Happy December!

Hello everyone! Its about time for another blog, don't you think?

Hall School's Reading Night

Presenting a Project Linus Blanket to Ana, my new friend :)

November has been quite a ride! From All-State Choir to my 9 days of school this month, I've been just about everywhere you can imagine! I've had the opportunity to perform for various groups in North Platte in the past month and promote my platform as well! I welcomed in the new month with a trip back to Chadron to pass down my local title of Miss Northwest Outstanding Teen. It was great to see my Chadron "family" and meet a very promising group of new contestants!

I was honored to, once again, sing the National Anthem for the local VFW Post's Veteran's Day Services. Being able to be a part of these ceremonies has really taught me a lot in the past couple years. There is only so much that a history class can teach you about what these veterans really did for us. I am so blessed to have met my good buddy Cal Stratton two years ago at the Vietnam Veteran's Wall. Since then, he has given me countless opportunities to perform as well as speak about how important their sacrifices are to me and our country. So so blessed, thank you Cal and the VFW Post Members!

                           With the Firing Squad                                                      Speaking.. these Cal :)

 

                                               Congressman Adrian Smith

                                              Showing the little girls Cal's Brick at the Memorial

Cal helping me out, once again!, by driving me in the Veteran's Parade

I am so excited to start of the 4th annual Coats4Kids coat drive! With the assistance of my good buddy Josha Gifford and ProPrinting, we are beginning what we hope to call the most successful year so far! Boxes are located at First National Bank, Bank of the West, the NP Library, ProPrinting, Sunmart by Walmart, and the Dance Factory. So far we have one definite "Pick Up" location, and we are working on two others.

I attended my third and final year of All-State Choir over the week of Nov. 16th. I traveled to Lincoln with a group of 9 other students, 2 of which were also third year members. After 3 busy days of rehearsal, running around Lincoln, Laser Tag, swimming, muffins, Lazlo's, and Qdoba, I was once again left speechless by the experience. Every year, All-State renews my love for music and changes my career path back to music. I think that's a sign... :) We had an awesome director, amazing choir, and amazing singers from our school. So proud of everyone who made it, and very very sad to say that I won't be able to attend ever again.

Over 400 of Nebraska's most talented singers

I was honored to be a featured guest at the Miss Nebraska Pageant's annual Festival of Trees over the Thanksgiving break. Kayla and I sang and introduced the trees that were decorated by businesses across North Platte. This fundraiser benefited the Miss Nebraska pageant as well as the Children's Miracle Network. There was a GREAT turnout! My cheer squad also took part in decorating a tree! Our "Believe" tree had plenty of blue and gold dog bones to show our spirit and even had a Santa, angel, and Rudolf bulldog! It was all handmade by the squad and was auctioned for over $300 and then donated to the Bridge of Hope for the kids to enjoy there.

Kayla and I helping to auction off a wreath

This is the Coffee Maker.. I mean tree.. Kayla won :)

My visit back to Chadron was very much needed! I missed my Chadron family! Mom and I braved the winter roads and were welcomed with open arms back into the community. I enjoyed spending the day with the new contestants and volunteers. Jon Marquez and I were the emcees for the night. Thank you to Michele Strom of the Winning Crown Boutique for providing my wardrobe for the night as well! I'm so excited for our new titleholders; its crazy to think that they are preparing to take over my job already! :)

Our canned food drive was also this week! The seniors brought in a whopping 37,000 points, however, as a school, we were still shy of our 55,000 point goal. The final day has been extended until Monday, so we're working all weekend to reach it! If we do, we will not have school on Dec. 22nd, the final day before break. Needless to say, we're all hoping for the best!

Tomorrow is NPHS's Vespers concert at North Platte High. Anyone who is in the North Platte area, you cannot miss this! The NPHS Varsity Choir has an absolutely amazing selection of music this year and the talent in our choir is phenomenal. It will fill you with Christmas cheer :) The concert begins at 4 on Sunday, Dec. 11th at the Performing Arts Center in North Platte High.

As for the rest of the already predicted month, I will be finishing up scholarship applications, running the mile in gym class one last time, writing a few English abstracts, and ending hopefully the most successful year of Coats4Kids! Notice, this is the predictable schedule. I'm sure you will see me out and about with my sparkly hat pretty soon! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and God Bless to all :)