Update

Hello Vermont!

These past few days have been busy! I'm not even sure where to start. I guess I'll start by giving a shout out to my new friends at Exercise America in South Burlington. Last Thursday, my personal trainer David had me attend not one, but two of his group fitness classes. Two classes right in a row. We're talking about 2 1/2 hours of continuous workout here! Maybe that doesn't sound like a lot, but for me, it was intense! The only thing that kept me moving and not dropping to the ground was the endless amount of energy that radiated from each individual in the class. They may not recognize this, but they are all very inspiring to me. David had us circuit training and continually changing up the exercise we were working on: from pull-ups to burpees to abs to push ups to sprinting...it was exhausting! But the energy and support of every person in that room was just wonderful. Thank you to all my fitness friends--I'm going to work on my running skills haha.

On July 10th, I drove down to Worcester, Massachusetts to go visit my school, Assumption College. I truly have to thank Assumption for all of their support and congratulatory messages after the news of my title spread down to Massachusetts. I received personal cards from Assumption's President and Dean of Students, along with countless e-mails from administration/faculty/staff members, and hugs from all those who I came in contact with during my visit Friday. Dr. Catherine Woodbrooks (Assumption's Vice President of Student Affairs)--I cannot wait to get a picture of me crowning you next time I'm at school! Knowing that I have support from my home away from home is just so incredible.

While at Assumption, I met with some of my Student Government Executives. Before I won the title of Miss Vermont, I was elected by the Class of 2010 to serve as Senator for the 4th year, and then the Senate selected me to hold the executive position of Senate Speaker. Having two very important roles this year will be chaotic, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and that God believes I am capable of serving both roles. I guess this is a good time to explain what my year will look like. I am entering my senior year and I will be a full-time student this year. However, I have set my schedule up so that I have classes only 3 days a week, which will allow me to spend 4 days in Vermont. My school is not too far from Southern Vermont, so I will even be able to do day trips if an appearance arises. It will be a busy year with traveling, but I know this is so worth it! One of my directors, Megan Plebani, is located in Massachusetts and my other director is close to my home in Vermont. Wherever I am, I will be supported and will be working to be the best Miss Vermont that I can be!

Ok back to the update...

While at Assumption, I did some SGA work for fall training and then had the chance to watch the Friday night preliminary for Miss Massachusetts. Saturday night was so exciting, because I not only got to meet the new Miss Massachusetts, but I also got to meet Miss Connecticut, Miss New Hampshire, Miss Rhode Island and Miss Minnesota! I love meeting the girls that I will be sharing the Miss America stage with. It is so surreal to know that I will be creating a wonderful sisterhood with the Miss America Class of 2010. I am so blessed to be Miss Vermont 2009.

I have some great photos from the weekend, but blogspot is not letting me upload them right now. Please feel free to Facebook friend me--search for Laura Elizabeth Hall.

This week is my busiest week as Miss Vermont yet! Between working out every day and working on my paperwork, I also have many side projects going on. I am working on a bunch of fundraisers to pay for my expenses as Miss Vermont and to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. I will be hosting a golf tournament in September (look for details soon) and a Calcutta for the beginning of August (look for details even sooner). This Saturday I have having a huge bottle drive in South Burlington. I had a meeting today with a restaurant who is going to let me fundraise there sometime in the next couple months--I am soo thankful for the supporters who are helping me raise money to have the best year of my life. I am a young woman who truly benefits from the scholarship money that the Miss America Organization provides. The $6,000 I won this June pays for nearly my entire first semester at college--that is huge for me! Especially considering the amount of debt I will have in student loans by the time I graduate.

I have some great appearances coming up--I am waiting for the confirmation for a very exciting appearance for this Sunday--I'll wait to surprise you with the details soon!

I will be visiting my hair sponsor, Red Clover Salon on Thursday to get my Miss Vermont makeover. I cannot wait to get my hair styled! Friday, I will be taking my Miss America head-shot with Wayne Tarr in St. Albans. I can't wait! I just need to figure out what to wear!

Today I had a great lunch with Kesha Ram, the youngest legislator in Vermont! She is 22 years old and I am so excited to partner with her this year to spread our shared passion of Youth Empowerment across the Green Mountain State. I cannot wait to see the impact that we can make together. She is wonderful and Burlington is lucky to have her representing us! She will be so helpful with reaching my platform to different age groups.

I need to send a special shout out to Mike A. My chauffeur, chaperone, photographer and purse-holder! haha you are so wonderful and this weekend wouldn't have been possible without your help.

Well, I suppose I should be getting back to some of my paperwork.

Have a great week Vermont!

~Laura

p.s.--the date of this post and the video are suppose to be July 14th, 2009--I'm not sure why they say the 7th?