Final days...

Hello friends!

Since my last post I've been to Fort Myers, Miami, Orlando, all the way up to Amelia Island, and back to St. Pete! I spent a few days in Miami with Mary organizing my pages for the 2009 Pageant Program Book and helping her with some miscellaneous work. It's neat to be on this side of the pageant - 'in the know'! Although it is strange that my year is coming to a close, I am looking forward to pageant week and am excited to start the next chapter. My adventures as Miss Florida have opened incredible doors that I can't wait to open wider and explore!

While I was in Miami I also was honored to attend the Classic Car Show put on by the Miss Broward County Scholarship Pageant in Fort Lauderdale. It was great to see the Broward County local titleholders and we had fun mingling with the guests and checking out the fabulous classic cars!! Dr. Dauer, who owned the Classic Car Museum where the event was held, allowed us to sit in the driver's seat of some of the cars and showed us the authentic parts and apholstery that makes the cars "classic".

Going for a "ride"!

At the conclusion of the event all of the titleholders acted as backup dancers for a Marilyn Monroe impersonator as she sang "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend". It was a blast and the crowd loved it!


After that we gave out awards for the cars that were a part of the show and thanked everyone for coming. Great job to Brenda, her Board, and all of her titleholders! They plan on making this a regular fundraiser for their pageant, so keep your ears open for their next show!

After Miami I made the 7 hour drive to Norma's house on Amelia Island. Whew! Thank goodness for iPod's! I arrived in the evening and spent a few minutes talking with Norma before I crashed! The next day I was able to spend a few hours on the beach, just taking in the beautiful atmosphere and gathering my thoughts for the speaking engagements I had while I was there. It was SO nice to have some time to just stop and relax, uninterrupted. I've realized that I didn't do that enough this past year. I was so focused on doing as much as I could, that I think sometimes I missed out on just taking in the experience. To Miss Florida 2009, and really, to all of us in life - take time to absorb, enjoy, and reflect on your incredible journey.

That evening I spoke to a group at Blackrock Baptist Church and got to see the Rodeffer family again. They are such wonderful people - so encouraging! The following morning I went to Mr. Rodeffer's sister's house for a brunch with around twenty middle/high school girls from her church. Suellen was so sweet and we had some great girl time! I spoke about my year as Miss Florida and talked to them about purity and their personal relationships with God.


We also watched my "Year in the Life" DVD so they could see my dance. I had just enough time to sign some autographs and then it was off to a "fish fry" at the home of one of Mr. Rodeffer's former teachers. We were welcomed to the beautiful property with open arms and I was super excited because I had never been to a real fish fry before! Although I'm not one for fried food, I gave the fish a try and really enjoyed the popcorn shrimp! After speaking with some of the members from the School Board who were in attendance, we headed back to Norma's so I could rest for a little while before heading off to First Baptist Church of Callahan for their Wednesday night youth group.


What a great group of young people! Their band played a few worship songs and then I spoke. Afterward I signed autographs and had the chance to talk to and pray with some of the students. It was truly a blessing for me.

The following day I made my way back to St. Pete for "Princess Night" at Chick-fil-A. It was a huge success! The 2009 Sungoddess was there as well as Jewel Ann, our Miss Florida Sunshine Princess, but we weren't the only crowns there...there were over one hundred little girls dressed as their favorite Princess!


The Chick-fil-A Cow and my favorite ride, the horse-drawn Cinderella carriage, gave free rides to the girls outside. The event benefitted the Children's Dream Fund and part of the proceeds went to a young girl named Ryleigh who has leukemia. She was precious!

Riding in the Cinderella carriage together!


Cuteness!

Silly girls!!

A special thank you and congrats to the Management and Staff at the Chick-fil-A on 4th Street for such a wonderful evening. I know many young girls felt like real princesses and were truly inspired by the festivities.


Just a few more stops before the 2009 Miss Florida Pageant. See you there!!

God bless,
Sierra

Kids and Crowns

Hello!

Since my last post I made two very special appearances. I had the honor of visiting my elementary school for their Career Day and 5th Grade Graduation/Awards Ceremony! It was so neat to be back at Three Oaks! For Career Day I spoke to three groups of 5th grade girls about my job as Miss Florida. They were very excited and attentive and, apparently, the boys were jealous! They, however, did get a chance to meet me at the Awards Ceremony a few days later.

With my former teacher, Mrs. Costigan

At the Awards Ceremony I had a very enthusiastic welcome as I spoke briefly to the students about what to expect when they go to middle school and how important it is to believe in yourself, respect others, and make good decisions. I enjoyed watching each of the students receive their awards as hundreds of memories from my own elementary years raced through my mind.

With the 5th grade teachers, old and new

Afterward I took pictures with the students and, for the first time, signed some of the boys' foreheads!! (With their parents' permission of course!)


All in all, it was such a neat experience. It was amazing to realize how much I have done since I was at Three Oaks and to see the pending potential in these young people.

Prior to Career Day I had the opportunity to visit another elementary school in Fort Myers - Edison Park Elementary. There I shared my "V.I.P." message with the students and had a surprisingly intellectual Q & A session. The students were so bright and well-behaved. Getting to meet them and sign autographs afterward was truly a treat!


On Saturday, the 6th, I was back in St. Pete for the Walk for Lupus Now at Tropicana Field. I was joined by Dr. Morales and his daughter, Michelle, who has Lupus. I was honored to be a part of their fundraising and had a great time meeting and signing autographs for the participants.


I also helped FOX 13 anchor, Nerrisa Prest, draw tickets for the live auction. It was amazing to see all of the support and enthusiasm that filled the field. With all of the money raised, it was a very successful event!


Immediately following the Walk I got on the road to Orlando to perform in D & L Dance's end of the year Recital. I was invited by the owner, Lori Patai, whom I met through the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant as she was the RN on duty during the week. I was thrilled when she called! At the beginning of the show she introduced me on stage and I shared about how dance helped me earn scholarships through pageants. Backstage I was surrounded by little girls who were super excited to meet Miss Florida and were eyeing my crown with sly smiles...a few girls said they would gladly take it when I was done with it! It was hilarious!

I only have a few more appearances left before the 2009 Pageant, but am feeling really good about all that I have done this year. This last month is a strange time, but it as given me the opportunity to reflect and soak up this year, which is really necessary after such a grand adventure. In my final days, I am making sure I am taking time to stop and smell the roses (or as Miss Florida, the beach!) before it's too late.

Looking forward to seeing you in July!

God bless,
Sierra

Wrapping up the month of May

Hello!

It's hard to believe that today is June 1st! This year is just flying by...but I'm staying busy as the 2009 Miss Florida Pageant approaches!

On May 22nd I went to my favorite Chick-fil-A in Fort Myers for their first "Princess Night". The restaurant was packed with little girls dressed up like their favorite Princess. There were tiaras everywhere! I took pictures with the girls and signed autographs as I admired their adorable outfits.


The Owners, who are also friends of mine, had crafts and other fun activities set up for the girls and everyone had a great time. They sent me home with a fresh chicken sandwich and some coupons for the road!

Miss Florida loves Chick-fil-A!!


The next day I drove up to Winter Garden with Dana for Allison Krieger's (Miss FL '06) wedding! I had so much fun riding up with Dana - quality time and Starbucks... :). The wedding was absolutely beautiful! Allison looked gorgeous and it was so neat to watch her and Brian interact during the ceremony. They were precious!

With the radiant Bride!

At the reception that followed we enjoyed a delicious lunch and danced 'til we could dance no more!

The reigning "Miss"es and our fabulous Board! We have way too much fun...



On Sunday I visited Catalyst Ministries in Bonita Springs, just south of Fort Myers, and was featured as the main speaker for the service. My family and I were so blessed by the church and the genuine fellowship we found there. We had a wonderful time getting to join another ministry in worshiping our great God. He is so faithful in providing times of refreshing during this very busy year! Afterward we were treated to lunch at T.G.I.Friday's, one of my favorite restaurants!


I spent Memorial Day in Fort Myers with my family and we celebrated with dinner, by yours truly ;), and a movie. I made our favorite "Florentine" turkey meatballs (courtesy of Rachael Ray) with angel hair pasta and a new tomato-basil sauce (courtesy of Wolfgang Puck) that turned out to be delicious!! That one is going in my recipe book!

On Tuesday I did a "Right Decisions, Right Now" presentation at Gulf Middle School in Cape Coral and on Thursday I presented at two more schools in Pinellas County - Osceola Middle and Azalea Middle.


Osceola was a smaller group of around 100 students and Azalea was a lot of fun because it was just girls. We had some great "girl talk"!


On Friday night I gave the "Commencement Address" at Sonrise Christian School's graduation in Lakeland. It brought back memories of my own graduation and it was truly an honor to be a part of the ceremony. I got to spend some time with Miss Florida Citrus, Kristen Smith, and her mentor Cathy Asbridge who hosted me for the night!

On Saturday night I went to "Taste of Pinellas" at the Vinoy Park in downtown St. Pete with Miss St. Petersburg, Katie Crews. We were introduced on-stage with Mayor Baker and had the chance to promote the 2009 pageant. It was a gorgeous night and we had fun mingling with the crowd!

Afterward I went off to the Telethon at All Children's Hospital (our local CMN hospital) to present them with a check for $5,264 from the Miss Florida Pageant. It was exciting to be a part of such a dynamic group of contributors and to be able to make the service-oriented heart of our organization known!


When I first arrived I met two very cute little boys who had told their stories on-camera earlier in the day. They were both benefiting from the services at All Children's Hospital and were excited to take a picture with Miss Florida!

Aiden (R) and his little brother

Today I completed my RDRN tour at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in St. Pete. I appeared on their school news and then spoke to two sixth grade classes. I had a great time visiting with the students and felt proud as I left, reflecting back over the twenty middle schools I visited all over the state this past year.

Just like my platform...Believe and Achieve!

Whew! That was a long one! Thank you for following my journey and allowing me to share this with you...one more month! This "adventure" is not over yet!

Take care,
Sierra

Dancing with the Stars!

Hello friends!

Last weekend was our 2009 Contestant Orientation. What a great weekend! I was so excited to meet all of the contestants and share some of my experiences from my year with them.

The Sunshine State girls!

On Saturday morning Courtney and I took pictures with all of the girls and then each had the opportunity to speak to the contestants and their parents. I also modeled the Opening Number/On-stage Question dress for the Misses and everyone loved it!

Thanks to Ann Marie Griffin at Ann Marie's for the fabulous outfit!!

Before we knew it it was time to get ready for the Salute - our "Dancing with the Stars" themed tribute to Miss Florida and Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen 2008. As we got our make-up done and slipped into our complimentary gold and silver gowns, we didn't know what to feel! We were excited to celebrate each of our successful years, but also felt like it was coming to an end all too quickly. But as we made our way downstairs and were greeted by our dear friends and family, we couldn't help but smile from ear-to-ear and relish in the moment.

Two "stars", courtesy of David and Carry at Regalia. Thanks guys!


Overall, the evening was just perfect. The contestants were introduced and Courtney and I entered, escorted by our parents, to the "Dancing with the Stars" theme song. It was so much fun! As dessert was being served we showed video/slide shows of our years and then each said our thank-yous and presented awards to our sponsors, friends, and family - those people who made this year unforgettable. Everything went as planned, including having time to get everybody on the dance floor at the end! It was a night to remember!

With two of my three Sunshine Princesses, Alina and Shelby

On Sunday morning I had another chance to speak to the contestants in a smaller setting. I am excited for this group of girls! Pageant week is going to rock!

After the day's activities ended, Mary and I went to a reception for the Japanese leaders of St. Pete's sister city, Takamatsu, at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater (where the pageant will be!). It was an honor to meet the guests, including the mayor of Takamatsu!

The past few days I have spent running around the city securing sponsors for pageant week and taking care of some other "housekeeping". I'll keep you posted on the busy week ahead! Also, I wanted to share some photos from the B.A.B.E. 2 Boyland Event.

Getting ready for the "Miss"ion: Possible! talk on the great things God can do in your life while you're single. :)

With some of the girls at the post-event Autograph Party!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Love,
Sierra

Busy, busy!

Hi!

Our 2009 Contestant Orientation and Miss Florida Salute is right around the corner...which means these past couple of weeks have been super busy! In addition to making my usual appearances I've been preparing for our exciting weekend ahead.

Recently I traveled to Lakeland to continue the "Right Decisions, Right Now" tour. I visited four middle schools in two days and had a blast! I owe a special thank-you to Cathy Asbridge, a former Miss Tampa, for arranging the schools and hosting me.


After my trip to Lakeland I headed down to Boynton Beach to speak at an event for women of all ages hosted by Boynton Beach Community Church. It was held at the historic Boynton Beach Women's Club and was absolutely beautiful! Two of my Princesses were able to attend and we all had a great time enjoying the fellowship and the hand-made cupcakes!

From there I went down to Mary's house in Miami to work on some details for this weekend and also to meet with our TV producers (the Miss Florida pageant is going to be televised this year!!). While I was there, Mary took me to South Beach for the first time during my reign and we enjoyed a delicious lunch on Lincoln Road. It was a perfect beach day, so it was super crowded, but tons of fun!

On my way out of town on Tuesday morning I got to go to the filming of Regis and Kelly LIVE! at the Fountain Bleu hotel on Miami Beach. It was so neat!!


Edward, one of our producers, introduced me to Regis and Kelly and they were so nice! Very down-to-earth and really excited to be in Florida. :)


I sat through the majority of the show, but then had to get on the road to West Palm Beach to sing the National Anthem at the "Women in Leadership Awards" at the Convention Center. It was a great success and I got to see a lot of familiar PBA faces!!

From West Palm I headed back to St. Pete for the 3rd Annual "Women of History Tea" at Coachman Middle School. The girls came dressed up as women in history who were the "first" in their field. I spoke to the girls about the Miss America pageant and how it empowers young women, just like the women they were dressed up as.

Can you spot Miss Florida? :)I also spoke about self-respect and respecting and supporting each other as females. The girls and moms really responded when I emphasized how valuable each of them were and how they deserve the best! I shared with them my commitment to absitence and explained the reasoning behind it - you are worth the wait!

With my 'host-mom' Barbie, who helped arrange the appearance and came with me to enjoy the festivities

On Saturday I teamed up with Andrea Stephens, Ayiesha Woods, and other local performers and spoke to over 500 young girls on the "Perks of Being Single" at the B.A.B.E. 2 "Boyland" Event in Fort Myers. There was so much energy and enthusiasm, it was great! The whole event flowed really well and the girls soaked up every minute of it.

Well, time marches on! Although I don't want to admit it, today starts the 2-month countdown to the 2009 Miss Florida crown! Crazy! But I am excited for all of the new girls and I just say a prayer that I will make the transition back to normal life smoothly. ;)

God bless,
Sierra

Tallahassee...here I come!!

Hello everyone!


This was a monumental week! On Wednesday I made my first trip to our state capital. I flew in on Tuesday and stayed with Martha and Wayne Dewitt. It was great to see them, even for such a short visit. They have a beautiful house and made me feel right at home.

With Martha :)

On Wednesday morning I met up with Bill Fleming, Dr. Ed Moore (President of Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida), Bob Boyd (an attorney), and Bill Abare (President of Flagler College) and we made our way over to the capital building.

With Bill Fleming, VP of Development and Marketing at PBA

First, we visited Representative Rachel Burgin who was responsible for getting me recognized on the House floor. She also volunteers for the Miss Tampa pageant and came to Vegas for Miss America!


She escorted me down to the floor and the other gentlemen went to the Gallery to watch. The session began at 9:30am with an inspirational prayer by one of the Representatives and then the Pledge of Allegiance. Before I knew it Rachel and I were walking to the center of the room for my introduction by Representative Proctor. The house members cheered and made me feel very welcome.


After our visit to the House, I was bombarded by youngsters who were there on a field trip. They were so cute!


We posed for some pictures and then made our way to the Governor’s Club for lunch. Just as we were about to order we received a call that the Senate was moving at “lightning speed” and we had to get back there right away! So we hurried back to the capital and waited for my cue. Before long I was brought into the Senate and introduced by Senator Dave Aronberg, who I had previously met in Palm Beach. I met Senate President Jeff Atwater, who is also from Palm Beach, and then the most exciting part happened…he asked me if I would like to say a few words from his rostrum!! I, of course, jumped at the opportunity and took a few moments to thank the Senate, tell them about my platform and the Miss America Organization, and promote the Florida Resident Access Grant, as I am a recipient and it is currently in jeopardy for private universities. How exhilarating!

In Senate President Atwater's office (notice he's wearing one of my buttons!)


Following our visit to the Senate we spent about an hour taking pictures with Representatives who wished to do so. Then we met briefly with Governor Crist and posed for a picture. Now I have one with him that is not at a Rays game! ;)


Overall, WOW! What an incredible day. It was so neat to see the heartbeat of our state pumping in the peak of its season. From the lobbyists who crowded the hall to the white-washed walls of the original capital building and the chance to address our state’s most influential leaders, that day will live in my memory forever! (Did I mention that the House said there hadn’t been that much excitement on the floor since Tim Tebow’s visit?!) ☺

At the end of the day I took a plane back to Tampa and went straight to "Evening with the Chef's" on Sand Key Beach. It was the annual fundraiser for the Ryan Wells Foundation, which awards scholarships for young people who are in Culinary School. It was so neat! There were chefs from top restaurants, including the head chef from The Magic Kingdom! He explained his dish to me and let me give the shrimp a quick stir!

"Did I mention, I can cook, too?"

Most importantly I helped with the live auction and helped "up" the bids. Overall, the night was a great success and the students who received the scholarships were glowing!

With Mike and Carrie Wells

Last weekend was the Miss Florida Sweeps Pageant in Dade City. Dana Judge picked me up on Saturday from St. Pete and we headed up to Dade City where we met the Board for dinner. It was so nice to see everyone and have some time to catch up! We ate at a fabulous restaurant called Kafe Kokopelli's and let's just say, we left our mark!


The next day started bright and early with interviews and rehearsal. I saw some familiar faces and met all of the new contestants. What a dynamic group of young women! Courtney Sexton, our Miss FLOT, was also there. It was so great to see her! I finally got to watch her dance from MAOT and she was fabulous!

Congratulations to our new winners and welcome to the journey toward Miss Florida 2009!


Now back to the present…I am sitting like a bump-on-a-log as I have caught a cold…I got antibiotics on Tuesday, but wasn’t really able to rest until yesterday…I’m hoping to shake it off before I get back on the road so please keep me in your prayers and promise to use hand-sanitizer!

Love,
Sierra

RAYS, Gators, and more!

Hello!

This week the Tampa Bay RAYS kicked off their first Home game at the Trop! On Monday I attended a Street Party downtown where lots of fans came out to support the team and Mayor Baker got up and played the guitar with the band!


By the end of the afternoon I had accomplished my mission of getting a ticket for that evening's game, courtesy of Dr. Sibley and the RAYS Marketing Department. I was in a suite and had such a great time! They hooked me up with a RAYS hat and t-shirt and let me take a picture with the ALCS replica ring! They crushed the Yankees 15-5...did I mention they win every time I'm there? ;)

With Dr. Sibley before the game

During the game I did some mingling and got to see Governor Crist. He is always so nice!

On Tuesday I traveled up to Gainesville with Lisa B. to visit the UF Christian Campus House. Despite the tornado warnings that morning, we made it on time! That evening I gave the message for their weekly "Meal and Message" and met the incredible students who make up that ministry. I was blessed and encouraged to see such genuine faith in my peers!

With Bob and Celeste Gailey, Directors of UFCCH

On Wednesday night I spoke to a smaller group of just girls for "Girls Night Out". We had a great time of fellowship and sharing what God is doing in our lives. Again, I was super blessed by the inner beauty these girls possess. Overall, it was a wonderful trip!

Lisa B. and I drove home late that night and had some great 'girl talk'! I had to be in Largo on
Thursday morning for the Pinellas County "State of the Family" Conference where I read the Governor's Proclamation declaring April "Child Abuse Prevention Month".


I stayed for the day-long conference and learned a lot! It was truly inspirational. There were 450 adults from all over Pinellas County who were all there with the same goal - improving the lives and futures of our young people by examining the effects that society has on our family unit.

That evening I attended an event for local foster kids at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center. I welcomed them and said a few words at the beginning. Then, the Feurtado brothers shared their awe-inspiring story. They are former drug king-pins who have turned their lives around and are now using their story to inspire kids and keep them off the streets, out of prison, and in school. I was honored to be able to work by their side. They have an amazing ministry!

With the Todd and Lance Feurtado...they're not as scary as they look! ;)

This morning I rode in the Festival of States Day Parade and then went to Planet Beach for some Florida "sunshine". Stay tuned for more updates!!

God bless,
Sierra