What a weekend!

Wow! This has been one of the most humbling moments of my life. I was crowned a less than 48 hours ago, and I cannot even begin to explain all of the thoughts running through my head! I cannot wipe the smile off my face--not only because of this wonderful opportunity that I’ve been given, but because I keep thinking about the amazing weekend I had with 12 of Vermont’s most fantastic young women! Wow!

There is so much I want to share—and I really hope to keep Vermont well informed on my year—our year. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the wonderful people in my life; many of them Vermonters. It was here in Vermont that I learned the importance of community service and lending a helping hand. It was here in Vermont that I became inspired and empowered to be the best I can be. I have grown into a young woman that I am truly proud of, and I owe many thanks to the Green Mountain State. I hope I can be a Miss Vermont that you are all proud of.

That being said, I am in the process of working on promoting the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization through various methods of social media. I am starting with my blog, and I hope to soon add Facebook and Twitter to the list. I will let you know when those are available!

Now, I must try to share how incredible this weekend was...All of the contestants arrived at the Sheraton Burlington Thursday afternoon. (The Sheraton is such a generous and valuable sponsor of the Miss Vermont Scholarship Program—if you ever need a place to stay, I definitely recommend this hotel!) Luckily, I had met all of the girls the prior Sunday, so instead of feeling anxious or nervous, I felt calm, relaxed and excited! I immediately found out that I was rooming with Amy Gillespie, and we quickly learned that we were the perfect roommate pair. (We’re both night people! haha and we stayed up WAYY too late, but had soo much fun!) For dinner we went to Ray DeGiovine’s beautiful home, and were fed a delicious meal. In fact, right now I should give a shout out to the Johnson Family who provided all of our amazing meals! Thank you! We enjoyed our time at Ray’s, and then headed back to our hotel to meet with Intuitive Counselor and Medium, Nan O’brien. She spoke with us about her experience with the Miss America Organization and she helped us all maintain a positive mindset. Nan is soo engaging, and has a great personality! She came backstage Saturday night to give us an inspirational pep-talk and I hope to receive many more pep-talks during my year as Miss Vermont—she is too cool!

Our interviews were Friday morning, and everyone left the interview room feeling confident and happy about their performance. Walking out of the interview with a smile on your face is one of the best feelings. Just ask Sydney Bard---haha I got to witness her awesome “happy dance!” that happened after her successful interview. After interviews were over, we all decided to start our rehearsals early by strutting our stuff down the hallways of the Sheraton. It was soo funny, and I believe our first runner-up, Caroline Bright, has a hilarious video of it. (I might have to steal that Caroline!)

Rehearsals were long, but I hope it’s safe to say that all 13 of us had so much fun in the process of learning all of our staging for the big show! Mama Liz—thanks for your dressing room help! All of the hostesses-Barb, Juli, Beth, Bethany—were incredible!

Saturday was the day we were all anticipating—and it left me in complete shock as I proudly shared my crowning moment with Caroline Bright—she is a doll! Mary Branagan was named second runner-up and many of our contestants won additional awards at the end of the night.
I cannot remember my reaction after my name was called—I guess I’ll have to wait for the DVD—but I know it felt amazing! I had such fantastic fans at the pageant, and many who sent their well-wishes for me before the show. Thank you! Having four generations of women watching me win this title was incredible, along with both of my grandfathers who have never seen a pageant. (I guess this was a good one to attend!) My boyfriend Michael and his mother, college friends-Alex (fellow Vermonter and my roommate!) and Dan, family friend/loudest cheerer Kiki, along with my cousins Katie, Chase and Ali, and Uncle Cort and Aunt Pam—It was great having you in the audience, thanks for coming! Dad and Katie—thanks for driving 4 hours to watch—on the behalf of my dad I will share that he is very excited for the $6,000 I won in scholarship money!

My mom and Nonni are really responsible for much of my success. Their endless support, love, patience, and positive energy helped make me feel prepared for the most amazing experience I’ve had yet! And I know they’ll be vital in my success for the upcoming year.

Sunday morning, after sleeping for 4 hours, I had a great brunch with my image consultant Sue Lackey, Miss Vermont 2005-Megan Plebani, VT’s Outstanding Teen Sarah Crampton and her parents, along with my mom. It was information overload but I’m soo excited for a busy year with these great people! I was interviewed by two news stations, and I received a phone call for my first appearance! Wow, all under 24 hours of being crowned.


Today (Monday June 29th)- I had an interview for the Valley Voice, and several interview requests for this week! Not to mention that the 4th of July weekend will definitely keep me busy with appearances! I look forward to traveling our BEAUTIFUL state!

Thank you EVERYONE for your supportive messages. After I won, I had so many text messages waiting for me, along with countless Facebook messages and I keep getting them!! You are all amazing and your support inspires me to be the best Miss Vermont I can be!

Thank you Sarah Jo Willey, Hannah Nelson Manley, Amy Johnson Jackman, Harry Benoit. Robert Willey and all of the hard-working volunteers who made the Miss Vermont Pageant so entertaining and professional! Dana Rosengard—you are hilarious and a great emcee! All of your hard work is greatly appreciated.

Oh I forgot! I got to meet my first Miss America sister—Miss Delaware! Heather is such a sweetheart, and I’m looking forward to seeing her this August in Orlando at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen!

Yikes—this is far too long. Good thing twitter has a limit on the number of words. There just really is soo much to tell! –If you want more details, feel free to leave comments on the blog!

It is with great pride and excitement that I can introduce myself as your Miss Vermont! I have big shoes to fill—Ashley Wheeler was such a fabulous representative and role model. I hope I can model her warmth and determination. She is simply incredible.

Thank you Vermont for all you have done for me, and I’m sure this year will be one that I will NEVER forget!


~Laura