Sorry I haven't been updating the blog! I can assure you that between the time you last heard from me and now, I have been quite busy! Other than going to Florida for MAOT, I have made numerous appearances, started my senior year of high school, taken the SATs, worked on The Kindness Campaign, and started applying to colleges! More to come about all of those later...but now - MAOT!
On August 20th, I woke up bright an early and my whole family headed to the airport to leave for Orlando! I don't think I had ever been so excited in my entire life! We crammed five people, eight full sized suitcases, and my huge gown bag, and several other carry on items in my mom's SUV -- but that is nothing compared to when we fit all of that stuff in a little Toyota Corolla, our rental car. Let's just say that car ride was far from comfortable!
All ready to leave for Orlando!
When we arrived in Orlando, we checked in at the Rosen Center, and I got ready for the first event of the week, the Video Shoot, where I recorded my introduction. I met a bunch of the other girls for the first time, and Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2010, Jeanette Morelan. Afterwards, my family and I enjoyed dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company!
With some of my MAOT sisters
My brothers and I before dinner!
On Saturday, I went to registration, had a blast at my Tony Bowls Photo Shoot, went to the first rehearsal, moved in to my room, and went to our welcome party! I had such a blast! It was great to finally meet all of the girls and officially begin our week!
The rest of the week was full of rehearsals, special events, and starting Tuesday, shows!! I loved Medivel times, Planet Hollywood, the Princess Pizza Party and Makeover Party, and our tour of the Artistry bus.
Here are a bunch of pictures from special events!
Competition started on Tuesday with my interview and Sportswear. Wednesday was talent, and Thursday was Evening Gown and Onstage Question. I loved getting to see my family and Board of Directors at visitation. I can't thank them all enough for everything they have done for me!
My week at Miss America's Outstanding Teen was one of the best expeiences I've ever had. I feel so lucky to have had these opportunities. I met lifelong friends and shared incredible memories. Right about now, I'm really missing my MAOT sisters! I learned so much about myself that week and MAOT week is an experience I'll always treasure. Congratulations to all of the girls, and especially to Lacey Russ, Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011!!
I'll leave you with Dr. Suess' "All The Places You'll Go". My voice teacher Danielle sent this to me before I left for MAOT.
"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.
And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.
Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.
You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You’ll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
Kid, you’ll move mountains!
So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!"
More updates to come later!!
Love, Kendall
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