Playing Catch-Up!

Greetings!

Obviously it has been far too long since I've written! Sorry about that. I've been taking so many pictures I can't seem to keep up! Allow me to share some of the highlights of the past month...

On November 22nd I traveled to my hometown of Fort Myers and partnered with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics for an event at a local Saks Fifth Avenue. I was greeted with warm smiles and open arms as I was escorted into the "spa" to get my make-up done. I then signed autographs as customers had the opportunity to get their make-up done at the various stations the Bobbi Brown artists had set up. I saw a lot of people that I knew, which was a pleasant surprise! This beauty-licious appearance ended with a very generous gift bag full of all sorts of Bobbi Brown products. Special thanks to Jackie Lopez, Andrea, and all of the beautiful Bobbi Brown ladies!


On the following Monday I accompanied my dear friend and mentor, Andrea Stephens, to the Lee County Department of Juvenile Justice...aka the Juvenile Jail. Once inside we met with 11 girls who were currently incarcerated. I spoke about how we all tend to wear "masks" from time to time, especially when we feel insecure about who we are. I gave the girls some tips to identifying and uncovering their masks and they really responded! It was a neat experience and I feel truly blessed to have been able to interact with the girls.

That evening I went to Andrea's youth group and gave my testimony to a small and attentive audience. Some of the students performed a skit that was absolutely hilarious! We all had a wonderful time!

While I was home for Thanksgiving I was interviewed by our local Christian radio station - WAY FM. We talked about my journey as Miss Florida and highlighted the upcoming "Poinsettias and the Princess" event at my church. Jeff and Steve were so much fun and truly made me feel like a celebrity!


After Thanksgiving mom and I hopped on a plane to NYC! While we were there I had three sessions with Shea to fine tune my dance. During one of our rehearsals the subject of getting "LaDuca" character heels came up...and it pretty much became necessary for me to get them. (Now you must realize that these are genuine Italian leather and what everyone on Broadway wears - the best!!) So...we called Mary and she agreed that they could be my birthday present from the Board! I can't even tell you how excited I was!!! Immediately after rehearsal we went to LaDuca and (after about 45 minutes of making sure I had the perfect fit) bought the beauties!!



Shea and I after class at Broadway Dance Center

Mom and I after dinner with Aunt Lo at the Playwright Tavern

We returned from NYC via the Tampa airport and met my dad, sister, uncle, cousin, grandma, and host family for dinner to celebrate my birthday!! (It wasn't my actual birthday, but close enough!) We had a delicious dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant and I was really blessed to spend some quality time with my fam.


On Saturday, December 6th, (my real b-day) two of my Sunshine Princesses, Shelby and Madison, came over to St. Pete and we were in the Santa Parade together. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we got to ride in a BMW convertible! The girls looked beautiful in their red dresses, but I think they got tired of waving! :) It's tough work being a princess!



After the parade we had a delicious lunch at Panera (one of my favorite places!) with Bill and Kim Doniel. Then the girls, Dawn (Madison's mom), and I spent the afternoon at the park, which overlooks the Bay. It couldn't have been more perfect! That evening I had dinner with my host family and I opened gifts during halftime of the Florida/Alabama game (which was quite a privilege!). My host mom had silly birthday hats and had even shown up at the parade with a huge sign and noise-makers! They made the whole day really special.

Well, that's all I have time for right now and I'm sure your eyes need a break! More to come soon!!

Merry Christmas!!
Sierra

Days go by...

Greetings!

The past few weeks have been very busy and this past week was no different! Last Thursday I traveled to my school, Palm Beach Atlantic University, to sing the National Anthem at American Free Enterprise Day. I had such a wonderful time. It was so much fun to be back on campus and feel the amazing support from administrators, professors, and classmates. I was able to see a lot of my friends who I have been missing terribly! It was so refreshing to spend time with people who really know me as Sierra and accompanied me on the journey to Miss Florida. It was also fun to feel like a college kid again! Although I've only been absent for a matter of months, it feels like forever since I was a student!

With Deborah Bowmar-Jaffe, Director of Alumni Relations and my amazing PBA liason!

On my way to West Palm I was able to stop and meet up with two of my Princesses at the Wellington Mall. It was so nice to see their beautiful, smiling faces and spend some quality time with them. They showed me their new sashes that Shelby's grandmother made. They are adorable and compliment my sash very nicely! I can't wait to wear them together!

Getting massages in the chairs at Brookstone...we didn't want to leave!


On Saturday I traveled to New Smyrna Beach for the "Boyland" event at First Baptist Church of New Smyrna. I teamed up with Andrea Stephens for the third time and spoke to around 200 middle and high school girls about how to celebrate being "single"! I refered to our single years as a "gift" and encouraged them to allow God to lead their love lives and make sure they take advantage of their years of singleness by pursuing their unique passions and goals.

I used the fact that I am "Miss" Florida as an example of the neat way God has been able to use me while I wait for the guy He has for me.

In addition to my talk, Andrea spoke on the differences between guys and girls, gave dating tips, and taught the girls about self-respect and purity. To conclude the conference the beautiful and talented Jeni Varnadeau, a recording artist from Nashville, performed a concert. The girls really responded...after all, what girl doesn't like talking about guys?


Did I mention my mom and little sis came? We had some great girl time together!

The following day I drove to Orlando to meet up with Mary and go to Becky Bangert's house to discuss some changes on my talent costume. It was great to see Becky and it didn't take us long to work out the kinks! Then Mary and I checked into a hotel downtown and met up with David Gilbert and some of his co-workers for dinner at Houston's. I really enjoyed spending time with David and meeting his lovely girl friends.

The next day we met Chris at Copperhead for a hair cut/color. It was about time! It is always great to see Chris and his new wife, Jen. We had a wonderful time and my hair turned out magnificent as always! Then it was off to Deanna Meredith's for a photo shoot. We borrowed some dresses from Regalia and had a ball! Leslie Ann did my hair and make-up and I really liked it. I can't wait to see the proofs!

That evening I dropped Mary off at the Tampa airport and I headed home to St. Pete. I am so thankful for my host family and how wonderful it has been to live in their home. Tuesday was an "off" day, which basically means no official appearances, but let's face it...no day is an "off"day! I always have plenty to do: work out, practice my dance, tan, keep up with my email, and tie up any loose ends that have accumulated. I am growing so much as I continue to absorb all that it means to be Miss Florida.

On Wednesday afternoon I participated in the Great American Teach-In, a county-wide event where professionals from all sorts of careers visit public schools and share about their job/hobby. I went to John Hopkins Middle School and told them about the Miss America Organization and what the job of Miss Florida entails. Part of me thinks it went over their heads (especially the boys!), but I did notice a lot of girls who were really listening and I incorporated some fun activities to help the students stay engaged. I showed a slideshow of pictures of various appearances, used volunteers to simulate the On-Stage Question competition, and sang a song to demonstrate the Talent competition.


My visit to JHMS was a clear confirmation of my passion for middle schoolers. I was so excited just to be there and have the opportunity to interact with the students. It is obvious that a lot of them hide behind very thick walls, but watching even the tiniest crack form makes it all worth the while. :)

As we move into the Holiday season I look forward to more appearances and continued preparation for January. I am going to Miss America! I can hardly stand the anticipation, but am savoring every moment because I know it is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. May God bless you all!

With love,
Sierra

"Some girls make magazine covers..."

Greetings!

It's Tuesday night and Mary and I just finished looking over my swimsuit options for Miss America! One step closer to January...!

Last Wednesday night Mary, Lynne Dalton, and I spent the evening at an event for "Visit St. Pete/Clearwater" where they distributed latest travel magazine with my picture on the cover! They used a picture from the photo shoot on Caledesi Island in August and placed really neat graphics of area landmarks inside the lenses of my sunglasses, like a reflection. It was fun to see the finished product and have the opportunity to sign the magazines for the guests!


With D.T. Minich, Executive Director - Visit St. Pete/Clearwater



Immediately after the event Mary and I headed to the Tampa airport to catch a flight to Miami because I had to be at my first Right Decisions, Right Now school at 9am on Thursday morning! Although we didn't get home until almost midnight, I was really thankful we didn't have to drive! On Thursday morning we went to Hammocks Middle School where I ended up presenting to two groups of about 200 students each. What a thrill! I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak on a subject that I am passionate about and to an age group that I really have a heart for. At this school I had the chance to interact with some of the students in between presentations and grew especially fond of a group of girls from the dance department. I was even able to go to their class and they performed for me! The highlight of this school was getting to talk about the promise ring I wear on my ring finger to symbolize my commitment to save sex until marriage. (Some of the girls were wondering why I was wearing a ring on that finger when they learned that I don't have a boyfriend!) I saw some surprised reactions, but then a round of applause! Praise God!


With the dancing queens!

With Mrs. Brodie, Career Counselor, and the beautiful roses she gave me

On Friday night I attended the Pineapple Gala hospital fundraiser in Homestead. I was accompanied by Ann Marie Griffin and her friend Terri. Miss Homestead, Janae DeLeon, was there as well and sang three beautiful songs! It was fun to see her and enjoy her talent. My job was to model a necklace from Mayors Jewelers that was being raffled off as a fundraiser. It was over 1k in diamonds, set in 18k white gold, valued at $4900! It was beautiful and definitely the most expensive thing I've ever worn! At the end of the night I had to give it up, but I helped raise $10,000 for Homestead Hospital through the selling of the raffle tickets!

Acting as the product model for Mayors!

With Ann Marie Griffin, Janae DeLeon - Miss Homestead, and Mrs. Evelyn McLean

On Monday I was back on the RDRN trail as Mary and I headed to Ammons Middle School. I was greeted with a warm welcome and proceeded to the cafeteria to set up for my presentation. The schedule at this school was a little bit tighter, so I didn't have as much time to chat casually with the students, but a few of them came up to thank me at the end. That really meant a lot because I knew that I reached at least a few students!



Overall I feel like my first two schools were a success! I always find it interesting to watch how the students react to different parts of my message, but I think my personal stories make the biggest impression by far. I am so thankful for the opportunity to use my experiences to teach and inspire youth to recognize their value and do the right thing.

Until next time...

God bless!
Sierra

"Stars" and more!

Happy November!

It is the 'eve' of the most anticipated day in America. I'm excited to be a part of this election and am proud to say that I voted for the first time! As the candidates have been busy traveling, so have I. The past couple of weeks have been filled with some really neat appearances that I am happy to share with you!

On October 23 I attended the "Hollywood Welcomes the Stars" event in Hollywood, FL. It was a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs in Broward County hosted by Wayne and Marti Huizenga. What a fun party! I was truly honored to attended such a prestigious event and be in the great company of such celebrities as Channing Crowder (Miami Dolphins linebacker), Jerry Mathers (Leave It To Beaver), Tina Louise ("Ginger" from Gilligan's Island), and Lesley Visser (Renowned female sportscaster). The highlight of the night was meeting and dancing on stage with former Monkee, Davy Jones! It was inspiring to see so many "big names" who care about the youth in our country and offer very generous support. I enjoyed learning about the Boys and Girls Club and how perfectly it ties into my personal platform!

Being interviewed on the Red Carpet!
With Channing Crowder

With fellow Florida beauty queen, Anastagia Pierre (Miss Florida USA 2009)

After my trip to Hollywood it was back to the West Coast for the "Doorways" Scholarship Celebration in St. Petersburg. It was exciting to be a part of an event that awarded 144 6th grade students with "Florida Pre-paid" scholarships to attend a four-year university upon graduation from high school. I had the opportunity to address the students, parents, and Pinellas County school faculty and sing "I Have A Dream" from Mamma Mia.


With Mayor Rick Baker and Lori Matway, School Programs Administrator

My next stop was at Summit Christian School in my hometown of Fort Myers. I was invited to speak to a group of young girls at the kick-off of their new group G.E.M.S. (Girls Everywhere Meeting their Savior). What a special event! I was told that the girls were very excited that Miss Florida was coming and it was apparent when they arrived - some were super shy and others marched right up to greet me! They were so precious and were very attentive as I shared how they, too, are Princesses because they are daughters of the King. I was surprised to receive a beautiful frame and two bouquets of flowers at the end of the evening - one was real and the other consisted of homemade flowers from the girls! As I said goodbye to their beautiful faces I was truly reminded of how priceless this experience and this position really is.



After my visit to Fort Myers I returned to St. Pete and attended an exciting rally for the Rays! The Bay area is SO proud of the team and it was a great opportunity to celebrate their success. I must admit I was a little 'star-struck' to meet some of the players like Carlos Pena and the team manager and football great, Joe Maddon! They were so down-to-earth and very gracious to all of the fans who came out to show their support. We are all looking forward to next year! Go Rays!

With Joe Maddon

And that brings me to today! I spent this absolutely beautiful day at the Red Cross Golf Scramble at the Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club. I assisted with the Putting Contest and soaked up some Florida sunshine! I had a wonderful time meeting the golfers and helping raise money for the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Red Cross. They are called upon DAILY to provide relief to the citizens in the Bay area and are hard at work to ensure they fulfill that calling.



This week I start my Right Decision, Right Now tour. This 20-school tour will educate middle school students about making healthy choices in regards to peer pressure and tobacco use. I can't wait to meet students from all over the state!

Blessings!
Sierra

The Big Apple!

Hi there!

This post is long over due, but I must share my incredible trip to New York City! Exactly one week after I returned from LA, Mary and I hopped on a plane to NYC and arrived just in time for my first private lesson with Shea. With the new 90 second time limit for Miss America, my dance had to be shortened about 20 seconds. We also had to have a completely original recording made for TV purposes. Between Lea Delaria's (played the role on Broadway) interpretation of the song and Shea's amazing eye for choreography, we came up with some really neat changes and I feel really good about the dance!

Right after my first lesson with Shea, Mary and I quickly got ready to go see Legally Blonde, The Musical! It was so fun! And of course we were especially excited because Kate Shindle, Miss America 1998, played Vivienne Kensington! We met her at the Stage Door after the show and she gave us a tour of the Palace Theatre, including her dressing room! She also gave me a Legally Blonde poster signed by the entire cast! It was such a great night and reminded me of why I love Theatre so much!




When we left the Theatre Mary and I decided to get something to eat at a little Irish pub around the corner where they were airing the Rays/Red Sox game. We had some delicious soup and watched the game, rooting for the Rays! (Unfortunately they lost...but then won to qualify for the World Series!! Go Rays!)


The next morning we woke up and geared up for a day of shopping! I followed Mary's lead as she navigated through big department stores and fun little shops. And what's a shopping trip in NYC without a stop on Canal Street? Well, it was my first time going down there and it was quite an experience! There were so many people and so much stuff, I didn't even know where to begin! Before long it was time to get back to midtown for one last session with Shea.




On our final day in the City we had brunch with Shauna Pender, Miss Florida 2003, along with her boyfriend, her sister, and her sister's fiance. We had a wonderful time and it was so nice to see Shauna! The quality of her character and her heart for others shined so brightly as we enjoyed our brunch together.


Mary and I returned to Miami just in time to watch the Rays qualify for the World Series! It was so exciting! Since our return I have been busy with appearances, which I will share with you in my next entry!

Love,
Sierra

LA!!

Hello everyone!

I have returned to the Sunshine State having survived my first Reality TV experience!

The night before I left we celebrated with dinner at"Two Chefs"! I had my first espresso hoping that it would help me stay awake to finish packing! Franz, the Sullivan's resident waiter, posed for the picture. :)



Although I cannot say much about the content of the show, I can say that I have faith that it will be a series you won't want to miss! The production company was fabulous and commented that we "pageant girls" were not what they expected. Imagine that! They treated us with respect and admiration. MAO was alert 24/7 making sure that we were well taken care of and it was a great chance to spend some time the MAO staff. I had a wonderful time getting to know the other contestants and I think you will be quite impressed in January!

The slideshow below consists of pictures we were allowed to take on our days off - so don't think you're getting a sneak peak!

One of my first duties upon my return was attending the MFO Franchise Meeting in St. Petersburg. It was wonderful to see the entire Miss Florida Board as well as many Local ED's. We are all very excited to welcome several NEW local franchises to the Miss Florida family!! Be sure to check if there is a new local in your area!


At a delicious dinner with Mary and the Board!


At the Franchise Meeting with the Board


With my departure for Vegas just 3 months away...it's time to get ready for Miss America!! It will be here before we know it! Please contact Mary if you would like to go to Vegas. If not, please tune in to Miss America Live! on January 24th on TLC. And everyone, please be sure to watch Miss America: Countdown to the Crown airing Friday nights in January! (more specific details to follow)

Love and God bless,
Sierra