Glitter and Gratitude

Miss New Jersey week is so close!  One week from tonight I will be in Ocean City ready to check in for my third year competing for the title of Miss New Jersey.  Looking back on my experience with the Miss America Organization, and especially with the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation, I am filled with nothing but fond memories and lessons.  I’m sure that regardless of what happens in this year’s pageant, those memories will grow and continue to shape the person I am!  My year as Miss Gloucester County has been a dream come true.  I have been so blessed to have met numerous community members and have been able to complete countless volunteer acts in Gloucester County.  I was reminded of how lucky I am yesterday at Kelcie and my send-off party.  We were surrounded by so much love and motivation- I don’t think I can put into words how it made me feel.  As a teen contestant growing up, I was afraid to tell my friends about my pageant endeavors.  I was afraid of coming off the wrong way and wanted to avoid the stereotypes that so many believe.  I looked around the room yesterday and saw so many faces of people I care about, supporting me and my journey. 

 One of my "little stars" for this year!

 My beautiful cousin, Maddi :)

 Mama Grabert & Christopher!

 Rachel allowed me to come speak in her 5th grade class this year!

 The most lovely Mom-mom!

 Thank you, Amanda for serenading us with your amazing voice and being such an awesome sister!

Love the Miss GC/MissSJ pageant family!

            Today, because of your confidence in me, I am proud to tell friends, family, and strangers about my time competing in the organization, and enjoy proving the “pageant girl” stereotype wrong.  Do I have an affinity for glitter?  Yes.  Do I enjoy wearing make-up?  Yes.  Do I strut on stage in a swimsuit and 5 inch heels?  Yes.  Do I live a lifestyle of health and fitness?  Absolutely.  Do I spend every free moment I have advocating for a cause?  Absolutely.  Some aspects of the pageant stereotype are true, and I am unashamed and proud to show that side of myself.  What others may not know is that there is so much hard work and dedication that goes into competing in the Miss America Organization.  Next week I will compete with some of the most competent, healthy, bright, determined young women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  They are all astounding in their ability to juggle being full-time students, philanthropists, performers, and fierce friends.  While some of us may fit into the pageant stereotypes of glitter, makeup, hairspray, and high heels, we do not fit a mold of perfection.  Each contestant has a unique story that has lead her to the Miss New Jersey stage.  Most importantly, each contestant defies the “pageant girl” stereotype’s idea that we must not get along.  I cannot count the amount of times I have lost my breath from laughter with these girls.  I cannot count the times I’ve been offered help when I needed it- whether emotionally, in volunteer endeavors, or backstage.  Next week will be no different.  I am beyond excited to spend another week with my fellow contestants, laughing, dancing, (not) sleeping, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

            Thank you, to all who keep up with my crazy #RoadToMissNewJersey.  I hope you all understand that your support does not go unnoticed.  I feel like the luckiest girl in all of Gloucester County to represent my community and what it stands for!  Stay tuned for another blog post pre-pageant- there are plenty of thoughts going on and I’m excited to share with you!  To follow my day-to-day endeavors as Miss GC, follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Keepcalmandvolunteeron

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KCandVO or @kcandvo

Instagram: http://instagram.com/keepcalmandvolunteeron/ or @keepcalmandvolunteeron

Follow Kelcie and I as we represent Gloucester County and South Jersey at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-Gloucester-County-Scholarship-Organization/111062678922833

Instagram: http://instagram.com/missgcandmisssj or @missgcandmisssj

Until next time,
Brenna

Have Courage and Be Kind

One month from today, Miss New Jersey 2015 will have been crowned.  I’m sorry, WHAT?!  I can’t believe how quickly time is flying.  This past week, I have been welcomed by my county and have had the pleasure of taking part in some amazing opportunities.  After driving home for 8 hours, I drove straight to Voorhees for an awesome workout with Training Aspects!  Kelcie and I always have a blast at the gym together, which can be both good and bad ;)  I kicked off the summer right by attending the Miss New Jersey Golf Outing on Friday, May 8^th with some pageant sisters!  We met the golfers, manned the award holes to vouch for any hole-in-one winners, and sold raffle tickets at the lovely dinner at Mays Landing Golf and Country Club.  I can proudly say that there were no golf cart incidents (thanks for the golf cart training, HPU ambassador program ;)

 If we didn't take a selfie did it really happen?

 Photo courtesy of Richard Krauss!

South Jersey girls courtesy of Richard Krauss :)

The following day I packed as many events into my schedule as I could, with time for a quick snack and make-up touch up in between each!  I started off the morning strong volunteering at Washington Township’s Super Saturday event, selling wristbands.  I met so many adorable fair-goers and enjoyed making some great connections!  Being able to meet the citizens of Gloucester County and speak with those I represent as a titleholder has been such a highlight of my year as Miss GC.  

 But really- we love our jobs...

The Philly Phanatic made an appearance, too!

Next, I presented my Kindness Kids program to some friends at the Gloucester County Library!  We talked about ways to be a little volunteer and then crafted handmade bookmarks to leave in library books.  The girls and I ventured into the bookshelves and chose some of our favorite books to leave a little surprise for the next person who borrows them.  Stephanie, the activity coordinator, and I bonded over our love for the Harry Potter series. :)  

 Working hard on our bookmarks!

Finished products!

Finally, Kelcie and I traveled to Bridgeport Speedway where we greeted the crowds and distributed flowers to all of the Moms in attendance!  One of the best moments was being interviewed over the loud speaker (I mean it when I say LOUD) by Bill, the track announcer! 

 Our new friend, Bill!

I was able to thank my own mom the next day by attending our 18^th annual Mother’s Day Tea with my cousins, aunts, and grandmother.  This day is so special to us and I love that it has become such a tradition for our family.  

My mom and I went to see Cinderella later that day, and I cannot describe how much I loved it!  The overarching theme of the movie was “have courage and be kind,” as quoted by Cinderella’s mother.  I’m so grateful to have had a mother who engrained those very ideals into me throughout my life.  That’s why for this month’s 15^th day of the month lucky blog, I want to talk about courage and kindness!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my pageant life, it has been that all aspects of pageantry take courage.  Yes, walking in a swimsuit, modeling an evening gown, and performing a talent on stage takes plenty of courage.  What’s more courageous though, is putting yourself in a position to change the world.  As contestants in the Miss America Organization, we are constantly trying to change people’s perspectives.  We must break the mold that others have made which tells people what “pageant girls” should be.  By going out into our communities and trying to change that stereotype through service and scholarship, we are exercising courage.  This month, I will work on having enough courage to try to reach community members and students I have not been able to thus far, and having the courage to fearlessly reach toward my goal of becoming Miss New Jersey.  Along with courage, kindness is essential to achieving a goal.  In order to best serve our communities and inspire others, we must be kind- both to those who deserve our kindness and those who don’t.  I vow for the next month to use kindness at all times.  Remember what Dalai Lama said?  “Be kind whenever possible.  It is always possible.”  I will extend kindness to those who meet me in all walks of life, even when they don’t use their turn signal :)  

I’ve been asked before why “Keep Calm and Volunteer On” is my platform when there are so many more specific causes to choose from.  To me, it shouldn’t be a question of why I’ve chosen a platform that surrounds kindness, but why not.  There are plenty of causes that teach kids and adults alike why they should not do a certain thing.  I chose my platform in order to share the one thing that always works- kindness.  There is no situation you might run into that cannot be solved with a little kindness and courage.  With my platform, I hope to encourage others to find their own platform to stand on and to always have kindness as the theme of their personal journey.

To follow my #RoadToMissNJ, follow these social media accounts!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Keepcalmandvolunteeron

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KCandVO or @kcandvo

Instagram: http://instagram.com/keepcalmandvolunteeron/ or @keepcalmandvolunteeron

Follow Kelcie and I as we represent Gloucester County and South Jersey at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-Gloucester-County-Scholarship-Organization/111062678922833

Instagram: http://instagram.com/missgcandmisssj or @missgcandmisssj

Love always,

Brenna

Thoughts from Cloud 9 (quite literally)

Hello from some 26,000 miles above Virginia!  You are most likely aware by now that I attend school at High Point University in North Carolina.  New Jersians and North Carolinians alike often ask me why I continue to compete for Miss New Jersey when I spend a good portion of my year studying down south.  There’s a long list of reasons why I choose to compete where I do, but to simplify it for you, it’s because Jersey has been and will always be home to me.  When I talk about my travel plans, my flight to New Jersey is always deemed my flight “home” while my flight to North Carolina is just another trip to school.  I’m always excited to travel to a new city and to experience what our country has to offer, but New Jersey is the only place that gives me the warm heart, butterflies, seeing your puppy after a long day feeling (I’d also like to mention my bias for New Jersey drivers- we all know what we’re doing).  Plus, how could I leave a state where I get to compete alongside my friends?  This organization is a family and I will always have a place in my heart for the contestants, volunteers, and directors.  As I leave home to wrap up my semester, I’m reflecting on this past weekend.  I attended my third Miss New Jersey Orientation and was able to pack in a few important errands throughout my stay. 

            When I arrived Friday afternoon, I was greeted by my adorable yorkie, Zoey, and loving parents (if that isn’t enough to distress me from end-of-the-semester blues already, I don’t know what is)!  My mom and pageant sister Kelcie helped me decide what to pack and we were off for Ocean City, the home of the Miss New Jersey pageant!  We stayed with our pageant family, including our lovely directors, in a family shore house (thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Sykora!), and bonded over hummus and funny stories.  People may tell you that pageantry is stressful, but I can say that I am at my most relaxed when talking pageant world with my perfect pageant family.  After not enough sleep, but plenty of laughs, Kelcie, Sandi (Miss SJ Executive Director), Tracy and I were off to orientation!  We spent the day learning all about this year’s pageant and our new pageant sisters who are competing for the first time.  I cannot say enough how wonderful all of the contestants are and how much they inspire me.  Hearing about everyone’s passions and plans for the future reminds me that The Miss America Organization is a life-changing program that shapes women to be their best. 

Once we arrived in OC, we decided to pay a visit to Yianni's a restaurant that sponsors the Miss NJ contestants for a meal during pageant week!  If you're ever in town, be sure to visit.  Their hummus and pita is reason enough :)

Ready for orientation!

            Now for the exciting part- I am thrilled to announce that I am contestant number 20 in group B for this year’s pageant!  This means I will meet with the judges for a private interview Thursday afternoon, June 11^th.  Later that evening I will compete in both Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimwear and Evening Gown/onstage question.  Friday evening I’ll perform my talent selection, a dance choreographed by Shae Sullivan, to “Don’t Forget Me” from SMASH!  As for the rest of the week, I’ll be portraying Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series in the Parade, “Pages Through the Ages.”  If you know me well, you should know that I am borderline (okay, fully) obsessed with Harry Potter and re-read the series constantly.  I’ll be modeling a gorgeous turquoise swimsuit, courtesy of our sponsor, Irene West, and modeling a gown that started in my head and was brought to life by the designers at Jovani!  Finding out my placement makes pageant week feel so much closer.  I am absolutely thrilled with how things are shaping up! 

 Selfies are always a good idea...thanks Anna!

Love these girls!

We love Richard, official photographer for the Miss NJ Education Foundation!

            Post-orientation, I traveled back to Gloucester County to support an extremely special little girl.  The Mantua United Methodist Church hosted a spaghetti dinner to raise money for Sophia’s seizure assistance dog.  I lead a singalong featuring plenty of Disney Princess favorites and met some truly talented little ones who took the stage by storm!  Later, I was able to have a personal visit with Sophia since she was unable to join the festivities.  I presented her with a crown from my own collection and was able to tell her how much we all care about her.  I wasn’t able to hang with her too long, but on my way out, I heard her exclaim, “this is the best day ever!” to her mom.  It’s events like these that remind me why I am part of this organization and how local titleholders can truly make a difference in someone’s day.  Thank you, Sue, for inviting me to join in on Sophia’s celebration!  I will never forget it. 

 The puppies who welcomed me to the seizure assistance dog benefit!

 My new singalong friends :)

 Got to catch up with marina, Miss Gateway's Outstanding Teen!

 Mrs. Reynolds remembered me from my preschool days at the Rocking Horse Ranch!

Love me some Mama Grabert :)

 Presenting Princess Sophia with her new crown!

Look for these cuties on American Idol- they've got some serious talent.

            Before jumping on this flight, I took part in a Duke of Edinburough pre-journey to prepare for our adventurous journey coming up, and had a training session with Ki at Training Aspects!  I’m so motivated to be my best at Miss New Jersey this year and make memories that will last a lifetime!  Stay tuned for more updates as I will be “home” for good oh so soon!  It’s sometimes stressful, mostly hectic, and always worth it. 

With lots of love,

Brenna