Memorial Day

 

I felt so honored to be a part of this special Memorial Day service.

I enjoyed paying tribute to those who serve our country and their supportive families.

It was a hot summer day, but there was a supportive happy crowd!

I felt so supported! My whole family was in town for the weekend, I definitely was feeling the love on this blessed day.

Little did I know that the BYU team would perform a spectacular gun show! With a respected reverence their talent amazed me.

Mother, Kim Nelson's words touched me as I heard the brave story of courage witnessed by her son on and off of the battlefield. Her own courage filled me with pride and respect for our country.

 

Near the end of the service, the whole crowd gathered to sing Amazing Grace. On this day, the words spoke so profoundly to me. 

                                                                Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

                                                                      That saved a wretch like me....

                                                                   I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...

my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear...

the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...

we have already come.

T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...

and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...

His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be...

as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...

bright shining as the sun.

                                                                  We've no less days to sing God's praise...

                                                              then when we've first begun.

                                                                    Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

                                                                    That saved a wretch like me....

                                                           I once was lost but now am found,

                                                               Was blind, but now, I see.

To those who have fought for our country Thank You. I feel so blessed to be apart of the United States of America and am proud to call it a land I Love.

First Ribbon Cuttings

Little did I know.. that I would hit the ground running! 

This past week Maddi & I officially helped in our first Ribbon Cuttings of the year. 

First stop was CTR Clothing...

Pulling into the parking lot, I was so nervous! It was my first public appearance as Miss Orem, but after walking into the store I realized I had nothing to worry about, I mean how scary is a smiling face dressed with a shirt and tie?

 Have you ever seen scissors so big? They are hard to even hold up, it took some muscle power.

And after seeing this beauty... The celebrating really began!

Fun fact about Amy: I have a guilty pleasure for sweets, especially Cake! I didn't mind having a piece, or two. 

 Always a friendly face in seeing Mayor Evans! We didn't even plan the matching outfits, this just proves that great minds think alike:)

I had a blast in meeting and spending my morning with CTR Clothing. I have no doubt that they will find success in their store... From ties to collar extenders, they seem to have anything a future missionary would need! You can find out more about CTR Clothing at:

http://www.ctrclothing.com

Literally just around the corner...

Our next Ribbon Cutting was at Smoke House BBQ and Burgers:

We are Lucky because we snipped the ribbon on the first try! I've been told those ribbons can be stubborn sometimes.

Maddi & I weren't the only royalty in attendance, we were honored in meeting Miss Wheelchair Utah, Masha Flinn. What a loving young lady!

I really enjoyed being able to share my day with her.

I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to be apart of businesses and their opening days. Meeting with the owners, I see the passion in what they are trying to do.

Not only was my pork sandwich delicious, but I was able to learn a little more about Smokehouse and their ambitions. Their work is dedicated in aiding those with disabilities.

In eating there, I felt a warming atmosphere and without a doubt I will be stopping by for some lunch again soon!

You can find out more about Smokehouse at:

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/54/1659723/restaurant/Salt-Lake-City/Smokehouse-BBQ-Burgers-Orem

 Though busy, I wouldn't want to have life any other way!

The Beginning! Miss Orem 2012

This post marks not only the beginning of my reign as Miss Orem 2012, but also in my blogging! I am so excited to share my journey and I know that this upcoming year will be eventful as I am able to represent our beautiful city of Orem. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures:)

Looking back to pageant night, it still hasn't sunk in! For so many months we, as contestants, worked so hard in preparing and when the week for tech and dress rehearsals came, I couldn't believe it. I loved being up on that stage with the other girls; there was never a dull moment as we zipped into new gowns, had some jamming rap sessions, and flashed our best smiles on stage!

 

Look at this gorgeous bunch! Through this experience, I have gained new friends in these girls. I can hardly wait for summer to begin so that we can join in on the parades together. 

From the spotlight, I remember looking out into the audience and seeing so many faces. We all were so supported! I found my family easily in the crowd, I think it's because my family is so tall! It meant so much to me that they were there that night. I felt so loved!

Here are a few of the faces in the crowd:

 My papa! One of my favorite moments of the night was coming out from the curtain and meeting my dad center stage. When I asked him to be my escort a few weeks earlier, he was jumping for joy! We even practiced our walk! And seeing him on the actual night, all dressed with his cute bow tie, all my heart could do is melt.

 My Handsome little brother Jared.. but I like to call him JJ! He is my little Buddy.

My Beautiful and Best Friend Kenna! She is always there for me. And while getting ready for the pageant, we spent many days running together in Gold's Cardio Cinema and eating her mother's special recipe green smoothies!

I owe all my love to Tewa! She helped me shine by distilling in me a sense of confidence. I gave her the biggest hug I could manage!

 After all the hugging and grabbing some yummy food at Orem City's Chili's, I got to go through my fun gift basket... From make-up to a hat and even a pillow case.. I had a lot of fun!

 

Though I'm blessed to be able to call myself the New Miss Orem for the year 2012, It didn't take the winning of a pageant to learn that I am a princess, as is every little girl. It's not about the crown, but what the crown can do.. I know that Hannah Harkness and the Miss Orems before me have paved a way with big shoes to fill, but I hope that I can follow in their footsteps and help share the love that Orem city gives through this year!

Miss Orem 2012 Royalty

Last night was the Miss Orem Pageant. A new Miss Orem  2012 was crowned.  Congratulations  to Amy Tuttle! who is our new Miss Orem 2012.  Her attendants are: Sydney Flanigan (1st attendant), Christine Hill (2nd attendant), and Sheri Millard (3rd attendant).

Sydney Flanigan, Amy Tuttle, Christine Hill, Sheri Millard

Earlier in the afternoon was held the first Miss Orem Outstanding Teen  Pageant.  Six incredible girls tried out for this title and the winner was Maddi Millard. Congratulations, Maddi!  Also recognized at that pageant was her attendant, Esther Harkness who won 1st attendant. 

Maddi Millard, Esther Harkness

Other awards that were given out that day were: 

Miss Congeniality Award: Sheri Millard

Choreographer Choice Award: Haley Felton

Children's Miracle Network Award: Alex Travis

Modeling & Composure Award: Amy Tuttle

Miss Congeniality Teen Award: Maddi Millard

Miss Orem 2011 Farewell Post

As I was reflecting about passing on the title of the "reigning Miss Orem," I began to think about the amazing journey of this past year.

 Being a part of the Miss America Organization as a city title holder has been a remarkable journey of self-discovery and development, as well as a journey of friendship and service.

 As I've read through my journal and looked at my scrapbook and pictures, I smiled as I thought about the memories and adventure of this past year.

 I have learned that life truly is what you make of it. Take advantage of the opportunities you have. Create opportunities in which you are interested.

 Orem City provides the opportunity of the Miss Orem Scholarship program.  For me, participating in the Miss Orem Scholarship Program has been life altering.

 Not only have I learned about myself and solidified my passions and areas of interest,

 but the power and platform of the Miss Ameria Organization has opened doors and made it possible for me to have a personal platform,

 to speak about my platform and to make a concrete difference in my community.

 Participating in and making a difference through pageants is not for everyone, but there are many ways in which to make a difference. 

 There are committees, organizations, and boards at the city, state and national levels.

 Each one of us can grow, serve, and make a difference in our communities and in this wonderful country in which we live.

 I want to thank the City of Orem; the Miss Orem Committee Members; the Orem Department of Public Safety, Traffic Division; my friends; and my family.

 Thank you for all that you do, for me and for our community. This year has been a dream come true.

Love, Hannah Harkness

Miss Orem 2011

"It takes courage to travel to places you have never been before, to test your limits and to break through barriers."