MIOTeen Blog

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

I can’t believe we are just a few weeks away from Miss Indiana Week. How crazy???!!!

GOOD LUCK to allof the the contestants. You are in for the time of your life!

See ya soon,

Morgan

Well, as you can see from my title of the blog I have had a very busy weekend. So, here it goes!

On Friday I rode up with my good friends the Kimmels to Indy for the Girl’s Night Out. Nicole Rash, Nicole Pollard, and Katie Stam were all apart of the evening with a lot of future Miss Indiana Princesses. The night started out with some very good pizza and the wonderful Nicole Pollard perfomed. After Nicole, Katie Stam performed and had all of the Little Princesses help her with her song. All of the girls enjoyed both performances and Katie and Nicole did a terrific job.

When dinner was over Stacey and Breanne had four stations set up for the princesses. The first one was “How to walk the runway with Nicole Rash”. The second station was “A crown craft with Nicole Pollard”. At the third station I taught them a little dance. Finally, hair braiding and fingernail painting with Katie Stam and Stacey. Breanne had the job of calling the rotation with the magic word “crown” which let all the girls know it was time to go to the next station. Nicole and I performed our talent and signed autographs. The night was a BIG success and Stacey and Breanne did a wonderful job organizing the event!

On Saturday afternoon was the Macy’s Fashion Show with the Miss Indiana Contestants and the Miss Indiana Princesses. Before the event Nicole and I got to go downstairs and pick any cocktail type dress we wanted. Unfortunately, we could not keep them but it did feel very cool to put them on and wear them. The first one I picked out was a very pretty black strapless dress that fell right above the knee. It was embellished with white and silver beads and a very cute bow by the waist. I used that one for the autographs Nicole and I signed. The second dress I chose for the fashion show was a turquiose blue with beading on top and a very flowing bottom. Both of the dresses were really cute and I think during Miss Indiana Week I may have to stop by Macy’s to see if they are still there!!! All of the Miss Contestants looked great. I do not know how the judges are going to pick one girl to win the title.

Saturday night we had Fiesta for the Crown. That was a very fun event. They had a Mexican Buffet, a silent auction, and for the first time ever a Mr. Indiana Pageant!

Everybody looked very festive in their Fiesta attire and a lot of them danced the night away with the maraccas that were on their table. A very funny sight to see indeed!

As the night continued on it was time for the Mr. Indiana Competion. All of the Miss and Teen contestants signed their dates up for the pageant. I am sure a lot of the boyfriends had a looooong talk with their girlfriends on their way home from the Fiesta. However, the guys were good sports. We had all sorts of talents and answers to the question on stage portion. The esteemed panel of judges included Mrs Rash, me, Nicole Rash, and my mom. Also, as our auditior we had the amazing Barb Helm. Congratulations to the new Mr. Indiana I hope you are enjoying your year! (HA)

When the silent auction was over I said my goodbyes and headed home with my dad. My mom had to stay later in Indy because my brothers were in a vocal competion and awards did not start until 11:00. By the way my brother Collin got a 1st place Platium and my brother Joel got a second place Gold. Our family is very proud of both of them. While we were out of town for the weekend my youngest brother Aidan hung out with our friends from Texas Mica and Mark. When we got home he had a new skate board and gear. He was very excited!!!

I can’t believe my year is coming to a quick end. I wish I could stop time for just a little bit longer. The state of Indiana has been so kind to me during my year. Hopefully in a few years I will represent you again as Miss Indiana!!!???

Well, I hear the school bell. (not really considering I am homeschooled but it sounded good)

Love,
Morgan

Hey everyone!

I hope you have all had a good week so far. I know I have had a very busy one. Last weekend as you all know we had the Miss Indiana KICK OFF! I must start out and say that all of the contestants looked magnificent. When I arrived at PAC in Zionsville some of the contestants were all ready there. So, I was able to mingle and get to know them a little bit better. When everything started I got to sit on the other side of the table. Which by the way that was really cool. I can’t believe it was a year ago when I saw Leanna Ross sit at the same table. Sharing with us about her experiances. Little did I know that in a few weeks I would be Miss Indiana’s Outstanding Teen. (HOW WEIRD)

The girls were able to pick their spots with our Starburst Lottery and I hope all of you are very happy with your spots that you chose. After my wonderful director Aren went thru the schedule it was time for the Miss contestants to show up. Of course they looked magnificent as well. Before they had the lottery Nicole and I had the opportunity to share a few encouraging words to the contestants. After we spoke each of us had little gifts for the contestants. I hope you all enjoyed them.

After the meeting I had some time to talk to the contestants and see how their pageant prep was going. Their progress seemed OUTSTANDING. I was also very pleased to hear that some of them are going to see Jim and Joy Robbins before the pageant. I think that is one of the best decisions you will make.

When everyone left Mom, Michael Nash, Stacy Behrens, Aren Howell, Frank Ricketts, Craig and Karen Munk, Breanne Tisch (who is now expecting!) and of course Nicole and I all went to lunch. I loved talking with everyone and hearing more about Nicole’s experiance and Miss America.

Thanks for stopping by and congratulations to: Danielle Holland, Kelsey Ray, Presley Moreland, Danielle Oxeman, Allynn McInerney, Terrin Thomas, Amanda Frazier, Jean Medin, Lydia Daley, Kelsey Minix, Megan Thwaites, Elise Duncan, Rebecca Kain, Caitlin Moore, Meredith Kimmel, and Racheal Lingren on making it to Miss Indiana’s Outstanding Teen. You should all be proud.

I hope everyone has enjoyed the warm weather. I have to say though I was a bit disapointed that it was very cold yesterday when I went to church. Will it ever be summer??? I love the warm weather. Hopefully it will begin to get and STAY warm within the next couple of days!

Last weekend my friend Bobbie and I went to the ever so famous SWEEPS PAGEANT. When we got there we were greeted by Jenee Johnson (Miss Three Rivers Director)
It was great to see her again. Inside the auditorium were many teen titleholders. Like: Lydia Daley Miss Duneland’s Outstanding Teen, Elise Duncan Miss Ball Sate Outstanding Teen, Megan Thwaites Miss Three Rivers Outstanding Teen, Terrin Thomas Miss Mideast Outstanding Teen, and last but certainly not least Racheal Lingren Miss Ohio Valley’s Outstanding Teen. I loved hanging out with you guys during the pageant. I am very excited about seeing you all again at KICK OFF next week!!!! I also saw Terry Iden. Thank you so much for the gift and program book. You are an awesome Field Director and it was great seeing you.

I would like to congratulate Katie and Kendra your new Heart of Indiana and Wabash Valley. Best of luck at state !

P.S. Claire Buffie Miss Central Indiana, Ashley Casterline Miss Three Rivers, and Stasha Dirrim were there also. How could I ever forget you guys!

HELLO!

In case you did not know my mom and I went with 11 other women on a trip to Nicaragua for my platform Project Educate. For those of you who do not know about Project Educate, it is a program that helps children in Nicaragua go to school. We ask people here in the United States to sponsor children in Nicaragua for school. The sponorship fee is $150.00 per student. All of the money goes towards backpacks, medical exams, school supplies, tests, (in Nicaragua they have to pay for their tests),and uniforms. When I was 10 we started this program with one child named Marlon. This year we will have a little over 100 children.( YIPEEEEE)

Our group was supposed to leave on the first Monday in March,but since there was bad weather in Houston we were not able to leave that day. This was very disappointing! On Tuesday our flight was delayed. Now usually that would not be a problem, but since we had a connecting flight in Houston we were not sure if we would be able to make the flight. It ended up though that the airline called Houston and they would hold the flight for us. So, we finally boarded the plane and headed for Houston. When we landed I am sure it was a very comical sight to see 13 women running across the Houston Airport. (HA)

Needless to say we did make it to Nicaragua safely. The next day we saw 1/3 of the children we had sponsors for. When they arrived they were registered and photographed for their sponsors and our files. Then they were taken to a station. Our stations were: Medical, haircuts, clothing, games, at noon we served them lunch and American cakes, face painting, and letter writing for their sponsor. When the day was through they would get in a line and as they walked through the house to leave we would all chant their names and hand them a gift bag. The younger ones usually got a toy and some candy and the older ones recieved perfume and candy. Thank you so much to Michael Nash for donating the perfume. The children really loved it!

On our second day I got to see some really great friends from when I lived in Nicaragua with my family. I was very excited to see my friend Fabiola. She is an awesome girl and it was great being able to spend the whole day with her. I also saw this little boy who we call Little Eddy. When he came to the program last year he was so scared he started crying. Nobody he knew was with him. This year he cried again, but after awhile he remembered everyone and soon became very comfortable. He did stay very close to me during that day. I was glad that he still remembered me from the year before. We saw the final children on the third day.

During the three days I was able to talk about my crown and how blessed I am to have it. You see in Nicaragua they really do not have any dreams that they want to accomplish because most of them do not have the support they need. So, using mycrown I was able to share with them the dream I have and that they can accomplish anything they desire to do. After I spoke they each got a picture with the crown on their head. It was really beautiful. Even the boys wanted to try it on!!! Check the website soon for photos.

On our final day of serving these students we delivered groceries to each of their homes. Most of them have dirt floors and some family members even sleep outside. Most do not have refrigerators or indoor plumbing. It really helped us to remember why we want to support these children.

You would think that we are the ones blessing them with things, but really they are the ones blessing us. It is the best feeling in the world when a little six year old girl runs up to give you the biggest hug you will every recieve or when they all keep pulling you away from what you are doing to play a game with them. Most of their situations at home are very bad. Some stories you would not even believe. So, it is truly wonderful when they get to leave their problems at home for a few hours and just relax and enjoy themselves for a day.

For the first time we have two students that we are helping to go to college. How cool is that? Their names are Karla and Carlos. They are really awesome people. We all know how important college scholarships are don’t we?

It was very sad when I had to say goodbye to all of my friends. I truly love the country of Nicargau and can’t wait to go back next year!

On our sight seeing day we went on a canopy tour. Nine of the 13 of us went. We went on a zip line through trees that were over 300 years old. There were 14 platforms in all. The guides encouraged us to fly like monkies which meant upside down and also Superman which was when they clipped us to the zip line from our backs. IT WAS GREAT! This was my third canopy tour. Next year we are going to try and slide down a volcano. Can you imagine?

On another note I know KICK OFF if coming around the corner very fast!!!! I can’t believe Miss Indiana week is almost here. I can’t wait to see all of you in Zionsville for the big meeting. It is going to be so much fun.

Hope you all have a great week,
Morgan

HELLO!

I hope everyone had a great weekend ( I know I did). On Saturday afternoon my dad, our friend Chris, and I all went to the Miss Purdue Pageant. When I got their I saw Miss Purdue 2007 Kelli Hoffman. I reallly loved hanging out with her before and during the pageant. I had a very enjoyable time. I had the opportunity to perform my talent , “chat” with the emcee, and help with the awards. All of the girls did a great job and you should all be very proud of your accomplishments.

A special thank you to the Miss Purdue director Erin. I really appreciate you inviting me to your pageant. You do a great job. I would also like to congratulate the new Miss Purdue 2008 Kelly Bowman. Best of luck at Miss Indiana.

Have a great week,
Morgan

Last weekend I went up to the Miss Northcentral Pageant. I had a great time. Nicole and I were able to sit by each other along with Clair Buffie (Miss Central Indiana) and Ashley Casterline (Miss Three Rivers) After the pageant I also saw a lot of other titleholders. All of you are looking spectacular.
CONGRATULATIONS to Nicole Pollard Miss Northcentral 2008! Best of luck at state.
After the pageant I was able to drive back home with my three good friends Mrs Kimmel, Merideth Kimmel, and Heather Brown. It was great hanging out with you guys!

Thanks for reading!
Morgan
P.S. If anybody has any gently used prom and or pageant gowns pleas contact me!

Okay I think I left off right before Thursday.

Thursday: I woke up early to get ready for the autgraph signing with all of the teens. It was so much fun. I sat by my two wonderful MAOT friends Miss Washington(Genay Tucker) and Miss New Mexico(Madison Tabet). We had a blast talking and laughing together. I also was able to talk to a lot of other girls from Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. By the way GOTTA BADGE??? (MAOT inside joke) After the autgraph signing we all got pictures on the Miss America stage. I was able to say a quick hello to Nicole before I left. She looked amazing. Afterwards we had a T.V. interview and then we were released to our parents. For lunch Mom and I went with Aren(my tight director) and Karen Munk. It was so much fun to hang out with them. Nicole competed in evening gown that night and looked FABULOUS!

Friday: On Friday I am pretty sure I went to the trade show and took some pictures with our friends David and Carrie from Regalia ( a gown store in Florida) They are both very nice guys. Oh! Before I went to the trade show I went to the Miss America Breakfast. I took many pictures with fomer Miss America’s as well as Lauren Nelson. It was a great day. After the breakfast I had about an hour to get ready for the teen outing. We went to Maggianos and had a super time. I sat with Michigan, Kentucky, Kansas, South Carolina, and Idaho. I also found out that day that my mom and Donna Bozarth(head of the MAOT Program) went to the same middle and high school. It just goes to show that this is a very small world.

In the evening Mom, Barb, Denise, and I all went to a private function event. (Thanks Barb!) It was very cool. We even got to sit by a millionaire. His name was Dave but, we like to call him Dave the Millionaire. Nicole and the rest of the girls were there as well. When the fuction was over mom and I went back to the room to watch the reality show. But we had to see Nicole’s fans reaction when she won $10,000.00. It was a great night. I even got to ride my friend Bobbies’ scooter ( that is a totally different story)!

Saturday: The state teen directors had a meeting and the teens were expected to attend too. I was able to to introduce myself and sit with Aren for a few minutes. After the meeting I, mom, Genay(Miss Washington’s OT) Bobbie and Angelica went to lunch and also to look around Vegas. Genay and I did not stay out long because we had to get ready for the finaly night of competion. We were both very excited and nervous for our miss girls.

The great thing about the whole night was the Nicole place 1st runner-up and Miss Washington placed 2nd-runner up. So Miss Indiana OT and Miss Washington OT were both very excited girls.

I had a blast being able to spend some time with some of the Miss Indiana Board. Jim and Joy it was great seeing you in Vegas. I can’t wait to see you again. Frank thanks for letting me take care of the PAGEANT TROLL. It was a real treat. Craig and Karen always a pleasure to see you both. Barb thank you for making my week in Vegas even better then I imagined. You are always a blessing.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Morgan

YIPEEE! Nicole placed 1st runner up at the Miss America Pageant on Saturday. She did a GREAT job. I know the whole state is very proud of her. Did anybody watch the reality show on Friday? If not Nicole was one of the Miss America contestant chosen to win a 10,000 dollar scholarship and a shopping spree! It was great to watch it in the hotel with all of Nicoles’ fans.

I had a wonderful time in Las Vegas. I have to say it is very different then Indiana though! (HA) The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen class of 2007 were able to spend the whole week together. I saw many of my MAOT friends.

Tuesday: I got into Las Vegas about 2:45 and met up with the amazing Barb Helm. Our rooms were right next to each. I also saw Wandell and Barbs’ friend Denise (she had her birthday while in Vegas!). We all went to dinner together and then to the pageant. I went down to the section where all the teens were sitting. It was great to be with all of them again. Nicole competed in swim suit that night and did a SUPER job!

Wednesday: Mom and I got up and went to breakfast where we had our twentyfive dollar omlette. (YIKES) Let’s just say we did not eat there for the rest of the week. We walked around the mall that was in our hotel and then went back to our room and waited for our friends Bobbie and Angelica. We got some lunch and they got settled into their room. That night Nicole competed in talent and did an AWESOME job.

I will write more later!
See ya soon,
Morgan

Two weekends ago mom, our friends Bobbie, Angelica, Chelsea, my brother Joel and I all drove up for the Miss Southern Heartland Pageant. When we got there I was greeted by Jolie Lindley. She is a great director. I was able to to meet all of the contestants and wish our friend Valerie good luck before she went into interview.

Before the pageant I was able to talk to the emcee from state Brad Brown. He is so funny! I was able to perform my talent and talk with Brad onstage. I also presented the awards and crowned the new Miss Southern Heartland Tiara Kincade. CONGRATULATIONS!

Last weekend I went to the Miss Ball State Pageant. When I got there I saw Danielle Holland who is now Miss Hossier Heartland’s Oustanding Teen. It was great to talk to her about her year and hear about her pageant preparations for state! I went to the Princess luncheon and of course talked with the beautiful Nicole Rash. Speaking of her I hope you all have been watching Miss America Reality Check. But incase you have not, she made the top three last Friday. Which is of course a great thing. She is going to be AMAZING at Miss America.

It was finally time for the pageant. I performed my talent and watched the rest of the pageant from the wings. The girls did WONDERFUL! Congratulations to the new Miss Ball State and Miss Ball State Outstanding Teen. And thank you Carol for inviting me!

After the pageant I was able to talk to a lot of the current local titile holders as well as my friends Jenne and Alena (funny girls). Of course it is always a pleasure to see to State Board Secretary and friend Michelle Nash! HA!!! I’m blogging successfully again Michelle! I mean Michael . I also visited with Frank and my wonderful director (who’s always keeping it tight) Aren. Looking forward to being in Vegas with them. Terry Iden I missed you! I hope you are feeling better.

Make sure you watch Miss America Reality Check this Friday at 10.

See ya soon!
Morgan