Official Miss Delaware 2011 Blog

2012-01-25T22:37:00.001-05:00

Hello, everyone!! It has been a little over a week since I have returned from my Miss America trip. I would like to say that I am back in prime shape, but every night I have slept almost 13 hours.....no, that is not at all normal. Yes, I am still on Vegas time, apparently.

The trip was a once in a lifetime experience (literally) and it will definitely stay in my books as one of the greatest experiences of my life. For those of you that want to know the ins and outs of the Miss America experience, I am here to tell you some of the highlights, lowlight, interview questions, what the new Miss America is like and everything in between!!!

The trip to get to Vegas was one for the books! Although I had to leave for the airport at 4am, thus giving me 3 hours of sleep, I met up with Miss Colorado, the beautiful Diana, and got VIP service on the plane! We were escorted on and off, got to meet all the pilots, and even got to sit in the cockpit! (#32 on my bucket list!!)

After getting to Vegas, we met up with other Miss States, as well as our security team (WE LOVE YOU!!!). We were brought to our limos (heck yeah, first limo ride!) and were driven to Planet Hollywood. Once there, I received the best text ever!!! Jennifer Sedler, Miss Arizona, was assigned to be my roommate!!!!! I was so excited, especially since we were praying to the Big Man months prior that we would be roomies!

After arriving at Planet Hollywood, we had to sign in, put our million suitcases in our rooms, then go right to our Express fitting. I got to meet with Express stylists, whom I LOVED and bonded with over our love of everything fashion, filmed a promo, was fitted with my onstage question dress, and interviewed!! Once all the fittings were done, we all had a SUPER quick change to get ready for the Arrival Ceremony, emceed by the FABULOUS Josh Strickland from Holly's World. After introducing ourselves to the world, we had a quick meeting with the Miss America Board, then off to our rooms for the night!!!

SIDENOTE : I am messy. Sorry. I like to blame it on the fact that I am still relatively young.....but I think that it is just because I am too lazy to put everything away. So a HUGE shoutout to Jennifer for putting up with my not-so-clean ways :)

Other highlights of the week?
- We got to flip pancakes at an IHOP that was brought right to us at the Planet Hollywood and meet some of the Miracle Children from the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals!
- We got to watch Phantom of the Opera on the Vegas Strip and have a "meet and greet" with the cast on the stage after the show was over!
- I celebrated my 21st birthday at P.F. Changs with all of my Miss America sisters!
- I got to film with Chaz Dean (and Miss Arizona) for a Wen Haircare commercial and he liked me so much that it looks like I might get the opportunity to work with him at QVC!! No final word yet, but that is on my bucket list too, so my fingers are crossed!
- I had the chance to meet and film Artistry interviews and talk makeup, hair and fashion (I believe I know more about these 3 things than anything else, so I LOVED it!)
- my first club experiences happened in Vegas!! I got to be a part of a music video style filming in 2 different clubs! SUPER COOL! (tons of cameras, crew, lights, smoke......it was AWESOME!)
- Yes, I may have had to sit/lay down during hours and hours and HOURS of rehearsals, but if you just remember the reason why you are there, it doesn't even matter!.....although....I was soooo tired I think I could have slept on rocks. No rest for the weary!!
- THE GIRLS!!!! If I were placed in a room with 52 other girls, 9 times out of 10, I would want to run the other way. That one time exception would be these 52 girls. I suppose when the girls are all incredibly talented, beautiful, intelligent and have the same purpose of community service and love of others, the cattiness disappears. A huge shoutout to Arizona, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, West Virginia and so many other girls for being AWESOME (!!!) and for making my time in Vegas a blast!! :)

MISS AMERICA INTERVIEW -
This phase of competition is one that most people are always dying to know about! Let me tell you firsthand....it was awesome!!!

Some of the questions that I remember getting -
- Were you popular in high school?
- Who do you think will be the GOP nominee?
- You seem very well spoken and confident - what is the one thing you would change about yourself?
- If you could tell President Obama anything, what would it be?
- Why do you want your own talk show?
- Should we take the troops home?
- How did you first get involved in Irish Dance?
- You have had a lot of accomplishments - is there anything you have started, but then quit?
- How would plan on spreading the message of safe driving to teens?
- What is your guilty pleasure?
- If Vanessa Williams- type pictures came out of you if you won Miss America, what do you think should happen to you?
- Did you learn about politics for this interview or have you always been interested in them?

I believe I got a couple more questions, I just cannot remember them off the top of my head.

Not too many political question, just ones to get to know me! I don't know if I was more excited that my 21st birthday was the day of my interview, or that I was standing 5 feet away from Lara Spenser and Kris Jenner! I felt really good coming out of my interview, which was the only birthday present I wanted!

ONSTAGE COMPETITION -

A BLAST!!!! No other way to describe it! To be honest, I am not sure if it has really sunk in that I was on the Miss America stage, yet......hopefully it will.....who knows....
I will say, however, that watching the pageant on tv and actually walking and performing on it are two totally different feelings.

TALENT: As some of you know, I have not danced competitively in four years......

SIDENOTE: Something that no one really knows is the reason why I have not competed in so long. Yes, I took time off to strictly teach Irish Dance classes at the Ryan-Kilcoyne School of Irish Dance, but there was one other reason why, which I talked about in my interview. I was a great Irish Dancer for a long time, winning championships and doing extremely well. At 16, I went through a major growth spurt and all of a sudden my dancing was not as good as it used to be. I had all this pressure on myself to continue doing well and, in all honesty, at that age, I was totally unable to handle all that pressure. My way out was to start dancing just for fun - sad, I know. I knew that at Miss America, I would have the chance to work to finally redeem myself for the "quit" in the 16 year old me, in what I told myself was the ultimate dance competition!!

Not only did I feel the best that I have ever felt after dancing on preliminary night, but it was so emotional after I walked off because I knew that my first time back competing on a national stage was at Miss America. Yes, there was a lot of emotion all week! Winning non-finalist talent Saturday night was the cherry on top of the 6 months of work cake. Knowing that the judges saw something in my Irish Dance that I had been working so hard to get back after all that time off was truly incredible.

SWIMSUIT AND GOWN- Yes, I was excited to worrrkkkkkk my Komplique swimsuit. I had also been working out with a trainer for the first time in my life. Paul Timmons, of Rehoboth Beach's The Firm, dedicated months (3 days a week) INTENSE sessions to get me into the best shape of my entire life. I have never been so happy to see muscles after all the calluses and bruises and pulled muscles. I was truly proud to walk on that stage. I was also pumped to rock my Mac Duggal gown! Yes, it may have weighed as much as a small elephant, but I really did feel like a million bucks, which is all I wanted!

annndddd...you all know that I LOVE anything runway related :)

The final night, I was completely at peace with whatever happened. I knew that I had done the best that I possibly could. Coming into this entire Miss America experience, my entire goal was to come out with NO regrets and I accomplished just that.

For anyone that saw the broadcast, you could probably see me rocking out to "Tonight, Tonight," and having a great time. I was so excited for my friends that had made the top 15 that I could only focus on the AWESOME competition that was happening in front of me!

SIDENOTE: YES, the "save a contestant" portion after swimsuit was completely unrehearsed and kind of sad. We loved every single one of those girls!

MISS AMERICA - our new Miss America is AMAZING. Hands down. She was quieter, but sooooooo incredibly kind, nice and absolutely gorgeous! She is the most wonderful person to represent the organization that meant so much to all 53 of us. I do not have one single negative thing to say about Laura. I am so happy for her and will support her whole-heartedly throughout her year!

I am a firm believer that God has a plan for each and every single one of us. I know that I have been put on an incredible, life changing journey and each and every moment that I have and have had has changed me and made me a better person in some way. No, I was not meant to be Miss America, but this ride has made me want to become the best Miss Delaware for the next six months and the best person I can be for the rest of my life! I am excited to continue on with the next chapter of my life. Thank you to Debi, the rest of my board, my family, and the rest of those that continue to inspire me each and every day.

XOXO,

Maria

PHILIPPIANS 4:13

2012-01-18T18:07:00.003-05:00

My 25 pound GORGEOUS MacDuggal Couture gown :)

Komplique Swimwear!!! A HUGGEEE thankout to Paul Timmons at The Firm for pushing me non-stop!! So proud to see my months of hard work pay off :)

At Visitation!! LOVEEEE my Sherri Hill mini!!....and my parents, of course :)

My talent - Irish Dance - I won non-finaist talent and part of it was even featured in a clip on GMA!

Express Fashion Show - one of the coolest experiences of my life - check out http://vimeo.com/34833298 for clip of me WERKKING it!

FILMING FOR OPENING NUMBER :)

Meeting former Miss America, Katie Stam, on my 21st birthday!! :)

With my FABULOUS wardrobe sponsor!! Wearing my new necklace from Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011!

FINAL NIGHT - after winning non-finalist talent!

End of my talent piece!!!

My girl, Jennifer!!! SOOOOO proud of her top 5 placement!!!!! <3

I am sooooooo proud of this entire 11 day experience!!! Although I did not win, I know that God has big things in store for me. Laura, the new Miss America, is PERFECT!!! She is so incredibly kind, generous and absolutely stunning. She will be an INCREDIBLE Miss America. I am so proud to call her a friend and look forward to following her year :) Thank you to every single person, espeically the Miss America Organization, for the best experience of my entire life. I look forward to being the best Miss Delaware I can be for the next 6 months!!

Make sure to follow the rest of my journey on the Almighty Twitter @MissDelaware11!!!!

With love,
Maria

'For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
Jeremiah 29:11

2012-01-08T01:41:00.000-05:00

2012-01-07T01:23:00.002-05:00

And look at this little gem I found!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI_9TSucy5U&fb_source=message

Trying to post everything that I can! (Internet access here is 14 dollars a day....ummm) I AM HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE!!!!!!

VEGAS BOUND!!!!

2012-01-04T12:52:00.001-05:00

Hey, erveryone!! I am headed off to Vegas tomorrow around 4am.....yikes.....so just wanted to give you a few more pictures at my 6 month mark.

ALSO, make sure you go to missamerica.org/videocontest to vote for my video which, in turn, could get me into the top 15!!!!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR THE SUPPORT!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!

For updates during the pageant, follow my twitter @missdelaware11 or check my blog for occasional updates as well :)

xoxo,
Maria Cahill

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5: 16-18)”

A MILLION TIMES THANK YOU

2011-12-29T00:35:00.002-05:00

Hey, everyone! The days are quickly dwindling down for me to leave for Las Vegas (9 to be exact!) ! To say the last 6 months have flown by would be the understatement of the century. I would like to think that after that time, I have not only matured in my role as Miss Delaware, but also as a friend, sister and a person. My send-off party took place just about 2 weeks ago and the amount of support I recieved was completely overwhelming (in a great way!). Before I leave for Miss America, I would LOVE to take the time to simply thank those that have been so kind and giving. I have had the most wonderful support any girl could ask for.

To my family - Thank you for being there through everything. No matter what happened, good or bad, you stood right beside me, encouraging me all the way...except in the bad....then you just smacked me around a little bit...kidding...kind of :)

To Debi - my WONDERFUL executive director...After our first meal out together (McDonald's, of course) and I ordered the number 1 Big Mac Meal, no pickle, large lemonade, large fry and you ordered the number 2 Quarter Pounder Meal, I knew we were in for a fabulous year :) Thank you for treating me like I was your daughter and doing everything in your power to make sure I felt the best I could before leaving for Miss America. I can credit you for bringing me from "blonde-ish and blah" to "brunette babe." I can say that I am prepared for the job of Miss America because of your guidance.

To Susan - There are people that you meet in this world that make you want to be a better person. You are one of them. Thank you for booking me on appearances all around the state...even places that I have never been or even knew existed....which says a lot considering the size of Delaware :) You are the person that I can call to brighten my day. Thank you for all you have done to get me ready!

To George and Carol - interview. Enough said. I always felt extremely confident in my interview but I feel even better now. Thank you for setting me up with some of the brightest and toughest interview panels over the last couple months. I have grown, not only as a speaker, but as a women knowledgeable in all sorts of current events (...don't worry, Carol...I will get Occupy Wall Street down eventually...)   I hope I can keep it together when I meet Kris Jenner...probably not though...

To the rest of my Board of Directors - THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done. From letting me camp out at your house (Sandy and Bliss :)...) to escorting me on various appearances, you never cease to amaze me with your kind hearts and generosity. I hope to make you all so proud in Las Vegas!!

SIDENOTE : Always plan a speech ahead of time. At my sendoff, I wrote a few names (in lipstick, 5 minutes before I was to speak...) on a piece of paper and forgot some important people. Ahead of time...and in pen, everyone.

Paul Pruitt (my wonderful, official photographer!) - PAUL!!! I have to thank this man a million times, especially since he was left off my scattered (to say the least ) list at my sendoff. Thank you for shooting my headshots as well as every picture at my sendoff. The pictures are absolutely STUNNING and I cannot wait to share them with the rest of the world! I am ready for some crazy, out-of-the-box shoots! Everyone check this incredible photographer out at paulpruittphotography.com!!!!!   .....right now.....seriously.....leave this page and visit this site!

Marisa - my ONLY local director, and the person (along with my family) who told me from day one that I could be Miss Delaware. It seems like only yesterday that I was watching Miss America with you last year and we were getting so excited that I might have a chance at being on that same stage next year! I cannot believe it is coming true :)

To Ronnie, Debbie and The Bridal Suite of Johnstown - thank you for making me feel and look like a million bucks. I am so thrilled to be representing you at Miss America! My wardrobe is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous and it is all thanks to you and your staff. I am so glad you will be able to watch me work it on the Miss America stage. Your kindness and generosity is astounding to me and something that I greatly respect and appreciate.

Paul and Marisol Timmons from The Firm - my AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, WONDERFUL trainer and nutritionist. Out of everything that I have done so far, one of the things I am most thankful for is having you both in my life now. It is because of you that I am now able to proudly say that I can do man pushups (when I first walked in the door, I could do zero....impressive, I know...), deadlift 135 pounds and backsquat 115 (up from the 25 I started out with...and having an extremely hard time while in the process...). Thank you for helping me break the McDonald's cycle and showing me the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.   No, I may still not like sweet potatoes, but I am a work in progress, I promise. Not many people (I can't think of any, actually...) can get me down to 16% body fat (down from 21%) in a matter of 4 weeks. Just goes to show how hard work can pay off! I cannot wait to continue working with you for the remainder of my year!

Oh, you want me to flip a 240 pound tire? Sure thing :) check below :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMyswskU0_I&feature=autoplay&list=UUX6UomnrjfFjiQlvLuohGbQ&lf=plcp&playnext=1

Sal, Diana, Gloria and the entire Michael Christopher team - Sal, in just 5 months, you brought me from a Miss Texas hairstyle to one of a Miss America. (Don;t get me wrong though...I will go back to that Texas hairstyle any day...) Thank you all for completely transforming me in more ways than I thought possible. I will never go to another salon again!

All my friends - your texts, calls, email and words of support have meant the world to me. Literally. Thank you for loving and supporting me before this crazy adventure and after. After this incredible journey is over, we will definitely be all hanging out ALL THE TIME again!!! I LOVE YOU!

Jennifer Sedler (Miss Arizona) - I love you, too. AHAHAHA!! I am glad someone stalks my blog. Someone has got to do it :) See you soon! <3
Delaware - no matter what the outcome may be on January 14th, I will do everything in my power to make you all proud!

Until Next time,

Maria Cahill
Miss Delaware 2011

"Anything is possible in Christ who strengthens me."

2011-12-17T10:13:00.000-05:00

Hello everybody! From this moment on, I am NEVER promising to have blogs up more often because that plan always fails...massively. As a lot of you know, I have just been SO incredibly busy the last couple months!!

SIDENOTE: You know it is a problem (or is it...) when your body's internal clock starts waking you up a 8 o'clock instead of the usual 11am...

In the past couple months, I have been in SOOOO many parades, on radio, television and in newspapers. To this ay, I can't believe this is all happening to me! Now, I am educating people on the importance of safe driving, good character through Character Counts and visiting all ends of my state. Things do truly happen for a reason!

Some of my most memorable appearances have happened over the past few months and I just have to share!

I got the opportunity to be in the ABC Thanksgiving Day Parade as well as film two hits for Good Morning America with other state titleholders! It felt like the entire state of Delaware came to watch this parade because our float (which was a kittens float....??) could not go two feet without me hearing "DELAWAREEE!!!" being screamed. That was awesome to be a part of!

With Sam Champion of GMA!

One of the many incredible appearances I have had happened just this past week! I got the opportunity to work with the Delaware State police (THANK YOU!!) to travel to numerous hospitals, special needs facilities and schools to visit kids. Talk about one emotional and incredible experience! Nothing gets to your heart quite like a young child telling you that he or she wants "to get better" for Christmas and nothing else. It really puts into perspective those things in your life that you take for granted each and every day. I got to meet young kids (who thought I was dressed up as a fairy...) as well as some teenage boys and girls who loved the fact that a "beauty queen" came to see them. Putting a smile on everyone's face made that long week so worth it. I would do it every single day of my year if I could. It was moving like nothing else.

I will have another blog about my send-off and other preparations up soon (and by soon, I mean before I give up my Miss Delaware crown in June...)!!

Stay chill and remember that things happen for reason,

Maria Cahill

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2

NEW VS. OLD :)

2011-11-20T19:02:00.002-05:00

HI EVERYONE!!!!

It has been a while since I have blogged....I have a good one in the works, but until then....enjoy some pictures of my new look! :)

(Pictures from the Del Tech Fashion Show)

It is crazy to think that in just June, I was competing for Miss Delaware, now it will be for Miss America in less than 2!! WOW!

Boy, how things have changed since Miss Delaware week!

A HUGE thank you to my wonderful board of directors for helping me thus far! I love you all and am beyond grateful for what you do for me each and every day!

I have so many thing to update you all on!!!! More pictures to come :) STAY TUNED!!

xoxo,
Maria

PART 1

2011-10-30T18:48:00.001-04:00

Yes!!! I am blogging less than a year after my last post...this usually never happens so everyone better love this one.... : )

ps. I wrote that sentence 2 weeks ago when I originally wrote this blog. Fail. So this is PART 1 of 2 of recent appearances!

Sometimes, I just like to take a moment to take in everything that has happened to me in the past months. Last December, I could barely believe my luck as I was named Miss Rehoboth Beach. Now, as Miss Delaware, I cannot believe how blessed I am. Everyday I have the wonderful opportunity to put a smile on someone's face. How many people can say that they have a job like that?!

The last time I blogged, I was just coming back from Johnstowns, PA, after picking out my Miss America wardrobe from the Bridal Suite! YAY! : )

After I got back from the best shopping trip ever, it was right back to work! The next day, I was off to the Delaware Auto show where I got to sign hundreds and hundreds of pictures, help out the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles and sit in fancy cars and act like I had 10 of them back home. From there, I traveled to Harrington, DE, with one of my wonderful board members, George, to participate in the Rickshaw Races....for anyone that might not know what that is.....here is a visual....

In the real race, I was NOT the horse...thank the Good Lord.

My "horse!"

Did we win? Well....we didn't lose....

We had to race against at least 10 other teams. Bets were placed to benefit Horse Lovers United! What a fun event!!! : )

I had my first "student teaching" recently! The "platform" of the Miss Delaware Organization is "Character Counts", a six pillar system which teaches school age children about respect, responsibility and so much more. I had the opportunity to speak to 6 different classrooms (over 300 kids!) at North Georgetown Elementary School.

SIDE NOTE : I swear to you I am a 5 year old stuck in a 20 year old's body. Case in point....

you get the idea....anyways...I love hanging out with kids. Maybe it is because I get them and they get me...or maybe it is because I come from a family of seven kids and I had no choice but to love hanging around mass quantities of children....regardless, I had such a wonderful time! Teaching young kids about respect for others at such an early age is crucial and hopefully, I affected them in some way. While I ate lunch with them, I had to switch seats over 20 times to meet everyone and somehow managed to put my autograph on everything....books, notebooks, backpacks (also, black backpacks that hid my black, sharpie signed autograph...they didn't care...), casts for broken arms, milk cartons...you name it, I signed it.....I live for moments like this...it makes me want to be a kid again. I cannot wait to continue my Character Counts teaching throughout all the schools in Delaware! : )

If I have a day with only one appearance and it makes me feel incredible after, imagine how I would feel after a day with 3 appearances back to back? REALLY incredible...and wiped out! : ) One of these days started out with a car show in Maryland. I have heard this state referred to as "God's Country..." I am sure that the state of Maryland is absolutely beautiful, but so are the people. I had such a blast meeting everyone and taking pictures. Next, it was off to the Apple Scrapple Festival!! Throw me in a place with food galore, 25,000 people and a couple of my board members and it's safe to say that I am in Maria Heaven!

PS: A HUGE thank you to my wonderful business manger, Susan, and her husband, Gene. Gene had the maybe not so fun task of carting me from place to place. Once they found out that I had a headache, I had an Excedrin in my hands and then in my tummy in under ten minutes! You both are the best! : )

ANOTHER SIDE NOTE : Scrapple....who invented this? It was not Einstein, that's for sure...Okay, I am not hating on Scrapple...well, not technically anyways...it is just that I had it for the first time that day and...um...hmmm...I guess I am just not that into breakfast foods...

After the Apple Scrapple Festival, I met another board member, Chuck, to head off to a fancy Del Tech fundraiser! Has anyone seen the movie "White Chicks"? Yes, folks, I was auctioned off for a lunch, "White Chicks" style. BOOYAH. One of the things that I am really learning how to master is the art of networking. Being Miss Delaware is really good for that sort of thing : )

The next day, I attended the second local pageant of the 2012 Miss Delaware year, Miss Wilmington and Miss Newark. A huge congrats to Erin and Steph for winning their titles and also a special congrats to Morgan Burris, who won Miss Wilmington's Outstanding Teen on her first try! Both having gone to Aquinas Academy, a school with under 100 kids K-12, it was very cool to see another title holder come from my tiny school!

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Special Olympics Fall Fest! Working with the Special Olympics has been one of my favorite organizations to volunteer with for over 6 years, so I loved being able to take it to a new level with my crown and sash!

Please check out the utter "bro-ness" of the picture below...especially the storm trooper to the right of me...

Stay chill and may the force be with you!

Maria Cahill

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23

If You Want Things Done, Do Them Yourself...

2011-10-22T21:32:00.000-04:00

I promised to blog specifically about my Tim Qualls interview.

Here we go.

I was asked to perform my talent on the Tim Qualls Show. Awesome? Yes. No question there.

I picked out my music and had my dance all ready to go. The last piece of the puzzle? Press "burn" on itunes to put my dance music on a cd. Easy enough.... So I asked my sister, Christine, to do that small feat for me. Two minutes later, she handed me the cd. Piece of cake. NOT.

I arrived at the show a little early. I wanted enough time to meet the producers, meet the audience, and go over my dance a few times. I was dressed and ready to go on in 5 minutes when the producer walked up to me. She told me that the cd I gave her was blank. Blank....BLANK?!?! As in no music blank?!?! CHRISTINEEEEE!!!!!!

I gave the producers of the Tim Qualls Show a cd with nothing on it. A present, if you will. Needless to say, I had to pretend like that happens to me all the time and came up with something new in 30 seconds...typical.....

Ladies and Gentlemen, my offical, Irish Dancing (minus my music) debut on the Tim Qualls Show...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOwK9RSJoQM

Hope you all enjoy! Just a little sneak preview before January!

Stay chill and dance in random places without music!

Maria Cahill

ps. I love you, Christine!

"For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands."

(Psalm 92:4)

SAY "NO" ...to (mis)adventures...

2011-10-13T23:08:00.001-04:00

"This is going to be such an adventure!!!"

It is usually at this point in time where one would tend to knock on wood....no such luck for me...
I had just come from an appearance where I danced and spoke at a senior center. There was a photo booth there, so I spent half the time taking funny pictures with the residents there...typical, really...I was excited for the afternoon because I was going to meet my Executive Director, Debi, in Wilmington. We were to drive to The Bridal Suite of Johnstown, PA, to shop for my Miss America gown and the rest of my wardrobe!

When my sister finally dropped me off in Wilmington, the first thing I said to Debi was, "This is going to be such an adventure!" Five seconds later, we were sitting in the car....which had decided to have a dead battery...that is when I realized we really were in for an adventure...just not the kind that I was thinking of.

Luckily, we were parked in front of the AAA Building where another one of my board members works. PHEW! He came right away bringing the BEST person ever with him...CHRIS!!!! Chris, who also works for AAA, made phone calls for a half hour, looking the closest person on duty to bring us a new battery! Thank you SO much, Chris! We would have been lost (or at least there until 8pm) without you!! I am getting my AAA membership soon...is it possible to request a particular person for all my troubles? Hope so...

After finally getting on the road a couple hours later, we started our almost 5 hour drive to PA! Even though traffic really slowed us down, I felt a lot better after my Number 1 - Big Mac Meal, no pickle, large lemonade, large fry...

SIDENOTE : McDonald's Monopoly gets me EVERY time!!!!! It is not my fault I want to win one million dollars....

After being stuck in "Penn State Homecoming/jack-knife tractor trailer accident" traffic for another couple of hours, it is safe to say we were both happy to arrive at our hotel. It may have been almost 4 hours later...but we made it there in one piece with our tummies full!

The next morning, it was up early to eat breakfast at Eat N' Park with Ronnie and Deborah of the Bridal Suite of Johnstown!!

ANOTHER SIDENOTE : Wearing almost six inch heels to Eat N' Park not only gives you a great view of the entire restaurant, but it also warrants some strange looks from everyone eating....

After a wonderful breakfast, it was off to gown shopping! I owe a HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you to The Bridal Suite of Johnstown, PA, for helping me pick the most STUNNING wardrobe I could ever have imagined! They were so kind and generous to me; it was really incredible. Yes, I now have my Miss America gown, but it is a surprise!! If you want to see it, along with my other pieces, I am having my Miss America sendoff party at Dover Downs on December 11th! It's going to be a party...so everybody had better go...!! All I will tell you is that this dress will make you pass out...that is how beautiful is it!!! I was SO incredibly happy with my experience at The Bridal Suite! If anyone is looking for any sort of pageant or prom wardrobe, I would go straight to The Bridal Suite of Johnstown, PA.

visit : http://www.bridalsuitejohnstown.com/

or call 814.266.6924 and ask for Ronnie! It is worth it! Can't wait to share my Miss America wardrobe with everyone! :))

RONNIE!!! What a wonderful help she and Deborah were!

After such a wonderful day, I thought the ride back would be just as easy...wrong. Halfway back, we realized that we were not going to the "home" place that we had entered into the GPS. My director, Debi, said "my eyes are bugging out of my head and I don't know what home I am going too!!!" Two hours later...we pulled into her driveway...

Needless to say, it was an adventure....and a memorable one at that!

Stay chill, find a "Chris," and go on adventures,
Maria Cahill

"suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces hope."
-Romans 5:3-4

2011-10-10T14:12:00.000-04:00

HI TO MY "LITTLE SISTERS"!! I MISS YOU GUYS! :)

Look for a letter in the mail this week :))

<3

Maria

On the 7th day, I "blogeth"...is that a word?

2011-10-07T00:30:00.007-04:00

So, apparently my plan to blog every week has failed....there is always next week, so don't worry!! Since last blogging, I have been so incredibly busy...and loving every minute of it!!

Gosh, where to begin....hold on, I am going to go turn on some Yellowcard to help me concentrate...

Ok. Go.

When I was Miss Rehoboth Beach, I got the opportunity to attend and walk in a "GoRed" fashion show to help support Women's Heart Health. Talk about an event that was made for me...While there, I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, teach them how to do a proper runway walk and pose. I was invited to attend another event a couple of months later. Little did they know, I would be coming as Miss Delaware 2011 (although when I got there, they told me that they had a feeling I would win! How kind!). I arrived at the incredibly beautiful Baywood Greens to attend a luncheon and fundraiser. Not only did I get to help with the silent auction and meet some of the funniest and kindest people to date, but I also got to learn about women's heart health and how important it is to recognize symptoms and be aware of when it's time to seek medical attention.

Yeah, camera. Go ahead and act like you took this picture in 2009....

The next day, it was off to perform at the fundraiser "Delaware's Got Talent", put on by Artistry Representative, Michelle Falla! Not only did I have the opportunity to perform my talent and raise funds for Children's Miracle Network, but I also had the opportunity to talk about the wonderful experiences I have had at the hospitals and share some personal stories from those visits. (Not to mention that I met a former Eagles football player, among others....pretty cool.) Thank you SO much, Michelle, for an awesome event!

One of my favorite appearances to date was when I attended an event with veterans of World War II and the Vietnam War! I spent hours with them just listening to their stories, asking questions, laughing, and taking an occasional picture. Hearing specific examples of their different experiences in war was definitely an eye-opening experience for me.

One gentleman, Norm, became my best friend by the end of the day. He was a World War II veteran who just laughed at me all day while telling an occasional story. One of my favorites was that during the war, he never used to drink or smoke - unlike any of his buddies. He said that he was the "babysitter" of the group. When they all went out and got drunk, he would steal their wallets and not tell them for a few days - that prankster! A man after my own heart... Needless to say, picturing Norm doing this had me laughing for hours.

He then said that he hoped he would live long enough to see me on television and, hopefully, win Miss America....WHAT. A. SWEETHEART.

NEW BEST FRIENDS! I LOVE NORM!

I had the opportunity to emcee the Little Miss Harbeston Pageant. It was unlike anything I have EVER been to before and had an incredible time. Anyone that makes me participate in a hula hoop contest off the cuff like that pretty much guarantees that I will have a great time.

One of the next big things on my agenda was the Wings of Hope Teal Ribbon Luncheon. This fundraiser, to support Ovarian Cancer research, was incredibly eye-opening as well. I had the amazing opportunity to speak to the entire room about the Miss Delaware Organization. In telling the group about my life and experiences, I had the opportunity to share my personal story of losing a good friend to texting while driving and about almost losing my older sister in an accident of the New Jersey Turnpike. My message? Live every single day to the fullest. I sat at a table with survivors of Ovarian Cancer and listen to their stories about survival and beating the odds. It is very inspirational to hear that even though research for a cure for Ovarian Cancer is one of the single most underfunded programs today, they are able to put that aside to bring awareness to this cause.

I've also had the opportunity to speak at the Delaware Safety Council Luncheon about my platform and my goals to expand it. A HUGE thank you to Harry Roosevelt for bringing me on-board with the Council while I was Miss Rehoboth Beach. I also recently spoke at my first of many high schools the other day and the response was fantastic!!!

Another of my FAVORITE appearances was attending the Dover International Speedway for the Nascar Sprint Cup Series!!!! YES. I don't think I have ever had my picture taken that many times in my entire life....but I guess that it what happens when there almost 100,000 people at one single event. I was interviewed on the huge Sprint Cup stage and talked about my year as Miss Delaware and my platform, Project 16-26: Drive Safe, Drive Smart (which was perfect, considering the event!). The craziest moment was after I received my tickets to watch the race , I started walking to my section of the track. There began a crazy amount of cheering and screams of "MISS DELAWAREEEE!!!!!" Talk about a humbling experience! WOW! After I took another million pictures, I got to watch most of the race and bond with the ladies next to me about our love for Dale Earnhart Jr. Talk about a good day...

Other events I have been a part of include events for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, workouts with my trainer (talk about not being able to walk the next day...), training for Character Counts, photo shoots and interviews with Wilmington University, appearing on the Tim Qualls show, recording PSA's for 93.7 WSTW, fundraisers, and TONS of dance classes.

Getting ready to dance for the Tim Qualls show....boy do I have a story about this....I will blog about it next time.

I have so much more to blog about!! AHHHH!! A HUGE promise that another one will be out this week! : )

Stay chill and play McDonald's Monopoly (Oh, yes....I went there)

Maria Cahill

P.S. All politics aside, I sat next to Vice President Joe Biden in church the other day. (Just in case anyone wanted to know....)

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
Psalms 43:5

Just keep chillin...

2011-09-16T13:02:00.001-04:00

Why, hi, hello! Please ignore the fact that I haven't blogged in 45 days...give or take...

So many wonderful things have been happening lately! First, I have FINALLY realized that I should probably stop referring to myself as "the new Miss Delaware..." If I don't stop now, I can almost guarantee that I will be referring to myself as "new" all the way into next year...

Looking at my blog, the last thing I wrote about was my trip to Florida! I have some serious catching up to do!

Delaware had a funny way of welcoming me back to my state after rubbing elbows with Disney characters for a week....all hail the powerful hurricane, Irene. Wonderful. What does the Cahill family do when a hurricane hits? Buy out half the grocery store, pull out the VHS player and watch home videos, then whip out our skateboards and umbrellas. Skateboards and umbrellas you ask? Why would we need these? To Land Sail of course! (aka. stand/sit on the skateboard, open your umbrella, and let the heavy wind take you down the street!) GREAT idea if you don't mind ruining 800 umbrellas....it was worth it for me..... Besides some missing siding on my house, downed trees, and flooding, we were fine. Some houses were hit by tornadoes, so we were extremely lucky!

After a couple of postponed appearances (because of good old Irene), next on my agenda was a photo shoot and interview with Wilmington University!! They asked me to be one of the faces for the "What's My Story" campaign so I will be featured in a lot of their marketing! I still have a couple more photo shoots and interviews to do with them and I am sooooooo excited!!!

The next appearance I had was at "The Children's Beach House". "Children's Beach House (CBH) is a Delaware-based 501(c)(3), non-profit organization that fulfills founder Lydia Chichester du Pont's vision to help children with special needs reach their highest potential as functioning members of their families and the communities." I got to mingle with all the guests, help sell items at the live auction, sample all the food (perfect!) and take so many pictures! The craziest thing about events like this are the people that you get to meet! I met modeling agents and magazine editors just to name a few!! However, raising money for wonderful charities such as this make it all worth while! Check out http://www.cbhinc.org/ to read more on the Children's Beach House!

The next week it was on to the Absolome Jones Senior Center! While there, I was able to talk about the impact that the Miss Delaware and Miss America organization has had on my life in such a short period of time. I also got to dance for them!! The residents of the senior center loved it. After I was done I got to meet every single one of them personally. It was so wonderful to hear their reactions and how they loved having someone so down-to-earth as their Miss Delaware. Hearing that is one of the biggest compliments I can ever receive. I met this one gentleman who was blind. We had an instant connection after we found out that our birthdays were only days apart. (He loved the fact that we were both Capricorns!) After discussing our favorite music and the fact that one of my eyes is half brown, he told me that he knew that I was beautiful because I was so nice to him! Wow! I love meeting people who I would never have had the opportunity to meet if I were not Miss Delaware. Everything happens for a reason, people.

My FAVORITE appearances are those involving hospitals. I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for the Radiothon for Children's Miracle Network. Some of the little kids I met were absolutely incredible!! It brings joy to my heart that the sight of a sparkly crown can make a child forget about their illness for a little while.

One of my favorite little girls was Christina, who couldn't wait to be a "hip hop cheerleader" one day! Good for her....I could never do that. I made her a crown so we could be matching! :)

At CHOP, I also met three girls, Alli, Shelby, and Lexi!! Hi, guys!!! It was great meeting you three. Hopefully, you learned a little about how cool we Miss America girls are! : ) Ps. I am still trying to decide who had the better charactature....

BUCKET LIST SIDENOTE: I am obsessed with caricatures. I have never had one done, but have always wondered what I would look like as one...that's why it was on my bucket list!!!! Well, I got one done at the Children's Hospital! I will post a picture of it soon! Boy, oh boy, being Miss Delaware is perfect if you have an everlasting bucket list!!

Right after my appearance at the Children's Hospital, I drove to Dover for Denim and Diamond, a fabulous event that benefits Meals on Wheels! A HUGE shoutout to my wonderful executive director, Debi, who was one of the people that put the whole thing together and invited me! It was fun to mingle, help sell the live auction items (which I have to admit I'm quite good at) and take pictures in the photo booth! It was a great event to help out an even greater cause. As I am writing this I am watching the Food Network. It makes me hungry. Now, I am going to have a tiny bit of self control and not get food, but can you imagine not having the luxury to walk to the next room and make yourself a meal?! Meals on Wheels provides hot meals to some of the 6 million seniors facing the threat of unanswered hunger!

On September 11th, I was able to attend a small event at Chelsea Tavern with Michelle Falla, my wonderful Artistry by Amway representative, her husband Brian, her cousin and his fiance! 15% of everyone's bill went to help support our troops! I have never been more proud to buy a burger!!! A HUGE thank you to our troops at home and overseas for protecting the greatest country in the world. I am forever grateful to you. God bless America!

Finally, one of my good friends, Stephanie, agreed to have a fun photo shoot with me! Her one stipulation was that she had to first shoot me with my natural "fro" and NO makeup. Yes, you heard me correct. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Big Fat Goose Egg. (Eric Larson, shame on you for suggesting such a thing.) Here are a couple of my favorite pictures.

If anyone ever cared to know how I look completely naked-faced with my natural lion hair, have a field day and knock yourself out....

CONGRATS, WORLD. You just saw me in all my natural glory. MEOW. Now to the other stuff...

I have more blogs on the way!! Do I need to start doing them more often? Why, yes...yes, I do!

Stay chill and support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals,

Maria Cahill

ps. feel free to start donating to my Children's Miracle Network account! Please visit https://missamericaforkids.org/m.aspx?i=22668758D9BE47FC3 . Thanks! :)

"Little children, let us love, neither in word nor with the tongue, but in deed and truth." 1 John 3:18

Mouse-Hunting in Florida...

2011-08-25T22:35:00.006-04:00

Disney World. The land of an obnoxiously large castle. The land of mice that run around wearing outfits calling themselves Mickey and Minnie. The land of the 8 dollar (good grief) Tinkerbell key chain! THE LAND OF AWESOMENESS!!!!

Last week, I went to Florida for the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant with my mom and one of my sisters. The trip started out great even though we had to leave at 4 in the morning. I was feeling upbeat, had stretched, ran around my living room (because there is so much room for activities) and felt like I had successfully packed enough (which never happens. EVER.). The day was going really great. The plane ride was smooth. I had my ray-bans on. I had my Glamour and Marie Claire magazines....AHHHHH this is the life....then we landed.

Guess what didn't show up. One of our bags. In it was packed my flat iron, curling iron, makeup, and ALL of my sister's clothes.

Now, normally, this wouldn't bother me. I have come to not like (believe it or not) wearing a lot of makeup and, most times, I don't mind my hair going crazy....

...even though that is how my hair looks on a GOOD day...fail.

HOWEVER....this was one week I HAD to look halfway decent. There was filming for Miss America, filming little youtube videos and pictures GALORE. How could this happen to me?!?!?!

Okay...putting all drama aside....the bag did show up 6 hours later....that dumb thing just decided to board another flight to Orlando. What a loser. It showed up just in time! God, if that was you playing a joke on me....that was literally the most not funny joke EVER.

That week, I wore heels 20 out of 24 hours and wore a dress. It was like an abridged (massively) version of Miss America!

Sidenote - Heels are very cute. Not only do they give you a height boost which in turn gives you a better view of the room you are in, but it also elongates your legs which makes them look lean and mean. However, some heels are the WORST! Sure you may walk in Bebe and try on 6 inch nude platform pumps that are the greatest thing to happen to this fashion world, but the thing to do is to save them until the last day...unlike me. Bebe heels = not so comfy. Bebe heels = the worst blisters. Ever.

BEAUTY IS PAIN. BEAUTY IS PAIN. BEAUTY IS PAIN.

Goodness, as much as I try to tell myself...it doesn't work. It is like telling yourself that broccoli tastes as good as a hamburger. Just...no.

Anyway.... the week was a blast. My little "sister", Tori, did absolutely INCREDIBLE. She is one of the most beautiful dancers I have ever had the privilege of watching. She did absolutely wonderful and I have never been so proud. She is doing such a fabulous job as Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen. Love you, girl!!!

Not only were we there to root for our girls, but the 53 Miss America contestants got to film in Disney for Miss America and Disney promotional commercials, listen to talks by Miss America and the Miss America board members and so much more. The most memorable part, in my (and I am sure many of the other girls would agree) opinion, was when we listened to a talk by Colonel David Sutherland of the United States Military. I am usually pretty good at holding it together at funerals, sappy movies and things of that nature, but hearing him talk about losing his best friend right in front of him, the devastating effects that war can have on these soldiers, and when he ended his speech with "I am Colonel David Sutherland of the United States Military, and I WILL DIE FOR YOU," - there was literally not one dry eye in the room. Incredible speech from an incredible man.

One of the other crazy experiences of the week was riding on the Tower of Terror. Check off the bucket list? I think yes! I was really excited for it and Miss PA, Julianne Sheldon, was really pumping me up! The ride was great until...the end... Who got stuck when the ride broke down for a good 5 minutes in the pitch black. This girl...along with about 20 other Miss America contestants. Perfect. Making memories? Yes. On the bright side, one of the girls had Twizzlers and water in her bag so we could have lasted for a couple days...

Overall, the week was a blast. I had a wonderful time getting to know the girls, meeting the current Miss America (who was FABULOUS and so incredibly gracious and humble) and getting a feel for the Miss America pageant in January.

A huge thank you to my Uncle Bob, Stan and Calvin Wilson for taking my mom, sister and I to Universal Studios after the pageant was over so that I can now check off 2 items on my never ending bucket list...one, to go to Harry Potter World and two, to go on the Jaws ride.

Sidenote - I have wanted to go on this Jaws ride for years and years...and after I rode it and a little boy started crying...I knew that it lived up to the hype...

ENJOY SOME PIX :)

LOVE my girl, Tori!! So proud of her!!! :)

PS. THANK YOU to the people in my life who are so supportive of what I do during my year and remember that I am the same person with or without a crown. I am SO lucky to have people like that in my life, especially now.

Also, I am starting to raise money for Children's Miracle Network! Click on the link to the left side of the page ("MAKE A DONATION TODAY") and search my contestant name to help out! Every little bit helps! :)

Stay chill and go on the Jaws ride whenever you can,
Maria Cahill

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Proverbs 37:4

All watermelon eating contests are NOT created equal.

2011-08-25T17:06:00.003-04:00

WOWZERS!! I am way behind on blogging! Me, procrastinate? Never! .....

The past couple of weeks have been pretty insane...surprise, surprise. I had an appearance at the Georgetown Festival of Hope. This appearance was INCREDIBLE. I got to meet SO many people, especially kids. I came in 2nd place in a watermelon eating contest...second to an older gentleman who kept looking at me and laughing into his watermelon because 1. I was funny looking or 2. I was just entertaining while I shoved watermelon in my face. I feel that coming in second should either win me free food for a year or at least earn me a silver medal...although I would prefer the former...

Sidenote - I like watermelon. I really do. I like eating it. I like smelling watermelon scented things. I like spitting the seeds out at people. When someone asks me to join a watermelon eating contest, I get very excited. I did a contest like that at the Delaware State Fair and ate that piece of watermelon as fast as I could. This time, I expected my enthusiasm to be the same....UNTIL......I found out that this contest, instead of eating one piece of watermelon the fastest, it was to see who could eat the most watermelon in 5 minutes.........UHHHH.....

How I looked before the contest....

How I looked after......

GROSS.

NEVER.AGAIN.

At the Festival of Hope, I met this one little girl who gave me my first ever silly band (an elephant! YES!). She came from an extremely bad home situation but was still so incredibly optimistic. She gave me one of her bracelets so I would not forget her. Talk about something tugging at your heart strings!!! I just wanted to take her home, especially when I went to leave and she hugged me for a good couple of minutes and wouldn't let me go.

Right after the festival, I drove to Milford where I was able to emcee the first pageant of the season with the wonderful and talented, Bliss Soucek. I crowned Chelsea Betts and Alyssa Murray (love you both!) I was so proud of both of them! One pageant down, a million more to go!

The next morning I was off to Cape Henlopen High School to speak at the Free to Breathe 5k walk/run (or in my case, a "sit there and watch"...). It is extremely inspirational to meet people who are so passionate about fighting lung cancer. The stories of how their families have dealt with lung cancer was very moving. Afterwards, I was supposed to go to a parade, but is was rained out! BOO! What to do instead? Head to a diner with my driver, Donald!

The next day was a HUGE appearance for me! For anyone that doesn't know, Extreme Home Makeover is in the middle of filming here in Delaware!! I had the opportunity to Irish Dance in a fundraiser concert, hosted by Telly Leung ("Wes" of Glee who was also in "Rent" on Broadway) in front of so many people! There were cameras filming and, while I am not sure if they will air this concert on television, be sure to check out upcoming episodes of Extreme Home Makeover on ABC (the same channel as Miss America....woot woot!!) What a phenomenal experience! Being Miss Delaware has opened up my life to so many fantastic opportunities!

1. My "DelawareToday" magazine cover shot (and article) is on stands now. Pick yours up today! (....that was my way of being super convincing...).
2. If you reside in Mobile, Alabama, listen for me on the radio tomorrow!
3. Happy day-after Birthday to my now 14 year old brother, Jack. What a bro.
4. Thank you to Bill Sammons of 88.7 the Bridge for the book "Jesus Calling." This is a wonderful book of daily devotions that I got a chance to read while co-hosting. So glad to have a copy to call mine. Thanks SO much again, Bill!
5. stay tuned to read about my trip to Florida and more! Check back in the next day or two to read about my experience at Miss America's Outstanding Teen!

Stay chill and never eat massive amounts of watermelon. EVER.
Maria Cahill

"But if I say, 'I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,' his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot."
Jeremiah 20:9

Brrrrr it's cold in here! Must be a blizzard!

2011-08-11T23:20:00.007-04:00

Hi. A lot of exciting things have been happening!!!

A recap of my week so far, first? Why, sure!

I had the great opportunity to attend the Delaware Electric Co-op with my business manager, Susan, and her husband, Gene. When I was told this was going to be a large event, I had no idea that they actually meant HUGE. It was just hours and hours of shaking hands, meeting adults and children, and taking pictures....and I LOVED every single minute of it. These types of events, where I get to meet hundreds and hundreds of people, are the reasons that I love my job.

Sidenote - If you are 5'8'' and wear heels on top of that....that makes you incredibly tall....oh well.

The good thing about high heels? The air is better up there...and you can see for miles.
The bad thing about high heels? You are so tall that if it starts raining, it hits you first and you get soaked before anyone else.

Eating fried chicken at the Co-op! :)
Photo courtesy of Dave Chambers

Thank you to Chuck for the earrings and bracelet and to Bliss for letting me borrow your dress :)

Me and Bliss :)

Today was Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen locations all around the country. One dollar from every Blizzard sold went to Children's Miracle Network hospitals. If you didn't get your Blizzard...shame on you. Next time, get chocolate chip cookie dough like me! YUM! I went to the Middletown, DE, Dairy Queen and got to meet people, talk about CMN and Miss America, and sign autographs. The best part was talking to a man about Ireland (because it rules) and finding out that it was his birthday! He told me that talking to me was the best birthday surprise he ever got. The simple things, people...the simple things.

A lot of people I have been meeting have been commenting on the fact that they read about me in 'The Dialog.' For anyone that has not read that article...help yourself... http://www.cdow.org/dialog.html

---click on the box in the middle, then scroll down to the last page---

**One of the most heartwarming moments of my year so far was receiving a letter from a man who has a stepdaughter receiving spinal surgery. He said he couldn't wait for her to be well enough to read my story. I was completely touched and it makes me realize that there are people out there who appreciate what I am doing to spread the word about faith and family. "I can do all things in Christ who strenghthens me..."

A HUGE SIDENOTE (that has nothing to do with anything) - Throughout this entire year, my goal is to show that not all pageant girls are the same. I do things differently than most. My goal is to appeal to the younger generation that might have a preconceived notion of pageants or the Miss America Organization. We are fun and we eat (a lot), but we wear a crown, get scholarship money for education, and speak about things that we are passionate about. So what if I crack a joke or ten? If you can't tell by reading my blog....I refuse to take life too seriously. It is just too short for that.

Good golly, that was the most serious I have been in a long time....enough of that!

I have an AMAZING events coming up!

HERE IS THE BIG NEWS FROM MY LAST POST!!!!

While many people have read it on facebook, I am going to be a part of Extreme Home Makeover!!!!!!! I am going to be performing at the pep rally at Cape Henelopen High school! It will be filmed as part of the episode featuring a family from Delaware!! This is such a huge opportunity for me and for the promotion of the Miss America Organization and I absolutely cannot wait! For anyone that wants to attend the pep rally (it's free!) or help volunteer in any way, visit http://schellbrothers.com/extreme/ for more info! :)

Other SWEET events coming up/in the works!

-- a clothing designer (Spaceboyclothing.com) contacted me to help with their Delaware themed clothing line by putting my signature on their shirts! YEAH BUDDY!!! The project is still in the works, but it is AWESOME nonetheless!!

-- in talks to be on a radio show in Mobile, Alabama!!!

-- off to Orlando, Florida, next week to root for Tori in Miss America's Outstanding Teen (and I am also filming for Miss America)!

--going to be in a full feature spread for Wilmington University magazine (shooting at the end of the month)

Last by not least...

Here are some of the pictures I promised from the Delaware State Fair! Check out the rest on my facebook page!

Just kissing goats...

and holding chicks...

and riding bulls...

and making new friends along the way :)

Stay chill and eat cookie dough Blizzards (or just the cookie dough...),

Maria Cahill

"Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit."

- Matthew 12:33

RULE 32: ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS

2011-08-09T01:26:00.000-04:00

My busy week (from the previous post) was not over!!! I was just sick of how long the post was...time for a new one! :) The week was coming to a close, but there was no rest in sight!! Next on the agenda? A radio station interview in New York, then I was off to Tori's send off party for Miss America's Outstanding Teen!! She leaves in a few days for Orlando and I leave to support her on the 17th! I am so proud of her. Her wardrobe is stunning and I am so excited to see her dance on stage! Love you, girl!! Make Delaware proud! :)

Was this week over yet?!?! I THINK NOT! I had to wake up the next morning at 3....fail....to go to Oneida, New York, for a wedding and an appearance!

http://www.oneidadispatch.com/articles/2011/08/05/life/doc4e3c979748058532573817.txt?viewmode=fullstory

YES.

Wedding = awesome. Congrats Joe and Ashley!!!

The next day was an appearance at the Hazel Carpenter Home to talk about my job as Miss Delaware and how someone prepares for the job of Miss America! I got to take a ton of pictures, sign autographs, and I might have met my future husband (who was 8...calm down...). He dressed up so nicely just because he heard that I was coming. So cute!
Thank you to my wonderful grandmother and aunt for setting up this appearance! :)

Sidenote - there are some times when being Miss Delaware makes you feel like a total celebrity...example.... I finally got home to my grandmother's house to pack up for the return trip to good ol' Delaware. My sister was outside on the front porch talking on the phone and I was laying on the couch...probably eating or something...my sister came in and said "Uhhh...Maria, someone is outside because he heard that Miss Delaware was here and he wants to meet you." UNREAL...especially when you are not even in your own state! Cool!!!!

My new friend, Trevor!

If anyone can learn anything from my blog is it that I enjoy the simple things....even if it means someone standing outside my grandmother's house for 5 minutes and freaking my sister out JUST to meet me for 10 minutes. BLESSED. BLESSED. BLESSED.

Another fun appearance was at the Delaware Feis (pronounced "FESH"). A feis is the name for a dance competition. It was awesome because I am an Irish Dancer myself. I have NEVER EVER EVER signed so many autographs in my entire life. I think I literally went through 250...at least. I got to meet dancers of all ages and levels. It was so much fun! I LOVE my Irish Dancing family!

Me with one of my dance students, Casey! So proud of her!

HUGE BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!

I can't exactly say...I don't think. Noone actually told me that I couldn't say it, but because it makes it cooler, I won't yet. I will give you 3 hints....

1. It is for a national televsion show that everyone knows (or should know) about.

2. It is filming in Delaware. I film next week.

3. It is kind of a big deal...

I will tell everyone in my next couple blogs!!!! I am SOOOOOO excited about it!! :))

Keep an eye out for VLOGS!! I will be filming some, or at least different clips, for my blog. It makes it cooler that way, right?

Check out this link :) If you haven't seen my crowning video, then have at it!

http://www.delawareonline.com/videonetwork/991245863001/Newark-woman-crowned-Miss-Delaware

STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT! STILL!

PS. I just told my mom that this particular post isn't that funny. Her answer? "Life isn't always funny." Personally, I think life is hilarious.

* I like using capital letters when writing. It makes things more fun to read.

* I miss my SVC friends :(

* I don't like HammerTime. My tummy is sore.

Busy week ahead! I will keep everyone posted! Big things coming my way!

Stay chill and enjoy the little things!

Maria Cahill

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3:5-6

Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell...

2011-08-09T00:35:00.000-04:00

I just had the biggest bowl of pasta. I think I am going to roll away...

The last week has been so busy!!!!  After a few days off after the Delaware State Fair (pictures will be up this week. Not just any pictures....EPIC pictures.), Hammertime began.

Sidenote- HammerTime is something I developed. Because I am original. Obviously.  It was desgined after the lightbulb went off in my head that my initials matched that of MC Hammer.  Since I am sure that he laid off the fast food, went to the gym twice a day, and had a six pack, I decided to name my workout plan, HammerTime. Please tell me that makes sense...if not....oh well....

PS. Hammertime is NOT fun. Nope. No it is not.

While Hammertime was in full swing, I couldn't forget about my Miss Delaware duties. I had a wonderful appearance for my safe driving platform. I filmed a small PSA for one of the DMV offices (good thing I dressed cute) and got to talk to the people there about my platform and why it means so much to me. One man approached me and said that his 16 year old was about to start driving and he was going to tell her my story to help her not text while driving. Really incredible.

The next day, it was my radio cohosting debut on 88.7 The Bridge! I was excited and not excited for 3 reasons.

Excited:
1. I LOVE this radio station.
2. My career goal is to get into broadcasting. Perfecto.
3. It gave me the chance to talk about my faith and family without people poo-poo'ing it.

NOT Excited:
1. I have a man voice.
2. I have a man voice.
3. I have a man voice.

Why, just why, would I want a career in broadcasting if I can't even answer the phone without people saying "Hi, Joe, is Maria there." SIGH. I am working on that.

ANYWAYS....regardless of the manly nature of my voice, I was extremely excited for this. I was up and on the road to Milford around 4:30. SNOOZE....too bad I like the smell of coffee and nothing else about it. I really do wish I liked coffee....the cups are so cute! Good thing I had my Angels and Airwaves mix (my favorite band of ALL TIME.)

Sidenote - How would you react if you were driving somewhere at 4:30 in the morning and the girl in the car next to you was belting out songs? Would you be weirded out? At least it was keeping me awake so....

I got to the studio for my 1st of two 6am-10am slots. It was INCREDIBLE! Thank you to the always amazing Bill Sammons for showing me the ropes and getting me off on the right foot! For anyone that was ever wondering, yes, the walls are completely covered in egg crate styrofoam "stuff." I wanted to run into the walls the entire time so I could prove that it wouldn't hurt, but that wouldn't be very professional would it...
I LOVED getting calls with questions and reading facebook comments on the 88.7 The Bridge fan page. I got to talk about everything from Miss Delaware and Miss America, to family, faith, boys and dating (HA!). It is honestly INCREDIBLE to hear and read what God has done in some people's lives. Incredible.

Seriously, go to facebook and "like" 88.7TheBridge. Literally, drop everything. All the cool kids are doing it....

After the first day of cohosting, I was hooked....man voice and all. I was then off to the LOVELY Sandy's house. One thing about my Miss Delaware Board of Directors...they take the best care of me and treat me like I was their own daughter. I don't know what I would do without them!! I had a wonderful day with Sandy, new board member (YAY!) Bliss, and Mamma K! Thank you, Sweet Baby Jesus, for yummy crab soup! And thank you Sandy for all the jewelry!!!!! :) ....AND to my new "wardrobe sponsor," Bliss :) I had such a wonderful time with all three of them! It was off to bed early...not really...for round 2 of my radio debut!

The second day was even better! I was used to how everything ran, and the fact that I was wearing headphones and speaking into a cool looking microphone! I got to listen and read even more incredible stories about how God has affected so many people's lives! What an incredible two days!!! So eye opening and heartwarming to hear people tell me that they are glad that someone stands up to a world that is trying to get rid of religion. I have gotten so many letters and emails from different listeners, and to any of you who are reading this, I will get back to you!

Stay chill and listen to Angels and Airwaves (now.),
                      Maria Cahill

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

FLOOR - 1 MARIA - 0

2011-07-29T23:04:00.001-04:00

PLANKING: (a new, quite ridiculous fad) to lay horizontally across any object or the ground with your arms by your sides, aiming to occur in daring situations or a brotherly display of core-strength. Thank you urbandictionary.com.

PLANKING (Miss Delaware's version...) : To lay flat on your stomach in front of over 100 of Delaware's finest politicians, legislators, senator, and the rest of the important people of my state....

Let me just start from the beginning.....

The Delaware State Fair. A family tradition for so many years...except for me. I have never been to the DSF before, but as is Miss Delaware tradition, you end up spending a couple days there.
DAY 1: I went during Senior Day. I arrived in the late afternoon and met up with one of my wonderful board members, Chuck, who had the ever-so-wonderful job of showing me EVERYTHING! I don't know if it is all that fun of a job to show a newbie around the fair...but, hey, someone's got to do it. I got to meet so many people!! SOOOOO many! He showed me so many exhibits and barns filled with all different kinds of animals.

-On a side note: When my family lived in Butler, Pennsylvania, we lived on a little farm. No cows for us (bummer....check last post....) but we had many goats and....rabbits. Lots and lots of rabbits.

Being in this kind of environment reminded me of those good old days so I could tell that I was in for a great time. Chuck and I watched the ice cream making contest and had the arduous task of taste testing them. Gosh, life is so hard sometimes...NOT. I had a television interview with WMDT channel 47 news and Chuck helped me pick out some absolutely beautiful jewelry. After many, many pictures, we met up with Chuck's friends and their 5 year old son (who became my date for the night) to ride on the rides!!! Considering I love rollercoasters and scary rides almost as much as I like breathing, I was very much into it. Did we ride on the rides for over 2 hours? Maybe. Maybe not.

The highlight of my night? I was riding all the rides wearing my crown, my sash, or both. The final ride of the night was the log flume. Yes, the log flume. Whoever decided that hollowing out LOGS, sticking children and Miss Delaware's in them and shooting them off a 50 foot drop into a pool of freezing water was BRILLIANT. I love my life. No...this was not the best part....I took off my crown and my sash while walking up to this ride. As I got in line with my wonderful little date, I saw a mom talking to her daughter in line saying that she wasn't going to go on it and that the daughter had to ride by herself. Thinking nothing of it, I walked up to them and said that the good old log could seat three people so she could ride with us. She was very grateful to me, and the girl, who was around 13, was obviously relieved she wouldn't be riding it alone. As I exited the ride when it was over, Chuck came up to me with my crown and sash so I could put them on. The BEST part of my day was the reaction from the family of the girl that I had just ridden with. The mom came running up to me and gave me the biggest bear hug I think I have ever gotten. She couldn't believe that I was Miss Delaware and that I had asked to ride on the log flume with her daughter. It was one of the most heartwarming experiences I have had as Miss Delaware to date.

Note to everyone - treat everyone nicely no matter who you are or what the situation.. Chances are you wouldn't want to ride the log flume alone either....

DAY 2: Governor's Day. The one day of the fair where the reigning Miss Delaware, the Governor, Jack Markell, and various other princesses, undercover cops, newspaper reporters and photographers, run wild all over the fair grounds taking pictures, talking and meeting everyone and watching demonstrations. It was a BLAST!!! I got to attend with my WONDERFUL business manager, Susan, who picked up souvenirs for me along to way and kept me taken care of. It is tradition that every year, the Miss Delaware and the Governor enter the egg tossing contest. Yes, people, I might have been the pitcher in softball during high school, but I was not put in the outfield for a reason. Catching things barreling at me from 3 miles away? No, thanks. Obviously, I thought I was going to be out first thing. WRONG!!! Did we win?! YUP!!! Should I be on an official egg-tossing team?! YUP!!!

Throwing the egg to Jack Markell for the win!!!

Photo (as are most on this blog) courtesy of Dave Chambers

We got to meet so many incredible adults and kids who are so passionate about farming and raising their animals. I am telling you, if half the people in the world were as passionate about something as these people, the world be A LOT better off.

SIDE NOTE: BUCKET LIST!!!!!! You all know the drill about my bucket list and I am honestly just too lazy to explain it again so check my last couple posts. Number 21 on my bucket list? Riding a mechanical bull. No big deal. I made this happen. I guess that when a person with a "Miss Delaware" sash rides a mechanical bull, it can become a huge spectacle ...which it did...nice. Regardless, I feel that this should be my career path considering I kicked that bull's butt.

After riding rides (p.s. NEVER ride the Pitfall with your crown on...) and WINNING on the mechanical bull, it was off to change into a dress for the Governor's dinner! At this dinner, I would be wining and dining (minus the wining part) with the Governor and every politician, senator, representative, and important person that Delaware has to offer. Not only would I be rubbing elbows and eating with them, but I would also be performing for them......

PLANKING. SEE THE TOP OF THE PAGE.

As I introduced myself to the esteemed crowd as the new Miss Delaware, it was overwhelming to hear the applause from all of them. SO COOL! I told them a little about myself and that I would be performing two dances for them, one in soft shoes and one in hard shoes. The first dance in soft shoes went well. I could see people craning their necks to catch a glimpse of my dancing. COOL. After I was done, I quickly changed into my hard shoes. Me, being the smart smart person that I am, totally forgot to check the floor to see how slippery my shoes would be on it.....bad thing. Halfway through my dance I slipped. Actually, it was past the point of slipping. It was a catastrophe. I fell. And by fell, I mean WIPED OUT. It wasn't even on my back either. It was flat on my face. This is how it looked......

Pretend that this is a girl. With dance shoes. And a dance costume. This is EXACTLY how I (almost) fell.

Well....after that incident, I picked myself up and kept dancing. After all, that is was the Ultimate Bro, Michael Flatley, would do. Besides my major FAIL of the day, possibly the entire year, everyone loved it and that was the icebreaker I needed to meet almost everybody in the room and make some great contacts!! The day ended with autograph signing, picture taking, and a concert by The Band Perry and Josh Turner. I may just be a country music convert after that....Josh Turner is a pretty nice looking man...and I don't say that about many guys...

Other fun things of the day?

- Watched horse races!

- Interviewed with channel 16 which will be aired on Sunday :)

- got to hold chicks and baby bunnies!

- saw Babe, the pig, and his 1,000 other relatives...

- fed a giraffe named Twig

Pictures to come soon!!

Stay chill and don't embarrass yourself like I did,

MARIA CAHILL

"I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

I'M LOVING IT

2011-07-27T20:49:00.006-04:00

Hi. My name is Maria Cahill. I do not like long walks on the beach because romance does not require exercise. Then that mixed with bare feet and walking for hours on sand means blisters and who needs that?!?!

Okay, people.  There is a reason for this particular blog. There is something people need to know about me.  I need to get it all off my chest so I NEVER, EVER, EVER have to talk about it again or read myself being quoted about it.

McDonalds.

I guarantee that everyone who reads that one does one of three things. 1. You rolled your eyes. 2. You got hungry. 3. See number 2.

Here is the thing about McDonalds. I do not like most of it. I don't like anything breakfast related minus DunkinDonuts and bacon.......On the 8th day, I am pretty sure God created bacon, but that's a whole other story....I hate sausage, hash browns and I think that eggs taste like sand. With that being said, you will NEVER find me at a McDonalds before lunch except for very rare, specific occasions....I can't even think of what that would be but I am sure it exists...
     I loved McDonalds growing up, but I thought that love passed after I ate a 20 piece chicken nugget. GROSS. Never do that. However, it wasn't until my freshman year of college that I discovered....THE BIG MAC. I think after I had my first Number 1 Big Mac Meal, no pickle, of course, with a large fry and a large lemonade, I died and went to Heaven. I am pretty sure Jesus Himself came to get me because He wanted to share it with me....I mean, who wouldn't want to? Understandable, Jesus. He has good taste, anyways. I now eat Big Mac meals wherever I go. Okay, okay....I might have cut back on my fast food intake a couple months before the pageant, I made up for it with 9 in seven days. Weird? I think not.
     Now before everyone jumps on the "I Hate Miss Delaware For Eating Whatever She Wants" bandwagon, let me just say this. I dance. I work out (kind of...). I am not sitting around stuffing my face and watching Say Yes To The Dress all day. I just happen to like them and they fit in nicely with my other friend, High Metabolism. I am merely trying to show that for you to be a "pageant girl," you do not have to starve yourself to death. You can still eat Big Macs and win a pageant. While I will be cutting back again and working out like I need to have a six pack in a month when August starts, I am not sure how the lack of Big Mac's in my life will go over....hmmmm....let the mental game with myself commence.

Dinner with my executive director after the Maine Invitational! :) HEHE!!

Enjoying some Mickey D's after a LONG day...as you can tell by how attractive I am....HA!

My director!! I knew we were meant to be after she downed this quarter pounder meal!!! :)

OKAY. Now hopefully everyone gets it. I love McDonalds. The end.

PS. I will be co-hosting on 88.7 The Bridge for two days next week!!! AHHHHH!!!!! Yeah buddy!!!

Stay chill and EAT BIG MACS!
Maria Cahill

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
Mark 12:30

SPOTLIGHT- Irish Dancing...because Irish people RULE.

2011-07-27T16:02:00.013-04:00

Most people may or may not know about my talent for Miss America. If you don't, then continue reading. If you do, I don't care, continue reading anyways. I Irish Dance. I have done it since I was 7 years old. I would like to think it was because my parents saw a Riverdance show live and thought that Michael Flatley was such a bro that they just HAD to have me be a part of it. UHHHH....NO. Instead, it was because my previous "jazz" dancing, or whatever crazy thing I was doing with other 6 year olds, had inappropriate costumes. Fail. The era of Irish Dancing at an after-school club during my homeschool days began soon after...
I picked it up so quick that the teacher helped me get into a real Irish Dance school in Pittsburgh (cough...City of Champions...cough), The Burke-Conroy School of Irish Dance. A couple years after, I began competing at the local and national level. Not only was I getting better, but it seemed that after every year, another one of my brothers and sisters would join it. So yes, folks, all seven of us danced at one point. Case in point......................

Yes, I am the blonde in the blue. This was also 6 years ago so calm down....

After moving to Delaware 10 years ago, we joined to Ryan-Kilcoyne School of Irish Dance where I now teach at the Maryland branch. I have qualified and competed in the World Irish Dance Championships (once in Ireland and once in Scotland) and placed 16th and 22nd. Pretty sweet.

- Ireland....INCREDIBLE......food.....not so incredible. I lived off chicken wings, donuts and blue powerade. Literally.

While I thought my competitive dancing days were completely over when I went to college and my teaching days were all I had left, I have started dancing again....which is SO hard to start up...I could run for miles and miles and not get tired, but dance hard for 30 seconds and be completely wiped out...I still teach and LOVE all of my girls, but now I can do both!!

FREQUENTLY ASKED (REAL LIFE) QUESTIONS ABOUT IRISH DANCE:

Do you wear wigs or does your hair naturally look like Orphan Annie?
While my hair is naturally curly, most everyone in the higher levels (while competing) wear wigs.

My sister, Christine, (on left) at the World Irish Dance Championships

Can boys dance? That is weird.

Why yes, all the haters of the world. Boys can (and do) dance. Both my brothers have danced. My 16 year old brother, Joe, won the Regional Irish Dance Championships and placed 11th in the worlds. And has anyone NOT heard of Michael Flatley?

Are all people that Irish Dance actually Irish?

Some, but not all. There are dance schools from Japan to Australia and everywhere else you can think of.

In competition, why do you keep your arms down?

Rumor has it that the Irish started that tradition because they didn't want to spill their beer. I am sticking with that story. When I perform at bars, schools, or any other venue, I usually don't keep my arms down the whole time.

What is with the dresses?

New beginners start out in a little skirt. Then they can get what is known as "school dresses," a dress which is the same for everyone. After you get to the championship levels, you can get what is known as "solo dresses," which can be designed specifically in different colors, shapes and designs. For Miss America, I will have a custom piece done which will not look like anything you will see at a competition. We are thinking "outside the box."

Is it the same thing as tap-dancing?

NO. NO. NO.

If it's not tap dancing, then WHY IN THE WORLD would you wear tap shoes?

Well for one, they aren't tap shoes. People these days...gotta love them...We have two different types of shoes: hard shoe and soft shoes (aka: ghillies). The hard shoes have fiberglass tips on them.

hard shoes

soft shoes

Where do you practice?

I practice at the Philly branch of my dance school. I teach at the Maryland branch. I also have a stage room in my basement with wall to wall mirrors.

What ages do you teach?

I have taught from 3 years old up to adults. The age group I am teaching now range from 3 to 15.

Are any of your brothers and sisters still dancing?

The only one left besides myself is my 15 year old sister, Christine. She is incredible and has been to the World Championships 5 times.

Are Leprechauns real?

Yes. On Lucky Charms cereal boxes.

Do you have a six pack?***

YES.

***Not an actual real life question.

If anyone has a question that I can answer, write a comment or inbox me on facebook and I will post it! Keep updated with all my super fun activities by following me on twitter @MissDelaware11!

-MISS AMERICA EXCLUSIVE- If anyone wants a hint about my talent music for Miss America....have at it....it gets good around 2 minutes so skip to that if you are lazy and impatient like myself...for anyone that doesn't care about the music, you are able to see the two different kinds of shoes in this video.

For anyone that SUPER cares, this is the music and dance moves I used for Miss Rehoboth Beach. One of my favorite dances ever!!!

Stay chill and dance at random places (like supermarkets),

MARIA CAHILL

"...A time to cry; A time to laugh; A time to grieve; A time to dance...."
Ecclesiastes 3:4

People call me Rocky...not really, but for this post, just pretend...

2011-07-27T15:19:00.005-04:00

About a week ago, I was honored to be a part of the Miss Maine Invitational*!!! Does this mean that I was in Maine? No. I was in New Jersey. Why? Us pageant people like to be different. That's why.

*Miss Maine Invitational - Event hosted by Maine to introduce some state winners to the history of the whole organization in Atlantic City

I got to meet 8 other of my pageant sisters! (Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Missouri and District of Columbia) While they were there for the weekend, my executive director, Debi, and I made it a day trip. We met everyone at Schoppy's in New Jersey (the official supplier for the Miss America Organization). We got to listen to the owner talk a little bit about the history of the store and how they have seen the Miss America pageant change during the years. After SO many pictures (and witnessing a telephone pole fall over and almost demolish a car...typical....) it was off to the Miss America offices!!
There, we got a tour and got to meet everyone who is behind the scenes, the ones who make this whole pageant possible!! I got to learn so much about the history of the organization which is great for newbies like myself! (and they fed us cake, so obviously I was going to like it regardless of what happened...)

SCHOPPY'S!

The old Miss America's swimsuit !!! I would rock it so it's whatever...

Susan Powell, former Miss America and Miss Delaware Emcee!

After the tour of the offices, it was on to Convention Hall to see the old site of the Miss America Pageant. How incredible!! Walking into the HUGE arena, it gave me the chills to know that in just a few short months, I would be competing in a venue like that!! KJACLKLASDKJLKJL!!!!!!***

***Text vomit - stringing a bunch of various letters together to show an insane amount of excitement. Uusally done over text message, but in cases where a Miss Delaware (ME) feels that it is neccessary in a blog to show enthusiasm over a pageant related activity, it is acceptable.

Backstage at Convention Hall

SIDENOTE - for anyone that has read my older blogs, I have a bucketlist....only it's a mental bucketlist out of sheer laziness to put pen to paper. One of the things (no. 14) on my list was to "go in a boxing ring." Just to go in it. Maybe I would run around a little bit, occasionally jump up and down...I don't know. The chance of me ever getting in a boxing ring in my life did not have very good odds so I just left it as "get in a boxing ring." Well, ladies and gents, it happened. I even got to run around, occasionally jump....actually, no. Who am I kidding. I was bodyslamming and flinging off the sides. The usual Miss Delaware behavior.
The pictures that I have are blurry because of the insane amount of reckless activity, but if I find some decent ones, I will put them up later...

It was then off to the boardwalk!! We got to sign so many autographs take massive amounts of pictures!!! ....great, minus the fact my hair was starting to go Albert Einstein on everyone....lovely. Who wants an autograph of a girl with hair sticking straight up?! Has anyone every see The Chronicles of Narnia?! Picture Aslan the lion and his mane of hair. That's me....SIGH...moving on....

We got to meet soooooo many incredible people that day and it was an incredible experience!!! <3

***To Missouri (aka. Sydney Friar) - I can't wait for Orlando!!! Everyone, check this girl out on her blog (missmo2011.wordpress.com). From the moment we introduced ourselves in weird, accented voices like we were straight out of Beetle Juice, I knew I found at least one girl that was just as crazy as me!!!! Not to mention her state initials are "MO" and mine are "DEL" (for the purpose of the statement coming up). What does that make? MODEL. Can you say, "WINNING!!!"

MODEL.

Re-enacting our "winning" faces

"Chill Brah" with my lifeguard BF

I would conclude by talking about how Debi and I finished the day at McDonalds, but I am going to save that for a whole different blog. McDonald's should probably sponsor me...just saying.

Stay chill and don't get hit by a telephone pole,

MARIA CAHILL

PS. People can SUBSCRIBE to blogs?!?!?! SNAP!! Everyone better get on that!!!

PPS. Follow me on twitter because I heard that's the cool thing to do!! @MissDelaware11

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13

Maria Cahill - The Fast, the Furious....the Math Major?! NOT.

2011-07-20T21:27:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone!! It has been a crazy couple of days! I have done so many appearances and have been booked for SO many more!
      Today, I was able to attend to a SmartDrive appearance. I was incredibly excited because it was the first time as Miss Delaware that I was able to do something related to my platform. I got to meet a group of over 50 kids and talk about safe driving and tell them why it was so important to me. The main activity for the day was to drive a golf cart (it was more like a golf cart on steroids...) through an obstacle course. I was the first one to drive to start the day off. No pressure. I was timed driving normally the first time. The second time through, I was supposed to talk on the phone and answer math questions while being timed.

****TIME OUT HERE, PEOPLE. I do not like math. I am not good at math. The only numbers I look at and get happy about is when I am checking prices at a store and I see something is on sale. The only "A" in math I ever got was in college and I called my mom and told her right away because it was the most exciting moment of my life...kind of...I mean I did get a 100% and tricked my friends into thinking I was naturally good at math....so that phone call was deserved, in my professional opinion...****

Anyways...as I was driving with a cell phone, I was able to show (in a huge way...) that it was SO hard to drive while distracted! Not only was my time to finish the course 15 seconds slower, I rediscovered my hatred for math as it took me at least 10 seconds to figure out what 7+5 was.....UGH.

The lady who contacted me to do this event also owns 12 radio stations throughout the state of Delaware so we are already in talks to have me record a PSA to play on all of them :) YAY!!
     - Is it possible to have "In the Arms of an Angel" play in the background? That song always gets me when it plays in the SPCA psa...

Moral of the story - it takes looking at a cell phone for a second to cause an accident or take a life. Also, never do math while driving...or avoid it all together if possible....

Check out SmartDrive at http://www.smartdrivede.org/!! DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!

Today, I also picked up my photopads! (photos that I can sign and hand out to everybody...because I know everyone obviously wants one...). So exciting!!! I also got my official Miss Delaware 'Thank You' cards which I am sure I will be sending A LOT of! :)

Tomorrow I have my runway debut as Miss Delaware at the Best of Delaware party! My fitting at Lady's Image yesterday went fabulously and I have some beautiful pieces to WERK! Can't wait to share pictures with you all!

I also did an interview with The Dialog! It is always exciting when newspaper people come to your house and whip out a camera with that fancy umbrella thing!....PHOTOSHOOT!!!

This year has just been incredible so far and every day, I just feel more and more blessed for what I have been given!

Stay chill (and away from math),
                                         MARIA

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
1 Peter 4:8

Life's just a game, it's just one EPIC HOLIDAY!

2011-07-17T01:40:00.004-04:00

Photoshoots. Love them. Obviously. You will hear me talk about fashion, photos and shoots about 4,765 more times before my year is up. Sorry I'm not sorry...
When the News Journal wanted to do a story about my win, it was apparent that I was stoked. No one would expect anything less. Not only did this mean I was going to be in the paper, but this meant...PHOTOSHOOT. yes. yes. yes.

The article came out great and my family was almost as excited to be a part of the pictures and story as I was! Check it out below :)

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110627/LIFE/106270302/-Newbie-Miss-Delaware-urges-teens-drive-safely?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CLife%7Cp

-I am stuffed on ramen noodles and a bagel. I think I am about to roll away...ohhhh Planet Fitness!!!! Where are you!?

A couple more appearances that I have done so far?
-Spoke on 88.7 The Bridge radio station! Hope to be back soon!
-Judged the Mr. Delaware pageant! Was an absolute blast and met so many incredible people and other titleholders :)
-Tim Qualls show

....and so many more!!

The appearances are racking up and I will be sure to update you guys soon!!! :)

On a side note: Happy birthday to one of my best friends in this whole wide world, Sam :) Love you!

Stay chill,
Maria

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Jeremiah 29:11

SPOTLIGHT - My "Little Sisters" :)

2011-07-16T16:46:00.003-04:00

I recieved the most wonderful package in the mail the other day from my "Little Sisters" from Miss Delaware!!! I have to put up pictures of the things they got me! Since I know they read my blog, this is the perfect opportunity to say HELLO to them!!!!! I love you guys and you made my Miss Delaware win so much better! They had written me a note a couple days before saying that they knew I was going to win and to always remember them! Well, I ALWAYS will and you guys are the best! I knew from the first moment we started talking about our love for food, especially pizza, and Call of Duty, that they would be a part of my life FOREVER!!! Girls, keep an eye on the mail in the next week or two :)) To their mom, a former Miss Delaware, thank you for already looking out for me and I hope to see you soon!

xoxo,

Maria

"The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them."

- John 15:13

All "waves" were NOT created equal....

2011-07-16T16:02:00.004-04:00

      Honestly, it is SO WEIRD being in a parade. I always loved being the one that candy was thrown at...not the one doing the throwing...LAME. However, after my 1st parade, I was hooked.

WARNING: I like to fist pump at parades....

My very first parade was on July 3rd. Because I LOVE America so much, I was obviously pumped. The Middletown parade was a smaller parade, but it was fabulous nonetherless. It was my first time waving for an extended period of time........Okay.....on the subject of waving.......

Wave: Something is the ocean. To disturb the status quo. What a tree does in the breeze.

After looking up the definition of a wave, nothing was said about pageant girls, parades, or people having to do it the same way. On that note, I DO NOT and will never wave like a normal human being. Not only is it BORING, but why wave from the wrist and up? Why not put all your energy into it so your whole arm moves and not like you are trying to scoop up the air with just your hand...seriously...it doesnt hurt to fist pump either....case and point?   ------->   http://u0000kdo4ccyol5y.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/G0000Lso057BpYPE/I0000.yX4Ygs99Gs/54

AND THAT'S HOW IT'S DONE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

July 4th - close to the BEST day ever.

Before I begin, I need to define one more word: Donald.

DONALD: The best man ever. The parade driver of the last 16 Miss Delaware's. Someone who had better hair than Trump.

3 parades. One day. For most, that meant a lot of candy. For us pageant folk, that just means a lot of waving (*see above). My day started bright and early with the Symrna parade. I got to be right in the front because it was off to another parade right after that! The parade was fantastic. I love that even though I am sitting on the back of a car (a STUNNING car at that), I still get to meet so many people!! My favorite thing ever is when little girls point at you and scream, "It's Miss Delaware! It's a princess??" Has anyone ever died of cuteness? Well, at one point this year, I might!
        After this parade, I had a police escort to get me back to my car and on the road to the Bethany parade! I have always been jealous of police because they can ride through red lights if their flashing lights are on....just picture this.....a police motorcycle with flashing lights followed by a beautiful '67 red convertible, top down, going 50 mph with a Miss Delaware holding on for dear life still sitting on the back. Yes. This is real life. It happened. I arrived to the Bethany parade with moments to spare. This parade was CRAZY!!!!! It is a real experience when you are placed in front of at least 2000 people as the new Miss Delaware. Everyone is just screaming your name, waving at you, running up to the car to take pictures with you....UNREAL!!! I definitely left that parade on a high!
           After a wonderful dinner with my favorite business manager, Susan, and her wonderful husband, Gene, it was off to Dover for yet another parade!! YAY! Another wonderful parade with people screaming my name (will NEVER get used to that feeling) and even got to see my mom and two of my sisters who went to watch!!

When I got home that night, it was just another one of those moments that I realized how blessed I am. A remarkable day :))

My car!

Donald!!!!!

Police escort. The good life.

After the day of three parades! With my little sister, Annie :)

STAY CHILL,

Maria

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

Walk, don't run, to the nearest ice cream booth!

2011-07-16T15:05:00.002-04:00

4th order of business - Miles for Children Walk and PHOTOSHOOT!!!! holla!

After a couple days of catching up on some much needed sleep, it was off to the waterfront in Wilmington for the Miles for Children 5K!! On a side note, was I really a part of the actual 5K if the only walking I did was between the face painting booth and the ice cream booth?....hmmmm....
      This event was awesome on so many levels! I got to talk to so many people, the most memorable being the woman I talked to about safe driving and why I was so passionate about it. I could tell that my story really affected her and she said that she would no longer text while driving because of what happened to my friend. Truly incredible.

     - why is it that at all of my appearances, I become best friends with everyone under the age of 10? Whatever the reason, I LOVE IT!!

MOLLY!!!! the cutest thing I have ever seen! :)

Basically everyone knows that I love photoshoots. Do I love them more than a number 1 meal at McDonalds (Big Mac with no pickle, large fry and large drink)? .....That is seriously debatable....I love fashion magazines, fierce shoots and anything to do with Vogue magazine. For anyone that has not seen some of the photoshoots I have done, here is a preview!.....

So...you can imagine my excited when I was set up with the amazing Paul Pruitt to take my headshots for Miss America!! It went awesome and the photos turned out amazing!! Needless to say, the shoot went from basic smiling headshots to full-blown fierce shots with wind in my face....just leave it to me. The usual... Once I get the OKAY to put them up here, I will!

Definitely check out Paul Pruitt's work at http://www.paulpruittphotography.com/. His work is AMAZING and you will not be dissapointed!!! Can't wait to share my pictures with you all!

Stay Chill,

Maria

(Psalms 138:3) 3 In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.

I LIKE TO PICTURE MY JESUS IN A TUXEDO T-SHIRT...

2011-07-15T15:13:00.001-04:00

3rd order of business - 2 checks off my bucket list

Yes, I have a bucket list. Who doesn't? Is a bucket list still technically a bucket list if you are too lazy to write it down and it is all just bottled up in your head? Is there such things as a mental bucket list? Oh, life's unanswered questions...
Two things that have been on my bucket list are 1. to be on the cover of a magazine that people need to pay to get (none of these "take me, I'm free" magazines) and 2. to drive nascars. Has anyone ever seen Talledaga Nights? Who WOULDN'T have 'driving a nascar' on their bucket list after seeing that!
1. Back when I was Miss Rehoboth Beach, I was asked to appear on the September beach guide cover of Delaware Today!! HUZZAH!!! I packed myself up....EARLY....to go to Rehoboth Beach for my shoot...so early, in fact, that in my delirious state, I rubbed lotion (or what I thought was lotion) all over my face only discover it was acne medicine....true story. Kill me now. I met at Dolph's beach house with my fabulous hair stylist Sal from Michael Christophers! After he dolled me all up, it was off to the boardwalk for me to pose my butt off! I live for these kind of moment! I could have photoshoots all day long and be perfectly happy about it. After the cover shoot, which comes out next month, it was off the Robin Hood's for a bite to eat...not that I ate 6 waffles or anything... It was there that I saw the Cape Gazette, the paper in which I saw the first article about myself as the new Miss Delaware! So cool!! Needless to say, I picked up as many papers as I could fit into my arms...SUCCESS!! After the shoot, it was a quick change in the car (I am becoming a pro at this...) and off to Dover Downs for an Oakley's Sunglasses appearance! This event was basically being a hostess to over 20 business men from all over the mid-west as well as "styling" these guys for their own pair of Oakleys. Sweet. This is when the "bucket list talk" began....

Cheezin' at the Oakley's event!! :)

2. Dover Downs is home to what is called the "Monster Mile." I was talking with the director of the business group from Monsanto about my bucket list. I told him that I cried when Dale Earnhart died and it has always been on my bucket list to drive a nascar before I die. "As a matter of fact, we are driving them tomorrow on the Monster Mile if you want to do it!"
- You know that moment when someone offers you something really nice to you but you decline out of sheer politeness? Yeah, NO. That was not happening in this case.
I told him I would be there. A quick couple phone calls to my directors later, I was in and my dad was my escort...lucky duck.The next morning, I was up very early. I had to be on the track by 8. My dad and I not only got to ride shotgun over 40 times around the track, but we got to drive 10 of our own laps!! I got up to the max speed of 120!!....what do you expect...I am just good like that... It was an experience like NO OTHER!!! I got to take so many pictures and meet all the guys who work behind the scenes to make it happen! INCREDIBLE!!!

Stay chill,

Maria

Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

The single MOST EMBARRASSING moment of my life...literally.

2011-07-15T14:32:00.003-04:00

2nd order of business - a day with three different appearances! YES!

My day started out with a breast cancer walk for the DBCC (Delaware Breat Cancer Coalition). Little did I know that this appearance would lead to one of the most humiliating moments of my life....
This walk to increase awareness about breast cancer was truly incredible. To see people so passionate about an issue such as this gives me goosebumps. I got to meet so many people, including survivors and their children! To hear each and every one of them share their story with me was remarkable and heartwarming. These women are so strong!! This walk of about 100 was relatively smaller than other walks that I have been to, but the determination with which they talked about overcoming breast cancer was beautiful.
Here comes the terrible part...I was approached right before the walk started and was asked if I could sing the National Anthem. HOLD ON. I can't even HUM, let alone sing two words in tune. When my own mother tells me I can't sing a note, you just know that you have to let the Mariah Carey's of the world take over for all things National Anthem related. I politely declined, saying that if you would not like the brand spanking new Miss Delaware to be booed right out of the venue, you would not put me up there. Sure, I like to chant "USA! USA!" wherever I go and wear red, white and blue 5 days out of the week, but this was just not happening. The lady who asked just laughed and told me it was no problem at all. PHEW!!! Dodged that bullet, right?......WRONG! 5 minutes later, I heard over the loudspeaker, "MARIA CAHILL, CAN YOU PLEASE COME UP TO THE STAGE TO SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM!!!" Uhhh......what?!??! Yes, folks, I did the unthinkable. I had to sing (or attempt to, at least...) the National Anthem with another lady. I apologized to everyone before starting, proceeded to turn 17 shades of red and "sang" the Anthem while lip-synching the high notes. Welcome to the wonderful world of being a Miss Delaware...at least I remembered the words....

With a breast cancer survivor! :)

After this lovely ordeal (NOT), I finished the mile walk and tried to get everyone to forget about the massacre I had done to their ear drums. After this wonderful event with the DBCC, it was a quick change in my car then off to a car show! I got to walk around for hours just shaking hands, taking pictures and meeting SO many different kinds of people! You know you make an impression when an 8 year old has the courage to walk up to you and say, "I know I am much younger than you, but I was wondering if I could have your number." Adorable!! What an awesome event!

Just another day at a car show!

My day was still not over yet! It was another quick change, then off to Newark to meet with my executive director, the LOVELY Debi, to go to the Miss New Jersey Pageant!! The pageant was wonderful! I got to see my roommate from Miss Delaware, Chelsea Lee Ray which I was thrilled about! After a good amount of "vouging" with her (aka. the Maria Cahill version of a photo shoot...check the photos below...), the pageant began! It is much more enjoyable and less stressful watching the pageant than actually being in it. The stunning Katharyn won! She did an absolutely fabulous job and I know that we will have a great time at Miss America in January. The day was long, but it was so worth it! I am SO BLESSED!!!

LOVE DEBI AND CHELS!! :) (probably the only serious picture of the night...)

Stay chill,

Maria

"For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands."

Psalm 92:4

Oh hey, Colonel Sanders!

2011-07-15T13:48:00.001-04:00

Can I still believe that I am blogging as Miss Delaware?!?!?!............NO.
Since winning Miss Delaware, I have already done so many incredible appearances. No worries, people. I am here to fill you in!

1st order of business - CHICKEN FESTIVAL!!

Chicken. I hear that word and I automatically get hungry. When I heard I was asked to appear at the Chicken Festival, I only knew two things....I was Miss Delaware...and I like chicken...grilled chicken, fried chicken, Chicken salad, chicken nuggets, barbeque chicken, parmesan chicken, chicken ramen.....seriously, everyone, if you don't want to go run out to Chick-fil-a.....then you should probably just stop reading. I was escorted by my WONDERFUL business manager, Susan Collins, who took great care of me, even getting me chicken out of the 10 foot frying pan to eat and finding me a hat shaped like a chicken to wear around...typical. I had the honor of being one of the people "cutting the ribbon" to start the entire festival! In all honesty, it was more of a "pretend to cut the ribbon but just drop it instead" ceremony. Seriously?!?! If you are going to go around making giant scissors, the least you could do is make them actually functional! Lame. But cool, nonetheless. I left the festival one happy camper!

Stay chill,

Maria

Senator Carper and I just hanging out...not a big deal or anything...

Myself and Doug, the chick.

THANK YOU!!

2011-07-14T15:28:00.003-04:00

Before I go any further, there are some people I absolutely have to thank!!

GOD. "With Him, all things are possible."

Mom and Dad - unreal what you have done for me these past 20 years. Hopefully, this year, I can make you both even more proud!

Katie, Liz, Joe, Christine, Jack and Annie - the best, most loving, brothers and sisters that one could ever ask for...even though the first word out of your mouths after I won was "VEGAS!!!!" :) I love you guys!

My wonderful aunts, uncles, and other relatives - thank you for all the support you have shown, not just now, but through my whole lifetime. It means the world to me!!

To my Aquinas Academy family - thank you for teaching me how to stand up for what I believe in, regardless of what anyone says. Along with my family, you have taught me to stay true to myself and not compromise it for anyone!

Beka, Ali, Kristen, Sam and Catherine - The BEST friends that I could have ever asked for. Your unconditional love and support no matter what is mindblowing to me. I love you guys so much :)

My SVC family - you know who you are. Thank you for sticking by me with or without my crown. I know you will be in my life forever. I love you. Cats lax - I will rep you guys all day long. Don't even care.

Christina Ryan and the Ryan-Kilcoyne school of Irish Dance - thank you for being my second family. I love all my girls that I teach and you all make me so proud.

Alyssa, Chelsea, Melissa, and the rest of my Miss Delaware pageant sisters - I can't wait to work at so many events with you guys this year. You want to eat clompers soon? I'm hungry.

Miss Delaware Board - you have already treated me like I was your own daughter. Thank you so much for the support you have shown and will continue to show throughout my year. It is because of you that all of this is possible.

Marisa - THE BEST DIRECTOR I could have asked for. So proud to have called you my director this year. Thank you for teaching me the ways of a Miss Delaware and telling me from day 1 when we met at the food court that I could be Miss Delaware. :)

Harry Roosevelt and the Delaware Safety Council - Thank you for taking me under your wing and giving little Miss Rehoboth Beach a chance to make a difference in her community. I look forward to continuing my work with you to save lives throughout my state and nation.

Regal family - thanks for putting up with my crazy schedule!

My "little sisters" - you will be a part of me my entire life. Can we have a date to Domino's Pizza soon?

To all those who have supported me with well wishes and prayers - it is these small gestures that makes me so proud to be representing Delaware. I hope to make every single one of you proud.

Anyone else I forgot? Um....just yell at me via text, phone call or blast me over good old facebook and twitter. I am getting ready to go to an appearance so I will definitely add more...because the minute I leave, I will remember 10 more people.

Stay chill,
Maria

my wonderful brothers and sisters

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!

2011-07-14T14:33:00.002-04:00

HI EVERYONE!!! My first blog post as Miss Delaware 2011 :) These past couple weeks have been absolutely incredible. The love and support that I have recieved has been overwhelming in the best way possible!!

Let me just start off by talking about the actual day I won! As most people can tell by my COMPLETE LACK of waterproof mascara, I obviously was not expecting to win. You prepare so much, but you never expect to ever hear your name called as Miss Delaware, let alone on your first try. Being in the top 2 with my beautiful roommate and friend for Miss Delaware week, Chelsea Lee Ray, was the most incredible feeling....even though it looked like I was going to faint and never wake up. Hearing my name called was surreal. For those who don't understand my completely ridiculous reaction...here we go...
       A year ago, I was a sophomore at Saint Vincent College (let's go Cats Lax!!). I made some of the best friends who remain that way to this day. I was so happy where I was and looked forward to a great TV internship for my junior year. Nearing the end of my year, the bomb was dropped that I was not able to go back. Needless to say, I was completely devastated. I put my parents through hell and back because of it. "Everything happens for a reason," was all my mom would say to me. Yeah...okay... Months later, I was contacted about the Miss Rehoboth Beach pageant. I had Irish Danced for 13 years and competed nationally and internationally so I had my talent portion down. When it came to platform, I chose the Special Olympics. I had volunteered with them for over 5 years and felt that it would fit in perfectly. Honestly, was I entering this pageant just for the experience? Maybe. However, things became a lot more real the day that I won. The first phone call I got that night was from my older sister. She told me that her college roommate had been texting while driving, collided into a truck, and was in a coma. She died a week later. Less than a month later, I was at an Irish Dance show. Durng the intermission, my mom called. She said my sister was coming home from college for Christmas break and had been in a terrible car accident.  Luckily, because she was wearing a seatbelt, she survived. These two events in my life completely rocked me and my family. I knew from that point on that "things happen for a reason." I was given the incredible gift of being Miss Rehoboth to jumpstart what is now "Project 16-26: Drive Safe, Drive Smart," a program that goes into schools and across the state to speak about the importance of safe driving. Those events, along with numerous others, led me to standing in the top 2 in the Miss Delaware 2011 pageant with the thought "ALL THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON" running through my mind. Hence the reaction that my friends still make fun of me for....oh well.
Well, now that I know that my mom was actually speaking the truth, I know that it is God's will that I am where I am. This year is not only completely dedicated to Him, but to the families that have lost loved ones or have had those closest to them injured because of a car accident. I can only hope that through my work as Miss Delaware 2011, that lives will be saved because of my story to tell!

Stay chill,
          Maria

ps. ALWAYS wear waterproof mascara...you never know what will happen!

Enjoy some of the pictures from the 70th Anniversary Miss Delaware 2011 pageant :))

Opening number!

Preliminary swimsuit winner! (my secret? Eat more big macs. Then run it off.)

Talent (Lord of the Dance! and the Lord only knows what face I am making...)

Preliminary Evening Gown Winner (Thank you Debbie and The Red Carpet)

Top 5!! (aka. the only picture that I don't look I am about to pass out)

Top 5 question (that I practially bombed...fail.)

Announced the winner!! (Chelsea, you were an incredible friend and roommate!!)

The reaction you just read about...Good Golly...

"The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him."
Exodus 15:2

Congrats to our new Miss Delaware

2011-06-13T11:03:00.001-04:00

Top Ten Finalists! Way to Go Girls!

2011-06-11T20:00:00.001-04:00

Chelsea Lee Ray

Jessica Tilley

Erin Magnin

Marci Smith
Kristina Maynard
Stephanie Bailey

Maria Cahill

Steffi Homes

Alysaa Murray

Chelsa Betts

Friday Night Preliminary

2011-06-10T22:27:00.001-04:00

The energy in the room tonight is infectious! Each contestant brought it to the table this evening which is no surprise when they have all worked so hard. I would be amiss if I didn't mention How wonderful all of the entertainers did tonight...formers rock! Just wait till tomorrow when even more powerhouses join in the reunion! We have been truly blessed in this organization to have such an amazing sisterhood of former Miss Delaware's. Thanks for your continued support.

Let's cheer on Kayla as she continues to touch our lives with her grace and beauty inside and out. She did an amazing job tonight and we are very proud her!

So Any guesses yet on who will be the Miss Delaware 2011?

Friday Night Prelims....
Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit - Maria Cahill
Talent - Steffi Holmes
Evening wear - Chelsea Lew Ray
Community Service Awards - Chelsea Lee Ray, 1st RU Kristina, 2nd RU Melissa
Congrats to Shaila and Maria too for receiving scholarships tonight as well!
Pictures to come tomorrow!

Preliminary Photos from Thursday

2011-06-10T16:37:00.001-04:00

Thursday - Miss Delaware Prelims

2011-06-10T11:06:00.001-04:00

What a great night for the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization!
The competition was exciting and the 16 contestants looked amazing -
can't wait to see what Friday night prelims bring. As Aimee Voshell
String said in her blog, "Thursday night's competition was FIERCE!!!
Congrats to all of our contestants! The preliminary evening gown
award was a three way tie. Congratulations to Maria Cahill, Erin
Magnin, and Melissa Caltabiano. The Linda Kurtz preliminary swimsuit
award went to Chelsea-Lee Ray and the Preliminary Talent Award went to
Chelsea Betts. A huge congratulations to all of the preliminary
winners. You should be so proud!! I also don't want to forget to
congratulate Thursday's Miss Spirit, Marcie Smith!" Looking forward
to later tonight! Pictures and videos coming soon!

April 18- April 31

2011-05-23T11:58:00.000-04:00

Hello friends!

The middle of April seemed to calm down quite a bit for me. Thank you all for your prayers and support during this time, because at this point I had been really beaten down by the effects of a new medical condition. I was still not permitted to exercise or drive, and after being so independent, for so long- I felt very discouraged. But your love and prayers have helped me to push through and continue making the most of every single day I am blessed with as your Miss Delaware.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (April 18-20) were mostly personal days but I did have a phone conference with the National Alopecia Areata Foundation and also with my Character Counts advisor. Thursday I visited Fredrick Douglas Elementary School in Seaford to give a Character Counts presentation on "Respect". Every moment I spend in an elementary school brightens my day. Kids truly do say the darndest things, but they are also so capable of absorbing all things around them- and therefore we are given an opportunity to truly shape them and make a difference. This presentation was not intended to be about Alopecia at all, but several of the students had heard about me and my story. And because they are at "that age", they wanted to ask about it. I was so thankful they did, and I was able to explain Alopecia Areata to them, and share my story of bullying and accepting others.

I was looking forward to Saturday all week long because that evening I attended my best friend, and 1st Runner Up to Miss Delaware 2008, Julia Fuller Donahue's Woman of the Year Fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Julia held a spectacular event that evening in her mother's honor at the Washington Street Alehouse and made us all so proud. I know Debbie (Julia's mother, who lost her battle with blood cancer a few years ago) was looking down on her with a huge smile on her face and bragging about her daughter up in heaven.

I celebrated Easter the next day with my family (the Martell's and the Gillis') as we attended Kevin's grandfather's final Easter sermon. After the service we all enjoyed brunch together and a blissful day off! Monday and Tuesday I had another appointment with the cardiologist, and quite the to-do list! This was the time when it first set in to me that I will be crowning a new Miss Delaware in just a few weeks. Making plans for the next phase of my life, allowed all of that to become a reality. But then Wednesday rolled around and brought my third test at the cardiologist! We had been praying for answers for two months, and finally- they came! I left the appointment that day feeling overjoyed that we finally had a diagnosis and a treatment plan! Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes during this time. It was certainly not ideal timing, but with all of your love and support, we were able to get through!

That next morning (Thursday, April 28) I was up bright and early to drive myself (a joyous occasion!) to Lincoln to be interviewed by longtime family friend and supporter, Denise Harper, on "The Bridge". The interview went swimingly and viewers were even given the chance to call in and ask me some questions! I cherish every opportunity I am given to talk about my faith in the Lord and the blessings he has bestowed upon my family and I. And after the news from the day before, I had many things to thank Him for! Thank you to "The Bridge" for having me on air!

Saturday (April 30) was one of my favorite days that month. Early that morning, my mother and I drove to Berlin, MD- which I must say, is the cutest little town in the whole world! Oh My Hair Salon was hosting a cutathon for Locks of Love and had invited me to be a part of the event! I had the best time, and the ladies of the salon were so kind and welcoming and were donating their time and offering free hair cuts for anyone who wanted to donate their hair! Men and woman alike came to donate their hair and one woman and one young girl really stood out to me. Everyone there looked beautiful with their new "dus" :)

That afternoon, I was in my hometown again for Milford's Annual Bug and Bud Festival, which is one of my favorite festivals throughout the year! The weather was beautiful and I felt so loved hearing peoples accounts of where they were the night of the Miss America pageant this year. Plus, being a Miss Delaware means you automatically love everything lady bug, so I had to purchase something bug-ish while I was there!

Thank you all for continuing to support me on my journey as your Miss Delaware. As I look back, I realize how special each of these moments are and I feel so blessed to have had such a full and fulfilling year. I hope that I have lived up to my promise of never letting a single moment go to waste.

Stay tuned for my final six weeks as Miss Delaware until we crown the 70th Miss Delaware on June 11th at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino!

God bless you all.

Love,

Kayla

April 10- April 17

2011-05-22T21:01:00.000-04:00

Hello friends!

Thank you for checking in with me to be a part of my year as Miss Delaware. I have been having the time of my life and have loved every minute! I cannot believe my year is almost over!

I know I begin every update by letting you know how busy I have been. So I will just let you assume that my schedule has kept up the pace! April 1st I celebrated April Fools Day at the Grande Opening of the World Cafe' Live's The Queen Theatre in Wilmington! If you have not yet visited The Queen, you absolutely must. It is one of the oldest theatres in Delaware and is such a big part of our history. WCL has restored the theatre and revamped everything so it is a beautiful marriage of historic architecture with a modern touch. Be sure to check out their schedule of upcoming concerts.

That Saturday (April 2) I had quite a long day! It began when I sang "God Bless America" at a local ribbon cutting and then rushed over to the Stargate Diner in Harrington to speak to a group of 40 teen girls called "Agape Love" about "Embracing Beauty Within". These girls were so inspiring and so receptive- I knew I had the chance to make a real difference in their lives that day. I signed autographs for everyone, had a bite to eat and after I spoke I was on the road again. By this time it was mid-day and I had to run home and change quickly before driving up to the University of Delaware's campus in Newark to speak at the Odyssey of the Mind Competition's Award Ceremony. I was looking forward to this all week because I had competed in the Odyssey of the Mind Competition from the time I was in 8th grade until I graduated high school. OM was one of my favorite activities and was the perfect venue for me to channel my creative side. My team and I even placed 6th in the World at the International OM Competition in Boulder, CO. Such great memories!

Thankfully, I had the chance to sleep in the next morning and spend the day with my family. Monday and Tuesday were filled with more doctors appointments and another test with disappointing results. But Wednesday morning I woke up with a smile and held my head high as I posed during my photoshoot for the cover of Delaware Today's May Issue, which is on stands now! Bridgette (my bichon maltipoo) tried with all her might to get in the picture. But, unfortunately she didn't meet the criteria ;)

Thursday (April 7) I tried to be productive during the daytime before attending the "10 of the Best" Event hosted by the Milford Chamber of Commerce with MDSO Board Member and my friend, Chuck Ivins. I served as the keynote speaker that evening and chose to speak about the importance of making the commitment to be involved in your community. Thank you Lorna, and to the Milford Chamber for inviting me to speak! I so enjoy every chance I get to be in my hometown!

Friday (April 8) was a special day as my family and I were in Penn's Landing, Philadelphia to celebrate the marriage of my mother's best friend's daughter, Sara to the love of her life, Jake. The wedding was held at Jake's restaurant, the Moshulu. If you've never been, you really must check it out! I suggest trying their brunch- it is my personal favorite! Sara was the most beautiful bride, and I've never met a couple more in love than she and Jake. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wade! May you have a lifetime filled with love and happiness.

Sunday (April 10) I attended a bowling fundraiser in Wilmington to benefit my platform, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. It is not often that we have NAAF events in Delaware and so I knew I couldn't miss it! I cherish every opportunity to advocate for Alopecia awareness or to just meet others who have this condition as well. My parents were kind enough to ride upstate with me to be a part of this event.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with quite a long to-do list, a rehearsal for the Hocker's Jamboree and another (anxiously awaited) facial at one of my favorite sponsors, the Hockessin Day Spa! Thursday (April 14) I was in Fruitland, MD to speak at 97.5fm CAT Country's event Celebrating Community Heroes at the Black Diamond Lodge. After dinner, I shared my story and my love and commitment to service. Thank you to Delmarva Broadcasting for inviting me to speak and be a part of this incredible event. It is not often that regular community members are honored for their generosity or service and this event was the perfect way to do just that.

Friday (April 15) I was in Wilmington to attend the "Evening with the Masters" to benefit Meals on Wheels of Delaware. As a self-proclaimed "foodie" I was absolutely in my glory as I tested samplings from a plethora of local caterers and restaurants. Love me some food! :) And I loved running into the King of Cakes here in Delaware, Food Network's "The Next Great Baker" winner, Dana, owner of Cakes by Dana. His orange dreamsicle cake is to-die-for. You must try it.

Saturday (April 16) marked the third anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre which is a day of horrific memories in our family. My fiance', Kevin attended VT and was on campus that day. His mother and I could not get hold of him for hours and we were both in a terrible place until we finally heard from him later that day. Thankfully, he and all of his friends were safe, but many lives were lost that day and on that day I was sure to say a prayer for the families of the victims of that day.

That morning I was glad to be a part of the Miss Delaware Contestant's First Orientation where I was able to speak about the job of Miss Delaware. Letitia Pusey, Miss Delaware 1994's mother, Linda Pusey, who is one of our board members, was asked to speak instead of my own mother, to share what it is like when your daughter becomes Miss Delaware. Thankfully, the parents chose to contact my mother directly and ask for words of wisdom!

It was at orientation that I realized- my year is almost over! It was definitely emotional to hear Debi speak about what June would be like for the next Miss Delaware. The best word that I can describe my feeling is bittersweet! I will truly miss my job, but I know I will continue to be involved in my community and I will forever have the memories of this year. I still have quite a few chapters left in my book :)

I left orientation in Georgetown and headed to Dover to attend the "Power of One" event at the Dover Art League. Thank you to Angela Tilley for inviting my mother and I! From there I left promptly to be able to drive back down to Sussex County to uphold a longstanding tradition of Miss Delaware performing at Representative Gerald Hocker's Jamboree in Dagsboro. I sang "Stand By Your Mine" as per the recommendation of my father! I had the best time and experienced singing with a live band for the very first time!

What a long day that was! I went home that night and slept for a few hours before I had to be up and ready to celebrate at my best friend, and former Miss Delaware, Brittany Dempsey's, Bridal Shower! She loved every part of her shower and I know she was thankful to have a day to celebrate her upcoming nuptials with people who love her. My mother, who is superwoman, made the cake from scratch and decorated it to match the beach theme of her shower!

Thank you all for being a part of this journey. Your support has meant the world to me, and I wouldn't have been able to get this far without all of you behind me!

With much love and gratitude,

Kayla

March 15- 31 This is a big one!

2011-05-22T20:00:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

The middle of March brought some unexpected twists and turns in my road as Miss Delaware, but just as I knew it would- everything worked out well! Although, I was still overcoming a new medical issue, I was ready to continue with my appearances and make the most of every day I have been blessed with as your Miss Delaware.

On Tuesday, March 15 I attended the general session at the House of Representatives at Legislative Hall where I was honored my Representative Valerie Longhurst for placing in the Top 10 at Miss America and for being named one of America's Choice. I admire Representative Longhurst for her commitment to our state and most importantly for advocating on behalf of people with Alopecia. Her daughter, Peyton had lost her hair as a child and ignited a fire in Valerie to represent people just like her on the state level.

The rest of the week was filled with medical tests and setbacks but alas, Friday brought the surprise birthday dinner for my best friend and former Miss Delaware contestant (and 1st Runner Up in 2008), Julia Fuller Donohue. When you become Miss Delaware, or Miss State, you learn to cherish your moments of normalcy with true friends and lots of laughter. Happy 23rd Birthday Julia! Thank you for inspiring me, and for always being there for me!

That weekend I was thrilled to model in the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization's Fashion Show Fundraiser at the Delaware Center for Conteporary Arts in Wilmington. Faye Sutton, one of our newest board members, organized this beautiful event where women throughout the community modeled clothing provided by all local vendors. This was a great networking opportunity and my favorite part was wearing two pieces from my Miss America Wardrobe that were sponsored by The Johnstown Bridal Suite!

The beginning of the next week brought another doctor's appointment and another test, with no good news. But, with the support of my family, friends and all the wonderful people behind me, I kept praying for inner peace and kept pushing along! I was treated to my second facial that month by Carrie at the Hockessin Day Spa which certainly cheered me up and gave me some "me" time outside of the doctor's office! Thank you, Carrie!!!

Friday (March 26) I met my Executive Director, Debi Wilson in Wilmington and we headed for Philadelphia to attend the Miss Philadelphia 2011 Pageant. I have been to this pageant once before and I must say, it never dissapoints! It is not often we witness a "local" pageant of this caliber; I felt like I was at a state pageant! Congratulations to Maria Sciorillo, Miss Philadelphia 2011 and the winner of an $11,000 scholarship! Yep, that's right- $11,000!!! I especially loved her because Maria was also awarded the Community Service Award which is near and dear to my heart. Congratulations to Kevin, Agnes, and Frank on a beautiful production and such a well-rounded winner! Thank you for including me!

From Philadelphia, I found myself on a train headed for Washington, DC!

Once I arrived in Washington D.C. I was picked up at the train station by my wonderful fiance', Kevin, and then immediately taken to the home of Miss District of Columbia Pageant's Executive Director, Teri Galvez where I reunited with Miss DC, VA, WA, CO, TX, MD, CT, KY, NY, NJ, OK, and OR (hopefully I didn't miss anyone!). My visit with them lifted my spirits and I felt right at home with these incredible women whom I am proud to call my sisters. I was so blessed to spend two nights there and catch up with the girls, and our beloved Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan! This was my first time seeing her since her coronation, and I was dying to hear about all the fabulous things she has been up to! Of course, the stories did not dissapoint and Teresa continues to make all of us proud as she travels thousands of miles every week representing this organization which we all love so much. Teresa truly embodies what this program is all about.

While in DC I had the fortune of, not only spending time with Miss America and some of my "sisters", but we also were able to meet with a non-profit organization of our choosing. I met with some of the 4-H staff at the USDA Office in DC which was very worthwhile since I am a 4-H Board of Trustee, yet have never seen the governmental side of our organization. Thank you to everyone at the USDA Office for welcoming me and for being so flexible! Jen Corey (Miss DC 2009) was kind enough to be my escort and driver those few days, so once she picked me up we were on our way back to change for the big event! That night all of the visiting titleholders and I attended an event at the Croatian Embassy in Teresa's honor, since she is of Croatian descent. All I can say is that it was an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

After the event was an after-party and by the end of the night, I was exhausted. Unfortunately, I had just started a new medication and was still recovering from a recent medical issue, and I have little recollection of the trip. But, I do know that we all had fun! And after getting a few hours of rest- Miss TX and Miss KY and I were up and ready to visit our state Senators! Senator Carper was kind enough to spend some time with me that morning and I am honored to call him a friend and longtime supporter. In my opinion, he is one of the most passionate and giving elected officials in our state!

After meeting with Senator Carper, I had to rush over to Union Station in DC to hop on another train- this time I was headed for New York City! By Tuesday evening I was checking in to the Waldorf Astoria (my first time ever!) for the National 4-H Council's Board of Trustees meetings. Wednesday (March 30) we were in committee and full board meetings from 8am until 4pm with only a few breaks for lunch and such. We were on a roll! It has been a great honor to have been elected as one of the newest Trustees on the council and I have already learned so much from this experience. The best part is that it has affirmed my love and belief in the 4-H Organization, and the impact it continues to make worldwide. That evening I was delighted to attend and lead the pledge at the 4-H Legacy Awards Gala at the Waldorf Astoria which honored some of 4-H's most incredible leaders, members, sponsors and volunteers. I felt even more proud that night to say I have a clover shaped heart.
The next morning I enjoyed breakfast in NYC with my new friend, Jodi who also has Alopecia Areata! Jodi is an inspiration to me, and I just love her family! They took such great care of me, and even bought me a delicious dessert from Serendipity II!!! We chatted for a while and before I knew it, I was on a train again. This time... I was headed home!

Whew!!! Were you able to keep up? It was quite a busy two weeks, but well worth it! I had such a great time and loved seeing my Miss America sisters, and traveling all over the place!

Wishing you all a beautiful evening. God bless!

-Kayla

March 1 - 14

2011-05-16T12:14:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends!

If you are a frequent reader of my blog, you may already know how busy life has been! The month of March started out very busy, and ended in a rather calm manner. After returning from Plant City, FL and filming the first segment for "The Doctors" I returned to life as Miss Delaware here in my home state. I spent a few days with my own doctors to deal with a new medical condition. I was excited to visit the Community Links program at the Modern Maturity Center to speak while they were honoring accomplished African American women in our community. Immediately after, I was on my way to the Red Ribbon Fashion Show at Barclay Bank in Downtown Wilmington. Of course, wearing my favorite red dress, I enjoyed a night of great fun while raising money and awareness for AIDS Delaware.

After a few more doctor appointments it was time to celebrate the birthday of a very different (and much happier) doctor- Dr. Suess! On March 2nd I found myself visiting an elementary school on the Dover Air Force Base, which includes a very special staff member in every Miss Delaware's heart- Sue Kuhling, the former MDSO Executive Director. I had the pleasure of reading two of my favorite Dr. Suess books that day, "Oh The Places You'll Go" and "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish". We even had cake and a little party to celebrate the occasion- what a fun day!

The next day I was on a plane to Los Angeles, CA to film the final segment for "The Doctors" TV Show, which was the interview segment. I was so looking forward to seeing Brooke once again and to see if I could notice a change in her. Boy, was it evident that she had already opened up and had become a little more comfortable! All of the doctors on the show were so welcoming and friendly- they seemed so genuinely interested in our story! And yes, ladies, Travis is just as adorable in person! See the previous entry for even more of the scoop!

The trip to Los Angeles had to be rather quick because I needed to be back in Delaware for a fashion show for Lady's Image, a local boutique and longtime friend of the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization. In the show I wore a dress that I had purchased which was a black mini dress with a grecian draped shoulder and a silver rhinestone strap on the other.

The next week I visited one of my favorite sponsors, Carrie at the Hockessin Day Spa for a facial. I always look forward to those visits because Carrie and I love to catch up and I leave feeling so relaxed. I also spoke at the USDA Office in Dover for a luncheon. As a lifelong 4-Her and Board Member, I value our partnership with and the support of the USDA, so it was a joy to be with them.

Before I knew it, it was March 12th and I was filming with a German TV show about Alopecia Areata in the morning, and attending the Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen Rehearsal and Dinner with the contestants! The next day I emceed the Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen Pageant and celebrated the many accomplishments of my then little sister, Katelynn Mayers, MDOT 2010. Later that afternoon, I announced that our new Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen 2011 is Victoria Brown-O'Brien! This was especially exciting for me, because I have known "Tori" since she was a toddler as her great grandmother, Tatiana Akinfieva Smith, was my ballet instructor with the Diamond Dance Company. Tori definitely has her great grandmother's talents and will be a force to be reconed with at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant in August! I am so proud of her and cannot wait to see all the wonderful things she will accomplish this year. Katelynn and Tori- I am blessed to call you both my first and only little sisters :)

Stay tuned for the update on the latter part of March! So many incredible things have been happening and I am thankful you are checking in to be a part of it!

With love and grattitude-

Kayla

"The Doctors" TV Show

2011-04-13T15:21:00.001-04:00

At the end of February I was whisked away on an airplane one Sunday evening to Tampa, Florida. Just a few weeks prior I had been asked to interview on CBS's "The Doctors"!

Once I walked outside the airport in Tampa, I was welcomed by the warm Florida weather!

My mother served as my travel companion for this trip, and we were picked up from the airport and then taken to our hotel where I met with the producers of the show to plan for the days ahead! I was invited to film a segment about Alopecia. Once we began conversing about the segment in the weeks preceding the filming, I suggested we showcase the effects of Alopecia not only on your head, but inside as well. I didn't want this piece to just be about the "bald beauty queen", but rather the impact we can have as members in this organization.

My business manager had received a letter from an employee of a school in Plant City, FL. In the letter, she shared about Brooke, one of her students who happens to also have Alopecia. She has been isolated and bullied in school, and can't seem to find her way. Brooke, a twelve year old fifth grader, has had Alopecia since she was an infant.

Apparently, this school worker heard about a Miss America contestant who also had Alopecia, and so she did some research and brought in a handful of news articles for Brooke to see. Brooke became enamored and really wanted to meet me. So, the school wrote in to "The Doctors" about me, and how much Brooke looked up to me and within weeks, I received a call inviting me to film a segment with her!

Little did I know, I would be in on one of the greatest surprises of my life! Brooke had NO idea I was coming to see her. Her little sister was even in on the secret! The plan was for me to surprise Brooke at home Sunday evening, with the cameras behind me and without the wig. And just as I rang the door bell of her home and walked through the doors, she saw my face and knew exactly who I was, even without the crown! The expression on her face was priceless; she was speechless. I felt like I was witnessing a celebrity siting! It was then that I realized the true power of the crown. This young girl idolized me for being brave enough to be on national television and show people that it is okay to be different- even in the world of pageants.

That night, Brooke finally warmed up about fifteen minutes later and found her voice. And once she did, we talked all night. And when I had to leave to get some rest, she asked if I could just stay in her room that night! It was so sweet to see how easily she warmed up to me. We both talked about going around without a wig, and she asked about how I explained Alopecia to my friends and people I meet. She asked if I ever had a boyfriend, and if people cared that I was bald. Answering those questions are so important because I wanted her to know that her hair, or lack thereof, should never hold her back from being the girl she wants to be.

The next morning, and the second surprise, was that I would be visiting Brooke's school with her and giving a presentation in front of the whole school about respecting others. I met with Brooke to ask her what exactly she would like for me to talk about, and whether or not I should wear my wig. She decided that I should, and so as I spoke to her peers about the fact that each of us are very different, and if we were all the same, the world would be a boring place! Then, I asked Brooke to join me at the front of the hall, and I announced that Brooke and I have something very unique in common- and I took my wig off. From the looks on their faces, none of them knew I had Alopecia until that moment! It was priceless!

After taking off my wig, I educated the students on Alopecia and let them know that it is not contagious and it is not terminal. And when I opened the floor for questions, over half of them raised their hands. Some of the questions were very similar to Brooke's, and as an effort to get Brooke to open up to her peers and hopefully feel comfortable sharing her own story, I asked her to answer some of the questions. Over the three days I was in Florida I saw her gradually open up and feel more comfortable with herself, and this was the start of that process.

That afternoon was the third surprise of the trip! One of the two wig designers I work with happens to be based in Tampa- not far from Plant City. Bobbi Russell, owner of Hair Therapy for Women, creates one of a kind hair pieces for women with all types of hair issues, from patchy balding, to thinning hair and of course, total baldness. Bobbi designed some of my hair before the Miss Delaware Pageant, and later I referred Miss Nebraska to her before the Miss America Pageant. Bobbi still provides Theresa's hair to this day.

I called Bobbi and asked if she wanted to be involved and possibly show Brooke a few replacement options. Brooke loved my hair so much, but her family could not afford a natural hair piece. Bobbi said without hesitation that she wanted to help in any way she could. So, Brooke, her mother, the cameras and I visited Hair Therapy for Women and Bobbi surprised Brooke with a free wig of her choice! And the funniest twist of all, was that Brooke selected the same piece Teresa and I wear!

Brooke lit up the minute she tried on the wig- it was like she was a whole new, confident girl! Not often do I suggest wearing a wig to young girls with Alopecia, but I do believe it is a personal choice, and if it makes you feel more confident, then why not?

All in all, the trip to Florida was beyond successful- it was life-changing. I feel blessed to have been a part of this segment and cannot wait to be a part of Brooke's life from here forward. She has been text messaging me and staying in close contact. And while I was in Florida I learned that the teeny-weeny little town Brooke lives in is also the hometown of my good friend, Miss Florida, Jaclyn Raulerson. Ironically, her father is even the Mayor of the town! In all the towns throughout the country, I was sent to her hometown. So thankfully, we were able to get together and catch up. I have been missing my Miss America sisters, so I loved every second of our visit!

Brooke and I were excited to learn that we would be reuniting in Los Angeles March 4th for the interview segment with the stars and hosts of "The Doctors". When we made it to LA I called, Jennifer, a friend of mine from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation who has had Alopecia since she was an infant. I knew that Brooke had never met another person who had Alopecia before she met me, and so I wanted to introduce her to someone else who could relate to what she is going through.

Ultimately, the finished product was incredible. I loved watching the piece when it recently aired. I cannot thank the Miss Delaware and Miss America Organizations enough for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this segment, and also to CBS and "The Doctors" for inviting me to be on the program. After quite a long month of not so great news from my own doctor, this piece renewed my energy and my spirit to continue my year with so much love and grattitude for this experience.

Thinking about it much later and really reflecting on the impact I made in Brooke's life, it brings me tears of such great joy. THIS is why I love my job. Is it always easy? No. Is it always fun? No. But, is it rewarding? Yes.

February 8-February 20

2011-04-13T14:27:00.001-04:00

Hello Friends!

February was quite a busy month! And by far, one of the most interesting yet! It all began with a few exciting appearances, like the Rotary Club Meeting in Hockessin where I was asked to visit and speak about my platform, and my Miss America experience. Anyone who knows me, knows that 5:30am wake-up calls are not my favorite thing in the whole world, but this appearance was completely worth it! Thank you to the Rotary Club for being so welcoming and sincere! I had such a wonderful time.

That same afternoon was one of my favorite appearances of the year- the Miss CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) America Pageant at our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Every visit to CHOP always warms my heart, and reminds me of how grateful I am to not only be Miss Delaware, but also to be healthy and have the opportunity to give back, and change the lives of others. While at the Miss CHOP America Pageant, I had the fortune of reuniting with my Miss America sisters and friends, Miss NJ, Ashleigh Udalovas, and Miss PA, Courtney Thomas. The three of us performed our hearts out and absorbed every moment of that day. There were two parts to the competition- on stage question, and talent. The pageant was even broadcast live throughout the hospital so that all the patients who were not able to attend, could still enjoy the show!

Wednesday, February 9, I visited one of my favorite sponsors, Carrie at the Hockessin Day Spa. I was definitely in need of a facial and until this year, never fully understood the importance of upkeep for your skin! Carrie and I always talk the whole time and catch up on everything we have going on, so it's like productive girl-time! The rest of the day was spent running errands- yep, Miss Delaware's have to-do lists, too!

Thursday, February 10, I performed and spoke at the Milford Senior Center for a group of lively and welcoming seniors who LOVED my dancing. Thank you, Doris, for inviting me to visit that day, and allowing my father to be a part of the audience as well. I hope they all enjoyed the show!

The next two days were filled with meetings and even... Wedding Planning! After nearly five years together, Kevin proposed and so that weekend we were excited to start exploring wedding venues and options! Then, on Sunday I was delighted to spend the afternoon with the Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen Contestants at their Contestant Orientation. Katelyn, MDOT 2010, spoke beautifully about her experiences during her reign and at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant, her mother then spoke, and I was lucky enough to shed some light on the preparation process and the competition itself. It was important to me that the contestants know how much they will gain just from being part of the MAOT program. I competed in the very first MDOT Pageant in 2005, and placed 1st Runner-Up to the talented and lovely, Carly Economos (who led on to be selected as 3rd Runner-Up at the Miss Delaware Pageant this past year). Even though I was not selected as MDOT, the experience afforded me the opportunity to better understand our program, and get a jump-start on my preparations toward becoming Miss Delaware one day!

That week I was honored by the Insurance Commissioner's office, interviewed by FourPoints Magazine, and had a fashion show wardrobe fitting. But, I also experienced a medical emergency and therefore spent several hours in doctor's offices. I am on the road to recovery, but please do keep me in your prayers.

Saturday, February 19, was the start of a VERY busy week! I was starting to feel a little better but still needed to take it easy. That evening I co-emceed the Southern Lights of Life Event at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition! This is truly one of my favorite appearances every year! I have volunteered with these ladies for a few years now, and always leave this event very inspired. I usually visit the ladies during rehearsal and back stage without my wig. They all know my story, but it lets them know there are people out there who appreciate their bravery for sharing their experiences as well. Chris Saltalamaccio, Mr. Delaware 2008 and my dear friend, co-emceed the pageant with me and we had the time of our lives. To know these women (and one male) are all breast cancer survivors just brings me to tears each year when I see them confidently walk the same runway we, as contestants, walk at the Miss Delaware Pageant each year- it just warms my soul. I left feeling blessed for the opportunity to even share the stage with them, and completely renewed in my joy for my job as Miss Delaware.

Sunday, February 20, I visited the Bridal Show as a guest of Lady's Image who offers a discount for Miss Delaware. It was a beautiful show, and I loved seeing all of the dresses, and of course, cake testing! I got some great ideas for my own wedding!

Thankfully, Debbie from Lady's Image was understanding with time, because I had to leave rather promptly to get to the Philadelphia Airport to catch my flight to Tampa, Florida. Be sure to read the next update to hear all about my trip!

God bless you all, and thank you for continuing to be a part of this year in my life.

With love,

Kayla

January 16- February 7

2011-04-13T13:57:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone!

Life has begun to calm down a little, but I have been keeping very busy! Miss America was such an incredible experience, but life after has been just as rewarding. On our flight home from Las Vegas, I was recognized by a stewardess and congratulated repeatedly. The text messages and emails just kept pouring in, and I felt the love and pride overflowing from our state! Thank you all for supporting me on this journey and for wanting me to become Miss America as much as my family and I did.

After I returned from Las Vegas I spent about a week catching up on rest... I'm serious! I didn't read a single news article, I didn't spend half a minute in the gym, or at the dance studio. And, I loved it! The next week, I spoke at North Georgetown Elementary School representing the Miss Delaware Organization's Platform- Character Counts and also at East Millsboro Elementary speaking on saying "No" to drugs! Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love children- so this was the perfect way to get back into the swing of things!

That weekend I was in Washington D.C. for my other job with Barbizon, USA to be a part of my students' graduation from the program. I never realized how maternal I had become toward my students until I felt an overwhelming sense of pride seeing them walk the runway that day. After days of rehearsals and the culmination of the runway show, I was fortunate enough to spend an afternoon with one of my Miss America sisters, Stephanie, Miss District of Columbia! Stephanie and I became great friends in Las Vegas (along with a handful of our other favorite states!) and I can't wait to reunite when I move closer to her in the Summer!

The first week in February was my ultimate catch-up week. I had been avoiding my to-do list which included the hundreds of emails pouring in, and many important phone calls- and it was finally time to return to business! I had a teleconference for my new position on the Marketing Committee for National 4-H Council, and met with my Executive Director and Business Manager to refocus and talk about what our goals would be for the latter half of my reign.

Then, it was back to business-as-usual on February 4th at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Newark as I read to the first and third graders my own personal favorite book from childhood to celebrate "I Love to Read" month! From there I left immediately to model in the "Go RED for Women Fashion Show"! I sported my favorite red dress and shared with everyone how important awareness and support has become.

Saturday Febuary 5th was also an exciting day as I had the chance to meet with my favorite Celebrity Stylist, Christie Maruka of FashionFixNJ! Christie was kind enough to drive down to Delaware with her super fabulous store on wheels and restock my wardrobe for all the important upcoming local and national television appearances! Christie has been a god-send this year, and has sent me beautiful designer clothes to wear not only while at Miss America but also for most of my TV appearances and magazine photoshoots!

The next day was not about me at all, and I loved it! We were celebrating the college graduation of my best friend, Julie Gravatt and could not possibly be any prouder! Julie is now a full time educator and I am proud to see her achieving her lifelong goal!!!

What a month! All sorts of exciting things were happening and were in the works. Looking back on my schedule like this just warms my heart, and reminds me of how important my job is, and just how blessed I am to be in this position.

Thank you for supporting me throughout this year, and I hope to continue to make you all proud.

With sincere grattitude,

Kayla

Miss America

2011-03-23T18:26:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

I have been anxious to have a moment to sit down, and pour my heart out to you about everything that happened in Las Vegas. Life has been quite a whirlwind since the Miss America pageant! But, I'll save those details for the next update.

In the days preceding my trip to Las Vegas, I was so calm, and at peace- knowing I had done all I could to prepare for the position of Miss America. I spent countless hours with Brittany Dempsey, at Lifestyles Fitness Center at Bayhealth, in the dance studio rehearsing my talent piece, and selecting my perfect wardrobe and accessories provided by Fashion Fix NJ, The Bridal Suite of Johnstown, Webster Cosmetic Dentistry and Salon Rispoli. The Miss Delaware Board, NAAF and my local directors, Dr. Laura Moylan and Brittany Dempsey were an incredible support team to ensure that I felt confident on the Miss America stage.

Just days before I left, I received a call from the family of my childhood friend, and owners of Jor-Lin Tour and Charter Buses. I was delighted and humbled (let alone surprised) to hear they wanted to send me off to the Miss America pageant in style, by taking me to the airport in one of their fabulous buses with 50 of my supporters! Several local titleholders, my best friends, my family/family-to-be and local supporters were all there to ride by my side to the airport. They made sure my last hours in Delaware were filled with so much love and positivity! WBOC and local radio stations loved the idea and wanted to share the story of my one-of-a-kind trip to the airport! We had breakfast, danced, laughed, sang and shared stories on the hour-long trip. And the minute we arrived at Philadelphia International Airport, the security even allowed my parents to escort me to my gate. I will never, ever forget that morning and will cherish those fond memories filled with love for the rest of my life. Thank you to the Mitchell family at Jor-Lin and to everyone who took off of work and school to be with me that morning!

Once I arrived in Las Vegas, I was rushed from the airport to the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino where I checked into my room and officially found out my roommate was my new lifelong friend, Miss Idaho, Kylie Kofoed! My bags were whisked away and my competition wardrobe was taken in the opposite direction, and before I knew it, I was in a room changing for the arrival ceremony! It was finally here!!! DSW welcomed all 53 of us in style on the red carpet where we were individually introduced by the one and only, Boys II Men! My favorite part of that evening was reuniting with the contestants. We had truly bonded in Florida over the summer, and kept in touch ever since, so we were all anxious and thrilled to see each other! At the arrival ceremony, the Miss America Organization officially announced the Quality of Life Finalists and it was the greatest honor to hear my name called in that group.

To say the time flew by, is an understatement! Somehow in those two weeks, our schedule was filled with a trip to the Eiffel Tower, a Barry Manilow concert and the chance to personally meet him, a Joseph Ribkoff Fashion Show at the Fashion Mall, and dinner at Buca di Beppos with a yummy ice cream sundae for dessert! We visited IHOP for a Pancake Breakfast to benefit the Children's Miracle Network, filmed commercials for DSW and for the Miss America Live telecast, and how could I forget.... REHEARSALS?! We woke up at 5am to rehearse and kept on rehearsing each day until late in the evening- but the dances were pretty great, weren't they?

For some contestants, the week was even busier- filled with press interviews and photoshoots. While at the Miss America Pageant I was interviewed by Splash News, EmpowHer, UK Morning with Nick Dixion, People Magazine, The Insider, ABC News, and Inside Edition to name a few. Local newspapers and some radio stations even called in for interviews throughout the week, which meant missed appearances and rehearsals- but it was well worth it!

My two favorite interviews of the week were non-press related, though. My Quality of Life Finalist Interview was incredible. I had the fortune of speaking with three former Miss America's- Kellye Cash, Erika Dunlap and Katie Stam. They made the interview feel like a conversation, and focused on the positive things that have come from my platform work. Sitting in that interview room, I was reminded of why I love this organization. My final competitive interview was with the Miss America judges panel which included Joy Behar, Tony Dovolani, Marc Cherry, Debbye Turner, Taryn Rose, Marilu Henner and Mark Wills. I left the interview room as confidently as I entered. I knew I had laid my heart and my intentions on the table, and showed them the real Kayla. I have no regrets :) Which is exactly how I wanted to feel.

Throughout the week, any free moment was much appreciated. I learned to nap in the strangest of places, and eat whenever necessary. It felt like Survival of the fittest! :) We napped in the aisles in the theatre, on the floor of the dressing room tent, and in the wings of the stage. We gathered near heaters backstage in our swimsuits, and snacked on Fiber One bars while having our hair and makeup done. My time spent with the 52 other contestants made the experience all the more incredible. I made so many new friends, and even gained a bridesmaid! Only 53 women each year go through this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and therefore this sisterhood is quite elite. There is a bond between us that no one else can match. To my Miss America Sisters- you have inspired me. Thank you for being so open, welcoming and supportive. I cannot wait to see some of you soon! To Lindsay, Kylie, Cali, Stephanie, Jaclyn, Melaina and Sheniqua- I miss you!!!

When Saturday night rolled around, I could not believe it was finally here! I was so calm and excited that I barely remember that day; I think I was in a zone. I remember waking up, eating breakfast, rehearsing the new sequences, and spending the rest of the day in the tent with my fellow contestants. Before we knew it, we were on stage for the Live telecast and one of us would become the new Miss America! And as I was announced as one of America’s Choice on Saturday night, I was humbled and overjoyed all at once. Thank you to each and every one of you who voted and encouraged others to vote as well. Knowing that America had selected me as one of their top choices meant more to me than anything else. Then, when I was called into the Top 12, I knew that my hard work with Brittany in the gym had paid off! And the sodas and late night ice cream rendezvous were not given up in vain! And to model my beautiful evening gown, which was the first gown I saw when shopping- I felt thankful for my sponsorships when I was called into the Top 10. And after I performed my talent and was not called into the Top 5, I felt thankful … to sit down! As I stood there, holding the hands of my sisters, I have never felt closer to anyone. We all wanted this so badly, and had all worked so diligently. But, at the end of the night, only one of us could become Miss America. Each time the numbers were reduced and we drew closer to the crowning, I felt every emotion in a thesaurus from shock and excitement to exhaustion and overwhelming love! But I know God has great things in store for me and the other 51 contestants, and to have had this experience and been named in the Top 10 and perform each phase Live on television is one of the greatest experiences of my life. I am so proud of my placement and I know that nothing I could have done would have changed the outcome. To have come home to Delaware as one the only woman from my home state to have been named in the Top 10 during a Live Miss America Pageant Telecast and also to have been awarded as scholarship as the 1st Runner Up to the Quality of Life Award, makes me beyond proud. It is my honor to call Teresa my friend, and I know she will be one of the greatest Miss Americas yet. And I also know that the other 51 women will continue changing people's lives all around the country, and making a difference.

I want you all to know how thankful I am for your endless love and prayers and support not only during my Miss America journey, but also after. I have already seen great changes in myself because of these experiences and I have learned that the Miss America Pageant was not a destination for me, it was a part of my journey. And I have so many things to look forward to as I continue to serve my home state and represent the wonderful aspects of this organization. Thank you for being a part of my year, and for supporting me. I hope to continue to make you all proud.

With much love and gratitude,

Kayla

Final Update before the Miss America 2011 Pageant

2011-01-03T20:48:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I wanted to write an update to let you all know what I have been up to since my last post. The past few weeks have been incredibly busy, and yet it feels like they have flown by so quickly. Somehow, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years came and went! And this Thursday morning I will be on a plane headed for Las Vegas, NV to represent my home state in the Miss America Pageant!

November ended as quickly as it began; I celebrated Thanksgiving morning in the Philadelphia Parade on ABC with our own Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron, and my sister titleholders, Miss New Jersey and Miss Pennsylvania. It was such a treat to spend time on the warm tour bus with the girls, and catch up. After the parade, my Executive Director and I were on the road again, headed home to celebrate all that I am thankful for, with my family. This year I am thankful to have the chance to live out my dream of becoming Miss America. And I am thankful to have loving supporters from all over the world and even in my own small town. And I am thankful for the power of prayer and for the freedom that we are privileged to have every day thanks to the brave men and women giving their lives to protect our country.

After Thanksgiving, I attended a three parades- including the Wilmington Parade where I was so thrilled to share the day with a close friend, Miss DE USA 2009, Julie Citro. I was also able to support a few friends in the Miss DE USA Pageant, speak with several local groups including the Sussex County Council, and even perform in "The Nutcracker" in my hometown company, the Diamond Dance Company. I held a few parts including the "Dream Fairy"- which has always been my favorite piece!

Throughout December I continued to rehearse my talent selection, workout in the gym with Brittany, have wardrobe fittings, meet with mock interview panels, my hair stylist, and a makeup artist (Tiffani Mitchell- check her out!). It certainly was not as easy as that sentence may read, but I know now that all the hard work is behind me and I have done all I can. From here, I plan to do my very best in each phase of competition, stay positive, and give it to God. Because, I know He has a greater plan for all of us.

Some of my favorite appearances this season were spent with the Delaware State Police. No... I wasn't in any trouble! But, I was sure to ask if my crown could ever get me out of a speeding ticket! Completely hypothetical :) State Police Troop 3 from Camden and I visited local special needs classrooms for children of all ages from 5-21, and we even visited the pediatric floor at Kent General Hospital. While there, Santa, Spiderman, Rudolph and myself along with dressed troopers delivered presents and holiday cheer. The next day, members of Troop 1, and all the characters listed before visited A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital with me and we spent the entire day going from room to room sharing the holiday spirit. I had no idea how emotional this process could be, even though I have been through room visits before. One of the children became overjoyed when I entered the room and she had been waiting for me all day! She announced over and over, "Miss America, Miss America!!!" She had lost her hair as a side effect of chemotherapy, and it was a joy to tell her that I, too had lost my hair. Experiences like this just warm my heart, and remind me of the power of the crown. Her entire room had been decorated in a Princess theme and I knew that she dreamed of becoming Miss America one day. I had the unique opportunity to show her that her dream can come true, regardless of how many strands of hair she has right now.

Also, in December I had quite a busy weekend filled with traveling to Johnstown, Pennsylvania to pick up all of my Miss America wardrobe from The Bridal Suite, perform at their town's Christmas Pageant and ride in the parade with my new friend- Cali, Miss West Virginia! My Executive Director and I rushed home to Delaware to celebrate my send-off to Miss America with friends, family and supporters. A new friend, and fellow "baldie", Candie was surprised by her boyfriend with a trip to meet me and see all of my wardrobe at the send-off! I was in tears the minute I heard how far she had travelled just to meet me. Thank you Candie, for making the trip- YOU are beautiful on the inside and out!

In the past few weeks I have been able to visit with all of my incredible sponsors including Salon Rispoli to be sure my hair is perfect, Sun Dazed Tanning to give my skin a healthy glow, Webster Cosmetic Dentistry for a straighter and whiter smile, Brittany Dempsey at Lifestyles Fitness Center for a slim and fit swimsuit body, and celebrity stylist, Christie Maruka from Fashion Fix NJ for providing my wardrobe for the Miss America appearances! Thank you all for your all of your support and for believing in me, even before I became Miss Delaware! And thank you to Ronnie and Deborah from The Bridal Suite for providing my beautiful evening gowns and cocktail pieces that I love so much! I feel like Miss America already!

To bring you fully up to date, I have been on a local media tour lately on local radio stations, television stations and local newspapers to promote the pageant and the chance to vote for the "People's Choice Award". The next two days will be filled with packing, and taking care of a few last minute things before I leave for Las Vegas!

Please know that it has been my honor to be your Miss Delaware, and I get chills up and down my spine with a big smile on my face when I think of the opportunity that lies ahead of me. I still am in awe that I could be your Miss America in less than two weeks. I know that I am ready, and I have done all that I can to be the best version of myself. Your love and support has meant the world to me, and without all of you, I would not feel as confident or prepared as I feel now. Please continue to keep me in your prayers and of course--- keep voting!!! :) If you haven't voted yet, there is still time! Voting closes January 13th!

Be sure to watch me compete LIVE in the Miss America Pageant January 15th on ABC at 9pm Eastern Time. I hope to make all of you proud!

God bless you all and may 2011 be the best year yet!

With all my love-

Your Miss Delaware,

Kayla Martell

November 16- November 19th

2010-12-19T19:07:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends!

Time has really flown by and it seems as if Fall has ended as quickly as it started! November 16th and 17th were spent rehearsing my dance routine, having some of my Miss America wardrobe fitted and a mock interview in Wilmington. Thursday, I woke up early to rehearse my dance and then visit one of my favorite sponsors, Carrie at Hockessin Day Spa for a facial and peel! Immediately after, I met my Executive Director, Debi to attend the "Celebrity Squares" event at the DuPont Country Club in Wilmington. It was an honor to be one of the "celebrities" chosen for this fundraiser and even more importantly, it was humbling to hear the stories of the women who the money raised in years prior has helped to pay for their higher education. The woman who spoke that night was a young mother who may not have been able to receive her high school diploma, let alone enter college. But, God has blessed her so much through this foundation, that she will be graduating with her Bachelor's Degree this spring. All of the questions I was asked that night were Delaware-related; thankfully!

Friday, November 19th, I visited the gym and ran all the errands I was unable to take care of throughout the week. That evening I was asked to serve as the Keynote Speaker at Eagle 97.7's Delmarvalous Women Event which honored women from all walks of life for excelling in their careers or in their service to the community. It was my honor and my pleasure to speak that evening and meet all of the "Delmarvalous Women"! Politicians, Stay-at-home mothers, servicewomen, teachers, nurses and beyond were recognized that evening and it warmed my heart to see them have a moment to shine! I decided to bring my mother as my guest and travel companion that evening because she is my "Delmarvalous Woman" and she is a true superhero. If we have never met before, then you may not know the story of my family.

A few years before I was born, my father was serving as a Ssgt in the United States Air Force. He and my mother had not been married long when he was given orders to serve in Germany. My parents loved living there! But, one day my father was driving home and his car stalled on train tracks where he inevitably was involved in a near-fatal accident. The train crushed his car, and my father was declared dead on the scene. But, one of the responders decided to do everything he could to revive my father. God had a greater plan for my dad, and after having 1/4 of his brain removed and replaced with dental cement, along with other procedures, he was revived. From the effects of the accident, my father went through months of rehabilitation and he was declared 100% medically retired and disabled from the USAF. My father has not been able to work or drive since I was born, and my mother became the sole provider for our family. She is the strongest person I know, even though she has always worked three jobs, she still finds the time to volunteer and give back. She has been the greatest role model because she never complains about the cards life has dealt her, and she is still a woman of great faith. I thank the Lord everyday for the family I have and for the values they have instilled in me. They have taught me what is truly important in life.

Both of my parents have taught me, "Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it." (Hebrews 11:1)

I hope you have a calm and peaceful evening everyone!

Love,

Kayla

November 9- November 15

2010-11-15T10:49:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I cannot believe the Miss America Pageant is just two months from today! It has been a joy to serve as your Miss Delaware for the past five months, and what an honor it would be to be crowned your Miss America.

As we near closer to the pageant, my schedule has become even busier. I was recovering from a sinus infection last week, which slowed me down a bit, but I kept my focus all week long. Tuesday, Nov. 9th, I tried to rest and still be productive before judging the Phyllis Wheatley Middle School's Dress Code Fashion Show alongside MDSO Board Member, Chuck Ivins! I had a great time, and any chance I get to be with children always brightens my day. The kids did such a great day turning their school uniforms into a more personalized and unique outfit they could wear outside of school. Not many public schools in Delaware require uniforms, which made this an opportunity for me to learn how it impacts the students. Congratulations to all of the students for a job well done, and for all of your hard work!

My mom and Chuck treated me to dinner at my favorite restaurant in Sussex County- Jimmy's Grille! Their Limas and Dumplings are to die for- especially when you are feeling under the weather! It should also be noted that I passed up my favorite dessert in southern Delaware, Banana Cake! It is the best.

Wednesday I tried to take it easy since I was still on an antibiotic and steroid for my sinus' so I worked out at the gym, drafted a blog, and worked on my Quality of Life Application. Thursday was one of my favorite days this week! I had an interview in the morning with Craig from www.hairloss.com and from there I rushed to Dover Downs for a lunch with Emily, Lexi and their mom's! Emily is from NY and she, too, has Alopecia. Her best friend, Lexi has decided to make a film about Alopecia Areata and post it online for their peers to see so they can learn about Emily's condition. Emily was recently diagnosed, so this is all new to her and she is blessed to have such a fabulous mother and best friend by her side. Her positive attitude shined through the whole time we were together, and I see so much of myself in her. I know she will go on to do great things with her life, and I am glad we will keep in touch so I can be a part of it! The staff of Dover Downs is just terrific- they let me show the ladies around and even see the ballroom where I was crowned Miss Delaware a few months ago. We then filmed an interview where I shared my story and a little information about Alopecia for Lexi to include in the video. Spending the afternoon with the ladies was such a great time, and I felt like we instantly became friends :) When Lexi's video is complete I will be sure to post it on here for you to see!

Friday morning, my mother and I drove to Tinton Falls, New Jersey to help prepare for the "Let Your Hair Down" Event that evening. Perhaps the best part of the day was seeing my favorite girls- Lilliana and Isabella. Their mother, Donna, puts on this incredible event each year and has raised over $50,000 for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. For the past three years, Donna has included me in the event and I speak each year to share my story. This year, I spoke about the importance of loving yourself exactly as you are. In my heart, I know the greatest gift you can give yourself is love and acceptance for the person you are.

We all have something that makes us different, and thank God for that, because otherwise, the world would be a very boring place. 'Perfect' is boring. You may have issues with your height, your weight, your skin, your smile or even your hair. But in the grand scheme of things, none of that matters- and it should never hold you back from being the person you want to be. Look yourself in the mirror, and love what you see. It may not happen overnight, or in a fortnight. But, I can promise you, the day will come when you accept yourself will be the day you open your heart and open your mind to other beautiful things in life.

That night I was seated near the adorable Joe Sernio, from "All My Children", and the protective Artie Pasquale from "The Sopranos". Artie had me laughing because he was so interested in my preparations for Miss America, and our dinner arrived, he looked at my plate and said, "You aren't going to eat that roll now are you?" Then when dessert was delivered he gave me a hard time for eating my cake! But, he obviously has a sweet and generous side because he later brought me a plate of chocolate covered fruit from the chocolate fountain. He was sure to tell me that there was only fruit on the plate- "no marshmallows and what not" :)

Another highlight of the night was meeting Christie Maruka for the first time! Christie has generously offered to dress me for a few events before and during the Miss America Pageant week in Las Vegas! Christie owns Fashion Fix, the "ultimate mobile shopping experience"! She has dressed lots of celebrities and has years of experience in the fashion industry. Be sure to check out her website to learn more. Trust me, her BMW Van is filled with fabulous clothes that I wish I could have in my closet!

After a late evening, my mother and I woke up early Saturday morning to drive back to Delaware. That day was the Governor's Fall Festival and I had a meeting with George Lee that afternoon at Dover Downs. I went home to change and take care of the dogs before I was back at Dover Downs for the Wine Festival! Mrs. Kemmerlin was my travel companion that evening and we had a delightful time meeting and greeting guests and even chatting with Theresa McMaster for a bit!

Sunday- sick again. I should have rested more when I first started the antibiotics, because it finally caught up with me! But I slept for most of the day, so obviously my body needed it. And today is a much-needed catch-up day! Please keep me in your prayers as I recover and continue to prepare for the Miss America Pageant. Two months left! Too soon for a countdown, right?

Have a beautiful day! Don't forget to mark your calendar for my Miss America Send-Off Celebration at Dover Downs on December 12th from 2-5pm. Tickets are $25 reserved and $15 for children ages 12 and under. Please contact Faye at nuartist09@hotmail.com to reserve your tickets! This is your chance to see all of my Miss America wardrobe and send me off to Miss America with love and positive thoughts.

Love, your Miss Delaware,

Kayla

November 5- November 8

2010-11-15T10:47:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends!

As you may already know, one of my dearest and closest friends, Julia, was married last weekend. It was one of the greatest honors of my life when she asked me to be a part of her wedding. Being a bridesmaid and standing at the altar with such a terrific couple was an experience I won't soon forget. If you do not know Julia, she is one of the most beautiful people I know-inside and out. I know that I can always count on her, and she will always be by my side. Julia was my roommate during Miss Delaware 2008 Pageant week! Ever since then we have stayed close and she has been one of my greatest supporters.

Friday, the 5th, began the two days devoted to Julia and her wedding :) We had a girls day with manicures and pedicures before lunch and wedding-related errands. We then dolled ourselves up and were off to the rehearsal! After rehearsing at the church, we all had a delicious meal at Kid Sheleen's where I was constantly laughing since I was sitting at the table with Chris, Mr. DE 2008 and Brittany Dempsey, Miss Delaware 2007! Post-rehearsal we just relaxed and kept the laughter going with Chris and Julia and a few others at her house.

Saturday morning Julia seemed so calm from the moment she woke up! It was her BIG day but she was as cool as a cucumber, even as we ate our breakfast of champions (cereal)! The morning was filled with hair and makeup by Sal of Michael Christopher's and we just spent time together getting ready. Everything went so smooth, and before we knew it, the time had come! Julia was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. The best part of it all was that Julia was truly just excited to spend the rest of her life with Mike.

We took pictures before the wedding, outside at the Brandywine Zoo and they were gorgeous photos from what I have seen! Julia is a photographer so the pictures were the biggest priority for her :) When the wedding began, Chris (Mr. DE 2008) and I were the first to walk down the aisle. During the processional is when it all set in to me and of course, I began to cry. I promise I maintained composure. All sorts of emotions were going through my head, and I was thankful to have my friend, Chris, by my side. The wedding was perfect and couldn't have been better! The bride, the groom, the wedding and reception- it was all tremendous. We had such a great time and ... Julia and Mike were married!!! What a weekend :)

Immediately following the reception, I drove from Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach. This is not my favorite drive to make, but I am not a morning person, so it needed to be done! After a bit of rest, I was up at 6am to speak at the North East Regional Volunteer Forum which was held in Delaware this year! It was an honor to speak in front of professionals who are living examples of what it means to give of yourself unto others. I shared with them my experiences in 4-H and how they have shaped me into the woman I am today, and how 4-H has prepared me for the job of Miss America.

My mother was attending the conference, and so after we checked out, my family and I dined at my favorite beach stop- Nicola's! Nic-a-boli's are the most delicious meal on the board walk, and bring back lots of memories from my childhood.

From Rehoboth, I drove to Milford (my hometown) to rehearse for the Diamond Dance Company's annual production of The Nutcracker! I will be dancing several parts this year, including the Dream Fairy! It is hard to believe that eleven years ago, I was the first "Clara" in DDC's very first production. Be sure to come watch this holiday tradition at Milford High School December 4th or 5th!

After rehearsing and making a few phone calls, I was off to bed! This was such a busy weekend, and I had begun feeling sick so I knew I needed my rest. Just as I suspected, I woke up Monday feeling just awful and thankfully my doctor was able to fit me in and my schedule was rearranged. The "World's Best Mom" Award goes to Rhonda Martell for driving to Dover to pick me up, take me to the doctor and then the pharmacy since I could barely lift my head. I love you, Mom!

Boy, what a busy weekend! I can't believe it is already November! The Miss America Pageant is just around the corner. Keep checking back to see what happens between now and then!

Be sure to mark your calendars for my Send-Off Celebration which will be December 12th at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino from 2-5pm. Tickets are $25 reserved or $30 at the door, and $15 for children age 12 and under. This is your chance to see all of my Miss America wardrobe and see how hard I have been working to prepare for January! Please contact Faye at nuartist09@hotmail.com if you are interested in ordering/reserving your tickets!

God Bless!

-Kayla

October 28- November 4

2010-11-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

My schedule the past few weeks has stayed busy, as per the usual! Thursday, the 28th of October was filled with a workout, talent rehearsal and having a few dresses altered! Friday I woke up early for a workout at the gym, and had a quick lunch at home before I was on my way up to Newark to see my Miss America hair piece for the first time! Mario Rispoli, owner of Salon Rispoli, ordered a custom piece which is based on a mold of my head and the color my hair was when it grew back a few years ago! I absolutely love it, and I can't wait for you all to see it!

Following my appointment with Mario, I left with lots of positive energy and drove to Wilmington for a mock interview. The interview went really well, and I use each of these opportunities to prepare for the moments I will have with the Miss America judges. I hit some serious traffic on my way home, but made it just in time to put my costume on for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition's "Mask for the Cure" Halloween Event! I had such a terrific time attending the event as "just Kayla" with some of my closest friends. DBCC is an organization that I am proud to be involved with, and hope to stay involved even in my life after the crown.

Saturday, October 30th I rode in the Seawitch Parade in Rehoboth Beach- which is one of the neatest festivals of the fall! I decided to leave Bridgette, the dog, at home so I could have some of my favorite, yet sinful, treats after the parade! Grottos Pizza is one of my favorite things in the world- yum! Just use a napkin to dab a bit of the grease off, and you are ready to eat! Sunday was as close to a day off as I can get! With just a few things on my to-do list that day I loved being able to open the doors to the adorable trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood and give out lots of candy with Mrs. Gillis!

I decided to be as productive as possible Monday, since it would be quite a few days before I would have the opportunity to again. After a workout and a few errands, the day passed me by quickly. I stopped in Milford at Sun Dazed Tanning to get a summer-glow before I attended "Hope for Lymes" a fundraiser in in Georgetown to honor Tish Pusey-McQuay, a former Miss Delaware who is a recently diagnosed survivor of Lymes Disease. I only wish I could have spent time with her that day, because I think so much of Tish and admire her strength to not only endure this bump in the road, but also to be an amazing mother.

Tuesday I let myself sleep in a bit after another late night, and woke up with enough time to make myself presentable and hit the road to Milford where I continued the tradition of voting with my parents. Every year since I could remember, my parents and I would walk to the elementary school and they would let me pick who they voted for! Just kidding!!! But, they would let me push the red "Vote" button! :) This day was a little bittersweet for me, because I was thrilled to spend the daytime in my hometown, but I couldn't help but remember Election Day 2008 when I had my accident and suffered long-term effects from a concussion. It was a long recovery period, and quite a crossroads in my life, but I was blessed to have such supportive and loving, family and friends by my side. I love you all! :)

That night, I rehearsed my dance with my best friend, Miss Delaware 2007, Brittany Dempsey for a few hours until I nearly rolled myself out the door and into my car from pure exhaustion! After a full-night's rest, I awoke Wednesday with an all-new to-do list! After taking care of my own things, I helped my friend Ashley prepare her college essays before we rewarded ourselves at Sun Dazed Tan in Milford with a new, beautiful tan before the big weekend ahead! Velvet and Kaila always take great care of me :)

Thursday was the biggest day of my week- Returns Day! For those of you from out of state, Returns Day is quite the event in Delaware. Two days after Election Day, all of the candidates gather today for a reception and parade to honor the winners and their opponents and celebrate the end of another tough campain/election season. The theme is always to "Burry the Hatchet"! Delaware is the only state in the country to have such an event and I am proud to have been a part of it. It was neat to be in the parade and see these beautiful, old-fashioned horse carriages filled with the newly elected officials, their opponents, and their families together. Yes, Christine O'Donnell and Chris Coons were together, too! Everyone was delightfully civil and truly took the time to celebrate their hard work. My favorite part was hearing my great uncle referred to as, "Representative Kenton" for the very first time! I am so proud of you, Uncle Dickey!!! Love you!

Unfortunately, the rain was coming down all day long, but that didn't hinder anyone's spirits! However, it did eventually lead to a sinus infection for yours truly! The weekend ahead of my was quite an important one and I knew I needed my rest that night. After dining with my family and my driver, Donald, in Milford I drove home to ready myself for the weekend!

Thank you for being a part of my Miss America journey. Your love and support keep me fueled even on the not-so-wonderful days. Have a blessed evening!

With Love,

Kayla

October 18- October 27

2010-10-27T11:48:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends!

I wish I could express in writing how incredible this experience has been thus far. Every day I feel so blessed to wake up and know that I am going to meet someone who could potentially change my life, or better yet, I could change theirs. As Miss Delaware I have the fortune of serving people in all walks of life, and meeting people who inspire me as much as I hope to inspire them. To be honest with you, I can't help but wonder if I could have found a better job! And I know in my heart that I am the right woman for it.

As I bring my blog up-to-date, I wanted to take a moment and read through previous entries to reflect on my first four months as your Miss Delaware. I found myself with tears in my eyes, and hairs raised on my arms from the memories I have shared with you. My life has already been changed in these roughly 120 days, and I will be a stronger and better woman because of these experiences.

On Monday the 18th I travelled to New York City, my favorite city in the world to work on my Miss America preparations. I am so excited for the pageant and I know that I am ready for the road that lies ahead of me. Be sure to tune in to ABC on January 15th to see me compete for the job of Miss America 2011. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers from now until then as I continue to work hard to represent you at the national level.

A few highlights from my NYC trip were seeing Chicago on Broadway, which was a surprise gift from my wonderful Mother, dining at a tapas restaurant and Serendipity (we sat at the same table the movie was filmed at!!!), and, of course...... stopping at St. Alps Teahouse for BUBBLE TEA! Bubble Tea is my favorite thing in the whole world, and I miss it terribly when in Delaware, because I have yet to find a teahouse nearby that prepares it the way I like. While in the city I also met with Ronnie and Deborah from The Bridal Suite to meet with Sherri Hill once more! The trip was very quick, and quite exhausting but I loved every second there. And I must say, it was quite productive!

As I returned to Delaware late Wednesday afternoon, I hurried from Wilmington to Milford to ride in the Milford Fall Parade. The drizzles of rain didn't stop my town from having lots of fun, and the parade carried on! I treasure every appearance in my hometown, especially those that are followed by time with my parents.

I was back up north on Thursday at one of my favorite sponsors, Hockessin Day Spa, having a facial done by the magnificent Carrie. That day was a relaxing day for me with a few personal appointments here and there. That evening I met with my Executive Director, Debi, at her home to plan for the months ahead of us, and to catch up on the past few weeks. Even though we chat weekly, sometimes daily, we definitely appreciate the meetings together to catch up. Thanks for the yummy dinner, Deb!

Friday was the beginning of my productive week as I worked on essays, blogs, emails, and even found time for my very first air brush tan from Sun Dazed Tanning in Milford! Thank you, Velvet for taking such good care of me! I was afraid I would look like a pumpkin and was prepared to change my Halloween costume at a moments notice, but she picked the perfect color for me!

Saturday was my second favorite appearance opportunity thus far! I had the best time at the Special Olympics Fall Festival Games at the University of Delaware, and I won't soon forget my time there. I had marriage proposals, learned all there is to know about Bocce Ball, took lots of fun photos, and was even given a pumpkin from the cutest young boy, Henry! My fondest memory of the day was walking into the Field House and passing one of the athletes, a young man, who was SO excited to see me! He had been waiting all day for Miss Delaware to arrive, and when he saw my crown he kept repeating, "Oh my, goodness! Oh my, goodness! It's Miss Delaware!" It honestly made his day to meet me, and the fact that I took the time to chat with him and get to know him, meant so much to his family. I am feeling emotional just writing this because it warms my heart to know that I can have such an impact on someone that I barely know. And I have learned that just as soon as you think you cannot relate to a certain person, or group of people, you realize that you have much more in common than you thought!

That is what excites me the most about the job of Miss America. You are chosen to represent and relate to all people, and be able to carry a conversation with anyone who will give you their time. And while no person can say she has something in common with every American, it is Miss America's job to find a way to relate to them. How incredible is that?

To finish my entry- Sunday was my Applebee's Pancake Breakfast for the Children's Miracle Network. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, or came out to support, and thank you to Milford Applebee's for generously donating the time, space and profits of the morning for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I travelled directly from the fundraiser, to the Ross Mansion in Seaford for their 150th anniversary festival and agricultural celebration! I had such a lovely time with the Dairy Princess, Peach Queen, Sheep & Wool Princess and Watermelon Queen.

Monday and Tuesday were extremely productive for me. I worked on the Quality of Life Application and Essays, was fitted for many dress alterations, had a dentist appointment, worked out at the gym, tanned, danced ballet and even spent time with my dad on his birthday! My to-do list is finally dwindling!

Today, I let myself sleep in a bit, and have been finishing more work. Tonight I will be riding in the Selbyville Halloween Parade! I hope to see you there!

Have a great day, and thank you for being a part of my journey to Miss America.

God bless,

Kayla

October 3- October 17

2010-10-26T14:49:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends!

The fall has been filled with some strange weather here on the East Coast! We have had days that are as cold as Winter, days as hot as Summer and rainy days to no end! Sunday, October 3rd was no exception to the unpredictable weather. I was scheduled to walk and talk at the Walk for the Alzheimer's Association at Rehoboth Beach, but alas, mother nature had other plans. It rained and I arrived to find an empty, but drenched park! I had a fabulous photoshoot that afternoon with Paul Pruitt and was able to have some time with my family that evening.

This week was a business-filled week. Monday and Tuesday were catchup days for me. I was catching up on missed workouts, sleep, paperwork, donation requests, thank-you cards, emails, photos, and so on. Wednesday morning I visited the Miss Delaware haircare sponsor, Michael Christopher's Salon in Wilmington to have my nails manicured with their new polish product! I ran errands while upstate, and visited with an old friend before heading down to Dover to volunteer with the Military 4-H program! Thursday and Friday I worked out at the gym, and called several local businesses soliciting donations for my live auction fundraiser. My to-do list was finally dwindling!

Saturday was the heavily awaited, annual Apple Scrapple Festival in Bridgeville! For those of you who have never heard of scrapple, it is essentially pork mush and scraps. Yum! The weather was rather warm that day as I participated in the Scrapple Sling contest with many local politicians where we each had to throw a frozen block of Scrapple and see how far we could toss it. My first toss was relatively acceptable, but the second slipped through my fingers as the Scrapple block began to sweat from the heat. Luckily, Miss Delaware has some pull, and the host 'inadvertently' kicked my Scrapple into the 8 spot! Although I did not win, I had a great time! That evening I was invited to attend a reception at the home of Joe Conaway where I enjoyed lots of homemade, delicious food made by his terrific wife!

Sunday I woke up early to speak at the Walk for Diabetes at the Dover Downs Monster Mile! I had a wonderful time there, and met so many terrific survivors. I had forgotten my camera that day, so unfortunately I won't be able to post photos. From the walk, I drove to Milford to rehearse for The Nutcracker with the Diamond Dance Company! It is great to be back in the studio and performing in one of my favorite shows! I decided to try to get to bed early that night because I knew I had a long week ahead of me!

Early Monday morning I was on the road with my second parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gillis, who were so generous as to drive me to Johnstown, PA. After six hours of traveling, we reached the Bridal Suite of Johnstown where I had my first fitting for my Miss America gowns! We also picked up the 25 Bridal Gowns that Ronnie and Deborah so generously donated to help me raise money to afford my dream talent costume!!! All of the gowns are so beautiful- I cannot thank Ronnie and Deborah enough for supporting me and for donig everything they can to make sure I look and feel like a Miss America when I am in my wardrobe.

Monday was a long day, but Tuesday was welcomed with a luncheon at Dover Downs with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Staff where I spoke about my experiences in 4-H and had the opportunity to thank my mentors and colleagues for all of their support over the past 16 years. That night I packed up my suitcase and read over all of my materials for the two days ahead of me!

Early Wednesday morning I left Philadelphia and was on a plane to Columbus, OH for the National 4-H Council's Board of Trustees meeting! Once I arrived, I was shuttled over to the Ohio State University where I checked in, changed and readied myself for the reception that evening at the home of the University's President. My favorite part was not only the delicious food, but the terrific company. I had the pleasure of meeting the other 30 members of the Board of Trustees, Ohio State University 4-H'ers and even local 4-H youth from all different demographics.

Thursday was filled with board meetings where I quickly realized what an honor it is to have been invited as a new trustee. All of the members are successful in their respective careers, and genuinely care for today's youth. Landel Hobbs, the COO of Time Warner Cable was welcomed as the other new trustee, and it was a great opportunity to network with someone who works in the field of which I hope to pursue a career. Representatives from JC Penney, WalMart, New York Life, prestigious universities and much more are among the other trustees. Thank you to Don Floyd, the CEO of National 4-H Council for inviting me onto the Board and for making my first experience so comfortable. I look forward to playing an important role on the council and helping to make decisions that with shape the program which I attribute so much of my success.

After the last meeting that afternoon I was on a plane, returning to Philadelphia International Airport. I ate and slept as soon as I made it home. What a busy week already!

Friday morning I worked out and then drove to Milford for an early lunch and interview with Milford's newest online news source, Milford Live. Bryan Shupe, the creator of Milford Live asked all sorts of questions about my preparations for Miss America and what events I will be a part of in our hometown of Milford. After I talked his ears off, I was on the road again headed to the University and Whist Club in Wilmington for the Chocolate and Roses Tea. I was asked to model for Ladies Image, a shop in nothern DE and loved one of the dresses so much, I had to purchase it! One of the families in attendance was just so sweet, that I stayed after to chat with their daughter and her best friend. They were both so friendly and so beautiful- I asked them to consider getting involved with the Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen Program, and I surely hope they do!

Saturday was the busiest day of all! My family and I were preparing all morning for my two fundraisers that day- the Bridal Blowout Sale, with the gowns donated by the Bridal Suite of Johnstown, followed by a Pulled Pork Dinner and Live Auction! The proceeds of these events were to benefit my Miss America talent preparations and dance costume. My mother worked tirelessly for days and weeks to pull off these events to ensure that I make it to Miss America knowing I had the best preparation possible. I could go on for days but I want to thank my mother for all of her hard work, and for caring more than anyone else that I am fully prepared for Miss America. I never doubt that she is behind me 100%, and I know she always will be. I love you so much, Mom!

Thanks to my mother and father, Herbie and Debbie Kenton, Georgeann White, Mr. and Mrs. Gillis, The Bridal Suite of Johnstown, Brittany and Vicky Dempsey and so many local businesses and community members, I was able to reach my fundraising goal for my talent! I love you all!

Sunday I felt a huge sigh of relief knowing the fundraiser was complete! That afternoon I spoke at the Kent County 4-H Banquet where I spoke about the relation between the 4 Points of the Miss America Crown to the 4 H's. I had such a lovely dinner and enjoyed my time with my 4-H family!

I rushed from the banquet over to the Rickshaw Rumble at Harrington Raceway where I participated as a driver! I was pulled by my "horse", driver, Victor Kirby! He was such a great sport, and took wonderful care of me. This was a fundraiser to protect retired horses, and hopefully find them homes. A special Thank You to Chuck Ivins for sponsoring me in this event! I had a blast and enjoyed the company of my best friend, and former Miss Delaware, Brittany Dempsey!

Whew! What a busy two weeks! Thank you for checking in to see how my year is going. I hope to make all of you proud in January!

Yours in service,

Kayla

September 27- October 2

2010-10-22T11:50:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends!

I won't even begin by saying how busy I've been, because you probably know that by now! But, I wouldn't have it any other way. The job of Miss America is very busy, and she is always on the road. So, the past four months have helped to prepare me for the expectations of that job!

Monday, the September 27th, I had an appointment with Dr. Webster, who is generously making sure my teeth are perfectly straight and white for the Miss America Pageant in January! After my appointment, I worked out at Lifestyles Fitness Center. After a shower and quick dinner, I was off to a lyrical class!

Tuesday I was blessed with the opportunity to visit the kids at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. This remains to be one of my favorite appearances since becoming Miss Delaware. I begged to be able to do room visits and spend one-on-one time with the patients, and Susan (the Miss DE Business Mgr) made it happen! It warms my heart to see the reactions of the children when I enter the room and get to know them. I met one boy in his teens who was in a terrible accident, and he had made such a quick recovery that they were sending him home early! He was so thrilled by the news, and I was fortunate to have entered the room briefly after he had been told. I signed a photo for him, and we joked that he could return to school and pretend he had spent the past three weeks with Miss Delaware!

I also met a little girl, who was undiagnosed and had a large and supportive family by her side in her room. We spent time talking about Hannah Montana and other Disney shows that she loves to watch. She had been told that morning that Miss Delaware was coming to visit her, and she had anxiously awaited my arrival for hours! The minute I entered the room, her face lit up as if she had just met Selena Gomez! Moments like that remind me just how important my job is, and what kind of impact I can leave on a child's life.

My most memorable moment was meeting a girl who had lost her hair as a result of medical treatment. I was visiting the hospital with my wig on, and as she and I were talking about her experiences at CHOP, she mentioned that she was waiting for her hair to grow back. She seemed quite concerned about it, so I thought I would open up and share with her about my hair (or lack thereof). She was so surprised and remembered that she had seen me in People Magazine! I know that I left an impression on her that day, and she has even emailed me to let me know that she is now home with her family. I thank God every day that I have the chance to meet so many inspiring people, and hopefully touch another person's life along the way.

That night I was thankful to have dinner with my family and reflect on my experiences that day. Wednesday morning I had an interview with Richard Gaull from Delaware Today Magazine at the lovely Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. We sat and talked for hours, and it was one of the best and most thorough interviews I have had to date. The article will be published after the Miss America Pageant. That evening, I drove to Wilmington for a mock interview!

Thursday I drove down to Paul Timmons at The Firm in Rehoboth Beach to workout, and boy, did he kick my butt! After my long and tiring workout, I stopped by Sun Dazed Tanning in Milford to tan quickly and spent some time with my father.

Friday was my busiest day of the week! I visited Benjamin Banneker Elementary School in Milford to give a Character Counts presentation in three classrooms! I left the school and immediately drove up to Wilmington to have lunch and meet with National 4-H's CEO, Don Floyd at the Hotel duPont. Our lunch was delicious, and it was a very productive and exciting meeting. I was asked to become a member of the National 4-H Council's Board of Trustees. This was quite an honor for me, because I am a third generation 4-H'er and I attribute so much of my success to my roots in 4-H. I learned to be a teamplayer, to give more than you take, and to continuously learn from growing up in a 4-H club.

After asking for a small to-go bag of the hotel's famous Coconut Macaroons, I was headed back down to Milford for a Breast Cancer Fundraiser at the Abbott's Grill with my travel companion and friend, Chuck Ivins. It was a pleasure to be a part of this event, and see so many familiar faces in my hometown. Since I didn't have time to eat, Chuck, Kevin and I went out for a Sushi dinner in Rehoboth after the event! I love the crab soup at the Cultured Pearl- if you are ever in the area, be sure to try it!

Saturday was one of my favorite days of the month! A young girl, named Jodi, came to Delaware from New York to visit with me and have lunch. Jodi, and her parents were the most delightful people, and we had such a good time that we just ate and chatted for hours! We met at Frankie's Restaurant in Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and the staff treated each of us to a delicious Tiramisu dessert! Then I gave Jodi and her family a tour, and she was able to see the stage where I was crowned Miss Delaware. We took some fun photos and just enjoyed the time together. Jodi has Alopecia, like me, but we had so much more to talk about than that! I hope the next time I visit NYC that we can meet for dinner and dessert! Jodi is an inspiration to me because she has such a positive attitude and a beautiful personality.

I feel so blessed to have this opportunity and the chance to make an impact every day. I cannot thank God enough for each of these blessings and for providing me with supportive family and friends to help me be the best I can be.

Thank you for checking in, and come back soon for more updates!

With much love,

Kayla

September 20- September 26

2010-10-22T11:39:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

The past few weeks have been some of the busiest yet! The 20th of September I volunteered at the RE/MAX Annual Golf Tournament for the Children's Miracle Network at Back Creek Park in Middletown! I had such a wonderful time chatting with the golfers, and spending more time with Caitlin from CMN. Without even researching, I know the tournament was a huge success and they surpassed their fundraising goal! Every dollar raised will help a child to have a more comfortable stay in the hospital and keep their spirits high. Thank you to RE/MAX and all the teams for your generosity!

From the golf tournament I rushed over to my Executive Director, Debi's, house for.... the Miss America Contestant Lottery!!!! No, this was not the kind of lottery where you can win money, but I definitely was so thrilled that I felt as if I won! For those of you who may not know about the MAO Contestant Lottery, this is where each contestant logs online and is called in random order to select their contestant number/position for the Miss America Preliminary Competitions. Once George (Miss DE board member) and I arrived at Debi's we talked briefly about what my plans were for the lottery. Since Miss Delaware is usually called in the latter half, I did not expect to have many numbers to choose from. The lottery had begun streaming live, and Debi began preparing our dinner. I was about to go and change my clothes as the first state was selecting their number, when all of a sudden I see "Delaware" on the bottom left corner of the screen! I couldn't believe it- I was the third state to choose. I didn't even have time to put my comfy clothes on! I had 51 numbers to choose from, and ultimately selected contestant #9 from the Sigma group! This means I will compete in the Tuesday Interview group (the last to go) and Tuesday night I will model my Swimsuit and Evening Gown. Wednesday I will perform my talent, and Thursday I will answer my onstage question.

I know that many of you were confused about why I chose this number and group, but in my heart I knew that I chose the perfect number and group. I wanted to be in the last group for interview so the judges would have three opportunities to get to know me in one day. Then Wednesday I will continue the positive energy to perform my dance, and continue to leave my mark in the judge’s minds. Then Thursday, I will leave my lasting impression with the On Stage Question. I cannot wait!

The next day I worked out at the gym and drove to Wilmington for a mock interview. The interview was terrific, and I was thrilled to have another opportunity to prepare for the most important part of the Miss America Pageant. Then, Wednesday was spent at the gym, working on paperwork and ended with a ballet class that evening!

Thursday night was my Quarter Auction Fundraiser at the Millsboro Fire Hall, which was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who volunteered that evening, and came out to support me on my Miss America journey. I especially want to thank Georgeanne White for all of her hard work and for finding the perfect location. Thank you, to the best mother in the world, Rhonda Martell, for singlehandedly organizing this event and for losing many nights of rest to ensure that I raised enough to cover the costs of my talent choreography. Without everyone’s help, I’m not sure what I would have done, or how my talent would look in January! Thank you Shawn, Justin, Brenda, Ashley, Susan, Sandy, Rich and Melanie, Sussex County 4-H, Brooke and Sandy Mitchell and everyone else who lent a hand that night!

On Friday it was back to work as I met with Debi and George to work on the Quality of Life application and essays. I am so thankful they have me focusing on this with more than enough time to spare! I spent the night in Newark with Debi since we had quite an early morning Saturday! Debi and I drove to the Bridal Suite in Johnstown, PA to try on my Miss America Evening Gown, and pick out my walk-on gowns! It was worth the ten hours in the car with Debi and “Tom Tom” (her new GPS!) because I fell in love with my gown all over again, and found two amazing gowns to wear on stage Wednesday and Thursday in Las Vegas! Thank you Ronnie and Deborah for providing me with a wardrobe that is more than I ever dreamed it would be! Be sure to come to my Miss America Send-Off Party on December 12th at Dover Downs so you can see my entire wardrobe and send me off to Las Vegas in style!

Congratulations to Steffi Holmes and Jessica Tilley, our new Miss Diamond State and Miss New Castle County! Unfortunately, Debi and I had to miss the pageant as we were in the car until late that evening. George was sure to call us and give us an update! I know Steffi and Jessica have quite an exciting year ahead of them, and I cannot wait to see them on the Miss Delaware stage in June!

Sunday morning I was up, bright and early, to speak briefly at Glasgow Park outside of Wilmington to raise money for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. I feel blessed to have been named an honorary member of their board! The crowd was terrific, in spite of the questionable weather and everyone surely enjoyed themselves.

I rushed from the walk to my best friend, Julia’s, surprise Bridal Shower! Natalie, her cousin and MOH, did an outstanding job pulling everything together and Julia was definitely surprised! I made a few dozen Oreo Truffles, Strawberry Cake Balls, and Peanut Butter BonBons which served as yummy favors for everyone. Julia is the most kind-hearted person you could ever meet, and also the most talented- she photographed my headshots! It was nice to have an afternoon to just be Kayla, the bridesmaid, and celebrate this exciting time in Julia’s life.

Thank you all for following me on my Miss America journey and check back soon for the next update!

Love,

Kayla

September 11th- September 19th

2010-09-28T21:07:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!

Saturday, 9/11, was a busy day, to say the least! I was up early to attend the Amish Country Bike Tour in Dover where I mingled and welcomed the cyclists back as they finished their race! I ate some delicious pulled pork sandwiches with my parents, who came to enjoy a few moments with me and I even sampled some homemade peach ice cream from my favorite local farm! It was an honor to be a part of this event because all the proceeds were to benefit our veterans, and I am proud to same that my father, grandfather's and uncles are U.S. Veterans!

From there I quickly rushed out of the heat, and over to the Miss Kent County pageant. Unfortunately, because of scheduling I was not able to crown the next Miss Kent County (my last local title before becoming Miss Delaware), but I was lucky enough to spend time with the girls prior to the competition, and emcee the first half! Congratulations to my local sister from 2010 and longtime friend, Heather McKinney for being crowned the new Miss Kent County! I am so proud of her for how far she has come, and I look forward to seeing her compete at the Miss Delaware Pageant this June!

Had I been able to stay longer, I would have delivered a farewell speech, which ultimately would have lasted an hour at least! But in lieu of a long-winded speech I would like to briefly thank my local directors and team members, Brittany Dempsey, Laura Moylan and Vicky Dempsey for their endless love and support the past seven months. They never doubted I could become Miss Delaware, and they never allowed me the chance to doubt my potential either! They were the best team I could have asked for and without their help, I may not be experiencing this exciting year ahead of me! I love you all so much, and I feel like you are all a part of my family.

Halfway through the pageant, I had to excuse myself from the microphone, and run to the Denim and Diamonds Event at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover to benefit Meals on Wheels of Delaware! All I can say is, Fabulous! The event was beyond a success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves! The food was terrific, the music was great and the auction items were quite a hit! I was assigned the role of diamond-saleswoman, for lack of a better term. As a part of the fundraising efforts, a local jeweler donated a 3ct diamond for the cause! Champagne glasses were sold with either one of the 49 fake diamonds, or "crystals" as I liked to call them, or the one glass with the real diamond. Mrs. Delaware and I were thrilled to be a part of this because it gave us the chance to really meet all of the attendees! And, boy, was it exciting to build up the anticipation of discovering the winner!

As you might imagine, I slept very well that night! And woke up Sunday morning to attend church and then head to Oaks, Pennsylvania where I attended the first annual "Mutts Making Money for Melaina" Dog Walk to raise money for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation! Bridgette (my beautiful and fluffy bichon-maltipoo) attended the event with me, as did my parents! Melaina is lucky to have such a wonderful family and Beth (Melaina's mother) did an incredible job with the planning! Thank you all for including me!

Monday I drove down to Selbyville to be trained by Kim for Miss Delaware given platform, Character Counts! After creating several lesson plans, working through several activities and just acting out teaching styles, I felt ready to get into the classroom! Thank you, Kim, for the sweet lemonade and for taking the time to work with me! From there I drove back to Camden where I purchased a new pair of pointe shoes from The Dance Collection. The next day I drove down to Rehoboth Beach to workout with Miss Delaware's Fitness Sponsor, Paul Timmons from The Firm, and boy was it a workout! I picked my dad up on my way down so I could have some company while I ran errands that day. And Wednesday I visited our wonderful skincare sponsor, Hockessin Day Spa for a rejuvenating facial! I so look forward to those appointments! In just four days, I travelled over 550 miles in my car!

Then Wednesday night, I drove to Wall, New Jersey to be with my two favorite little girls, Lilliana and Isabella! We had a very early morning Thursday and headed into New York City to be with Lilliana and her family as she received her very first hair system! She looks like such a diva in her new, strawberry blonde hairdo! I will be sure to include a photo! After eating lunch in the city, and surviving the torrential downpour followed by lots of traffic, we made it back to New Jersey in one piece! That night, the girls and I had a slumber party and made my favorite sweet treat- S'mores!!! Friday was another early day as I was a guest speaker at Central Elementary School, where the girls attend! I was able to tell Lilliana's peers all about what it means to have Alopecia Areata in a large assembly where all classes attended. Then I made individual classroom visits to the first grade classes.

After the school visit, Donna (Lilliana and Isabella's mother) took me shopping and to get my nails done, for a relaxing afternoon! Donna, Matt and the girls are like family to me, and I always have a great time when I am with them! Friday night I spent time with Donna, Matt and their friends as well as all of their children. It was great insight to what life will be like with kids! One little boy just fell in love with me, and I won't soon forget his supreme dancing skills!!!

Saturday was filled with busy work and helping Kevin move into his new apartment in D.C. Then, Sunday I spoke at the Seaford United Methodist Church about my life and how God has played such a large role in every piece of my journey. I have been blessed with many gifts and I am thankful to have the opportunities and the venues to share them with others- and all of that is thanks to God.

Thank you for following my year as Miss Delaware, and my Miss America journey. Please check back soon for an update on the end of September and to see pictures of all the appearances I shared with you! Have a great week!

With Love,

Kayla

August 30- September 10th

2010-09-28T20:21:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends!

I am so sorry for the delay in updates. My days have been filled with such wonderful and exciting things, and I am doing my very best to respond to emails, and keep everyone up-to-date through blogging!

August 30th was filled with a dentist appointment at Webster Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, and then an optometrist appointment! That evening I held a Zumba Fundraiser at the First State Academy of Dance in Milford to benefit the Children's Miracle Network! Thank you to everyone who came out for a night of fun exercising for a great cause! And a special "thanks" to Maria Fry, a longtime friend and my childhood dance instructor, for volunteering her time to teach the class that night! We all really enjoyed ourselves!

Unfortunately, that day was very difficult for my family, as my parent's dog, Tater, passed away just before the fundraiser. Tater lived a long and happy life, and he would have done anything for my mother, father, or me. He was a part of the family, and many schedules and trips have revolved around him over the years, but he has always been such a well-mannered and faithful dog. We will miss Tater, but we know that he would not have survived a week without my family while they are supporting me at the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were filled with essays, workouts, paperwork, blogging and a meeting with one of our Miss Delaware board members. So, Friday was a welcomed change of pace as I traveled to the beautiful Winterthur Gardens to celebrate the marriage of my friend, Kellie and her new husband, Sal! Congratulations to the new couple, and I know they have a life filled with great love and joy ahead of them. Saturday and Sunday I was doggy-sitting for my best friend's family, while also spending some quality time with my family. Then, Monday evening I attended the Virginia Tech/ Boise State game at Fedex Field in DC! Unfortunately, Boise State won even though there were so many Hokie Fans in attendance! I had lots of fun tailgaiting, and eating yummy food before and after the game that night! We didn't get home until well after midnight, so I was thankful to have the chance to sleep-in on Tuesday!

Tuesday afternoon I met with Mario at Salon Rispoli to have my first-ever molds done for a suction cap wig! I have never owned a wig that was custom fit for my head, and that I could swim, run, or survive a windstorm in! I can't wait for the new piece to arrive! Wednesday morning I went to Michael Christopher's Salon in Wilmington with my best friend, Julia, the bride-to-be for our hair rehearsal for her wedding, with Sal (the Miss Delaware Hair Stylist)! I was lucky enough to have a few hours free, where I could have lunch with Julia and finally catch up on all things Miss Delaware and everything with her wedding! The next day I prepared more paperwork and went to Wilmington to meet with George and Debi (Miss DE board members) to work on Quality of Life essays!

Friday was the beginning of a non-stop week for me! I was at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the local CMN hospital, to volunteer for the 9th Annual WOGL Loves Our Kids Radiothon where nearly $400,000 has been raised each year! I was in good company, with my Miss America sister, Ashleigh Udalovas, Miss New Jersey!

Stay tuned to hear about the rest of my busy week and to see photos of each of these experiences!

Thank you all for being a part of my year as your Miss Delaware. I am loving every second of my new job!

Many hugs,

-Kayla