Hello Friends!
I know that many of you have been anxiously waiting to hear about my first month as Miss Florida 2011! So many exciting and fun things have happened, that I too, have been anxious to share these events with you.
First, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the lovely young women that I had the honor to compete with during Miss Florida week. You were all so wonderful and truly kind, not only to me, but to all that were involved during the week. In all of the years that I have competed, I have never seen a class more team oriented than ours and I can honestly say that we are more like sisters than friends. The feeling of hearing my name called as the new Miss Florida will NEVER compare to the feeling of love that I received from all of you girls.
After the gala, I returned to my room at 1:30 AM. I was so overcome with many different emotions that I found it extremely difficult to fall asleep! But somehow I managed to catch some shut eye and I was up at 4:45 to gather my things and head to our Executive Director, Mary's, room to get my makeup done for a Fox News 13 Tampa interview. Bill Doniel, came to pick Elizabeth (Our new Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen) and me at the hotel and brought us to the Fox News Sation. It was the first time I had ever been in a news station, so I was completely fascinated with the set, the crew, and the cameras. The interview was a blast and I was ecstatic because I had the opportunity to watch my crowning moment for the first time!
After the gala, I returned to my room at 1:30 AM. I was so overcome with many different emotions that I found it extremely difficult to fall asleep! But somehow I managed to catch some shut eye and I was up at 4:45 to gather my things and head to our Executive Director, Mary's, room to get my makeup done for a Fox News 13 Tampa interview. Bill Doniel, came to pick Elizabeth (Our new Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen) and me at the hotel and brought us to the Fox News Sation. It was the first time I had ever been in a news station, so I was completely fascinated with the set, the crew, and the cameras. The interview was a blast and I was ecstatic because I had the opportunity to watch my crowning moment for the first time!
To watch the interview click on the link below:
New Miss Florida stops by our studio
After the interview, we returned to the Hilton. Upon my arrival to the front lobby, a group of little girls gasped, pointed at me, and said "It's Miss Florida!" It was at that very moment that it hit me...I'M REALLY MISS FLORIDA!
As soon as I checked in with Mary, she informed me that I would be meeting with the Everglades Foundation in about an hour or so to talk about my role as a spokeswoman for the foundation. I met with Vivian Miller and Jessica Hodder who were just as kind as can be! Their enthusiasm and excitement for the year ahead was extremely contagious! They recorded a short video of me for their facebook page. You can click on the link below to watch it :-)
Miss Florida 2011: On working with The Everglades Foundation
After my meeting with The Everglades Foundation, the Miss Florida Board took Elizabeth and I, and our moms out for lunch. Soon afterwards, we had our official contract meeting. As soon as I was finished signing the official contract, I left for home to see my family and friends.
I was elated to find that all my family and friends were anxiously awaiting my arrival. We shared our Miss Florida week stories with each other. They all wanted to know about what was running through my head while I was up on that stage while I wanted to know what was running through theirs as they watched in the audience! I was overcome with laughter as they shared their stories of emotional reckless abandon as I was called into the top ten...then into the top 5...and finally as Miss Florida!
Mary allowed me to go on a mini vacation with my family to Singer Island in West Palm before moving into her house. So a week after Miss Florida and relaxation on the beach,
I drove on my way to Miami.
Tuesday, July 19th, I went to the Everglades Foundation to meet with Vivian, Jerry Karnas (The communications director), and Kirk Fordham (The CEO). I was completely enthralled by all of the information that they were sharing with me about the Everglades, its history, and the mission of the Foundation. I had so many questions and they made sure that I left with all of them answered. The foundation is truly remarkable and I encourage each of you to take the opportunity to learn more about our Everglades and the Foundation.
Wednesday, July 20th, Mary and I, met with Elizabeth and her mom, Dixie, for lunch. :-) It was so much fun seeing my little! We talked about the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant and about her final preparations. I am so excited for her!
Thursday, July 21st, Lissette Gonzalez, Miss Florida 1998, came to Mary's house to help me with my Miss America song selection. I was so thankful that she was not only willing but also excited to help! That same night, Mary and I went to Ann Marie's where I received many new and FABULOUS additions to my wardrobe! I am so grateful for her endless generosity. Ann Marie then took us out to dinner at a local restaurant called Capri. It was there that I got my first taste of the TRUE power behind the crown. As we were looking through the menu, the owner of the restaurant informed us that there was an event going on next door.
The following Saturday, July 23rd, I drove back to my hometown, Kissimmee, for an appearance that I had the next day. I was invited to the first annual Puerto Rican Parade in Osceola County. I was there to help the local Remax team. While there, I took pictures with the visitors and had the opportunity to speak for a few minutes on the main stage.
The following day, I had my official headshots taken with Deanna Meredith. The photoshoot was loads of fun! Elizabeth joined me towards the end of the photoshoot to snap some Team Florida pictures! Afterwards, we went to visit Regalia and grab some lunch. Mary and I then headed back to Miami.
After the interview, we returned to the Hilton. Upon my arrival to the front lobby, a group of little girls gasped, pointed at me, and said "It's Miss Florida!" It was at that very moment that it hit me...I'M REALLY MISS FLORIDA!
As soon as I checked in with Mary, she informed me that I would be meeting with the Everglades Foundation in about an hour or so to talk about my role as a spokeswoman for the foundation. I met with Vivian Miller and Jessica Hodder who were just as kind as can be! Their enthusiasm and excitement for the year ahead was extremely contagious! They recorded a short video of me for their facebook page. You can click on the link below to watch it :-)
Miss Florida 2011: On working with The Everglades Foundation
After my meeting with The Everglades Foundation, the Miss Florida Board took Elizabeth and I, and our moms out for lunch. Soon afterwards, we had our official contract meeting. As soon as I was finished signing the official contract, I left for home to see my family and friends.
I was elated to find that all my family and friends were anxiously awaiting my arrival. We shared our Miss Florida week stories with each other. They all wanted to know about what was running through my head while I was up on that stage while I wanted to know what was running through theirs as they watched in the audience! I was overcome with laughter as they shared their stories of emotional reckless abandon as I was called into the top ten...then into the top 5...and finally as Miss Florida!
Mary allowed me to go on a mini vacation with my family to Singer Island in West Palm before moving into her house. So a week after Miss Florida and relaxation on the beach,
I drove on my way to Miami.
Tuesday, July 19th, I went to the Everglades Foundation to meet with Vivian, Jerry Karnas (The communications director), and Kirk Fordham (The CEO). I was completely enthralled by all of the information that they were sharing with me about the Everglades, its history, and the mission of the Foundation. I had so many questions and they made sure that I left with all of them answered. The foundation is truly remarkable and I encourage each of you to take the opportunity to learn more about our Everglades and the Foundation.
Wednesday, July 20th, Mary and I, met with Elizabeth and her mom, Dixie, for lunch. :-) It was so much fun seeing my little! We talked about the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant and about her final preparations. I am so excited for her!
Thursday, July 21st, Lissette Gonzalez, Miss Florida 1998, came to Mary's house to help me with my Miss America song selection. I was so thankful that she was not only willing but also excited to help! That same night, Mary and I went to Ann Marie's where I received many new and FABULOUS additions to my wardrobe! I am so grateful for her endless generosity. Ann Marie then took us out to dinner at a local restaurant called Capri. It was there that I got my first taste of the TRUE power behind the crown. As we were looking through the menu, the owner of the restaurant informed us that there was an event going on next door.
The event was an AMIKids event sponsored by BP and the US Olympics. "AMIKids is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping troubled youth develop into responsible and productive citizens." Upon learning that I was Miss Florida, they asked if I would speak to the kids in reference to their theme which was "Overcoming Adversity." Before ordering our food, we headed next door where the event was being held, and I spoke to the kids about how I had overcome my own adversity. I tolf them about my dream to one day be Miss Florida and how after six years, I had finally made my dream a reality. After sharing my story I had the opportunity to sign autographs and take pictures with the kids! It was the coolest experience!
The following Saturday, July 23rd, I drove back to my hometown, Kissimmee, for an appearance that I had the next day. I was invited to the first annual Puerto Rican Parade in Osceola County. I was there to help the local Remax team. While there, I took pictures with the visitors and had the opportunity to speak for a few minutes on the main stage.
The following day, I had my official headshots taken with Deanna Meredith. The photoshoot was loads of fun! Elizabeth joined me towards the end of the photoshoot to snap some Team Florida pictures! Afterwards, we went to visit Regalia and grab some lunch. Mary and I then headed back to Miami.
The days during the following week were dedicated to Miss America Paperwork. A few of the nights Mary and I went out to dinner with David Gilbert, who is vice president of the Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant. On Thursday, the 28th, and Friday, the 29th, I was at the Everglades Foundation by 10 AM for meetings. That weekend was Mary's birthday weekend! Ann Marie treated us to dinner on Thursday and David treated us to dinner on Sunday. I am so thankful for their kindness and their generosity and of course for making
Mary's birthday special!
The following week, Mary and I finalized my Miss America paperwork and I am ecstatic to say that it has been delivered to Miss America! That's right...I am official!
On Friday, August 5th, I flew from Miami to Orlando. The following day, Saturday the 6th, I was interviewed by The Filipino Channel. The Filipino Channel is an international television station that is viewed by people in Asia Pacific, Australia, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and the United Sates. The Filipino Channel crew members, who are stationed in San Francisco, California came to my home to film an entire segment about me and my family. They interviewed my parents, brother, sister, and myself about my journey while competing in the Miss Florida Pageant. After the interview, my family and I traveled to the Osceola Heritage Center where I had the opportunity to perform for The Filipino Channel's Concert that was featuring Jericho Rosales. Jericho is one of the biggest stars in the Philippines and I was so honored to meet him and have the opportunity to perform right before him! I sang "I Surrender" and "Ikaw," which is a beautiful Filipino Love Song.
Mary's birthday special!
The following week, Mary and I finalized my Miss America paperwork and I am ecstatic to say that it has been delivered to Miss America! That's right...I am official!
On Friday, August 5th, I flew from Miami to Orlando. The following day, Saturday the 6th, I was interviewed by The Filipino Channel. The Filipino Channel is an international television station that is viewed by people in Asia Pacific, Australia, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and the United Sates. The Filipino Channel crew members, who are stationed in San Francisco, California came to my home to film an entire segment about me and my family. They interviewed my parents, brother, sister, and myself about my journey while competing in the Miss Florida Pageant. After the interview, my family and I traveled to the Osceola Heritage Center where I had the opportunity to perform for The Filipino Channel's Concert that was featuring Jericho Rosales. Jericho is one of the biggest stars in the Philippines and I was so honored to meet him and have the opportunity to perform right before him! I sang "I Surrender" and "Ikaw," which is a beautiful Filipino Love Song.
My first month as Miss Florida has been a whirlwind! I just can't believe that one month has already passed. The rest of this month is going to be super busy, especially with the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant taking place next week! I hope to see many of you there! Please watch out for more updates! You can also follow me on Twitter, my username is MissFlorida11 and if you haven't already friended me on Facebook...add me! I will do my best to keep all of you up to date with all of my adventures!
All my best,
Kristina
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