My Friends Are Awesome

So much has happened since the beginning of 2013.  On January 12th, my beautiful, talented and hilarious friend won Miss America 2013.  Um, what?  I was hanging out with her exactly one month before she competed and I asked her how she felt about it.  Not just how she was feeling but what in the world she would do if she actually won.  Her response was this: "Do I think I could do the job and do it well?  Absolutely.  Do I think I can win?  I have no clue.  All I know is that one month from now, I might be walking into a press conference as Miss America.  That would be amazing, but if I don't and I come home and continue serving as Miss New York that is completely fine too."  Ladies and gents, this is the attitude of a winner, and I am so over-joyed that that was recognized this year.  I hope Miss America continues choosing "real" girls who make the title attainable.  Love you lots and lots Mallory, can't wait to see you in March!!

After Mallory won, we needed a new Miss New York.  I was ecstatic to find out that Shannon Oliver would be taking the title.  Shannon is another amazing young woman I met last spring at Miss NY.  She is insanely talented, driven and beautiful inside and out.  Shannon had a rough year in 2012 and my heart hurt for her and still does but I knew God had plans for her, and here she is now, your new Miss New York.

One week ago, crowns were given to the new Miss Staten Island Amanda Lee Alicea and Miss Richmond County Alyssa Depaolis.  I am so excited to meet two more Miss NY sisters this spring!  Then last night, another awesome sister of mine, Katelynn Smith, won Miss Fulton County 2013.  Now, I am not only excited for her because she gets to compete at Miss NY again, but she gets to compete with me!! =) Eeee!  Even better?  We promised each other that if we both won new titles we would be roomies for competition week.  So pumped.

AND I have myself a new Miss Thousand Islands Outstanding Teen, Miss Joelle Leek!!  Congrats Joelle!  I can't wait to spend lots of time with you this year and cheer you on at state. =)

I am too excited to see all of these journeys begin.  I know these ladies will make the best of their titles and make the Empire State proud.  On that note, good luck to all the ladies competing for Miss NYC today and GO RAVENS!!