I'm so terrible at this blogging thing. I'm going to blame it on the stress of prepping for Miss America's Outstanding Teen. So here it is, the "catch up" blog. This will probably be the longest blog I'll ever write. After this massive "everything in one big scoop" blog, hopefully, I will learn not to procrastinate and update this more regularly.
I feel like a terrible outstanding teen. The whole point of this blog is to keep the communities informed of everything that I'm doing. I'm obviously not doing a very good job with that!
Well, the first thing I should start with is probably the Autism Kick Off Event in Federal Way. A special thanks to everyone who attended and allowed me the opportunity to assist in your fundraising efforts. Now that I'm back home and settled I plan on becoming a Team Leader for a Cure Autism Now; Walk Now Event. (More information to come!) This was on July 11th. I had so much fun getting to listen to the stories of the individuals who have personally overcome some of the obstacles of autism, along with talking to the families dealing with autism. These people are very strong emotionally and dedicated to making a difference for their children and others suffering from this confusing disorder. I was so honored to be given the opportunity to speak with them. I only hope that I can work with these inspiring people again!
On Friday the 13th (creepy background music) we did our few remaining preparations. Luda of Fit Right in Auburn finished my suits, with impeccable quality and speed. Never have I had a suit fit so well, and I'm really thankful that she was willing to fit me into her busy balance of work and family. She did a fantastic job, and there really are no words to describe my gratitude!
If you couldn't tell already, Friday the 13th (scary music ensues, yet again) was a busy day for me. I was honored to work with a previous Miss Washington title holder, Sharon Rosengreen. She made sure my make up was looking purely fantastic for nationals. With her pageant experience and Mary Kay expertise, I looked grand at every event and occasion despite the 300% humidity that is always present in Orlando, FL. I am so thankful to her for teaching me how to look pretty for all occasions. WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT ALL OF THIS SUPPORT?!?!?!
On July 14th, I was granted yet another opportunity for a new experience! I was able to judge the Miss Teen LaCenter pageant. Although this pageant is of no affiliation with the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Program it was still a lot of fun to get the opportunity to meet some amazing girls, and relive the pageant experience from the other side of the table! I was honored to be on the panel when Roxsan Gregg was chosen to be the new Teen LaCenter representative. Congratulations also to Adria Biasi, Anne Parsons, Carlee Marxmiller, and Mary Carroll for being such great representatives. I'm sure that all of the contestants have grown from this experience and their friendships will grow into lifelong bonds. Most of all, I would like to thank Linda Tracy from the Crowning Touch for allowing me this opportunity. Not only has she been of extreme help with dress shopping, she is also just a great person. She genuinely wants young women to become the best they can be, by presenting themselves in all of their individuality on stage.
Not only was the competition exciting, but the entertainment was also thrilling! For those of you who don't know, my favorite class is Rock Music History. My favorite era in Rock Music History is Rockabilly. My favorite artist from the Rockabilly genre is Jerry Lee Lewis. It must have been fate, that put me on the judging panel the year that Lance Lipinsky from the Las Vegas' Legends Show performed his Jerry Lee Lewis tribute in LaCenter! I was so excited to see this! His performance was amazing! I was seriously singing "Whole Lotta Shakin'," for a week straight!
The whole judging experience was just a blast. I got to work with some really amazing people. On the judging panel with me was Kelly Backous, Miss Clark County; Dan Adams, proud dad of 2006 LaCenter Queen; Katie Dunnick, Teen LaCenter for 2005; and Sue Carse, a lovely lady working in entertainment marketing for the New Phoenix and the Last Frontier Casinos. All of us had a blast together! I was also honored to be escorted around town in a vintage limo, by none other than James Irish, the mayor of LaCenter!
It is also necessary that I thank the workers at the casino where we ate, for saving me from the security guards who were pulling me out of the restaurant. I have never before been in a casino. Therefore, I have never before been kicked out of a casino. hahahaha. This was a new experience, and will provide good laughs and funny stories for the rest of my life!
On Friday the 27th, I was honored to get to work with another previous Miss Washington title holder, Breann Parriott Jones! She was kind enough to talk me through the stresses of a national pageant, along with providing modeling and interview tips. She also gave me a copy of Don Baker's "Pageant Bible." This was extremely helpful in making my experience at Miss America's Outstanding Teen the absolute best it could be. She is truly one of the sweetest people I have met, and made the stressful world that is pageant, a little more bearable. I am in total awe of her and her pure amazing-ness. She has definately become a role model in my life, and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with her.
I was also able to have a small get together with Peggy, Mike, Sally, Allie, Elyse, and my mommy. After hours in traffic, we were able to get together for a small wardrobe check and a delicious dinner and farewell at Olive Garden. By the end of the dinner almost everyone had tears in their eyes from a heartfelt card, and Elyse and I were in stitches laughing at funny presents and sugar highs from one of the great going away presents!
I also was able to participate in the Camas Parade! This was a blast! I got to meet clowns, ducks, and some very cute and talented kids (some of whom, I met previously at Clark County Idol!)
A special thanks to everyone at the Miss Tri Cities pageant! I had a blast performing at the first local pageant of the year! Congratulations to, the new Miss Tri Cities, Kristin Cox!
I am so lucky to be surrounded by such positive people. Everyone was so sweet in making sure I felt my best before I went as a representative. There was no pressure to be the best, simply to do my best. It means so much to be able to have that love and support no matter the outcome. I was so excited at that moment to leave for nationals and represent this program to the absolute best of my ability.
~Genay
Miss Teen La Center, The King, and I!
Crowning Jerry Lee Lewis as the first ever Mr. Teen La Center! hahahahaha
Congratulations Roxsan!
Do you think Allie and Sally will approve my new talent? From now on I will be playing the inflatable guitar!
The judges limo!
Oh, and did I mention that I met ELVIS!?!?!?!
Lord love a duck!! hahaha! These two guys were out in the rain, inviting people to participate in the Quack Up duck races. This is a race hosted by the Camas Washougal Rotary Club, and raises scholarship funds for students in the area! Aren't they a hoot!
Bubbles, the clown, made me a delectable balloon apple! GO WASHINGTON!
Miss Lewis County, Alison Burchett; Miss Spokane, Elizabeth Lamb-Ferro; Miss Washington, Elyse Umemoto; Miss Moses Lake, Sara Rosborough; Miss Poulsbo, Alex Douchemin; Miss Olympic, Sarah Starr; Me; Miss Kitsap, Megan Hornbuckle. The ladies supporting their friend Miss Tri-Cities 2006, Charlotte Smith.
Whitney Poynor, Miss Tri Cities Outstanding Teen!
No comments:
Post a Comment