America's Junior Miss Michelle Rodgers

Fin

2010-07-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

The past year has been so incredible. It's hard to believe it's over already, and being back in Mobile for National Finals again brought around deja vu in all the strangest ways.
The two weeks I spent down in Mobile for finals were so fun and fast and furious. Amid speeches, rehearsals, costume hunting, moving in and out of my host home (twice), meeting new people and visiting old friends, governors visits, interviews with radio/newspaper/television, and more official dinners than you would think you could consume in a lifetime, the nostalgia of these final moments settled in lightly. I wanted to be sure that I didn't miss the gravity of the end. Still there were still some moments when my stomach would catch up with my mind, and I can't say I was a fan of the feeling.
Finals came and went, and the flurry of performances were just as exciting as last year, if in a different way. A huge congratulations to Madison Leonard, The Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2009! Her year's about to spin.
Thank you so so very much to everyone who has helped me throughout this whirlwind adventure. I could never, ever, ever have done it without you. From my little sister helping me steam my dress over a pot of boiling water before my local program almost 2 years ago, to the travel pillow from my girl scouts, that gave me a fabulous sleep on the plane home just last week. It's been great fun, and I owe that all to all of you.
Life's not slowing down too much. I just spent the last 10 days in China, and am currently sitting in a crowded airport terminal waiting to go to Maine and New York. Life never stops being exciting, and of that I'm very grateful.
I believe that there are a few exceptional experiences in one's life that will truly embed themselves into who we are and shape us as people. I am proud and thrilled to say that this program has provided so many of those experiences for me. I am a vastly different person now than I was two years ago, and I have learned so much. My gratitude is deep, my memories are sweet, and my future is brighter because of this year. Thanks for everything, and I'll see you soon.

The Beginning of the End

2010-06-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

Freshman year has finally wrapped up at Northwestern University and I’m about to head into my final two weeks as America’s Junior Miss.
I got home from school with a car packed full of everything I own late on Wednesday night. Since then, every spare moment has been spent preparing for nationals. Yesterday I went shopping with my wonderful state chair, Buddy. We picked up a lot of odds and ends for the two weeks, as well as filling out my performance wardrobe. I’ve spent this rainy Friday packing and learning routines and practicing my songs working on name pronunciations and rehearsing speeches. The two weeks coming up are looking to be an absolute blast.
The year has been every kind of incredible, and I can’t wait to finish it out with all the thrill it’s held from Day 1.

IJM, Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, and AJM Reunion

2010-05-10T04:28:00.001-07:00

As a slightly belated post, I had a really, really wonderful time at the Illinois Junior Miss program, the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, and the AJM 2010 reunion a few weeks ago. On the 10th of April, I was lucky enough to get to go to IJM 2010 in beautiful Bolingbrook, IL. I spent the morning with the girls and performed Taylor, the Latte Boy, which I suppose has become my signature piece! I also got to help host the program and to pass out awards. I can honestly say that I can’t remember ever being with a group of girls as genuinely caring and supportive and friendly toward one and other as the IJM girls. It was so wonderful to be in their company, and equally wonderful to see the ever classy Betsy Kuckuk, IJM 2009. Congrats to Anaya Duncan, IJM 2010- see you in Mobile!
The next weekend I headed down to the Boys and Girls Club in the south side of Chicago for a Be Your Best Self presentation. As always, it was a blast, and I really loved getting to hang out with a group of kids.
That night, I headed back to Bolingbrook with Jill Szostak, the state chairperson for Illinois, for the beginnings of the AJM reunion. I had a great dinner with several AJM alumni from all over the country, including from Florida and Georgia.
The next morning, after a stroll around Naperville, we headed to the reunion, and met with so many wonderful past Junior Misses from Illinois, South Dakota, Florida, Georgia, and California. It was great to be in a room with so many other people who care so much about both the past and future of the program.

It struck me for the first time on these trips that this is the home stretch. These are some of my last appearances as AJM, and I don’t think I could have chosen a more memorable way to come into the final days.

Boston and MAJM!

2010-03-10T00:29:00.001-08:00

I had a wonderful time in Franklin and Boston, Massachusetts for the Mass Jr. Miss 2010 program!
I flew into Boston right after Spanish class on Friday morning. After I was picked up at the airport on the Massachusetts end by the wonderful Valerie Austin, the northeastern Jr. Miss go-to, we rushed to the auditorium where the MAJM program was in full swing and I arrived just in time to help emcee the second half of the program.
That night, I went out to dinner with the Ostrows, the wonderful family I stayed with. Alina Ostrow is Massachusetts Jr. Miss for 2009 and she and her family were so great to let me stay with them while I was in MA. They’re the greatest family and I had an absolute blast throughout the entire weekend.
After dinner, we went back home, and although wiser people would have gone to bed, Alina and I stayed up catching up until around 3:30 in the morning, a decision we regretted when we had to get up only a few hours later…
Saturday morning we went to a hotel for the participants’ Be Your Best Self program presentation. Together with about 15 young girls from the area, we went through the 5 parts to Be Your Best Self, and colored butterflies’ wings with images of each. My butterfly picture is now hanging proudly in my dorm room!
After the presentation came to a close, Alina and I went out for a lunch and a driving tour of the lovely Franklin, Mass, including the nation’s first public library.
After short (but wonderful) naps, we headed back to the auditorium for a quick warm-up and then prep for the show that night. Everything went wonderfully! I once again got to emcee about half of the program, as well as a little on-stage AJM interview and a rendition of Taylor, the Latte Boy- he has become very near and dear to my heart.
The night ended delightfully! A big congratulations to Meagan Fuller, Massachusetts Junior Miss 2010! After the winner was announced, everyone headed over to the hotel for a meet and greet and congratulate, fortunately complete with lots and lots of food!
The next morning, after a completely fantastic pancake breakfast and a final meeting with Meagan about what’s ahead, I headed toward Boston and the airport with all the Ostrows. They showed me around, and we had a great lunch in Quincy Yard. Boston seems so wonderful, I’d love to go back sometime in the summer and spend a lot of time seeing all that there is to see.
Sadly, the weekend came to an end. Alina and I went our separate ways at the airport terminal, and I was soon on a plane back to old Chicago. I had a great, great weekend, and Alina has promised she’s coming to visit me soon! And make no mistake, I plan to hold her to that!

Last Time Till June

2010-01-31T15:40:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful, though chilly, weekend in Mobile!
I flew into the Mobile airport around 9 on Thursday evening, and headed off to the Picard’s. It was, unfortunately, a very late night, ending around 5 in the morning after I finally finished a six page mid-term paper. Procrastination at its finest.
Luckily, Friday was a late morning. Reunited with my fabulous chaperone, Kathy Latta, we headed out to our first stop, a 10:00 visit with Crowe, Shields & Bailey, a local Mobile sponsor of the Junior Miss Program. Afterward, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch with David Turner, an AJM board member and his daughter, Maddie, as well as two of her friends. Just before lunch, we dropped into Mr. Turner’s wife’s 7th grade science class at UMS Wright. After a delicious lunch at True’s with Mr. Turner and the 3 girls, we headed to meet up with some of the Senior Bowl players at USA Women and Children’s Hospital.
The hospital visit is one I won’t soon forget. I got to go around to several of the rooms on the pediatric intensive care unit, meeting all sorts of awesome kids. But the visit to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is something I don’t think I’ll ever forget. I visited some of the premature babies, some of whom weren’t even as long as my forearm. It was really incredible, and I feel so privileged that I got to see something that breath-catching.
That evening, after a divine hair styling at Roots Salon, I attended the Induction Ceremony for the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame. I got to have a long conversation with the one and only TERRELL OWENS! He was one of the night’s inductees into the Hall of Fame. I also sat with the second inductee, Larry Johnson. After the ceremony, I went out to dinner with several of the Senior Bowl organizers and Larry Johnson himself. It was a night to remember, with pictures to boot!
The next morning, after another wonderful hair appointment with Roots (Linda and I are getting to know each other quite well), it was off to the Senior Bowl 2010! We got to the game around 2, and checked in on the 50-yard line. With 5 minutes to kick-off, I walked onto the field for the official coin toss. I stood only a few feet away from the legendary Tim Tebow.
The game was a little bit brutal for the South. The North team was relentless, and the final score was North 31, South 13. I have to say, even though there were 2 University of Kentucky players on the South team, I was rooting for the North. Good game. Very good game.
After the game, I stuck around for a few minutes for pictures with some of the players, including one of the UK players.
From there, the real adventure began. Mardi Gras season has begun in Mobile, and I was determined to go to at least one Mardi Gras parade before my time in Mobile comes to an end. Kathy and her husband Forrest dropped me off downtown after the game with my host family. We literally sprinted all through downtown Mobile and the throngs of the Mardi Gras crowd, finally convincing a police officer to let us cross the parade route and watch from a platform in front of a swanky downtown club. The parade was AWESOME! Mardi Gras in Mobile is crazy and fun and cold! We got tons stuffed animals and moonpies and beads and cups and even a cotton rose. The night ended incredibly well with hot tea and cheese fries to warm us up.
I’m now sitting in the Memphis airport, waiting for a connecting flight back up to the Windy City. It’s so strange to think that I won’t be back to Mobile until June. But who knows. There’s always spring break…

Back Down, and Down Again

2010-01-27T16:20:00.000-08:00

Looks like I'm headed back to Mobile on the morrow for the Senior Bowl. I'll be busy with all sorts of football festivities, from visiting the children's hospital to speaking at an event to the players. Looks like it's going to be a lot of fun, and a lot less snow and wind than where I am right now, so that's always a plus! I'll be sure to blog while I'm in Mobile and keep everyone posted on the goings on of the Senior Bowl 2010!

http://www.seniorbowl.com/

KJM No More

2010-01-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

Well, it's come to an end! Saturday night, Julie Springate, Louisville's Junior Miss, became the new Kentucky's Junior Miss. Congrats!
The past few days being at home were marvelous. Performing was a TON of fun, particularly Taylor, The Latte Boy on Saturday night. It was a duet with a Georgetown music education major, Michael Cannon, and it was a complete blast.
I'm back at school now. Last night I jumped off of the plane and straight into auditions. Spring generals were held last night, and unprepared is an understatement. If nothing else, it was a good auditioning experience, I suppose...
Today is props shopping, choir concert, and getting caught up on the mounds of homework I have to do!

2010-01-15T07:38:00.001-08:00

It's the day of the first show! We had rehearsal all day yesterday, and I'm right now inside a tiny practice room in UK's fine arts building, rehearsing and working on music. The show is looking great, and all the girls are just awesome. I can't wait to see it.
Yesterday, I had an interview with Channel 27 News about the end of my era. You can watch the interview at:
http://www.wkyt.com/news/misc/3951051.html
It's the 12:30 show on January 14th, and I'm at about minute 38.
Today is another interview, this time with Channel 36, also at 12:30. I feel so famous.
Today, after lunch, we've got a full dress rehearsal and run through. Then tonight: the beginning of the end...

KY for Goodbye

2010-01-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

Well, I’m off again, this time back to my old Kentucky home. This coming weekend is Kentucky’s Junior Miss 2010 program, and I am right now sitting at Gate B2 at the Chicago Midway Airport, waiting for my flight back to Kentucky. I always think it’s crazy when I’m sitting in class, conjugating Spanish verbs, and then 12 hours later I’m headed to a rehearsal in another state! I rode the train to Midway today after my Latin American theatre class and I think everyone who saw me thought I was completely insane for lugging my mammoth suitcase all over the L.
My plane will get in around 9:30 tonight in Louisville, where at least one of my parents will (hopefully) be waiting. Then home, sleep, and heading into KJM rehearsal first thing tomorrow morning. It looks like it’s going to be a really, really spectacular week, and I can’t wait to get to see all the girls again!
In other news, I’ve just started a new quarter at school. I’m taking Spanish, Macroeconomics, Latin American Theatre, and African American Theatre, chipping away at my Theatre Major, Business and Spanish Minors. I’m also a props assistant for three shows this quarter, so I’ll be bopping all around the city trying to find handcuffs from the 1960’s and a remote controlled light to bake into a birthday cake. It’s a strange life I lead.
I’ll be sure and keep you posted on all the happenings of KJM 2010!

Pictures!

2010-01-10T23:00:00.000-08:00

For picture of events from the week, check out:

http://www.gmacbowl.com/?PageID=1055

(Some of the events are still from 2009, but hopefully it'll be updated soon.)
Enjoy!

The Final Countdown

2010-01-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

Wednesday came and went so quickly, but it was a day I'll remember as long as I live!
Once again, we started out early: 7am Sunrise Rotary Meeting. The meeting was held over a delicious breakfast, and about halfway through the meeting I got to speak to the club about my experiences over the past 6 months and how I came to be involved in Junior Miss, the classic spiel.
From Rotary, we headed out into the community to pay a visit to several sponsors of America's Junior Miss, and really, truly thank them for all they do. Our first stop was New Horizons, a bank in Mobile. Next we stopped by Regions Bank in downtown to talk to one of the executives, Joel Daves, about what great things their support has done for the program. While there, we met up with Dee Gambil, another executive and a past AJM president. (Regions Bank is on one of the top floors of the highest building in Alabama, so needless to say the view from the offices was spectacular.) Our last stop before lunch was Alabama Power across the street from Regions Bank. We talked to a wonderful man named Eric Patterson, whose wife is the finals coordinator of Junior Miss.
After our sponsor visits, it was time for a fabulous and delicious lunch with the America's Junior Miss Foundation Board. There were about 12 in attendance and we talked about everything from the possible AJM name change to the possible outcome of the night's game.
From lunch, it was back to the AJM headquarters for a quick meeting with LaBarron McClendon, an organizer for the Senior Bowl another big football game played in Mobile at the end of the month. The meeting was very much about briefing on what was going to happen when I came back into Mobile at the end of January for the Senior Bowl. It sounds like it's going to be another couple of awesome days!
After I was appropriately briefed, I was whisked off to Roots, a wonderful salon in Mobile, where Haley Hill had arranged for me to get my hair done before the big game. After a quick do, I changed and we headed out to the stadium for the big event!
We got there around 4, and set up a little autograph booth in the KidZone outside Ladd Peebles Stadium. After a few autographs, I went onto the field for a quick sound check. The big moment was ever closer...
After we checked in, it was only minutes until kickoff. I was a part of the official coin toss, as the all important Game Ball holder! (I think I was actually supposed to "present" the Game Ball to the President of the City Council, but he left the field way before I had the chance! Not too bad, though, since I got to keep the 2010 GMAC Bowl game ball. Yeees.)
After the coin toss and failed presentation of the ball, I had a little more than 2 nerve-wracking hours before I sang to go around and meet everyone in the guest tents and press boxes. It's kind of amazing how many different people came to the game!
Finally it was time. Third quarter was almost done and I marched out to the 20 yard line to sing my bit. After the clock ran out and 3rd quarter was officially over, I grabbed the mic, and stepped right out into the middle of the field. The announcer introduced me and I did my practiced wave...
Singing was such blast and something I'll remember forever! The weirdest part was that there was such a delay between my voice coming out of me and my voice coming out of the speakers. It was so distracting! I kept wanting to slow down to let my speaker voice catch up with my singing voice! I don't know if I sounded distracted or not. It's probably a question that will never quite be answered...
Then just like that, a minute and a half, and it was done! Crazy. We stayed on the field for the first few minutes of play of the fourth quarter, and it was SO cool to be right in the action of play. We were right in the end zone as Troy scored. On the second down, a player went to catch the ball in the corner, missed, but slid right to our feet. I wish we could have watched the whole game that way! It really, truly was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced.
The rest is history. Central Michigan won the game in double overtime with a field goal after they blocked Troy's kick in their field goal attempt. The teams were excellently matched, and it was anyone's game. It was a blast, and I wish the night had never ended.
But end it did. Around 11 that night I got back to my host family, packed, and fell sound asleep. At 4:45, I was up and we loaded into the car to drive to the airport. My plane left around 6:40 headed to Houston, then from Houston to O'Hare. I actually made it back to campus in time for my classes!
My week in Mobile was nothing but wonderful, and I can't wait to go back at the end of the month for Senior Bowl!

Charles Barkley the City Council- Prestige in Full

2010-01-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Tuesday was once again an early day, but not quite as early as the days before and after. I went to Private Gallery, a popular southern boutique, around 8 am to get some fabulous new clothes, including a nice, heavy jacket to wear during the game tomorrow.
After the mini-shopping spree, I went downtown to the City Council meeting to speak to the Council Members about what important things their support does for the America's Junior Miss Program, and what a privilege it has been to serve as AJM for the past 6 months. I talked about some of the wonderful places I've gotten to go, people I've met, and opportunities I've had because of the Council's support, and how great it is to represent not only Kentucky, but also the wonderful Mobile. I found out later that the meeting had been broadcast on a C-SPAN-esque program throughout Mobile County. Over the next day and a half, I can't count the number of people who came up to me and said "I saw you on TV speaking to the Council!" I wish I had known I was about to be broadcast throughout the city!
After the meeting, we had a little bit of downtime before the Mayor's Luncheon. I had thought the FCA breakfast was big, but this lunch was HUGE. There were easily 1000 people there. Both school's bands performed, videos played, a national guard representative sang the National Anthem- overstimulation is an understatement! Once things calmed down a little, introductions were made. Although I wasn't at the front table this time, I got a very cool introduction from the emcee. I stood and waved, a practice which I have perfected. After all the introductions were made, Charles Barkley, the keynote speaker, got up to take the podium. He was very interesting to listen to, and was a very funny guy. After the program, I went up and got a picture with him (although I plan on telling people he asked to get a picture with me- I think it's believable).
Very full from the food, music, and basketball talk, I headed back to my host home to get ready for the parade! Around 5 we rolled on downtown to meet up with our driver, the parade organizers, and all the other "paraders." I was ready for the freezing cold night, with about 6 layers, hand warmers, and thick socks. The parade started around 6:30 and it was an absolute blast! Definitely one of my favorite parts of the week. I was in the first car, and we cruised through the parade route throwing out moonpies and Mardi Gras beads to all the cheering spectators. It was so crazy, and so much fun! I will have to go back for Mardi Gras sometime, because the atmosphere was so infectious. I loved throwing out everything, and after we finished our route, we ran around and got to see the last half of the parade. I scored some spoils of my own, including a bag full of beads and a giant blue dog with only one ear.
A few hours and one after party later, I went back home to sleep for just a few hours before Wednesday's festivities began!

The Beginning of the Whirlwind

2010-01-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

Monday was the first day in 3 days of non-stop movement! We started bright and early at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast at 7am. There were several speakers, including Gene Stallings, the former college and professional football coach. I sat up at the head table with some of the other coaches and speakers at the breakfast. (I was scared for a minute that he was going to ask me to get up and speak, since it seemed like everyone else at the table was a speaker, but fortunately he never called me up- it would have been a very impromptu motivational speech!) After the program, I got to go up and talk to Mr. Stallings and get an official GMAC Bowl football signed by him. Just as exciting was that while I was waiting in line, a girl came up and asked for MY autograph! It was unexpected, but so exciting! I like to think that me and Gene gave a pretty solid autograph session.
After the FCA breakfast, we headed over to the University of South Alabama Women and Children's Hospital. I got to make the rounds with a few players from each team and a few Azalea Trail Maids. Once we all split off, I got to go around and visit all the kids with one of the players from the Michigan team, Eric, who was just drafted to the Canadian Football League! We visited several kids throughout the hospital, giving out teddy bears, T-shirts, and high fives. It was a blast, and so rewarding.
After our hospital visit, we headed over the the famous Wintzell's Oyster House for a dinner with the coaches' wives and their families. It was a fun and filling event, and it was nice to get to talk to some of the families that are involved in the GMAC Bowl. I sat near Connie Hudson, a Councilwoman in the Mobile City Council and Gayle Stripling, the wife of Steve Stripling, the head coach of the Central Michigan Chippewas.
The day rolled right on after Wintzell's. I dashed over to Fusion Point Media studios for my glamorous photo shoot. After 3 outfits, 27 angles, and 4 hours, I think we got a head shot that will do! This is the official AJM 2009 photo that will hang forevermore in the halls of AJM headquarters, and also the photo that will be used on the program cover for nationals next year. The shoot took ages, but I'd say it was most definitely worth it.
Halfway through the photo session, Haley Hill, a local go-getter and fashionista, paid us a visit. She and other women and high school girls in the Mobile community area are planning two fashion shows to raise money and awareness for Junior Miss. They're integrating a few AJM video bytes throughout the show, where I'll be talking about my time with Junior Miss! It all felt very Hollywood- Haley sat in a chair and directed, while I locked eyes with the camera and told little bits and pieces of my Junior Miss story. The videos will show in small bytes throughout the fashion shows in May. All those in the Mobile area should be sure to attend!
After a quick dinner and wardrobe change, we went to a planning session for Haley Hill's fashion show. About 40 girls from high schools all around Mobile were there helping to plan the upcoming show. We stopped by for about 20 minutes to meet with the girls and I talked about what Junior Miss has been like for me, and how it's gotten me where I am today. The money that they are working to raise will go straight toward scholarship funds. Props ladies!
After that, we headed out to the dog racetrack for GMAC Media Night, which was just a very laid back night for the press and all those involved in the publicity of the bowl game. Although I wasn't betting on any dogs, some of the guys at my table were on quite a winning streak! After the fifth race, the official GMAC Dog Race of 2010, a few of us from the press box got to take a picture with the winning dog. What a group: AJM, football coaches, the executive director of the GMAC Bowl, and a panting greyhound.
Finally, around 10, we headed home, and I hit the hay. FCA breakfast, hospital visit, Wives' Lunch, photo shoot, movie shoot, fashion show talk, racetrack down; so much more to go...

Sunday, with 2x the Eats

2010-01-09T15:45:00.000-08:00

Sunday started mid-morning with a double lunch at the Battleship Pavilion. The GMAC Bowl provided a luncheon and a tour of the historic USS Alabama for each team playing in the bowl. Fortunately for me, they gave a separate lunch to each team! We got to the Battleship around 10:45, and near 11 lunch for the Troy Trojans began. I got to stand up in the front with the speaker for the beginning of the meal, along with the football player who had been selected to say the invocation. The speaker introduced me, and I waved in as friendly and welcoming a manner as I knew how to wave. After the waving, Kathy and I ate lunch with Coach Larry Blakeney of the Troy Trojans, and his wife, Janice.
Not too long after that, the Troy team filed out and the Central Michigan Chippewas filed in. Round 2 of the standing, introducing, waving, smiling, and eating. Although Kathy and I weren't quite hungry enough to eat a second time, we did drink about 4 glasses to sweet tea. Nothing like Alabama sweet tea...
That night, I went out for a wonderful dinner with Kathy and her husband, Forrest. They treated me to a wonderful meal at Zea, where I had their famous grits- easily the best grits I'd ever had.
Sunday was definitely a day centered around food, which is never, ever a bad thing!

ESPN and Red Potatoes

2010-01-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

Last night, I enjoyed my first round of GMAC festivities!
Around 6:30, I went to the Bowl press conference. We walked into the stadium press box and I met with my GMAC bowl coordinator, who gave me the run down of everything I'd be doing in the next week. After that, the press conference began, and I got to sit behind the podium as all the coaches and organizers gave their thoughts on the Bowl game. The most exciting part about all this is that I do believe the press conference was aired on ESPN, meaning that all the sports fans of the world got a glimpse of me, sitting and smiling, on national television. I'm officially breaking into the TV world.
After that, we got to meet and mingle with the players and the coaches over pulled pork and (in my case) potatoes and corn. The wonderful AJM photographer, Seth, snapped some shots of me with the players. I hadn't quite realized how tiny I was until I stood next to six men, each 6'5", 250 lbs. If I was ever going to feel real intimidation, it was then.
After some pictures on the floodlit field, we headed back home. I got back to the Picards around 9, full and happy.
By far the most troublesome part of my trip so far is that I can't find my AJM medallion ANYWHERE! If there's one thing I should never ever lose, it's that. I remember packing it with absolute certainty, and my poor mother has been looking for hours in my room back home trying to find it, with no luck. I've torn my suitcase apart and can't find it anywhere. If anyone out there in the wide world of travel finds a small, square black case with some bling inside, please let me know...
On the good side of things, I'm about to head out to not one, but two lunches. Things are looking up!

Back in Mobile to Ring in the New Year!

2010-01-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

Fall quarter ended well, and life’s gotten busy since!

I had a great Christmas and winter break. I absolutely loved being able to be home and hang out with my family. My grandmother from Maryland came to stay the week with us, and we had quite the family Christmas.

Also while I was home in Kentucky, I got to have lunch with one of the dates from the Mardi Gras Ball in Mobile over the summer! Mr. John Hii, a freshman at Southern Miss, has family in Kentucky, so he and I got to meet and catch up over some delicious fettuccini alfredo in downtown Lexington. It’s so fun to see people from Alabama all over the country.

And now I’m back in the South, down in Mobile! I flew down first thing New Year’s Day and got to Mobile around 2 pm. (My luggage got in around 11 the next morning...) I even got the chance to watch some of the Northwestern v. Auburn game at a restaurant in the Atlanta airport. Even though the Wildcat’s didn’t win, they played one heck of a game. Also while watching the game, NU aired their new commercial which I made a very small but very real appearance in! If you get the chance to see the commercial where everyone is walking through doors, I'm the very last one to walk through. I was so excited I told my waitress. She was oh so excited.

I’ve gotten to spend the past day and a half hanging out with my wonderful host family, the Picards. We’ve played Band Hero and kickball, walked around the neighborhood and eaten some black eyes peas for good luck. The year is looking good!

Tonight, in just about an hour, I head out to my first event, a press conference and welcoming ceremony at Ladd Peebles Stadium. Can’t wait, especially since I’ve got my luggage and actually have something to wear! (I’ve posted my tentative schedule for the rest of the week at the bottom of this e-mail.)

Hope everyone is doing very well and had a happy holiday, and that you’re all enjoying the first few days of 2010!

AJM 2009’s GMAC Bowl Schedule
January 1 – January 7

Friday, January 1
Tbd Michelle arrive in Mobile

Saturday, January 2

6:30 pm Press Conference
Ladd Press Box 1st Floor

7:00 pm Team Welcoming Reception
Ladd Peebles Stadium
Casual Dress
AJM, Chaperone, Guest, Photographer
*Possible performance opportunity

Sunday, January 3

11:00 am Battleship Luncheon
MAC school first lunch, ACC school lunch at noon
AJM to be recognized and each lunch

8:00 pm Media Night
AJM make appearance

Monday, January 4
Attire for Day: Nice pants suit (same from President Dinner)
7:00 am Fellowship of Christian Athletes Breakfast
Mobile Convention Center Grand Ballroom
Attire: Dressy/Casual
*AJM to speak & be recognized*
In attendance: AJM & Chaperone

9:00 am Buck’s Pizza Player’s Hospital Visit
USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital
Attire: Dressy/Casual
AJM, bowl teams & cheerleaders to visit with children
In attendance: AJM, Chaperone & Seth

Tuesday, January 5
10:00 am Press Conference

11:00 am Meet & Greet with Guest Speaker (not confirmed)

Noon Mayor’s Banquet
Mobile Civic Center – Expo Hall
In attendance: AJM, Chaperone & staff
Dress Suit

6:30 pm Greer’s Food Tiger Mardi Gras Parade Downtown
Meet at Malaga Inn at 5:30
Attire: Dressy casual (something bright)
AJM ride in car with Mayor (or Reggie Copeland)
In attendance: AJM, Chaperone & Seth

Wednesday, January 6
Noon AJM Board Meeting

4:00 pm Walk through & sign autographs at Kids Zone (4:30-6:30)
Attire: Nice Suit
Bring banner for table
In attendance: AJM, Chaperone & Seth

5:25 pm Meet at SW gate for pregame

6:00 pm GMAC Bowl Game
Ladd Peebles Stadium
Attire: Nice Suit
*Meet on the field for coin toss prior to game*
*Appearance in press box & play God Bless America*
*Sponsor tent area*

Thursday, January 7
Michelle leave Mobile

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T23:22:00.001-08:00

I've had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Wednesday, after I left NU, I got to have a great lunch downtown Chicago with Becky Jo Peterson, the Executive Director of AJM. She and her husband were in town visiting family, and I was so glad I got the chance to see them while they were here!
I got back home late Wednesday night, and crashed soon after some food with the family. Thursday was a turkey-free but dressing-heavy Thanksgiving at my grandparents house in Lexington. Delicious, particularly the spinach and cheese dip. Always a hit.
Friday I took part in my first ever Black Friday shopping event. I met my sister at 4 am in Winchester and well before dawn we drove to Lexington with a friend of hers. 6 hours, 10 stores, and 12 pretzel nuggets later, we emerged victorious with a few shirts, a scarf, and a shockingly cheap Flight of the Conchords DVD. Quite the success story!
Friday night I got to spend the night with my guuurls in Winchester. We saw a movie and reminisced along the famous river cruise.
Saturday was a day with the family and a little more Lexington shopping. Unfortunately, Sunday came all too quickly, and now I'm back at NU for the final 2 weeks of school before the end of the quarter. Then I'll be 1/12 done with college! What a world...

Mobile for Veteran's Day

2009-11-24T22:26:00.000-08:00

I had such a wonderful time in Mobile last week! It’s so wonderful to get to go back to Mobile- everyone is just incredibly friendly and loves the wonderful program that is Jr. Miss.

I got in around 7 on Friday night, and headed out to the Picard’s house, my home away from home. Bright and early the next morning, I headed downtown with Kathy Latta, my new AJM chaperone. I ran the Senior Bowl 5K, and stuck around afterward to help out with the awards. While we waited I got the chance to try my first ever kumquat and boiled peanut (not together). I’m a fan of both. Later that day, after some Mobile Picklefish pizza, I headed down to the South Alabama football game with some other Junior Misses to watch the Jaguars destroy their opponents. That night, I got the chance to stay in a University of South Alabama dorm (I’m officially jealous) and have a girl’s night with some other Junior Misses and their roommates. We’ve got a swing dance date set for January!

Sunday morning I headed out to church at Spring Hill Baptist, the same church where we spent hours upon hours rehearsing in the summertime. It was a lot of fun to be back with a lot of the same people, and afterward, I had a lovely lunch with Twila and Kathy. That night I got the chance to perform at the Ruth’s Chris fundraising event, a wonderfully fun event to raise money for the Jr. Miss program. All the town celebrities were there, including Congressman Jo Bonner. It was a lot of fun to get to sing a couple of songs throughout the night and talk to the oh-so-distinguished guests.

Monday brought a staff meeting, a photo shoot, and a hurricane. Through the blustery wind and rain, I had a photo shoot for the Nationals Program 2010 in a fabulous old theatre in downtown historic Mobile. That night, I got to have a relaxed dinner with Susan Bailey, my driver from nationals this past year. I absolutely love Ms. Bailey and I loved getting to catch up over chips, salsa, and tomato soup.

Tuesday started mid-morning with a lunch with the Jr. Miss board. We talked a lot about the possible name change in the next few years, and what it could mean for the program. From lunch, I dashed back to Kathy’s house to Skype in for my 1 o’clock class- oh the wonders of technology! That afternoon was packed: I headed out from my “class” to speak to DTI traders about Jr. Miss and my history and experience with the program. A little intimidating, but generally smooth, I do believe. After DTI, I got to meet with my Girl Scout Troop, whom I absolutely adore. They gave me a scrapbook of my time in Mobile last summer. (I’ve since shown it to everyone I see.) That night, I got to attend a very prestigious dinner for Mobile Veterans, where I got to sit at a table with the Governor of Alabama, Bob Riley, and the Veteran of the Year, Dr. Barry Booth. We were Table 1, and “we were served dinner,” no buffet style for us. Very high brow. It was very, very cool to get to shoot the breeze with the Governor, and not an experience I’ll ever forget.

Wednesday, my last day in Mobile, started bright and early with the Veterans Day Parade. I rode down the streets of Mobile in a beautiful ‘50s car, then to the Veteran’s Luncheon, where I got to eat with the Governor’s wife, Patsy Riley. All was well, except EVERYTHING had meat in it. My vegetarian habits are not so easy in Mobile. From the lunch, I went to what became my favorite part of the trip. I got to talk to 200 fourth graders (and their parents) about Be Your Best Self and it’s importance in all of our lives for about 20 minutes. It was SO much fun, and the kids were so into it! I’ll remember the joy of that moment forever. After a final dinner with my host family, I packed up my bags, and hit the hay.

The next day, I was back on a plane bright and early, back to old Chicago. I actually got on campus early enough to make it to my last class of the day! What a world.

I had such a wonderful time in Mobile, and I can’t wait to go back in January. It’s safe to say it will be a good bit warmer in Mobile than Chicago come Senior Bowl time!

Mobile Adventure

2009-11-04T23:31:00.000-08:00

I'm getting stoked for my trip to Mobile this upcoming week! Friday morning I'll be leaving NU and I won't get back until the following Thursday afternoon. In Mobile, I'll be enjoying a lot of fabulous events, including the Ruth Chris Dinner, the Alabama football game, a 5K, and the Veterans Day Parade.
Can't wait!
Happy Guy Fawkes Day!!

Kentucky's Junior Miss Orientation

2009-11-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

I've had the loveliest of weekends back in old Kentucky! I came in this weekend for the orientation of Kentucky's Junior Miss 2010. I got to spend some time with my friends and family, which was so wonderful, and I have to say, I'm more than a little bit sad to have to leave them all again!
I left from Union Station in downtown Chicago at 4 on Friday afternoon via MegaBus. The trip was not bad at all. I slept a little, read a little Aristotle for my philosophy class, and worked on my speech for Sunday. I got to Cincinnati around 11, where my lovely mother was waiting to take me back to Winchester. We got back home around 1, and after two hours of catching up, finally fell into bed around 3 on Saturday morning.
The next day I went to my sister's band competition (GRC made it to state!), then to Lexington to spend the evening with some of my friends that go to the University of Kentucky and a few surrounding schools. It was really great to catch up with everyone and finally get to see the inside of a UK dorm room! (Not bad, but we all know Northwestern is where it's at.)
This morning I headed out bright and early to the Kentucky Junior Miss orientation. As the choreographer, Ashley West, pointed out, it's really, really nice to be on the other side of the orientation madness! No stress about getting music in, forms signed, or sizes figured. A breath of fabulously fresh air. I gave a speech about what a wonderful time I've had so far in the program, though I'm sure in 6 minutes I only skimmed the surface.
Afterward, I got the chance to be in the fashion show! What an experience. Maybe if the theatre thing doesn't work out I could have a career as a model for Miss Priss. There's always hope.
At the luncheon I sang the National Anthem and got the chance to help pass out certificates to the nominees of the prestigious Athena Award, and then to present the deserving winner with the trophy. Congrats Anne Weston!
After some group pictures with the Class of 2010, I raced out to make it to Cincinnati to catch my bus back to Chicago, which I can only hope is less rainy than when I left it.

Young Woman's National Conference: DC Take 2

2009-10-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend in DC again! October 24th, 2009 marked the first ever Young Women's National Conference in downtown Washington DC. It was an awesome conference that I think was really, truly beneficial to all the young women who attended.
I flew into DC first thing Saturday morning. I caught a cab to the airport around 4 (that's 4 am, as in, in the morning) and caught my very early plane. I was in the capitol by 1 that afternoon and was picked up by the lovely Amy Goodman. Amy was one of the hosts of the 2009 America's Junior Miss National Finals, as well as a past America's Junior Miss. She lives in the DC area, and most graciously volunteered to host me, even though she's still in recovery from a really bad cold! Props Amy!
We headed down to the conference around 2 in the afternoon. The whole thing had a very mature nature. All the girls were dressed in interview attire, and attended seminars on things like money management, recognizing and developing your strengths, and setting goals for the future. These girls meant business! They were all high school age, and you could tell the rooms were all buzzing with intelligence and vigor. There were about 80 girls in attendance, several of whom came from places several hours away from DC, which is especially impressive considering the newness of the conference.
Amy and I got there early enough to sit in on the last two lectures of the afternoon: Self Discovery and Networking Skills. Both were really excellent lectures, and I learned a thing or two about good networking!
After that, we attended the Mentor Mingle, where Junior Miss was a proud mentor representative. I got to talk to several of the young attendants about their goals and ambitions as well as about Be Your Best Self and Junior Miss itself.
I also got to talk to Erica Parkhurst, the conference creator, about having Junior Miss be a speaker at next year's conference, a prospect which looked altogether promising. Good news for the future.
For more info on the Young Women's National Conference, check out:
www.ywnc.net

After the conference, I got the wonderful opportunity to meet a past America's Junior Miss, Lori Jo Carbonneau, who also lives in the DC area, although as her father told me "You're in Virginia now, honey!" Lori Jo's mother was also there, and is a past Washington State Junior Miss. It was such a delight and an honor to get to meet so many Junior Misses at once!
Later that night I met the rest of Amy's family: her husband Michael and their fabulous 3 year old daughter, Fiona. We enjoyed some delicious Japanese food, and for the first time ever I ate an entire meal with chopsticks. Quite a milestone, I must say.
I left early the next morning and 6 long hours later I was back in my dorm. The trip was a blast, and I can't wait for the opportunity to work again with the Young Women's National Conference and all the great things they do!

Tween Summit 2009 in Washington DC

2009-10-19T17:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to Washington DC for the first ever Tween Girl Summit! I had such a fantastic time, from the moment I left my dorm in Chicago to the moment I got back. It was quite the adventure...

I left my dorm at about 2:15 on Friday afternoon, and walked with my luggage down to the Noyes L Station about 4 blocks from my dorm. Things were running smoothly, until about 7 stops from O'Hare Airport, when one of the L stations experienced an electrical fire! Everyone on the Blue Line was kicked off the train, out into the chilly Chicago rain, loaded down with suitcases and garment bags. After about 20 minutes of trying to catch a bus or taxi in the rain, we heard news that the L was back up and running. We all stampeded to the station, rushed up the stairs and jumped on the train. An hour and a half later, soggy and late, we finally arrived at O'Hare. I had only an hour to find my airline, print my boarding pass, get to my terminal, get through security, and find my gate! I just barely made it in time. As fate would have it, the airplane pulled away from the gate, and experienced a mechanical failure! We sat parked on the runway for another hour and a half. It was not a successful transportation day.
Once I finally got to DC Massachusetts Junior Miss of 2009, Alina Ostrow, met me at the airport. We took the DC Metro back to her dorm at American University. Alina was the perfect tour guide, and knew so much about the DC public transportation system you'd think she lived there her whole life and not just the past 2 months. We arrived at her dorm around 12. Logical people would go to sleep, but Alina and I don't exactly fit that category. Instead we stayed up until about 3:30 am, talking and laughing and taking bizarre pictures on her Mac. At least we were spirited!

The next morning we were up bright and early for showers and to catch a cab into downtown. As soon as we walked into the hotel, we could feel the energy and excitement. The halls were lined with hordes of excited tween girls, decked out in bright colors, team shirts, and Tween Summit passes. Alina checked in and got our VIP passes (yes, that's right, VIP), and were taken to the celebrity holding room (yes, that's right, celebrity). There we had breakfast with the athlete celebrities, several of whom were Olympic medalists. Jessica Mendoza, an Olympic softball player and gold and silver medalist, had her medals with her and actually let us wear them. I got to wear an Olympic gold medal! It was truly awesome.

Around 11 Lana Parker and Alyssa Murray from Delaware arrived. Lana is the chairperson for Deleware's Junior Miss, and Alyssa Murray is the new 2010 Deleware's Junior Miss. (Congrats Alyssa!) They brought with them all kinds of awesome stuff for our Be Your Best Self booth and we all set to work setting it up. We went with a "Bee Your Best Self" theme, and before long insects and flowers were all over our section.

Once we were set up, we got the opportunity to meet some of the other guests at the event, and they were phenomenal. We met three siblings, all teenagers, who were launching a new product they'd invented called Flipoutz, a really cool invention to express yourself with style. We met representatives from a New York group called 1>0: One is Greater than None, a non-profit teen group that formed in response to the health care crisis. There were representatives from self-esteem groups, PBteen, teens who had made a big difference. It was such a cool experience to be in a room with so many talented and driven individuals.

In flocked the girls! It was a flurry of energy and autographs as the over 200 tween girls at the Summit ran around the Exhibit Room. We gave out several autographed AJM photos, BYBS cards, and pens, and got several pledges.
At lunch time, Alina, Alyssa, Lana, and I headed out for a stroll around downtown DC. We saw the capitol building and were encouraged by a protester to "Stop the genocide and save the camels!" Alina gave us the low down on everything we passed and we had a great photo adventure.

The afternoon presented a much longer Exhibit Hall session. We spoke to hundreds of girls about Be Your Best Self, and got a ton of BYBS pledges to add to the millions deep stash in Mobile. Whereas the morning's session had been a flurry, the afternoon's presented a little more time to talk to each girl about exactly what our program was, and how important it truly is to be the best you that you can be.
After dinner, we got the chance to meet some television and music celebrities. Debbie Ryan, from "Suite Life on Deck," the bands "Comic Book Heroes" and "WOW," singer/songwriter Laura Warshaur, Miss Black USA Shayna Rudd, and the emcee of the whole event, a self-esteem speaker Jess Weiner.

Around 8, I walked the red carpet! Every girl from the Summit crowded around the door and snapped photos and got our autographs as we each walked out in turn. It was so much fun! I had just as much fun as the girls...probably more!
After the Summit, Alina and I took the Metro back to her dorm. She took me for a nighttime walking tour of her campus, and we ended up at American University's cafe, The Perch. We got hot chocolate and once again stayed up way too late talking. We hit the hay the second we got back to the room, and you can be sure we slept soundly!
The next morning we headed back to Reagan International Airport for my flight back to the Windy City. We had a final breakfast in the airport and relived the whole event, from wearing Olympic medals to meeting celebrities and how the whole experience was layered with exhaustion.
I caught my plane soon after and began the long, long journey back home. I got back to my dorm around 5, the experience of a lifetime behind me. The whole trip was just awesome. I wish I could do it all over again!

And even though I didn't get to meet Michelle Obama, I did get a picture with her cardboard cut out at the airport. A close second.

DC Approaches

2009-10-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend I'll be jetsetting to Washington DC to the first annual Tween Girl Summit! I'll be manning an awesome Be Your Best Self and America's Junior Miss booth, hopefully with Alina Ostrow (Massachusetts Junior Miss 2009). The Tween Summit is sure to be an awesome event where "girls can speak up and be heard!" The weekend features an awesome line-up of speakers and guests, from Disney Channel stars to Motorcross champions, political titans to CEO's and philanthropists. I'm honored to be a special guest at this event, and a back-up speaker for the weekend. It's sure to be loads of fun!
It has also been rumored that Michelle Obama is going to be at the event, so fingers crossed I'll get to meet the First Lady! Wouldn't that be incredible...
My plane leaves at 7 pm on Friday, and I'll be heading back to Chicago around 1pm on Sunday. During the weekend, I'll be staying with Alina at American University. She's also promised to be a first rate guide of the capitol, so I'm sure to get a great tour from a local's point of view.
Thanks to everyone for setting up this appearance. I can't wait!

For more info on the Summit, check out:
www.tweensummit.com

Chicago!

2009-10-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, I had a great time roaming the streets of Chicago, despite the cold rain. Anna, Dylan, Kate, Naomi and I took the train into downtown Chicago, where we went to Navy Pier and ate a delicious dinner at Giardanos. Navy Pier was actually quite creepy, with the October "Festival of Curiosities" and the gray drizzle, but we made it out alive. We also got to spend a little time walking down the Magnificent Mile and seeing what there is to see in Millenium Park. All in all, a very fun, successful trip to downtown!
Shout out to the midnight sports team!

Post Fall Generals

2009-09-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Week #2 is wrapping up, and school is super busy, but I'm loving the Chicago weather!
Tonight I had the opportunity to sit in on a conference call with Junior Miss Naitonals Office and many people who are involved with Jr. Miss in some way or another, be they board members, past participants, or volunteers. We discussed AJM's efforts to re-brand, including a possible name change. Conversation revolved generally around the current image of AJM as a beauty pageant and what can be done to change that perception of the program. Some of the ideas thrown in were to present AJM as an empowerment program, a program of excellence, or an inspirational opportunity. Several taglines and strategies were proposed. Anyone interested in more information should definitely check out the website:
http://www.ajm.org/news/branding/

In campus news, I've just been placed in an advanced choir on campus where, for the first time in my life, I'll be singing alto! It's considered a class, so I am now taking a grand total of 5 classes this quarter (much to my mother's dismay). I also just finished a harrowing 4 days of auditions for the 11 upcoming plays this quarter. Northwestern uses a system of general auditions and callbacks, so each quarter every student hoping to get cast in a play in the upcoming quarter will audition in one mass audition for about 30 directors, producers, etc. I was lucky enough to be cast in the fall musical, The Cradle Will Rock. Rehearsals start tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited! I think it's going to be a great show.
I've also met another Jr. Miss on campus! The assistant stage manager for the show I worked on last week was the 2008 1st runner up for Mobile County's Jr. Miss. I also found out that one of the girls in another show last week was a participant in Louisiana's Jr. Miss. It really is crazy how many amazing people you can find.

Day #1

2009-09-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

I've now offically attended all my classes! I really like all of them. Except for my Ancient Philosophy lecture, all my classes are small, and I really like all my professors. I've got plenty of homework and plenty of things to print out and get started on. Luckily, though, I don't have my first class until 1 tomorrow, so it will be the perfect morning to catch up on sleep and homework, and maybe check out the gym agian.
I also just started working on one of the student shows on campus, "Baleen Bessie." I'm on the run crew, which means I work backstage and do anything and everything anyone asks me to! For example, last night I spent a good 3 hours building and painting cover boxes for the show. Who knows what I'll be doing tonight. I'm very excited to be back in a theatre!
I also got to talk to a contestant from Mississippi's Junior Miss at a theatre meeting last night. She's also a freshman this year at NU, studying in the Medill School of Journalism. We're everywhere.
I'm off to rugby practice. Hopefully I don't break.

First Week as a Wildcat!

2009-09-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

I am now officially a Northwestern University Wildcat! This first week has been so much fun, and I'm so excited about the rest of the school year. I moved in last Tuesday (September 15th). I lucked out and got one of the biggest rooms on the floor, so my roommate and I were pumped. My roommate's name is Tina Ding, and she hails from from Beijing, China. She promised that by the end of the year she would teach me callligraphy, a promise which I fully intend to hold her to!

My Dorm! ->->

I'm all registered for classes. I'm taking Analysis of Performance, Spanish, History of Philosophy, and Public Speaking. Next quarter, I'm hoping to get into a business management and economics class that I just missed this quarter. Auditions for things have already started, as have games, plays, seminars, and movie nights. The first week is shaping up pretty well.
Coming in early October, I'm hoping to speak at the US Tween Summit as America's Junior Miss, but also as a college student. While there, I might get to meet Michelle Obama and her two daughters. Then in November, I head back down to Mobile, Alabama for about a week. Can't wait!
I'm off the buy my books, check out the Activities Fair, then to an A Capella callback. Busy, busy. Good, good.

Be Your Best Self and Walk with a Child

2009-09-13T10:46:00.001-07:00

This Friday, I went down to the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club for the last time and gave my new and improved Be Your Best Self presentation to about 60 kids. The 5 categories of BYBS (Healthy, Ambitious, Involved, Responsible, and Studious) very fortunately make up the great mnemonic HAIRS. So for this BYBS presentation, I wanted to combine the creativity that the kids had with the idea of crazy hair. Each of 5 groups got a poster with the face cut out and a crazy hair-do all around it. They then all got bags of craft supplies and got to decorate each of the posters with things they thought of for the 5 categories. The posters turned out great! There were fruits and vegetables and starts and pencils and keys and colors everywhere! The kids could then look through their posters, "wearing" the hair, and see all the ways that they could be healthy, ambitious, involved, responsible, and studious. It was a really great time, and the kids did so well!

Then, first thing Saturday morning, I got to got to Wal*Mart with the Kiwanis Club and participate in the Walk with a Child program, a truly great program put on by the Winchester Chapter Kiwanis members. My sister and I got to shop with three great guys, all brothers, who were all either late elementary school or early middle. A great time was had by all, and the donuts made the whole morning that much better.

And I'm finally packing for college! I leave for Chicago early Monday morning, so all my worldly possesions are going in boxes and bags, suitcases and shelves. I can't wait to meet my roommate, who has come all the way from Beijing, China. I'll keep you posted!

Salvation Army and the Goodbyes

2009-09-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I got the chance to go down to the Lexington Salvation Army and volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club. I had such a great time! I got to help out with a math computer class, do some stompin' at a music class, and finish off the afternoon with a rousing game of Monkey in the Middle. I traveled around with a group of about 10 kids, and we had a blast, despite my team's heartbreaking loss in the train game. I had such a great time that I'm going back both today and Friday, and will hopefully be finishing out the week with a Be Your Best Self program for all the kids I've met throughout the week.
In other news, yesterday could be deemed "The Day of Goodbye Meals." I had brunch with two of my good friends from high school, moved on to lunch with my local chairperson and local committee member, and finished the day with a Lexington dinner with several my high school friends that are now at UK and nearby schools. The tater tots were definitely bittersweet...or bittersalty.

Junior Miss Resume

2009-09-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

Media
Television:
Good Morning America
NBC interviews
CBS interviews
Mobile City Council Broadcast
ESPN - Background at a press conference

Print Media:
Washington Post
Kentucky Living Magazine
Tops in Lex Magazine
The Mobile Press Register
The Winchester Sun
The Lexington Herald Leader

Speaking
Spencerian College Motivational Speaker
Mobile City Council AJM Presentation
Kiwanis Club Chapter Meeting Keynote Speaker
Rotary Club Chapter Meeting Guest Speaker
Workforce Investment Act Introduction Speaker and National Anthem
Day Trader Institute of Mobile AJM Presentation

Appearances

2010 GMAC Bowl
2010 Senior Bowl
First annual Tween Summit in Washington DC
First annual Young Women's National Conference in Washington DC
Trish McEvoy Webcast
Junior Miss Golf Scramble Fundraiser
Distributed awards for the Tour of the Red River Gorge Bike Race
Distributed awards for the Mobile Senior Bowl 5K 2009
Autographs at Kentucky Fair
Autographs at Clark County Fair
Autographs at Lexington Legends Game
Mobile GMAC Parade
Mobile Veterans Day Parade
Clark County Fair Parade
Clark County Demolition Derby
Talbots’ Junior Miss Day- Autographs and Meet and Greet
America's Junior Miss Alumni Reunion

Other Performances
Ruth's Chris Fundraising Event Performer
Puttin’ On the Glitz Gala featured performer
Clark County 4th of July God Bless America and Fireworks Countdown

Honors
July 3rd, 2009 was proclaimed “Michelle Rodgers Day”
Kentucky Colonel
Presented with a Key to the City

People I’ve Met
Diane Sawyer
Charles Barkley
Terrell Owens
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear
Alabama Governor Bob Riley
Alabama Congressman Jo Bonner
Gene Stallings
Tim Tebow
Debbie Ryan
Comic Book Heroes
WOW
Veteran of the Year Dr. Barry Booth
Larry Johnson, Senior Bowl Hall of Fame
Alabama First Lady Patsy Riley
Trish McEvoy
Sam Champion
Robin Meade
Amy Goodman
Larry Blakeney, Head Coach of Troy University
Miss Kentucky Mallory Ervin
America’s Homecoming Queen Jaime Horne
Miss Black USA Shayna Rudd
Girl Scouts of America Corporate Executives
Good Housekeeping Chief Editors

Singing at Sports Events
God Bless America at the 2010 GMAC Bowl (Also held game ball for coin toss and signed autographs)
National Anthem and GBA at Lexington Legends (Also signed autographs and threw out the 1st pitch)
NA Kentucky Sweet 16 Final Four Basketball game at Rupp Arena (Crowd 10,000+)
NA Clark County Softball Game Senior Night
NA Clark County Soccer Game

Be Your Best Self Presentations
Mobile Veteran's Day to 4th Graders of Mobile
2009 Tween Summit
South Side Chicago Boys and Girls Club (April 2010)
Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club (May 2009)
Boys and Girls Club (September 2009)
Clark County Public Library

Junior Miss Program Performances
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Illinois
Clark County
Marion County
Hopkins County
Montgomery County
Woodford County

Theatre Resume

2009-09-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

Theatre is my one true love, and here's a resume of all my high school theatre activities!

Play (Theatre Company) - Part- Grade
Madeline (Lexington Children’s Theatre) - Mime - 9th
Into the Woods (GRC) - Chorus - 9th
Lexington Shakespeare Institute - Contemporary - 9th
Shakespeare in the Park - Volunteer - 9th
Our Town (GRC) - The Stage Manager - 10th
Beauty and the Beast (GRC) - Mrs. Potts - 10th
Governor’s School for the Arts - Drama Participant - 10th
Drama Club (GRC) - President - 11th
You Can’t Take It With You (GRC) - Assistant Director - 11th
Silhouettes of Broadway (GRC) - Multiple - 11th
Dramapalooza Fest-O-Rama - Creator, Director - 11th
Kentucky Classical Theatre Conservatory - MT, Circus, Improv - 11th
Shakespeare in the Park - Volunteer - 11th
Aida - Lead Chorus - 12th
Drama Club (GRC) - President - 12th
Dramapalooza Fest-O-Rama - Creator, Director, Actor - 12th

Craft Aspects Studied
Mime- 3 months
Viewpoints- 3 weeks
Contemporary Theatre Techniques (Angels in America)- 3 weeks
Iambic Pentameter and Shakespearian Performance- 3 weeks
The Arc of a Monologue- 3 months
Improvisation Techniques- 6 weeks
Finding Center and The Body- 3 weeks
Diction and Breath- 3 weeks
Assistant Directing- 2 months
Musical Theatre 16 Bars Audition Technique- 3 weeks
Circus (Trapeze, Plate Spinning, Stilts, Juggling, Diablo (Performance Skills), Tumbling, Rollerboards)- 1 week
Clown Technique (Water spitting, entrance/exits, pie throwing, various skits)

Teachers
Tracey Bonner- Musical Theatre and Dance
Sullivan Canaday White- Viewpoints and Contemporary Theatre
Patricia Clark- General technique
Donna Bonner- Voice
Mary Joy Nelson- Voice
Mary Kelly Rayel- Circus technique
Brian Foley- Circus technique
Margot Buchanan- Shakespeare
Kristi Funk- Shakespeare
Ellie Clark- Warm-up technique
LoraBeth Barr- Warm-up technique
Nathan Jansen- Improvisation
Matt Wallace- Improvisation
Joel Jeske- Clown technique
Vivian Snipes- General theatre concepts
Tim Soulis- General technique
Bill Caise- General technique
Susan Wigglesworth- Body and Breathing Technique
Mary Grogan- Directing technique
Steve Crosby- General performance
Zach Ullery- Voice
Katherine Lowther- History of Theatre

Special Programs
Discovery Theatre (Lexington Children’s Theatre)
Lexington Shakespeare Institute
Governor’s School for the Arts
Kentucky Classical Theatre Conservatory

Honors
Poetry Out Loud School Champion
Best Actress Award
Arts and Humanities Outstanding Student

Activities Resume

2009-09-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

GPA: 4.23
ACT: 31
SAT: 1900

High School Clubs
Drama Club (President)
National Honors Society (Vice President)
Senior Advisory (Financial Advisor)
Embracing Global Obligations (Treasurer)
Student Government
Academic Team
Jr. Civitan
Beta Club
Science Club
Journalism Club

Awards/ Honors
School recipient of DAR award
School recipient of National Society for Arts and Letters Drama Award Distinguished of Senior writing portfolio
Voted Most Likely to Succeed
Poetry Out Loud, Freshman/ Sophomore School Winner
Governor’s School for the Arts, Drama
Cardinal Award for all A’s
Youth Salute State Participant
1st, 2nd, 3rd place ribbons in the Clark County Art Fair
Centre Fellows Scholar
Singing for the Governor

Volunteer Projects
Organized “Stay True to You” for all county elementary schools
Tutoring (4th grade and Pre-Calculus)
Governor's School for the Arts Audition Volunteer
Beautification Day organizer and participant
Cathedral Domain Volunteer
Vacation Bible School organizer
Kentucky Riversweep participant
Volunteer at the Lexington Shakespeare Festival
Piano teacher
Volunteer at Clark County Public Library for Summer Reading Program
Walk with a Child, Winchester Kiwanis Club

Program Participation
Bluegrass Choral Music Festival
Women’s Acapella / Chamber Choir
Lexington Shakespeare Institute
Governor’s School for the Arts
Kentucky Classical Theatre Conservatory

Other Positions
Venturing Club- Events Coordinator
Kentucky Classical Theatre Conservatory Student Board Collaborator
Teen Advisory Board at the Public Library

Athletic Events
Daniel Boone 5K
Bike Lexington

Hobbies
Theatre
Outdoor Activities (Running, Biking, Backpacking, Rock Climbing, Canoeing)
Piano (student and teacher)