Hey everyone!

Sorry it has taken me so long to give an update, things have been absolutely crazy! I just returned from Philadelphia where I was visiting the president of the Miss Maine Scholarship Program, Valerie Clemens. Every year, Valerie brings the winner of Miss Maine to her BEAUTIFUL home in Radnor, PA to teach the new Miss Maine alllll about Miss America and how to be a better speaker, performer, dresser, and everything else that comes along with being a good Miss Maine and hopefully Miss America! The first few days were full of shopping in Philadelphia and NYC which was amazing. Although it was tiring, we managed to get all of my wardrobe for Miss America which was a huge weight off of my shoulders. I probably will not post pics of all the clothes because they are not totally finished yet and I want them to be a surprise! The rest of the week was fully of appearances and speech giving including Benchmark Summer Camp, Melmark School for the developmentally disabled, Rotary Club, Calcutta House, ESF Summer Camp, and many many more! Valerie's friend Lisa, the president of the Miss Kansas Scholarship Program was also visiting that week and gave me soooo many tips on being interviewed and giving speeches. I thought I was an ok speaker, but after having Lisa record me while I gave speeches, I now realize the amount of work that needs to be done! A very humbling experience, I assure you:) I actually stayed up until 130am one night while Lisa drilled me on different speech strategies. Overall a sometimes frustrating but incredible worthwhile experience. I could not have asked for two people that know as much about pageants as Valerie and Lisa, their insight is priceless and I am so appreciative of their help! I already feel more prepared for what is ahead. I will hopefully be keeping in contact with Lisa until Miss America so that I can receive even more advice. The last two days of my Philly trip was FULL of appearances. I was also able to meet a couple other Miss America contestants! I was able to be play hostess to Miss Connecticut, Miss Rhode Island, Miss Delaware, Miss New Hampshire, Miss Virgin Islands, Miss D.C., and Miss New Jersey. I am happy to report that all of the girls were great. I have to say that being involved with the pageant and being a part of this kind of competition has been pleasantly surprising. I have not witnesses any acts of unkindness or ill will towards anyone. Everyone is very supportive of each other which is something I am not that used to in other competitions! I am very excited to get to know them even more! As if the beginning of the week was not full enough, Valerie planned to have a mock interview for all of us girls! She had 5 professional judges come to evaluate us and invited some local press to ask us questions as well. After everyone was there, we ended up being interviewed, one at a time, in front of about 25 people! Very nerve racking! But again, extremely good for us. I would rather get all of the nerves out now and be confident for what it really counts, Miss America. After the interviews, each of us did our talents and a beautiful dinner followed. It was a great way to end the week! Needless to say, I was a very tired girl when I got home the following Sunday, but am so happy that I went. I don't know how Valerie does it! She's an amazing lady.

My next adventure will be in Orlando, FL on Aug. 12-16! That is when the Miss Outstanding Teen Pageant is taking place. I will be there supporting Maine's Outstanding Teen this year, Kristen Korda, wish her luck! Thanks for reading everyone! Talk to you later:)