Sarah Morreim Photography

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Miss Wheelchair MN and Ruby's Pantry

Last Saturday, Siri and I crowned a new Miss Wheelchair Minnesota. I was so honored to be a part of the night because it truly was an inspirational night. There were five contestants who all where so deserving of the crown! But a special congrats to the 2013 Miss Wheelchair Minnesota, Carissa! She will travel to Texas to compete at Miss Wheelchair America and I'm wishing her all the best.


Yesterday, I volunteered at Ruby's Pantry. Ruby's Pantry is a Christian-centered food distribution organization. I've been volunteering here monthly for about a year and yesterday was my last month there as Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. But this month was a lot of fun because Molly (Miss MN High School) and her sister Muriel, Catie (Miss City of Lakes Outstanding Teen), and Maren (Miss Baxter, and my lovely boyfriend Dylan all volunteered as well.

It's crazy for me to even think that I have only three weeks left as Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. I've already begun writing my farewell. It's surreal... the year went by SO incredibly fast! I know that a lot of titleholders say that, but when you work so hard for something for four years and finally achieve what you've been working hard to accomplish, it's over in an instant. As I look back on my year, it certainly wasn't the easiest year as I was extremely busy and sometimes overloaded, but I regret nothing of what happened the past year. Everything happens for a reason and I'm so thankful that it took me four years to win the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen crown because it makes my year that much more special. My hope as I finish my final few weeks is that I can inspire more young women to compete in this system and  to encourage those who have competed several times to keep competing because hard work and determination will eventually pay off.

God's plan for each of our lives is so unique and couldn't be more perfect. This past year I've really learned to trust that he is leading me down the right road, even if it's the one less traveled. I'm so lucky to be able to share His love through this crown and I hope the next Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen can do the same.

But until next time,
Bailey
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012

Monday, March 4, 2013

Two weeks in the life of MMOT

On Saturday, February 23rd, was contestant orientation for Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2013. I was a bittersweet day because it had finally hit me that I have just a few short weeks until I crown the next Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. This year has been incredible and another young lady deserves this honor. I'm extremely excited for the 15 contestants this year as they are a fantastic group of girls! It has been so great getting to know them.

That Monday after contestant orientation, I spoke to the Nisswa Lions Club about Alzheimer's and asked them for a donation to the MMOT scholarship fund. This was fun because I have grown up in Nisswa my entire life and knew some of the Lions Club members. It was a honor to stand before them as Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. They asked me a lot of questions about my year and asked me about my next steps moving forward after my reign is over.

Last Wednesday I traveled to Oakdale to visit an elementary school to help them with their Jump Rope for Heart event. Siri and Samantha, Miss Minneapolis, were also there and it was really great seeing both of them! It was fun jumping rope with the kids because they were so excited to have queens helping them! Thanks to Sarah Morreim for being there to capture the day and for the pictures below.



This past weekend was probably one of the most fun weekends I've had in a long time! I organized an MMOT contestant sleepover here in Brainerd. Seven of the fifteen contestants arrived at Kids Against Hunger in Nisswa on Saturday to kick off a very fun week! We packaged food for people in Haiti for two hours before heading into Nisswa to do a little shopping and a coffee run. Then we headed to the host hotel for some pizza and swimming! There were many laughs and this weekend made me even more excited for next month! :)

Bailey
MMOT 2012