Lake Ridge Assisted Living

My sister lives right down the street from the Lake Ridge assisted living home and she told me that they would love some visitors! So I recruited a few of the contestants for this coming year and we went to perform for the residents. It was such a sweet experience, we could tell that they enjoyed our performances.

Since we had some extra time to fill, I played two piano songs and also sang two songs with the guitar! That part was a little unexpected, but I'm glad I could whip those out! And the other girls were equally as prepared. After they each performed their planned talents, a few of them performed again and did incredibly! It was good practice for us all to be able to perform on demand.

 

(Except for one thing: one of the men requested that I play the song bumble bee boogie. I do know what that song is because my brother used to play it all the time! Unfortunately I could not fulfill that request. I'd better get going on that for next time!)

 

Love, Maddi Millard

Miss Orem 2014-2015

 

#createthegood

createthegood.org

St. Patrick's Day at Orchard Elementary

I got to team up with my darling Little Miss Orem, Presley Thomas, today as we went and spoke to her class about choosing to be kind and making others feel special! We talked about the affect that being nice can have, a message that can never be said too much.

 



Presley's smile kills me in this picture! Cutest smile ever.

Presley was my little wing-woman! She helped me hand out the wristbands and the book which was much needed. :)

When a 6'4 girl with a crown walks into an elementary school... it cracks me up what reactions I get. One little boy watched me as I walked past their class in the hall, and he said to me, "you're so high!" I guess "high" is the new "tall" according to these kiddos. haha

We took turns writing "yo soy especial" which means "I am special" in Spanish. When I was their age, I was in Spanish immersion and wrote "yo soy especial" in my journal every day. I told them that the best way to feel special, is to make somebody else feel special! Even on the days when you are feeling sad or lonely, you can get happy by sharing, saying please and thank you, and being a good friend! They promised me they would make an effort.

 

This little boy in the corner totally brightened my day! As I was leaving, he told me I was cute. I guess he just figured he'd never see me again, so he had to just tell me then and there! Tender moment.



They all took one wristband for themselves and another one to give to a friend! They say "Create the Good" on them, so they told me they would all do their best to be a good friend, and make their friends happy to fulfill what the wristband says!

 



I love seeing these little names added to my Create the Good journal!

 

A big thanks to Presley and her mom for inviting me to come and speak! It was so much fun to see her in her own element in class. She is such a sweetheart and we were a good team!

Love, Maddi Millard

Miss Orem 2014-2015

 

#createthegood

createthegood.org

   



United Way Gala

United Way hosted this wonderful Gala that consisted of a silent auction, a live auction (including some gong items). The purpose of this Gala was to raise money for children who need books. They really emphasized how one book can change the life of a child! The generosity of the participants was so inspiring. All of the other volunteers and I had a great time helping out with these auctions!

 

I'd like to add that it was so awesome to see so many queens in the area coming together to promote United Way! One of the main purposes of the Miss America Organization is to provide service opportunities for its participants! Making volunteerism and service the focus of our titles is what makes them meaningful. This is one of the facets of my platform! I love emphasizing the service aspect of the Miss America Organization. #createthegood

 

Just modeling all the gong items!

The auctioneer totally let me auction off a few gong items. I got to call out numbers and deliver a few of the great coupons and stuff. I felt so official.



Might I add how much I loved getting to know these girls? I cannot wait to go to Miss Utah with some of them, we are going to have a blast. Their company is so inspiring and enjoyable! 92 days to go until Miss Utah!

 

I spy 3 Orem royalty in this picture! Jackie and Abby were so great to come and help out! I love them :)

 

This is Natalie Jaco, Miss Northern Utah County and I simply love her! We hung out for the second half of the event and we had a party. We were a good team while handling all of the auction items! Fun stuff.

We may have gotten some delicious dessert. It even had a fancy leaf on top!

So grateful that our job included chairs. Most of the volunteers had to stand the entire event in heels...We chose our jobs wisely.

 

 

Among all the issues that United Way promotes, education and reading is one of the best! It was such a pleasure to support this great cause. All of the volunteers were so impressed by United Way's dedication to improve the lives of these young kids who need books.

 

They are currently in need of reading partners for students in the area! Please consider getting involved in this incredible program. Go to unitedway.org to get involved in their wonderful volunteer opportunities!

 

 

Love, Maddi Millard
Miss Orem 2014-2015

#createthegood

createthegood.org



International Women's Expo

 Happy International Women's Day!

After today, I have an incredible new respect for the dozens of pageant organizations in Utah! I loved seeing the diversity and variety in all our beautiful queens! Just to name a few, in attendance was, Miss Utah Model International, Miss United Nations USA Brazil, Miss United Nations USA Mexico, Miss United Nations USA India, Miss United Nations USA Palestine, Miss United Nations USA Bolivia, and Miss United Nations USA Iran, Miss Peru Utah, Miss Africa Utah, Miss Black Utah, Miss Teen Asia Utah, Rocky Mountain Queen, Tiny Miss New York, Little Miss World, Little Miss America Samoa, Little Miss Beauty of the World...the list goes on!!! Who knew!? All of these girls participated in a parade of nations where we modeled the flags from their nation.


This was quite possibly the cutest little girl I've ever seen. She started out acting a little shy, but once I started talking to her, she started going wild and crazy around the expo! She was absolutely precious. She was my biggest applauder after my piano song, and at the end of the day, she held my hand and told me that she would never forget me. Tender! She also told me I was her favorite...but that is probably something she said to everybody.

Miss Cache Valley and Teen and I loved representing the Miss America (and Teen) Organizations! We were the only 3 girls there with these kinds of crowns on, it was easy to spot us.

Backstage bonding. You've got to love it.



I have never seen so many unique crowns in one place in my life! This picture didn't even capture all of the girls, there were lots and lots of us and we had a blast!

I got to perform my favorite piano song, Danza del Gaucho Matrero! It seemed appropriate since this is an Argentine song and I was trying to contribute to the multi-cultural event!

 Here goes the parade of women!



 

 My mom and I bought a hand made basket from Ghana! We were then invited to Miss Africa Utah pageant next month! So many awesome organizations that I didn't even know about!

Among all of the awesome booths, There was this incredible guy who carved my title into a ring! I now have a crown ring and this one that says "Miss Orem 2014" with a bunch of hearts. I think this was one of the highlights. I am going to wear this ring everywhere!!

 

AMERICA!!!!!

 

There were selfies happening everywhere you looked. You've got to publicize the event, of course!

 

 

What better way to finish off the morning? I love my mommy.

Even with so much diversity in culture and background, I loved how we were all there for the same purpose: to celebrate womanhood! Each of these girls was so impressive and motivated to create good in their community. Their platforms were inspiring, and their friendliness was a blast!

Love, Maddi Millard
Miss Orem 2014-2015

#createthegood

createthegood.org

Did I mention that the Utah Cultural Celebration Center is absolutely Beautiful?