Some of the Miss CT local title holders and myself got together with Miss Connecticut 2006, Heidi Voight, and attended the Dedication of the Connecticut Vietnam Memorial honoring the 612 servicemen from Connecticut who died in Vietnam. 

I spent the day at Hamden High School again, this time with Mrs. Scarpati and her classes! Although today marked my final time speaking with Hamden High School students this year, I promised them I would come back and speak next year, and I cannot wait to do so!  I was fortunate enough to have Joseph Cole of the Hamden Chronicle show interest in my story.  He stopped by today and was able to sit in on one of the Health classes that I was speaking with.  Look out for an article the Hamden Chronicle on Thursday, May 8th! Here are a few pictures from my visit today!

 

 

Performing and modeling in the Whitney Manor Fashion Show, which was a fundraising event, was extremely exciting!  I was plesantly surprised to arrive at the event only to find out that two of my escorts for the fashion show happened to be fellow Hamden High School students!  Thank you to Josephine Marra for inviting me to participate.  

  

I am extremely honored to say that I played a large role in making history at Quinnipiac University.  My Issue of Concern as Miss North Haven is, "Let's Educate Because Cancer Doesn't Discriminate", and in order to properly educate the public about cancer, government funding is simply not enough.  That is where the American Cancer Society comes in, and education is one of the many reasons why I Relay!  My journey with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life began over five years ago when I was asked to perform at my town's Relay.  All that I can say is that I had no clue what I was getting myself into.  Although at that time I was fortunate enough to not know anyone directly who had battled cancer, I was moved by the experince and knew that I wanted to be a part of Relay in the future.  The next year, I continued to perform at the Relay, still fortunate enough to not know anyone directly affected.  In 2004, however, everything changed.  I quickly found myself not understanding how my grandfather's cancer had not been diagnosed until it was too late to treat it. It was not long before I realized that he simply did not recognize that the symptoms he had been having could have possibly been cancer, and it was at that moment that I decided to dedicate my time to cancer education.

In November of 2007 I came across a flyer announcing a meeting which was being held that night in order to form a committee for Quinnipiac University's 1st Annual Relay For Life.  As soon as I arrived at the meeting I knew that Education Chair was the perfect position for me on the committee, and I could not wait to begin my work.  Well, here I am 6 months later, nine hours after Relay is over, and I am proud, beyond expression, of my University.  Our committee had set an original goal of 500 participants and $35,000.  I am THRILLED to announce that we had over 1,000 participants and presented the American Cancer Society with a check for $97,000 at the opening ceremony yesterday.  However, IT DID NOT STOP THERE!  Throughout the night, we were able to raise over $15,000, bringng us to a grand total of over $112,000!

This was not my first Relay, and it definitely was not my last, but the feeling of overwhelming joy and fulfillment that I feel is going to be extremely hard to match.  

Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. 
What is YOUR reason to Relay?

   

 

Miss America 2009 - Watch Out!!!!

The Miss Connecticut contestants participated in a fun-filled day which was packed with informational presentations from the best people in the industry.  Everything from "Pageant 101" to "It's Your Hair" to "Color Imaging" were touched upon, and I can say without a doubt in my mind that the young woman who is crowned Miss Connecticut in June is going to make her mark at Miss America in January of 2009!  Although we cannot change the fact that Connecticut is one of the SMALLest states on the map, from this day forward, we are going to make sure that Connecticut leaves a BIG mark on the Miss America stage!


And remember....in Connecticut, we spell CROWN just a little differently.....

Wow! What an experience! Last Wednesday I participated in the American Cancer Society's 2008 Lobby Day at our state capitol.  As a member of the Connecticut Cancer Partnership Prevention Committee, an organization striving to implement a comprehensive plan to reduce the suffering and death due to cancer, and improve the quality of life of cancer survivors throughout Connecticut, and someone who is extremely dedicated to cancer education, I could not have had a more fulfilling experience than speaking with our legislators about the importance of funding for cancer research and prevention.  Even with his busy schedule, Representative Ryan took time out of his busy day to meet with me.  After explaining how I became so involved with the American Cancer Society through my personal stories and  explaining why funding for cancer research and prevention is crucial, Representative Ryan was one of 25, including the Speaker of the Houe and President Pro Tempe of the Senate to sign the Connecticut Cancer Promise.  Lobby Day 2008 was not only a success for the American Cancer Society, but was a moving experience for me, as I was able to speak with extremely important decision makers in Connecticut about an issue which I believe deserves more attention.  

Photos to come soon...

The Miss Connecticut Organization welcomed two new ladies into our family today. Sherry Langrock was crowned Miss Capital Region, and Cassandra Mastrianni was crowned Miss Northeast.  We were graced with the presence of two former Miss Connecticuts, Dianna Baitinger (2005) and Heidi Voight (2006).  The Miss Connecticut Class of 2008 is almost complete!  The final two crowns will be awarded on March 29th.

         

The parade was definitely my coldest appearance to date, but riding in my dream car with hundreds of screaming fans took my mind off the temperature...for the most part!!  I was lucky enough to cruise down the streets of New Haven with everyone from MRS. CT to Boomer the Bobcat (Quinnipiac University's Mascot) in one of the nation's largest parades. I think it is also safe to say that I had the best driver in the parade, Miss Connecticut 2004, Nikki Palmieri!  I already can't wait until next year!

     

On Thursday night I was able to participate in an event sponsored by the St. Baldrick's Foundation.  Men and boys from all around the area shaved their heads to raise funds to help with the fight against children's cancer.  Although the fundraising goal for this event was $10,000, by the end of the event, we had raised $20,000! I was given the honor of speaking at this event, and it was heartwarming to see such a great turnout.   

   

This morning I was able to spend time with 2nd and 3rd grade students at Calvin-Leete School in Guilford.  I began the morning by encouraging the children to work hard to achieve their goals and dreams.  After speaking to the children, I was able to perform for them.  I was in for a real treat when I found out that the children had also prepared dance routines, and I was able to sit back and enjoy the entertainment!

 

This morning I was all over North Haven meeting my sponsors and personally thanking them for their generosity.  Without their continued support, the scholarship money that I was given to assist me in continuing my education would not have been possible.  

 


 Click For More Photos http://community.webshots.com/album/562207669HdLpqc

The American Lung Association (ALA) released their yearly report card for the state of Connecticut today.  I was present, along with the Attorney General, members of MATCH, ALA, and other groups and individuals in the public health field. 

   

The Miss Connecticut Family gathered at the Woodbridge Country Club to view Dana's Miss America wardrobe.  She looked amazing, and as always, there were no words to describe her talent.  Don't forget to tune into Miss America: Reality Check for the next three Fridays at 10 PM, and the Miss America Pageant Saturday, January 26th at 8 PM!