Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser & Painting Faces at the Andover Historical Society's Farmer's Market -- July 24th 2010

Last Saturday, I held a fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network at the Andover Historical Society's Farmer's Market! I set up a table and sold glow in the dark bracelets that said "Glow for Kids -- Children's Miracle Network" on them. They really do glow in the dark -- I tested mine! It was great to be able to raise money for CMN. I raised $103 between selling bracelets and getting donations on Saturday, bringing my total to $378! I only have to raise an additional $122 to reach my goal of $500. I hope to exceed my goal! You can view my page and donate at:
http://www.maoteen4kids.org/m.aspx?i=1759059A0F31C3115


My fundraising table :)


I had so much fun painting faces, too! I'm not the best artist, but my face painting skills definitely improved from the beginning of the day to the end. My specialty is a dog!







Love,
Kendall

Eve Rising Music Festival -- July 18th 2010

Last Sunday I attended the Eve Rising Music Festival!

"The Eve Rising 2010 Festival is an all day, all women music festival whose proceeds will benefit Emmaus House and the Lawrence YWCA. Our mission is to bring women in art and enterprise together for a day of music, peace and camaraderie to assist our fellow women and their families. Eve Rising operates from a belief that when one woman is liberated, she affects the whole; and a certainty that when we selflessly strive to help others reach their goals, we create the foundation for our own success."

All of the performers at Eve Rising had such great talent! There were so many female musicians that were performing, and I loved being able to listen to their songs. I admire these women and everyone who was involved in Eve Rising because of their hard work and dedication for helping other women! I loved how the Eve Rising committee chose a music festival as their fundraiser because I'm a singer -- I think music is so empowering, especially for women!

Eve Rising was organized by Elle Gallo, a former Miss Massachusetts! Thank you Elle for inviting me to be a part of your event. :)

At Eve Rising, I had the opportunity to speak onstage about MAOT and my platform, The Kindness Campaign (www.thekindnesscampaign-ma.org).


Speaking onstage :)

I spent the day with my mom & stepdad, Charlie, as well as my wonderful "Big Sis" Loren, and Buffy, the ED of Miss MA! It was great to see them. :)

Loren and I!

We walked around and looked at all the vendors' stands. Our favorite was Sophia Barone Jewelry Designer. I met Sophia a few years back -- she is related to a close family friend. She was so nice and gave Loren and I both a beautiful new pair of earrings. Thank you again, Sophia!

Loren, Sophia, and I :)

Another fun part of the day was talking to kids. Anyone who knows me well knows that I absolutely LOVE kids! I want to go to college for Public Relations and work for a non-profit organization involving children (like the Boys and Girls Club or Children's Miracle Network!) My favorite part of my year as MMOT so far has been interacting with children.

These little girls were so cute!


With my new friend, Frank

I had a blast at Eve Rising! I'm so happy to have been a part of this event as it raised money for the YWCA and Emmaus House. :)

Love,
Kendall

Miss America's Outstanding Teen Lottery!! -- July 13th 2010

July 13th was the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Contestant Lottery! My mom and I went to Val and Alie's house where we had a cookout with Donna, Allie, Holly, and Ralph. I had a great time with the MMOT Committee! We looked at my interview outfit options, did a little online shopping, dipped our feet in the new pool, and watched the DVD from Miss MA Outstanding Teen! It was a little bit embarrassing to see my reaction to my name being announced -- I was crying like a baby!

Anyway, 5 o'clock rolled around and it was time to begin the lottery! I was so anxious the whole day. Around 7pm, "MASSACHUSETTS" finally appeared on the computer screen! I was the 43rd contestant to select her position. When we called in, Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2010, Jeannette Morelan, was on the line! I was so excited to be able to talk to her for a few minutes. She seems so sweet and I can't wait to meet her in Orlando! I will be Contestant #5 in the Blue Group! My interview is Tuesday morning. I am competing in Sportswear on Tuesday night, Talent on Wednesday night, and Evening Gown & Onstage Question on Thursday Night. I am very happy with my placement -- especially because 5 is my lucky number! :)

The contestant lottery made me realize how quickly Miss America's Outstanding Teen is approaching. I absolutely can't wait!!

Love,
Kendall :)

Singing for Seniors -- July 12th 2010

On Monday July 12th, I did one of my favorite things -- Singing for Seniors! Four years ago, I started a program at Atria Marland Place in Andover, MA called Singing for Seniors. I recruit students from my voice studio to perform with me at the Senior Center. This time, Kristina and Victoria joined me. This was Kristina's second time performing at Singing for Seniors and Victoria's first! Thank you so much for coming, girls! :)

Kristina and Victoria each sang two songs. The residents loved them! I sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow (my favorite song!), Concrete Angel, On the Side of Angels, and my MAOT Talent! I'm going to keep that one a secret for now. ;)

Singing for Seniors is one of my favorite activities not only because I love to perform and get to spend time with the Residents, but because I can involve other young people in helping the community. My platform is The Kindness Campaign. It is a youth volunteerism initiative. Singing for Seniors is just one of the opportunities that I provide for kids and teens to get involved!


Introducing myself and talking a little bit about MAOT!


Kristina performing "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You"


Victoria singing "My Wish" -- such a good song!


Giving everyone a preview of my talent for Miss America's Outstanding Teen!


Kristina, Victoria, and I!


Spending some time with a few of my favorite residents. :)

The next Singing for Seniors is on August 16th, and I am very excited!

Love,
Kendall :)

Acushnet Sesquincentennial Parade -- July 11th 2010

On July 11th, I had the opportunity to ride in the Acushnet Sesquincentennial Parade. Acushnet was celebrating 150 years! Before the parade, we picked up my parade car from Bob Burgess (Thanks again, Bob! :]), and got to mix and mingle with the other parade floats and participants.

I had the chance to see Madison -- a Mayflower Princess, Megan -- Miss Apple Peach, Pheobe -- Miss Acushnet, and even a Miss Acushnet from fifty years ago! I had lots of fun at the parade, and even met a little girl who was also named Kendall!

Here are some pictures from the parade: :)






Love,
Kendall :)

Cape Verdean 4th of July Parade -- July 3rd 2010

On July 3rd, I rode in the Cape Verdean 4th of July Parade in New Bedford, MA! We started by meeting at Executive Motors to pick up my car for the parade! Thank you so much to Bob Burgess for letting me ride in the fabulous black Mitsubishi Eclipse! I don't think I'll ever own a car that nice!!

At the beginning of the parade route, I had about a half an hour to talk to other people in the parade! The first people I met were some adorable little girls who were riding on the DCS float. One of them asked me "Are you a princess? Are you gonna be the Queen?" She was adorable!

I also saw Ashley Bendiksen, Miss Apponagansett Bay, and Ashley Hebert, Miss New Bedford. These girls both did a fabulous job competing in Miss Massachusetts just the weekend prior, and it was great to see them again! I had the opportunity to meet a lot of people from the New Bedford area, including Congressman Barney Frank.

Then, it was time for the parade to begin! It was very hot day, but I had so much fun! The parade was an hour and a half long and I threw out FOURTEEN pounds of candy!! I don't think 14 pounds of candy is on my Miss America's Outstanding Teen diet. ;) During the parade, I got to talk to a bunch of people, and even hold a bearded dragon! It was only a little bit scary...

I had such a fabulous time at my first parade, and I can't wait to ride in more! Here are some pictures from the day:








Love,
Kendall

Miss Massachusetts Weekend -- June 25th and 26th 2010

I had an amazing time at Miss Massachusetts! On Friday, I arrived early to do a soundcheck and say hi to all the girls. I sang the National Anthem to start the show. I was introduced onstage, then I had the chance to watch the rest of the show with my mom. All the contestants did such a great job! Towards the end of the show, I went backstage to help with awards. Congratulations to Taylor Kinzler and Corin Harmon, Preliminary Swimsuit Winners, and Loren Rabinowitz and Amanda Narcisco, Preliminary Talent Winners!

On Saturday night, all the girls had such a great energy! I could tell that everyone was so excited. Amy, the emcee, announced the Top 11 Contestants, and the final competition began! During the show, I performed my talent selection from Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen, "Defying Gravity", and was introduced onstage. The Top 5 Finalists were announced, then it was time for Amanda's farewell. Amanda Kelly was a fabulous Miss Massachusetts -- Congratulations on such a great year! Then it was time for Amanda to crown Miss Massachusetts 2010! Then Amy announced the Runners Up and Winner!

4th Runner Up -- Ashley Bendiksen (Miss Apponagansett Bay)
3rd Runner Up -- Cherise Leclerc (Miss Pioneer Valley and MMOT 06)
2nd Runner Up -- Ashley Rizzo (Miss Boston)
1st Runner Up -- Taylor Kinzler (Miss Bristol County and MMOT 08)
Miss Massachusetts 2010 -- Loren Rabinowitz! (Miss Collegiate Area)

I'm so excited to have a new big sis! Loren is so beautiful and talented and I know she will represent Massachusetts well! I can't wait to get to know her this year. Congratulations to all of the contestants for a job well done!!

Miss Massachusetts weekend really got me excited for Miss America's Outstanding Teen -- it's not too far away!!











Love,
Kendall

Miss Maine and Miss Maine's Outstanding Teen -- June 19th 2010

On June 19th, I attended the Miss Maine and Miss Maine's Outstanding Teen Pageant! I really enjoyed watching the show. Congratulations to Arikka Knights, Miss Maine 2010, and Marybeth Noonan, Miss Maine's Outstanding Teen 2010! I ran into Loren, Kera, and Helen while I was there!



Love,
Kendall

NSTAR's Walk for Children's Hospital Boston -- June 13th 2010

On Sunday July 13th, I participated in NSTAR's Walk for Children's Hospital Boston! Alie and I caught up with Amanda Kelly, Miss Massachusetts 2009, in addition to a bunch of the local Miss MA titleholders. It was great to see them all! When it was time to walk, we met up with some of my friends from NH-MA National Teenager and walked the 7 mile route around Boston! It went by pretty quickly because we were all chatting away. :) There was plenty of great food along the way, too!

I had a fabulous time at the NSTAR Walk. This year, the Walk raised $1.4 Million! Children's Hospital Boston is a Children's Miracle Network Hospital. The Children's Miracle Network is the National Platform of the Miss America Organization and the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization. I am looking forward to working with this organization more this year! You can find my fundraising page at:

http://www.maoteen4kids.org/m.aspx?i=1759059A0F31C3115


Thank you to those who have already donated and helped me to raise funds! You can find more information about Children's Hospital Boston and the Children's Miracle Network at the following sites:
http://www.childrenshospital.org/
http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/org/

Here are some pictures from the walk!





Love,
Kendall

Andover Chamber of Commerce -- June 3, 2010

My first appearance was at the Andover Chamber of Commerce Meeting Honoring Community Service. This is an event that I have been involved in for the past three years. My mom and I got up bright and early and headed to Indian Ridge Country Club for the meeting. We sat with Mr. and Mrs. Hill from the Chamber, and had a yummy breakfast. I was given the opportunity to begin the meeting by singing the National Anthem! Once the meeting began, I listened to the stories of the honorees. I'm always interested in hearing what adults and teens in my town and surrounding areas are doing to help the community. Congratulations to all of the award recipients! At the end of the meeting, I led the crowd in God Bless America. Thank you to the Andover Chamber for having me back once again!

Love,
Kendall

Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen 2010!

Hi everyone!

My name is Kendall, and on May 23rd, I was crowned Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen 2010! Throughout the day, I had such a great time getting to know all the girls competing. The day flew by, and then it was time to compete! Before I knew it, I was announced as the new titleholder. I don't think I've ever been so excited in my life! All I could think about was all of the amazing opportunities I had ahead of me -- a year to be a representative and a role model for young people across the state while promoting my platform The Kindness Campaign, dozens of appearances, and the opportunity to compete for Miss America's Outstanding Teen! Because of all the excitement that night, I only got 3 hours of sleep!

Thank you so much to my family and friends and everyone who has supported me while I was preparing for Miss MA Outstanding Teen. It means the world to me! Thank you to Donna, Val, Holly, Ralph, and Alie for all of your hard work putting together the pageant! And, congratulations to Brianna Bostick, MMOT '09 on such a great year. I certainly have big shoes to fill!

My first several weeks as Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen flew by. They were full of meetings and emails back and forth with my State Committee, filling out piles of paperwork for Miss America's Outstanding Teen, selecting my MAOT Talent Song, my official photo shoot (Thank you to Imagemakers Photographic Artists for the photos and DRE Designs for the jewelry!!), booking appearances, as well as finishing up my Junior year! It's a good thing I love being busy!

Love,
Kendall