Why I love Florida...

Greetings!


What a wonderful week it has been! Since my last post I made my first (ever) trip to the 'panhandle'! On Sunday my mom and I made the 8-hour drive to Panama City for the National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN) annual Conference. The car ride actually went by really fast because mom and I had plenty of girl talk to pass the time! We arrived just in time to see the sunset from the balcony of our condo that overlooked the Gulf. It was breathtaking! We then had a delicious dinner before calling it a night!



We spent Monday in a workshop with Dr. Jones, the President of NAREN, and learned a lot about the at-risk youth population and what we can do to help.


That evening we attended the opening reception and I gave the keynote address to welcome everyone to the conference. Educators and Administrators from all over the country came to share their experiences working in alternative learning facilities and to learn the latest trends and techniques in at-risk youth education. I am excited about the development of our partnership and can't wait to see what progress we will make regarding this pressing issue.



On Wednesday my parents and I drove to Palm Beach for the Women of Distinction Luncheon at The Breakers hotel. I assisted in greeting the women and was given the opportunity to say a few words before we ate. After lunch I performed my talent, frying pan and all! From the looks on the guests' faces and the chuckles I could hear, I think it was a hit! It actually left the president of my university, Dr. Clark, speechless as he reclaimed the stage following my performance! It was a privilege to attend this special event and honor a group of women who have made such significant and selfless contributions to their communities.

On stage with scholarship recipients (one being my friend, Marianne!) and Dr. Clark

With Dr. and Mrs. Clark

With Bill Fleming, VP of Development at PBA and an avid fan!!

Outside the "Entertainer's Room", aka, my dressing room

After my appearance at The Breakers I visited with some of my dear friends before going to my university for a "Homecoming" celebration! As I entered the "Caf" the song "Stand" by Rascal Flatts started playing and everyone cheered. It was really sweet and meant so much to have so much support. It felt really great to be back on campus and I am looking forward to returning in the fall!



That evening I spent the night with some of my best girlfriends and left feeling so refreshed! On Thursday morning I went to Trinity Christian School for a "Right Decisions, Right Now" presentation. I met up with a former Miss Palm Beach County, Kathy Quarles, who was my contact and chaperone.


With Kathy and her daughter, Jessica

After the first presentation we went to Starbucks for some iced coffee and then returned to Trinity in time to meet with the high school girls group "Divine Debutantes" during their lunch hour. I gave them some of the etiquette tips I've learned from pageants and spoke with them about the importance of inner beauty. This was a time of genuine 'girls-only' fellowship that I really enjoyed.


With "Ms. Melissa", founder and facilitator of "Divine Debutantes"

After leaving the school I headed up to Tampa and was able to see yet another one of my best girlfriends. In the morning I met up with Ms. Lynne and we drove to Claywell Elementary School to visit some students who would be participating in the Hillsborough County Special Olympics later that day. We were greeted with a bright and warm welcome!


I was then interviewed by four lovely young ladies on the school news.


After meeting a few classes of precious little ones we headed over to Gaither High School to watch the Games!


It was so much fun to see the participants in their various events. They walked, ran, played basketball, and even threw the shot-put! I visited with the athletes and visited the booths at the "Olympic Village" run by the high school students. It was cold outside, but seeing the smiles on the students faces truly warmed my heart. What an incredible event to be a part of!! This was definitely one of my favorite appearances this year.

With a bright young girl named Mia :)

They even had live animals for the participants to play with!

Yes, those are llamas!!

As you can see, it was one packed week! But it was very rewarding - the busier, the better! I am continuing to learn more about this job everyday and I know my journey is far from over!

Happy Friday!

Love,
Sierra