Women of Distinction Luncheon 2014

   Hooray! I finally have some time to update y'all on what I've been up to the past few weeks. One event deserves a post of its own: the 2014 Women of Distinction Luncheon. As many of you know, I was personally invited by Assemblywoman Solages to be the keynote speaker at her first annual Women of Distinction Luncheon in Valley Stream. As a youth advocate for the American Heart Association, I was more than happy to speak to the attendees about my journey with the AHA and how heart disease has affected both my family and my generation.
   With that being said, on March 23, I spoke to over 200 outstanding women and community members about my platform- Heart U. I shared with them how heart disease has directly affected my life (my grandfather suffered from an abdominal aortic aneurism in 2011, and heart disease runs in my family). But I also spoke about my generation and how we are predicted to be the first generation to not outlive our parents if we continue down the path towards unhealthy habits. Heart disease knows no bounds and affects everyone in multiple ways, shapes, and forms.
   As I finished speaking, I encouraged each and every person in the room to find a cause that they are passionate about. Whether it be the American Heart Association or a smaller cause, I urged everyone to take action, like I did with the AHA. The honorees at the luncheon (women who have done so much for their community in so many different ways) have done just that as well. It is when you find that cause that you care about that you can truly make a difference in your community.
  By the end of the luncheon, I had met so many inspirational people. I even spoke to a few girl scout troop leaders who wanted me to present the Heart U program to their troops. I was beyond ecstatic! Here are some photos from the event:

I absolutely love this picture of my mom and I at the luncheon!

A quick selfie never hurt anyone! I wore a red dress and a red dress pin to support the Go Red for Women campaign!

With Assemblywoman Solages after the luncheon. I'm so thankful for the opportunity she extended to me. I love being able to speak about my platform whenever I get the chance!

   I have so many fabulous people to thank for this opportunity. Firstly, to Assemblywoman Solages for trusting a sixteen year old to be the keynote speaker at her luncheon. She had only spoken to me for about ten minutes before asking me to speak at the event, and I am forever grateful that she had so much faith in me. Next, to Ms. Desdunes for providing me with so much information on the event beforehand. Lastly, thank you to all of the luncheon attendees. They lended me your ear for ten minutes so that I could speak to them about heart disease and its effect on the lives of so many. They allowed me to do something I love- speak about the causes that are near and dear to my heart.

XOXO,

Sarah

New York State Lobby Day and Exciting News!

   Happy Friday, y'all! This past few weeks has been filled with crazy busy endeavors, but I wouldn't have it any other way! On Saturday, March 8, I took my first SAT. That's right, folks. This girl is officially getting closer to applying for college! Despite getting lost on my way to the testing site (I was driving by myself and I had never been to the testing sight before), the day went by smoothly.
   Another awesome that happened to me was being invited as a Youth Advocate to the American Heart Association New York State Lobby Day. On March 12, my dad graciously took off work to drive me to Albany to gather with multiple advocate at the New York State Capitol Building. All day my dad and I attended legislative meetings persuading lawmakers to support an increase in funding for smoking support and diabetes prevention programs.
   If that wasn't enough, I was extended an incredible offer by Assemblywoman Solages, herself! After speaking with the Assemblywoman, she invited me to her Women's Empowerment Luncheon. She was very impressed my my speaking skills (skills that I've acquired through the Miss America's Outstanding Teen program), she even asked me to be the guest speaker at the luncheon! It was an offer I couldn't refuse. I look forward to speaking about my involvement with the American Heart Association and how it has shaped me into the person I am today.
   By the end of the day, I learned a lot. First, Assemblywoman Solages is an incredibly amiable woman and it was such a pleasure getting to speak with her. I also learned that my dad rocks at persuading lawmakers... he's great at speaking to people! Here are some pictures from the day:

Before heading off to our first legislative meeting of the day!

My dad and I couldn't resist taking a selfie!

My dad is awesome! I love him so much.

Post legislative meetings!

   In other news, I am excited to say that I have returned to Stages, A Children's Theater Workshop for their annual Spring Show! I've performed with Stages for a few years, and have appeared in shows such as Frankenstein Follies, Oliver!, and Grease. This year, my friends and I will be performing Once Upon a Mattress. I'm so glad to be back with my Stages family, and I look forward to the upcoming performances in May. Details to come soon!

XOXO,

Sarah

March Madness

   I know what you're thinking. Sorry, basketball fans, but this post isn't about our favorite college b-ball competition. Each year my school puts on an event called, "March Madness" in which each class competes against each other in smaller competitions for coveted March Madness Points. Because we are Juniors, my class went all out for the competition... we couldn't loose to the Sophomores or Freshmen!
   As Junior Class Vice President, I became involved in as many competitions as I possibly could. In November, I started rehearsing with my classmates for the March Madness Dance Competition (the most popular competition in March Madness- everyone wants to win). I was also in charge of putting together the Junior Class Lip Sync, a chance for the students to get silly while racking up March Madness Points.
   Because March Madness is such a crucial part of the Southampton High School experience, I couldn't resist sharing pictures and video with you all:

I need to thank all of the Juniors who stepped up to the plate and participated in the Lip Sync this year. I know it is very difficult to let go of your inhibitions and act silly in front of the whole school, but you all rocked it! Thank you, Jennie, Irene, Pauline, Caitlin, Natalie, Guille, Justin, and Isaiah!

My Lip Sync crew. Thanks, Abby C., for this pic of use before our quick rehearsal.

Okay. I cannot thank Isaiah enough for this idea. Yes, it was his idea to put the wig on while he sang, "A Thousand Miles", and without him we wouldn't have secured second place.

   You can click here to find videos of the dances and lip syncs of each class (if you want to see the Juniors rock their dance and lip sync, just look for the videos where each person is wearing green- it's our class color) Because it is the most important competition, my class worked from November through March on our dance. We won second place!

   As always, March Madness was so much fun, especially because the Junior class placed second overall! I want to thank Ms. Mac and Ms. Jeffries, our class advisors for taking time out of your schedules to watch our dance and lip sync practices. Without you, we wouldn't have won second place. I love my school!

XOXO,

Sarah

Miss Empire Star, Miss Empire Rose, and Miss Empire Capital Region Pageant

   Hello everyone! I hope you all are enjoying the "heat wave" we are experiencing. I know that I'm enjoying this nice 50 degree weather! It's about time for the snow to disappear and for some warm weather to come rolling in!
   On February 28, I traveled to Malta, New York to participate in the Miss Empire Rose, Star, and Capital Region pageant. I was ecstatic to be a part of the rehearsal process on Friday night and witness the truly amazing talent we have right here in New York.
   After helping the contestants rehearse and catching up with my sweet friend, Haley, I returned on Saturday to watch the competition. I was thrilled to catch up with the current Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Class of 2014, and even meet some of the Miss New York contestants.
   I was absolutely blown away by the talent and poise the contestants demonstrated throughout the pageant. I can only hope to be as inspiring as they are when I decide to compete in the Miss America Organization.
   The best part of my day? Welcoming Sarah Hreyo to the Miss Empire Star family! I'm so excited to be working with Sarah this coming year as sister queens, and to support her on her journey to Miss New York. I already know that we are going to be really great friends.
   Here are some pictures from the weekend:

Haley and I at rehearsals on Friday night. I was so happy to catch up with this girl!

Us teens with Amanda Mason, Miss New York! 

Ms. Janet, I cannot thank you enough for your generosity that weekend. She presented all of the Empire titleholders with pearl necklaces. The Empire Teens also received some beautiful luggage (which will come in handy when I travel to Italy with my Latin Class next month!).

We couldn't resist a silly picture!

Some of the Teen and Miss titleholders after the pageant.

I always jump at the chance to perform for an audience. Here I am singing one of my favorite songs, "Brave" by Idina Menzel.

Hehe! I can't get over my cheesy smile! Here is the current Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Class of 2014!

   I have so many people to thank for making my experience at the Empire Pageant so memorable. First and foremost to my executive director, Ms. Janet, for everything she does for the Empire titleholders. From the moment I became part of the Empire family, she has made me feel nothing but welcome. Next, to Ms. Kathleen for making sure the weekend ran smoothly and went by without a hitch. I also need to thank the sponsors of the Miss Empire Rose, Star and Capital Region Organization. Without you all, we would not be were we are today. Lastly, thank you to the many volunteers who are the true backbone of the Miss America and Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organizations. You all deserve an award for all of the hours you put into these organizations.

   

Until next time!

XOXO,

Sarah

Miss New York City, Metropolitan, and Cosmopolitan Pageant!

   Happy Monday, y'all! Yesterday was jam-packed with fun for this girl! I spent the majority of my day cheering on the lovely ladies vying for the jobs of Miss New York City, Miss Metropolitan, and Miss Cosmopolitan. Here are a few pictures:

My mom and I grabbed a bite to eat at the Olympic Flame Diner before the show... yummy! If you're in the Lincoln Center area and looking for a nice place to eat, this is the place!

I got to catch up with my close friends, Katie and Claudette, before the show!

As always, I love being able to catch up with Acacia Courtney! Acacia gave up her title as Miss New York City yesterday. She has left some BIG shoes to fill!

I didn't expect to run into my long-time friend, Lauren, at the show. What a lovely surprise it was! Love you, Lauren, and it was so nice to catch up with you and your sweet momma!

We met the newest member of the Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Class of 2014 yesterday. I'm so excited to welcome you to the sisterhood, Dominique!

Who wouldn't enjoy the chance to catch up with Amanda, Miss New York?! Not only is she talented beyond belief, but she is über sweet. Thanks for the picture, Amanda!

   As I watched the show, it became evident that all of the contestants put a huge amount of work into preparing for the competition. I would like to congratulate each of the girls who competed yesterday on their hard work. I would also like to congratulate the newest local titleholders: Kira, Miss New York City, Christina, Miss Cosmopolitan, and Julia, Miss Metropolitan! A big, "Thank you!" goes out to my mom, for driving my to New York City, and all of the volunteers who made yesterday's show possible. Until next time!

XOXO,

Sarah

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Youth Court and the 2014 HMEA Concert Choir

   Wow, what a whirl wind the past few months have been! With all of the fun and exciting things happening, I've forgotten to update. But don't worry, because I've finally had some time to share all of the things I've been up to!
   I decided to join the Southampton Town's Youth Court in November. The Youth Court program consists of teens who have an interest in becoming an attorney. The members gather every week to try actual cases of real teen offenders in Southampton Town. We give real sentences, with community service being the most popular. I was so excited to serve on the jury of my first trial, so I took this selfie:

   A few weeks after, I was selected to be apart of the Hamptons Music Eduactor's Association (HMEA) 2014 program. I gathered with some of the most talented singers the Hamptons have to offer. Together we made up the 2014 HMEA Concert Choir. What a fun experience it was! Here are some pictures from backstage:

With the singers selected from Southampton High School before the concert!

My good friend, Katie, was also selected to be a part of the choir!

With our talented director, Mr. Steven. He taught us so much about being a part of a choir!

   I promise I will find more time to update you all on all of the cool stuff I am doing! Stay tuned for more exciting things to come!

XOXO,

Sarah

Varsity Club Badminton Tournament

   In December I teamed up with my chorus teacher, Mr. T, to play in my school's annual Varsity Club Badminton Tournament! Badminton is one of my favorite sports, and Mr. T and I had a lot of fun! Here are some pictures from the event:

If you've ever seen the show, "The A-Team", you would probably understand the reason we named our team after the show... my chorus teacher's name is Mr. T, the name of a character on "The A-Team"!

Mr. T is famous for saying, "I pity the fool!" on "The A-Team". We thought our shirts were pretty comical!

   Thanks Mr. T, for playing Badminton with me. We may not have won, but we are determined to come back next year!

XOXO,

Sarah