Kristina Janolo: Rounding up the month of March...

Hello my friends!

The months of March and April have flown by. I have been busier than ever traveling throughout the state and to others! I am going to update you in this blog with the rest of my March appearances.

On March 15th, I made an appearance at the Make-A-Wish Foundation walk in Orlando. Miss Orlando, Amanda Harris, and Miss Orange County, Sara York, were also in attendance. The evening was blessed with beautiful weather and fabulous food!

The next day I traveled to St. Petersburg to attend the Sungoddess Coronation Ball that is hosted by the St. Petersburg Suncoasters. This is a "civic organization comprised of nearly 200 business leaders who donate their time and resources to produce events that celebrate the city of St. Petersburg to be enjoyed by the total community." They created the Sungoddess and Junior Sungoddess scholarship program in which they crown 2 young women to represent their organization each year. Our new Miss Florida Board Member, Kim Futch, joined me at this event. It was great to spend some time with her!

The following morning, which was Saturday, May 17th, I drove to Miami. After a five hour long drive I was finally in the city and finally in Mary's home! I had missed Mary so much and I couldn't wait to have some adventures with her.

Sunday, Mary, David Gilbert, and I attended the Miss Miami Pageant. The show was emceed by my Miss Florida sister, Lissette Gonzalez. It was great to see her and a few more of my friends that had come to support the contestants. Congratulations to the two winners, Dasha Gonzalez and Azah Awasum!

That following Monday, Mary, David, and I visited Ann Marie at her brand new store! I got a few new additions to my wardrobe. I am so grateful for the wonderful sponsorship that Ann Marie provides to Miss Florida!

After Ann Marie's, we met up with two more of my Miss Florida sisters, Kelly Gaudet, and Kylie Williams for dinner. We had so much fun catching up and sharing stories!

Wednesday, March 21st, I drove back to St. Petersburg to partake in the Grand Prix festivities. Thursday evening I rode in my very own "Miss Florida" carriage in the Festival of States Grand Prix Night Parade. Miss St. Petersburg, Miss Largo, and their teen queens were there as well. I had never been to this parade before so I had no idea what to expect. I was so excited to see that there were so many people there to watch the parade!

The following night, Miss St. Petersburg, Chloe Lupo, and I attended the Grand Prix VIP Welcome Party at the Mahaffey Theater. Drivers, sponsors, and big Grand Prix fans were there to enjoy the party as well. The city of St. Petersburg entertained with a fireworks show and of course fed us with some fabulous food!

The next night, Saturday, March 24th, Mary flew from Miami to St. Petersburg to come join in the Grand Prix fun! March 25th, we were up early to meet with Robert Danielson, who is the manager of communications and creative services for the city of St. Petersburg. During the races, I was able to make a round on the track, meet and greet with people, and MEET CLAY AIKEN! Mary was in heaven of course because she is the BIGGEST Clay fan I have ever met!

On March 31st, I woke early and drove to Plant City to attend the First Annual Charity Polo Classic. This was a benefit for the Children's Cancer Center and Kettle Comfort. I had never been to a Polo Match before so this was a new experience for me. I had the opportunity to throw the ball to begin the match. My good friend, Linda McHenry, joined me at this event. It had been a long time since I had spent time with her so I was so happy that she was able to attend it with me. At the event, Mayor Raulerson, father of my predecessor, Jaclyn, was there to make opening remarks. It is always great to see his smiling face!

Right after the Polo match, I drove to Orlando to perform at the University of Central Florida's Knight Thon. Every year, UCF, hosts this "dance marathon" to raise money for Children's Miracle Network. It felt great to be on my college campus and seeing so many familiar faces!