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