I was given my place on stage and I introduced myself to the other special guests, including some veterans who were very entertaining. The auditorium then settled as the graduates made their way down the aisles.
It may seem as though graduation season is far behind us, but for me, it still feels like yesterday. This year, I attended 4 graduation ceremonies: mine (from college), my brother's (from high school), PS39's (as the keynote speaker), and PS8's (as an honorary guest)! I'll get back to PS8's graduation in my next post, but for now, I will tell you about my experience with PS39. When I was asked to serve as the keynote speaker at PS39's graduation, I was honored. Last year, as Miss Staten Island, I had the privilege of speaking at PS8's graduation. I would've never thought that by age 21 I'd have been the keynote speaker at two ceremonies! Just as with PS8, I have a bit of a "history" with PS39. Not only have I made multiple appearances at the school, but my mother is a teacher there, as well. This made the entire experience that much more special for me. Since I had a bit of experience under my belt, it wasn't too difficult for me to write my keynote speech. I put on paper all my words of encouragement for the Class Of 2013, and tied them in with my own personal stories. When graduation day came, I was excited to share my speech with everyone. I was given my place on stage and I introduced myself to the other special guests, including some veterans who were very entertaining. The auditorium then settled as the graduates made their way down the aisles. When it was time for my speech, I was ready and eager. As I spoke, I glanced over the faces of the graduates. Each one was more excited than the next. To have had the chance to serve as an inspiration for these children as they move on to the next step in their education and their lives, was truly incredible. This is what the Miss America Organization is all about. After my speech, I was surprised to learn that I would also be presenting an award! It was for Excellence in Performing Arts. I've been involved in the performing arts for most of my life, so this was definitely a fitting award for me to present. After the ceremony, I followed the graduates and their families outside, where many (many, many) pictures were taken. It was great to congratulate each one of them, since most of them were familiar faces due to my appearances at the school! I had a lot of fun and enjoyed every second of my morning with PS39. Thank you so much to Principal Wright for inviting me to be the keynote speaker. It is an honor that I will never forget!
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Last month, my dear friend (and "adopted teen") Alexa Moley, Miss Southern New York's Outstanding Teen 2013, hosted the 2nd Annual Zumba for Meals On Wheels! Alexa has become like a little sister to me, so it was important for me to be there for her while she fundraised for her personal platform. Though I am a dancer, I don't consider myself to be skilled when it comes to Zumba. That didn't stop me from having a pretty awesome time with some of my fellow queens, though! Many of the girls were in attendance: Miss Staten Island's Outstanding Teen, Miss Brooklyn, Miss Richmond County, Ms. New York American Beauty, and Miss America's Princess. It was a star-studded event and I know that Alexa was able to raise a lot of money for her platform. She does amazing work with Meals On Wheels and is so dedicated. I couldn't be more proud of the young woman she is becoming! Keep going, Alexa!
It's time to, once again, update my blog with all of the amazing events I've been able to attend as Miss Greater New York! I will pick up where I left off; June 15th - Puppy Prom. Puppy Prom was a fundraiser organized by dog-lover, Bobbi Mitchell, to benefit the Metropolitan Maltese Rescue. Bobbi owns a Maltese named BB. When I was invited to not only attend the prom, but also serve as a judge (for the King and Queen), I was so excited! Having never even heard of an event like this, I couldn't wait to see exactly what it was all about. Nothing I could've imagined would have even come close to what I found waiting for me. When I arrived, I was greeted by the former King and Queen of the prom. They were posing for pictures, dressed in full prom-attire. And that was only the beginning! Slowly, more and more parents arrived with their pups. Each one was fancier than the last. Their elaborate outfits, leashes, and even carriers were incredible! I think I was most impressed by how well-behaved they all were. They were posing for pictures, doing tricks, and following close behind their owners -- and I barely heard a bark the entire time I was there! The prom really got going when the dance floor was opened! Dogs of all sizes filled the floor and partied with their owners. It was then time for the judging. Author, Michelle Richardson, joined me as another judge. We watched as the puppies and their parents gave their best strut down the "runway." In the end, though, the winners were clear and Michelle and I came to a unanimous agreement. Prom King was Mr. America and Prom Queen was Gia Marie! It was such a wonderful event for an even better cause. I can't thank Bobbi Mitchell enough for having me as a special guest. I know that we will keep in touch in the future -- I may have some plans up my sleeve ; ] Stay tuned!
At my first appearance as Miss Greater New York, I met an amazing woman, Evelyn, who runs the SI Giving Circle on Staten Island. This organization works to gives back in any way they can to our community. I had never in my life seen such an inspiring desire to help others. It was this fire in her eyes that let me know I needed to get involved in everything she was doing. From then on, I kept in touch with her and she let me know of events around the island that I would be able to assist with. On June 13th, I was invited to an event hosted by Evelyn that was held to thank her organization for the work that they put in to helping. I was honored to have been asked to join in on the festivities, considering what an amazing group this is. The event, which was cleverly titled, "Thanks For Giving Dinner," featured a full Thanksgiving meal cooked almost entirely by Evelyn, herself. I could feel the love and sincerity radiating in the room. To be surrounded by genuinely good people was a great feeling and it was lovely getting to know each and every one of them. I was asked to speak with the group about my platform and my journey. Afterward, I was approached by several people who were either interested in getting involved or curious as to how the Make-A-Wish Foundation worked. I was even able to inform one woman on how to refer a child for a wish! Boy Scouts, and some of the residents of the Canterbury House (senior home) we were using as a venue, came to visit, as well. They, too, were welcomed with open arms and offered some of the delicious food we enjoyed. To describe each and every person I met at this event would take me forever. It was truly an honor to be part of this dinner and I look forward to becoming more involved in the future. I wish only the best for Evelyn and the SI Giving Circle. Always remember that good will come back to those who do good. Thank you all!
As a local titleholder in the Miss America system, I am required to raise a minimum amount of $250 for the Miss New York Pageant. Each year, though, I make it my goal to surpass this minimum. This year, to aid in my mission, I recruited the students and faculty of Public School 8. I visited PS8 back in June to establish a fundraising competition: "Miracle Makers." I held two assemblies to explain our plan and exactly what the Children's Miracle Network does. This fundraiser worked much like "Wish For Change." Buckets were placed in each classroom and the children were encouraged to raise money on their own to donate to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. I promised that whichever class won by raising the most amount of money would receive a special prize from me! I could tell that the students were excited and I had faith that they would hit the ground running. In fact, I received word from teachers that very day that students had taken money from their pockets to add to the bucket, already. I knew that with two weeks of fundraising left, they would certainly make it difficult to chose a winning class. Two weeks later, my parents helped me retrieve the buckets from PS8 and we began counting change. By that Monday, June 24th, I had a winner to announce at their end-of-the-year party! It was a hot day, but the students were in high spirits. I entered the building and was directed to the gym, where I was able to spend some time with kids. They were celebrating a year of hard work coming to a close and I was happy to see them enjoying themselves. After a little while, I made my way back upstairs to the main office, where I was to announce the class winners on the loud speaker. I picked up the microphone and announced, "In total, PS8 helped me raised $1,500! Of this, the winning class raised $335 and they are....4-208!" I then grabbed my box full of goodies (prizes for 4-208) and was led to their room, where I found them cheering and celebrating! I gave them each a large signed bottle of bubbles and some ice pops to keep cool! I took some time to speak with the students and ask them what they did to raise the money they donated. I heard some wonderful stories; from how they donated chore money to how they created bake sales and garage sales. I couldn't have been more proud of them and it was rewarding to know that I really did show them the importance of selflessness and volunteering. PS8 did a fantastic job in helping me raise money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. $1,500 will go a long way in benefiting a local CMN Hospital. Thank you to Principal Esposito, the PS8 students, and the faculty/staff who encouraged these children every step of the way! You are all Miracle Makers!
One month ago, I joined Borough President Marty Markowitz and a few of the local titleholders in Brooklyn for a Victorian House Tour. This event, which raised money for and was led by the Flatbush Development Organization (FDC), allowed community members inside some of the beautiful, historic homes in the heart of Brooklyn. The titleholders all began at the house of Angela Sbano, the Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Contestant Coordinator. I knew that if her house was any indication of what the guests would be seeing on their tour, they would amazed by the architecture and delicate preservation of each home. After enjoying a few snacks (and waiting for the teen contestants to finish their private meeting) we set out to our next location: a press conference with Borough President Marty Markowitz, City Councilman Jumaane Williams, Brooklyn Borough Historian Ron Schweiger, and the FDC. At the press conference, the titleholders stood behind the community leaders (literally and figuratively!) and they urged the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission to grant Victorian Flatbush historical status. With this status, these breath-taking homes would be protected from being changed and would retain their historical beauty. The community is fighting for this status to avoid the high-rise building that they fear will go up in place of these homes. This will change their small, quiet neighborhoods. Marty Markowitz said that something which makes Brooklyn so wonderful is the diversity of it's neighborhoods. One section may have high-rise buildings, the next block is Victorian houses, and who knows what you will find around another corner. There is always something new and different to discover. Following the press conference, we headed to the start of the house tour - but not before some car troubles! It wouldn't really be a true "Jamie appearance," though, without a little hiccup. After fixing the car, we went to assist with checking in guests. They then loaded the buses and sent them on their way. I'm positive every "tourist" enjoyed the houses and now sees why we are fighting to protect them. It was a great day spent with some amazing young women, as well as influential community leaders. Thank you to the FDC for continuing to protect our communities and retain their beauty and thank to everyone involved for including us in this very special occasion.
The "Staten Ireland" Fair is annual tradition on Staten Island. It celebrates the Irish culture, while bringing a weekend filled with fun and games for all. On June 8th, Alexa Moley (Miss Southern New York's Outstanding Teen) and I attended the fair in its new location. Unfortunately, it had rained heavily the night before, so the field which held the entire fair was definitely soggy. Thinking ahead, both Alexa and I had our wedges on, to keep us high above the mud without having any heels to sink in! We made our way (very carefully) over to the main tent. It was there that the crowning of the fair royalty would take place. After mingling and meeting some people, we were brought onto the stage, where an Irish band was playing some well-known tunes. Crowning began shortly after the performance. I was joined onstage by Alexa and "Miss Hibernia." It was an honor to have been invited to take part in this special ceremony. Once our "official duties" were completed, we sat down to watch another performance. This time, it was a group of Irish step dancers. As a dancer, myself, it is always wonderful to watch other dancers enjoying themselves as they perform. Alexa and I had a great time at the fair. I'm grateful to have been included in such a rich tradition on Staten Island. Thank you for having us!
Following the Kids' Marathon on June 1st, I made my way back to Staten Island for another appearance: The LGBT Pride Parade and Festival. It was an honor for me to show my support for LGBT Community on the first day of Pride Month. Prior to the parade and festival, hate crimes against this community were at an all-time high. It definitely raised some concerns that protestors could be on the parade route. I knew, though, that this was event I had to be a part of. Everyone deserves the freedom to be true to who they are. I arrived at the start of the parade and was introduced to the Parade Coordinator, Paul, and his husband, who was going to be my driver! I was excited to see my car - a convertible Volkswagen! I met the men and women participating in the parade and then got settled in my car. My parents usually walk the parade, but this time they got a ride, too! We rode through St. George and Tompkinsville displaying pride and support. We enjoyed some pretty great music along the way, too : ] The parade concluded, but the day wasn't over! We were dropped off at Tompkinsville Park, the location for the LGBT Pride Festival. I spent some time walking around, meeting people, and checking out the stands set up throughout the park. I was even interviewed by Staten Island's LGBT Community Center. It was a fantastic day filled with so much love and spirit. Of course, as I write this one month later, DOMA has now been eliminated and the LGBT Community is making their voices heard. If we all stand together, and support one another, we will one day live in a society that truly provides "liberty and justice for all."
Last month, I attended an event that isn't seen too often: a Kids' Marathon! Through this event, the Dyker Heights Athletic Association (DHAA) joined forces with The Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation to find a cure for childhood cancer. All proceeds raised during the marathon benefited The Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation, which directly funds research for new and innovative ways to treat pediatric brain tumors. This foundation was developed by Mr. and Mrs. Boccuzzi, the parent's of a little girl, Olivia, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 2. Olivia passed away last year, and the Boccuzzi family now runs this organization in her name. Their website reads, "As our family has learned, Childhood Cancer does not discriminate. It is the number one disease killer of children in the world." On a hot day in June, I joined the young boys and girls who would be running through the streets of Dyker Heights. Spirits were high as entered St. Bernadette's schoolyard. When I first arrived, I remember thinking, "There are a lot of kids here." Little did I know that was only the start of it. More and more participants poured into the schoolyard as the morning progressed and soon there were hundreds of them! And it wasn't only children that were going to be running - some of the parents even got in on the fun (especially for the really little ones)! The opening ceremonies began, and the founders of The Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation, Olivia's parents, gave a beautiful and moving welcome speech. They spoke about the heartbreak of discovering their child had a brain tumor and the additional shock when they learned of the lack of funding for childhood cancer research. In Olivia's memory, they hope to raise funds and awareness, so that this scenario will one day never occur for another family. Along with many volunteers, I helped kick off the run. Dressed in color-coded t-shirts (by age group) the runners lined up and waited for the signal - "On your mark, get set, go!" I had to leave before the marathon was done (due to another appearance that same day), but I know that this event was extremely successful for The Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation. I received a letter in the mail the other day that announced their grand total of $50,000! It is because of organizations like this that we will one day have a cure for childhood cancer. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Boccuzzi for all that you do. You are such a strong and beautiful family and I wish you nothing but comfort and peace during this time. Thank you for having me.
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