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