Miss Orem & Teen Blog: January 2012

Monday, January 30, 2012

Volunteering at Romney Headquarters

There are so many ways each of us can get involved in our communities and volunteer our time and resources.

With elections right around the corner raising voter awareness is one of those ways. The Romney Utah Headquarters just happens to be located in Orem.

I like to go to the Romney Call Center several hours a week to make calls encouraging registered voters to get out and vote.

Over the weekend we were placing calls to Florida.

The call center always has volunteers but there is usually a spot or two open if you want to come down and join us.

I think we are so fortunate to live in a country where we have the right to vote. Wouldn't it be great if we all exercised that right?

Love, Hannah Harkness

Miss Orem 2011

Friday, January 27, 2012

Miss Orem Workshop

Last night was the Miss Orem 2012 Opening Workshop at the Orem Friendship Center.

How fun it was for me to have the opportunity to speak to the candidates and tell them about the Miss America Scholarship program and how it empowers women and helps us to be the best we can be.

Kimberly Harris and the team of Miss Orem Hostesses do a fabulous job of organizing the workshops and mentoring the girls.

The year is going by so quickly. I have learned so much and have had wonderful opportunitities to get to know and serve the city of Orem.

Margaret Black from the Orem City Council was in attendance and began the evening with words of wisdom and encouragement to the group. Our City Council is so supportive of the Miss Orem Program. I appreciate all that they do for us. They really make a difference.

I'm looking forward to getting to know each of the girls as we begin the weekly Miss Orem Workshops.

Each week will be filled with lessons to learn and suprises to enjoy.

Thanks to my family for being there to support me. They are the best.

Good Luck candidates. This will be an amazing journey.

Love, Hannah Harkness

Miss Orem 2011

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Motivational Speaking

One of my favorite opportunities as Miss Orem is public speaking. Today I was able to spend some time with young girls talking about setting and accomplishing goals - reaching their dreams.

Young girls are so enthusiastic. They have a lot of dreams.

One of my goals is to help them realize they can accomplish anything if they set their minds to it.

A highlight is watching each girl's face light up as they try on my crown.

I want them to know they are already princesses. They can make their dreams come true!

Thanks girls for letting me share some time with you. Remember: Have COURAGE and don't get discouraged!

Love, Hannah Harkness

Miss Orem 2011

Monday, January 16, 2012

Miss America Pageant 2012

Last week was the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It was AMAZING to experience. I was lucky enough to spend the week.

I had several opportunities to meet and talk with Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011.

I was able to meet designers like Sheri Hill.

Take in fun sights.

Enjoy DELICOUS food like this chicken with bacon waffles from Hash House A Go-Go.

Mango and coconut pancakes also at Hash House A Go-Go (we ate breakfast there twice).

BBQ Pork Nachos and Chili Cheese Fries from Cheeseburger in Paradise. Besides the great dinning opportunities there was the main event - the PAGEANT!

In the Tuesday night preliminaries Danica Olsen, Miss Utah 2011, won Lifestyle and Fitness in a swimsuit. She rocked it!

She was awarded a $1,000 Scholarship for her win. Here she is in her evening gown receiving her award from Teresa Scanlan.

Wednesday night was Danica's night to compete in talent. She is an amazing dancer.

Saturday night Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler, was crowned Miss America 2012.

What a fantastic week. Congratulations to Danica Olsen, Miss Utah 2011. I was thrilled to be in Vegas to support her! I'm looking forward to the Miss Utah Competition this June.