The day with Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen was a blast. Hands down one of the best things I've ever done. We started off playing fun "cheer camp" games, like Princess, Rider, Pony, which the girls absolutely loved!
Then the girls helped me to brainstorm some ideas about "What is a volunteer?" and "How can you volunteer?" They said a volunteer was someone who does nice things but isn't paid (which hits the nail on the head) but they also said they are kind, loving, and friendly. The girls said that they could bake for people, read to the elderly in nursing homes, donate coats/money, help out in someone else's garden, rake leaves, make arts and crafts for a nursing home, spend time at hospitals, make blankets, and help a neighbor carry in groceries. Now, this was BEFORE I gave them my whole speel on volunteering, so I think these girls really deserve a high five for their awesome thought process. I was so impressed. I then told the girls about Project Linus and what that project is and why it's important. The girls really thought that it was a cool project, and LOVED making the blankets for the kids. Throughout the process of tying, they kept asking me what kind of kid this blanket would go to. They signed a quilt that will be quilted and distributed, and they all signed cards that will be included with the blankets when they are delivered. A blanket was sent with Meghan Thalken, Miss Lincoln's Outstanding Teen, and Alex O'Conner, Miss Lake Mac's Outstanding Teen. All of the girls are now certified Project Linus Blanketeers.
Then the girls learned their production number dance, and I must say they are very quick dancer learn-ers! It was SO cute! After a minute long routine, they all introduced themselves and had their chance to shine in the spot light. They were all crowned for the final performance also.
Saturday it was off to Scottsbluff for the Scottsbluff Co Fair pageant. I was fortunate enough to sing the National Anthem, get a chance to perform my talent piece, AND ask the on-stage questions. It was great getting to know the girls, there is a great group of local contestants in the western part of Nebraska! Congrats to JaLee Pilkington, Miss Scottsbluff Co. Fair Teen Queen, and Taylor Ziegler, Miss Scottsbluff Co. Fair!
I just returned from serving dinner and helping out around the Lincoln Connection, our local homeless shelter. I am part of the local Interact! group, a Rotary sponsored teen community service club, in North Platte. We did far more than just serve supper like we had first planned! We weeded, swept, mopped, cleaned tables, did dishes, cleaned bathrooms... you name it, we probably did it. It was great to get to do hands on "dirty" community service work. It really gave me some ideas for later this year... :)
Oh! And don't forget about the Children's Miracle Network! The deadline for the $1,000 scholarship going out to the contestant with the most money raised for the Children's Miracle Network is tomorrow! Visit https://www.maoteen4kids.org/m
Unfortunately, due to lack of advertising and funds, we will no longer be able to travel to Scottsbluff on Thursday to do the other scheduled backpack project. I feel terrible that we had to cancel, however I need community support in order to have a successful project! We are planning on rescheduling later this fall, perhaps doing a different project. Either way, we will get to the Scottsbluff area and do a service project before my reign is over! I WILL accomplish my goal :)
The Interact! Club of North Platte is accepting new members anytime! This is a great way to get involved in a teen club and most importantly, your community! We have a fun and busy fall planned for our club and will be doing many service projects throughout the year. Contact any member for more information, or get a hold of me from my contact info over there ---->
Now I'm off to pack for the adventure to the Lincoln Children's Museum! I'm so excited!
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