The last two weeks of summer

Greetings Friends!

The last two weeks of September were a whirlwind!  As soon as I flew back into Orlando from my trip to Washington D.C., I was in a car traveling to St. Petersburg for a weekend full of appearances.

On Saturday, the 17th, I drove from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs to meet with the Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs, the Green Education Foundation, and members of Amway to partake in the kids' "Positive Sprout" project.  

"The Amway Global Positive Sprouts project invites community volunteers to teach kids how to start and maintain their own edible gardens. An accompanying educational curriculum will educate youngsters about nutrition, organic gardening practices, and cooking from the garden."

I had the best time helping the kids plant their very own garden of tomatoes, onions, and marigolds!

That same night, the Miss Florida Board of Directors, Rachael Todd (Miss Florida 2009), Jaclyn Raulerson (Miss Florida 2010), and some friends went out to dinner.  It was so much fun to just relax and share stories!

The next day was the Miss Florida franchise meeting, all of the local executive directors were in attendance.  Rachel Strever, our new Miss Florida's Outsanding Teen came with her family to have her first official meeting with Mary.  I was so excited for her when she signed her contract and received her official crown and sash.  I couldn't be more proud to call her my sister queen.

Rachel and I received a heartwarming welcome as we were introduced at the Franchise meeting.  I was given the opportunity to speak about my experiences as Miss Florida thus far and about my Miss America preparations.

The following day, Monday the 19th, Mary, Keith who is our Chairman of the Board, and I attended meetings throughout the city.  After our meetings we each set out on our separate ways for home.  

That Thursday, the 22nd, I spoke at the Challenger Learning Center in Osceola County.  As I drove towards the school, I was pleasantly surprised to see a "Welcome Miss Florida" sign posted on their bulletin board!  The teachers had rounded up 175 students to listen to my speech about character building, goal setting, the Miss America Organization, and my platform: America's Wake Up Call - Protect Our Environment.  The students were so attentive and when the floor was opened up to questions they peppered me with many of them!

I was up early the next morning for a photo shoot with Deanna Meredith.  My make up was done by her friend, Carrie, who was an absolute joy to work with!  The photo shoot was a blast as Deanna took me to different outdoor locations.  I can't wait to see how they turned out!

Sunday, the 25th, my sister, Samantha, and I met with Cathy Droke, the Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network for an appearance in Downtown Orlando.  The appearance was for a walk hosted by an organization called B.A.P.S., which stands for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha.  B.A.P.S. is a socio-spiritual Hindu organization.  The people who were in attendance were so hospitable and were so excited to have my sister and I there!  I was given the opportunity to greet the people and to release balloons which signified the kick off of the walk.  

The following day, I spoke at my Alma Mater, Bishop Moore Catholic High School's Ecology Club.  I spoke to them about my platform and also spoke about the benefits for the Miss America Organization and the importance of character building and goal setting.

September 21st marked the first day of Autumn...well for most states...haha...Florida will catch up eventually.  The past two weeks were filled a load of fun and hard work!  I am looking forward to sharing more stories with you as my journeys as Miss Florida 2011 continue :-)

Stay tuned!

Kristina

Green Tip: If you have the option, choose fresh vegetables over canned or frozen ones.  Freezing and canning fresh vegetables in the United States uses about three billion kilowatt-hours of energy per year, which is enough power to light every light bulb in the state of New York for three years!  When in season, fresh vegetables can also cost less than canned or frozen varieties.  

Miss Florida goes to Washington

Hello All!

Time has certainly flown by!  September has been the busiest month of my reign thus far.  The month was filled with changes in weather, changes in atmosphere, and changes in perspectives.

The first week of the month, my family and I flew to Hoopeston, Illinois to watch Miss Florida's Sweetheart, Kalen Dennis, compete for the title of National Sweetheart.  I had the opportunity to compete in the same pageant in 2009.  I had a great time reconnecting with Miss Missouri, Miss Indiana, and Miss Illinois.  Kalen won preliminary talent and placed top 10 at the competition and I couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments!  

The day we arrived in Hoopeston the weather was not too far off from Florida's at 98 degrees but the night we left the temperature dropped to 40!  Us Floridians (my family and I), were not prepared for it!  Somehow, we managed to make it to the airport without freezing.

Two days after my return from Hoopeston, I traveled to Miami to participate in the Aveda Beach Clean-Up.  Unfortunately, a torrential downpour put a damper (pun intended) on the event.  We were not able to get out onto the beach but I was able to meet a lot of influential people from various organizations that are all working towards the same goal: protection of our environment.

 The very next day I drove home to spend time with my family and celebrate my sister's sixteenth birthday. It was wonderful to spend time with my family and catch up.  Of course, they were all interested in my travels and Miss America preparations.  It was so much fun to share my stories with them!  The following Tuesday, September 13th, I flew to Miami.  Before the sun rose the next morning, Mary and I flew to Washington D.C. with Everglades Foundation members: Kirk, Jerry, and Jessica.  My mission for Washington D.C. was to lobby for funding for Everglades restoration.

Washington D.C. was an experience unlike any other.  Upon our arrival, we checked into our hotel and then set out for a quick lunch before setting out for Capitol Hill.  Allison Krieger Walsh, Miss Florida 2006, and her mother, Deborah Kreiger soon joined us to partake in my Washington D.C. adventure.

Capitol Hill was unbelievable!  I had the opportunity to meet with 5 Congressmen my first day and 8 my second day.  I also met with Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio. My schedule was pretty tight as it was as follows:

Day 1:

1:30 PM : Mario Diaz-Balart
2:00 PM : Steve Southerland II
2:30 PM : Ted Deutch
3:00 : Bill Nelson
3:30 PM : Corrine Brown
4:00 PM : Tom Rooney

Day 2:
10:15 : Daniel Webster
10:45 : Alcee L. Hastings
11: 45 Rich Nugent
12:30 : Marco Rubio
1:00 : Kathy Castor
1:30 : CW Bill Young
2:00 : David Rivera
2:30 : Debbie Wasserman Schultz
3:00 : John L. Mica

Each meeting was different from the other.  All of the congressmen and senators were very receptive as I spoke about the needs of funding for Everglades restoration.  I shared with them that 1/3 of Florida's population gets their drinking water from the Everglades.  That is 7 million Floridans.  Everglades Restoration has a 4 to 1 return on investment, creating over 400,000 jobs in real estate, tourism, and fishing.  Many of them were already knowledgeable about the Everglades and its importance to Florida's economy but with the current debt crisis, it is always important to remind others about the needs that may be in the back of their minds.

After my first day of meetings I hosted a reception at the Florida House which is the first and only state embassy in Washington D.C.  Invitations had been sent out weeks in advance.    

I gave a speech to all the attendees and it will be in the Congressional Records!

Here it is in it's entirety:

It is a great honor and pleasure to speak to you today in this beautiful Florida House, the first and only state embassy in Washington DC.  I would like to thank Bart and Julianne for extending the Sunshine State hospitality to all of us.  

In January I will be competing for the job of Miss America 2012.  Last July in St. Petersburg, I became the 76^th Miss Florida to represent our state.  I worked for five years to achieve my goal and I love every minute of this job.  In 1989 the Miss America Organization founded the platform concept, which requires each contestant to choose an issue about which she cares deeply and that is of relevance to our county.  If chosen as Miss America I will embark on a year-long national speaking tour, and will have the opportunity to increase awareness and promote my chosen platform, America’s Wake-up Call: Protect Our Environment.  

Decades of tinkering with the natural plumbing of the Everglades ecosystem has been a disaster. Only now are we beginning to understand just how much damage we have done and the ultimate cost – a severe and potentially permanent reduction in our supply of fresh, drinking water.

This year, Florida has suffered one of the worst droughts in our state’s recorded history.  It is our third drought in just 10 years.  Water shortages are affecting homeowners, businesses, tourism, and agriculture.  Our water supply is imperiled by rapid growth, ruinous agricultural practices, and an unwillingness to spend the money necessary to protect and enhance our water supply.

Water is a basic, necessary substance for life. It is part of everything we drink and eat.  We cannot find an alternative to water. 

That is one of the reasons that as Miss Florida 2011 I have chosen to promote the need to develop water friendly policies, and oppose any effort to diminish our fragile Everglades ecosystem. Having grown up at the ecosystem’s headwaters in Kissimmee, the Everglades are part of my life just as it is for one-in-three Floridians who depend on it every day for the fresh water.

Of course, the Everglades is about more than drinking water. It is home to one of the world’s most unique natural ecosystems. The Everglades is a lynchpin to Florida’s economy, creating thousands of jobs in a wide variety of businesses.  

What is clear is that our source of water is in danger.  Our population cannot continue to grow until we are certain that we can provide Floridians and visitors with adequate, safe, clean water.  Our ability to continue to do that is being sorely tested.

Each time I turn on the faucet, I wonder: how much longer will the water last? What will happen when there is no longer enough to sustain Florida’s growing population? How safe will our water be as we search for ever decreasing supplies? Will the day come when the cost of water frightens us more than the cost of a gallon of gas?

I would like to thank you all for your past support and your continued leadership on the issues that are vital to protecting America’s Everglades and Florida’s water supply. Over the course of the next year, I will be focused on visiting schools throughout Florida to talk to students about the importance of clean water, water conservation and Everglades restoration. I would love to come to your district to discuss these issues. If you are aware of any upcoming opportunities, please let me know! 

I leave you tonight with a quote from Michael Grunwald’s book titled The Swamp, which I feel summarizes the importance of Everglades restoration: 

“The Everglades is a test. If we pass we may get to keep the planet.” 

The first half of September has truly brought me to different places and has exposed me to so many different ways of life, from the quiet, small town ways of Hoopeston Illinois, to the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital.  I cannot wait to share the rest of September's adventures with you!


All my best,
Kristina

Green Tip:  Clean your dryer lint screen, and don't overload the dryer.  You'll save up to 5 percent on your electricity bill.  If everyone did it, we'd save the energy equivalent of 350 million gallons of gasoline per year.  

Interview on The Filipino Channel

Hello All!

In my first blog post I mentioned an interview that I had done with The Filipino Channel.  The interview was shown on TV this past Sunday and it was posted on YouTube.  Here is the link:

And your new Miss America's Outstanding Teen is...

Hello again!

Now it's time to fill you all in about my time during the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant.  It was a whirlwind of fun, work, and cheering!

Before I left for the Rosen Center Plaza, where I was to be staying during the Teen Pageant, I had an interview with the Osceola News Gazette.  They came to my home to interview me and take a few photos for their upcoming paper.

Fortunately, my family only lives thirty minutes away from the Rosen Center Plaza, so I was not too stressed about the amount I had to pack...needless to say...I over packed.  Haha.  Upon my arrival at the hotel, I met my roommate for the week, Diana Dreman, who is the reigning Miss Colorado.  She was absolutely delightful to get to know! After settling into my room, I walked around the hotel to see if I would run into other titleholders and of course I did.  As soon as I walked down to the lobby I ran into a whole bunch of them!  I found our personal introductions completely entertaining..."Hi, I'm Kristina...Florida."  

I also ran into a few other titleholders, state directors, and board members.  Time went by rather quickly and I was off to watch the first night of the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant preliminaries.  Elizabeth performed her talent that night and beautifully I must add.  I was pleased to run into my Miss Florida Pageant sisters that came to watch Elizabeth.  I am so thankful that they came out to support our teen queen!

The next day was a very relaxed day.  I spent most of the day with Diana.  We went to visit the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Trade Show and there we spoke with friends.  That night, Elizabeth had her second night of preliminaries.  I am so proud to share that she won preliminary evening wear that night.  She wore a beautiful white gown and she answered her onstage question with a lot of personality!  What an exciting night it was for us Floridians!  

 Thursday was a very busy day!  I was up at 5:30 to get camera ready!  All of the Miss America titleholders had to record a 60 second video stating why they should be the next Miss America.  I would tell you about my video, but it will ruin the surprise...so you will just have to wait till the videos are released on YouTube!  Hehe.  After all the state titleholders finished their videos, we got dressed up for a dinner hosted by Regalia and Mary at Maggiano's.  I was so excited because Maggiano's is one of my favorite restaurants and who doesn't enjoy getting all dressed up?!  All of the girls looked fabulous and the food was out of this world delicious!  Sincere thanks to Mary, David, and Carry.  I had a blast getting to know the girls sitting at my table.  After dinner we attended the final night of preliminaries where the entire Miss America Class of 2012 had the opportunity to introduce themselves onstage.  It is such an honor to be representing our state!

Friday was the busiest day of the week!  All the state titleholders had to be ready to go to Disney by 6:15 AM.  Yes, we were all pretty tired but once we saw the the welcome sign to Disney all of our eyes were wide open!  I may have been to Disney every year for the past 10 years, but I still get just as excited as if it were my first time.   Our time at Disney was filled with a lot of fun but it was also filled with lot of work.  I was busy all morning with interviews and pictures.  During the day I bonded with Miss South Carolina, Bree Boyce.  I feel as if we were separated at birth!  She is probably one of the funniest and coolest people I have ever met.  

That night we attended a party hosted by the Porters.  LaVoyce Porter is a very special sponsor of the Miss Florida Pageant.  The party was one of the most glamourous ones I had ever been to!  The party was held at the BEAUTIFUL home of Mr. and Mrs. Leman Porter.  The night was filled with great food, fun entertainment, and dancing!  It was such a fun night for the Miss America Class of 2012!

The next day was the big day for the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant...we would be finding out who was going to be taking the coveted title home.  That morning the state titleholders, and I had our first official Miss America Orientation.  All the members of the Miss America Board spoke about production and what to expect in the upcoming months.  Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011, spoke about the job of Miss America and how to best prepare for competition and the job itself.  The excitement I already had for Miss America grew tenfold during the orientation!

Before the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant began, all the Miss America titleholders had an autograph signing.  What a neat experience it was to have people ask for my autograph!  

It was finally time for the competition to begin!  My heart was racing in anticipation for the unknown!  The top 15 was announced soon after the show began.  My heart was beginning to sink as 14 semifinalists had been called and Elizabeth was not one of them but my heart soon leapt for joy as she was the last name called!  She re-competed in Evening Wear and looked like an absolute angel in her gown.  Afterwards, she was called into the top 10 and had the opportunity to re-perform her talent.  She was beaming!  After talent, she re-competed in lifestyle and fitness and was then called into the top 8 where they called the runners up and winner from.  The host called the 4 runners up leaving 4 girls on stage, Elizabeth included.

Your new Miss America's Outstanding Teen is...

Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen, Elizabeth Fechtel!!!

I honestly cannot remember what happened after that.  All I know is there was a lot of screaming and jumping around!  I am so, so, so very proud of our OUTSTANDING Teen Elizabeth who is beautiful not only on the outside, but even more so on the inside.

GO FLORIDA!!!!

Proudly Floridian (lol),

Kristina