The past four years I have worked hard to be a good student and a strong student leader. I have worked hard to be the best Laura Hall that I can be, and a great Miss America (well, that was the goal!). These were the major focuses in my life starting at the age of 18. Every day I thought about what I needed to do to work towards these goals—I lived each day with these goals in mind. I guess it just really is bizarre for me to think that very soon I am going to have to start working towards something else. But that’s what makes life exciting. I’m a very ambitious and determined person—I’m looking forward to seeing what I aim to pursue next and what kind of journeys I will take. I will forever be grateful and proud of the skills and experiences I’ve gained through my Miss America experience. I feel empowered and motivated to do big things! But again, I’m in that limbo phase where nothing after June 5th is certain—so in the meantime, I’m just trying to enjoy each day, live in the moment, and make as many memories as possible.
Sorry for that rant! Now back to updates!
Back in March, during my spring break from college, I jam-packed my days with Miss Vermont activities. From attending a production meeting for the Miss VT 2010 Pageant, to meeting with my director, to visiting sponsors to Mettawee Mania and the Change Round Up for the Vermont Children’s Hospital. What a fun, crazy week!
Mettawee Mania is an annual talent show in Pawlet, Vermont, and Miss Vermont is invited to emcee and perform at the event every year. Rod Hawkins, who is the producer of the event, was also one of the judges who gave me the honor of becoming Miss Vermont 2009. It was wonderful to catch up with him and meet his wonderful wife Deb, and their son Luke. The Hawkins Family were so gracious and offered for my mother and I to stay with them for the weekend while in Pawlet. The small town is about 2 hours away from Burlington, so it was nice to have a comfortable place to stay while at these weekend-long appearance. I had the privilege of staying in the Hawkins Family’s very own “Miss Vermont” room---a guest room that is filled with photos of former Miss Vermonts who have helped out with Mettawee Mania. It is so neat to think that my photo will be on a wall in that bedroom. What a neat tradition.
I arrived in Pawlet on Friday, March 12th, at 9am. As soon as I got into town, I spent the next three hours giving school presentations at the Mettawee Community School. I had the opportunity to spread the message of “youth empowerment” and the importance of setting goals to students from Kindergarten to 6th grade. I was so impressed with the students and their willingness to participate and share their ideas with the class. Many of the students I met were also performers in the talent show—Pawlet, has a lot of great talent! Perhaps a future Miss Vermont will be from this town!
After my school visits, I was greeted by Luke Hawkins, who escorted my mom and I back to his home. We unpacked a little, ate lunch, and then by 1pm, I was off to greet and thank the sponsors of Mettawee Mania. Luke was kind to be my chauffeur—we traveled around to visit with 12 different sponsors for the next three hours. One of my favorite stories from this trip was how poor Luke’s truck broke down while we were visiting a sponsor—luckily though, the sponsor was a car repair shop—Bardin’s Tire. Too funny! It worked out fine—Deb Hawkins dropped off another car for us, and then we were back to work! While thanking sponsors, I also had the opportunity to visit a farm that was making maple syrup. Such a neat process to make that sugary goodness.
When I finished greeting the sponsors, we headed back to the Hawkins’ home for some dinner and then off we went to rehearsal for the big show, which was scheduled for the next night. I got to see all of the talent, and had a great time mingling with all of the performers. There was a group of middle school girls who were such a riot! I had a blast with them, and they had me do something that was a first for me as Miss Vermont—they asked me to sign their stomachs! Haha—no worries, I got parental permission before marking their skin with a sharpie. It was too funny. I’m hoping to sign a bald head before I pass on the title. A girl can only hope right? Haha!
By the time rehearsals were finished, I was exhausted and headed right to bed! The next morning my mom and I toured Manchester, Vermont and then we headed back to the house to spend time with the Hawkins Family. The show came and went before I knew it, but it was such a successful night! Over 500 people attended—and I had a great time taking pictures and signing autographs after the show. Miss Vermont 2010 is in for a real treat with this appearance! I will not forget this experience any time soon.
On Sunday, right after getting back from Pawlet, I headed over to the WalMart in Williston, Vermont where I was helping 98.9 WOKO and the Vermont Children’s Hospital promote the Change Round Up—where all the money was going towards Vermont Children’s Hospital, which a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The Miss America Organization has a great partnership with CMN, so it was wonderful to be a part of this event. All of the money raise goes directly to our Vermont Hospital. I had so much fun mingling with all of the incredible people who came out to donate money—so many personal stories touched my heart—especially of a young 12 year old who raised over $700 to donate to a hospital which helped save her life as a baby. To see so many young people donating and raising money was very inspiring and made me proud of the youth in our state. I had a great time hanging out with Courtney Billings, who was the 2009 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child for Vermont. Courtney is such an inspiration young woman and so much fun to talk with and goof around with! I’m trying to convince her to compete for VT Outstanding Teen—she has it all! Such a sweet and giving gal. I also had the opportunity to talk on the radio about the Miss Vermont Scholarship Program and the event taking place over the weekend. It was a long day, but very fun and rewarding.
On Monday morning, I headed over to Fletcher Allen Hospital where we wrapped up the Change Round Up! I spoke on the radio again several times, while taking photos with the generous people who donated money to the cause. Over the weekend, over $120,000 was raised for the Vermont Children’s Hospital! Incredible! Right after the event, I headed right back to school for my 2:30pm class—what a busy spring break—I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
On April 3rd, the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization held “Vermont Has Talent”—a fundraiser to increase our scholarship fund for the 2010 pageant. What a success! I was asked to be one of the judges—and I was surprised at how difficult it is to be a judge—especially when all of the talent was fabulous! There was a very cute 8-year-old boy who played the ukulele at the fastest speed I’ve ever seen, a variety of talented singers, and singer/song-writers, two dancers, a comedian, and then the winner was 13 year old Cheyenne Prescott of Chester, Vermont who sang “When You Believe”—I am thrilled to have her perform at the 2010 pageant. She was wonderful!
Dr. Steve Taubman, who was a fabulous mock interview judge for me this fall, was the emcee of the show! He is a magician and hypnotist—after the talent portion, while the judges were deliberating, he performed a hypnotist act where he successfully hypnotized about 12 audience members on stage. I caught the end of his act and I couldn’t stop laughing! He did a great job—so much fun! I’m looking forward to next year’s event!
My first excavator ride in Pawlet, VT!
At Rehearsal for Metawee Mania---her parents gave me permission!
After Mettawee Mania!
With Courtney, CMN Champion Child 2009
I will upload more photos soon! Before I sign off , I must give a shout-out to my sweet cousin Harry. He has been such a big fan and supporter this year, and I love that he reads this blog! He recently had his 11th birthday—Happy Birthday Harry! Thank you all for your love and support this year---(I know it’s not over yet, but I have so much gratitude towards all of the people who have been there for me this year!) Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Your Miss Vermont,
~Laura
