Foothill Elementary 3K Run

May 22nd was the annual Foothill Elementary 3K. The moment I stepped out of my car I was greeted by a sea of hot pink - the kids. I LOVED getting to know them. They were all so friendly and outgoing and - despite the colder weather - they were optimistic about the run and couldn't wait to get started! 

It felt like a mini-yearbook day because all the kids were signing each other's shirts and some even asked me to sign theirs. It was cute when boys asked me to sign their shirts - they were very and tentative about it because they wanted to maintain their manliness :). 

Talking to the kids one-on-one was my favorite part of this event. We talked about their favorite colors, their excitement for school to end, and how they felt about running the race. There was this one little girl who was very excited when she noticed my crown and said, "I've never seen a real crown before!" She was so thrilled to touch it and then asked me where she could get one herself. I really wish I could have given each girl a crown. Their inner beauty just made them glow and it was certainly my privilege to interact with them and witness that.

For the race, Daisy and I ran with the first graders and kindergarteners while Jackie and Abby ran with the kids from the other age levels. We had a lot of fun encouraging the kids to keep going as they ran. At one point, I told some of the girls to keep going and show the boys what they were made of and one boy heard. He immediately darted off like a bullet to show me just how fast he could be. I tried to keep up with him for a little bit, but he was too quick!

After we finished running, we all stood at the finish line to cheer on those who were still finishing the race. So many of the runners were extremely determined throughout the duration of the course and finished strong, especially with the crowd's encouragement. It was really great to see the community come together to support one another in this event. 

After the run, the royalty and I participated with the kids in a dance party to "Shut up and Dance With Me." It was fun to show them that even though we might wear crowns and sashes, we like to have fun and party just as much as they do. We jumped up and down, discoed, chicken danced, shuffled, and  performed every other dance move in between. We also participated a little in the water fight several kids were having. One girl was courteous enough to ask if she could spray me, so I agreed that she could so long as she got me on the back. It was totally worth it!

The royalty and I then had the opportunity to distribute the awards to the winners of the different age levels. We were lucky enough to get a picture with the sixth grade boy winners. Aren't they adorable?

I am enjoying my reign more and more with every opportunity I am presented with! This event has definitely been my favorite so far!  Through this event I realized just how much of an impact a person can have on a child - crown or not. They look at us grownups as role models whether we realize it or not. The way we behave, speak, carry ourselves, act, and treat others displays our character which children take note of. That is why it is imperative that we display the best version of ourselves at all times because as children begin to construct their identities and self-esteems, they will draw from the best examples they know.

One more note - for the rest of my blog posts I want to conclude with something that I'm grateful for, and I invite you to do the same through finding something to be grateful for each day. I know from personal experience that an attitude of gratitude truly does create miracles!

To start off, I am grateful for music. I'm so thankful to have the ability to play instruments, sing, read music, and enjoy the benefits of listening to music. A song like "Shake it Off," or perfect vibrato while playing the violin, can change my mood from one of aggravation to appreciation.

Much Love,

Jesse Craig

Miss Orem 2015

Culver's Ribbon Cutting

I certainly have been able to hit the ground running since being crowned as Miss Orem! On Tuesday I had my first event which was a ribbon cutting for the new Culver's restaurant! I was initially very nervous what with it being my first event and all, but from the moment I walked in the building I was greeted by warm and friendly people who were excited to have me there, so my anxiety went away!

The owners of the new Culver's are so amiable and professional. They graciously welcomed all who came to the grand opening. A fun fact about them: they are only in their late twenties! Wow. Clearly their perseverance and dedication has paid off. And I couldn't help but notice that they look like real life versions of Barbie and Ken.

It was such an honor to have Craig Culver attend the ribbon cutting and hear the story of how he and his wife began Culver's. He emphasized the point that the business franchise isn't about the money, it's about the people. Making sure families are comfortable and satisfied has been his goal, and he certainly has accomplished that from what I've seen! 

One of my good friends Lauren works at Culver's so it was really exciting to see a familiar face there at the opening!

Jackie and I got to try some of Culver's famous frozen custard. Let me tell you, it is famous for a reason. It's so flavorful, creamy, and tastes like an angel bestowed heavenly grace upon it. I HIGHLY recommend it!

This was such a fantastic event! I'm so glad I got to become more closely acquainted with members of the community, city council, and chamber of commerce. Even though I've only been Miss Orem for a short time, interacting with these people has certainly begun to enhance my growth as a leader and spokesperson of the community. I can't wait for more opportunities like these to arise throughout this year!

Love,

Jesse Craig

Miss Orem 2015 

Miss Orem 2015!

Hello everyone! My name is Jesse Craig and I am Miss Orem 2015. It still hasn't really hit me yet that I am Miss Orem. It's been a dream of mine for so long and I can't believe that it's actually happened! I truly am blessed. So you can get to know a little bit about me - since hopefully you'll continually be reading up on the Miss Orem Organization's adventures ;) - I'll just share a few things: I just finished my Freshman year at the University of Utah and am hoping to obtain degrees in Political Science and Biology. I love country music, Costco chocolate cake, bursting out into random songs, dance parties, and learning about math, English, and history.

The pageant was such a fantastic experience. I'm so grateful that we began having workshops in February so that all of us contestants could become so close. It was also so nice because every single girl was so encouraging, supportive, and kind. We had absolutely no stereotypical pageant drama ;). 

My royalty is incredible. We are all so different and I love it! Just so you can get to know them a little  better, here's a few things about each girl: 

McCall Butler is my first attendant and is so down to earth and easy to talk to. She makes everyone feel loved. She also almost has her Associate's Degree as an Engineer at UVU! So she's not just drop dead gorgeous, she's also a genius. McCall is also so spontaneous and will just burst out with a crazy dance move or joke out of nowhere. 

Daisy Allred is my second attendant. She is so flamboyant and confident! She will randomly just start dancing, singing, or walking with a flair and style that's all her own. She also attends UVU and is majoring in the performing arts. Daisy is also so passionate about her beliefs and stalwartly stands by them. 

Abby Lee is my third attendant. Abby is just radiant and makes everyone feel important and included. She attends UVU and is on a running scholarship. Not only is she an incredible runner, but she is also an exceedingly talented dancer as you can see above. Basically, she's talented, athletic, intelligent and a fantastic all-around girl.

Then of course there's my little sister Jacquelyn Jenkins. Jackie is beautiful and so talented. She knows sign language, she dances, and she is a cheerleader for Orem High School. Not only does she have all those talents, but she just glows because of the beauty she has on the outside and inside. Jackie has already made me feel so loved and I know this year with her will be one for the books.

I am beyond excited for this year. I'm so lucky to have my family, friends, royalty, and director as my supporters. I know I have HUGE shoes to fill following Maddi Millard and other past Miss Orems, but I'm willing to assume the challenge! Here's to the start of an auspicious year!!

Love,

Jesse Craig

Miss Orem 2015

2015 Miss Orem Royalty

 On Saturday, May 16, 2015 the Miss Orem Organization 

proudly announces the New Miss Orem Royalty

The 2015 Miss Orem Royalty

Abby Lee (3rd Att), McCall Butler (1st Att), Jesse Craig (Miss Orem), 

Jacquelyn Jenkins (Miss Orem Teen), Daisy Allred (2nd Att).

Miss Orem 2015 is Jesse Craig Crowning Moments

   

                 

Miss Orem Teen 2015 is Jacquelyn Jenkins Crowning Moments

The new Dynamic Duo

The Miss Orem 2015 Royalty

The Passing on of the Crowns

Senior Center

Ever since I won this title, I have been wanting to come perform for the Senior Friendship Center! This is the building where we have our Miss Orem workshops and I wanted to come during the time of a different use! I had the pleasure of talking to them about my platform, my year as Miss Orem, and then I performed my Miss Utah talent for them. They were so incredibly welcoming! The second I walked into the room, everybody was smiling and saying congratulations and thanks for being here... it was so sweet! These people were filled with questions and stories that made the afternoon very entertaining. I probably got asked about 12 times how tall I am,  most of them guessed correctly! Good ole' 6 feet (6'6" if you count crown and heels).

Them: "Why would you wear heels if you are already so tall?" Me: "Sorry...I like heels."

 

 As I was performing, one of the gentlemen was sitting next to my mom and said to her, "Do you think we could ask her to play the Schwartz waltz? I don't like this boogie woogie stuff." haha I wouldn't call Ginastera boogie woogie. sorry sir, I don't know how to play any waltzes. Next time I will come prepared!

 You've got to love how all piano pictures look the same.  I did play a few different songs, but you can't quite tell from the pictures.

This cute lady was telling me that I looked like her old friend who had won Miss America in the 50's! I definitely took that as a compliment, hopefully I can follow in her footsteps!

 I should have brushed up on my Chinese before I came (the Chinese that I am incapable of speaking)! This awesome man was so kind, he was telling me that he and his friends will cheer for me at Miss Utah!

Thank you to these awesome people for all the good luck wishes for Miss Utah! Their positive vibes will be very comforting that week as I go to represent this incredible community and all the people in it.

Love, Maddi Millard
Miss Orem 2014

#createthegood

createthegood.org