Sunday, February 24, 2013

Signing Off- Miss Teen Minnesota United States 2012

This past weekend was absolutely spectacular and I could not be more pleased with our new queens. I am confident that each contestant took away something very special from the experience.

Our weekend started out with Friday's orientation and check-in. Everyone looked fabulous in their cocktail attire and we all enjoyed meeting and socializing. We had a red carpet to take pictures and the food was delicious. After a quick run down of the Miss United States rules and ethics and distribution fo the adorable opening number dresses, we got underway with rehearsal. Rehearsal can get a bit boring and long, but we all made learning walking patterns a good time! James Netz Photography captured most of the rehearsal on video, which I am sure will produce a few good laughs. Then it was off to bed for early morning interviews!

Interviews went wonderfully! Each contestant walked out smiling and confident about their answers. All the of judges worked very diligently to make good comments and detailed feedback. They seemed very pleased with the ladies. We were able to shoot short interviews with James Netz Photography about our Miss United States experience. After interviews were complete, we packed up our things and headed to The Landmark Center for lunch and rehearsals. After learning opening number, which did not include dancing (I think we were all grateful for that!) we reviewed walking patterns and practiced the all-important on stage question and crowning moment. As soon as we completed rehearsals, everyone rushed off to finish hair and make up.

I was so pleased with the how final production went. Chris Wilmer, our national director, was able to join us as the guest emcee, which was a very special treat. He does an outstanding job as national director and brought great energy to the Midwest pageants! Ashlea, our regional director, honored us all on stage with a sweet and heartfelt farewell. There is no way I will ever be able to thank her enough. As the crowning moment come closer and closer, the realization it was all coming to an end really hit. I would do it all again if I had the chance. I wish I could be going back to nationals in July with Maddy and Madison and experience the thrill of the national stage. I will truly miss it.

That being said, a HUGE congratulations to my successor, Myah! I am so proud of her and I know she will do great things as your new Miss Teen Minnesota United States! She is beautiful, smart and has big plans for the future. Please follow her year of the MN United States Facebook page! Each of our new queens, Mary, Rachel, Sarah, Tarron, Kayla and Meredith, are gorgeous and have exciting years ahead of them! The return of the Miss United States Pageant was a success and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the pageant organization I am proud to call my family.

As for me, I am certainly not going anywhere! I will be changing the name of my blog to "Así es la vida", which is Spanish for "That's Life". I am looking forward to blogging about my life as a student at UW Madison majoring in International Studies and Spanish. I will be keeping everyone updated about my mission trip to Mexico in June and anything else that comes up along the way! In the pageant world, I will be taking at least a year off. I am studying abroad in Seville, Spain in spring of 2014, so I will be gone for about 4 months and believe it would be unfair to whatever organization I would be representing to be absent for nearly a third of my year. But, I am excited to explore new opportunities in pageantry!

Officially a Former Miss Teen Minnesota United States:

xoxo,
Victoria

Monday, January 7, 2013

Two Zero One Three!

Happy New Year! 2013 is in full swing and I could not be more thankful for a blessed 2012 and for all that is in store for the upcoming year.

During the end of December, I was able to make a few appearances while home on winter break! My younger sister, Jeni, and I rang bells for the Salvation Army at our hometown grocery store on December 18th and we had a blast! Jeni is also Miss Waconia, so we have two queens in the family:) It was heartwarming to see familiar faces and strangers donate to such a worthy cause during the Christmas Season. Later that same week, on the 20th, I helped with a Toys for Tots distribution in North Minneapolis. I worked with Northpoint Health and Wellness Center during their toys pick-up for their patrons. I met other wonderful volunteers and also got to see Santa! It was a day filled with fun, new faces and holiday cheer. It reminded me to count my blessing and be grateful for all the wonderful things in my life.
Myself and Jeni, Miss Waconia, bell ringing! 

Dan, another volunteer, and myself at Northpoint checking patrons in! 

After spending Christmas with my family and overeating; I helped with a meal delivery with WeCAN Meals on Wheels in Mound, MN. Meals on Wheels in a government program that provides meals for those who are in need on a weekly basis, Monday-Friday. I met with Carolyn Dillon, the director, and shared her route for the day. I met two of wonderful chefs behind the programs, as well as other volunteers who deliver every day, out of the goodness of their hearts. We delivered meals to a variety of people; one man was 100 years old! Most of the recipients were quite surprised to find me at their door; but I believe it was welcomed. I certainly enjoyed my day!
David, a volunteer, and I before deliveries! 

Felicia, myself and Julie. They are the amazing chefs! 


I'm hoping to make a few more appearances before I head back over the border to Madison on the 20th. I am looking forward to my photo shoot on the 18th and working on a few surprises for our pageant in February! As always, if you have any questions about Miss United States or an appearance, please do not hesitate to contact me!

The entry deadline for the Miss Minnesota United States pageant is January 31st. If you or someone you know would like to compete in the Jr. Teen, Teen or Miss competition, encourage them to enter! Our fees are very low and the prize packages are out of this world! Contact me or visit www.missminnesotaus.com for more information.

I hope 2013 is everyone's best year yet!

xoxo,
Victoria

Monday, November 26, 2012

An Unusual Holiday Gift

It is crazy how fast the time flies during this time of year. I hope this blog finds everyone safe and healthy as the Holidays begin. A very happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone, also!

When the Holidays roll around, I am always excited to shop for gifts for my family and friends. Giving presents, and expecting nothing in return, is such a wonderful feeling. This year, I would like to present a challenge to all of us "givers" out there. Instead of that cute Vera Bradley bag or a new sweater, try purchasing a charitable gift! Many foundations and charities have created options that allows you to "purchase" a donation in someone's name. This is a great way to make a difference in someone's life and give a truly unique present; the gift of change. My personal platform, Smile Network International, is always accepting donations; you can give the gift of a new smile to a child! Now that, is a very powerful gift.

The Holiday Season is also a time of age-old traditions; light the tree, opening presents on Christmas morning, attending the Holidazzle Parade and baking cookies. Even though we can all find ourselves busy and overwhelmed by all there is to do, it is important to keep those in need in mind. Start a new tradition this year. Volunteer with your family at a soup kitchen, or donate toys to a drive for those who cannot afford presents. Many shelters accept tie-blanket donations; pick the print with the family and tie it together! With so many options, even the smallest act can make a monumental difference in someone's life.

Let's go out, make a difference, and spread Holiday cheer!

xoxo,
Victoria

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

The Freshman 15 (Reasons to Love Yourself)!

Before I dive into my first blog of October, I have a very exciting announcement: my sister queen, Maddy Thoele and Miss MN United States, has recently gotten engaged! I am beyond excited for her and would like to wish her and her fiance, Adam, all the best. Maddy is the best mentor a girl could ask for; she is confident, smart, successful and a truly beautiful person inside and out. I cannot wait to see what her future as a married woman has in store for her, but I am sure it will be wonderful and fabulous just like her. I love you, Maddy! 

Now, The Freshman 15. Competing in pageants has taught me a lot. I know how to work a stage in various types of apparel, how to hold myself with poise, grace and just the right amount of spunk during an interview and how to do my hair and make up to near perfection. This summer as I competed for Miss Teen United States, I learned for the first time how to prepare myself for a swimsuit competition. It was one of the most challenging, frustrating and rewarding experiences of my entire life. I was beyond pleased with how I looked on stage. I felt extremely confident, mainly because I knew I had worked so hard to get to where I was. 

As a college freshman, people often daunt about gaining "The Freshman 15" pounds. As a young woman, the thought of gaining 15 pounds is terrifying. Over the first month of college, I have found myself comparing my body to my friends and complete strangers I walk by on my way to class every day. 

Since Nationals in July, I have not been following a diet and exercise plan that is quite as strict. And let's face it, college food is simply not as healthy as it could be. When your mom can buy fresh fruits and veggies once a week, it's much easier to maintain a balanced diet. But, that does not mean you don't have a choice. True, I could have pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but I don't. 

Through my experiences in preparing for Miss Teen United States, I learned much more than I ever wanted to know about diets and eating right. But eating healthy gave me much more than a healthy body; it boosted my confidence and made me good about how hard I was working. So, I stopped comparing myself to other girls I see on the sidewalk. I feel good about myself because I know I eat well and workout when I should. That's the most important part: feeling good about the decisions you make. Instead of thinking about the 15 pounds you could gain, find 15 reasons to love yourself. Find 15 healthy new foods you want to try, or 15 new exercise moves to try! Staying positive is key. 

I simply cannot thank Jason, from Youngquest Fitness, Cheri Kennedy, my coach, Ashlea McLeod, my director, and Maddy, my sister queen, enough for helping me on my journey, always believing in me and giving me reasons to love myself! I just may have found inspiration for a new platform:)

xoxo,

Victoria 

Friday, September 14, 2012

Crossing the Border...I'm a Badger!

I have officially completed my first full week of classes here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Move-in day was hectic, but my roommate, Olivia, and I made sure our room looks fabulous! Adjusting to college life has been exhausting, fun and exciting. The Badger spirit here is out of this world. I got to experience my first "jump around" at the Badger game two weeks ago. Sitting in the student section at a UW-Madison football game is enthralling; there is so much pride for this awesome school!

On an academic note, I am loving my classes! I am in what is called a First Year Interest Group, or FIG. It is entitled Race and Ethnicity in Latin America. It perfectly into my major, International Studies and Spanish. I have attended meeting for student organizations, visited the study abroad fair and eaten at some delicious restaurants that are unique to Madison. I really do love this city and my campus!

As a first year college student, I have complied a short list of things everyone should bring to college, but forgets.

1. An extra face washing cloth. You need somewhere to set your wet shower caddy!
2. An shower curtain, rod and hoops. Not for the showers, but for your closet!
3. Your camera charger. Guess who forgot theirs.
4. An extra full-length mirror. It's nice to have two, so you and your roommate can get ready at the same time!
5. Storage bins for shoes. It makes everything more organized!
6. Magnets. These are great to hang up flyers on your fridge.
7. A pitcher. During the winter, you won't have to go to the bathroom to get water for hot chocolate and tea.
8. A blank bulletin board. It's important to have pictures of your friends, but you need for new ones, too!
9. Blow dryer, straightener, curling iron. If you share with your sibling, like me, you'll need your own now!
10. Crown and banner. This may not be applicable to everyone, but you never know when a volunteer opportunity will arise!

While I am enjoying my time at college, I can't help but miss home at least a little. Since I am fairly far away, I do not make it home much. But, I will be home the weekend of the 23rd of February because that is the Miss Minnesota United States Pageant! I am looking forward to a great event and encourage every one to check out the website to become involved as a contestant or volunteer! www.missmnus.com

xoxo,

Victoria

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Good Things Come in 3s

What an exciting past week it has been! I started off on Monday arriving in Roseville and our host hotel for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition. All the young women got moved into their rooms and we spent some great time bonding! Then, we were treated to dinner at Osaka; it was not only delicious, but entertaining as well. Tuesday morning we were up bright and early to begin judging. I was contestant #2. Personal interview went very well and was followed by lunch with the judges. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know them and it made us all feel more comfortable in the judging room. Mock media interviews flew by and then it was on to the speech competition. I practiced my nearly-memorized speech just one more time before heading into the room and am happy to say I nailed it and only glanced down twice! Extemporaneous remarks were a challenge, but we made it through and moved on to group judging. I was put into a wonderful group and we fed off each other really well during the discussion which made it go super fast. That completed judging and I couldn't have been more relieved! We went out for pizza that night before heading off to the Kare11  Backyard where we appeared on the 10 o'clock news with Belinda Jensen.



Wednesday morning we had a few hours to get ready for the day before traveling to attend the Midwest Dairy Association board meeting and have lunch with all the members. Lunch was great and we had some intriguing conversation with fellow dairy farmers. After lunch we headed over to the state fair  grounds for a quick rehearsal then back to the hotel for final preparation before the big night. Family and individual pictures were taken before our banquet.  A few short speeches and some yummy chocolate cake later all the finalists were backstage. We had so much fun and each of us got a moment on stage to be introduced and speak with our host for the evening. It was an incredible three days where  memories and friends were made to last a lifetime.


As we all paraded back onstage for crowning, I stayed calm. I knew that my fate was already decided and everything was out of my control. I gave judging my best and felt confident it all that I had said and done. First they announced Miss Congeniality; Kelsey Mussman was named and I couldn't have been more excited for her! I am happy to call her my friend. Next, we moved on to the announcement of the top three. I was thrilled to hear my name called first, followed by Kelsey Mussman and Christine Reitsma. Then the big moment, as Mary walked by each of us, we stole one last glanced at the crown. She held the crown over each of our heads before placing it on the 59th Princess Kay of the Milky Way's. Christine could not have been more surprised or excited, I am so happy for her. I am confident she will make a fantastic Princess Kay and serve as an energetic ambassador for the dairy industry in Minnesota. Placing in the top three for Princess Kay is an honor.




After Judging!
Before our Luncheon


Matt Addington Photography
Top 3
Just a little later today I will be headed back to the state fair to spend my three days there. I will engage in several activities with fairgoers, present a My Farm, My Story presentation in the Moo Booth and on Sunday the 26th (tomorrow) I will be getting my head carved out of 90lbs of dairy butter! I am so excited to follow in my mother's and sister's footsteps.

So, if you're at the state fair be sure to check out all the butter heads in the Empire Commons and grab a treat from the Dairy Goodness Bar! See you at the Great Minnesota Get Together!

xoxo,

Victoria


Sunday, August 5, 2012

Princess Kay of the Milky Way

As many of you may have noticed, I am a finalist for the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way. So, what exactly is this and how did I get involved? That's what this blog is all about!

I grew up on a dairy farm outside of Norwood, MN. Today we milk 66 holstein cows, farm about 25 acres of land and raise calves, heifers and bulls. Growing up on a dairy farm has been a wonderful experience that has taught me so much; the importance of hard work, independence and what it feels like to be part of a tight-knit community. The dairy industry is a vital part of Minnesota and has a variety of healthy, wholesome and nutritious products to offer. Promotion of our industry and keeping consumers updated with how milk goes from the farm to your kitchen table is important; that's where the Dairy Princess program comes in.

Girls ages 18-24 are eligible to run to be a dairy princess, they must be graduating or out of high school, must live or work on a dairy and must not be married or have children. It starts at a county level where many counties have their own dairy princess contests. In Carver County, the competition is held in mid-April each year. The contestants compete in personal interview, mock radio interview and a deliver a speech. Each girl is crowned and a top three are named to continue on to compete at what we call May Event.

May Event is held in St. Joseph, MN each spring. County princesses from across the state come to compete to be named as a top 12 finalist for the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way. We compete in personal interview, mock radio interview and deliver a speech. When we are not being judged, we go through a series of media training and sessions to learn how to effectively reach our audiences when promoting the dairy industry. This year, we had a special guest speaker; Miss Oklahoma America, Betty Thompson. Betty shared her story with us and told us about her platform (Milk, it really does a body good). Betty was first runner-up at Miss America this year and we were honored to hear from her.     The next day after a luncheon, the 12 finalists are named. I was thrilled to be called as the 3rd finalist, following in my mother's and older sister's footsteps.

The 12 finalists spend their summer promoting the dairy industry with their other county princesses. We spend two weekends together, as finalists, and with the current Princess Kay of the Milky Way. I absolutely adore each girl and have enjoyed our summer together so far! Next up is the Princess Kay competition. We stay for three days in the Twin Cities and compete in personal interview, mock radio interview, deliver a speech, group judging and extemporaneous remarks. On Tuesday the 21st of August we will appear on Kare11 in the Backyard with Belinda Jensen. On Wednesday the 22nd of August, coronation takes place at the Bandshell on the state fairgrounds. That night, the 59th Princess Kay of the Milky Way will be announced!

I have had a wonderful experience as a Carver County Dairy Princess and Princess Kay Finalists this far! I would like to invite you all to the following events:

Carver County Fair: August 8-12, 2012
Princess Kay Coronation: August 22nd, 2012 @ 8:30pm. State Fairground, Bandshell.
Ride the fan bus: Leaves from Waconia High School on August 22nd, time TBD.
Order a fan shirt: Contact me with your name and size by Tuesday, August 7 at noon.
My butterhead carving: Tuesday, August 28th. State Fair, 8am-5pm. (Unless I am named as Princess Kay)

Contact me for more information on any event or visit www.midwestdairy.com for all types of dairy information!

xoxo,

Victoria