Border Brawl

What an exciting evening it was at the Green Jacket’s Stadium in Augusta, Georgia, on Friday night, September 4, 2009.  Fans from South Carolina and Georgia were out to cheer on their favorite teams on a cool September night.

The North Augusta Public Safety Department battled the Richmond County Police Department in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Jerry Lewis and his kids.

My part in the event was to throw out the first pitch of the game.  While I had practiced my pitch several times during the week, I found that the pitcher’s mound and home base were a lot further apart than I expected!! Needless to say, I got the first pitch off okay but it wasn’t the prettiest pitch in the world.

After my moment in the spotlight, Lindsay Garrick (Miss Lexington Teen USA) and I volunteered to sell raffle tickets for several nice prizes.

We had a great time talking to all of the spectators and having our pictures made with fans.  We were happy to do our part for our community and to help raise money for MDA.

I cannot tell you which team actually won but to me everyone was a winner that night because everyone was there to support Jerry’s Kids not to mention their hometown favorites!!!! 

Lending a Hand With The United Way of Augusta

As Miss Teen South Carolina I have had the unique opportunity to meet so many interesting people from all walks of life.  On Friday, October 2nd I had another such opportunity as I participated in Doctor’s Hospital United Way Campaign Kickoff featuring an ice cream social.  What a great time it was.  I met doctors nurses, medical students and even some patients throughout the afternoon and had the chance to scoop ice cream while there!  It was a lot of fun but I quickly learned that scooping frozen ice cream is a LOT harder than it looks but somehow I managed to take care of everyone.

My thanks goes out to Bart Gray, volunteer coordinator for Doctor’s Hospital for asking me to participate in the event. I would also like to say thanks to LaVerne Gold and Rina Powell from the United Way of the CSRA for all that they do each and every day to support those in need throughout our community.

     It was definitely a great day and the ice cream was a hit with everyone (myself included).  What a wonderful way to show our support of the United Way and the people around us – - thank you Doctor’s Hospital.  I also found out that if we all “LIVE UNITED” that it helps everyone in our community!

Beauty Queens Wanted!

What a great day I had recently at Beauty Queens Wanted. This was a pageant preparation event for anyone interested in learning about various pageant systems, makeup, hair, photography, and much, much more.

The event was sponsored by Cyrus Frakes and the team from Gowns and Crownsn in conjunction with Jill rowland of Dazzles, a premier pageant gown and dress shop in Columbia, South Carolina.  Both Cy and Jill put together a day that was both fun and informative!

Free consultations with Pageant Directors from across the Southeast were one of the highlights of the day.  Local beauties had the opportunity to speak one on one to current and former titleholders from across the state.

Other highlights also included hair and makeup artists demonstrating the latest techniques in hair care, skin care and the latest hairstyles suitable for any red carpet event!!

Dreawings were held throughout the day for numerous door prizes while Crystal Garrett and Maggie Hill entertained with several vocal selections.

A highlight of the day’s activities for me was the chance to emcee the fashion show that was held center stage.  I enjoyed seeing so many of my USA, US and Little Miss friends that day not to mention being able to see all of the beautiful gowns and swimwear available for upcoming pageants.  It was definitely a thrill for me to be a part of it all…Beauty Queens Wanted definitely had something for everyone and of course it was another crowning moment during my reign as Miss South Carolina Teen USA.

Miss Teen USA

You know, it is great to be back home even though my trip to Miss Teen USA was one which I will never forget.  From the time we boarded the plane until we got back on the bus to take us back to the airport it was a trip of a lifetime.  I have never seen so many beautiful girls and each and every one had qualities that made them special, each in their own way.  While I was in Nassau, my roommate for the week was Miss Louisiana Teen USA (aka Lil Weezy), Brittany Guidry.  She is such a sweet girl and living with her for the week was awesome!  Of course we already knew one another and that made the week an easier one for us because she is one of my sister queens from RPM Productions.  While we shared a room during the week, we were in different groups during our practice schedules which also made us mix and mingle more with other contestants.  One of my personal favorites during the week was Miss Utah, Tasha Smedley, who I instantly became good friends with.  I loved her since of humor and personality!!

 
While in the Bahamas, we were able to spend some time by the pool and that was a lot of fun.  The Atlantis is such a large hotel and it was a good thing that all of us were in great shape because every day we had to walk a half of a mile from our rooms to the auditorium for practices, which wasn’t too easy when you are wearing five inch heels.  Most of us learned very quickly to slide on our flip flops and then transition into our heels when we got to where we were going. (me included)

Security was definity a large concern to the Miss Universe Organization while we were there.  We had guards at the front, side and end of the lines.  They definitely made sure that we were safe and that nothing would happen to us.  That was very reassuring to all of us.  As a matter of fact, they even made sure the guests at the Atlantis didn’t get too close to use while we were at the pool so we could enjoy the AquaAdventure without any worries.

Our days while we were there began around 6:15 (which ment we had to be up and ready for the day).  We would begin the day with a walk to breakfast.  We had breakfast in an Atlantis dining room where there was a HUGE fish tank from floor to ceiling in it.. It was so pretty. Then, we would move from there to the auditorium for practices. Our days consisted of lots of practicing for the webcast. Each of the contestants learned a certain part to the dance and on the Final Night of competition we preformed it for the webcast. All 51 of us had the cutest blue dresses on given to us by Sherri Hill. We also got to practice our swimsuit walk and the routine we would do for swimsuit in rehearsals. Our swimsuits were given to us by Jayme Shaw and they were super cute as well! Each one of the swimsuits had a subtle change in the print that was on the swimsuit.. I loved it!

I’ll write more about my Miss Teen USA experience.. Heading to the gym!

xoxo MH

The 3 Phases of Competition

in the airport before arriving in the Bahamas!

 

Camp Kemo!!

Have you ever wished upon a star?  Have you ever wanted to be “Queen for a Day?”  Well that is what it is like when queens from across South Carolina converge upon Gilbert, South Carolina, to support all of the children at the “Queen for a Day” event which was held on June 17, 2009, in support of Palmetto Health Richland’s Camp Kemo.
 
Beauty queens and visitors were invited to spend the evening with all of the campers and their families this year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Camp Kemo.  The camp was filled with excitement as everyone watched the campers play games, get their faces painted, rode the horse, petted the dogs, and simply had fun.  Something that a lot of the campers do not get the chance to do very often.  You see, the children at Camp Kemo are very special children that are either living with cancer or children that have survived cancer and many of them typically spend their days at the hospital or at home taking treatments and trying to live a normal life.
 
This year Camp Kemo was especially exciting because of the number of people there and all of the fun rides, exhibits, and games to play.  Every child seemed to have a wonderful time and of course I did too.  I know I cannot forget the look on the faces of many of the children as they would run, jump, play games, and make their way the prize room.  I know I saw a lot of them carrying away a lot of big “loot” bags that night.  They deserve it because they are the ones that we all can learn from – you can see it in their eyes – they determination, excitement, their unending joy of each and every day.
 
I know I had a wonderful time there representing RPM Productions as Miss South Carolina Teen USA.  I would not miss it for the world because every child there means the world to me.  I am so happy that I was able to go and see everyone…I know I get a whole lot out of helping make the day special for everyone, including myself!  So thanks to all of the kids at Camp Kemo, I am thankful for all of you!!!

Miss Sun Fun Pageat!

Where do I begin today?   I just returned from a fabulous weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where I assisted with the Miss Sun Fun and Miss Teen Sun Fun Pageant.   What a great weekend for a pageant,  the sun was out, lots of people had just arrived to the area from all parts of the country and it was a perfect day for a  pageant.  Just to let you know a little history about the Sun Fun pageant, it is presented annually  by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and produced by Mrs. Paula Miles and RPM Productions, Incorporated.  This year was no exception, there were eighteen beautiful girls competing for the tile of Miss Teen Sun Fun and eighteen beautiful girls competing for the title of Miss Sun Fun.  I would have hated to have been one of the judges at the pageant because their job was definitely not an easy one.  Some of the prettiest girls from across the state of South Carolina converged upon Myrtle Beach High School on the morning of June 6th, all in hopes of taking one of beautiful crowns and banners back home with them.  Their day was definitely a busy one beginning with interviews.  Each girl had a personal interview with the judges for their age group followed by rehearsals in the school’s auditorium.  Each contestant wore an outfit of their choice to their interview and all were given Sun Fun t-shirts to wear to rehearsals.  I thought they looked amazing in their cute white shorts and their lime green t-shirts.  This year’s shirts were very attractive and I believe each girl really loved them.  

The contestants worked throughout the day  with Dr. Don Campbell, the VP of Production and Choreographer for the Miss South Carolina USA pageant as well as with Miss Stephanie Smith, Miss SC USA 2009, in preparation for the pageant that night.  While it was a lot of time and effort, each girl had the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and learn from the pros of the business.  I was also there to lend a helping hand by way of talking to everyone, offering any assistance to some of the younger contestants, and practicing for the crowning activities that night.  It was so much fun!!!!  The stage was decorated with a beach theme – complete with beach balls, towels and tropical plants.  What a perfect backdrop for a fun in the sun type of pageant.  

All of the contestants seemed to enjoy the day – even though many of them kicked their high heels off before the end of practice, I think they were ready for an evening of fun and excitement.  I know I was!  I thought it was a great idea to have the girls come out first in their bathing suits and cover-ups to get the right mood going.  When they stepped on stage, everyone seemed to be having a great time and believe me you could tell that most of them had been working out and getting ready for beach weather – their bodies were definitely rockin’ !!!!

Stephanie and I had the opportunity to talk on stage while the girls changed from bathing suits into their evening wear and that was a lot of fun.  We talked about the Miss USA Pageant and what a wonderful opportunity it was for both of us.  As a matter of fact, we talked so much that they had to call “time” on us because we had so much fun just talking to one another and about what we had been doing throughout our reign.  I am so lucky to have Stephanie for my sister queen – she has been a perfect role model to me and has made my year so perfect.  She is truely the best! <3 
 
Next the contestants were introduced in their evening wear and each one of them seemed to know what to wear that would make them stand out.  Lots and lots of pretty dresses that night!  Following the swimsuit and evening wear competition the top seven finalists were announced and a friendly one-on-one conversation then took place   between the contestants and Don.  The girls were asked several different things off of their contestant profile sheet and had the opportunity let everyone know more about them.  They each did a fantastic job on stage and seemed to be very much at ease in front of everyone.  I was very proud of all of them!  Good job girls!!!!

As the evening drew close to an end, the final moments of the pageant came closer and then came the announcement of the photogenic awards that went to Hillary Bradshaw (Teen) and Megan Stoffel (Miss); next came the Congeniality Awards which went to Christy Green (Teen) and Jenny Price (Miss).  Next came the announcement of the Teen winners who were:  2nd Runner-Up, Haleigh Payne, 1st Runner-Up, Courtney Huggins, and then the announcement of Miss Teen Sun Fun which went to Hillary Bradshaw!!!! Congratulations Hillary.   Next came the announcement of the Miss Winners and Runners-Up who were:  2nd Runner-Up Megan Stoffel, 1st Runner-Up Kathleen Benton, and then the announcement of Miss Sun Fun which went to Jenny Price!!!!! Congratulations Jenny.

For me it was a wonderful night.  I was thrilled to be able to be there and help with the crowning and presentation of prizes.  I thought every girl was definitely a winner and told all of them to  keep on trying because they were all beautiful.  I had a great time meeting everyone and of course you always make new friends at every pageant that you go to and you meet so many wonderful and interesting people.  I am glad that Miss Paula and the crew from RPM Productions asked me to be a part of their production – they are simply the best!  

Good luck to all of the winners and especially to Hillary and Jenny – I know you will have a wonderful year.  You are both very deserving and I know you will do a fantastic job!

Cops and Lobsters

Cops and Lobsters was held earlier this year and was sponsored by Wackenhut Services Incorporated (the security contractor at the Savannah River Site) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association in support of Special Olympics of South Carolina. The goal for the event is to raise community awareness for Special Olympics. This year I was asked to be a celebrity waiter at Red Lobster and what a wonderful and worthwhile event it was. Over the two day period in which the event was held more than $4,000.00 was collected in support of Special Olympics.

I considered myself very fortunate to be able to participate in this event. I enjoyed meeting all of the wonderful men and women that make up the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association as well as the law enforcement personnel from Wackenhut Services Incorporated. Both groups are doing great things in South Carolina for Special Olympics and for all of those living with special needs. How blessed I was to be able to be there and help out!

catching up on the adventures….

Well, I thought I would drop a few lines to say that I am here with Maryhelen and we were reminiscing on our year so far as the queens of SC, and needless to say there have been more laughs than anything else….It has been way too long since we have had a chance to just talk and be girls, so I’m making this short and sweet…I shall return   VERY SOON!

With all my love….Stephanie , Miss SC USA 2009

Update!

What a relief it is to be through with  getting up early every morning to go to class, staying up late at night to cram  a few extra hours of studying into a day and those dreaded tests that we have to take at the end of every semester…ugh!  Now that summer is almost here I find my mind wandering off to such thoughts as the beach, the lake, getting a tan, long summer nights and of course getting ready for the Miss Teen USA Pageant in the Bahamas!  I can hardly wait and I know it is going to be absolutely the best time of my life.  As you can see from all of my pictures, I had a wonderful time in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Miss USA Pageant last month and what a thrill it was to be able to meet Donald Trump after the pageant.  He was such a nice man and I think he enjoyed the photo opportunities he had with all of his teen contestants!

Being in Las Vegas was like being in a different world – there was so much to see and do while there.  I especially enjoyed getting to meet all of the other teen contestants as well as their mothers.  The Fashion Rocks event was sooooo much fun and every girl there looked like a movie star!  I really think we took Las Vegas by surprise.  Getting to walk on the cat walk at the Planet Hollywood Hawaiian Tropic Zone was a great experience.  It was so cool being on the red carpet and having lots of people take our picture and asking us to “look this way.”   I can still feel the flashes of their cameras. 

One of my favorite events was having brunch with all of the other contestants at the Brighton Store in the Miracle Mile Shops.  It was a great way to get to meet one another and see what everyone had been doing this year.  The brunch was very delicious and of course we all felt like queens while we were there because everyone from Brighton was so nice and friendly.  What a great place to shop!  I loved all of their necklaces, bracelets, and “bling” on their belts!!!!  Thanks again to them for all of the great food and hospitality shown to all of us.

Time seemed to fly by while I was out there.  One minute we were waking up, the next we were running to an appearance and then we were running to the theatre for the “big event”.  I cannot tell you how excited I was when we all walked into the theatre that night.  As I walked down to our front row seats it felt like such a dream for me.  I would have never thought in a million years that I would actually be standing in the very place that they would name the new winner but believe me, I was!  Like everyone else I had my camera ready and my cellphone too because I knew it was going to be a night to remember.  As they called out the top fifteen, then the top ten, and then the top five you could feel the tension grow.  I was so excited for everyone because in my eyes I knew they were all winners and all very deserving to be the next Miss USA.

The final moments of the pageant seemed to last forever and when they announced the first runner-up I was so excited to be there and to be so up close to all that was going on.  Kristen Dalton, the new Miss USA could not have looked more beautiful that evening and what a great representative she will make for the USA and the Miss Universe Pageant.   I couldn’t WAIT to get to talk to her after the pageant.  She is one of my sister queens from RPM Productions!!!! Kristen, you make us all so proud, I hope you have an awesome year in New York.

The Coronation Ball was also great!  Everyone was so excited and looked their absolutely best that night!  Kristen was definitely the “belle of the ball” and deservingly so.   I also have to admit that my sister queen, Stephanie Smith, Miss South Carolina USA, did a fantastic  job throughout the entire pageant. Everyone back home was cheering for her and wanted her to do well and she certainly did!  Stephanie, your ‘lil “hoodrat” was so very proud of you that night, you looked fabulous!!!!  You are definitely the best sister queen that anyone could have – we have had such great times together making appearances, staying up late laughing (or crying whichever the case may be), texting,  and like all sisters…keeping secrets!!!!  She has made my year a blast and I cannot wait for her to come to the Bahamas this summer too – it will be so much fun.

I truly enjoyed the opportunity of being in Las Vegas and spending time with all of the other  teen contestants.  The United States has so many beautiful girls and those competing in the Miss Teen USA Pageant are no exception!  Can’t wait to see everyone in July so until then…keep a smile on your face and let’s get ready to have the time of our lives when we get to the Bahamas.  Love you all! xoxo

Educational Game with Palmetto Push @ Dent Middle School

On February 27, 2009 I was able to lead a group of middle schoolers in a fun educational game!  The game was put together by a USC Bateman group called Palmetto Push.  Their goal was to inform students on how to finance college.  Many of the students had never heard of FASFA and some didn’t realize that their GPAs matter… even in middle school!  I was incharge of leading the game and asking the students the challenging questions.  The game was kind of like four corners. The four corners represented the answers to the questions. Whichever corner the student picked it would determine if they got the answer correct.  If the student got the answer correct they would get money and if they got it wrong, money would be taken away.  The person who had the most money at the end would win and recieve a prize from Palmetto Push.

Over all it was a very informative game with lots of energy and participation from the students.  The students seemed to get a lot out of it and realized that they had better start studying and applying themselves now.  They also found out different ways to get into college without having to pay for it out of pocket