Letters from Santa

Another holiday event that was very rewarding was Kasey and I had the opportunity to help Santa respond to letters from a first grade class. Myself and a friend were then able to deliver the letters to the class and see the joy on their faces when they received their responses from Santa. The letters were so sweet and our responses gave us the opportunity to remind the kids that Christmas isn't just about getting gifts, but sharing love and creating life long memories with friends and families.

December 7, 2011 Christmas Tree Lighting @ Atlanta Capitol

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Governor Nathan Deal. The capital was absolutely beautiful and the tree was even more amazing. It was 22 feet high - wow! The Christmas spirit was evident all around as the crowd enjoyed the men's and boys chorus singing Silent Night, with each verse in a different language. It was also nice to fellowship with the other USA queens and the lovely Ms. Lisa, our pageant director.

December 2, 2011 Relay for Life Vendor Sale

I had the opportunity to perform community service at a GCPS elementary school, along with my sister queen, Kasey. The school was holding a Relay for Life fundraiser that brought various vendors into the school to sale items to students, parents and community members. As part of the service, I helped vendors set up their wares and escorted children to have pictures taken with Santa Claus. It was a wonderful opportunity to support Relay for Life's efforts to find a cure for cancer. I was also blessed to have my good friend, and fellow queen with me to help out.

December 3, 2011 Buford Christmas Parade

There is no better way to get in the spirit of Christmas than to participate in a Christmas parade with friends. I enjoyed riding on the float with my fellow USA queens, as we waved and shared candy with onlookers. A special treat was received when we paid a surprise visit to an elementary school dance team and wished them well on their upcoming parade performance. We ended the event with lunch at Steak n Shake.

Pirates and Princesses Dance April 30, 2011

On Friday, April 30th I had the pleasure of mingling with a group of pirates and princesses at an elementary school in Gwinnett County. This was a wonderful family event that offered music, dancing, food, and a dunking booth. It was great to see so many smiling faces. I aso enjoyed having my sister queen Kacey with me for the event.

Suwanee Day Parade - September 17, 2011

Suwanee Day is a celebration of community. Every year I look forward to this event. It's a great opportunity to volunteer and get involved in the community. This year I rode in the parade. In past years I have greeted people at shuttle bus locations, helped break down booths and handed out informational pamphlets for my church.

Miss Banks County Pageant

On August 28, 2011 I was invited to help and crown at the Ms. Banks County Pageant in Commerce, GA. The contestants ranged in age from 6 months to 17 years. It was a joy to see so many beautiful girls presenting themselves with grace and self-confidence. All the contestants were definitely worthy of a crown.

Teacher Appreciation Ice Cream Social

On August 18, 2011 I had the honor of serving teachers at Sycamore Elementary School ice cream sodas and sundaes. The event was sponsored by the schools Sunshine Committee to thank the teachers for their dedication to welcoming students back to school.

Roots and Wings "Relationships" Camp for Girls

Once again I had the honor of working with girls at the Relationships camp during the week of July 11, 2011. This camp focused on the importance of building good relationships with family and friends. I was able to help out 2 days during this camp and had the opportunity to talk with the girls about the negative impact of bullying.

Pensacola State College

After visiting with the girls at the PACE Center on July 6, I had the honor of meeting with the President of Pensacola State College, Dr. Ed Meadows. We discussed the schools transition from a Junior College to a four year state college and I was able to share with him how my high school, NGHS prepares me for college. He emphasized the importance of education, civic involvement and applauded me for my membership in the Beta Club and efforts to education others on bullying in our schools and social networks.

Pace Center for Girls

My first appearance related to my bullying platform was at the PACE Center for girls in Pensacola, FL on July 6, 2011. At this appearance I was able to discuss bullying and her personal experiences of girls who have encountered bullying. Although some of the stories were heartbreaking, the encouragement offered by the group of girls towards one another was uplifting. I hope I will have another opportunity to work with these girls the next time I am in Florida. To learn more about the PACE Center, go to http://www.pacecenter.org/.

Roots & Wings"I Matter" Camp for Girls

On June 22, 2011 I had the pleasure of helping at a camp for girls that focused on building self-confidence in elementary school age girls. The theme was "I Matter" and the girls truly do matter and hold a special place in my heart. To learn more about this amazing cause for girls, go to foundationtofly.com.

My First Appearance

My first appearance as the reigning USA's Junior Teen Miss Georgia was a queens luncheon. The luncheon was held at The Olive Garden in Duluth, GA on May 21, 2011.

2011 USA's Junior Teen Miss Georgia

USA's Pageants www.winthecrown.net "Use Your Crown. Make a Difference"

Crowned USA's Junior Teen Miss Georgia 2011 at Georgia Mountain Center on April 30, 2011.