Miss Michigan Gum

 

                Hey Everyone! As many of you know the Miss Michigan Scholarship program has come up with a new idea this year. We have created a package of sugarless gum. Part of the proceeds goes towards out scholarships for our program, as we are the largest scholarship pageant in the world for our young women. Another portion goes to Children's Miracle network. The final portion works in one of two ways. 1) If a local  program  participates in the sale of the gum they will receive a portion for scholarship funds; 2) If an individual company participates in the sale, as opposed to a local, that portion would then be the profit for the company.

 

                I am very excited about this new fundraiser. Michigan is the first state to have this marketing opportunity. Our hopes are to sell enough packages by January to present it on a national level for the other states to pick up. My goal by January is to sell 100 cases. Here is the break down:

                               

1 pack =	$2.00
50 packs make up 1 box =	$100
5 boxes make up 1 case=	$500

 

 

The goal is high, but I would like to show MAO that this is a great way to market our program and raise additional scholarship dollars for our young women. If you would like to participate in the distribution and sales of the Miss Michigan Gum you can contact me at Miss2009@missmichigan.org.

 

A huge thank you goes out to the locals and individual buyers who have already purchased their own pack of our gum!! Who doesn’t need a pack of gum? Come on folks

 

Chew on

Nicole

I am a busy bee…

 

                After a crazy busy day at Miss Wayne County I scooted off to the St. Lawrence annual Apple Fest. I have attended this event for years, but this year I was one of the special quests as Miss MichiganJ

The festival set me up in the kids’ tent where I signed autographs from 8:30 till 11:30! The line was never ending!! Of course everyone’s experience was complete with a photoJ I do believe I took pictures with the entire Mustang Football team. They visited me several times hehe   Once I was finished I enjoyed a piece of pizza and a caramel apple mmmmmmm so so good! The following morning I stopped by again for a few more events at the festival and as a favor to my aunt and uncle. The Apple Fest is an event hosted by their Parish. I love it when my events involve my familyJ

 

                Once again I was on the road with Shelley. We headed to MSU for an event for children’s hospitals. We met up with Deb Zale just before we got there. She was gracious enough to invite us to this event. Thanks DebJ There where about 125 members of the MSU marching bad entertaining the guests of the event. With in moments of our arrival… (un-announced to me prior to his introduction) the band director announced that I was there and invited me up to share a few words. All along I am thinking to myself “It’s cool Nicole, you’re all good. Piece of cake” Yeah right… was totally freaking out, but never let it showJ I chatted about our Miss Michigan program and the duties of my job. I informed then that I was preparing for the Miss America competition in January which led to a large round of applause. I also shared with them that our national platform is the Children’s Miracle Network. It was a great opportunity to share with them the impact we have on the community, the children and their families. 

 

                The band performed a few beautiful pieces and then took a break. That allowed some down time for PHOTOS!!!! They where too funny! We took a bunch of pictures this drum line and that snare line… it went on and on, But I love it! Now I see why I liked band so much! The kids were so coolJ  The event also had some other special guests I had the privilege to meet. I chatted with Tom Izzo and his wife whoot whoot and….. Had the awesome honor of taking my picture with Mark Dantonio. They are the Basketball and Football coaches at MSU. Oh yeah and of course I took my picture with Sparty! The whole time biting my lip that I am a MICHIGAN FAN!!!! But it was still super cool to meet all of them because I love love love sports!

 

                We had to excuse ourselves from the event to hit the road again to Grand Rapids. Shelley and I where attending an event Hosted by Kenny Gordon. Kenny was the creator of Jesus Christ Super Star. He was hosting a diner to celebrate his years of sobriety from alcohol. It was a great event to attend because I learned a lot about my platform “families facing substance abuse”. Finally the day was over and we headed back to Muskegon to hit the hay. What a great weekend!!

 

Thanks again for reading!

Nicole

               

Miss Wayne County Weekend

 

                Saturday September 12^th was Miss Wayne County. I can’t believe that It has already been a year since I was just a contestant in a local. It feels like yesterday when I started my journey with my first local title and now I am here today. WOW!

 

                After my drive home from Pinconning Friday night I began my preparation for the next day. Three costumes, check. Music for performances, check. Flowers for the contestants and volunteers, check. Gifts for the girls and my director, check. Farewell slide show, check.  Gowns for the show, check. Vampire baseball uniform, check. Shoes, makeup, jewelry, check, check and check.

               

                The theme of the show is usually decided by the outgoing title holder. This year Sheila and Brooke came up with the great idea to have the theme of the show be my favorite book series. The Twilight Saga!! We used the music from the sound track for the different phases of competition and I performed to a few of the songs. One of my favorite scenes from the movie was the baseball scene. Since I am such a baseball nut :P we used the song from the scene (Super massive black hole) and we all dressed up like little vampire baseball beauty queensJ

 

                The show was great!! We showed the trailer from the first movie to set the tone. To open the second half we played the NEW trailer from the second movie and my favorite book of the series!!! It was awesome!! Everything went very smooth back stage. Thank you to everyone who was back there helping. A huge round or applause goes to the Churchill High School theater crew for helping us make our show just like we imagines it! The girls where awesome! I was so proud of everyone! They accomplished so much by participating in this adventure! The things that we have the opportunity to learn about ourselves, community, program and State in the MAO program are incredible! No matter what level we participate in, local, state or national, gives us experience for our lives down the road. Anjel Francisco is the new Miss Wayne County 2009. She is absolutely beautiful! I know she will do amazing things with her things with this title!

 

                I can’t thank the MWC crew enough for everything they did for me over the year! Miss Wayne County was the only title I was privileged to have held before I took the next step and now have the privilege to hold the state title. Thanks to all of the Judges to gave me the opportunity last year to represent Wayne County. As my only local I can say that I could not have been in a better program! Sheila, Sharon, Brooke, Mrs.Vanbell and Laura. Thank you again for all your hard work this past year! Nothing went unnoticed!! From the smallest things to the big things like my swimsuit and evening gown advise, thank you with all of my heart! I can’t wait to be your girl on the Miss America stage in January! I am where I am today because of your love and guidance.

 

Thanks everyone for reading

 

Nicole    

Hello Everyone!

 

                I am sitting at my host family's house, the Smith's, watching my favorite baseball team, the Tigers, play and figured I would update you on my recent activities.

 

                Friday September 11th I spend the day in Pinconning. For those of you who are like me... Pinconning is up near Bay City. It was an early morning starting off with a meeting about our latest and greatest fundraising opportunity, Miss Michigan Gum. I am very excited about what this little pack of gum can do for our organization. More to come about that in a bit:) The first official stop was at the newly renovated middle and high school. A bit of background about the Pinconning schools- The school has not had updates since the late 50's. Seventeen attempted mileages have been turned down over the years. Finally this year it was a success!! Once the last student was gone at the end of the last day of school last year the construction began. In just a few short months the school was not only renovated but a new wig and gym was added to the school. The school now has two gyms to accommodate the amount of both middle and high school students involved in the athletic program. Once I was at the school I was given the grand tour. Let me tell you, it was beautiful! The things they accomplished over the summer was amazing! I would never have known that the entire building wasn't new unless they had told me! The library had yet to have the books on the shelves, but faculty assured me that they would be there for the start of school the following Monday. After my tour I went to the gym for some crazy fun with a bunch of little ones. Popcorn, cotton candy, orange Hi-C, tattoos, moon walks and magic shows from Ronald McDonald...enough said. Oh and we also had Cookie Monster, Curious George and Rafielle from the Ninja Turtles. WOW it was fun!!!! I personally liked the green cotton candy and the moon walk:) Sadly our time there was short lived :-( I had to scoot off to an autograph session at the local Pinny Foods Center. Then we headed to the football field for a quick run thought of the half time show. After the run through we made our way to the parking lot for the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the school. I had a few opportunities’ for some local media and news interviews which was a lot of fun! Once the official business was over I mingled with the students and community at the tail gate party as the football team warmed up on the practice field next to us. Man those boys where BIG!! There was a 6'7 wide receiver! No, not quarterback, but wide receiver!! YEAH!! I enjoyed a hot dog and was decked out with beads and glow in the dark bracelets and necklaces for the game by the cheer team and student council. As everyone was entering the stands the Dr.Pepper team handed them a blue ticket. At the end of the first quarter three ticket numbers where called. The fans with the matching ticket numbers where the lucky contestants for the Dr.Pepper Quarterback challenge during halftime. I was the emcee for the game. I introduced the contestants and explained the game to the audience. Each contestant got three throws. They had the option of throwing from either the 5,10 or 15 yr line. The 5 was worth 1 pt, the 10 was worth 3 pts and the 15 was worth 5pts. The object was to get the foot ball into the opening on the inflatable Dr.Pepper can. After their three throws we added up the points. Based on their total determined what prize they won. First place was a trip to our MSU vs. U of M football weekend up at soaring eagle October 3rd. Second place was a weekend getaway from a selection of 450 drive-to destinations. Third place was a $100 Pinny foods center gift card.

 

                After the game I hopped back in my car for the drive back home to Novi to get my things together for Saturdays Miss Wayne County pageant. I can't believe I had been one year since I won the title of MWC 2008 and it was already time to give it up :-( Thankfully I had the house to myself to get all my work done. My mom and brother where just outside of Chicago for a tour of St. Frances. My brother is considering attending school there so he was there for a run with the cross country team to see if it was a good fit for him. I had the house to my self and boy did I need it. I was rhinestoning my costume, matching up other costumes with the songs I was perfuming to, wrapping gifts, arranging flowers, finishing my slide show and oh yeah I was hungry! Sheish!! it was a long night! I was done at 3:26 am and hit the hay for a few short hours...

 

Check out my next blog for all the details about MWC 2009

Nicole

It is 12:40 Thursday night and I can NOT fall asleep. I am sitting in my hotel room in Bay City awaiting for dreams to come and... nothing! Tomorrow is a packed day filled with school activities, store visits, a ribbon cutting ceremony and finally a football game where I am emceeing the halftime events. All the reason the world to want a good night rest. Well Not in Nicole land today. So I fliped on the TV and my favorite comedian in on, Dance Cook. He is going off about dates and how you know things are going well when the girl recommends going to see a movie. Dance then proccedes to explain how it is not a movie, but a cinimatic adventure!! The process of looking up the movie, times and location, driving there, the selection of snacks, the previews, annoying people in the movie and how we always lose our seats if we leave. Absolutly hilarious!!!!! Youtube it!! It rocks! Why I felt compelled to share this in my bolg is beyond me:)

Today was also a great adventure! I was on my way from Muskegon to Bay city in what should have taken 3 hours, took me 5 and 1/2. I found every little place to stop and take pictures:) There are a few colors showing up on the trees already. I found a little Michigan look out point at a lake where there where no homes, just nature the way God intended it to be! AMAZING!!! I found an old tractor and took some pictures as well as an entire field of some sort of crop. The field was huge and for as far as you could see was my favorite color YELLOW:)Sooo I pulled over and tried to take a picture of me and the field... what a sight to see for the cars passing by!... If you where thinking it, NO the yellow field was not corn. I had the windows rolled down, a nice big ice cold coke and some good tunes! I absolutly love driving in my car and listening to music!! Its the best therapy in the world!! Best part... its FREE... aside from the gas:)

Once I got to Baycity I unpacked for the busy day, ironed my outifts and headed out to grab some dinner. When I got back I attempted to choreograph my routines for Saturday nights show "twilight time" the Miss Wayne County Pageant at Church Hill Highschool at 4:30pm. That was a show it slef! ahaha wow im weird!

Ok enough for today... now my lids are feeling heavy... finally!!! See you all on the flip side!

Sweet dreams

     xoxox

Nicole*

P.S the spell check says it was not installed...what? How is spell check not installed?? Anywho, I am sorry for my extreme lack for spelling skills. It has always been by down fall:(

 

Hey there from Hoopeston, Illinois!!

 

 I am down at the National Sweetheart Pageant to cheer on Miss Katie We are having so much fun in cornfield heaven!!!!! Shelley and I came down last night to watch her perform her NEW talent, yes no more Harold :-( Let me tell you, it was absolutely wonderful!! She did a modern self choreographed routine entitled “Pearl”. It started with Katie’s own voice talking about how she has changed and shaped her life from what she has learned from her first hand experiences with her platform, World Poverty. It them lead into the India Arie song before finishing again with Katie’s message. I LOVED it! Way to go Katie! We are having so much fun!! I enjoyed a corndog last night and Shelley had  taco in a bag I cant wait to pleasure my taste pallet tomorrow!!! Bring on the Elephant ears mmmmmm…

 

The past two weeks have been a blast! I wear many hats as Miss Michigan, but an unexpected on was when I was the auctioneer for an action with our Dr. Pepper/ Snapple group. I was so nervous, but after the first one I wanted to stay all day and keep on going! It was great! Last week I attended a Novi Chamber of Commerce event where the guests graciously donated to the Children’s Miracle Network!! It was awesome!! Last week was also the Children’s Miracle Gold Classic in Birmingham. I went wonderfulJ The day was beautiful and I had help from Christina Perusse and Angela Vendetti ( Miss Oakland County).

 

What’s on the forefront??? …

-Coming up this next weekend September 12^th is the MISS WAYNE COUNTY pageant! Everyone come out for the show with  a TWILIGHT/ NEW MOON theme. The twilight saga is my current favorite so we decided to make it the theme for the show! It will be great! We have 8 beautiful contestants!! Turst me, you will want to meet them

- Tuesday September 15^th at 7pm I will take the mound at Comerica Park for the TIGERS game!!!! YEAHHHH!!! I’m so excited!! I love baseball and the Tigers and my team Come on out to the game as the take on Kansas City and cream them!!!

-Wednesday September 16^th is the “Celebrate 21 years of Life” a fundraiser for our very own Kirsten’s 21^st birthday party to support her foundation! It will be at the Novi Andiamos, proceeds will go to her foundation. Order your tickets today

 

I will keep everyone in the loop for what’s next to come! Until then God bless and always remember to keep it real!!

Hey everyone! Here is my first Blog  I couldn't figure it out right away... Enjoy!!

Ok enough is enough... time for my first blog! I cant believe almost the entire summer is gone! “WOW” is all I have to say. Where has the time gone?
The first thing I need to say is how grateful and blessed I feel to have this opportunity. During the week in Muskegon with all of the contestants I learned more about myself, the organization and what an amazing group of girls we have here in Michigan. I don’t think I cried more in one week out of pure bliss then I did that week. The girls we have representing our state are truly an inspirational group of your women. Our personal battles that have become the foundation of platforms and strong ambitions to make the world a better place is the inspiration I remind myself of everyday! Thank you girls for your stories, tears and times I laughed so hard my stomach hurt that week! I am so proud to be representing you! Also, I need to thank everyone for the wonderful words of encouragement through cards, notes, letters, flowers and gifts that week. I would not have been able to make it through the week with out all of you!
This summer has been a crazy one indeed! Almost right after the pageant I jumped head first into appearances with our partner the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group. Oh boy have they kept me busy this summer!! A few of the highlights have been the Blueberry Festival in Grand Haven and a fabulous array of Wal-Mart stores! I have enjoyed traveling to many of the local pageants the past 2 months! It has been so great to see a few of the girls I shared this past year with and welcome some new faces into the family I truly enjoyed my trip to the Miss Stanton Pageant. They are a new affiliate to the program and for the first time their title holder will come to Miss Michigan. Miss River Raisin was an awesome experience for my first outdoor pageant! I loved it!! It was so cool to be the emcee at Saginaw. It was the first pageant where I had the reigns and I'm not going to lie... It was pretty cool!
This past week I spent the entire week with ALL 53 Miss America Contestants in Orlando. The girls are a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y amazing!! I clicked right away will Miss Kentucky, Mallory. She is so cool and a little firecracker!! It was cool to meet the girls who are experiencing this same thing I am only back in their own states. I can’t wait to see then in January! We have a new partnership with Nature’s Bottles which is a new bottled water in a package that is made from Corn Starch and biodegrades in half the time a plastic bottle would. We worked with them last week and did a few interviews about why going GREEN here in Michigan is important. We also had a few interviews with the TLC network to comprise a television special that will air January 29 (the night before the pageant) recapping the preliminaries and an opportunity for the viewers to see the interviews and get to know the contestants. One of the days the took us to Universal studios. It was so cool to wear the VIP pass and skip all the lines! I felt so cool Haley did an amazing job! She looked so beautiful! The week takes a lot out of the girls, but she did an impeccable job. Her Tony Bowls photo was rockin from the photo shoot they had in his gowns I am so proud to call her my miss Michigan sister! Way to go Girl!!