Childrens Christmas at Fairlawn Mansion& Museum

The kids had a blast at the historical Mansion. They participated in story reading and ornament making, also delicious juice and cookies were served! Santa Claus made a grand visit and read the Night before Christmas. I also read the Legend of Mistletoe, a Kittens Christmas! Hope Everyone Has a Happy Holiday!

Alcohol Abuse : A Voice to Students

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Alcohol Abuse : A Voice to Students

As a college student, I am exposed to dangerous situations involving alcohol.  I believe that alcohol use is a responsibility that only a mature adult should have. Yet, some teenagers and students see no responsibility when it comes to a bottle. The violence, drunk driving, and harmful repercussions of alcohol are not a new problem in society these days. For generations, it has caused turmoil to not only the abuser, but their families.

My mission as Miss Minnesota is to voice my story to students of all ages and hopefully plant the idea that alcohol abuse shouldn’t be part of any student’s life. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always been aware of my own families concern with alcohol safety. Alcoholism runs through my family and with my efforts, it seizes with me. My 24 year old brother, Keenan is currently recovering from alcoholism.

Alcoholism is a chronic disease in which causes the body to become dependent on alcohol. When under the influence, one loses control over when to drink, how much to drink, or how long to drink on each occasion. Youth who started drinking before age 15, compared to those who waited until they were 21, were 12 times more likely to be injured while under the influence of alcohol and seven times more likely to be in a motor vehicle crash after drinking. Excessive abuse is risks developing alcoholism. Those with alcoholism, know its causing problems with their relationships, health, work or finances yet, they continue to drink due to their withdrawal symptoms. Keenan, suffered from depression and it lead him into an unfathomable, dark place few people experience. I have a strong drive to prevent alcohol abuse and advocate the safety in alcohol use in students of all ages. My brother is a direct influence of that.

Ever since he became legal, he had begun a frightening road that has changed my family forever. After Keenan had finished his degree and moved out of the house, our family had confidence that he would excel at his new job in a new town. It wasn’t until when he had frequent problems with the law. It wasn’t until when Keenan drunk drove and totaled his truck almost killing his friend in the passenger seat. Almost all incidents were results of alcohol abuse and as a sister, I felt as though I was losing a brother. With Keenan’s increasing depression, it led him to a suicide attempt. After losing his job and 3 driving while intoxicated violations, my brother had left a permanent scar on his and our families’ life. All because of alcohol, he had lost control of every aspect of his life.

                With the support of the Miss Minnesota organization, I hope to bring more awareness to the effects of alcohol abuse. I feel a deep responsibility to prevent alcoholism. Starting with my school, I’d like to be a part of developing more clubs and invite more speakers. APE, or Alcohol Peer Educators, is a campus organization at University of Minnesota, Duluth that deals with presenting harm reduction information to UMD students. As well as I hope to voice my story to students of Minnesota and hopefully reduce the alcohol abuse in our age group.

There are countless stories of families affected by drunk driving and violence related to alcohol and my story is just a grain of sand in Lake Superior. It is the people who have lived and fought through the abuse that truly touch the minds of students. I believe with more support from the organizations that strive to prevent it, the fewer students is prone to abuse alcohol. Throughout my entire Miss Bayfront experience, I’ve realized my platform isn’t just about putting on a crown and speaking to the public. It’s about confirming the safety of others. I’ll use my role as Miss Minnesota to seek support from public officials in order to make alcohol abuse prevention a priority. As well as educate individuals and communities across our state.

Christmas City of the North Parade: Miss MN Outstanding Teen saves the night!

11/18/11 My missing Corvette convertible didn't ruin my Christmas filled night! Due to a "no show" from my driver, I was a little worried if I would be in the parade this year. After lots of waiting and asking for a ride, Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen Alexis Houule came to my rescue. We enjoyed each others company while smiling and waving to the fellow Duluthians. Overall, the crowd was bundled up for the snowfall and brisk temperature and the parade was just as wonderful and cheerful like every year. Alexis and I were plenty warm on the red stingray convertible. Thanks again girl for being so gracious to share the ride! hopefully next year I will get to stand on the sidelines and watch the entire parade. Happy Holidays everyone! and have a wonderful New Year!

Animal Allies Fur Ball 2011

10th Annual Step up for Down Syndrome Walk

September 25th 2011 was the 10th Annual Step up for Down Syndrome Walk and we had a blast dancing and hanging out with the kids! For the past 10 years the Down up North-Down syndrome Association of Minnesota puts on a day of fun and activities for the community and children and adults with Down Syndrome. Not only was there the  5k walk but there were bouncy castles to hula hooping to awesome music to dance to all throughout the day. I especially enjoyed the good old carnival food like hot dogs, burgers popcorn, cotton candy and hot chocolate! Cant wait to visit next year! both the adults and children had a blast! More photos to come also, visit www.downupnorth.com and www.dsamn.org for more info for next year's walk!!

Night at the Greysolon

Last night, my fellow queens and I attended the First Witness Auction, FALL SPLASH at the Greysolon Ballroom! It was a wonderful experience meeting everyone over delicious food. We also helped showcase the incredible cakes and pies that were up for auction. Proceeds of the auction went towards the First Witness Child Abuse Resource Center. There was live music, gourmet food and incredible prizes up for auction! This 8th annual auction is put on by a program that provides supportive and educational services to protect children in our community. First witness continues to be a leader in providing services surrounding child abuse. In 2010, First witness conducted 136 interviews with children, provide 58 educational and training programs reaching 1,500 children and adults. This life changing program works hard to better the lives of children who have been abused. It was truly an honor to be a part of this auction.

New Year, New Crown, So many Possibilities!

The summer is closing to an end and I am more than ecstatic to start my duties as Miss Bayfront 2011! As a former Miss Hermantown in 2008, I've learned the importance of community involvement and I've grown to admire it dramatically! But I'd like to mention why and how I entered the pageant in the first place.

This previous July I was enjoying the sun & heat at Park Point when I found a pageant flier on my towel. My friends laughed and jokingly suggested I do this pageant. I thought nothing of it at first, but later realized this is the perfect opportunity to reach out and really CHALLENGE myself this summer. A week later, I sent in my application and began to focus my energy into this pageant. I had always wanted to enter another pageant since Miss Hermantown, but felt too intimidated, until now. It wasn't until the private interview when I began to really feel the pressure. Even though I was satisfied with my interview, I knew there was still so much to do. I spent the next couple of days perfecting my dance and spent time with my family (who had traveled 600 miles to see me). The morning of the pageant, I was beyond nervous. Which is rare for me because Ive been performing all my life. This was the day I had to strut my stuff! I gave it all on the stage and I definitely learned TONS! not only from the pageant, but from the other contestants too! The friendships and support that came from this whole experience has been tremendous! looking forward to the events coming up!! Ill be keeping in touch! bye!

-Megan