"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!

"Light" up the Fireworks!

Robyn, director of Miss Provo, my wonderful mother and I spent an afternoon putting lights on the Provo City Float for the Provo City Light Parade.

I started out proficient in my staple gun technique, but I can now say I am a master at the ways of the staple gun.

One word of warning... do not touch the prongs of a strand of lights that is plugged into the wall... from experience I can say it will electrocute you.

After many laughs, countless staples, a lot of lights, a few installed back-up fuses, 2 bouts of electrocution on my part, the float and good 'ole Abe were ready to light up the night!

Robyn and I in front of the Provo City float

Veteran's Day

I had the opportunity to be a part of the 2011 Provo Veteran's Day Celebration at Timpview High School. I was so excited to be invited to lead the pledge and be a part of the assembly because when I was a senior at Timpview High School, I was the Public Relations Director on Student Government and in charge of planning, preparing and directing the Veteran's Day Celebration. So it was a lot of fun to come back and see the traditions that started my senior still going strong.

I thought there was no better place to promote my platform of "H.E.R.O - Helping Everyone Reach Out!" than at an assembly full of our nations heroes and the future heroes of America. As part of my platform I have a service project that goes along with each of my presentations and one of them that is near and dear to my heart is "Thank a Hero, Be a Hero!"

I had each of the high school students write a letter of gratitude to our Veteran's or active servicemen and women. It was a big success and I can not wait to continue this service project whenever I promote my platform of "H.E.R.O."