Annual VJ Parade; Moosup CT- August 10, 2009

On August 10th, I was honored with an invitation by Gail McCool to participate in the Annual VJ parade, which celebrates all of the veterans of Pearl Harbor. It was wonderful meeting with the service men and women who have done so much for our country.

Christmas in July Lighting Contest- July 25, 2009

On July 25, I was invited by Genitle's Campground of Plymouth CT to perform the National Anthem and participate in judging their annual Christmas in July decorating contest alongside the Mayor of Plymouth. I even had the chance to meet Santa!

Access Broadway National Finals, Mystic CT

Just two weeks after Miss CT, I advanced to the National Finals of the Access Broadway Vocal competition. I competed under the Broadway and Ballad Divisions and was incredibly thrilled to be awarded the High Gold medals in both categories!

Final Night of Competition June 27, 2009

On the final night of competition I was thilled to be named the Miss America Academic Award winner for the State of Connecticut, and had the chance to meet Erica Dunlap, Miss America 2004! This was an incredible honor! And a very special congratulations to my friend Sharalynn, our new Miss CT!!
named the Academic Award winner!

Miss CT Week- Garde Arts Center- June 21, 2009

It was a wonderful experience spending the week before Miss CT at the Garde Arts Center. Each contestant had the opportunity to get to know one another, rehearse for all phases of the competition, learn the opening number and have some special meet-and-greets after the preliminaries!

swimsuit rehearsal

Miss CT Contestant Arrival- Garde Arts Center- June 21, 2009

On June 21, all Miss and Teen contestants arrived at the Garde Arts Center to begine our week of rehearsal! Here we are getting our contestant badges and ready to start the week!

Miss CT Gala- June 20, 2009

All of the Miss CT contestants had the chance to celebrate our upcoming pageant with dinner and dancing at the annual gala, while contributing to a worthy cause. We each designed a special hat for auction, with all proceeds to benefit the Children's Miracle Network.

Get Together of the Miss Connecticut Contestants and My Birthday! Norwich CT, June 6, 2009

After our initial production rehearsal, we all headed to our choreographers house, and were treated to a pool-side Barbeque. It was by far the BEST way to spend my birthday! My Miss CT family even suprised me with a birthday ice cream cake!

Miss CT Production Rehearsal-Norwich CT; June 6,2009

Today was a wonderful day to learn our opening number for the Miss CT pageant and have the chance to meet with our roomates for the upcoming week! Here are all of the Outstanding Teen and Miss Contestants as we met our incredicble choreographer.

Visit to Watertown High School, Watertown CT- June1, 2009

On June 1st, I took a special trip to my hometown high school to perform a song and visit with the Senior English and Music classes. I was thrilled to sing "For Good" from my favorite musical "Wicked" as a guest for the Senior English Presentations! I was also given the opportunity to discuss the Miss America Orgaization, and even answered some questions about the upcoming Miss CT pageant in June. Here are some pictures of the presentation, and meeting some of the Watertown High students!!

Morris Memorial Day Celebrations - Morris, Connecticut - May 26, 2009

Right after my hometown parade I headed to my wonderful neighboring town of Morris to take part in the festivities. Thanks to everyone in the town of Morris for welcoming me and allowing me to share in the celebrations of this special day!!

I have to admit that being the avid animal lover that I am, my first mission was to meet the beautiful horses that were being showcased with the scout troops.

Watertown Memorial Day Parade - Watertown, Connecticut - May 26, 2009

On Memorial Day, I headed to the center of my hometown of Watertown to perform some special songs in appreciation for our veterans. I had the chance to meet with some of the wonderful and encouraging people of my town who are supporting me on my journey to Miss Connecticut. It was such a thrill and suprise to see some familiar faces from the float, and to give some special hugs at the Green! I send my love and thank you's to everyone in my hometown for the wonderful turnout in sharing appreciation for our troops!!


Ready to sing again!

Waterbury Memorial Day Parade - Waterbury, Connecticut - May 24, 2009

On Sunday afternoon I was thrilled to take part in the annual Waterbury Memorial Day Parade. I was not only privileged to sing the Military Medley along with the Glory Girls on a special float which I helped decorate, but was also able to perform God Bless the U.S.A. for the ceremony on the Green. Special thanks to the Glory Girls: Stacy Petta, Jillian Vollentine and my Business Manager Kimberly Geremia!

Here we are after the parade with Spencer Parrish.


Performing on the green was a special honor.

With the Gold Star Mothers, All American Woman - Kimberly Geremia, Miss Greater Waterbury - Amber Caron and Miss Brass City - Dana Brooks.

With the famous "Ziggy" of Waterbury. His patriotic spirit touches us all!

Waterbury Veterans Memorial Dinner - Ponte Club - Waterbury, Connecticut - May 20, 2009

I had the tremendous privilege of attending the Waterbury Veterans Memorial Day Dinner at the Ponte Club in Waterbury. It was incredible seeing the heartfelt honors bestowed on the devoted veterans of our country.

Here we are with Wendy D'Occhio (left). Her husband is one of the coordinators of the event.

While we were setting up, we took some great photos.

Here we are with one of the committee members and coordinator of the Waterbury Memorial Day Parade, Veteran John Sarlo.

We had the chance to say hello to old friends, the Honorable Mayor Michael Jarjura (Waterbury) and to the Honorable Mayor Thomas Dunn (Wolcott).

I also was introduced to the Committee President, Col. John Chiarella. He's a regular jokester and had us all laughing, including Kimberly's Father-In-Law, Dave!

Here's Veteran Marine, Sam Beamon. Sam is also a past honoree.

I had the honor of performing God Bless the U.S.A. with Kimberly (All American Woman 2009) to close the ceremony, and personally thank all of the veterans in attendance.

Another lovely guest that evening was American Legion Auxiliary Past President, Elaine Gravelin. She is from Prospect and she was an absolute delight to meet! We had a wonderful time and can't wait for the parade on Sunday!

I was truly grateful to have been a part of this experience and to have the chance to take part in honoring our state's incredible Servicemen and Servicewomen.