Miss America Live in Las Vegas 2010

With Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap

Miss America has been incredible. The grand entrance of walking into the theater actually gave me Goosebumps. I stayed with Kristina from Florida who was also my roommate at the Sweetheart pageant. We were up all night chatting away and I told her to fall asleep on me to “get me back.” Our running joke is that she needs to fall asleep during one of my important conversations to make up for our Sweetheart pillow talk experience... I was exhausted in Hoopeston one night and as she was dishing her deepest secrets to me… yep... I fell asleep. Right there in front of her. So, are we even now Flo-Rida?

I haven’t been “outside” yet- life seems to be centered on the hotel and the pageant; which, trust me I am not complaining about! I have had the opportunity to meet up with so many of my Sweetheart sisters from last year, and even Bob and Wilma from Hoopeston!
Kristina and me roaming around in the Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile shops

Kristy did amazing in swimsuit last night and tonight WON PRELIMINARY TALENT! I mean, WE knew she should win but it was refreshing to find that the judges appreciated her presentation and thus rewarded her for her hard work and genuine talent. Watching Miss America Prelims in person is something that I simply cannot verbalize how fantastic it is. I feel like I am in a dream and I need to be pinched!
Kelly and I excited to see the first night of preliminaries

Kristy introducing herself in the opening number... Go California!

With Mary McCaman and Stephanie Schutt outside the Planet Hollywood theater.

My "Sweetheart" Kristina, roomie for life, Miss Florida's Sweetheart and future Miss Florida, Kristina Janolo.

I’ve enjoyed many laughs and meals with so many people. I get so excited when I see “California people” because we are so far from home! It reminds me of the feeling I used to get when I would go away to Camp! You automatically have this connection and understanding with the people who are there that no one else can experience. I kept asking myself, “Why did it take me 23 years to get here?” (Answer: school.)
With our amazing California's Outstanding Teen, Monica Stainer- also my cuddle buddy!

Kristy with her Preliminary Talent Award!!

All the Cavinder's

Me with Kristina, Florida's Sweetheart, and Cassandra, Oregon's Sweetheart

Kristina, me, and Carolyne, Indian's Sweetheart

Tomorrow Kristy will be answering her on stage question and showing off her beautiful gown we are all dying to finally see in the evening wear competition.

Friday the 2009 Sweethearts are reuniting and we are going out to dinner- I can't wait to see more of my beautiful Sweethearts!
Being "crowned" by Heather French Henry Miss America 2000 at the tradeshow. You can see the genuine excitement on my face- I LOVE her!

With Hope and Susannah- my fellow Sweethearts

With the editors in chief of Savvy Magazine. Talk about beautiful women inside and out!!!

Jeffrey Johns stripped down to his skivvies and joined me as a model at Sonoma Tanning's Spray Booth. He almost got me fired from my job- everyone seemed to enjoy him more for some reason? :) What a hoot he is!
A few Sweethearts visiting the Bellagio watershow. We had fun dancing to "Singing in the Rain", "You Raise Me Up" and other classics.

After watching the Miss America Special! Goooo Kristy!

A few of the 2009 Sweethearts: Photo Credit: Joe Whiteko

My Miss California roommate Summer Loftis and I at lunch

Boo for broken wrists! Que triste.

Miss Sacramento County Pageant

First off, a huge congratulations to our new Miss Sacramento County 2010 Taylor Paige Butler and Miss Sacramento's Outstanding Teen Heaven Leigh Hokulani Quiban. April Smith and the Sacramento team noticeably put in a lot of effort and hard work into the program and it certainly paid off. As usual, I had a fabulous time catching up with some of my old friends and chums from the organization. After a slight wardrobe malfunction before the show, I was happy for the show to start (but all thanks to the quick wit and help of Lindsay Becker and Nicole Honaker and especially Nicole's amazing bedazzled tackle box!) Thanks girls! Never let a sister down. :)

With Mary McCaman


With Sarah Rutan Miss Northern California Regional 2009 and Jessa Carmack Miss Santa Clara's Outstanding Teen 2010 at intermission


My beautiful Executive Director Stephanie Schutt and I again- she's the best!


With the ever fabulous Layne and Stephen!


Our gracious and beautiful field director, Donna Jones

Tony, the man, who was the emcee for the evening


After the show I was able to go out to dinner with my friends Gabino, Sarah Rutan, her mom, Sarah Portugal, and Ryan. We went to BJ's and had a blast ordering pizza and great food! But I certainly was happy to crawl into my snugly warm bed and blog about my night.


Our fabulous Kristy is in Las Vegas already gearing up for the 2010 Miss America Pageant. I get to see Kristy compete in preliminaries starting Tuesday and I am so excited that I can barely think as the days inch closer and closer. Be sure to watch and hopefully vote for her during the telecast on Friday January 30th at 7PM on TLC.

Miss Merced/ Sierra Nevada/ Yosemite Valley Pageants

Coming out with my beautiful Crystal Lee

On Stage Questions with Crystal


What a wonderful competition. 3 beautiful young ladies competed for the title of Miss Merced and 12 very talented young ladies vied for the Miss Sierra Nevada and Miss Yosemite Valley titles.

I co-emceed the show with Merced's Deputy Sheriff Mark, the lovely Miss California's Outstanding Teen 2008 Crystal Lee, and Miss Sierra Nevada 2009 Nicole Honaker. Mark was a lucky man with all those ladies on stage!



Congratulations to our newest titleholders,
Jasmine Nachtigall- Miss Yosemite Valley
Briana Verderber- Miss Merced
and
Elizabeth Kress- Miss Sierra Nevada



I had a lot of fun catching up with my friends I competed with last year and met some new friends, too! It was a very tough competition and so many wonderful girls competing. These are the times I think that I would hate to be a judge!

Miss California Kristy came to talk to us about her much anticipated departure for Miss America in less than 2 weeks. She looks absolutely stunning and we are so proud of her.

Emceeing with Mark and the beautiful Nicole Honaker

Announcing Awards

Speaking about the competition with Mark and Crystal Lee

My beautiful ED Stephanie

One of my biggest fans- my beautiful Grandma Vicki

San Jose Sharks Home Opener

We had a very successful event for the Friends of Miss San Jose at the 2009 Sharks Hockey Team Home Opener Event this Thursday October 8th. Thousands of people came out and the Miss San Jose did extremely well for next year's Scholarship Fund. I was so glad to be a part of this event. The night started off with Mary McCaman and Bernadette Raudez picking me up and we drove over to the HP Pavilion. I was so glad to ride with someone because I am sure I would have gotten lost!

Felicia Alvarez and I were the two representatives who greeted people near the front of the HP Pavilion and encouraged them to buy drinks from our booth. People were so friendly and I enjoyed chatting about the MAO with people who were not familiar with the process. It is always so interesting to me that so many people are so curious how we "win" our titles and what we have to do. As expected, I was frequently asked what I thought about Carrie Prejean, but that was the perfect opportunity to talk about Miss America and why we are different. People were so funny, they would shout out, "Miss Silicon Valley!!!" and as soon as I would look, they would blush and hide their faces. A few handfuls of people were brave enough to come up and talk to me, and the others would usually say, "can you take a picture with my friend? He (or she) really wants a picture with you."

Today I really missed my "Sweetheart" and "California" girls. Luckily, I will get to see many of my California friends at Kristy Cavinder's homecoming on October 24th in Atwater, California. I'm really looking forward to talking with Kristy and seeing how she is doing before her big departure to Miss America!

I hope you enjoy some of my pictures from the event!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Our Placemats upon arrival!

Day 1: AM
I arrived at the Sacramento International airport at 11 PM with plenty of time to get through security and to my gate. To my dismay, my toothpaste was confiscated after a few minutes of unsuccessfully trying to persuade the male agent it was harmless. My argument was that the tube may have larger than 3 oz but there was not actually 3 oz inside. I lost. Luckily, I brought two of everything so I am not completely without- only until I pick up my bags. The Houston airport is quite possibly one of the biggest airports I have ever been in. And luckily, I was conveniently located at opposite end terminals at the extreme end of each. It took multiple escalators, human people movers (at least that’s what I call them!), two train stops and more escalators and long hallways until I finally reached my destination. I am quite groggy at the moment because I had no problem dosing off as soon as the engine started; however, the flight attendant so kindly felt the urge to wake me up by shaking me and firmly exclaiming in my ear, “Ma’am, put your tray table up. MA’AM, put your tray table up!” Needless to say I did not get very good rest the rest of the trip.

I had a memorable moment during my journey across the airport. I was standing at this huge intersection and I had no shame in asking directions multiple times, but the signs were so confusing I found myself at a crossing with no idea which way to turn. I was anxious, my carry-on bags were increasingly becoming heavier, and people kept whizzing past me like I was the only lost one in the world. Just as I was about to admit defeat and sit down for a minute this girl about my age was also standing alone bags in tow at the other side of the walkway staring straight at me from 12 o’clock, and I could just see in her eyes, “Oh, you too? You’re alone and lost?” We gave each other these sympathetic good luck smirks and she walked away the opposite direction. Although we never exchanged words that girl reminded me that there were 40 other girls from all over the United States making a similar journey and I was not alone. This adventure certainly is a growing up experience and teaches me so many aspects of responsibility and self accountability. I am sitting here with 3 hours to spare, so as my ED Stephanie always tells me, “Sleep whenever you can.” Perhaps that is great advice to listen to at this point! I will update more when I can! Good night, or actually good morning!

Jenna

I'm Off to 'Huup-stun'

August 30, 2009

Dear Miss California Friends and Family:

The time has come! I am off to Hoopeston, Illinois today as Miss California’s National Sweetheart Pageant Representative! I land in Indianapolis, Indiana at 11 AM and my Sweetheart experience will begin! The good luck wishes and support I have received has been incredible and so appreciated. Thank you for all of your support to cheer me on during this exciting time. I wanted to tell you all about my unforgettable experience during my preparation. I am so proud to be a part of undeniably the best Miss America State Preliminary. I will be the first to admit that until I spoke with other contestants from other states how blessed and fortunate us California girls are! Since Hoopeston does not broadcast the pageant nor advertise it like we might expect, I am eager to share my thoughts about the show. After taking a few days to pack, put in the last minute work outs, and prepare for the competition, I finally have a few minutes to share some fun story about my preparation.

No matter what, this will be a fun week and I am walking with my head held high with pride of coming from a myriad of amazing Miss California’s, Miss California Sweetheart Representatives, and Miss California contestants. It’s also exciting to think that in just a few months we will all be cheering on our beautiful Kristy in Las Vegas! We all have so much to look forward to.

I felt it would be appropriate to thank a few individuals who stood out during my preparation. First off, the entire Preliminary Pageant Association board for their extremely generous contribution to my preparation. Mr. Bob Arnhym has graciously saw to it to set up several interview phone dates, help purchase my flight with me late at night over the phone, eased my nerves of what to expect in Hoopeston, and even stayed on the phone discussing politics and current events when I stopped for gas late at night in a remote area on the way home from Santa Clara. These are moments that remind me how many opportunities we have lying in front of us. The Miss CA PPA is truly the best in the nation for the amount of organization and generous contributions. Before I begin, I would like to mention two other individuals who selflessly created more opportunities for me to make the most out of my delegated preparation fund; first, wonderful Mary McCaman, who has opened the doors to her home and secondly, my incredible Executive Director, Stephanie Schutt. Mary personally envisioned and then funded my amazingly unique outfit for the “show me your shoes” type parade. Standby for more updates as I don’t want to ruin the surprise! After hours and hours of tearing through Mary’s closet trying to find the perfect gown, we not only found an elegant, first class competition wardrobe, but Mary personally saw to it that the dresses I fell in love with that did not actually fit were tailored to my size. From accessories, to sundresses, shoes, and cocktail dresses, Mary made sure that I left for Hoopeston dressed for success. It makes me smile out loud to see a woman who truly cares about girls yet asks for nothing in return. The great thing about having a trendy ED who happens to be the same size is that I borrowed a few outfits for my stay as well! While I come from a family not shy in love and support, it is instances like this of Mary and Stephanie’s generosity of helping me where it would have required me to spend the stipend on things that were needed but less of a priority. Stephanie coordinated so many meetings and helped me in areas I thought I needed to work on. A special thank you to Linda Ontiveros for meeting with me to go over make-up tips as well!

Since $200.00 was entrusted to me, I thought it would be proper to share where and how that money was spent- and I am confident it was spent wisely. I think it is fair to be open and honest with my decisions of where to allocate the money! I bought a package session for getting a base tan at Planet Beach, and then purchased 2 spray tans before I left. I also purchased some “essentials” from Linda Ontiveros in addition to her giving me a very generous discount and a few additional “on the house” items. Next was a few better quality hairstyling products and a haircut. (Luckily that was only $25.00 because I don’t die my hair :o) I bought a set of “press on” nails for my interview because I cannot have real nails because I play the piano. The Santa Clara Auxiliary paid for my 2 checked bags, the $25 fee charged for all piano players, and the production outfit fee, so that was a lot of money $aved as well.)

It sounds like we have a very busy schedule ahead of us! I wish I could give you more information of exactly what will be happening each day, but unfortunately I do not even know myself! I know Saturday there is a parade through the town and the competition is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting at 7PM. Hoopeston is so small that it does not even have a hotel so contestants stay with host families. I have three roommates: Kansas, New Mexico, and Florida. I am staying with a wonderful couple, Mr. Billy and Mrs. Monica. They have two children 7 and 4, and live just 7 miles from Hoopeston. Our house mom, Monica, sent an email out yesterday saying that she had been grocery shopping for our favorite foods! I smiled as I imagined her scavenging through the aisles, shopping cart in tow, looking for the foods we mentioned we liked on our questionnaires- my fruit basket, lemonade, and 100 calorie packs. That assures me they really care about making sure we are comfortable, which certainly eases my mind! They are giving us an entire floor of their home. Two girls will share the master bedroom and the other two will each take one of the kid’s rooms. I’m rooting for the monkey decorated room! My sparing packing experience has been quite comical too. I certainly have learned the value of “packing wisely.” I often am envious of dancers or singers because they can practice their talent basically wherever they want. I can’t haul a piano behind me onto the plane! But a sense of relief came over when I heard the pageant will be hosting a tuned baby grand piano.


We are blessed to have such great fans and supporters of Team California. I will try to keep you updated on the rest of my week as California’s Sweetheart Representative. Please feel free to drop me a note if you get a chance or ask any questions!

I would like to reiterate how grateful and genuinely honored I am for everyone who stood behind me- I know there are too many names to mention on here, but you know who you are, and that is what matters. The best memories come from simple moments- a pat on the back, and hug in passing by, a smile, an email. As I prepare to leave tonight I keep thinking, “it’s actually here.” The weeks of anticipation and countless hours of preparation have all come to this. But NONE of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the support around me. I promise to enjoy every minute and not take anything for granted because I know it will be over before I know it. Always remember, “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good” so thank you again & again- your generosity, love, and support will never be forgotten.

Walking and Dress Pulling

Stephanie and Mary so graciously talked to Joni Cronin and we booked an appointment today at Joni's dance studio to go over walking and practicing in my new heels. We had such a fun night and we found my wardrobe! It is a first class wardrobe and I think I will be the best dressed girl around!