Miss Preteen National Sweetheart's Blog

My first accomplishment as a national queen....

2010-03-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

My first accomplishment as a national queen was to host a hat drive at my school for the Hats Off For Cancer Organization. I contacted Dennis Lawrence and he gave me all of the important information I needed to get started. He even sent me a checklist for the event. I talked to my guidance counselor, Ms. Morawick, about hosting the hat drive at our school. She loved and supported the idea. She suggested that we wait to host the hat drive until Red Ribbon Week, which was the second week in October. This was after Mad Hatters Day but Mr. Lawrence said it would be fine. To promote my hat drive I made posters to hang around the school and I made a few announcements in the cafeteria. Our principal even agreed to call the day, Crazy Hat Day, a day when teachers and students would be allowed to wear their craziest hats. When our Mad Hatter Day, otherwise known as Crazy Hat Day occurred, students and teachers brought in so many hats, they filled 9 big green garbage bags. It was great to see all the crazy hats people wore to school. It was a fun day! After school, my sister and I sorted all of the hats into two groups - the new hats, and the gently worn hats. We put the new hats in plastic bags and donated them to cancer patients. The “gently worn” hats were donated to the Salvation Army. In total we collected almost 700 hats. I enjoyed this event because I was able to combine my love for volunteering with my student council responsibilities while building school spirit. Why don’t you consider hosting a Mad Hatters Day at your school?

What rang through your mind the second your name was called as the winner?

2010-01-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

Standing on stage holding my new friend’s hand I quietly spoke to Jesus. I pleaded even though I knew better. This was like déjà vu. Last year, I was in the same situation with Taylor DuPriest. I knew I did my best, but the other girls were all so qualified. I knew the decision was already made and the future Miss Preteen National Sweetheart’s fate already sealed. I wanted to know the name of the new Queen but I also knew I didn’t want the moment to end if my name was called. With all these thoughts running through my head I heard a name being called, and it wasn’t mine. Do I have this right? Am I the winner? Was Sydney called as first runner-up? I was scared to move at first, but then Sydney whispered congratulations into my ear and confirmed my hopes. It was true, I did win. Thank you Jesus! I looked up at the audience, overwhelmed to see so many people clapping for me. Tears spilled out of my eyes as I looked for my dad in the audience. His nose was all red from crying himself. I could see how happy he was for me. I had a slight pang in my heart, wishing my mother and sister could have been here for this moment. I was filled with such gratitude for everyone who helped me achieve this dream. I could feel my level of determination grow as I secretly promised myself to continue to always work towards my dreams. I gave a sigh of gratitude that God gave me the courage to try again. I also wondered who my sister queens would be as I tried to give my attention back to the Emcee.