Elite USA 2011 National Pageant

June 12, 2011

Me with Taralyn and Tracy Eschburger

San Antonio, Texas is known for many attractions such as the Alamo, Sea World, The River Walk, Morgans’ Wonderland and is also now the new home of the Elite USA National Pageant! On May 12^th,, 2011, my mom and I traveled to San Antonio to support many of my “pageant
family” members who were competing.  By the time I arrived in San Antonio, the contestants had already spent the last 2 days competing in many events like ”Red,White & Blue” wear, Talent, and “State Costume”.  The last day of completion was Evening Gown and the Fun Fashion portion of the pageant.  With so many beautiful girls in gorgeous gowns and fun Fashion Wear, this was one pageant that I was happy not to be judging!  Congratulations to the new 2011 Elite USA title holders! All of the contestants did an amazing job representing their home states. Attending the pageant reminded me I am just 52 days away from competing in my own National pageant… But who’s counting?

Summer and I

2010 Elite USA Queen's portraits

Queens for a Cure

June 11, 2011

A few months ago I accepted an invitationfrom Ashley Smith, Miss International 2010 to join her “Queens for a Cure” race team and participate in the annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Race for the Cure. As yo might guess by our team’s name we are pageant girls, but what you might not know is that Ashley’s mom, Becky is a 17 year breast cancer survivor! Congratulations Mrs. Smith!

Me, Ashley Smith and her mom Becky Smith

 When I joined the “Queens for a Cure” team I had no idea just how personal this journey was going to get for me.  Breast Cancer struck our family this spring and my dad’s cousin Stacy had a double mastectomy.  I look forward to the day that our cousin Stacy can also say that she is a 17 year survivor just like Ashley’s mom!    



Elizabeth's garden Display

 Garden message of hope

One the most meaningful moments for me at the race event was the Elizabeth’s Garden display. The “garden” a place set up in honor of survivors and those who lost their fight with breast cancer. Family and friends decorated pink wooden flowers with words of encouragement, memories, and hope and planted them in the “garden".

The walk/race started bright and early at8:00, but that didn’t stop over 10k people from participating even in the 100 degree Texas heat! Armed with lip-gloss and bottled water we finished the walk and still managed to look FABulous as we stopped at the sponsor’s tents and visited with other runners, walkers and volunteers.  The day was a huge success and the money raised brings us one step closer in finding a cure so that no one needs to lose another mother, sister, wife or friend to breast cancer.

Balloon entrance

Me with the adorable Isabella Keother

The Queen team and a few race volunteers

Rose L. Hardy Middle School, Washington, D.C.

May 26, 2011

As the spokesperson for The Arc of Texas and Miss Texas Galaxy 2011, I have had the opportunity to travel all over the state of Texas. Because Texas is so vast, it’s not unusual for me to travel more than 300 miles round trip for an appearance/event.  But on May 26, 2011 I didn’t even have to leave home!  I sat at my kitchen table and used modern technology to “visit” with Mrs. Kimberly Hughes’ 6^th grade Language Arts class from the Rose L. Hardy Middle school in Washington D.C.!

 The students had been encouraged to find an organization or worthy cause that they were passionate about, and  to find creative ways to raise funds for that organization.   When I learned that the students were using my story and website as an example/model and wanted to “meet” me, a computer was set up in the classroom so that we could “skype”.  We talked about how and why I started VIP CHIC, my future plans and what it’s like being Miss Texas Galaxy.  During my “virtual visit” with the kids, I even got a chance to say hello to Assistant Principal, Mr. Sah Brown, so cool!

It is truly uplifting to know that because of my passion to raise awareness and funds for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I have inspired other young people to reach out and give back to their own communities in many different ways.  This was definitely a “Green” appearance and hope to have many more in the future!

Students In the skype picture are;  Bryant, Elijah, Shadijah, Taylor, Tamara, Rachel, Vaughn, Llana, Carolyn.  Thanks guys for taking time out your studies to chat with me! Good luck on your project and keep in touch! 

Texas Perfect Pageant

May 22nd, 2011

Me with Michael Galanes

One of the most challenging and rewarding parts about competing in pageants is shopping for the “perfect” competition wardrobe. Each pageant system is known for the specific style of wardrobe that they prefer for each area of competition.  For example, some pageant systems prefer conservative gowns and fashion wear for their Teen contestants, and some pageants use aerobic fitness wear in place of swimsuits.  Sometimes it’s hard to find exactly what you think the judges will like or what they have been told to look for. Everything I thought I knew about pageants was thrown out the door when I attended the Texas Perfect Pageant on May 22^nd, 2011. In this pageant system the contestants have free reign to choose whatever they feel is “perfect” to wear in each phase of competition. The contestants are encouraged to express their own sense of style.  At the National Perfect Miss/Perfect Teen pageant expect the unexpected because you just might see wild and fun outfits onstage as well as props such as exotic live animals! I must admit that this was the most fun I have ever had watching a pageant. One might even forget that this is a pageant and not a supermodel runway fashion show!

The creator and National Director behind this high energy pageant system is the charismatic Michael Galanes. Mr. Galanes emceed the Texas pageant, and moments before the new winners were crowned he invited me onstage to introduce myself and my title as Miss Texas Galaxy. As visiting royalty I was asked to remain on stage and help crown the winners!  Congrats to all the girls who won their age divisions and good luck as you travel to Florida in August to compete at Nationals.

Me with Laura Lucart

Me with Paige Elkins