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December 20, 2012

Honoring the Next Generation of Leaders

This evening I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at Mount Pleasant Elementary School for the National Elementary Honor Society Induction Ceremony.  The 32 charter members/inductees were all 4th and 5th grade students who have already proven to their teachers that they take the commitment to scholarship, service, leadership and character seriously.

The ceremony opened with the inductee process for which Ryana Rajesh played the violin. Honor Society Advisor, Mrs. Farmer presided over the ceremony and Delaware Secretary of Education, Mary Murphy served as the keynote speaker.

It was amazing to see the proud parents, family members and friends support these young people who are already on the right path to success.

I shared with the students that this is the beginning of a long journey and that they should commit to being life-long learners and make an honest effort to learn something everyday.  I told the students that education is the cornerstone of all that they will every do and to take it seriously, but to also find time to enjoy elementary school and beyond.

As  an advisor to a college honor society, I truly understand the importance of education and was really impressed that these young people are so focused on education. 

All in all, it was a great evening and I think my fellow pageant sister Amanda Shepard for inviting me and I'm looking forward to going back to Mount Pleasant to speak again.




November 24, 2012

Wilmington Jaycees 49th Annual Christmas Parade

Today was the most exciting parade appearance ever!  I had the opportunity ride on the pageant title holders float in the Wilmington Jaycees 49th Annual Christmas Parade. Before the parade, we played paparazzi and took pictures with Delaware native and Oscar winner, Luke Matheny (check out his film "God of Love" on iTunes or visit http://lukemathenyfilms.com), NBC 10 reporter Tim Furlong and you can even see 6 ABC Action News anchor Nydia Han in the background on the Disney Float. 

The parade featured marching bands from Salesianum and Cab Calloway in addition to the Duffy and Woodland string bands from Philadelphia. There were helium balloons along with military, police, and fire units and community groups who dance, sing, cheer, and march. Popular TV and movie stars Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Elmo, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer, and Scooby Doo were also on hand for the extravaganza.

Thank you DuPont for providing us with a ride on an original Miss America float!

You can watch the parade on:

Comcast will be broadcasting the parade on the following days/times on Channel 28 in Delaware or log on to http://www.witn22.org/ for more viewing opportunities and information:

Wednesday, December 5 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, December 6 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 8 at 9:00 pm
           
On the Miss America/DuPont Float

NBC 10's Tim Furlong, Oscar-winner Luke Luke Matheny and Luke with the pageant queens

Posing with two pageant queens from Delaware State University

Pre-parade photos


October 20, 2012

Highlights from Delaware State Univeristy's Homecoming Parade

This was my first Delaware State Homecoming parade and I can say it was one of the best parades that I've ever participated in (not just saying that because I'm a professor there either).  I was excited to see all of the local high school bands, church organizations, sororities and their mentor groups but I was most impressed by the DSU Royal Court, the Women's Athletics Department and ALL of our female athletes and Men's Hall Council to name a few!

Thank you so much to Soror Scott-Jones and Soror Hicks for providng me with my first ride in a little red Corvette!!! A Big OOO-OP to you guys!

Off to the game!!!



October 10, 2012

Spreading Awareness During National Bullying Prevention Month


The End of Bullying Begins with Me: that’s the message during PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month in October. It’s a time when communities can unite nationwide to raise awareness of bullying prevention through events, activities, outreach, and education.  October 10th was unity day; a day set aside to wear Orange and send a message of support to students who have experience bullying.

I did my part by reading to over 100 first graders at Old State Elementary School.  I read Hooway for Wodney Wat, a book about a little rat who saves his class from a bully.  After the story, we talked about bullying and what to do if you or someone you know is being bullied.

 In order to stomp out bullying we’ve all got to do our parts.  Hopefully, those first graders will take this message with them throughout elementary school, on to middle school and beyond.


 
 

For more information about the Pacer Center and the National Bullying Prevention Month activities visit

 

September 30, 2012

A Busy Weekend for Mrs. Delaware United States

Saturday, September 29th was a day of education, glitz and glamour and raising awareness.  My day stared in Wilmington at the Chase Center where I joined my sorority sisters  for the Wilmington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta's college fair.  The college fair was a part of the Delta Outreach and Education Center Program and their commitment to provide educational and social services, cultural enrichment and personal development skills for adolescent girls.  The young ladies in the Jabberwock Cotillion Class of 2012-2013, participated in workshops, met with college admissions recruiters from universities in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey and I had the opportunity to speak to the participants and their guests about college from a professor's  point of view.

I can remember attending similar events as a high school student and know how important and instrumental the women of Delta Sigma Theta were in helping me to choose the right college and providing the necessary mentorship, which has enable me to become the person that I am today.  It's always great working with strong women committed to passing the torch to the next generation.  Much respect to the Women of Delta Sigma  Theta.



After that, I made my way to Delaware City for the "Walking Down the 'Blue' Carpet Fashion Show" and Fundraiser to benefit prostate cancer survivors.  The Fashions Show was coordinated and hosted by Shaina Milan, Miss Delaware Collegiate America 2013.  Not only is Shaina a fellow pageant sister, but she's one of our proud military personnel serving in the U.S. Marines.  As a part of her commitment to service, she organized this fashion show and fundraiser to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.  September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and as someone who has lost uncles and a father-in-law to this dreaded disease, I was more than willing to do my part.  It was the first time that I'd ever strutted my stuff on a runway as a title holder and I had a blast with all of the other title holders and participants.

For more information about prostate cancer visit:  www.pfc.org








 

September 23, 2012

Getting Down and Dirty at the Mud Run!

It was exciting to sit on the sidelines and support the Atlantic Coast Pageant queens (past and present) in the 2012 Mud Run! This event is special to me because 14 years ago I  lost my father to Leukemia.

He battle the disease with dignity and as I stood out on the Frightland Field listing to the national anthem this afternoon, all I could think about was how my father dedicated his life to cancer research and how important it is to find a cure.

This year the Leukemia Foundation of Delaware hit the $1,000,000 mark in fundraising.  It was amazing to hear Denni Ferrara, Founder and President of the Leukemia Research Foundation of Delaware share this news.  Denni knows first-hand how important fundraising for this cause is; her daughter Natalia is a leukemia survivor. It' not often that you get to participate in an event in which 100% of the proceeds go to such a worth cause and their dedication and support from volunteer helps to enable research that will hopefully lead to more effective treatments for blood cancers. 

The morning started with a costume contest hosted by Nat Measley of The Fun Department (www.thefundept.com). Then last year's winners Chromes for Colin sang the National Anthem.  Then it was race time!!!  I didn't want to spoil things for Tanee (Miss Middletown's Outstanding Teen 2013), Sammi (Miss Atlantic Coast's Outstanding Teen 2013) and Becky (Miss Atlantic Coast 2012), but I did tell the girls to take their time through the mud and have fun getting dirty! The Dirt Divas finished the race in one hour and did their part to raise money for research. Many thanks to our team sponsor, Scott and Sharon Ponsell for making this happen and for helping us to make a difference and hugs to Renee Bull (Miss Atlantic Coast 2013) for helping Valerie and I cheer the girls on.

Who knows, I might take the plunge again and get down and dirty next year!

For more information visit:
http://www.lrfde.com/index.html

And to volunteer your time to the Leukemia Research Foundation of Delaware contact them at:
203 Bohemia Mill Pond Drive
Middletown, DE  19709



 
Me holding a souvenir towel, "The Dirt Divas", The Atlantic Coast Beauties (2013)


Before & after the race!!!
 

 
Some candid Mud Run Shots

Governor Markell, Leukemia Survivors with Denni Ferrara and her daughter Natalia and the Phillie Phanatic, flag flying high during the National Anthem
 
Look at our Mud Run Video!!!
 
 
 
 

August 30, 2012

The wait is over Middletown, Delaware - - Chick-fil-A is open for business and Mrs. Delaware United States 2012 was on hand for the grand opening ceremony!

I've been an advocate of small business since moving to the MOT area and witnessing the rise and fall of so many businesses; here today, gone tomorrow stories that truly impact our community.  I know how important it is to support local entrepreneurs.  I was glad to be a part of this event and while Chick-fil-A won't have to worry about success because so many of us are fans of their food and hospitality, other business in the area need our patronage.  It's always important to think about dining and shopping for personal and home goods right here where we live...the small business depends on it!

Fellow pageant sister Shannon Lewis, who is a MOT Chamber of Commerce Ambassador was on hand along with other Chamber Members to officially welcome Chick-fil-A.  Appoquinimink High School's ROTC participated in the event as well as other dignitaries.  What a way to start the morning!  Delicious coffee and a breakfast sandwich!






I'm looking forward to all of the outreach that this storied business has to bring to our community and remember "Eat Mor  Chikin"!