Miss Verrazano 2012
Miss America Homecoming March 14-17, 2013
It's hard to believe that only two months ago I was in Vegas watching my Miss NY sister and friend, Mallory Hagan crowned Miss America! Being there live was an experience that will stay with me forever, the only downfall? . . . once she was crowned we didn't get the chance to jump and hug her!!! But, a few weeks ago we all finally reunited with our Miss America at her homecoming event in New York. From March 14th-17th Mallory, along with various state titleholders, including our new Miss NY, Shannon Oliver took over the city, making television appearances, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, attending dinner events and of course taking part in the grand showcase performance on that Saturday night at the Fashion Institute of Technology. On Thursday night I attended a delicious dinner event at Olives Restaurant and had the chance to spend sometime with our state titleholders, my NY sisters, the Miss NY Organization and of course Mallory! As you can see we're a unique bunch ;)
On Saturday night I met up with my dear friend (and our current Miss Staten Island) Amanda Lee Alicea and headed to the city for the big show! The show featured performances by former Miss America's including Susan Powell, Kate Shindle and Ericka Dunlap, a performance by our Mr. NY, Luke Hawkins, stars from Broadway, our state titleholders and many more! It was a great night honoring a woman who has taken the Miss America Organization to the next level with her contagious personality, down-to earth ease, poise & charm. Can't wait to follow the rest of her year and watch her impact unfold.
So after having a great experience at Miss NYC, I jumped back into competition mode and competed in the Miss Manhattan Competition, which crowned three new titleholders, Miss Liberty NYC, Miss Southern NY and of course Miss Manhattan. On Saturday I had a great interview where I had the opportunity to share my platform and my passion for what I do, then headed to meet the always fabulous Claire Buffie for some new headshots with the ma short hair ;). Always have a great time reconnecting with her! On Sunday I headed to rehearsal for Miss Manhattan bright and early (no but really, I was up at 5am). Had the opportunity to run my talent and learned the walking patterns for the competition. When competition time came I was feeling good (slightly tired from the weekend), but ready to rock! Crowning time came and am proud to say I walked away as overall swimsuit winner and 1st runner-up. In a group of 29 outstanding women I was pretty darn happy with that. Huge congrats to Madison Embrey, Miss Southern NY, Nora Ali, Miss Liberty NYC and Amanda Mason, Miss Manhattan, bravo ladies!
ZUMBA for Rachel February 24, 2013
The third annual ZUMBA for Rachel event was yet again another great success! Rachel Bascietto was a remarkable choreographer, teacher, dancer and inspiration to those who knew her. In her honor we gather every year we celebrate her life in the best way we all know how . . . we dance! Hosted and coordinated by a Margaret Tapogna Gatzonis, a woman who exudes positivity, joy and hope. It was a day of fun and excitement to say the least. I have known Margaret since I was five years old and began my dance journey with Dance Works Dance Center, to know her is to know a woman who is truly a little slice of heaven on earth, she pours her heart into everything she does and ZUMBA for Rachel is no exception! At the end of the event all of the proceeds went to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization that Rachel was a dedicated supporter of.
Well I made it through my first local of the season! It was a last minute decision to jump into Miss NYC, but I am so glad I did. I had the opportunity to make new friends, reunite with old ones and had a blast competing. I went into this competition with an open mind and promised myself that this year I would let go of any self doubt and just go for it. I felt more confident then ever and when I walked out of the interview room I was so overcome with happiness that at that point I was completely okay with any outcome. Although I personally did not walk away with a crown this weekend I am beyond happy for my girl Acacia Courtney, Miss NYC and new titleholders Kira Kazantsev, Miss Cosmopolitan (how cool is that title) and Miss Metropolitan, Melissa Phillips! Awesome job ladies!
We Salute You Miss Staten Island! (that song never gets old)! You guessed it, last week welcomed 2 new titleholders into the Miss NY Class of 2013 from good ole' Staten Island. I headed over the bridge (aka my bridge, I should have tried to get a special Miss Verrazano bridge rate) and was off to New Dorp HS. I was so excited to cheer on the lovely ladies competing including my friend and Vegas bud, Jaleesa Peterkin and my dear friend Amanda Lee Alicea (she's kind of awesome). For the second year in a row I helped out the ladies backstage, which is always fun (it's nice sometimes to not have the pressure of competing). When it came time for crowning Alyssa DePaolis was announced as your new Miss Richmond County, wonderful job Alyssa! And . . . drum roll please . . . . AMANDA LEE ALICEA takes the title of Miss Staten Island! I could not be more proud of this girl, love her to pieces and know how hard she has worked for this title. Special shout out to outgoing titleholders (and dear friends of mine) Miss Staten Island, Jamie Lynn Macchia and Miss Richmond County, Stephanie Accardo, what a terrific year they each had representing Staten Island!
This weekend was time to celebrate our Miss NY and give her the proper sendoff to her Miss America journey! The Miss NY organization, family & friends of Mallory all gathered at Todd English's Olives Restaurant to celebrate all Mallory has done as our Miss NY and will continue to do as (fingers crossed) the new Miss America come January! It was such a fun gathering and not only was it a wonderful time, but proceeds from the event went towards the Tunnel to Towers Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund.
Having known Mallory and how hard she has worked to reach her goal of becoming Miss NY, a bunch of the Miss NY girls wanted to give her something special she could take with her in January when she competes for the national title, so we presented her with a necklace of NY with a stone placed in her stomping grounds of Brooklyn (kudos to Katie Berry for this great idea)! So excited for January and cannot wait to cheer Mallory on in Vegas!
Well I officially feel lighter! After three years of growing my hair I was finally able to make the cut and donate 12 inches of hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths . I headed to Pilo Arts Salon , my amazing sponsor for the last 2 years and waited in anticipation as Creative Stylist Fendi chopped off my long locks. Donating my hair is something I have wanted to do for a while and being able to make it happen after all of this time is so unbelievably rewarding. For those that are not familiar with Pantene Beautiful Lengths, it is an amazing program that makes and donates real wigs to women battling cancer. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful!
The emotional and physical strain of cancer is something I have witnessed in my personal life with my Aunt Joe. Although we have worked to raise funds and awareness for Sarcoma together, I wanted to do something much more personal in her honor and in the honor of sensational women everywhere winning their fight! What better way to do that then give such a simple gift . .. hair. I encourage anyone out there that if they can, donate. Believe me when I say you will be changing someone's life! (A friend of mine documented the entire experience, video coming soon)
Hopefest October 26, 2012
Last week I had the privilege of attending "Hopefest" at Gargiulo's Restaurant in Brooklyn, NY. Hopefest is the annual gala of the amazing Frankie Loccisano Memorial Foundation. I had the honor of meeting Camille Loccisano, the organizations founder and president about a year ago at a networking event and I am so thankful that she has come into my life. Her passion and commitment to helping children and families struggling with cancer and other pediatric illnesses is simply remarkable. To know her is to know a woman who has overcome so much in her life, but but whose prime purpose is the well being and welfare of strangers. From the second I met her I knew we would have a terrific relationship that was strengthened ever further by our connection to sarcoma. I learned that Camille's son Frankie, a teenager who radiated hope and perseverance sadly lost his battle with sarcoma at only 17. Listening to their story and learning what a sensational role model Frankie was made me fall in love with the family even more. In his memory Frankie's Foundation came about and for years they have provided financial and emotional support to families all throughout the United States.
Learn More About Frankie's Mission
Tonight I became an honorary employee at Cold Stone Creamery! With September being "Make A Wish Month" I headed to my local Cold Stone in Sheepshead Bay and served up some delicious treats for the peeps of Brooklyn. The Make A Wish Foundation has been fulfilling the dreams of children diagnosed with life threatening medical conditions for years. To help make these wishes come true, throughout the month of September Cold Stone donated $1.00 from every "Love It" or "Gotta Have It" sold! I had a blast working with the employees and was able to get my hands dirty (with delectable ice cream of course) and learned the proper technique for scooping and of course mixing the perfect ice cream cup! (it ain't as easy as it looks) ;)
Last night I headed to Areo's Restaurant in Bay Ridge Brooklyn with my family and friends for a very unique dinner experience. Together we dined out and in the process supported the "Invincible Sarcoma Campaign;" a young adult campaign against cancer. Perhaps what is most endearing about this campaign is that it was founded by Lauren Fusaro, a 24 year old sarcoma survivor who has now made it her mission to raise funds for sarcoma research and advocate for the adolescent patient experience. This particular dine-out event raised funds for the Sarcoma Foundation of America, an organization I have also worked with frequently in these last few years. At the end of the evening Areo's donated a percentage of their dinner revenue to sarcoma research. Had a wonderful time with great friends and family and am thankful to have met fellow young women dedicated the the fight!
This week I had the opportunity to attend the launch party of the Brooklyn Spectator Magazine. The Brooklyn Spectator Newspaper of Brooklyn Media Group, has been bringing the news to Brooklynites for years and they have now taken their craft to the next level by launching a magazine! The magazine is set to be a fun source to find entertainment, art, events and of course news! Was thrilled to be invited by Joshua and Victoria Schneps of Schneps Communications. I was able to bring along one of my best friends, Allison to the Brooklyn Brewery to enjoy a great night of music and mingling!
Reunited and it feeels so goood! Today was not only the T.E.A.L. Walk in Prospect Park, but it was also a mini Miss NY reunion. A group of us ladies gathered in support of a beautiful organization known as T.E.A.L or "Tell Every Amazing Lady" About Ovarian Cancer. When Louisa M. McGregor’s was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, she and her sister Pamela Esposito-Amery made it their mission to raise awareness for the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer in order to enable early detection and together have fought to find a cure. Today hundreds gathered to show their love and support of not only the organization, but for the remarkable survivors who faced their battle head on and came out victorious. Before the walk we had the opportunity to participate in a beautiful opening ceremony where we all had the chance to "sash" survivors. Although mother nature appeared to have a little bit of a hissy fit (it down-poured for a good half hour), the minute the walk was about to begin the clouds parted and the sun came out (talk about impeccable timing!)
Dine-Out Against Bullying July 25, 2012
What a fun day! I was invited by my good from Charlie B, President & Founder of NycArtsCypher to join his Dine-Out Against Bullies initiative on Staten Island. NycArtsCypher "promotes positive values
through arts and entertainment programs, projects, & events with a
focus on emerging artists and teens." There latest goal; to expand their anti-bullying program, helping victims to find hope and acceptance through the arts. Charlie has created such an outstanding organization that has so greatly impacted teens throughout the city and I am proud to be able to call him a friend. The premise of this event was simple . . Go out and enjoy a meal! 15 participating restaurants joined the fight and donated 20% of there revenue for the day to the Arts Cypher.
At the press conference prior to the main event I had the opportunity to hear from local politicians, members of the NycArtsCypher and guest speaker Michelle La Femina. Michelle spoke on behalf of her beautiful daughter Alyssa; a victim of bullying for years. I had the chance to speak with both of them and applaud them for standing up and speaking out. As someone who was bullied as a child, I know how bullying can break you down physically, emotionally and make you feel utterly isolated. No child, teen or adult for that matter deserves to feel that emotional strain. Alyssa, an amazingly talented artist found a way to persevere by taking part in Charlie's program, creating an outstanding anti-bullying mural that can be seen at CSI High School. It was an honor meeting her! After the press conference I headed to Lorenzo's Cabaret to Dine-Out Against Bullies, but not before making a new friend (or potential future husband) Charlie B's adorable little son Charlie who gave the most awesome hugs! :)
P.S. 94 Graduation & PTA Flashmob I.S. 197 June 21, 2012
Welp today was a jam packed day of school fun! I began my morning at Sunset Park HS where I was invited to give the graduation speech to the 5th grade graduating class of 2012 of P.S. 94 :) Being involved in the school system and interacting with the students is one of my favorite parts about being a titleholder. Working with kids and being able to motivate them to follow through with their goals is rewarding on so many levels.
Following my speech I headed straight to New Utrecht High School for Christa McAuliffe's 8th Grade Graduation. Buuuut I wasn't there to give a speech ;). At the beginning of the week I snuck into McAuliffe and met with the PTA, who asked me to be a part of their super secret mission . . . to put on a flashmob at graduation! So that is exactly what went down. I met with them for about 2 hours and taught a routine to the crowd-pleaser, "Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night!" When graduation came I felt like a secret service agent, trying to act as discretely as possible until the music started. Parents and teachers filled the stage and took part in what will forever be the most legendary flashmob in recent history! ;) It was a blast! The students went nuts, the parents put on an amazing performance and by the end of it even the Principal, Mr. Berman and Dean Mr. Nicoll jumped on stage and joined it! Safe to say it was a successful day!
Miss NY Week! June 11-16, 2012
WOW WHAT A WEEK! It's been a few weeks and I am still coming down from the amazing experience I had at Miss NY. First and foremost HUGE Congrats to our new Miss NY, Mallory Hagan!!!! She is such an incredible young woman, who has worked so hard for this. I am beyond proud to know her and cannot wait for her to rock it at Miss America! (I was competing and I was rooting for her, that says something about just how remarkable she is)
Let's start at the beginning shall we, my week began actually picking up Mallory in Brooklyn and heading to Staten Island with a car full of suitcases. We arrived at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Staten Island and began meeting and chatting with our awesome class of 2013! After settling in to the hotel, it was time to break out the crowns and sashes as we headed to lunch at the Common's Cafe on the Island. (The mascot happened to be a giant Hamburger, it took a lot of will power not to get fries and a burger, was good for once and opted for the salad, OY!). After a great lunch at Common's it was onto the bus and off to City Hall for some pictures. Following our stay we jumped back on the bus and ended up having an impromptu photo session on Wall Street (pretty sure we skipped the extremely long line of tourists to take a picture by the infamous bull . . . whooops). It didn't take long for us to become a tourist attraction of our own, 26 girls walking around Manhattan with shiny crowns and sashes kind of draws attention. After leaving the chaos that is Wall Street we found ourselves near Ground Zero and had the unbelievable (and unexpected) opportunity to have a mini tour of the World Trade Center Memorial. Being there and seeing the breathe taking tribute was an experience I will never forget. After spending some time by the Trade Center, we made our way to the Staten Island Ferry for our officially arrival on Staten Island and had the chance to spend sometime at Borough Hall with the Borough President of Staten Island, James Molinaro. All that running around makes ya work up an appetite for sure, so we capped off the evening with a great dinner at Blue Restaurant. (Jesse:Miss Western NY & I were in cheese heaven, it was a good time!)
Now, if you think this day ended there, you are sadly mistaken. After Borough Hall, we headed to the St. George Theatre to sit back relax and enjoy what is probably the funniest and most entertaining event of Miss NY week . . . THE MR. NEW YORK COMPETITION! Where hunky and talented lads compete for the coveted title, making them the king of our state ;).
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| Miss NY Sisterhood! Vegas Reunion, Acacia Courtney, Jalessa Peterkin, Katie Berry, Claire Buffie, Shannon Oliver, Heather Knowles, Mallory Hagan aka Miss America and me! |
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| THERE SHE IS! |
Miss Manhattan March 9-10, 2013
So after having a great experience at Miss NYC, I jumped back into competition mode and competed in the Miss Manhattan Competition, which crowned three new titleholders, Miss Liberty NYC, Miss Southern NY and of course Miss Manhattan. On Saturday I had a great interview where I had the opportunity to share my platform and my passion for what I do, then headed to meet the always fabulous Claire Buffie for some new headshots with the ma short hair ;). Always have a great time reconnecting with her! On Sunday I headed to rehearsal for Miss Manhattan bright and early (no but really, I was up at 5am). Had the opportunity to run my talent and learned the walking patterns for the competition. When competition time came I was feeling good (slightly tired from the weekend), but ready to rock! Crowning time came and am proud to say I walked away as overall swimsuit winner and 1st runner-up. In a group of 29 outstanding women I was pretty darn happy with that. Huge congrats to Madison Embrey, Miss Southern NY, Nora Ali, Miss Liberty NYC and Amanda Mason, Miss Manhattan, bravo ladies!
ZUMBA for Rachel February 24, 2013
The third annual ZUMBA for Rachel event was yet again another great success! Rachel Bascietto was a remarkable choreographer, teacher, dancer and inspiration to those who knew her. In her honor we gather every year we celebrate her life in the best way we all know how . . . we dance! Hosted and coordinated by a Margaret Tapogna Gatzonis, a woman who exudes positivity, joy and hope. It was a day of fun and excitement to say the least. I have known Margaret since I was five years old and began my dance journey with Dance Works Dance Center, to know her is to know a woman who is truly a little slice of heaven on earth, she pours her heart into everything she does and ZUMBA for Rachel is no exception! At the end of the event all of the proceeds went to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization that Rachel was a dedicated supporter of.
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| It was once again a CELEBRACHEL! |
Miss NYC February 2-3, 2013
Well I made it through my first local of the season! It was a last minute decision to jump into Miss NYC, but I am so glad I did. I had the opportunity to make new friends, reunite with old ones and had a blast competing. I went into this competition with an open mind and promised myself that this year I would let go of any self doubt and just go for it. I felt more confident then ever and when I walked out of the interview room I was so overcome with happiness that at that point I was completely okay with any outcome. Although I personally did not walk away with a crown this weekend I am beyond happy for my girl Acacia Courtney, Miss NYC and new titleholders Kira Kazantsev, Miss Cosmopolitan (how cool is that title) and Miss Metropolitan, Melissa Phillips! Awesome job ladies!
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| Kira, Katie, Acacia, Shannon Oliver (our new Miss NY) |
Miss Staten Island January 26, 2013
We Salute You Miss Staten Island! (that song never gets old)! You guessed it, last week welcomed 2 new titleholders into the Miss NY Class of 2013 from good ole' Staten Island. I headed over the bridge (aka my bridge, I should have tried to get a special Miss Verrazano bridge rate) and was off to New Dorp HS. I was so excited to cheer on the lovely ladies competing including my friend and Vegas bud, Jaleesa Peterkin and my dear friend Amanda Lee Alicea (she's kind of awesome). For the second year in a row I helped out the ladies backstage, which is always fun (it's nice sometimes to not have the pressure of competing). When it came time for crowning Alyssa DePaolis was announced as your new Miss Richmond County, wonderful job Alyssa! And . . . drum roll please . . . . AMANDA LEE ALICEA takes the title of Miss Staten Island! I could not be more proud of this girl, love her to pieces and know how hard she has worked for this title. Special shout out to outgoing titleholders (and dear friends of mine) Miss Staten Island, Jamie Lynn Macchia and Miss Richmond County, Stephanie Accardo, what a terrific year they each had representing Staten Island!
Miss America 2013 VEGAS! COMING SOON
Miss NY Sendoff to Miss America December 9, 2012
This weekend was time to celebrate our Miss NY and give her the proper sendoff to her Miss America journey! The Miss NY organization, family & friends of Mallory all gathered at Todd English's Olives Restaurant to celebrate all Mallory has done as our Miss NY and will continue to do as (fingers crossed) the new Miss America come January! It was such a fun gathering and not only was it a wonderful time, but proceeds from the event went towards the Tunnel to Towers Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund.
Pantene Beautiful Lengths November 16, 2012
Well I officially feel lighter! After three years of growing my hair I was finally able to make the cut and donate 12 inches of hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths . I headed to Pilo Arts Salon , my amazing sponsor for the last 2 years and waited in anticipation as Creative Stylist Fendi chopped off my long locks. Donating my hair is something I have wanted to do for a while and being able to make it happen after all of this time is so unbelievably rewarding. For those that are not familiar with Pantene Beautiful Lengths, it is an amazing program that makes and donates real wigs to women battling cancer. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful!
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| 12" to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, Salon: Pilo Arts Day Spay & Salon, Stylist: Fendi |
Hopefest October 26, 2012
Last week I had the privilege of attending "Hopefest" at Gargiulo's Restaurant in Brooklyn, NY. Hopefest is the annual gala of the amazing Frankie Loccisano Memorial Foundation. I had the honor of meeting Camille Loccisano, the organizations founder and president about a year ago at a networking event and I am so thankful that she has come into my life. Her passion and commitment to helping children and families struggling with cancer and other pediatric illnesses is simply remarkable. To know her is to know a woman who has overcome so much in her life, but but whose prime purpose is the well being and welfare of strangers. From the second I met her I knew we would have a terrific relationship that was strengthened ever further by our connection to sarcoma. I learned that Camille's son Frankie, a teenager who radiated hope and perseverance sadly lost his battle with sarcoma at only 17. Listening to their story and learning what a sensational role model Frankie was made me fall in love with the family even more. In his memory Frankie's Foundation came about and for years they have provided financial and emotional support to families all throughout the United States.
Learn More About Frankie's Mission
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| With my mother Darlene along with Camille Loccisano & Lucy Orrichio Bruno of Frankie's Foundation |
Casper's Cure October 20, 2012
VIDEO COMING SOON
Cold Stone & Make A Wish Foundation September 27, 2012
Tonight I became an honorary employee at Cold Stone Creamery! With September being "Make A Wish Month" I headed to my local Cold Stone in Sheepshead Bay and served up some delicious treats for the peeps of Brooklyn. The Make A Wish Foundation has been fulfilling the dreams of children diagnosed with life threatening medical conditions for years. To help make these wishes come true, throughout the month of September Cold Stone donated $1.00 from every "Love It" or "Gotta Have It" sold! I had a blast working with the employees and was able to get my hands dirty (with delectable ice cream of course) and learned the proper technique for scooping and of course mixing the perfect ice cream cup! (it ain't as easy as it looks) ;)
Dine-Out for Sarcoma September 19, 2012
Last night I headed to Areo's Restaurant in Bay Ridge Brooklyn with my family and friends for a very unique dinner experience. Together we dined out and in the process supported the "Invincible Sarcoma Campaign;" a young adult campaign against cancer. Perhaps what is most endearing about this campaign is that it was founded by Lauren Fusaro, a 24 year old sarcoma survivor who has now made it her mission to raise funds for sarcoma research and advocate for the adolescent patient experience. This particular dine-out event raised funds for the Sarcoma Foundation of America, an organization I have also worked with frequently in these last few years. At the end of the evening Areo's donated a percentage of their dinner revenue to sarcoma research. Had a wonderful time with great friends and family and am thankful to have met fellow young women dedicated the the fight!
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| With the young women of Invincible Sarcoma Enjoying our meal at Areo's |
Brooklyn Spectator Magazine Launch Party September 13, 2012
This week I had the opportunity to attend the launch party of the Brooklyn Spectator Magazine. The Brooklyn Spectator Newspaper of Brooklyn Media Group, has been bringing the news to Brooklynites for years and they have now taken their craft to the next level by launching a magazine! The magazine is set to be a fun source to find entertainment, art, events and of course news! Was thrilled to be invited by Joshua and Victoria Schneps of Schneps Communications. I was able to bring along one of my best friends, Allison to the Brooklyn Brewery to enjoy a great night of music and mingling!
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| Brooklyn Spectator Magazine Launch Party at the Brooklyn Brewery |
A Night With Ike Davis, Solving Kids Cancer September 9, 2012
T.E.A.L Walk September 8, 2012
Reunited and it feeels so goood! Today was not only the T.E.A.L. Walk in Prospect Park, but it was also a mini Miss NY reunion. A group of us ladies gathered in support of a beautiful organization known as T.E.A.L or "Tell Every Amazing Lady" About Ovarian Cancer. When Louisa M. McGregor’s was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, she and her sister Pamela Esposito-Amery made it their mission to raise awareness for the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer in order to enable early detection and together have fought to find a cure. Today hundreds gathered to show their love and support of not only the organization, but for the remarkable survivors who faced their battle head on and came out victorious. Before the walk we had the opportunity to participate in a beautiful opening ceremony where we all had the chance to "sash" survivors. Although mother nature appeared to have a little bit of a hissy fit (it down-poured for a good half hour), the minute the walk was about to begin the clouds parted and the sun came out (talk about impeccable timing!)
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| TELL EVERY AMAZING LADY ABOUT OVARIAN CANCER |
Dine-Out Against Bullying July 25, 2012
At the press conference prior to the main event I had the opportunity to hear from local politicians, members of the NycArtsCypher and guest speaker Michelle La Femina. Michelle spoke on behalf of her beautiful daughter Alyssa; a victim of bullying for years. I had the chance to speak with both of them and applaud them for standing up and speaking out. As someone who was bullied as a child, I know how bullying can break you down physically, emotionally and make you feel utterly isolated. No child, teen or adult for that matter deserves to feel that emotional strain. Alyssa, an amazingly talented artist found a way to persevere by taking part in Charlie's program, creating an outstanding anti-bullying mural that can be seen at CSI High School. It was an honor meeting her! After the press conference I headed to Lorenzo's Cabaret to Dine-Out Against Bullies, but not before making a new friend (or potential future husband) Charlie B's adorable little son Charlie who gave the most awesome hugs! :)
P.S. 94 Graduation & PTA Flashmob I.S. 197 June 21, 2012
Welp today was a jam packed day of school fun! I began my morning at Sunset Park HS where I was invited to give the graduation speech to the 5th grade graduating class of 2012 of P.S. 94 :) Being involved in the school system and interacting with the students is one of my favorite parts about being a titleholder. Working with kids and being able to motivate them to follow through with their goals is rewarding on so many levels.
Miss NY Week! June 11-16, 2012
WOW WHAT A WEEK! It's been a few weeks and I am still coming down from the amazing experience I had at Miss NY. First and foremost HUGE Congrats to our new Miss NY, Mallory Hagan!!!! She is such an incredible young woman, who has worked so hard for this. I am beyond proud to know her and cannot wait for her to rock it at Miss America! (I was competing and I was rooting for her, that says something about just how remarkable she is)
Let's start at the beginning shall we, my week began actually picking up Mallory in Brooklyn and heading to Staten Island with a car full of suitcases. We arrived at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Staten Island and began meeting and chatting with our awesome class of 2013! After settling in to the hotel, it was time to break out the crowns and sashes as we headed to lunch at the Common's Cafe on the Island. (The mascot happened to be a giant Hamburger, it took a lot of will power not to get fries and a burger, was good for once and opted for the salad, OY!). After a great lunch at Common's it was onto the bus and off to City Hall for some pictures. Following our stay we jumped back on the bus and ended up having an impromptu photo session on Wall Street (pretty sure we skipped the extremely long line of tourists to take a picture by the infamous bull . . . whooops). It didn't take long for us to become a tourist attraction of our own, 26 girls walking around Manhattan with shiny crowns and sashes kind of draws attention. After leaving the chaos that is Wall Street we found ourselves near Ground Zero and had the unbelievable (and unexpected) opportunity to have a mini tour of the World Trade Center Memorial. Being there and seeing the breathe taking tribute was an experience I will never forget. After spending some time by the Trade Center, we made our way to the Staten Island Ferry for our officially arrival on Staten Island and had the chance to spend sometime at Borough Hall with the Borough President of Staten Island, James Molinaro. All that running around makes ya work up an appetite for sure, so we capped off the evening with a great dinner at Blue Restaurant. (Jesse:Miss Western NY & I were in cheese heaven, it was a good time!)
Now, if you think this day ended there, you are sadly mistaken. After Borough Hall, we headed to the St. George Theatre to sit back relax and enjoy what is probably the funniest and most entertaining event of Miss NY week . . . THE MR. NEW YORK COMPETITION! Where hunky and talented lads compete for the coveted title, making them the king of our state ;).
MUCH MORE TO COME! STAY TUNED (it is all been written, now the challenge is finding the time to type it)
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