Miss Vermont 2009!: More memories and Memorial Day Weekend!

Hello Friends!
I'm hoping to slip in a couple updates this week...my last week as Miss Vermont. I cannot believe it! Just a few more days... It's funny because throughout this year, any time I felt stressed or needed to get back in the right mindset, I would watch my crowning moment and instantly feel grateful and re-energized. That moment is always a simple reminder of the gratitude I feel towards all the people who helped me become Miss Vermont and all who helped me become the Laura Hall I am today, because of their support during my year as Miss Vermont. It's crazy to think that come Saturday, there will be a new crowning moment.

This past week has been filled with rehearsals, and press interviews, and some great appearances. Since I last blogged, I interviewed with CK Coin from 98.9 WOKO, John from KOOL 105, and today I went in bright and early for an interview with Nolan and Tara from Star 92.9. Our pageant emcee, Nan O'brien is affiliated with Star 92.9 so it was great to talk with Nolan and Tara about that connection. For those of you who know Nan, you may be pleased to know that she too is a Miss America participant...she competed in Oklahoma while she was in college and earned enough scholarship money to pay for the majority of her schooling. It's wonderful to have her support and to have her as an emcee this Saturday!

My grandmother has taken on a special project for me...she has been altering the dress I won Miss Vermont in, (which was too big a year ago and is too big now) so that I can wear it at either the teen or miss pageant. The blue dress I won this title in was a last-minute decision, it nearly fell off (it's strapless) when my crowning moment occurred, but it's nice to come full circle and wear the dress I won Miss VT in, on my last day as Miss VT (it'll have a strap this time!). I am thrilled to crown the new Miss Vermont in my gorgeous Gregory Ellenburg gown! Why am I talking about gowns? Beats me...back to my update.

On Thursday, after I had 2 radio interviews, I drove out to St. Mary's School in Middlebury. Nikki Juvan, Miss VT 1996 is a kindergarten teacher there, and requested that I come visit. It was such a special appearance because it was my last school visit (I think at least) as Miss Vermont. I spoke with kindergarten, 1st grade, 5th grade and 6th grade students. We had a lot of fun and hopefully they all realize that they are leaders and capable of great things!

On Friday, I met Sue Lackey and Legacy Rhoads--my princess at Vermont Children's Hospital. Sue Victory, a director at the hospital gave us a full tour of the hospital. It was wonderful to see how all of the CMN money we raise gets put to good use, and as always it was nice to see some of the children who get taken care of at the hospital. I met a sweet young boy, and I saw one of the most precious babies in the NICU. Most of the children were sleeping during my visit so I left some autograph cards. I will be returning to the hospital this Friday with all of the Miss contestants. I am so thankful for the friendship I made with the 2009 CMN Champion Child, Courtney Billings. She is an incredible leader and advocate for bringing awareness about Cystic Fibrosis. I will be walking with her at the CF walk this September! She is such an inspiration and a wonderful person. I am so proud of her confidence growth this year...she's participating in the Outstanding Teen Program this weekend, what an incredible story! All of the children I've met at the VT Children's Hospital are wonderful, and it makes me so thankful that our organization partners with the Children's Miracle Network.

Saturday was the Essex Memorial Day Parade! Legacy came with me and we had a blast with our wonderful driver, Russ, who drove us in a beautiful red convertible. Check out some photos below!