Miss America

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

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

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