Thirty-two young women from across Indiana made their way to Zionsville, Indiana last Sunday, along with parents, directors, and volunteers to kick off the 2012 Miss Indiana Pageant. What occurs at a pageant kick-off? Many have asked…I’m here to answer! First, we wasted no time in taking a quick group picture including the 52 young women competing in both the miss and teen competitions (a record number in Indiana!) One of my new Miss Indiana sisters, Sam Rife, and I were naturally directed to the back (“tall girls”) and hidden behind 50 other girls. It was a humorous process deciding whether to attempt to get in the picture or to settle inconspicuously into the background. Fortunately, here’s a shot that includes both of our faces: (#winning)

Following the group picture, we settled into our seats and received great news about Miss Indiana’s new title sponsor: Indy Laser Center, also the official cosmetic laser center of The Indianapolis Colts and Colts Cheerleaders. A couple of representatives from Indy Laser were present, Chris and Lizzy, to speak with us. Indy Laser is a “locally owned and operated business that has been providing the most affordable, effective cosmetic laser procedures in Central Indiana since 2004.” Check out their website for more information!

Our reigning Indiana titleholders, Jackie & Breezy, then shared a few words of encouragement followed by our lovely Miss America 2009, Katie Stam. Each of the board members/volunteers informed us about important aspects of Miss Indiana week including locations, appearances, wardrobe, travel, lodging, princesses, food, etc. Finally, Aren Straiger, co-director of the Miss Indiana Pageant, walked us through what we should expect during Miss Indiana week.

Next up was the contestant lottery! Names were drawn to determine the order each contestant would draw her number. Each contestant then picked a number out of the bag to determine when she would choose her contestant number. (Confused, yet?) I chose contestant #32 and am very pleased to round out the Beta group. I am excited to be lined up beside Gracie Lyons again this year! Gracie is an absolute sweetheart and I look forward to spending much more time with her and the rest of my “Beta” girls during Miss Indiana week. Following our contestant lottery came the submission of the majority of our Miss Indiana paperwork including our individual resume, platform statement, headshot, and contestant contract. As I set back in my seat after completing all of my obligations for the meeting, I looked around and realized, it’s almost here! Miss Indiana 2012 will be here before we know it and I look forward to an experience even better than the last.

I had a wonderful experience recording a show at Radio Disney Indy this afternoon. The ladies were incredibly welcoming and I enjoyed sharing my Miss Central and Miss Indiana experiences with them. The thirty-minute interview included discussions of my biggest supporters, how I became involved in pageantry, how I prepare for competition, the values of the Miss America Organization, Miss America’s national platform—Children’s Miracle Network, the Miss Indiana Princess Program, and of course much discussion on my personal platform of “Health and Wellness.”

I was so pleased to learn how dedicated Radio Disney Indy is to the health and well-being of children and their families and I’m look forward to partnering with them in the future through events such as their upcoming “Kid Fit Camp!”

As a lover-of-coffee I enjoyed receiving an official Radio Disney coffee mug as a gift. (Coffee mugs are the one object I collect from the places I visit…) This winter I purchased a mug while I was in Disney World and accidentally left it behind…I suppose receiving this sort of makes up for it!

Today I had the pleasure of helping w/ the 2012 HealthBowl, an interactive health fair with fun activities for the whole family. The event was sponsored by Anthem: Blue Cross & Blue Shield. It kicked off with around 1400 participants running in the Legacy Loop 5k,  as well as with remarks from some very special people including Indiana’s 1st Lady, Cheri Daniels, who I’m pictured with just above. (I also had the pleasure of meeting the Mayor of Indianapolis, the President of Anthem, and Jeffrey Gorman!)The event offered various fitness classes, healthy cooking demos w/ the Chef’s Academy, free health screenings, a chance to meet NFL players, arts & crafts for children, a chance to get your blood pumping w/ Xbox Kinect Fitness Games, a variety of other fitness activities & challenges, & plenty of give-aways & prizes! 

I began the day w/ a 20-minute hula hoop challenge. Pat McAfee, of the Indianapolis Colts, even joined me on stage for the challenge! I next spent some time visiting the activities surrounding the main stage. In one corner I found the, “Bring Recess Back” area dedicated to hop scotch, jump rope, hula hoops, and kickball. I enjoyed some hop scotch & double-dutch! I then went to work w/ some Indy coaches who taught me how to properly throw a football. I hit the target on my first try! Beginners luck.

I spent some time in the Children’s Arts & Crafts area decorating a treasure box with some adorable kids. Time goes so quickly when I become engrossed in a craft! I gave my bejeweled treasure box to Susan, one of the young girls sitting with me at the time!

This morning I was so happy to be part of Ridpath Primary School’s first annual holiday bazaar promoting my platform of health & wellness. 

I woke up bright & early to set up my table at the entrance of the school. I was pleased to be the first person to welcome the parents & children to the event! Fortunately, I’ve been able to use my sign from the Miss Indiana Parade last summer: “Zumba Fitness with Hannah Clingan, Miss West Central.” Placing a photo over the “West,” = an easy transition to “Miss Central” (Thanks, Mom!)

I brought a bowl of apples & oranges (which emptied in no time); coloring & word search activities for the kids to enjoy; nutrition & fitness tips for parents; autograph cards, & information on the DPU Wellness Program, of course!

Pictured above is some art created by some of my new friends: a flower, & a picture of me! When I asked Korbyn (pictured below, in the center) who her favorite disney princess was, she replied: “You are.” She insisted on giving me one of the necklaces she made for the craft bazaar. She’s an artist!

Later, I held a free Zumba Fitness session open to the public. There is nothing better than seeing children LOVE to learn! After the session I showed them specific exercises they could do each time a television commercial comes on and stretches they can do while they are reading or playing video games. 

This shy little girl, Heather, hid behind her mother as she walked into the school, with her head down and her eyes averted. She, along with several other children, just watched as I lead my Zumba class, too bashful to join. After everyone left, Heather came into the room and exclaimed, “let’s dance!” It did not take her long to break out of her shell. Sometimes all we need is a little time, and a bit of encouragement!