Prelim #1

Whew! Night one is done and we have an early morning coming. Tonight was amazing, particularly for someone like me who adores history and loves seeing pictures and videos of past Miss Oklahomas. It is incredibly special to see the talent, poise and genuine hearts of our Miss Oklahomas over the years and I am certain our new Miss O will carry each trait.

Congratulations to Veronica on her swimsuit win, Aly on her talent win, and Victoria on her rookie talent award! I met Victoria and her family while competing in National Teenager and have maintained contact with them so many years, so it was very exciting to cheer her on! Tomorrow will be a fun day with an appearance at Bounce U that I am ready to cut loose at! My poor feet are just regaining feeling, but it was a great evening with doughnuts after swimsuit. What could be better?!? I wish we had a bit more time at visitation, but I was so happy to chat with friends and family, furthering their encouragement during what has been a week of excitement and tragedy. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I am blessed to be surrounded by women I love this week – even if we stay up too late making sure our tans are even. I have never had so much FUN at Miss Oklahoma and I almost don’t want the week to end.

Please pray for peace during my talent performance – I can only hope to do the very best I possibly can. My goal is not to win any category, but to be who I truly am and walk off the stage knowing it could not have been better. Talent – here I come!

Monday, Monday

I cannot believe Monday has already passed! This morning we awoke to a wild thunderstorm (foreshadowing for the big Thunder win tonight!!!), and left the dorms at 6:45 for our interviews. After a very hard evening, I was in shock, disbelief, and then a flood of tears as I learned of the incredibly tragic passing of a sorority sister. We have been reminded of how precious life is and how quickly we can lose those who have touched our own. I was appalled to reach my dorm and find a voicemail from a newspaper inquiring about information of her death – the last contact I expected and the one I did not return out of respect. It is so difficult to wrap my head around the loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with Casey’s family during this nightmare. It is now probably understandable as to why I did not blog last night and I encourage you to remember her family in prayer as well.

Later this morning I had my interview and then it was off to the Kiwanis luncheon. I feel so humbled to have received 2nd place in the Kiwanis Community Service Award!!! My platform means the world to me and I am very honored to receive the $500 scholarship. Thank you Kiwanians, for ALL you do! No one could have thanked our beloved Kiwanis Club better than Miss America 2007, Lauren Nelson did today. She is such an inspirational speaker and we are fortunate to have her with us this week.

We were able to preview a bit of the show – including guest performers tonight! The amount of talent in our former Miss Oklahomas is unbelievable. Kent has, once again, outdone himself. I am looking very forward to our first preliminary tomorrow, though I cannot believe it is here! Thanky ou for all your support and kind words. I have been blessed with a great red coat hostess, new friends, a scholarship and so much more that my week has already been a success.

Forty-Five

Here are the contestants for Miss Oklahoma 2012!

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.

The News

Below is the article I spoke about previously. We have to keep pushing for more media coverage of anti-bullying work or these tragedies will continue to occur! Thanks to the Bixby Bulletin for running this news release!

Capitol Kind of Day

Thursday morning I went back to the capitol to visit with Representative Pittman. She is always going 100 miles an hour and I was amazed she was able to schedule a date and time to further discuss the bill and upcoming events. It was a cold morning for April, hence my call to Selby for a little “What Not To Wear: Capitol Edition.” Big news: I didn’t get lost on my way!!! There’s hope after all…

Rep. Pittman and I chatted for a while about where the bill is and the opportunities ahead. As of today, HB 1461 authored by Rep. Denny and co-authored by Rep. Pittman has passed the House, and passed the Senate, though amendments were made. If the amendments made by the Senate are approved  by Rep. Denny, the bill will go directly to Governor Fallin. Hopefully I will find out more in the coming weeks!

While at the capitol, I met with the pages from the House of Representatives. The students paging were from across Oklahoma, and one was even from Shawnee! While there, I was able to explain my platform and define relational aggression. I spoke individually with the pages as well, and several asked me to speak at their high schools. Rep. Pittman’s personal page also told me about issues she and her friends have had recently with relational aggression and bullying at Capitol Hill High School.

Though I’ve been working with my platform for several years and heard dozens of horrible stories, it never ceases to affect me and continues to break my heart. No one of any age, race or gender should have to face relational aggression on a daily basis and live in fear. Stories like hers remind me to not stop reaching out to schools and students, because while it may have gotten better for me, it hasn’t yet changed for them.

While at the capitol, I ran into Rep. Kris Steele, another Shawnee native. Each time I visit the capitol, I stop in to say hello to Kris and Charlie Laster, but they are always working too hard outside of the office! Today I also met one of Selby’s close friends, Kyle. He graduates with his Master’s degree from OU the same day I will be receiving my undergraduate degree and I really enjoyed getting to know him! He worked in the office adjacent to Valorie, the policy director, who asked me for several quotes. Rep. Pittman is working to put out a news release about my platform and the work she and I have been doing to stop bullying. If I catch it when it’s published, I’ll add a link and copy of the story!

Rep. Pittman also asked me to speak at a walk which is being held on May 14th (the day I graduate!) in Oklahoma City. It begins at a nearby church and is being put together by Kirk Smalley and Stand For The Silent. The walk will start around 8:30 am and I look  forward to sharing a few thoughts with those in attendance! Overall, great visit at the capitol and a busy week ahead!

Stand Up, Speak Out

This morning was another early one for Miss Sooner State! I had the honor of being invited to attend the Youth Speak Out on bullying today at the state capitol, hosted by Rep. Anastasia Pittman. She is just exuberant and filled with drive. Rep. Pittman is currently working to pass HB 1461, which would target bullying in schools. Oklahoma, and the nation for that matter, is in dire need of bullying legislation. While our educators have some control, they cannot eradicate relational aggression in schools without the help of legislation.

I arrived at the capitol around 8:30 am and met several students from Longfellow Middle School (in Norman) and others from Claremore, Asher and Del City. Students were lining the rotunda of the Senate chambers and filled the room. We began after 9 am with Rep. Pittman introducing the event along with asking for a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives due to bullying. Rep. Pittman’s daughter, Ayshia, also spoke as a Youth Leader of America and how her organization has shifted its focus to bullying. Kirk Smalley then facilitated most of the session.

If his name sounds familiar, you may recognize Kirk Smalley from Stand For the Silent, an organization created after Kirk’s son, Ty, committed suicide after being bullied relentlessly.  Kirk travels to schools across the state to speak about bullying and spread a message of love – that you are somebody. Kirk helped several students share their testimonies, poems and words with those who attended the Youth Speak Out. Many offered stories about being the bully, how it happened and what they are now doing to stop others. Some read essays they had written with statistics on bullying, suicide and depression. Everyone spoke about being a victim and what they endured. Students would often break down in tears, to which the entire room would cheer them on and hold up the sign for “love.”

Teachers also spoke about what their own schools are doing to combat bullying and one mother gave a horrifying testimony of the beating her daughter endured and her inability to attend a public school, play a sport or go to a dance anymore. It was a very emotional morning, but extremely positive to see how many people cared to begin setting change into motion. At one point, I was pulled to the side and videotaped in order to provide commentary and additional information about my platform and the event to news sources. Afterwards, I came back inside to share my own stories. I explained about my program which focuses on one aspect of bullying – relational aggression and how I have also been the bully, victim and bystander. After hearing their stories, which are much fresher than my own experiences, I offered insight as to what kind of torment I went through. I told the room about having chairs pulled out from under me in a lunch room, having rumors spread, and becoming a victim to cyber-bullying through AIM fake screen name attacks. Even at 22 years old, I have been made fun of for not having clear skin. I knew the entire room could relate to my examples, since many had shared similar tales.

As recently as six years ago, I felt as though I was one of the few who had noticed and understood relational aggression, and one of even fewer who was speaking to groups about it. I worked with a local organization to visit middle school classrooms in order to continue spreading what I had learned from the Ophelia Project. Seeing the hundreds of students, parents and educators who showed up today was absolutely awe-inspiring. To know that there are that many students in our state who care makes me believe in the future of Oklahoma. With the support I witnessed today, I believe that not only can bullying be suppressed, but it will be. Something that is important to remember though, is that while Kirk Smalley or I can visit classrooms and create excitement about eliminating bullying, more must be done to protect our children. This is why we were at the capitol.

After I spoke, the speak out was concluded and Rep. Pittman and I gathered with several student groups for pictures. Soon we will be setting up another meeting to work further against bullying and continue pushing for HB 1461 to go through. While there, I also met a man who attended the Ophelia Project Summit in Shawnee with me! There were well over a thousand in attendance, and I wish more than anything that we could find the funding to bring back the speakers. I also ran into a representative who was so interested in relational aggression after hearing my testimony, that he googled it for more information. He, like many others, related it to the movie Mean Girls, and was surprised when I told him that it is just as common in the business workplace and that even 3 year olds utilize relational aggression. Being able to speak one-on-one with legislators is a wonderful way to further educate our elected officials and help them understand just how important the bullying bill is to our school system and students.

Yesterday, I made the trip to every elementary and middle school in Norman to meet with principals and offer my platform’s program. There was a lot of interest so I should be speaking to several classrooms and at school assemblies soon. Please let me know if you have a class or know a teacher/principal who would appreciate a concise program presented by Miss Sooner State about relational aggression!

Wings To Fly

Though it is only March 10th, this month has already been very busy! Last Friday I spent a great deal of time (9+ hours) with my fabulous hairdresser/make-up artist Larry Chowning and wonderful photographer, Leigh Thompson, to complete my headshots for Miss Oklahoma. We had so much fun and it was great to spend my “cheat day” eating cupcakes with them! I am beyond thrilled with how the pictures turned out and will be posting them as soon as the complete, cropped products are finished.

The photoshoot lasted late into the night and I made it back to Norman around 12:30 am. Normally, this wouldn’t have been any problem for a night owl like myself – but I intended to wake up at 4:45 am to prepare volunteering as Miss Sooner State. The Heartland Wings To Fly 5K/15K Miracle Run was held Saturday morning in El Reno. Being from an equally small town, I knew where El Reno was…sort of! It’s always been a big joke in my family that I could handle the responsibilities of Miss Oklahoma except one – navigation. Over time, I have learned to MapQuest my start and end points for an approximate length of time, and then leave 15-20 minutes earlier than the length it would take to complete the journey.

The run was set to begin at 7 am and I aimed to be early, therefore I left my house at 6 am. It was still dark outside! The wind whipped my little MINI all over the road, and I even called Talia AND Diane just to be sure I was taking the right exits and heading in the correct general direction. If you couldn’t tell, I’ve been lost a time or two! I finally made it to El Reno in one piece though. I had checked the weather before hand and it looked to be chilly so I wore jeans, boots, three shirts and a coat. Layered up, I headed to the volunteer center.

I was fortunate to spend the day with several friends including Miss Greater Oklahoma, Talia Berning and Miss Edmond Libertyfest, Damaris Pierce (who was crazy enough to run the 15K with half the layers I had on!), and my new teen queen friends Miss Oklahoma State Fair’s Outstanding Teen, Ashten Vincent,  and Miss Edmond Libertyfest’s Outstanding Teen, Clytee Burchett. Our job was to help runners who had not pre-registered sign up for the race. While there, we were fortunate to meet several supporters of Children’s Miracle Network and local officials, including the El Reno City Manager. After my dad served as Mayor of our hometown for four years, I have a huge respect for people who serve their towns and it was great to see the city supporting such a worthy cause.

The runners ranged from 10 years old to 60+! Though the weather was not on our side, the support poured in regardless. The temperature peaked at 29 degrees and the wind was easily 15-20 MPH – not ideal for an outdoors run (or when trying to keep the crown from flying off your head!). Historic Ft. Reno was perfect for the safety of our runners though, as it was secluded and held a long, straight 1.5 mile stretch of driveway, leading into the highway. To say we were all cold is an understatement. I could not feel my fingers, and my toes were also numb. BRRRR!

We volunteered from 7 am-9 am, and while I’m awful at numbers, there were definitely 75-100 runners! Though I was cold, the chill is nothing compared to what a child with a life-threatening disease faces. Not only did these runners wake up early on a Saturday morning, but they paid $25-$40 to run in freezing temperatures. All for one of the greatest causes which exists – to help Oklahoma’s sick children. At 9 am we relocated to the starting line to cheer on Damaris and the other runners. Later, I thawed out in the car and headed home to prepare for another event: the Red Tie Event benefitting HIV/AIDS in the search for a cure. I thought about it on my way home and perhaps next time I’ll be able to join the other supporters not only as a volunteer, but as a runner/walker! Wings To Fly was a fantastic success for CMN! There is nothing better than spending a morning volunteering for something you believe in.