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Refugee Empowerment Project
This is definitely a project that I will continue to be involved in. The main goal of the Refugee Empowerment Project is to help assimilate refugees from all over the globe to life in Memphis. People of all ages come for everything from homework help to English classes. The majority of the children that I interacted with were from Africa, some of which could not speak English at all. I started out with some of the older children by helping with math homework, and then I learned some very valuable communication skills from the youngers children. Because we couldn't understand eachother's languages, we had to draw and act out what we wanted to say! I really enjoyed myself, and I really hope to become more involved with this program in the future.
Miss Tennessee Oustanding Teen Pageant 2008
The 2008 Miss Tennessee Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageant was held on the 8th of March. The night before, Ashlee, our families, and I all packed our bags and began our journey out to Martin, TN. Being my second year to compete, I felt a little more relaxed going into rehearsals. That really paid off too! I came home with the "Devin Grissom Interview Award". Although I didn't place in the top 5, I am really proud of all of the girls who did. I had so much fun this year, and thank you to all of Miss Memphis family for all of your love and support.
St. Patrick's Day 2008
On St. Patrick's Day, I did much more than just wear some green. I went along with the University of Memphis Flute Choir to spread some Irish cheer around Memphis. That afternoon, we played a short list of Irish Folk Songs for the residents at a local nursing home. After we performed, we had the opportunity to go around and speak to some of the people there. Because all of my grandparents live out of the state, two women were kind enough to adopt me as their unofficial granddaughter!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Read Across America
For the last day of Read Across America Week, I went out to Chrichton College for their Reading Carnival. There were different crafts and games set up for the visiting children, and I had my own little corner where I read to the kids. Even though it was snowing outside, there were plenty of kids there, who enjoyed themselves very much.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Read Across America
On Thursday Morning, I woke up early and headed out to Snowden School. For Read Across America Week, the 2nd grade was having "Green Eggs and Ham" day. They all came to school in their pajamas to have an interesting breakfast. I went and talked to each class individually, then later, I read them "Green Eggs and Ham". After that, they all got to try the Green Eggs and Ham for themselves! All of the kids were given fun activities and a certificate saying that they survived eating green eggs and ham!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Collierville Fashion Show
A large number of local girls participated in a charity fashion show held at Harrell Theatre. The money raised went to support the Miss Collierville Pageant and S.A.V.E. (Schools Against Vioence Everywhere). The dresses were donated by Loula's, and everyone in attendance was given $25 off of their next dress.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Read Across America Parade of Books
To kick off Read Across America Week, I went out to Southern Avenue Charter School to participate in the Parade of Books! Even though its a relatively small school, there was plenty of exitement to go around. Volunteers from Chrichton College helped with the event by reading to the different grade levels. After reading I signed autographs for most of the children. It was a LOT of fun, and everyth one there enjoyed themselves.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Munford Judging
On Saturday, March 1, Anna Rene' Miss Sweetheart, Katie Moynihan Miss Collierville, Kristel Quon Miss Collierville Outstanding Teen, and I went out to Munford, Tenneessee to judge a recreational cheerleading competition. The girls ranged in age from about 5 to 14 years old and were grouped into Peewee and Senior cheerleading squads. Some of the girls have been cheerleading for less than a year. All of the participants took home trophies for their accomplishments.
After the awards were given out, all of the judges signed autographs and took pictures in the lobby. One boy in particular couldn't even remember his name while talking to Anna Rene'!!!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Le Bonheur Ground Breaking
Today, on Valentine's Day, Ashlee and I were invited out to the groundbreaking for the new Le Bonheur Hospital. Mayors A.C. Wharton and Herrington both spoke, and Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker were not able to make it to the ceremony, but sent video greetings in their place. During the ceremony, children's choirs from around the state joined with nurses to create a heart around the construction site. Everyone who attended recieved a red Le Bonheur scarf and pin for support of this amazing effort. At the end of the ceremony, children were invited up to start the digging! Kallin Esperian sang at the closing of the ceremony. The new hospital is scheduled to open in 2010, as one of the first GREEN hospitals in the United States. I am so happy to have been a part of this historical event.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Children's Miracle Network
Tuesday, February 12th, I went with a group of people to help celebrate IHOP's National Pancake Day! The restaurant gave out free pancakes all day in exchange for donations to the Children's Miracle Network. It was a YUMMY way to help a great cause!!!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Miss Memphis Outstanding Teen 2008
Oh my goodness! I am so excited to begin my year as Miss Memphis Outstanding Teen 2008. This past weekend was so amazing. I met so many wonderful girls, and I know that the year ahead will be great. Everyone who competed in this pageant was so beautiful and so talented, so it is truly an honor to have been chosen for this title. Brooke, Ashlee, and Anna, I feel so honored to serve along side you. I really look forward to getting to know each of you, and if there is ever anything I can do, don't hesitate to ask!