Fabulous February!

Hello Everyone!!

First off all, I would like to congratulate all of our new local titleholders! This weekend I had the honor of attending the Miss Palm Beach County pageant. As you may know, that was my local title last year, so it was great to be back! The girls looked fabulous and I had a great time getting to spend time with them during rehearsal and the live show. I asked the "On-Stage" Question and also co-emcee'd the Evening Wear competition with Jamie Marineau, the reigning Miss Palm Beach County who I crowned after I won Miss Florida. Two of my beautiful princesses were there and we had so much fun!


Last Wednesday I had a very productive meeting with the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County. We discussed ways that I can be involved in working with at-risk youth in the area and began planning an event for the Contestants during Miss Florida week this summer. I am excited about our plans and can't wait to get to work!


A few days earlier I went to the University of Florida to support the "Unite" Party in their Student Government elections campaign. I gave a brief speech to "pump up" the crowd! It was so much fun to see all of the school spirit and to support the candidates.

With the candidates running for office
But that's not all...I also got to meet Tim Tebow! He was there supporting Jordan, the candidate for President, and also offered some words of wisdom. We only spent a few minutes together, but it was fun to meet our "Mr. Florida"!


Earlier that day I was in Orlando for a visit to "House of Hope". It's a Christ-centered residential campus for teenagers who are overcoming adversity in their lives. What an incredible place! I was truly energized as I learned about the heart of the organization and how young people's lives are being transformed through this ministry. I had the opportunity to share my testimony with the residents and even heard some of their personal stories. It was a privilege to share the afternoon with them and I look forward to another visit!


On February 21 I participated in the "Edison Festival of Light" parade in my hometown of Fort Myers. I was outfitted by White House Black Market "from head to toe" and rode in a white Mustang convertible with two of my Princesses. We had a blast!!


I saw lots of familiar faces as we cruised through downtown and made our way to my high school where we were announced and did one lap around the track before heading back to the starting point. It was an honor to participate and I know I made my city proud!


This journey just keeps getting better! Since Miss America, I have been able to embrace my job as Miss Florida more fully and I am going to keep making the most of the rest of my reign. I am excited about the plans for Miss Florida 2009, although I can't even believe we're thinking about that already! I wish the best of luck to the ladies who have yet to compete in a local and I can't wait to see you all on the road soon!

Love and blessings,
Sierra