Hello friends!
I had an incredible week! I'm sitting in my room listening to the thunderstorm while reflecting on all my adventures. Last Monday, I met with Happy Helpers for the Homeless at the Chuck-e-Cheese in Glen Burnie. We brought over 20 homeless children there for a day of fun! What an eye opening experience to see these kids playing games they never normally get to experience. Many of them said that their parents didn't even know that they were there and weren't sure when they would see them next. Happy Helpers serves the homeless of Baltimore city every weekend by providing them with food, clothes, toiletries, and other basic needs. This organization has been in existence for 18 years and was begun by an 11-year-old girl named Amber Coffman. Amber also competed in MAO pageants at one point in her life and is now working for a non-profit in the state of California. Her mother, Bobbi, continues to run Happy Helpers here in Baltimore. What an incredible organization!! I spent the day with Aaliyah, my buddy, and we played skeeball, car races, and so much more. She even forced me to climb up in the maze with her and go down the kiddie slide which was waaaaaay too small for my 5'10 height. Hilarious! I took lots of pictures which you can see on my facebook page.
I think the most touching moment was when I met a homeless family of three generations. The grandmother and her teenage daughter are suffering from drug addictions while they are caring for the teenage girl's newborn baby. Some of the Happy Helper volunteers asked me to share my crown with the little baby and take some pictures. Well, grandma wanted a picture too! I told her she looked just like Miss America and she gave me a HUGE toothy grin. My heart melted inside. It was so touching to see how my crown can bring joy to others.
Again on Saturday morning, I met with a group of teenagers at Happy Helpers headquarters where we made sandwiches and sorted clothes for the homeless. Happy Helpers makes over 600 sandwiches every Saturday which are then distributed to the homeless in Glen Burnie and Baltimore city. We traveled down to Glen Burnie and met with a group of homeless men looking for some food. I got to meet Ron who looked at me and said you must be in beauty pageants (I didn't even have my crown on). We had a great conversation and I'm looking forward to seeing him again in the future. I was impressed that these men look out for each other. One of the 'regulars' was missing so the guys took a bagged lunch to give to him later. I was very humbled by this experience and hope and pray that these men find true strength in the service given by Happy Helpers. We also collected any orders they had for a specific type of soap or razor such as Dove or Gilette. I thought this was a beautiful way to give honor and dignity to these men and show them that they are worthy of love and respect. I am so grateful for my time spent with Happy Helpers! And the greatest part was to see young teenagers actively involved in community service and be given a chance to impact another person's life.
Saturday evening, I attended the Miss Potomac/Free State and Sweeps pageant at Morgan State University. Congrats to the six new titleholders! Our Miss MD 2010 class is complete and we are ready for June!!! Next week, we will all be together at orientation and I'm really looking forward to spending time with the girls.
Today was quite the busy day! My mom and I took a field trip to Western Maryland to see my beautiful region as Miss Appalachia. While exploring downtown Cumberland, I popped into a few restaurants and businesses to meet the local townspeople and introduce myself. Wouldn't you know that I found the mayor, Lee Fiedler, in a coffee shop! He was enjoying a morning cup of coffee with his wife and invited me to sit and chat. We had a lovely time talking about the revitalization of the city of Cumberland, the Catholic school system, and even my possibly playing the harp at their weekend festivals. After making lots of new friends, I drove to the Allegany Radio Station, Magic 100.5, for an interview. One of the on-air personalities, Amanda, gave me a tour of the studio and conducted my interview. I had the chance to talk about the Miss Maryland Organization and my platform of 'Inspiring Youth to Serve'. The radio spot will air this week as a featured item of the 'Influential Women of Western Maryland' segment. Also, it will be posted online which I will get the link to you as soon as possible. I can't wait to hear it myself!
The day doesn't end there! I spent a lot of time visiting businesses in the Western Maryland region, but my favorite had to be the Rocky Gap resort. WOW! Anyone looking for a vacation?? Go to this resort! It's gorgeous. Golfing, boating, swimming, hiking, a beach, and pretty much everything you want in a vacation. My final stop was at the Appalachian trail. I first visited the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters to introduce myself and learn more about the trail. We got a map and headed out to hike. What a beautiful part of Maryland and I'm so glad I experienced it. Got a little nervous when it started raining, but I got to see a lot of the trail and surrounding areas. Amazing.
That's about it and I'm exhausted! Busy week up ahead especially with the fashion show fast approaching! Don't forget to reserve your tickets early. Email me at harkinsharp@hotmail.com
Good night!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
I met Miss America!!!! and a few other appearances as well
Heyyyy everybody!
What a busy week! Obviously the highlight was meeting Caressa Cameron at DSW in Bethesda! After work, I drove a car load of Mount de Sales girls to meet Miss America! We were so excited and had so much fun doing our hair and makeup in the school bathroom. Haha! We got there a bit early so got to spend some time shoe shopping, DSW is amazing. No wonder Miss America always looks fabulous. We were some of the first in line and even got to scream and cheer as Caressa walked into the store. I had so much fun meeting all of the people attending the event. Lots of little princesses and Miss America fans, even a lady who lives in the Appalachian region and was so excited to meet me! Miss America's bodyguards were very intimidating until I started joking around with them and made them laugh. They said they would be happy to join my posse. When I met Caressa, I gave her a big hug and told her how proud I was to see her win her crown LIVE in Vegas. She told me she would be attending the Miss Virginia pageant on the same night so would not be at Miss Maryland this year, but wished me luck in the competition. Lots of my pageant sisters also came to meet Caressa and we had a big Maryland reunion! Unfortunately I didn't win any DSW gift cards, so I did not leave with a pair of new shoes. Maybe next year. Check out photos from the event on my Facebook page and also on the DSW website at http://www.missamericaandyou.com/displayimage.php?album=23&pos=8
Also this week, I was honored to be the guest speaker for Meade High School's National Honor Society induction. I absolutely LOVED the event! There are over 2,200 students at Meade High School and about 35 of them are a part of the National Honor Society. What an honor to meet these very talented and intelligent students. I not only gave a speech at the gathering, but also congratulated each inductee as they signed the official register and received their pin. I remember when I was inducted into the National Honor Society many years ago. I would never have imagined that the Four Pillars of the National Honor Society (service, scholarship, leadership, and character) are so similar to the Four Points of the Miss America Crown (service, scholarship, style, and success). How neat! God has truly been preparing me throughout my life for this moment as a Miss America titleholder. I made lots of friends at the event, some of the students said they will come to Miss Maryland to cheer for me this summer. I hope so! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to talk about my platform of Inspiring Youth to Serve. I told the students about my journey towards learning the importance and rewarding experience of serving another human being in need. I shared about my service trip to Lourdes, France where I served the sick and handicapped in the hospitals. I'll never forget the time I first realized that I could impact another person's life through such a simple thing as a smile, or a kind word. Service is so easy, so fun, and so rewarding!!!!
Other than photo shoots, gym time, and lots of harp practice, I have been very busy preparing for the Project Redesign Fashion Show! Please attend the show, you're in for a treat, and half of the proceeds benefit the Children's Miracle Network! Go to www.projectredesign.net for info
Today, I attended a local pageant and am so excited for the four new titleholders! Congrats to my returning pageant sisters, Amanda and Kristin! I'm looking forward to getting to know all of the new titleholders and the entire Miss Maryland Class of 2010.
Continue to follow my journey to Miss Maryland as I prepare for the competition. Good night and God bless!
What a busy week! Obviously the highlight was meeting Caressa Cameron at DSW in Bethesda! After work, I drove a car load of Mount de Sales girls to meet Miss America! We were so excited and had so much fun doing our hair and makeup in the school bathroom. Haha! We got there a bit early so got to spend some time shoe shopping, DSW is amazing. No wonder Miss America always looks fabulous. We were some of the first in line and even got to scream and cheer as Caressa walked into the store. I had so much fun meeting all of the people attending the event. Lots of little princesses and Miss America fans, even a lady who lives in the Appalachian region and was so excited to meet me! Miss America's bodyguards were very intimidating until I started joking around with them and made them laugh. They said they would be happy to join my posse. When I met Caressa, I gave her a big hug and told her how proud I was to see her win her crown LIVE in Vegas. She told me she would be attending the Miss Virginia pageant on the same night so would not be at Miss Maryland this year, but wished me luck in the competition. Lots of my pageant sisters also came to meet Caressa and we had a big Maryland reunion! Unfortunately I didn't win any DSW gift cards, so I did not leave with a pair of new shoes. Maybe next year. Check out photos from the event on my Facebook page and also on the DSW website at http://www.missamericaandyou.com/displayimage.php?album=23&pos=8
Also this week, I was honored to be the guest speaker for Meade High School's National Honor Society induction. I absolutely LOVED the event! There are over 2,200 students at Meade High School and about 35 of them are a part of the National Honor Society. What an honor to meet these very talented and intelligent students. I not only gave a speech at the gathering, but also congratulated each inductee as they signed the official register and received their pin. I remember when I was inducted into the National Honor Society many years ago. I would never have imagined that the Four Pillars of the National Honor Society (service, scholarship, leadership, and character) are so similar to the Four Points of the Miss America Crown (service, scholarship, style, and success). How neat! God has truly been preparing me throughout my life for this moment as a Miss America titleholder. I made lots of friends at the event, some of the students said they will come to Miss Maryland to cheer for me this summer. I hope so! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to talk about my platform of Inspiring Youth to Serve. I told the students about my journey towards learning the importance and rewarding experience of serving another human being in need. I shared about my service trip to Lourdes, France where I served the sick and handicapped in the hospitals. I'll never forget the time I first realized that I could impact another person's life through such a simple thing as a smile, or a kind word. Service is so easy, so fun, and so rewarding!!!!
Other than photo shoots, gym time, and lots of harp practice, I have been very busy preparing for the Project Redesign Fashion Show! Please attend the show, you're in for a treat, and half of the proceeds benefit the Children's Miracle Network! Go to www.projectredesign.net for info
Today, I attended a local pageant and am so excited for the four new titleholders! Congrats to my returning pageant sisters, Amanda and Kristin! I'm looking forward to getting to know all of the new titleholders and the entire Miss Maryland Class of 2010.
Continue to follow my journey to Miss Maryland as I prepare for the competition. Good night and God bless!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Ciao Bella!
Happy Easter! I have so much to update you on. Before my Easter break from Mount de Sales, I was very busy preparing for the Project Redesign Fashion Show. The 'Hollywood Fashion Flashback' is going to be a FABULOUS event and features models displaying styles from the 40's to today. Half of the proceeds from the fashion show will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network! We had a blast doing a photoshoot with the teen models and even had a sighting of Audrey Hepburn....Can't wait for you to see the photos! Check out www.projectredesign.net for more information as the event approaches.
Last week, I was honored to play the harp at the Boumi Temple in White Marsh for an evening bridal show. I always enjoy playing the harp, but it's even better when you get to sample free crab cakes, filet mignon, and scallops. Oh my! My favorite new friends that I met were Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis impersonators. I love 'the crooner' and just melted when he sang 'Everybody loves somebody sometimes' to me. Check out some pictures on my facebook page.
Then the next morning I left for ITALIA! I flew into Rome for Good Friday services and then traveled to Florence for a spring break vacation. I could spend hours talking about my trip, but I'll review a few highlights: the David by Michelangelo, climbing the Duomo overlooking the city of Florence, eating gelato on the Spanish steps, celebrating Easter with the Pope, and buying Italian shoes! By far the most incredible experience was my day trip to Cinque Terre. I think I've now seen the most beautiful place in the world. Cinque Terre, or five towns, is located on the Mediterranean Sea with Italian villas overlooking the water. I hiked through three of the towns and was awestruck. You can get a glimpse of this sheer beauty from my pictures! I now will tell everyone that they must see Cinque Terre at some point in their life.
Once I returned to America, I was ready to prepare for Miss Maryland! Only two and a half months left!! Saturday night, I attended the Charm City Fashion Show at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Brooke Poklemba, Miss Maryland 2009, was modeling in the show and I loved seeing her walk the runway. She modeled fashions from Whimsy boutique in Federal Hill and Boulevard Boutique. So great to see some hot fashions on a runway overlooking the Inner Harbor. I was promised a spot in the show next year, so you are all invited.
Now for today, I attended the Miss Eastern Shore pageant in Salisbury. What a beautiful day to go down the ocean, hon. Loved the drive! The pageant was very enjoyable and I was so proud of all of the contestants.
On to tomorrow: I have an interview at Johns Hopkins Hospital to serve as a volunteer in the Children's unit. I can't wait to begin visiting the children whose lives are being changed through the work of the Children's Miracle Network.
Final thoughts: I'm so grateful for springtime, and for all of my friends and family. God bless you in this Easter season and stay tuned for my exciting travels.
Love,
Rachel
Last week, I was honored to play the harp at the Boumi Temple in White Marsh for an evening bridal show. I always enjoy playing the harp, but it's even better when you get to sample free crab cakes, filet mignon, and scallops. Oh my! My favorite new friends that I met were Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis impersonators. I love 'the crooner' and just melted when he sang 'Everybody loves somebody sometimes' to me. Check out some pictures on my facebook page.
Then the next morning I left for ITALIA! I flew into Rome for Good Friday services and then traveled to Florence for a spring break vacation. I could spend hours talking about my trip, but I'll review a few highlights: the David by Michelangelo, climbing the Duomo overlooking the city of Florence, eating gelato on the Spanish steps, celebrating Easter with the Pope, and buying Italian shoes! By far the most incredible experience was my day trip to Cinque Terre. I think I've now seen the most beautiful place in the world. Cinque Terre, or five towns, is located on the Mediterranean Sea with Italian villas overlooking the water. I hiked through three of the towns and was awestruck. You can get a glimpse of this sheer beauty from my pictures! I now will tell everyone that they must see Cinque Terre at some point in their life.
Once I returned to America, I was ready to prepare for Miss Maryland! Only two and a half months left!! Saturday night, I attended the Charm City Fashion Show at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Brooke Poklemba, Miss Maryland 2009, was modeling in the show and I loved seeing her walk the runway. She modeled fashions from Whimsy boutique in Federal Hill and Boulevard Boutique. So great to see some hot fashions on a runway overlooking the Inner Harbor. I was promised a spot in the show next year, so you are all invited.
Now for today, I attended the Miss Eastern Shore pageant in Salisbury. What a beautiful day to go down the ocean, hon. Loved the drive! The pageant was very enjoyable and I was so proud of all of the contestants.
On to tomorrow: I have an interview at Johns Hopkins Hospital to serve as a volunteer in the Children's unit. I can't wait to begin visiting the children whose lives are being changed through the work of the Children's Miracle Network.
Final thoughts: I'm so grateful for springtime, and for all of my friends and family. God bless you in this Easter season and stay tuned for my exciting travels.
Love,
Rachel
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