Miss Sexiest

I had a BLAST at the races here in Dover a couple weeks ago. One of my most memorable experiences by far. On Friday, I had the pleasure of waving the green flag for the NASCAR Truck Series. It was awesome!! They presented me with an honorary green flag to take home with all of the drivers' signatures on it. After that, it was up to the "bird's nest" for me. Let me tell you...it's a good thing someone told me about getting a pair of ear plugs for while I was up there. I thought one car going around the track was loud! It's a whole different story when they are all going around at once.

They gave me a few practice waves before the race began. Boy is it windy up there! I held on to that flag as though my life depended on it. All I could think of was the fact that if I drop it the first caution would be my fault due to "debris" on the track (and I couldn't let that happen!). Once the race began and I successfully waved the green flag, they allowed me to stay up there for a couple of laps to watch the race from their point of view. It's a crazy feeling, but I wish I would've known to wear my sunglasses up there. Any dirt within the area flew right up and into my eyes. So, words of wisdom for anyone who could potentially have the opportunity to wave the flag, wear a pair of glasses!! The first accident happened a couple of laps into the race while I was still in the "bird's nest". To top it all off, it happened almost right in front of me! I was NOT ready for that. I grabbed the railing and turned around to thank them for their help up there, and as I did they asked me if I was all right. I frantically shook my head no and laughed as I slowly stepped down to safe grounds.

I had to miss Saturday's race, but I was able to make it back again for Sunday's. What a beautiful day we had! I had the wonderful company of my parade driver, Donald Tatman, and we walked all throughout the pit area until the opening ceremony started. I was asked to shake the hands of all of the drivers after they were announced before the race. I was able to meet Miss Sprint, along with former race car driver and legend Richard Petty. On Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting legend and former driver Bobby Allison.

Thankfully, I was able to grab a quick picture with some people behind the stage before everything got started (one of them being Dale Earnhardt Jr.).

Another person I was able to meet was the National Anthem singer, and famous country singer, Joe Nichols. It was great being able to experience the rush of NASCAR weekend to its fullest. A big thanks goes out to Dover Speedway for inviting me along, and another huge thanks goes out to Mr. Horsey for inviting me and Donald into his skybox for the day. A great weekend filled with lifelong memories!

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I visited Brittingham Elementary School to talk about Character Counts. We had a great time talking about what it takes to become a role model. By the end of the lesson, every one of them knew that they have the power to be a positive role model for their friends. Of course, their favorite part was when I sang a song at the end. It is always precious to see all of the smiles and dropped jaws on the students faces as I sing.

I always leave time for questions at the end of the lesson. I get a wide range of questions, but my favorite was, "How old are you?"
Now this would normally be just an average question, however this time it was different. I made the mistake of saying, "Well, how old do you think I am?"
Wouldn't you know that one of the students shouted out, "32!"
The teachers and I laughed as they said, "If they think you're that old, just imagine how old they think we are!"

It is always a blast teaching students about good character. I only hope and pray that it sticks with them for the rest of their lives.

It started off as a great day for a well deserved memorial service and ended as a soggy one. A memorial has been erected at Legislative Mall to honor Delaware's fallen officers. It took a lot of time, effort, and money to get this project finished. However, it was all well worth it to those who worked so hard after seeing the families that cherish this display of gratitude. We often forget that there are people all throughout our community working around the clock to keep us safe.

Several of Delaware's elite attended the event. Among these include Mayor Carey and State Auditor Tom Wagner.

I was honored to be asked to sing the National Anthem at this event. Someone that was a key contributor to this memorial was none other than Vice President Joe Biden. Delaware was excited to have him come to visit and celebrate its completion. Thanks to Dave Chambers, I have a wonderful picture of me singing the anthem with the Vice Presidential seal on the podium. It was an honor to sing in respect of all of those who have given their lives to protecting our country. Furthermore, it was incredible being able to sing the anthem in front of one of our nation's top leaders.

After some lovely remarks from those who helped this process be completed, it was time to thank the sponsors. Unfortunately, at that point the heavens opened and the rain began to pour from the skies. We were given umbrellas and ponchos to keep us dry, but there was nothing we could do to keep from getting wet.

Of course, I couldn't leave the event without trying to get a few pictures. I was lucky enough to catch both of the Biden boys at the same time for a quick shot. The Attorney General and I both forgot about the fact that we had on our ponchos, but I think it gives the picture some character! I want to take a quick moment to wish Beau Biden all my best, and that he has a speedy recovery. Thank you to all of the men and women who work so hard to keep our country and our streets safe!

Sorry for the delay in this post. There is so much that I need to tell you all about. I have been all over the place. I believe May has been my busiest month ever!! I just had to post this first picture because these girls showcased exactly what I teach all throughout the state...good character! After I put on my crown in the restroom I washed my hands from all of the hairspray. Obviously, I decided to take off my rings to wash them completely. These rings included every crown ring I own: the one I got from my first trip to Miss America for my birthday, the one my mom bought me after I won Miss Delaware, and the one my mom bought me after I competed in Miss America. Needless to say, I forgot to put them back on in the rush of getting out to my appearance. This group of young ladies in the picture found them in the restroom and gave them to an adult who clearly thought they must be mine because of all the crowns. I cannot thank these girls enough!!!! I told them they literally saved my life! These rings mean the world to me. They are proof that our younger generation does understand good character, and we have something to look forward to in the future.

I also attended the Power of One fundraiser held at the Dover Art League a couple of weeks ago. It was an excellent event full of wonderful entertainment, food, and artwork. This event was created to raise money so that third world countries can get libraries in areas where students desperately need one. In addition, they donated to Sharon Katz Peace Train-South Africa art education, the Dover Art League Summer scholarship and Lake Forest Central Elementary's Art Dept. It is a great cause and certainly made me grateful for the abundance of libraries we have in Delaware!

The first Saturday of every May, Dover hosts Old Dover Days. It is a wonderful event that brings together the entire community! It starts off with a parade, then an opening ceremony, and then a day filled with exhibits, dances, and vendors. My first Dover Days experience was when I was in elementary school and I danced around the Maypole with my classmates. It is crazy to think that I went from that to being Miss Delaware and having my Miss America competition evening gown on display among prominent women of Delaware's gowns. I also enjoyed the afternoon at the Governor's mansion. I was able to meet several new people as they came in to go through a tour of the building. It is always a great time to catch up with old friends and make some new ones!

Another great start to May was my Gala. It was a lovely event held at the beautiful Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. All of the contestants were there to be introduced to the community as the Miss Delaware 2010 contestants. In addition, my family went up to speak a little about my year along with State Auditor Tom Wagner. He was our guest speaker, and it was a joy to have him and Maddie with us. He has been with me at several appearances, and it is always great to see a familiar face. Family members and friends were there to celebrate my year as Miss Delaware. I was given the opportunity to speak after my director Debi Wilson and my manager Susan Collins. Boy was it a bad idea to save me for last. I was already in tears from the start. As soon as I walked into the event I saw a scrapbook that my sister made for me. It had clips of me from every newspaper I was in this whole year! I am so blessed to have this opportunity and equally blessed to have the support that I have had throughout my year.

Much more to come so stay tuned...

I went to the Western Family YMCA in Newark to attend Healthy Kids Day. Who knew it would be so eventful! They had a moon bounce, vendors, zumba, and dancing.

While the DJ was playing music to keep the excitement going, I decided to have a mini dance party with one of the mascots there. Who would've thought that water had such sweet moves??

After taking Zumba with Pam, I learned an Indonesian Dance. I certainly enjoyed a day full of physical activity.

One of the perks of being Miss Delaware is attending several pageants throughout the state. I was asked to be a judge at the Little/Miss Laurel pageant. What a great group of girls! The support this pageant receives from the community is astounding.

All of the girls did a remarkable job, and I know the winners will serve their community well. It is encouraging to see programs that support community service and scholarship.

On Tax Day, I traveled to Wilmington for a Tea Party. There I sang the National Anthem and hung out at the children's activities table.

I brought some of my coloring books to give out, and thank goodness I did. They were a huge hit! Many of the children started coloring them at the table. It was a great way to teach them about our government.

I decided to embrace my inner child when they brought out a pinata! All of the children stopped what they were doing, and I had the honor of beginning the breaking session. I realized quickly that I was not meant to play on the job...After a couple good whacks at it, the lovely little pig came back at me and knocked me right in the crown!

Later on in the month, I was invited to a Health Walk at Woodbridge High School. The Nemours Foundation has created 5-2-1-almost none to teach students about living a healthy lifestyle.

I came out to lead everyone in a stretching routine before they began their one hour of physical activity. 5-2-1-almost none stands for: 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day, 2 hours of tv max, 1 hour of physical activity, and almost no fats or sweets. With the help of some friendly walkers and Jada, the character you see in the background, we were stretched out and ready to get walkin'!