Miss Delaware 2014: Playing Catch Up

Hello, remember me? Sorry for being M.I.A., it's so much easier/more convenient to post from my phone to instagram/vine/twitter that I totally neglect my blog.

I figure I'll start out with a very special post. Y'all know that I'm an old lady now, I graduated from Indian River High School in 2010, so it's been about 3 years since my last high school prom. I was lucky enough, however to receive an invite to A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital's prom last month, where I met some awesome kids, doctors (Miss PA 2009!), nurses, and volunteers, and danced the night away with the University of Delaware mascot, YouDee, the UD cheerleaders, and some pretty cool kids.

These prom-goers absolutely amazed me with their positivity, love, optimism, and resilience. Any former Miss Delaware can tell you that being Miss Delaware is the most wonderful and enriching opportunity of your life, but also very stressful, time and money consuming, and exhausting. I had been praying on these feelings of being so tired and run down, and asking for God to remind me why I love doing my job, and the prom was certainly the answer to my prayers. All told, that day I was on Miss Delaware duty for 22 hours but they flew by. The kids at A.I. are truly an inspiration. I met Cam, who is this super kick-butt awesome chick who is currently whooping cancer's behind, Michael and Tony, who were my favorite dates of the night (but shhhh, it's a secret!), Jess, who is definitely more of a princess than I'll ever be, and so many other inspirational young people. None of them know that being with them that night was exactly what I needed to remember why I am doing this. One of the volunteers came up to me at the end of the night, tears in her eyes, and thanked me for coming, along with a few other kind words. My response was that there wasn't a place in the world that I would've rather spent my Saturday night, and it was entirely true. I continue to pray and think of all of the people I had the opportunity to spend time with, and I am so jealous of the next Miss Delaware for being able to attend next year's prom!

I was also blessed to be able to spend time with some of our brave veterans at the Wilmington VA Hospital Carnival. The patients were able to come enjoy food, games, fun, and friends for a day. I met and thanked all of the patients and the servicemen and women who were volunteering. As most of you know, my Step-Dad is currently in Afghanistan with the Military Police, so I'm always thrilled to do anything to help out with our armed forces. Thank you again to the veterans I met in Wilmington, and to all of our military personal, past, present, and future.

The last appearance I want to share was just this past weekend. I was able to attend the Buddy Walk for the National Down Syndrome Society at the University of Delaware, to spend time with one of my favorite princesses, Kayla. Kayla is the fiercest little diva I've ever met, and I always say that when I grow up I want to be just like her. Every child should be raised with the same sense of confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth that Kayla has. At such a young age Kayla understands that she is different, but she also knows that she is unique, beautiful, and special. Her parents are 2 of the most upbeat, positive, and fun humans I've ever had the chance to meet, plus her mom was an Alpha Xi Delta! So Kayla is my second favorite AXiD legacy (only second to my Remi.) We had a blast walking and hanging out talking about Justin Bieber and glitter, and Kayla's Court even won a spirit award! Steph Bailey, the fabulous Miss New Castle County has been to the Buddy Walk with Kayla for 3 years now, and I know both of us will be back next year!

And here are some other cool happenings in the life of Miss Delaware!

I had the chance to meet Marilyn Van Durber, Miss America 1958 and hear her inspiring story about overcoming sexual abuse.

The 8th annual Mela-NO-MORE KENTucky Derby was May 4th to raise money and awareness for skin cancer. Thank you to everyone who came to help, especially my sorority sisters, and Miss Cape Henlopen, Rebecca Lusk, and Miss Diamond State, Mikaila Ryan! You girls rock!