Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen's Blog
Andie's June Blog
It's summer finally, YAY! Summer is my favorite season. It's just so exciting and warm out. AND no more school! (HAHA) This month was especially exciting, but more about that later.
To start off this month, I had my dance company showcase. It was at the beautiful Pitman Broadway Theater. Here I performed my two solos, and all of our company pieces. My friend Tori and I did have a duo to perform, but she was recovering from a back injury :( She is resting now though, so it will be better soon!
The following week was my dance studio's recital! It was at Williamstown High School's Performing Arts Theater. Needless to say, it was a crazy weekend. But of course it was fun--as always. I performed in a total of 12 pieces! I know, I don't even know how I managed. (HAHA)
This month was the Gloucester County Water fest. I got to help sign people up to ride the kayaks and canoes. My mom and I even tried out the kayaks ourselves. Luckily I didn't fall out of my kayak; I had my crown on! (HAHA)
Miss New York and Miss New York Outstanding Teen pageants were the week after Miss New Jersey. I went to see the Miss New York Outstanding Teen pageant. Congratulations to Alison Stroming, the newly crowned NYOT! She performed a beautiful ballet en pointe. I can't wait to see her down in Orlando!
Also, Miss Pennsylvania and Miss Pennsylvania Outstanding Teen pageants were the same week as Miss New Jersey. So although I did not get to see her crowned, congrats to Jocelyn Gruber, MPAOT! I'll see her in Orlando, too!
During Miss New Jersey week was my mom's birthday, Happy Birthday Mom! She got to spend it at the shore. Then, the day after Miss New Jersey was Fathers' Day, Happy Father’s'Day Dad! He was lucky he got to spend his day at the shore, too.
The last week of June I started my summer dance intensive. This summer I am going to Cooper River Ballet, it is right in Collingswood. So far I love it there, and it'll be a great way to stay ready for August!
Now for the most exciting part of my month; I will tell you about Miss New Jersey week! On Wednesday the contestants and I spent the day with their little stars. They were all just adorable. Then at night there was the parade! It is always fun, but this year I got to share a float with some little stars--making it even better. All of the contestants had awesome costumes, each one was better than the next! For the Thursday night preliminary competition I got to perform my talent, which was exciting! Most importantly congratulations to Ashleigh Udalvos, our new Miss New Jersey! Ashleigh is so gorgeous and sweet, I know she'll be a great Miss New Jersey.
That's it for this month, but be ready for July! It ought to be fun!
Love Always,
Andie
Green Suggestion: It's now summer. So it's now hot out. But wait, that doesn't mean we should all drop down the air conditioners temperature to 65 degrees! That's an exaggeration, but really air conditioners are a leader in household energy consumers. They can also be costly, not only to purchase them but to run them! So set the thermostat to a degree or two warmer than you usually would. Odds are you'll barely feel the difference. And it's a lot better for our environment and your wallet! (HAHA) Other options instead of having the air conditioner on would be a ceiling fan or a whole house fan. Both can cool a room or your house up to four degrees! If it's still really hot try smaller air conditioning units (single window units) or ductless units. They only cool one room, which may be better for some people than cooling their entire house. No matter what you do or buy be sure that it is energy star rated! By raising the temperature and using energy star rating units you can save a large amount of energy and cut a significant amount of carbon dioxide emissions to go into our atmosphere.
Quote of the Month: "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." "In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure." (Bill Cosby.)
I thought both of these Bill Cosby quotes help everyone to get a further understanding of the definition of success. I think everyone interprets success and how to succeed differently. Although, I think how Mr. Cosby says we can succeed rings true for everyone. The first quote is saying, you have to do everything from heart and know what's best for you. Of course others will help, guide, and inspire you, but then it is up to you to make it your own. At the end of the day you're the one determining and making your success, so it's up to you, and it has to be from your very own heart. The second quote is saying you have to go on and follow your dreams to succeed, you can't be scared of failing. If you believe in yourself and have the drive to succeed, in your own eyes, win or lose you have succeeded. From both win or lose, you experience knowledge of what to do differently next time or what to continue learning. Both can be positive experiences. Succeeding can be the best feeling in the world, and if you believe in yourself and work hard, failing can be just as good.
Andie's May Blog
Hi everyone! May was a busy month, and it’ll only get more exciting in June. Are you all ready for Miss New Jersey? I know I am. Ashley has been an absolutely wonderful Miss New Jersey, and I’m sure any of the contestants will be just as great.
May started off great. I got to tour the Atlantic County Utilities Authority for waste water treatment. (ACUA) They are home to the only wind turbine farm in New Jersey. They also have a HUGE solar panel array. They make enough renewable energy to not only support their plant, but sometimes enough to sell back to the county. It is truly amazing how they have made so many green efforts. Other facilities should look to ACUA as a role model and follow in their footsteps.
The next day was the Shirley Mae Run, in Atlantic City. I acted as Miss New Jersey team’s captain for Katie Hope. This event was very motivational, especially hearing from Shirley herself. I only did the 5K walk but some of our team actually ran! I salute them (HAHA).
That same week was the Mother’s Day Dinner at the United Methodist Church of Deptford. Not only did I get to emcee along with Brenna Weick and Katie Hope, but I got to perform. I did one of my favorite lyrical dances, Hallelujah. I always have a great time helping at the church.
The following week I was invited to represent my school for Gloucester County College’s Women in Technology. I got to learn all about different uses for science, math, and technology in our future. I even had the opportunity to research, design, and develop my own lip gloss.
I also received two awards this month. The first was the Gloucester County Presidential award for volunteer service. The second was for my school’s academic achievement in making the superintendent’s list. Both were a huge honor to receive and I am so grateful in receiving them.
My dance studio performed at the Camden Rivershark’s game this month, too. For the past couple of years my dance studio has had the opportunity to do a pregame performance for the Riversharks. It is always a blast and was even more fun this year. This time I got to throw out the first pitch! It was really cool, although I am still shocked I even made it to the catcher HAHA.
The following week my dad and I participated in the Egg Harbor Township clean up. Here we were able to clean up major roads and highways. No one realizes how much trash can collect roadside until they witness it themselves. That’s why it is so important we all spend time picking up trash, and making sure we never throw our waste out of the car windows.
The next day, Miss Tri-County, Melissa Ruiz, had an 80s skating party fundraiser. It was loads of fun. I brought my whole family and a friend; we all had a great time. I could really brush up on my rollerblading skills though (HAHA).
This month I started a new solo. It’s a contemporary jazz piece to Forever Yellow Skies by The Cranberries. The dance is a very high-energy and upbeat piece, but I love it. I will get the chance to perform it next month at my company show. Also, my brother and I have had the same babysitter for the past ten years. She has become very close to my family, for we have known her forever! But she has just graduated college this month, so we all got to celebrate with her at her graduation party.
The highlight of my month was definitely visiting Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. I toured the hospital along with Miss Delaware and local Delaware and Pennsylvania titleholders. After the tour we got to go to a Children’s Miracle Network teen workshop. This was when we got to do fun activities with actual teen patients. I met a girl named Jessica, she was a complete sweetheart. I can’t wait to visit again! It was so inspirational visiting CHOP, and seeing where all of the money the Miss America Organization raises goes to.
All in all it was a great month. I am very excited about Miss New Jersey. Good luck to all of the contestants; I’ll be there to cheer you on! I plan to visit the Children’s Hospital and Shoes2Share again soon. Get ready for June…here comes summer!
With love,
Andie
Green Suggestion: This past Mothers’ Day my family and I planted my mom her own vegetable garden. This is great because not only do you not have to waste fuel to drive to market for your veggies, but you know they are all organic. This gives you the best of both worlds because environmentalists seem to have an ongoing debate on what’s better—buying vegetables from local farm markets or buying organic vegetables from the supermarket. Both are obviously better options than just buying normal vegetables from a supermarket. I would say if you are unable to have your own garden I would try to buy from a local farm market. This way fuel isn’t wasted on transporting the foods across the country. Most of the time the fruits and vegetables from the local markets will be grown organically too, but it’s always good to ask.
Quote of the Month: “In three words I can sum up everything I know about life: it goes on.” (Robert Frost.)
This quote to me says don’t get caught in everyday frustrations, as in don’t sweat the small stuff. No one should even get too caught up in big problems, for life will go on and everything will be alright. Next time you get upset about something little, don’t hold the grudge, just immediately let it go. You will be a calmer, happier person, and those close to you will be as well.
Andie's April Blog
Hi everyone! Before I start, everyone better have remembered Earth Day on April 22nd! HAHA. It was their 40th anniversary, and almost a billion people participated in celebrations or events! So wow this month was just as busy as last. Although it gets pretty crazy, I always love it all (but not the early morning car rides LOL).
My month started out with events almost right away. I first met Sherri Hill. Sherri was very nice, and a huge help. It was tons of fun getting to try on all of the beautiful gowns; it’s going to be one tough decision for August!
The very next day was the last local pageant before Miss New Jersey! It was sad to think there won’t be any more pageants for awhile, but it really stirs up the excitement for June. This was the Miss Stars and Stripes Pageant. Congratulations to Roopali Pendse, Miss Stars & Stripes 2010. This pageant was the first time I got to emcee ever! Alexis Pelletier-Bui was the emcee with me, she was great. I also got the chance to perform. I did a lyrical dance to the song “Reach” by Gloria Estefan. It was one of my first solos at my dance studio – Tricia Sloan Dance Center.
The next day was Easter! By the way…Happy Easter! I had given up chocolate for lent, so boy was I glad to dig into the chocolate bunnies HAHA. Lou told me not to eat too many or I could get a bellyache, so I paced myself…kind of. wink wink.
The next day I had my headshots with Richard. It was so exciting! I even learned quite a bit about myself, like my left eyebrow is longer than my right and when I get tired I only smile on the right side. It was hilarious! It’s hard to pick out my favorite headshot picture; I think I might have a favorite finally.
The following weekend I went to the Mr. Delaware pageant. Now that was just nonstop laughs! I even got a chance to catch up with Katelynn Mayers, Miss Delaware’s OT. She looked great. It makes me even more excited for Florida thinking about other Outstanding Teens!
The day after Mr. DE, I had my Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser. Although I didn’t get a chance to bowl, everyone who came seemed to be having a ball. Fred Baxter, a retired 12 year NFL player came as a special guest. He won Super Bowl XXXVIII with the New England Patriots. He signed autographs, and took pictures with his massive Super Bowl ring with all of the guests. If I can say so myself, that ring is pretty awesome. LOL Between the fifty-fifty, basket raffles, and ticket sales, we made over $650.00!! The fundraiser was fun, but it was hard work; I know how all the Miss girls feel now. It’s great to raise all this money for such a wonderful cause though. I also sold cookies for the Children’s Miracle Network. They were delicious, and went fast! I plan on having another small Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser by selling lollipops. Stay tuned for more information about them!
The next weekend I went away for a dance project. It’s called the Manhattan Dance Project, and this was my fourth consecutive year attending. This year it was at the Irvine Theater at the University of Pennsylvania. It’s amazing to dance with professional dancers and choreographers. I always learn so much from them. In fact, the man that choreographed the new Cirque du Soleil show, Viva Elvis was one my instructors. I have a couple pictures up with the instructors and my dance friends at the theater.
That very same weekend, I had Washington Township’s Earth Day Earth Day Celebration. (That would be the reason my hair is in a bun for the pictures at the celebration. LOL) We made the pizza box solar ovens and handed out s’mores. I think we all enjoyed the s’mores most. A few girls from Crowns for a Cause, Olivia Suarez, Brenna Weick, Kaitlin Davis, and Gabrielle Allen helped my family and I pass out the s’mores. I hope they had as much fun as I did! This year though it was bit chilly, at least the solar ovens still worked in the Sun. Did you know in just 1 hour the Earth receives more energy from the sun than the entire world uses during a whole year? Imagine if we could really learn how to use this power.
That same week I judged the Miss Violet Pageant for domestic abuse awareness and protection at Rider University. My big sis Ashley Schaffer judged too, as well as Miss NJ USA, Chenoa Greene, and Miss NJ Teen USA, Erica Szymanski. Congratulations to Miss Popular Jasmine Adams and Miss Violet Destyne Pitts! Later that week, I judged a dance competition at Vineland High School. I judged along with Britney Ewan, the Director of Miss All-State. This competition was called “Dancing with the Staff”, and it was just too funny.
Then, my family went down the shore to Ocean City for the weekend! We had so many events that weekend. Most importantly, it was Tommy, my little brother’s tenth birthday, he’s officially double digits. Or as Tommy would say, “I’m not a kid anymore.” Maybe once you get over five feet we’ll think about it bud. HAHA
That weekend was also Miss New Jersey orientation. It was great getting to see all the girls again. Everyone’s talent was lovely of course, and I can’t wait to see it on stage. Orientation made me so excited for Miss New Jersey. I know it’s going to be so much fun. Good luck to all the girls!
That night and the following night was the New Jersey National Teenager Pageant. It was interesting to be able to see a different organization’s pageant. Two New Jersey MAO Preteen titleholders and some very close friends of mine, Mackenzie Olson and Madison Welsh, competed. They both did wonderful and won their junior and preteen divisions. I wish them and the other winners the best of luck at their national pageant in Philadelphia this July.
The morning after orientation I had another Earth Day event to attend. This event was at the Atlantic County Utility Authority (ACUA) right in Egg Harbor Township. There I got to explain about solar power, and I taught the event attendees how to make their own solar oven. So for the second time this month I got to enjoy the tasty s’mores! YUM!
Aside from doing my own demonstration, I also got to tour their facility. I couldn’t stay to see the landfill, but I did get to see the recycling plant. It was awesome to see how much people are recycling. There was basically a mountain of plastics, papers, and metals. I even took a picture by it; you can’t even see the whole heap! My grandfather had actually designed another one of their plants. Therefore, he knew the chief engineer very well, and I might be able to get a tour of their buildings next month! That would be incredible to see all of their solar panels, wind farms, and waste water treatment processes! I can’t wait!
On top of all that going on this past month, I’m learning a new duo with one of my best dance friends Tori. It’s going to be really cute and we both love it. Who knows, maybe I’ll get to perform it at an event someday. So, although this month was crazy, I definitely enjoyed every minute of it. Again, good luck to all of the Miss New Jersey contestants. I hope to see everyone again soon. Keep watch for May’s blog!
XOXO,
Andie
Green Suggestion: Try unplugging all of your appliances, chargers, electronic devices, and lights when you aren’t using them. Although it seems like a hassle it becomes a habit easily, and takes less than two seconds. I understand if you have certain plugs you can’t easily access, or lights that are set to a timer and you are then unable to unplug them. But everything else can be unplugged! Almost all technology is constantly using energy—even when in standby mode; TVs, VCRs, and stereos are amongst the worst culprits. In fact, it’s estimated that 5% of residential electricity that is used in the U.S. is from standby power. This means that U.S. consumers spend almost 40 billion dollars of their electrical energy on standby power every year! So start by unplugging appliances that are rarely used, maybe a TV in the spare bedroom. Then add your cell phone. Over a few days time period, add something new every time. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Quote of the month: “There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds.” (Gilbert K. Chesterton.)
-Let your imagination dream the so thought “impossible.” No one can ever tell you for sure, that something is impossible. Without imagination, Christopher Columbus wouldn’t have discovered America, or Ben Franklin electricity! So imagine whatever you believe, if no one imagines it, how will it become a reality? Look at me, I have this crazy dream that I will be the next Miss America Outstanding Teen, and maybe someday Miss America, then graduate from M.I.T. with a double major in environmental and materials engineering, next create my own cosmetic business that is going to be completely environmental (I mean completely! Everything from biodegradable & all natural make up; to recycled packaging; wind & solar powered plants, stores, and offices; recycled materials for all store furniture; and reusable bags for shopping). But, it will be as big of a deal as Mac make up, and I want have my own family on top of that! Who can say for sure if any of it will happen. But I know that I believe with my whole heart that it can, and that’s what matters most. So as long as you believe in yourself you can imagine as many crazy things as you desire, for there are no boundaries in your own imagination.
March
First off, Happy St. Patty’s Day! (I’m not even Irish HAHA, but they say everyone’s a little Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day!) In school at the beginning of the month my principal said, “This is the start of March Madness, and I’m not talking about basketball.” Of course, he was referring to the warm weather bringing in flip-flops, short-shorts, and tank tops--all of which are against our dress code. But I think my principal’s words can also apply to my life this month. I was crazy busy, but it all was super exciting. I loved every minute of it!
I started off this month was Kristen Moore’s, Miss South Jersey’s prom fashion show fundraiser. All of the dresses were from the Red Carpet Pageant & Prom and were absolutely stunning. I had a blast getting to watch the show.
The organization for Haitian relief, Shoes2Share that I had been collecting shoes for has sent many of the shoes to Haiti. I even went to help sort & box all of the shoes, food, clothes, and toiletries. They have gotten so many donations, it’s wonderful. Haiti can always use more though! I plan on continuing to collect shoes and volunteer to help Shoes2Share.
My younger brother, Tommy, is on a local wrestling team. Their season ended this past month, and the coaches decided they wanted to give each wrestler a gift. The coaches decided on water bottles, I saw what a great idea this was and volunteered to help. At their last practice I went and wrote the boys’ names on reusable water bottles. This way the boys can learn at a young age a simple way to be green, like using a reusable water bottle for sports.
Everyone from New Jersey loves the Jersey shore, right? Well I know I do. In fact, I am a Clean Ocean Action, Beach Sweeps Captain for Avalon. Clean Ocean Action is a group that organizes Captains to have biannual “beach sweeps” or beach cleanups. The Beach Captains job is to not only organize volunteers, but to also track and collect all data of the debris collected on the beach. This data is then sent to Clean Ocean Action and fed into a worldwide database that tracks debris and waste along all waterways and coastlines. This way they can better understand what factors are leading in contributing to our water pollution. Then they try to put an end to those leading factors. This year is Clean Ocean Action’s 25th Anniversary. All Beach Captain or Clean Ocean Action members were invited to a symposium in honor of 25 years of hard work. I learned loads of information there, like did you know more than 70% of trash found on beaches is a form of plastic.
There were also many local pageants and charity events this month. The first was Miss Cape May County Outstanding Teen. Congratulations to Ann Unsworth, who is their new Outstanding Teen. Best of luck next January! I love watching the Outstanding Teen pageants and rooting on my girlies. J Then Brianna Durand, who is Miss Coastal Shores, had a fundraiser this month for her platform, domestic abuse. It was a 70s themed dinner and dance. Everyone had a ball dancing! The next local pageant was the Miss Bergen County pageant. Congratulations to Madison Houck for winning the crown! It’s so great getting to watch the Miss girls’ pageants, because I can always learn so much from them. There was also the Miss Middlesex Pageant. Congratulations to Carissa Palumbo for becoming their new queen! Christine Giardina, Miss Avalon had a fundraiser this night as well. So although I couldn’t attend, I heard it went great. Lastly was the triple crown pageant, Miss Gateway, Miss Tri-County, and Miss Northern Lakes. Congratulations to Jeannie Revier-Miss Gateway, Melissa Ruiz-Miss Tri-County, and Michelle Goldberg-Miss Northern Lakes. Now there’s only one more local left before Miss New Jersey!
I also met with Jonathon Kayne from Project Runway at Red Carpet. He was so nice, and I had loads of fun trying on all of the beautiful gowns! It’s going to be hard to pick just one dress for MAOT!
The Mr. Garden State Pageant was this month too. Congrats to Michael Kelly, our first ever Mr. Garden State. That pageant was a fundraiser organized by Ashleigh Udalvos, Miss All-State for the Children’s Miracle Network. It was hilarious!
Phew! I think that’s all for this month. But remember to check back in April. Here’s a couple reminder’s for next month: Sunday, April 11th from 5-7pm, I will be holding a bowling fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network at Brunswick Zone in Deptford. It will cost $15 and includes two hours of bowling, shoe rental, pizza, soda, and tons of fun! Also, April 22nd is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, so remember to be green! I will be participating in Washington Township’s Earth Day Celebration with a solar panel oven demonstration with s’mores (on Saturday April 17th). If you aren’t busy you should come to celebrate our Earth or maybe go to a local Earth Day fair near you. See you soon!
Love,
Andie Babusik
Green Suggestion: Convert all your plastic shopping bags to reusable bags! I know, my family thought it would be hassle too—but it really isn’t! Reusable bags are inexpensive and easy to store. My family leaves some in our cars’ trunks and some in our coat closets. This is great because, if we are on our way out the door, or need to run and get some groceries we have a reusable bag at easy access. Say you buy more groceries or anything, than bags you have to hold them, either ditch the bags completely and use a cart, or save the plastic bags you need to carry the remainder of your purchase. Did you know that Americans use over 380 million plastic (polyethylene) bags a year? And 100 million of them are thrown away? And out of that 100 million only 1% are recycled? And it takes 1000 years for polyethylene bags to break down! We can’t keep throwing away these bags—Earth will get covered in them! So try to slowly convert to reusable bags, they come in all sorts of sizes, colors, and designs; plus they are much sturdier than your typical grocery bag.
Quote of the Month: “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” (Jimmy Johnson.)
-Always try your best and put 120% effort into everything you do. You’ll feel better at your work and others are more likely to notice, someone who tries hard can always stand out. I know I try to be the best I can all the time, (—except maybe not in the morning, because I am NOT a morning person LOL). But, trying hard allows me to be more proud of my accomplishments and learn more from my mistakes. So just be extraordinary.
February
Hi everyone! Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day! Wow this month has been great! Although snow days, snowmen, and snowball fights are fun, I’m ready for warmer weather. Hopefully we will have nice, spring weather coming our way soon!
Even with a lot of rescheduling due to the numerous snow storms, I had a very busy month. I started off this month with an appearance on Super Bowl Sunday! The Fred Baxter Foundation and Community Treatment Solutions of Burlington County, which both raise funds in support of local children’s charities and the community as a whole, held a bowling fundraiser. Families came to bowl, watch the big game, eat LOADS of sugary snacks (which were yummyJ), and meet Fred Baxter himself. Mr. Baxter played in the NFL for twelve years, including two years with the New England Patriots when they won Super Bowl XXXVIII. I actually got to see his Super Bowl ring, it was awesome. LOL
I visited a local daycare and talked to the pre-schoolers about my platform “Going Green”. They colored pictures of the Earth and trees and learned about recycling. I asked them to talk to their parents at dinner about recycling, and see if their families do already. And, if not to please start! I had a great time with them. The little ones were so cute; I can’t wait to see them again.
This month I had the privilege of going to watch the Miss Delaware Outstanding Teen Pageant. It was exciting to see a different state’s pageant. I can’t wait to see Katelynn Mayers, their new MDEOT again. I hope we can meet again soon as she was so nice. Just talking about another contestant for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen is getting me super excited for Orlando this summer!!! Also, I met Danielle Marshall, who is the former MDEOT and Brenna’s good friend. The Miss Delaware Outstanding Teen pageant was actually the same night as our Miss Cumberland County. So unfortunately I was not there to see Holly Hunsberger crowned Miss Cumberland County. Congrats Holly!
The organization, Shoes2Share, that I had been collecting shoes for was supposed to have a collection. But with all the snow, it got rescheduled to next month (another reason I’m ready for spring HAHA). I can’t wait to go and help sort and send shoes to send for Haitian relief. My collection of donated shoes is over 70, and we are expecting more! Thank you for all your donations.
What a fun night I had earlier this month when my Mom and I along with Mackenzie & Mrs. Olson went to see Tony Patrizzi’s cabaret production of “Love Songs.” Not only was I able to see Tony perform but also Breanne & Chelsea Lee Ray. They all did a fantastic job! It was a great show and I had so much fun!
That’s it for February, but stay tuned for March! I had a wonderful time this past month and I know I will next month, too.
Love Always,
Andie
Green Suggestion: Did you know that just one minute in the shower can use anywhere from 5-10 gallons of water? So say you take an eight minute shower, that’s 40-80 gallons of water! I know I tend to take pretty lengthy showers, but I started putting a radio near my shower and limiting myself to listening to only one song while showering. Not only does this save about 20-40 gallons of water, but it’s great if you love to sing in the shower like me. Now you have a tune to sing with!
Quote of the Month: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” (Dr. Seuss.)
January
I still can’t believe I’m actually Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen! But I must say, each day it’s beginning to sink in more and more. I have a big month ahead of me though, and for that fact an even bigger year! I am so excited for this upcoming year. I can’t just forget about the past three months though. On September 19, 2009 I was crowned Miss Atlantic Shore Outstanding Teen. The “Shore Family” helped me a great deal to get ready, and I owe them a huge thanks, especially to Tony Patrizzi, my old director. You were the best first Outstanding Teen director I could’ve asked for, thank you for everything.
Also, thanks to everyone who helped make the NJOT pageant as great as it was. Joan I am truly excited to be your girl and spend this next year with you. You did an awesome job putting together the pageant! Lou and Sil, you are two of the most dedicated and supportive people I know. You both really go out of your way to make each girl feel special. Trish and Mike Dowling, thank you for your generosity of donating our opening number dresses. They’re adorable! And a huge thanks to all of the volunteers and hostesses who helped make everything “behind the scenes” possible. All the contestants were so great back stage. I have to say they are the funniest and most talented group of girls I know.
While we are talking about amazing girls, I am so excited to have Ashley as a big sister. Ever since she was crowned Miss Columbus Day I knew there was something special about her. Some friends and family came over just last night to watch the Miss America pageant. She looked beautiful and I can’t wait to hear about it when she comes back.
This past month was great. The day after the pageant my family and I stayed in our pajamas the WHOLE ENTIRE DAY! I know it’s crazy. The following weekend my dance studio finally had our performance of The Nutcracker. (It had gotten cancelled due to the snow storm we had in December.) Although it was delayed, it still was awesome and tons of fun. Richard actually came and took some pictures between the shows and it was a blast, but more about that later.
Another project I just started was Shoes2Share. This is an organization that was founded by a family who was two adopted children from Haiti. What they do is collect gently used shoes and send them to Haiti. After the earthquake, help in Haiti is needed even more! So I started a collection to send to Shoes2Share to help. This ties into my platform of going green great, because it promotes the reuse “R” or the “3Rs” of the environment (reduce, reuse & recycle). If you would be interested in making any donations please let me know!
So again I’m thrilled to be your sixth Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen. The past NJOTs left me HUGE shoes to fill, and I look up to each one of them as a role model. Two of them, Brenna and Katharyn came from my very own dance studio, Tricia Sloan Dance Center. Brenna passing down the crown to me gave us the “three-peat” we had been hoping for. Like I mentioned before Richard came to our Nutcracker performance and took pictures of Katharyn, Brenna, and me all in tutus with our dance teacher Miss Tricia. I owe another big thanks to Miss Tricia and Miss Patty for all the advice and support they provided me with.
Wow! I can’t believe I just wrote my first blog! I hope to see everyone soon.
With Love,
Andie
Green Suggestion: First read Green Chic by Christie Matheson, it’s definitely an eye-opener.
Quote of the Month: “The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.” (Paul Valery.)
-Being able to compete in pageants is a dream come true to me; winning Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen is like living the dream. So always follow your heart and chase after your dreams, anything is possible.
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