Cedarhurst-Lawrence Memorial Day Parade

   On May 27, I was honored to participate in the annual Cedarhurst-Lawrence Memorial Day Parade! What an exciting event! I was able to meet so many nice people, especially the mayor of Cedarhurst, Andrew Parise. After speaking with Mr. Parise, I learned that his family lived in Hampton Bays, which is very close to my neighborhood! I had a wonderful time during the parade, and I enjoyed the ceremony that happened after the parade. Here are some pictures from the parade and festivities!

On the Leonardo DaVinci Lodge float!

With my friend, and fellow contestant, Marisa, at the parade. She rode with me on the float!

With Mr. Parise, the mayor of Cedarhurst.

Waving during the parade!

Taking pictures after the post-parade ceremony.

   I had only been in Cedarhurst for a few hours, but it was easy to see everyone's spirit. Everyone came together and unified to celebrate those who died to for our freedom, and that was a beautiful thing to see.

   A big shout out goes to Mr. Berkins for inviting me to participate in the parade. I would also like to thank the mayor of Cedarhurst, and everyone who put the parade together. It was truly a wonderful event that I hope I can be apart of again someday.

XOXO,

Sarah

Long Island Heart Ride Water Stop

   Hello, everyone! For the past 3 years, I have volunteered to help at the annual Long Island Heart Ride by distributing water, snacks, and other items that the bikers might need during their ride at a Water Stop. This year, I was happy to manage the first of three water stops on the bike route. I met so many wonderful people who were riding in the Heart Ride, all of which were either biking 100 miles or 50 miles. I was so inspired by the riders and their passion for staying active and raising awareness with the American Heart Association. Here are some pictures from the Water Stop!

With some of the riders as they were passing through the Water Stop!

The riders were so upbeat after finishing their 20th mile!

Me at the Water Stop!

   I am so glad I was able to be apart of the Long Island Heart Ride for a third year. The Heart Ride is one of my favorite volunteer opportunities, and I look forward to it each year. Thank you to the Heart Ride staff for allowing me to come back and volunteer, and for allowing the event to run smoothly!

XOXO,

Sarah

Children's Miracle Network Fundraising

   Hello, everyone! I would like to take a moment to talk to you all about the Children's Miracle Network. The Children's Miracle Network works to raise money for over 150 children's hospitals across the United States and Canada. The funds raised by the Children's Miracle Network are used by these hospitals for research, equipment, and uncompensated care for ill children. This organization is truly an amazing one.
    The national platform of Miss America's Outstanding Teen is the Children's Miracle Network. Because of this, all Outstanding Teen contestants are encouraged to raise funds for this wonderful organization. I believe strongly in the mission of the Children's Miracle Network, and have decided to set a fundraising goal for myself. My goal is to raise $500.00 for this organization, but I cannot reach my goal alone. That is why I am reaching out to all of you. I have set up a personal fundraising page and am gladly accepting donations in order to reach my goal. With your help, I can not only raise $500.00 for the Children's Miracle Network, but we can also make the dreams of millions of children come true. Click here to view my fundraising page if you are interested in donating.

Here's a screenshot of my personal fundraising page!

   Also, stay tuned for more posts about what I've been up to with my platform, as well as upcoming events!

XOXO,
Sarah

Click here to view my fundraising page and to make a donation.
Click here to learn more about the Children's Miracle Network.

Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Workshop!

   From May 10-11, 2013, I attended the Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Workshop! As a part of the workshop, my fellow contestants and I reviewed important information about the pageant in July. We also attended workshops on stage presence, nutrition, talent, and much more!
   It was so much fun getting to reunite with old friends, and meet new friends too! I bonded with all of the girls and I know that we are all going to have a great time come July for the Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Pageant. It was such an honor meeting all of the smart, talented, and sweet ladies that represent the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization!

   Thank you to Linda Monte, our director, and Linda Carbo, our contestant coordinator, for making sure the workshop taught us all of the valuable information we will need for the competition in July! You two are fabulous! I would also like to thank Kent for taking us through a run-through of the show and making sure all of our questions were answered. I want to thank Heather as well for taking us to all of our workshops, and for giving us all feedback on our talents. Lastly, thank you to all of the volunteers who took time from their day to help out the Miss New York and Miss New York's Outstanding Teen contestants prepare for the state competition!

I can't wait until July!

XOXO,

Sarah

New York Pops Birthday Gala at Carnegie Hall

   Wow! I can't believe it is already May! It seems like its only been a few days since I've posted! Time sure does fly when you are having fun and keeping busy like me!
   In January, I auditioned to sing at Carnegie Hall with Camp Broadway as a part of the New York Pops Birthday Spring Gala. I had performed at the Gala with Camp Broadway in 2012, and had such a fun time that I decided to audition again (read my post about last year's performance here). After a few months of eagerly waiting, I found out that I, along with 64 other kids from around the country, had been chosen to perform again at Carnegie Hall!
   Rehearsals kicked off on April 27 in New York City. I was thrilled to see some familiar faces at the rehearsal as well! Many of my friends from performing at the Gala last year had come back to sing again, as well as my friend from the plays Drop Dead Juliet and Everything I Needed to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Play that we had performed in a few months before (such a small world!). I also met a lot of new friends at rehearsals as well!
   As part of the program, I was able to meet some really cool Broadway stars from the show The Phantom of the Opera (one of my absolute favorite shows), and participate in special acting and musical theater workshops with them!
   Before we knew it, the day had come for us to perform a "Gypsy Medley" on the Carnegie Hall stage! The performance went really well, and we all had a lot of fun performing for so many people. Did I mention that some of us bumped into Megan Hilty from SMASH backstage?! She is so beautiful and sweet in person! Here are some pictures of me and my new and old friends!

This picture is extra special to me. This is my friend Jessica and I- Jessica was my first friend EVER at Camp Broadway last year. She's one of the greatest friends a girl could ask for!

   As always, there are always so many people to thank! First, thank you to my mom who took me to the city every morning for rehearsals! Next, thank you to all of the wonderful staff at Camp Broadway who made sure we were prepared to perform at Carnegie Hall! Lastly, thank you to the New York Pops and the awesome crew and staff at Carnegie Hall who worked so hard to put a great production and concert together!

XOXO,

Sarah

NYSSMA Solo Festival

   On April 20, I participated in my ninth New York State Solo Music Association (NYSSMA) solo. At NYSSMA, students in grades K-11 perform a solo piece (for whichever instrument they play) so that they may be adjudicated by a professional musician. NYSSMA is also the first step to participating in festivals such as HMEA (Hampton Music Educator's Association), SCMEA (Suffolk County Music Educator's Association), and All State Festivals.

   Even though this was my ninth NYSSMA solo, this was my first time performing for an adjudicator in the hopes that I would be selected for All State. To participate in All State, both your solo and sight reading scores must be close to perfect. 

   I sang a level VI piece called Les Berceaux, composed by Gabriel Fauré. If you've never participated in NYSSMA, level VI is the highest, and most difficult, level offered at the festival. And for those of you who know me personally, know I don't speak French. But the journey to NYSSMA was interesting to say the least, considering I was singing a difficult piece in a language I have never spoken before. Even though there was some pressure to do well in order to go to All State, I went into my adjudication ready to do my best and have fun, because essentially, that is what NYSSMA is all about. 

   I would love to thank my choir director, Mr. Tartaglia for pushing me to do NYSSMA this year. I almost didn't participate this year because of a busy schedule, but I am glad I did. Next I need to thank the wonderful Peter Ludlow, who accompanied me as I sang for the adjudicator. And of course, thank you to my parents for giving me wonderful opportunities, such as NYSSMA, and for always believing in me.

   I wish nothing but good luck to all students who are participating in NYSSMA this weekend. I hope that you receive a high score that will take you to a festival such as SCMEA, HMEA, or All State!

XOXO

Sarah

New York State Lobby Day 2013

   On Tuesday, April 15, I was honored to participate in the American Heart Association's New York State Lobby Day in Albany. I started off the day with other advocates at a small session teaching us how to communicate with lawmakers effectively. We also reviewed our "asks" for the day: asking law makers to support the CPR in School Bill (making it mandatory for students to learn CPR as a graduation requirement), and asking lawmakers to support a Pulse Ox Bill (making it mandatory for all newborns to be screened for heart defects using a pulse ox).

   Afterwards, I headed over the the official Hands Only CPR station, where I volunteered to teach people walking by Hands Only CPR. Michele, the woman in charge of the station was so nice, and I had a great time taking an hour from my day to teach people CPR.

Teaching Hands Only CPR to people!

   After teaching CPR, I went straight to my first meeting. I first met with Lisa Lombardo, who was a staff member in Assemblyman Thiele's office. The meeting went well, and I even gave her the link to my Southampton High School CPR video, which you can see here. Later, I met with Senator LaValle who I was thrilled to hear supported both bills one hundred percent! After our meeting, I even got to discuss school and my plans for the future with him! He was such a nice man! Next, I met off the floor with Assemblyman McDonough and I got some good vibes from him! My last meeting of the day was with a staff member of Senator Martins, and it seemed to be a positive meeting!

With Senator LaValle after my meeting with him!

In front of the Lobby Day sign!

   I had such a great time at the Lobby Day! I would like to thank Julie Hart and Robin Vitale for inviting me to take part in a day dedicated to raising awareness and making a difference. I also want to thank Jessica DiMeo who attended all of the meetings with my mom and me. She was wonderful company and helped us so much! Lastly, thank you to my mom who drove me to Albany and allowed me to take part in Lobby Day. Soon, I'll be able to drive myself! :)

XOXO

Sarah