H.E.R.O Night

I just held a successful "H.E.R.O" night involving young men and young women in Provo. I spoke at the beginning of the event about the importance of service and community involvement. I shared how we can find the hero within us if we reach out and serve others.

As a group, we tied over 10 blankets for the pediatric floor at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.

We also made "Valentine's for Vets" and wrote letters for my "Be A HERO, Thank a HERO" campaign.

Lincoln Day Dinner

I did something this President's Day Weekend that I have never done before...

while playing the harp I have been accompanied by vocalists, orchestras, and dancers, but never a sculptor! This weekend Dan Fairbanks and I "performed" together while guest enjoyed a wonderful buffet by UVU catering.

Mr. Fairbanks sculpted the bust of Lincoln in under an hour. It was mesmerizing to watch... it was quite a challenge keeping my focus on playing while he has sculpting next to me!

Many prominent Utah County and state government officials were there to honor the life of the great president, Abraham Lincoln.

After Mr. Fairbanks and I finished, President Matthew Holland of Utah Valley University gave a fantastic speech about Lincoln's life and legacy. Then Representative Chaffetz, Senator Lee, and Senator Hatch gave brief speeches.

It was a wonderful night and a memorable way to celebrate President's Day.

playing while guests were arriving.

Mr. Fairbanks at the beginning of the sculpting process

Isn't that incredible! Dan Fairbanks is so talented!

Mr. Fairbanks, Melanie Jones, President Holland, and I

BYU Sports HERO Day

I was so excited to volunteer at Sports Hero Day this year at Brigham Young University. On January 19, nearly 1,000 sixth graders came to see and hear from their sports heroes and learn what it takes to be a hero on and off the field. I helped as a student chaperone and spoke about service.

As a chaperone, I was assigned to a group of students and took them around to the different stations with them where they interacted with the different BYU sports teams that give pep talks and taught simple sports games.

It was a great event. And I loved that I got to share my platform of "H.E.R.O - Helping Everyone Reach Out"

I was interviewed and quoted in the article about Sports Hero Day in the BYU Daily Universe. The link to the article is here.

GO COUGARS!

Martin Luther King

Today I had the privilege of speaking to over a 1,000 college students and local residents about Martin Luther King Day and service. I spoke about my platform H.E.R.O - Helping Everyone Reach Out and how we can all become heroes through service to others and volunteering in our community.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of my heroes and one of our countries great leaders and heroes. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: "What are you doing for others?" I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to answer his question by volunteering on MLK Day of Service. The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to serve initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.

Making a matching game for United Way

Donating blood... saving a life!

Provo's First Night

Happy New Year!

Provo City hosted a huge New Year's celebration at Provo Towne Center Mall and it was a huge success.

There was a magic show, a dance, a live band, rock climbing, crafts, karaoke contests, etc.

Melanie (my first attendant) and I were asked to judge the karaoke contest.

It was so incredible to see the talent that Provo has to offer.

Congratulations to the winner of this years contest!

The ball drop was really exciting. There was a massive crowd, almost like in New York! ;). The Mayor spoke and then I also said a few words.

The fireworks after the ball dropped was the best part! It was a fantastic display and a wonderful way to ring in the New Year!

With City Council Member Sterling Beck and his wife, Melanie, and Mayor John Curtis and his wife.

Practicing the "police stance"

I am planning on making 2012 the best year of my life! How about you?

Best of luck in your future endeavors!

Meredith

Miss Provo 2011

"Miss Excellence Pageant"

When I was asked to speak at a youth group for girls about the importance of service and beauty coming from within I was ecstatic. I love opportunities to speak about my platform, H.E.R.O, and about discovering confidence by finding out who you are and developing your talents.

The night was title "Miss Excellence Pageant." Leading up to the night, the girls each completed a project that helped develop different qualities of confidence, self-worth, and responsibility. After I spoke, the girls were each spotlighted and then crowned.

I had a wonderful time getting to know the girls, giving advice and answering questions about my high school experience, my embarrassing moments, my favorite foods, etc.

One of the girls little sister wanted to be a part of it too so the leaders quickly made her a little sash that said "Miss Excellence Mini."

Christmas Light Parade

My last post was all about the adventure of putting the lights on the float and this post is all about the adventure of trying to get them to work.

The Provo Christmas Light Parade and Lights-On Ceremony was on December 3, 2011. I was really looking forward to this after decorating our float with all the fun lights.

After a few bumps in the road, like the lighting system on our float breaking down about 500 feet before we reached the start of the parade, we rolled with it and made the best of it. One of the lessons I have learned through out my life and especially as Miss Provo, is to be flexible. Sometimes things do not go according to plan but it is in these moments that you show your true colors and can make the best out of challenging situations.

After riding down the parade route, I welcomed the crowd, I recited a famous line from one of my all time favorite Christmas movies, Elf..."The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear..." then I led the crowd in the singing of Christmas caroling.

After a message from Mayor Curtis, SANTA came!! Melanie and I were able to be "Santa's little helpers" and scatter the "magical" dust over the city to turn on the lights.

It was a magical evening!

I was able to wear a stunning white cape while on the float... it has always been my dream! I saw a former Miss Utah County in the same parade growing up and she had long blonde hair and wore a beautiful cape and while watching the parade that year I leaned over to my mom and said, "one day I want to do that too." I love when dreams come true!

SANTA!

Peyton was the Grand Marshal of the parade. He was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome but has battle through many surgeries and procedures and is doing well. He is definitely an inspiration!