Miss New York's Outstanding Teen: Days 2 and 3

   "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
   When I arrived in Staten Island for the Miss New York's Outstanding Teen competition, I decided that this bible verse would be my inspiration for the weekend. I decided that, because this was my first year competing in Miss New York's Outstanding Teen, I would go into the competition solely to make friends and have fun.
   At 9:00 am on Saturday, June 16, I had my first rehearsal with the first half of the wonderful contestants (the other half was busy taking regents examinations that morning). I had an amazing time meeting the girls and getting closer to them! After a three hour rehearsal, all of the teens were given a few hours to relax and prepare for interviews. I used some of this time to meet my grandmother (who flew out all the way from Oklahoma) at the hotel. At 4:15, I arrived in the lobby for interviews and had my interview at around 5:20! My interview went really well! I was glad that I was able to talk about my platform, Heart U, and about my interests in musical theater! My eight minutes with the judges seemed to fly by, and after my interview I was off to watch the second preliminary show for Miss New York!

In front of the hotel before leaving for my first rehearsal!

Right before walking into my interview!

   I had a VERY early start the next morning. I had a 5:15 am wake up call for a 7:30 am rehearsal. All of the girls seemed really tired! But all of that faded away once we finished learning routines and we started our dress rehearsal. We spent the rest of the day at the theater preparing for the 2:00 pm Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Preliminary Show. I had so much fun during the preliminaries and I feel like I did my absolute best! I was even given the chance to visit my family before launching into a final show rehearsal with the Miss New York Contestants.

With my "adopted" Miss contestant, Katie Guevarra, Miss Westchester!

Competing in Evening Wear and Onstage Question!

Video Credit goes to Katie Guevarra!

Competing in Talent!

Video Credit goes to Katie Guevarra!

   At the final show, I was honored to be apart of the Top 5 Contestants! What made the moment even more special was that I was standing next to my long time friend, Katherine McQuade! My goal going into the pageant was to make Top 5 during my first year competing, and I reached it! I was eventually decided as fourth runner-up to Miss New York's Outstanding Teen 2012, Shannon Ryan!

   I have so many people to thank for this wonderful opportunity. First, to Linda Carbo for answering my numerous (and probably very annoying at some points) questions about the Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Organization. Next, I would like to thank my family for always supporting me through all of my endeavors. To my mom and dad, thank you for driving me to all of my appearances and everywhere else I needed to be. And lastly, to God for giving me this amazing opportunity. Not many girls can say that they placed fourth runner-up to Miss New York's Outstanding Teen during their first time. Through God, I have been able to serve the Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Organization and my community to the best of my ability.

I truly can do all things through Him, who strengthens me.

XOXO,

Sarah

Miss New York's Outstanding Teen: Day 1

   Hey everyone! After a lot of traffic, and a much needed nap, I arrived in Staten Island for the Miss New York's Outstanding Teen competition today! I was really excited to watch the first Miss New York Preliminary show tonight too! I even made some new Outstanding Teen friends! But tomorrow is going to be a lot more jam-packed with activities!
   Tomorrow morning, the other teens and I head off to rehearsals for our preliminary show on Saturday. Next, I have interview tomorrow evening (which is what I am most excited for because interview is one of my favorite phases of competition). After interviews, I get to watch the second preliminary competition for the Miss New York contestants. Did I mention that my grandma, from Oklahoma, is flying down to New York to watch the competition tomorrow! I am so excited to see her! But, until tomorrow, I will be catching up on some sleep!

Goodnight!
XOXO,
Sarah

Southampton High School's Eighth Annual Science Research Symposium

    I was so excited to be apart of my high school's eighth annual Science Research Symposium on Monday, June 4th. The Science Research class is a program designed for science loving students! The class is an optional extra science class where students can design and carry out their own research projects, based on their interests. This past school year was my first year in the program, and I had been eager to start the research process.
   At the Science Research Symposium, my classmates and I were able to present our year's worth of work for our research. As a first year student, I was given the task of presenting a poster and research paper based on one of the many scientific articles that I have read. My topic, which is very closely associated with my platform (Heart U) is The Effect of Physical Fitness on Academic Achievement. I will eventually be researching how physical activity affects the memory and academic achievement in elementary school students.

Presenting my topic to everyone who attended the Science Research Symposium!

My classmate, Natalie, and I receiving awards for our research work at Brookhaven National Lab this year!

   A HUGE thank you to my Science Research teacher, Mrs. Milton, our wonderful librarian, Ms. Liss, and all of the students who worked so hard to make sure the symposium ran as smoothly as possible!

XOXO,

Sarah

Inspirational Bike Riders at the Hamptons Heart Ride

   On Saturday, May 19, I was lucky enough to be able to volunteer at a water stop for the annual Hamptons Heart Ride! My fellow water stop volunteers and I gave out sandwiches, snacks, and drinks to the riders. It was my second year volunteering at the Heart Ride, and I can't tell you how inspirational the whole experience was. Each of the riders had to bike a minimum of 60 miles! Can you believe that?! And if that isn't enough, some participants chose to ride over 100 miles on their bikes. After meeting the inspirational riders that day, I decided to set a new goal for myself. I am going to find the time to ride my bike as much as possible, and ride in a, much less intense, bike ride before this time next year. I'm going to try my hardest to make my goal a reality! Here are some pictures I took at the water stop:

The other volunteers and I!

   A big shout out goes to the Hamptons Heart Ride staff, the volunteers, and the riders, who inspired me so much through their hard work and dedication!

XOXO,

Sarah

And the Countdown Begins!

   Hi, everyone! I'm SO excited because in one month I will be starting to compete for Miss New York's Outstanding Teen at the St. George Theater in Staten Island, New York! I'm super excited to meet all of the contestants and make new friends! I have been preparing SO much for the pageant and I can't wait to finally put my hard work to good use.
   On Friday, June 15, I will be competing in interview and rehearsing my talent. Later that night, the other contestants and I will be able to watch the Miss New York preliminaries! At 2:00 on Saturday, June 16, I will be competing in the Miss New York's Outstanding Teen preliminaries, and the winner will be crowned that day! Can you say exciting?! I can't wait!

If you are interested in learning more about the Miss New York and the Miss New York's Outstanding Teen programs click here.

XOXO,
Sarah

Teens in Training Camp

Are you a young woman between the ages 13-17 and are interested in competing in or learning more bout the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Scholarship Program? Here's your chance! Last year I attended a program called Teens in Training Camp. The camp is a program run by the MAO Teen Organization. At the camp, campers are taught vital information that can help them to prepare for their local, state, and even national MAO Teen pageant by professionals in each area. Did I mention that the camp is held during the Miss America's Outstanding Teen national pageant in Florida? Campers also get to watch the national pageant LIVE!
I was lucky enough to be apart of the first Teens in Training Camp last year, and I have nothing but good things to say about the program. I loved being apart of the workshops that all of the other campers and I participated, and I was amazed by the national pageant! I encourage you to check it out! I will post the link below!
http://www.teensintrainingcamp.com/

XOXO,
Sarah

Performing at Carnegie Hall!

   On Sunday, April 29, I was blessed with the opportunity to sing "Anything's Possible" from Seussical the Musical on the Carnegie Hall stage with the New York Pops and then new friends that I made at Camp Broadway. I even met some celebrities such as Brian D'Arcy James (who stars on SMASH, and has even performed alongside my Broadway hero, Sutton Foster in Shrek The Musical) and Norm Lewis (who has played Javet both on Broadway, as well as during the Les Miserables London Tour in 2011. He knows Nick Jonas too!). Here are some pictures that I took during the last day of rehearsals:

Some friends and I before our final rehearsal!

See if you can find me on the Carnegie Hall stage! I'm in yellow! (you can click on the picture to make it bigger!)

Before saying goodbye to my new friends! I miss you all already!

   I'd love to thank Camp Broadway for giving me the chance to sing on the Carnegie Hall stage. I'd also like to thank the musicians of the New York Pops and everyone behind the scenes for making my experience a very memorable one. And lastly, to all of my new friends from Camp Broadway, thank you for making my first experience with Camp Broadway better than I could have ever imagined! I can't wait to see you all again in the future!

XOXO,

Sarah