participants must complete activities in four Sections – one hour weekly for each activity.  Minimum periods of participation vary with each Award Level (see above).  Participants choose their activity for each Section – an Activity Coach needs to verify that the participant has been making persistent and regular effort for the minimum time period required at each Award Level.

Activity Coach – an adult supervisor (not a parent) who has a workable knowledge of the chosen activity.  The Activity Coach must verify that the participant has fulfilled the requirements for that Section.  i.e. – soccer coach, piano instructor, service coordinator.

1. Community Service – participants engage with their community and discover the impact they can have through service.
2. Special Skills – participants develop personal interests and learn practical skills.  There are almost limitless possibilities to choose from.  Participants set their own goals and measure their progress.
3. Physical Recreation – participants show perseverance and improve their fitness by undertaking some form of organized and regular physical activity.  Most sports team and individual sports satisfy this requirement.
4. Adventurous Journey – participants develop an understanding of the environment, and the importance of working together in a team with a common purpose.  It can be on foot, by bicycle, boat or on horseback by learning preparation, self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

•  Bronze – 2 days+1 night.  6 hours of purposeful activity each day.
• Silver – 3 days+2 nights.  7 hours of purposeful activity each day.
• Gold – 4 days+3 nights.  8 hours of purposeful activity each day

While this is an exciting opportunity for Miss Oklahoma and Miss America, it is not a requirement, but a challenge provided to each contestant if willing.

In the afternoon we had two fantastic speakers – Rick Brinkley, Miss America Judges Chair, and Lu Sienna, Elite Model. Both were inspiring, humorous, and honest about what  Miss America is looking for and how we can achieve our dreams of holding the Miss Oklahoma and Miss America titles.

I loved seeing many pageant friends who I rarely see now that I live in Tulsa, and meeting the new faces who I will become better acquainted with in June. Our next stop? Contestant’s Day on April 14th!

Goofing off at Winter Meeting – Kevin stunted me so I could be in the tall people club like them. Would have worn heels if my legs hadn’t been covered in bruises from a recent scrap with a four-year-old!

Full Hearts and Sticky Hands

IHOP is a great supporter of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, raising funds throughout the month of February for Miss America’s national platform. I was fortunate enough to volunteer on Saturday, February 11th at my hometown (Shawnee) IHOP for this wonderful cause. Though it was eleven degrees outside, the IHOP held a scent of warm pancakes and big hearts – ready to serve the children of Oklahoma!

People are my passion and I was so very excited to spend the chilly morning with the friendliest, kindest folks of small town Oklahoma. I met tiny people and big people – many in PreKindergarten. We obviously had a lot in common since I teach PreK! I debated the Thunder’s season with a kindergartener and 1st grader, hearing about their love for Kevin Durant and telling them why I adore James Harden. There was a three-year-old who burst into tears when she saw me across the room and refused to calm down until she could meet the “princess.” I made new friends in Kayla, Zoe, Caitlin, and several other kids who wanted to help other kids. One man told me that I didn’t look old enough to compete for Miss America – guess it’s time to look my age! Haha, how many people are trying to look older at the age of 22?! I know I say it a lot, but this job really is one of the greatest in the world.

I met not one, but TWO Miracle Kids – Maddie and Jayse. Maddie often travels to the Oklahoma City Children’s Hospital due to diabetes. She was dressed to the nines – fur boots, pink bag, long coat, and definitely ready to take on whatever came her way!

Jayse is from St.Louis, Oklahoma and helped me raise funds for CMN today. We sold paper balloons and glow-in-the-dark bracelets – nearly selling out completely! Jayse has PKU,  phenylketonuria. People with PKU are missing an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is needed to break down an essential amino acid called phenylalanine. The substance is found in foods that contain protein. (This was obviously googled so I would be able to explain it better!) Jayse cannot eat protein, making his condition difficult, yet manageable by diagnosing it early and with the right diet. He is a vegan, meaning he does not eat any byproduct of animals. While Jayse and his mom make this sound fairly easy, I am still completely amazed at his positivity and ability to live with PKU, yet still feel like he has a pretty normal childhood.

The commonality between Maddie and Jayse is their outlook. Jayse’s mom said that while PKU is not always easy, there are a lot of others who have much more serious circumstances. These kids are both full of joy and passion for life. Their optimistic attitudes put our own daily struggles into perspective. I do not have diabetes or PKU – and neither of these Miracle Kids are the type of person to complain, just because their day is a bit more unique. Looking at what they must face – needles and constant checking of life-changing food ingredients – things like traffic and work issues are not important, or even comparative. These two really are Miracle Kids and we could all learn from their example of a positive life.

Three Times the Fun – Troop #753, #1030 and #960

After a full day of teaching, a staff meeting, and a curriculum meeting I threw on a fresh blazer and pinned my crown into my hair. As I was racing out of the school to my car, another teacher stopped me to comment on how literally I must take the idea of “wearing multiple hats.”

She hit the nail on the head! I love the diversity of my days because there is never a dull moment. Maybe I have to keep a spare outfit in my car (I can’t even begin to explain the possibilities of what might happen to me during school), but this is the life of Miss Oklahoma and Miss America. There is no down time and you absolutely must be prepared for whatever might come your way!

Girl Scouts and Miss Green Country

Wednesday, January 25th held my second appearance of three in a mere seven days. I am overjoyed by the responses to It Has A Name: Relational Aggression, and the interest taken by each student group. Brownie Girl Scout troop #753 and Girl Scout troops #1030 and #960 were no exception! This group consisted of about 20 third, fourth and fifth grade girls – each at a point in their lives where relational aggression is starting to become more noticeable and confusing.

Each had brilliant thoughts about why relational aggression occurs and how a bully gets to that point. They loved our telephone game and giggled excitedly at the difference between the original sentence and the final words. Their concerns varied, and I received excellent questions about followers and gossip. Several had stories about being the target or bystander, and it never fails to hurt my heart when I hear about such wonderful young leaders being the point of a joke.

With every student group I speak to, I gain an even deeper understanding of my own experiences as well. There are so many occurrences they are brave enough to speak about, reminding me of my own childhood. It is with this that I have realized time, fashion, and technology have changed – but relational aggression has not.

These sweet angels decorated a chalk board in preparation for my visit (it was adorable!!!), and gave me a lovely card along with GIRL SCOUT COOKIES! The new Savannah Smiles are a delicious lemon cookie dipped in powdered sugar, and I would be lying to you if I said I didn’t have that box opened the minute I go to the car.

Thank you SO much, Troop #753, #1030 and #960! What a joy to speak with!

Girl Scouts Troop #340

It would be an extreme understatement to say that I LOVE meeting with Girl Scouts troops! On Monday, January 23rd I spoke to a group of Union 4th graders. The girls were just bursting at the seams with enthusiasm and had fantastic input about my platform.

Most of Troop #340

Each was eager to answer my questions or respond with an example of various forms of aggression! We spoke about bullies, targets and kids in the middle – with each willing to define and explain how they saw the roles. They were wide-eyed and all ears as I spoke – allowing me to be vulnerable in my experiences.

I was impressed with the maturity of these nine and ten-year-olds, and the solutions we brainstormed for them to use at school and in other social settings. Several had tales of seeing relational aggression occur often with special needs students, and were unsure how to handle the situation as a bystander. They felt compelled to stand up for these victims, but unsure of what words to use or how to say them.

This struck a chord with the teacher inside of me. Many of my students have special needs ranging from speech impediments to autism. I know my students may need additional support in the future, which compels me to reach more groups to empower them with the ability to stand up against relational aggression.

Afterwards, the girls had many great questions! The #1? “Are you married?” They were floored when I said I was not, and explained that unmarried women under the age of 25 are allowed to compete for the chance to win scholarships and the title of Miss America. This completely baffled them – until one spoke up that she didn’t want to get married until she was 28! (Power to you, girlfriend! Maybe I can steer her towards a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies too!!) They were curious about my talent, college (all are planning to obtain higher education – holla!), and most importantly the crown. Does it have diamonds? Are those crystals? Do you have to give it back? Can I keep your crown? How does it come off?

I had such a wonderful visit with this troop and I can’t wait to see the impact they make in their schools. Thanks for the invitation, Girl Scouts Troop #340!

A few additional photos for the girls – Thanks again!!