National Pancake Day Benefitting CMN

The National Pancake Day celebration began in 2006. Since then IHOP has raised more than $10 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. On February 5, 2013, guests from around the country celebrated National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoyed a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests were asked to consider leaving a donation for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

I was honored to volunteer at the IHOP in Conway along with several other local titleholders. Many people came out to support Children's Miracle Network and it was great to see all the smiling faces that donated. I enjoyed greeting the customers, hanging donation balloons, and visiting with the tables while giving them more information about CMN. I had a great time and can not wait to work the event again next year!

 

 And of course I had to have my picture made with the "I'm a fan of UCA" sticker! :)

Cheering For Our Miss Arkansas at Miss America

I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to travel to Miss America this year! What an amazing experience it was. Our Miss Arkansas, Sloane Roberts, did such a fabulous job representing the state. She is such a beautiful person inside and out and I know that I was extremely proud to answer, "Miss Arkansas, Sloane Roberts!!" anytime I was asked who I was there to watch.

Her first night at Miss America, Sloane competed in evening gown and swimsuit. She was absolutely stunning! Her gown was white with long sleeves and beads all over. She walked with such poise and elegance on the stage and definitely stood out. Her gown was my favorite from the night and of course she rocked her swimsuit also

                          (A group of the Miss America contestants doing a promotion at Burgr)

The second night of prelims Sloane competed her talent which is always amazing! I love to watch her tap dance, especially since it is my favorite style of dance. She started her dance with music and ended with a section of a cappella tapping. Her dancing was flawless and entertaining!

The final night of prelims Sloane competed in onstage question. She answered her question with such confidence and looked beautiful as well.

 I had such a great time getting to watch throughout the week and see the representation that each state made. Our Miss Arkansas won Miss Congeniality and to me that is such a compliment. What a great award to walk away from Miss America with. She is a true example as to how each young women should respect herself, stand up for what is right, and hold herself to high standards. Sloane is a wonderful role model for our young girls to look up to.

Polar Bear Express with Theodore Jones Elementary

I was so excited to return to Theodore Jones Elementary over the Christmas break. Last year I spoke to the third grade class about my platform, Giving Children Hope Through A Smile. This year I read the Polar Bear express to the fourth graders. It was great to hear the class say they remembered me from last year and what I spoke about. For the end of the semester they had pajama day at school and later got to watch The Polar Bear Express movie. The children also had a chance to ask me any questions. This is always the part I love about speaking with children. They had some really good questions about how I became involved in pageants and what all I had done as Miss UCA. I do believe my favorite question was, "Do you wear your crown everywhere you go?" As much as I love doing appearances where I get to wear my crown I think I would get some funny looks if I wore it to class everyday! I had such a great time reading and talking with the children and I look forward to returning to Theodore Jones in the future. Thank you to Amy and the other teachers for having me!