Preparing, Networking, and Building

Wow! I cannot believe that my reign is almost over. And with the end of my reign comes the Miss Utah pageant! It's so strange that I'll actually be competing in it. Growing up, I saw girl after girl prepare for it, and I knew that one day I wanted to be a part of it as well. It always seemed like one of those far-off ambitions that may or may not come true... but now it's here! And I am SO excited!

 I see my preparation for Miss Utah as a refiner's fire: it's not easy, it may be painful at times, but the final result is worth the struggle! As part of my preparation, I've been hosting shoe drives within the community to benefit the people of Burkina Faso, Africa. Several local schools have hosted a "Battle of the Shoes" within their schools, and I have been so impressed with the tenacity in which they approached the project!

 

 

 Not only have schools been helping, but local businesses as well! Equinox, Chick-Fil-A, Swig, TURN Community, The Orem Public Library, and the Orem City Center have been more than willing to help in this great service project.

Another project I've been involved with lately is planning and executing the "Orem's Got Talent!" variety shows to benefit the Children's Miracle Network hospitals. The process required a significant amount of advertising, networking, coordinating, and managing. The show was very successful and we raised nearly $1000.00 for the Children's Miracle Network! I have to say that I gained a HUGE amount of respect for any and all event coordinators! You never realize how much work something requires until you experience it for yourself!

I was so impressed by the talents in our community. There were hula-hoop dancers, beat-boxers, singers, orchestras, and more. I'm so grateful for the support of our Mayor Brunst who helped emcee the event, as well as for the city council members who attended! It also wouldn't have been possible without the help of my family, Miss Pioneer Valley, my friends, Timpanogos High School, and all of our generous sponsors.

Recently I attended the Miss Utah spring workshop where I selected my contestant number - lucky number 14! - and turned in all of my paperwork for the competition. I cannot express how excited I am for Miss Utah! I have a fantastic group of girls, and hostess.

Today I am grateful for the ability to progress. Within the past few weeks, there have been several times where I've been discouraged. My school work hasn't been perfect, I was nervous about completing Miss Utah paperwork, and many times I felt alone. But as I have taken a step back and applied my platform of SELF-esteem to my own life, I've come to realize that I have made substantial progress. I might not have received an "A" on my paper, but I can see I am improving in my writing style. I might not have fully-defined abs, but they are nearly there!

Today I am grateful for the ability to progress. Within the past few weeks, there have been several times where I've been discouraged. My school work hasn't been perfect, I was nervous about completing Miss Utah paperwork, and many times I felt alone. But as I have taken a step back and applied my platform of SELF-esteem to my own life, I've come to realize that I have made substantial progress. I might not have received an "A" on my paper, but I can see I am improving in my writing style. I might not have fully-defined abs, but they are nearly there!

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016!

Happy New Year! It's hard to believe that it's 2016 and I only have a few more months as Miss Orem. I'm so sad it's coming to an end, but I am determined to make these last few months the most significant and memorable!!

Here's a little bit about these past few weeks:

On December 9th, Jacki, Daisy, and I caroled at the Stonehenge Rehabilitation Center in Orem. The people we caroled for were so gracious and had such distinctive personalities! One man talked about how he and his wife had just celebrated their seventieth wedding anniversary the week before, and that she had partied too hard resulting in her ending up at the center which made us laugh.

Another lady, Dixie, was just the epitome of a sweet old lady. She welcomed us, offered us chocolate, and we had a great conversation about her and her family. She was so kind, warm, and it was a privilege to be able to play for her!

This event was unanimously one of our favorites because of all the people we got to visit with, and the way the music positively affected them.

The following night, Daisy, McCall, Kapri, and I performed at the University Mall! We may not have had a huge crowd, but we were SO grateful for the people who came to support us! We danced, sang, played instruments, and had a grand old time!

On that Saturday, we were informed of a business opening and consequent ribbon cutting! I was able to go and meet the owner of Foundation Chiropractic. He has been practicing in Orem, but just moved to a new location. The event was well organized, the location had a new and edgy feel about it, and complementary massages and food were there which - hello - was completely over the top!

While there, I was able to interact with several kids and one kid, Brandon, told me about how he loves math which is always music to my ears!!

Later that night, I was able to emcee the fifth annual "Christmas in the Valley" held at Lakeridge Junior High and let me tell you that the talent here in Utah Valley is just astounding. The program featured three vocalists as well as the Lakeridge Junior High Choir. All of the performers were exceptionally talented, and it was a nice break from studying to be able to listen to them.

After the show, I was able to meet Miss Utah 1983 Lynn Lambert Eyestone. We talked about what it's like to be a titleholder, my preparations for Miss Utah, and I felt like I've known her for years! One of the best facets of the Miss America Organization is the sisterhood.

On Saturday the 19th was the Christmas Breakfast for Children in Need at the Orem Senior Friendship Center. I was stunned by how many came out to help and support the event! They are the ones who made it happen!

It was a bumpy start at first because the outlets at the Center are never used and kept shorting on us, but we eventually were able to make it work so that we could cook the pancakes!

Many of Orem's residents and my friends came out to either volunteer, support, or donate including Miss Inspiration, Santa Claus, members of the Timpanogos and Mountain View High School National Honor Societies, and my family members and friends.

Overall, it was a success! People were exceptionally generous in their donations, and between talented performers, note writing to kids at Primary Children's hospitals, and serving breakfast, it was such a blast.

Well that's a wrap for 2015! I'm so excited for what 2016 holds in store. It's amazing how fast time flies. I can't believe that it's been about seven months since I was crowned. I wish it would never end! So that's what I'm grateful for today: the experiences I've had, the people I've met, and the relationships I've formed for these past seven months. It would take years to describe every person and every detail, all I can say is that I have never felt more blessed or grateful in my entire life.

Much love,

Miss Orem 2015-2016
Jesse Craig

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

These past events have been a BLAST to say the least! I've loved being able to ring in the Christmas Season with the royalty and Orem City!

 First there was the "Lighting of the Riverwoods" on Friday the 13th! McCall, Daisy, Kapri, Miss Provo, and I, all broke hundreds of glo-sticks and handed them out to kids who were present at the event.

After that, we all got together and danced to the music provided by an exceptionally talented gospel choir. We spun around in circles dancing with kids, and took turns in making up dance moves and copying each other.

 Then we got to be on the gazebo for the countdown to light the Riverwoods. I had never been to the lighting before, and so watching all the lights turn on at once is a pretty magical experience.

On Monday the 23rd, the royalty and I attended the "Lights On!" event at the Orem City Center. The Northridge Children's Choir sang a few Christmas songs, and then the royalty and I sang "Silver Bells." We were a little nervous because there were so many people in the crowd, and we didn't want to go viral in a video entitled, "Silver Bells Gone Wrong!" But it turned out just fine!!

This sweet girl turned on the lights for all of Orem. We were so lucky to have her there!

Having Donna Brayton and the Mayor there made for a great night. They hold this City together!

Following the lights, we were able to mingle with a lot of kids and adults from Orem while they waited in line to see Santa Claus. It was great talking to them about what they wanted for Christmas and how they liked the "Lights On!" event.

What's really cool is when kids will recognize me and say, "Hey! It's you again!" and I remember them too. It's really great knowing that we're not just seeing people for a short time, but we're actually developing friendships!

On November 29th, the day after Thanksgiving, Jacki, Kapri, and I all attended Santa's arrival at the University Mall. Let me tell you, Orem citizens are made of something else because it was unbelievably cold... and still they waited for Santa with no complaint!

The girls and I had to run into Costa Vida to keep warm, but we didn't care because it was 100% worth it!

Miss Inspiration Donna Brayton was also there and greeting everyone. She is always in such high spirits no matter what her call of duty is.

Not only did Santa show up, but several Disney princesses and Marvel superheroes did too! I couldn't pass up an opportunity to get a picture with my two favorite super heroes at the same time.

Santa certainly lived up to his reputation as a "Jolly Old Elf" and was kind enough to stop for a quick photo with us.

For this Christmas Season, I am so grateful for what Christmas actually signifies. It signifies the birth of Jesus Christ and the peace, joy, love, and compassion he brought into the world. I'm grateful for his life and service, and that at this time of year we have the opportunity to replicate it to a degree.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Jesse Craig
Miss Orem 2015-2016