Hello all!
Since I am just starting my blog, I have a few things to catch everyone up on as far as what I have been up to goes... I am so excited to have recently finished my finals at the University of Wyoming (Friday the 6th!!!) because I am now able to devote so much more time to working on my platform and preparations for nationals in July! For those of you who have read through my biography and my page on my platform "Cowboy Up! Taking a Stand Against Bullying" I will get you up to date on what I've been up to!
I've managed to make a few here and there appearances while I was in school, the first week of March, I made my first appearance at my sorority's charity event, Wing Fling. This is an event we plan every year to raise money for our national philanthropy, Reading Is Fundamental. RIF is an organization which gives books to children who often cannot afford their own, it is truly remarkable to see it in action :) In March, I also had the privilege of attending the Wyoming and Colorado Galaxy pageant as a visiting queen! This was such an exciting event to watch and I even had the honor of meeting Ms. Galaxy herself, what a beautiful woman and a true inspiration!
I kicked off April by attending a fundraising event in Casper for Court Appointed Special Advocates for the children of Natrona County. There, I was able to experience first hand, the generosity of the people of Natrona County and my hometown of Casper. I learned more about the organization as well as met some pretty amazing people! The next weekend, I was honored to be asked to speak at the Relay for Life event for UW! What an amazing experience! Being able to speak at the event, and walk with the survivors is something I will never forget! The folks at the American Cancer Society do such a wonderful job with the students who help prepare the entire event. A fun little break the next weekend was spent at a preliminary pageant for the "Little Miss Wyoming" Scholarship program. I was so excited to see all of the young girls working hard and following their dreams! I was especially proud of a girl I have babysat since she was little, Haley who won the local title of Little Miss Casper, for her very first pageant! I took a break for Easter weekend to spend time with my family in Casper for the holiday weekend and the following weekend I was back in Laramie with exciting news! I was invited to sing the National Anthem not only once, but at both night shows for the University of Wyoming rodeo in Laramie! Singing at the rodeo was such a phenomenal experience and one I believe every 'Miss Wyoming' should experience. Rodeo may not be every state's favorite sport, but being asked to sing at one in Wyoming is truly an honor and something I have wanted to do my entire life!
About a week ago, I received an email from Ross Ellis, the CEO of Love Our Children and STOMP Out Bullying. I was thrilled after talking to her to find that I was being invited to work with the national organization on bully prevention! As a girl from a small state, I am still in shock to be honored with something so wonderful as my title which allows me to reach out in so many ways! This week, I will be appearing on K2 news and KCWY news for interviews on my platform as well as returning to Natrona County High School to give a presentation on my platform and newly partnered organization, STOMP Out Bullying! I am so excited for what my platform work and the STOMP Out Bullying organization hold for my future in tackling this issue.
Later this month, I have plans to visit my former elementary school, Crest Hill as well as Dean Morgan Jr. High to talk more about "Cowboy Up! Taking a Stand Against Bullying" and STOMP Out Bullying! I'm also looking forward to scheduling more platform appearances as well as of course, shopping and getting my wardrobe together for Miss International 2011!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey. It truly cannot be done alone and I am, as always, so proud to be Miss Wyoming, International 2011 :)
Until next time,
Alyssa Lane
Miss Wy
