Warrensburg KOKO Expo

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to attend the Warrensburg KOKO expo.  The expo was filled with organizations, small businesses, and a lot of people from across the state of Missouri.  I was able to experience several events from marketing the Miss Missouri Organization to learning to shoot a bow and arrow!!!

I hit it!

This event was definitely exciting for me because I grew up in Warrensburg.  I got to see a few old friends and some others who didn't recognize me until after I autographed a photo for them and they read my name!

Scarlett O'Hatters

On Saturday, March 12th, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the Scarlett O'Hatters of Johnson County.  Growing up in Johnson County, this appearance will definitely hold a special place in my heart. We were able to talk over lunch and I got to learn about all of their upcoming events and interests.  When we finished lunch it was time for my presentation!
I told the ladies about the Miss Missouri Organization and all that it has done for me.  I discussed the importance of service and shared some of the service events in which I have been involved.  They loved hearing about Celiac Disease and the strides I have made in creating an awareness.

One of my favorite parts of visiting with these ladies was being able to speak with one of my 6th grade teachers!  We talked about how much I had changed and were able to laugh at the fact that I used to be such a tom-boy!

A huge thank you to Miss Jean! She is such a sweetheart and truly one to look up to.

Last but not least, I LOVED hearing their "Princess" names and of course, seeing their gorgeous hats.  Each lady has created a meaningful duchess name for herself.  They wear their name-tags proudly and shared them with me!  It was such an honor to be able to speak with and learn from these lovely Red Hatters

  

Chowin' Down for Children

National Pancake Day at IHOP was a blast!  The International House of Pancakes provided hungry visitors with a free short-stack of pancakes on March 1st, 2011.  In return, several of those visitors made donations to Children's Miracle Network.

I had opportunity to visit with customers and explain the importance of Children's Miracle Network and the link with the Miss America Organization.  All of the donations made will stay directly in the Kansas City area, where I was able to visit several different IHOPs.

Not only did I visit with the customers but I was also able to assist in serving and flipping some flapjacks!

The day was definitely a success (even after a little girl told me that I smelled like pancakes, haha)!

Miss Mid-Missouri 2011

Wow! I am so blessed to have such wonderful support from my family and friends.  I was recently crowned Miss Mid-Missouri and cannot be more excited to see what this year has in store for me.  A new door has opened and I am ready to embrace every second to the fullest.