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"There she is, Miss America..."

What a small world! And it just keeps getting smaller! I was unable to attend Miss America's Homecoming celebration earlier this year, in Michigan. I had appearances scheduled around the Akron area and a show the night Miss America was to crown the "new" Miss Michigan. I was so close. Needless to say, I was definitely dispirited by the fact that I wasn't able to drop in and give her a big hug!

I heard it from the lips of one of my former local directors, "Now I see why she won..." he said. For those of you who were left hanging (one eyebrow higher than the other), as to why Kirsten Haglund was named our Miss America; have faith in the fact when I tell you she was 100% deserving.

I let the Miss Ohio contestants and their families know this year that she was so eloquent when she spoke. She is so graceful and such is her word choice. Very articulate and intelligent. Beautiful and genuine. Just a few attributes of our Miss America.

As disappointed as I was in being unable to see her in February, I got to see her in August! In my hometown! My mom called one day and asked "Guess who's going to be at Meijer this weekend?" I said "I have no clue!" When she replied with "Miss America!" I thought she was joking! There's no way Kirsten's going to be at the Meijer in Grove City...OHIO! Nevertheless...there she was!














Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008 and the Miss America Organization have teamed up with Sweet D Onions. Kirsten spends her time as an advocate for healthy eating habits, hence the partnership. Dalena Farms approached Kirsten and MAO, to use her as their spokesperson. MAO and Sweet D not only partnered with Meijer, but also Wal-Mart and other well known markets throughout the country. I see this as another avenue for Kirsten to create more awareness of eating disorders, to make the Miss America Organization recognizable and to take the program to the next level. Just imagine how many people she's actually connecting with, if she's visiting small towns all throughout our nation.

The day before she came to 'lil old Grove City she was at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville. She also told me about a NASCAR race she was able to start and her adventures in meeting some of the drivers, one of which even asked for her phone number! I can't for the life of me, remember his name! Sorry if you're reading this Kirsten, even though I know you're not.

Our Miss America is out there experiencing the world! I wouldn't have asked for a better representative for this program and I wish her all the best! Hope to see you in January Kirsten!
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Before I get to this weekends happenings, I want to update you on a couple of "appearances" I have had the pleasure of making.

I sang the National Anthem at the Columbus Crew game last summer (2007). Pictured left is a really bad, blurry picture from the HOT and rainy night I did sing the Anthem.

I had the pleasure of returning this past August to sing the National Anthem once more, but no pictures were taken. This event was much more relaxing, not to mention it wasn't as HOT. I did let individuals with the Columbus Crew know that I was no longer the "official" Miss Ohio, that I couldn't wear my crown because there's another deserving young lady out there running all over the State...being Miss Ohio 2008! In fact, I even got Karissa lined up to sing the Anthem. If I'm not mistaken, she will sing for the Crew on October 26th! This game should be aired on ONN, so be sure to check your local listings!

Another event that I was able to make was the send-off party for our 2008 Miss Ohio Outstanding Teen, Sarah Hider. Her celebration was held this past July in Mansfield and was emceed by Miss Ohio 2005, Marlia Fontaine-Wiesse. Sarah should feel very proud of representing the Great State of Ohio in the 2008 Miss America's Outstanding Teen competition. I remember it being an exciting time last August, as I hope it was the same for her.














Congratulations to the new Miss Porstmouth, Amber Bussa and Miss Scioto Valley, Alyssa Hanson! This is Amber's first trip to Miss Ohio and Alyssa's third!

The two are adorable! When I was able to finally catch them Saturday night after their win, they had to point out some coincidence's! They both attend Ohio State University, both are singers, they live six houses down from one another and...as last years winners (Camp & Wombacker) were crowned in white evening gowns; this years were wearing black! Too cute! Congratulations to both again and to the outgoing queens! Megan Wombacker has much to be proud of and served her community and the Portsmouth area well at Miss Ohio. And Miss Camp won't stop just yet, as she returns for the second time on the Miss Ohio stage as Miss Miami Valley! Best of luck to you all.



I must tell you all about our wedding planning! But this is all for now!

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*Tune In Alert*

TONIGHT, October 21 at 7PM - Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund to discuss eating disorders.

Miss America 2008 will be featured this evening on Entertainment Tonight to discuss her personal platform of raising awareness of eating disorders. This issue hits home for Kirsten, as she began to battle Anorexia Nervosa at the age of 15. She not only conquered this illness, but came out of it a stronger, healthier individual who now successfully promotes healthy body image and good nutrition for the next generation of young women searching for new role models in today's world.

Throughout her year of service, Kirsten has continued to promote her personal platform message and continues to focus on healthy lifestyles and making the choice to embrace your inner self. *Check your local listings.*
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From baby's to weddings!

One of my best friends, Cassi, married one of her best friends this past August. I was lucky enough to be one of her bridesmaids, sort of a "stand-in Maid of Honor" I think. I have asked Cassi to be my Matron of Honor next April, she accepted! Ha! My little sister will be my Maid of Honor!

I wanted to share a few pictures of this amazing event with you, even though she has been a part of an "official Mr. & Mrs." for over two months now! The wedding pics were too beautiful not to share! And of course I'm in a wedding frenzy right now with all of our planning, 24/7 wedding! With the exception of school and work...whew!










Those are quite obviously the professional photos of the day. Here are a few candids!












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Congratulations Erica! Last night she secured a position on the Miss Ohio stage for her 3rd year! You know what they say..."third times a charm!" Congrats to the new Miss Clayland!Times Reporter article about Erica's big win in Uhrichsville
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Keeping up with Karissa and the '09 Miss America contestants:

**Also, new baby info in a previous post below!**