I want to take some time to introduce my blog and myself because this is my first post of the New Year, and my first blog! My name is Lauren Brown and I am a 20-year-old junior at University of Michigan (Go Blue!) In addition to my job as a student, I am also a member of the University of Michigan Dance Team where I serve as the volunteer chair.
Aside from school and dancing, I am also spotted on occasions with some sparkles on my head. If you haven't guessed already, I am Miss Washtenaw County 2011. I know I have been behind on posting some blogs so let me give you a review of my activities since October 22, 2011.
On October 22, 2011 I competed for my title of Miss Washtenaw County with 10 of Washtenaw County's finest women. We all brought something unique to the stage that night and any of us would have represented Washtenaw with the utmost grace and elegance. As they called my name, all I could think was "Is this real life?" I am almost positive that I repeated this line persistently because I had never felt so honored to represent my school, community, and the Miss America Organization.
Aside from school and dancing, I am also spotted on occasions with some sparkles on my head. If you haven't guessed already, I am Miss Washtenaw County 2011. I know I have been behind on posting some blogs so let me give you a review of my activities since October 22, 2011.
On October 22, 2011 I competed for my title of Miss Washtenaw County with 10 of Washtenaw County's finest women. We all brought something unique to the stage that night and any of us would have represented Washtenaw with the utmost grace and elegance. As they called my name, all I could think was "Is this real life?" I am almost positive that I repeated this line persistently because I had never felt so honored to represent my school, community, and the Miss America Organization.
My journey as Miss Washtenaw County was revitalized the following weekend at the Miss Michigan Fall Forum. I must say that although I was previously a teen titleholder in 2006, I am not acclimated with this whole pageant business. I was bombarded with a plethora of information on my 3-hour car ride to Muskegon with my executive director Laura B (or LB, isn't it funny how we have the same initials?) As I walked into the Holiday Inn, my fellow Miss Michigan local titleholder sisters welcomed me. Our day was full of insightful speeches by our current Miss Michigan Elizabeth Wertenberger, Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen Marissa Cowans, and Miss America Teresa Scanlan. Each of these women are truly inspirational and contribute their uniqueness to the Miss America Organization. I shared my lunch with Miss South Central, Elyse Losen. The girl has a heart of gold. We share a passion for the arts and furthering our education in Art Therapy (dance therapy for me and music therapy for Elyse). What a great way to start off my adventure to Miss Michigan right? During the afternoon, the Little Miss Michigan pageant took place where I cheered for my junior titleholder Amanda Coy. What a talented young lady! Her baton skills were quite impressive! We finished the evening off with a late supper where the chefs whipped up a lovely gluten-free meal for me. It seemed that everyone was filled with envy when my meal was presented to me. Not only did it look beautiful, but also it was fantastic! Sometimes being gluten-free has its perks. While enjoying our dinner, we previewed Elizabeth's wardrobe for Miss America. Let me tell you, she's got some style! She wholly represents each of the points of the MAO crown. After our day adventure to Muskegon, Laura, my mom and I enjoyed a relaxing 3-hour ride back to Ann Arbor chatting enthusiastically about the year to come!
My first appearance in the community was quite a rewarding experience. My location was in every girl's heaven.....La Jolla Jewelers in Chelsea MI. Sparkles surrounded me and I was in awe. The event was Wine, Women, and Shopping in Chelsea where local businesses had the opportunity to promote sales and attract customers in the community. Come on, with the name "Wine, Women, and Shopping" who would pass this event up? I found something new about myself that day; I AM SHY! What? These women bombarded me with questions, interests, and hopes for my future. It was an eye opener for me and I was able to use my communication skills once I realized the power that the Miss America Local titleholder entails. The following day, I attended a packing party for our troops at the VFW of Ann Arbor. I was overwhelmed by the love and support that our community provides for our troops and I feel blessed to have such brave soldiers serve for our freedom.
During the first weekend in December, my schedule was booked! Friday evening I had a hot date with the man in red suit, Santa of course! We strolled around downtown Ann Arbor and brought cheer to children and adults alike. The famous face that was occupying the sidewalk astonished Santa and I. Elvis Priestly was entertaining the crowd and let me have a short dance with him.
During the first weekend in December, my schedule was booked! Friday evening I had a hot date with the man in red suit, Santa of course! We strolled around downtown Ann Arbor and brought cheer to children and adults alike. The famous face that was occupying the sidewalk astonished Santa and I. Elvis Priestly was entertaining the crowd and let me have a short dance with him.
Saturday night was quite hectic. Laura and I experienced a few obstacles with obtaining my car for the Milan Holiday Parade. Who gives pageant girls a stick shift to drive in a parade? I shared a lovely car ride with Miss Washtenaw's Outstanding Teen, Erica Kennedy. In addition to riding in the parade, I also emceed the pre-parade entertainment. I graced the crowd with some witty holiday jokes; in consideration of the crowd's ears, I though it was appropriate to crack a few jokes rather than joining in on the beautiful caroling.
Most recently, I was fortunate to visit the VA hospital in Ann Arbor. When I arrived, Miss Michigan, Elizabeth Wertenberger was awaiting my arrival were we reminisced about our experiences thus far in the organization. We then departed to visit the rooms of the patients residing in the hospital. In my group was a former Miss Michigan, Stacey Heisler. She continues to fulfill her philanthropic role in the community and further withholds the qualities of the Miss America Organization. Not only was she kind, but what a talented young lady. My effort at "chopsticks" on the violin was put to shame by her artistry on her instrument. As we entered each room, the patients' faces radiated with joy and reminded me of my importance as a public figure in the Washtenaw County Community.
My experiences thus far have manifested the importance that we local titleholders possess and remind me of my countless blessings. I hope you all health and happiness on this New Year’s Day.
xoxo
Lauren Brown
Miss Washtenaw County 2011
Most recently, I was fortunate to visit the VA hospital in Ann Arbor. When I arrived, Miss Michigan, Elizabeth Wertenberger was awaiting my arrival were we reminisced about our experiences thus far in the organization. We then departed to visit the rooms of the patients residing in the hospital. In my group was a former Miss Michigan, Stacey Heisler. She continues to fulfill her philanthropic role in the community and further withholds the qualities of the Miss America Organization. Not only was she kind, but what a talented young lady. My effort at "chopsticks" on the violin was put to shame by her artistry on her instrument. As we entered each room, the patients' faces radiated with joy and reminded me of my importance as a public figure in the Washtenaw County Community.
My experiences thus far have manifested the importance that we local titleholders possess and remind me of my countless blessings. I hope you all health and happiness on this New Year’s Day.
xoxo
Lauren Brown
Miss Washtenaw County 2011
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