Contestant Information

To all prospective contestants, please read...

I have received paperwork from contestants with the wrong contract. Please, please make sure you use the Miss Heart of Michigan contract that is emailed to you. Since we are a 501c3, our contract is different than Miss America's local contract. If you send the incorrect contract, you will need to resubmit the correct contract (and have it notarized again) to be considered an official contestant.

Please make sure all of your Childrens Miracle Network funds are raised. There have been over forty prospective contestants who have requested a contract and we only accept thirty entries. The first thirty will be the official contestants. All CMN money must be raised and all paperwork must be complete to be considered as a contestant.

The deadline is approaching, so get your paperwork to us as soon as you can! We have a deadline with the Casino to get the program printed, so we cannot make exceptions for late entries.

It is going to be another great year. I look forward to seeing our Miss Heart "daughters" again and gaining new "daughters!"

No Internet

In case you tried to contact us via email in the past four days and did not receive a reply from us, our internet was shut down. We discovered it on Friday morning.

Since we are moving, we have to disconnect one internet service and open another (since the first one is not available at our new location). We have new service at the new facility, but had not moved the computers yet. We were not going to disconnect the first service until we had all equipment moved. However, someone in sales decided that Friday was a great day to end our internet. When I called to find out what happened, the sales department was closed for the holiday.

All this comes down to...we have no internet connections and may not have them for a few more days, until we can make the switch. You will hear from me as soon as I can respond.

I also had the Miss Heart contract ready to email all prospective contestants on Friday, but that will have to wait until we can be up and running. I have the list of all who have contacted me so far, but if you want to be included on the list, please email me after Monday and I will send a contract to you.

If you have not signed up for CMN yet, please make sure all of your funds are raised. There have been over forty prospective contestants who have requested a contract and we only accept thirty entries. The first thirty will be the official contestants. All CMN money must be raised and all paperwork must be complete to be considered as a contestant.

Sorry for the inconvenience! We hope to be full speed ahead very soon!

P.S. I am at a remote computer so I can write this, but have no access to our email accounts.

Morgan is shopping again!

Morgan was a great shopper at Gull Meadow Farms in Richland, Michigan.

She always finds the Creekside Grains mixes!

Morgan should be the Creekside Grains spokesperson.

She seems to find the mixes wherever she goes!

We only have about ninety more gift stores to cover, so Morgan had better take a road trip.

She will have to go as far west as Montana and and far east as Pennsylvania.

Thank you Morgan! Happy shopping!

Almost a Mrs.

Congratulations to Miss Kaley, who is almost a Mrs. Kaley.

She will become Mrs. Peterson on Saturday!

I am looking forward to seeing our beautiful Miss Heart
be the beautiful bride!

He Did It!

He Did It!

Michael holds the World Land Speed Record for Motorcycle Alternative Engines at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Combined average time (two way run) was 97.98 mph! There was a cross wind on the second run, so that slowed him down to under 100 mph.

I am so proud of him! He is so happy!

Miss Heart has a beautiful titleholder with Kaley and the World's Fastest Alternative Engine Motorcycle with the RE5. What a combination!

Rubber Ducky Fun

I headed off to Bellaire last Saturday morning, August 21 and crossed my fingers that the weather would hold out. Upon arrival, the rain clouds had headed out and I found my silver BMW awaiting me :) The streets were lined with Rubber Ducky costumes and lots of queens! The Rubber Ducky Festival is notorious for hosting many queens that ride in the parade and then attend a delightful queens lunch in at the Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast. We were delighted to meet the owners of the Bed & Breakfast and were told the history behind the building. The home was actually built by a man who lived in the area and was attempting to win over the love of his life. Unfortunately she lived in Germany and refused to move to the United states and accept the home. Although the story does not end up with the couple together, it is still very romantic and the house exudes romance. The house is full of details! Beautiful painting, wood work, fine materials, and the heir of old time luxury. Very beautiful.

I also had the opportunity to see many old friends. The cherry folks were there with this year's National Cherry Queen and the Bellaire ladies were delightful as well. A good time was had by all and I was reminded of what a fun group of women we have in this state.

Aside from parades and rubber duckies, I have been on the never ending journey to find a job. I finished my final clinical in June, headed off to Miss Michigan, and immediately following studied for my boards. I passed my boards with flying colors and immediately applied for my state license! I accepted a job offer from Spectrum Health Visiting Nurse Association. I will be seeing people of all ages (babies to elderly) in their homes providing therapy and services. I will LOVE the variety, autonomy, and care giving nature of this job. My official start day was to be August 16th, however, the state had not yet processed my license and so I am awaiting for the state to issue me a piece a paper! Somewhat frustrating. But I suppose patience is a virtue! Sure wish I had more :)

I am also busy busy busy planning my upcoming wedding. Although it is a bitter sweet journey to set aside the dream of Miss America, I am truly blessed to have found my soul mate. Fritz is a long time friend, who became a boyfriend, and who has become my fiance! I so look forward to the day we share our love in front of so many family and friends.

Signing off from the heart-

Kaley

Rebecca is a MOM!

Just received news that Rebecca Ransom Scholten became a mom yesterday afternoon!

His name is Christopher and he weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces.

Christopher is 22" long and has dark hair.

I cannot wait to get images from Grandma Jackie Ransom
so everyone can see our new Miss Heart grandson!

Congratulations to Rebecca and Gerrit!

Miss Heart Racing is in the Van and Ready to Race

Michael picked up the RE5 at Rotary Recycle,
the RE5 hospital in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

Jess Stockwell did a great job repairing the bike.
Jess is the #1 RE5 tuner in the world!

The bike is tucked safely in the van
and it is ready to race at Bonneville.

Michael has an official RE5 hat and t shirt.
He is also ready to race at Bonneville!

More tomorrow!

Miss Heart is Racing Ready

If you checked the blog last year, you followed Michael's adventures as he attempted to make a motorcycle world land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats. He made the record, then they took it away from him because of a technicality, but they gave it back to him this past spring.

This year, he is trying to beat his own record. Miss Heart of Michigan racing is ready!

I will update daily.

Prayers for Michael's safety would be appreciated.

Isn't She Adorable?

Our Miss Heart ladies are great travelers.

As Morgan Lind, a Miss Heart contestant and current Miss GVSU
strolled through Keewanau Gem and Gifts in Houghton, Michigan,
she spotted this Creekside Grains Yooper Cookie baking mix.

I am sure that when the tourists saw Morgan posing with the cookie mix,
they stampeded her and bought all of the rest of the mixes!!!

Our Miss Heart ladies are so beautiful that the tourists could not
prevent themselves from buying the mixes.

Well, since I am not sure about the accuracy of the above tale,
I will just have to thank Morgan for sending us the photograph.
I hope she had a great trip to the Upper Peninsula!

Thanks Morgan!

News from Stephanie Paulosky

News from Stephanie Paulosky...

My internship at 7&4 News is going great!

This is shot, written, edited and fronted myself! So much work as a newbie---but such a great story, and am proud to cover it! Thanks, Gary!

~Steph

HERE IS THE LINK:

http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?list=~%5Cnews%5Clists%5Clocal&id=494794

We are proud of Stephanie! Miss Heart ladies are talented and beautiful!

More news from Katie (Miss Michigan 2010)

Hello Everyone ;0)

I just wanted to let you know that I posted a blog that talks about the goals for next year to do tangible work to address the issue of human trafficking. I have included the beginning of the blog below but for the full story go to www.katielynnlaroche.blogspot.com
or www.oneworldonefuture.org and click on "Information" at the top of the page.

I am not sure how long I will be sending out these updates so if you would like to follow the blog into the Central and South America travels I suggest just subscribing to the blog the left side of the welcome page.

Hugs and Smiles,

Katie

Last week on a trip to Boston I had the wonderful opportunity to have another lovely visit with Brigitte Cazalis-Collins and Joseph H. Collins. They are two incredibly inspiring individuals that have done amazing work for the past 12 years addressing the issue of Human Trafficking in the small landlocked country of Nepal. In partnership with One World. One Future, I will be working with them throughout the next year and beyond in an effort to best utilize the gifts and opportunities which I have been presented in this moment, in this year, in this life. There is a strange connection that I have come to feel in my heart and in my gut to these girls, my sisters in a sense, that are facing a life so different from the life of abundance that I have come to receive for a reason I refrain from even trying to understand.

More specifically I will be working to raise the funds to establish a minimum of one Transit Shelter, at a cost of $25,000, and potentially a solar energy system. The lack of a reliable energy source in Katmandu makes this source of solar power something that the girls are in great need of to properly run the rehabilitation center. For more information you can visit www.oneworldonefuture.org.... (for full blog go to www.katielynnlaroche.blogspot.com)

--
Katie Lynn LaRoche
Miss Michigan 2010

Miss Michigan's Blog - News from Katie

Hello Family and Pals:

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind but all has been going wonderfully. I just wanted to let you know that the first blog has been posted and I will be doing my best to keep up on it. You can read the blog at www.katielynnlaroche.blogspot.com. I have also listed any and all info that you could possibly need below. PLEASE pass along that I am ready and willing to present to groups on the issue of human trafficking and that appearances can be booked through www.missmichigan.org. FYI: They ask for a fee BUT if it is a non-profit or school and there are no funds available we should be able to work something out.

That is all for now. For more snazzy details and fun you can check out the blog.

Lots of Love.

Katie

Miss Michigan Webpage: www.missmichigan.org

One World One Future Webpage: www.oneworldonefuture.org

Blog: www.katielynnlaroche.blogspot.com

Twitter: K_LaRoche

My new address:

3950 Lake Point Drive

Muskegon, MI 49441

Upcoming Dates:

August 8^th: I am told that I will be having a homecoming party in Bay City on that date. The location is TBA.

October 17^th: I will be running in the Chicago Marathon and invite anyone who is up for a challenge to join on in. Let me know if you are interested ;0)

October 24^th: Human Trafficking Awareness Gala in East Lansing – More info will be posted at www.oneworldonefuture.org We are looking to raise many thousands of dollars at this one event in effort to fund several shelters for women who have been victims of trafficking.

January 11-15th: Miss America in Las Vegas– Several people have been asking about ticket information. I will be sending out the info on the hotels that are sponsors as well as information on purchasing tickets as soon as I get the details (This will probably be in August)

--
Katie Lynn LaRoche
Miss Michigan 2010

Wow!

What a night! Kaley was Top Ten, Katie LaRoche was Top Ten, Morgan Lind was Top Ten, Angela Venditti was Top Ten and Angelica Francisco was Top Ten. Each Top Ten contestant received a $1,000 scholarship.

Kaley also won the Excellence in Interview award, along with a $250 scholarship.

Angelica was Top Five! Katie LaRoche was Top Five!

Angelica was Fourth Runner Up! She received a $2,000 scholarship.

Katie was crowned Miss Michigan! She received a $10,000 scholarship.

I am so glad that I was able to be there! We had a wonderful time seeing Miss Heart family and watching a terrific program.

I am so proud of the Miss Heart ladies. Five former Miss Heart contestants were Top Ten. Two were Top Five! One won! It cannot get any better than that!

Best of luck to Katie as she tours Michigan this year and prepares for Miss America in January. I would love to see Katie wear a Miss America crown.

I look forward to seeing all of the the other Heart ladies back at Leelanau Sands in February (unless they are crowned at another local or open before then!). If they wear another crown, they can visit Miss Heart and cheer for their Miss Heart friends!

More Congrats for Katie!

Katie LaRoche did it again! She won evening gown and swimsuit at last night's competition.

Michael said that Kaley's talent was wonderful and she was just as beautiful as always.

The other Miss Heart ladies lived up to the Miss Heart standard of excellence. I am so proud of them.

I am on my way to Muskegon tomorrow. Last year, I had to stay home and listen to Michael two way me with the results. This year, I am not missing the event!

I will post my comments on Monday when I return.

Miss Heart ladies rock!

Congrats to Katie!

Congratulations to Katie LaRoche (Miss Heart 2009) for winning the talent award in Miss Michigan prelims last night! Katie received a $500 scholarship!

Miss Heart ladies rock!

Kaley's Miss Michigan Adventures - Tuesday

We have interview today. Being contestant #22, I do not have my interview until this afternoon. Interview is scheduled for 2:12 PM. The judges seem as though they are a very eclectic group this year and will bring something different to the panel. I will write more after interview...

Finished up with interview and I feel as though it went very well. I walked feeling comfortable and as though the judges are well informed on where I am in life and what I stand for as a woman. I must admit that normally I would prepare a closing. For those of you who do not know, the Miss America Organization interviews are 10 minutes long and you are allowed to end with a 30 second closing. This is the time that some women chose to pitch the job, tell a brief story, etc.

This year, I really struggled with what I was going to say. I decided to sleep on it the night before and whatever came to my heart was what I was going to say. So I ended with a life lesson that has served me well and is sure to serve off those who read it or hear it well. "We find ourselves when we lose ourselves in the service of others."

I can promise you this; I will continue striving to serve whether or not I do that with a crown on my head or wearing an old pair of scrubs.

Signing off from the heart-

Kaley

From Loretta - Kaley will always wear a crown, whether it is for Miss Heart, Miss Michigan or in service to her patients. I think crowns and old scrubs could make a fashion statement!

Michael is on his way to Muskegon to spend the rest of the week with Kaley and the ladies. I will join him on Saturday for the Miss Michigan pageant.

Tonight is the first night of preliminaries. Kaley will shine!!!

Kaley's Miss Michigan Adventures - Monday

Monday:

So today was filled with rehearsal, rehearsal and rehearsal... and a lunch at the Exchange Club. I write this blog from my hotel room as we have an hour or so of down time before we head off to dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings.

The Exchange Club event was great and the keynote speaker/representative gave such a heart warming speech about the importance of service and philanthropy that it literally brought tears to my eyes.

I had the pleasure of sitting at a table with Dick and Donna, a couple who have been married for 56 years! I asked them what the secret was to a successful marriage and Dick said "well in my day we did not have trial runs!" Ha ha! Good advice. They also told me about how their granddaughter has competed in the program and at Miss Michigan and now is trying to make it on Broadway. After just a couple of days here, I am reminded of what great women come to the Miss Michigan stage and I am just proud to be among them.

I will do my best to keep updating!

Signing off from the Heart-

Kaley

Kaley's Miss Michigan Adventures - Saturday events

And we’re off!

Just arrived in Muskegon today! The day began with wardrobe check-in at the theatre, individual photos/head shots, and an orientation regarding the week.

What a crazy time in life! I literally finished up my final internship yesterday at 5:00 PM and arrived at Miss Michigan this morning at 10:00 AM. Tomorrow we start off with a full day of rehearsal and talent productions. I will do my best to update the blog and keep you informed on all the happenings.

Signing off from the heart-

Kaley :)

From Cleats to Crowns - Kaley's Story

The Miss America pageant is an organization that focuses on the four points of the crown that comprise the substance of the program: Style, Scholarship, Success and Service. However, not a day goes by that the representatives of this organization need to explain that it is not in fact a beauty pageant. Although Miss America does not focus on outer beauty, it still is rich in tradition and consists of glitter, glamour and crowns.

Had you met me when I was young, you would have seen a tomboy covered in mud and grass stains and playing in the barn. I grew up in the country with my horses, barn cats, dogs and neighbor’s cows. I spent my days fishing, hiking, playing sports and enjoying all that the outdoors had to offer. In fact, my favorite past time is America’s favorite pastime; baseball. I grew up watching my dad play ball since I was a baby. Summer meant days and nights at the ball field. I grew to love the sport and started playing at a young age.

Fast forward to my high school days and I was training to achieve college offers to play. It was my senior year that it was all coming true.

In 2005, we had an amazing group of women who were State Championship bound. I had earned the position of Captain and all my hard work was paying off. It was this year that my softball coach informed me that she had signed me up to run for our local Harvest Festival Queen. I could not believe she had entered me! She told me that she thought I would do well and they were trying to get as many girls as possible.

On a warm Saturday evening, I found myself at the local band shell in a gown and heels, running for Harvest Festival Queen. 18 local girls graced the stage, answered on stage questions and had a formal interview earlier that day. Wouldn’t you know it! I won! Throughout that year, I had the opportunity to serve my community, attend local events and grow as a young woman. I found that I loved the experience and didn’t mind rotating the softball cleats for the queen crown.

As my year progressed, the committee of the Harvest Festival Queen said I should run for National Cherry Queen. And so it began. I started to apply myself in a new capacity outside of the softball field. Friends of mine smile and smirk when they see me in a sequin gown because they remember me best in a softball uniform with grass and dirt stains. I feel strongly that I have had such great success through this organization because I have never let go of who I really am, and that’s a country girl playing in the haystacks. What I love most about this organization is the ability to bring together such a wide variety of women and all who find success learning to embrace who they really are.

Signing off from the heart

Kaley

She Did It!

Well I survived and OH MY, I WAS TOTALLY RECHARGED!!! I fear that I have become thoroughly addicted to skydiving! The experience was unlike any other. By far the best part was swinging my feet out of the airplane door, folding my arms, and leaning forward and falling into the open sky. Truly a one of a kind experience that words can NOT describe. Falling at 120mph for 40 seconds and traveling a mile was amazing. I felt alive, I felt free, and completely fulfilled. I have always been a bit of an adventure and, ok, an adrenaline junkie, and I have not had my fix in some time. Skydiving was definitely the ticket!!! I will absolutely do it again in the future. Next time I would like to do it at sundown and jump into a pink, orange, and red sky. Jumping at Harbor Springs was also the right choice. I could see all the way to the Wisconsin coast! I saw Mackinac bridge, Green Bay, and all the islands in between.

The lesson behind this experience for me was to always remember to live each day to the fullest. To take chances and receive great rewards. To remember who I am and what I want out of life. Thank you Skydive Harbor Springs for the most incredible experience.

Signing off from the heart and the SKY!

Kaley

Free Falling

Free Falling from Kaley

Well folks, as long as the weather holds on May 15^th I will be jumping out of a perfectly good airplane! It has been a long time dream to go skydiving and I am finally making it happen! I actually believe that it will be a very therapeutic experience. Life is very busy and unknown right now. It is the first time in my life that I have no idea what is to come in the near months…and it is a fairly surreal feeling. I have always been a planner who sets goals and meets them! It is a foreign feeling to not know what to anticipate. So I decided to let it all go, be at peace with whatever comes my way and jump out of a plane! I am very excited. Did you know that you free fall for up to 30 seconds!!! Count um’ one thousand one, one thousand two…that’s a long fall. Hopefully the weather cooperates and I can send pictures of the view 12,000 feet up and the journey down. Write again soon!

Signing off from the heart-

Kaley :)

Kaley's new adventures

New adventures!

Hello all. I hope the spring weather is finding everything well and reinvigorating your spirits! I have taken on new adventures in the past couple of weeks. I have been working in a care unit rehabilitating individuals with neurological impairments and traumatic brain injuries. I was leery of this work at first, because I grew so very attached to the little ones I was previously working with. However, I find that the challenge of working in neurology is rewarding.

I have clients that range from teens through older adults. Each story and case is different. My heart goes out to the families and individuals who have experienced a traumatic accident that has completely changed the lives of those involved. Can you imagine losing your ability to communicate, walk, express, and be independent? My job is to get those skills back! I work every day to help these individuals work toward independence and achieving their prior level of function.

One of my clients found out that I was the reigning Miss Heart and showed up to my session with a paper crown!!! What a riot. I so admire the ability to never lose your sense of humor.

Wish everyone the best and signing off from the Heart.

Kaley

Miss Heart 2010

More Updates from Katie LaRoche (Miss Heart 2009)

This is an email from my friend, Mike, who is the Nepal Representative for One World. One Future. He had a meeting with the CEO of Maiti Nepal which is the largest Anti Human Trafficking organization in Nepal. We will be putting on a fundraiser/silent auction/dinner in the fall in partnership with my college sorority (Alpha Chi Omega) in hopes of raising the $20-25,000 necessary to run a border transit next year (there are already 10 along the border). The border transit will work to save an estimated 200-250 girls annually from being trafficked into India for sexual exploitation and will help to get the girls back on their feet and out there working to help their sisters. We are super excited about the project!!! Mike is a great guy and I am so happy he has taken all of this on.

For more info - see his email below or check out the Maiti Nepal web page.

Anuradha said if you want to start the new transit home in Nawalparasi you could. The sooner you are able to send funds the sooner one could be started.

I am tentatively making plans to go see the transit home in Bharatpur that is already functioning.

I will take photos and interview.

They said that Friends of Nepal are coming in June and you should come if you can! :-)!

Maiti Nepal is such a well run meaningful organization. They have many wonderful programs to assist as well.

I wanted to send this ASAP, I am tired so I'll stop for now.
With Affection,
Mike

---

Katie Lynn LaRoche
Founder & President: Our Poverty. Our Reality.
Co-President:Michigan Partners of the Americas


www.OurPovertyOurReality.org
Twitter: K_LaRoche
989-450-8944

News from Katie LaRoche (Miss Heart 2009)

Hello Family and Friends:

It’s that time of year again and the Outrun Poverty 5K Run/Walk is quickly approaching.

The date is May 22. You can find the registration form online at www.OneWorldOneFuture.org (formerly known as Our Poverty. Our Reality.)

I hope you can make it!

Cheers,

Katie

Katie Lynn LaRoche
Founder & President: One World. One Future.
Co-President: Michigan Partners of the Americas


www.OneWorldOneFuture.org
Twitter: K_LaRoche
989-450-8944

Final Moving Day!

If you do not hear from us for a few more days, it is because the phone lines and computers and internet are moving to our new office.

If all goes well, we will be back in action on Friday afternoon. If the normal glitches occur, you will hear from us on Monday.

Back to final packing and moving!

Bye!

Close to Moving Day!

Next Friday, we will be officially out of this office and into a temporary office.

Lots to do and little time to move it all!

We had wonderful friends who helped move most of the studio furniture
and files and shelves and lots of boxes on Saturday,
but my office is still very full.

I leave town for five days on Friday,
so poor Michael has to clean up after me.
He can do it! I know he can!

If the blog is empty for awhile,
I will fill it up when I return and unpack!

Miss Michigan Orientation

Miss Michigan Orientation

Well folks, I am contestant number 22! This past weekend we had Miss Michigan orientation already…what a ride! It was so great to see all of the girls, and so exciting to find out the details of this year’s competition. I drew contestant number 22 through the Miss Michigan lotto and I am very pleased with that number.

The theme this year is “The Beat Goes On” which will highlight past Miss Michigan's and the history of our program. Thirty truly incredible women vie for the crown this year!

I also found out who my roomie will be. Miss Lawrence Tech. Janelle Sekol! We are sure to have a good time and are so blessed to be in Muskegon experiencing this journey.

Aside from life as Miss Heart, I am counting down the days until my first rotation for my internship is completed. Only 2 ½ weeks left at the school. Then I move on to Spectrum subacute care, working in the neurology unit. I will see patients who have just undergone strokes and traumatic brain injuries. I am sure it will be a challenge, but I continue to remind myself that I have the opportunity to make someone's day a little bit better and a little bit brighter.

That is all for now! I will write again soon.

Signing off from the Heart

Kaley

Miss Lighthouse Coast

What a great weekend!

Stephanie Frey won Miss Lighthouse Coast.

Elyse Losen was First Runner Up.




Lindsey Kern was Second Runner Up.

Cameron Learman was Third Runner Up.

We are so proud of all four of you!

Since Elyse represented Miss Heart,
we had our "official" portrait taken to celebrate the occasion!

Way to go ladies!

Great idea from Kaley!

YOU can invest in education!

With a tight budget and decreasing school funds there is no question that schools are in need of additional financial support. I hate to see continued cuts made year after year. We value an education in our society and we know that a good education is essential to success. I found an organization that I thought was great and allows YOU to invest in education.

Visit donorschoose.org and you can donate as little as $1.00 or as much as your budget allows. Educators put in requests for school supplies; anything from construction paper, writing utensils, books, or laptop computers. Once you have decided what you would like your donation to benefit, you will receive a statement of your donation AND when the item is received by the school, you receive a full report and photo of that item being utilized in the classroom!

The concept is simple. Times are hard right now and everyone has to cut back, BUT we can ALL work together and get through these tough times. Education is essential and the youth of today need to have a solid one. Please check this website out and donate whatever you can afford.


donorschoose.org

Miss Lighthouse

Several of Miss Heart contestants will be competing
for Miss Lighthouse on Friday evening.

Miss Heart ladies are brilliant, talented, beautiful and fun to hang out with,
so it will be a great evening.

Michael has to stay in Traverse City for the weekend,
so I get to go!

You will hear me cheering officially for Elyse Losen
and unofficially for all of the other Miss Heart ladies who are competing!

We wish them the best of luck!

Stories from the Heart!

This was sent to me by a client who wanted to share her Creekside Grains/Miss Heart story...Please keep the family in your prayers. Thank you.

Two years ago my friend was diagnosed with cancer, shortly after finding our she was expecting. She was unable to do the traditional treatments until after the baby was born.

Now with a healthy baby girl and an amazing husband, they started a new life of her being in remission. God had other plans for her. Just a few weeks ago, she went into emergency surgery and was unable to see her daughter for days.

When her little girl did get to visit her, Grandma had purchased a package of Princess Pancakes or Crown Cookies (not sure which mix, because I didn't get the entire story) for a "Get Better" gift. Her little girl walked into the hospital room with the mix and said, "You're still a princess to me Mom."

God's grace, mercy and love is unfailing and faithful and continues to bless my friends. Everything went great in surgery and we'll shall see what the weeks ahead hold for them.

Happy Birthday Kaley!

Happy Birthday to Kaley,

Happy Birthday to Kaley,

Happy Birthday to Kaley,

Happy Birthday to you!

Congratulations to Morgan Lind!

Congratulations to Morgan Lind
for winning
Miss Grand Valley State University last night!

We are so proud of Morgan
and look forward to seeing her at Miss Michigan!

We were at a friend's wedding in Grand Rapids,
so missed the program,
but got to see Morgan
just after she was crowned!

Great job, Morgan!

Kaley's First Blog

Well it is my first blog entry. I am excited to have the opportunity to utilize a blog as Miss Heart! So first things first, I want to thank the entire Miss Heart Organization, volunteers, families, contestants, and all of our sponsors. What an incredible event it was and none of it would be possible without the many efforts of so many. Thank you all!

I would like to share a little information about who I am. I was born and raised in Ludington, Michigan. I love the natural beauty that our state offers and appreciate its natural resources. I grew up in the country with my mom, dad, younger brother, horses, dogs, cats, and farm country. I currently reside in Lowell, but my heart is and always will be in “Up North Michigan”. That is one of the many reasons I am so excited to represent the greater Traverse area. Every autumn season I head north and hike the Sleeping bear dunes, kayak Lake Michigan waters, discover new coasts and trails, and take in my favorite colorful season.

I moved to Lowell for an internship. I recently graduated this December with my Masters in Occupational Therapy through Grand Valley State University. I work as a pediatric occupational therapist at an intermediate school district in the early intervention program. My job is to help babies and toddlers (birth-3) meet developmental milestones and overcome any delays they are experiencing. I LOVE my job and it is so incredibly rewarding. This job allows me to make a difference every day and see children overcome conditions and special needs. It is also rewarding to work within the home and closely with families. Every day is different and a new opportunity; I would not have it any other way.

I chose to become a part of the Miss America Organization because I believe in the core values of this organization; Scholarship, Style, Success, and Service. My personal platform is The Power of Philanthropy. I know that everyone has specific talents and characteristics that can be utilized for the greater good of society. I also know that giving back and providing service allows self-discovery and growth. This is a message I try to live and share every day. I will use this blog to share opportunities and organizations that parallel this philosophy. If we can all change our own corner of the world we change the world for the better.

On that note, I will leave you for now. Thank you again to the folks at Miss Heart for you dedication and commitment. Thank you sponsors for your generosity. Thank you families for your continued support. Thank you fellow contestants for being the amazing women that you all are!!!

Signing off from the heart,

Kaley

51 to go!

Michael reminded me this morning
that we only have 51 weeks to go
before Miss Heart of Michigan 2011!

Guess we had better start preparing,
or it will be here before we know it!

More images of Kaley

What a great expression!

Thank you to Steve Cook
for his generous donation to the
Miss Heart of Michigan scholarship fund!
We could not have done this without you!

Oh, What a Night!

She has talent...

She has beauty...

She has a crown and $10,000 scholarship!

Kaley with Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund

Angela Sayler, National Cherry Queen
and Kaley Schroeder,
Miss Heart of Michigan 2010


Many more images to come, as soon as I can get a chance to breathe!

National Cherry Queen is now Miss Heart

Former National Cherry Queen, Kaley Schroeder,
is our new Miss Heart of Michigan 2010.

Kaley and the other contestants were incredible tonight.
There was talent, there was beauty, there was grace,
there was fun...we had a wonderful time.

The Leelanau Sands Showroom was the best venue!
Professional lighting and sound, gorgeous stage...
it was all there, plus so much more.
The staff was there to help, even before we asked!
We really hope we can go back next year.

We welcome Kaley to our Miss Heart family
and look forward to our year together.
More information when I can keep my eyes open enough to type :)

Tonight's the Night!

Rehearsal was wonderful! The Leelanau Sands Showroom was incredible and we are ready to crown the new Miss Heart of Michigan tonight.

There is still room for more, so join us!

This is It!

Today is the day for rehearsal.

Some contestants arrived last night and most will arrive early today.

We are ready to have a wonderful time!

Join us tomorrow evening for fun and glamour
and lots of scholarship money awarded!

Look What is Coming!

This is a copy of the check that will be presented to Miss Heart of Michigan 2010!

Join us for the fun!

Four Days and Counting

The time is near!

We are putting the final touches on Miss Heart of Michigan!

We are so excited!!!

One Week to Go!

After all of this planning, we have one week to go! Twenty six contestants are practicing their opening number dance and practicing their talent and preparing their outfits and are almost ready to go!

The details, details, details are almost detailed out, so I can take a breath and look forward to seeing everyone next Friday. However, this event is much like a wedding. Just when I think I have covered everything, I remember that I forgot something! Back to more details!

Join us for a spectacular evening of beauty and entertainment!

Leelanau Sands Showroom

I spent the morning at the Leelanau Sands Showroom going over final details. It is a fantastic venue!

The Showroom has hosted many, many national acts and the staff and crew know how to make a great show.

The stage is huge. The contestants are going to love it.

The seating is great. Not a bad seat in the house! The parents are going to love it.

The casino is right next door. It will be a great place for entertainment prior to or after the pageant.

Come join us! It will be a great evening!

Miss Spirit of the State

Congratulations to Kathryn Morton for winning Miss Spirit of the State last night.

It was a great pageant! It was wonderful seeing everyone from Miss Heart. There were crowns everywhere, with visiting Miss America preliminary winners!

A fun night was had by all!

Off to Spirit

Michael and I are on our way to Miss Spirit of the State to help Miss Noddea for the evening.

It will be a great time!

We are almost there!

Our contestants for the 2010 Miss Heart of Michigan pageant are ready to compete for the title of Miss Heart of Michigan and win the $10,000 scholarship!

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2010 pageant. If you are interested in joining us as a guest, we would love to see you! Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Please call 800-417-2822 or 231-947-6655 to reserve your tickets.