The fun and festivities of Miss Minnesota week.

If I were to write a blog about the entire last week, it would be the size of a book! I was so excited to spend the past week with the 22 contestants vying for the title of Miss Minnesota 2012. Not only was this week so much fun, but it was a real eye-opener and instead of giving you a play-by-play of every day, I thought I would just list what we did each day and state some things that are on my mind.

Day 1: Prelude to the Crown cocktail party at the Radison hotel and Nickelodeon Universe
Day 2: Gillette Children's Hospital then rehearsal
Day 3: IHOP for Breakfast and Mall of America for Skydeck bowling and rides at Nickelodeon Universe
Day 4: Breakfast at Original Pancake House, rehearsal, then Buca de Beppo for dinner
Day 5: Contestant interviews and talent rehearsals and Prelim night 1
Day 6: Spent the day with the Northern Lights Princesses and crowned them, then Prelim night 2
Day 7: Farewell brunch for Miss MN 2011 then finals night to crown the new Miss Minnesota 2012!

I wanted to thank the new Miss Minnesota Board of Directors for putting on such an amazing week and for letting me be apart of it. Thank you for keeping the values of this organization in place and thank you for everything you have done for me.

To my little bug and by far the best roomate, Mackenzie. I didn't know one week could be so filled with laughter! I'm so incredibly happy that I get to have you as a director and I get to call you my friend also :) I admire you for being so strong and shaking off the negativity and drama people try to tear you down with.

Karla and Gwen, the two chaperones for the week, I know that the week wasn't always the most fun for you but thanks for watching out for us girls.

The 21 girls that didn't walk away with a title, I know what it feels like, especially if you've competed before. Keep competing if you haven't aged out! I had so much fun with you girls and I would've been honored to have any of you as my big sister queen.

To the new Miss Minnesota 2012, Siri Freeh. I am just so excited that you are my new sister queen! Our year will be filled with some incredible memories. I look up to you for your hard work and humility and you completely deserved the title of Miss Minnesota. You are a faith-driven person and for that, I thank you.

There is one moment of the pageant that I would like to share and that happened the final night of competition. The oldest living Miss Minnesota, Pat (1944), was in attendance. When she was crowned, it was during the Great Depression and the program was in a financial deficit and was not able to give her a crown. The new State Board did one of the most selfless things and overnight-ed a crown and crown box just for her, so that she could have the crown and crowning ceremony (complete with roses!). After 68 years, Pat finally got her crown. I get teary eyed every time I think about it because it was such a heartwarming moment and something I will never forget. It has changed me because I am reminded of how amazing the Miss America Organization is. As I said on Facebook, I am so proud to represent an organization that has so much integrity and embraces the true meaning of a sisterhood.

Here are the awards given out that night:
     Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life- Elizabeth Scipioni (Miss St. Paul)
     Miss America Community Service award- Elizabeth Scipioni
     Miss America Academic award- Siri Freeh (Miss Northwest)
     Overall Interview Award- Siri Freeh
     Spirit Award- Ali Vail (Miss Moorhead)
     4th runner up- Bethany Beniek (Miss West Metro)
     3rd runner up- Elizabeth Scipioni
     2nd runner up- Samanthat Philippi (Miss Coon Rapids)
     1st runner up- Rebecca Yeh (Miss Brainerd Lakes)
     Miss Minnesota 2012- Siri Freeh

With that I just have one more thing on my mind. Simply stated: Let go of grudges. They get you no where in life. Life is so sweeter when you live in the present and not the past.

Much love,
Bailey
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012

Contestant check-in

Prelude to the Crown event: All of the Brainerd girls

Pat, Miss Minnesota 1944

Gillette Children's Hospital

IHOP for Breakfast

Rides at Nickelodeon Universe

Dinner at Buca di Beppo

Northern Lights Princesses

Natalie's Farewell Brunch

Performing

Prelim night 1 winners: Samantha (Swimsuit), Siri (talent), and Rebecca (evening gown)

Prelim night 2 winners: Siri (swimsuit and evening gown) and Rebecca (talent)

Mackenzie

The new Miss Minnesota, Siri Freeh

Outstanding Teen's at the pageant

One of my favorite photos of Siri and I :)