Photo Tech Competition

Original Photo

A few days ago, I finished judging the pictures from the three clubs in Broward County that participated in the Digital Arts Festival Competition, sponsored by Microsoft and Best Buy. The entries were AWESOME! Some of the ten and twelve year olds would definitely show me up, as far as PhotoShop skills go! They were very creative and each entry had its own special uniqueness. For their project, they had to incorporate the cloud photo above from the Boys and Girls Club of America into their piece. The finished products were great, so I posted some of them here for you to see. The one with the alligator makes you really search for the clouds- can you see them? As you can tell, it was pretty difficult to choose a winner for each category, but I did have a lot of fun participating and was inspired by their incredible creativity!

"The world is but a canvas to the imagination."

Henry David Thoreau

A New Partnership

Well...I met with Michelle this morning and realized just how blessed I am to have the opportunity to partner with such an incredible organization! The Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the county are far more than just after school programs to keep kids off the streets. These clubs are truly helping change lives by teaching necessary life skills through hands-on experience! The chapter I visited today is a Performing Arts Center, which seems to be bustling with events and activities for the next couple of months. They have just added a new recording studio (which is the aqua room pictured above). I forgot to get a picture of this painting that was hanging on the wall in the studio- I thought it was very neat. Michelle said it was a teen's combination of Dr. Suess and Starry, Starry Night. If that's a sample of what these clubs have to offer, they have some very creative and talented individuals on their hands! I have to work on filling out some volunteer paperwork so that I can really get involved and start meeting all these incredible kids. Words cannot express my sheer excitement about becoming more involved in the next couple of months. Michelle is going to be great to work with- she is so sweet and friendly and seems to really be dedicated to supporting the mission of the club. I'll keep you all updated as things progress! 'Til next time...

Boys and Girls Club Meeting

A couple days ago I spoke to Michelle White of the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County. I had emailed her to let her know I was interested in volunteering with events throughout the year to support their organization. She seemed thrilled to hear that I wanted to help and invited me to tour their facility...tomorrow at 11:00! I am very excited about the possibility of partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, because I believe it is so important to support children and encourage them to reach for their dreams. My first project will be judging entries for a Digital Arts Festival Photo Illustration Competition, which should be pretty neat, since I'm taking a graphic design class this semester. The children will actually be using PhotoShop, an Adobe program we are using along with Adobe Illustrator. Anyway, I'll stop babbling about all this technical mumbo jumbo. For now, I'm just hoping to get over this cold so I can function normally again. After all, even a beauty queen has to study for midterms : ).

Night of Pageantry

Last Sunday, I attended to Miss FL Teen USA pageant held just down the street from my school (the closest appearance I've ever made!). There were lots of queens in attendance, but my personal favorite was Rena, my sister queen ; ). Unfortunately, we didn't get to catch up much afterwards because we both had some schoolwork to do (I hate it when that happens). But it was good to see her and talk for the little bit that we did.

The pageant was interesting- much different than I ever expected. They gear the show more towards the taping than the live audience. It was funny to watch the camera guys cue the audience to clap and cheer for their favorite contestant (and all those years, I thought that was genuine!). I felt bad for the girls because sometimes they would have to stand on the stage for like 5 minutes (for commercial break) and keep their smiles going...all I have to say is "bravo, ladies"- my cheeks would have given out after the first hour. Besides that, everyone looked gorgeous and it was tough competition! There were so many beautiful and talented delegates vying for the crown. The evening gown competition was my favorite- I have a whole new wish list for dresses!!! The only problem is...I have nowhere to wear them right now!

We sat with Janet and Charlene. Charlene, top right, does makeup for the FL US Continental pageant. Thank goodness she touched me up before I was crowned- who knows what those pictures would have turned out like!

It was fun to finally attend another pageant. I feel like I haven't been to one in forever- the last one I attended was in July, and that was for the state title that I was giving up. Jenna McDuffie, my successor in the bottom left said she's having alot of fun making appearances and being a queen.

I also ran into my classmate, Anastagia Pierre, who is the reigning Miss FL USA. She will be competing in Miss USA in April, and I will definitely be cheering her on, as she represents the good 'ole sunshine state! Good luck, girl!

So that was my latest appearance...and now, it is time for this chick to get some beauty sleep! Ttfn!

In the beginning...

So- here it is! My brand new blog- an easy and convenient way to keep everyone updated on my personal life and my endeavors in pageantry. I will be posting appearance pictures and updates on my events frequently, so make sure to check back! And...if you want to see some of my appearances from previous months, check out: http://www.uscontinentalpageant.com. Enjoy, and remember..."The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams!"