Zionsville Pumpkins and Hayrides 2009

Thank YOU Indiana!

I’m sorry I never updated you on my last week as Miss Indiana but I wanted to enjoy every last moment I had with my Miss Indiana Family and not typing on a computer. Miss Indiana week was different this year and not just because I was ending my time as Miss Indiana. ALL of the girls got along and supported each other and were friends! There were no clichés and no girls off to themselves just a bunch of beautiful, talented, smart, young women giving their personal best and supporting each other. That was one of my goals as Miss Indiana. I wanted part of my legacy as Miss Indiana to be fostering friendly competition among the girls and I couldn’t have been happier of the result! Miss Indiana week went by so fast…even though I slept an average of 4 hours a night! I wanted to prolong the week and it was everything I wanted it to be. Each of the girls brought it and the show was amazing. I was more excited each of the prelim and finals nights then when I had been a competitor because it was such a close race! Congratulations to all of the local titleholder, award winners, Top 10, Top 5, and our NEW Miss Indiana 2009 Nicole Pollard. You have worked so hard, Nicole, and came so close so many times and Never, Never, Never gave up. I know you will inspire so many Hoosiers with your story of perseverance and will represent Indiana well at Miss America. In my last blog as Miss Indiana 2008 here is my farewell speech I gave during Miss Indiana:
“Growing up in Auburn, Indiana I never imagined I would be standing here tonight saying good bye to my time as Miss Indiana. Miss Indiana was not a dream I had as a child. It was a goal that evolved as I began to understand and appreciate this organization. It was my commitment to this program along with the people of Indiana and the experiences I had, as a college student that drove me to attempt to achieve what, at times, seemed like the impossible. I competed for 5 years to win the title of Miss Indiana and 5 times fell short of my goal…but I never gave up on my dream thanks to the many people who believed in me and pushed me to do better and be better. My memories of competing at Miss Indiana will be with me forever.
I think many of us had an inkling a year ago when a newcomer named Katie Stam, was crowned Miss Indiana that she would go on to become Indiana’s first Miss America that following January. I was one of Katie’s Hoosier supporters that traveled to Las Vegas to be a part of that history making moment. If or should I say WHEN that happened, those of us in the MAO pageant circle wondered who would become Miss Indiana? And as 5th runner-up I never imagined it would be me.

For me, becoming Miss Indiana was a chance to make an impact, no matter how small, on the people of this great state. Although contestants are judged on interview, in talent, swimsuit, evening gown, and on-stage question, that really doesn’t begin to skim the surface of what the job of Miss Indiana entails. As a local titleholder and as Miss Indiana I have been able to achieve many things that an ordinary girl named Megan Meadors would have never been able to experience. I have met numerous celebrities such as Marie Osmond, Clinton Kelley, Sam Haskell, Carlos Diaz, Rupert from Survivor and was so close to Mario Lopez we were breathing the same air; Athletes such as Bob Sanders, Josh McRoberts, Brady Quinn, Larry Bird, and Peyton Manning; Politicians such as Senator Kruse, the Mayor of Indianapolis Greg Ballard and his wife, and Indiana’s Governor Mitch Daniels and his wife: along with many Miss Americas. In fact, former Miss America 2000 Heather French Henry custom designed and personally constructed my talent gown last year. I was awestruck that I was meeting, working with, and texting with a former Miss America.

As Miss Indiana I was able to take my platform, Keeping the Memory Alive – Alzheimer’s Awareness, to a new level. I made an impact through my original Memory Box program that introduced young children to the disease. I assembled my “Queen Team” of former and current reigning titleholders to join me at the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Memory Walks. I was named the state spokesperson for the QUASH, Quest to Unravel Alzheimer’s Scavenger Hunt, and educated people on the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, the need for funds to eradicate this disease and how to Maintain Your Brain.

I enthusiastically supported the Miss America organizations national platform, the Children’s Miracle Network. I served at Riley Hospital for Children as a Magic Castle Cart volunteer. It was very fulfilling to bring a smile to the faces of children who at time didn’t have much to smile about. Those visits also boosted the spirits of the parents, as they were able to see their child experience joy. I helped establish the inaugural Riley Dance Marathon at the University of Indianapolis, and served as the WAJI Magic 95.1 spokesperson for all of their events to benefit Riley. I promoted the sale of their exclusive Majic Miracle Music CDs, worked the phones at their annual Riley radio-thon and assisted them at the annual Tapestry A Day for Women event.

I starred in three Public Service Announcements for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, played in a celebrity softball game for the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, donned sneakers and an evening gown to benefit Champ Camps, sang the national anthem for many sporting events, and am probably best known in northeast Indiana as the titleholder who wearing her crown and sash took a Polar Plunge into 30 degree water!

I had the opportunity to touch the lives of every age group. My talks to children across Indiana encouraged them to make smart choices and good decisions to achieve their dreams through the Right Decision’s Right Now program. I met with veterans and active soldiers and had the opportunity to thank them for their service to our country. I was honored to participate in the crowning of many of this years’ local titleholders and to serve as emcee at two pageants. As I traveled across this wonderful state, I promoted the Miss Indiana organization on local television and radio stations as well as in the print media. I packed nearly 100 appearances into my 5 month “year” of service all the while working 30-40 hours a week as an Occupational Therapist. I met thousands of Hoosiers and traveled over 5,000 miles.

I have so many special memories of this past year. Some of the highlights are being crowned Miss Indiana by our Miss America, graduating with my Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, and becoming engaged to the man of my dreams! These past 6 years have been a whirlwind and I would not be where I am today without the love and support of what seems like thousands of people. Please forgive me if I have forgotten you in my long list of thank yous!
To my fellow Hoosiers thank you for welcoming me with open arms and for being so excited to meet me and get an autograph or picture. Although many of your confused me with Katie you all made me feel like a celebrity even after you realized I wasn’t Miss America!

To the City of Zionsville thank you for allowing us crazy pageant people to invade your town once a year for these past 5 years. You make this experience so much more special because of the hospitality of your people and the beauty of your town!

To the Elks I had such an amazing weekend with you at your state convention. The scholarship dollars you have given to the many women who have graced this stage have helped us all to achieve our professional dreams!

To the Lions what would this pageant be without the chick-fil-a cow, your yellow shirts, and your open arms of kindness. I look forward to our time together every year and as a fellow Lion am proud of your commitment to community service…Bite ‘Em!

To my Hometown of Auburn and the Univeristy of Indianapolis. Thank you for allowing me to grow up and become the woman I am today in a small town and university that embodies Hoosier Hospitality! Kent and Shelly I would not be here today if it wasn’t for you improving upon my performance skills and helping me to become a better entertainer!
To my many friends including Ashley, Callie, and Leah I could not have imagined that as I brunette I would be living with three of the prettiest blonde-haired women to grace the face of the earth. Thank you for supporting me in my times of stress and pushing me to believe I could do everything I put on my calendar!

To my OT classmates…some may say that graduate school is all work and no play but not with us! You pushed me to be a better student and to become a better occupational therapist all while having the time of my life.
To my co-workers thank you for allowing me to have the most flexible schedule ever and for always covering for me when I needed you and helping me practice my baseball skills before I threw the first pitch at the Indian’s Game and played in the Hometeam celebrity softball challenge.

To Craiger thank you for pushing me to have better fitness. Even though it was very hard for me to fit in your very reasonable cardio requirements with my busy schedule. I look forward to working with you in the future to look great on my wedding day! You all should check him out…How is that for an advertisement Craig?!

To Janit at Divine Chic…thank you for letting me borrow my crowning dress for Katie’s homecoming…I truly felt like Miss Indiana in that dress

To Elizabeth at Miss Priss thank you for helping me with my entire wardrobe for Miss Indiana 2008 and for letting me borrow your gowns for this weeks pageant. Very few dress shop owners are as caring, selfless, and involved as you. You truly want each of your clients to feel like a million bucks. I will forever treasure your friendship!
To All of the Miss Indiana local directors and volunteers – Even though I was never officially “your girl” you always made me feel a part of your pageant family. I will treasure your hugs and words of support and love forever and I hope you all know I would have tried to be your titleholder if I would have met the eligibility requirement and the age-out year was 39!

To my many local directors. Well the one thing about losing so much is that I was able to have you all in my life!
To my first and third local director Jama: You always helped me to keep a realistic level head and see the big picture when it came to competing. You instilled in me the belief that the pageant is not the be all end all but the means to an end. A vehicle to better my communications skills and confidence so that I could achieve my career ambitions and be the best Megan I could be!

To Lyn: I have to say I was sweating it out a bit the year I became your local titleholder. I had lost out on 5 titles before I was crowned the VERY last titleholder of the 2005 season. You were the first person to implant the seed in my mind that I would become Miss Indiana. You had unfaltering confidence in my abilities and allowed me to achieve my best placement ever at Miss Indiana as 4th runner-up which enabled me to become Miss Indiana National Sweetheart. I value your energy, enthusiasm, love, and friendship!

To Tim and Matt: you were the “Dream Team” I had wanted to be a part of for so long and you never let me down. You helped me to believe in the game plan of doing my personal best and I continue to this every day and follow the North Central Golden Rule!

To Deb and Boo: Your enthusiasm for the Miss America program and your tireless efforts to help promote me in this state laid the foundation for me to effortlessly and confidently step into the role of Miss Indiana and make it all I had ever dreamed it being. Your fun and wackiness was just what this 4 year veteran needed. You showed me that I didn’t have to wait to be crowned Miss Indiana to start making an insane amount of appearances. I truly felt like Miss Indiana at every event you helped me to book. I treasure our friendship and wish you luck in your future endeavors!

To Mark, Debbie, and Sarah the second time was a charm for me at Miss Central and it was so bittersweet for me to leave that title behind to take on the role of Miss Indiana. You are a family that will always have a special place in my heart and not just because you introduced me to my future husband! I know we would have done great things at Miss Indiana 2009 but I know you were so thrilled to see me reach my dream!

To the State Board: To Frank I know you wanted to call me first to become Miss Indiana and everything else was a formality…just kidding! Troll and I had a blast traveling around the state together!
To Aren you are the backbone of this organization. The many hours you put into the meticulous details of the website, paperwork, program, photographs, autograph pads, the list goes on and on…Your huge smile and effervescent personality are a bright light in this organization! I wish you and Steve the best in your life together.
To Breanne thank you for all of the hard work you put into this organization to make pageant week such a memorable time for all of us contestants. Your calming, loving demeanor and words of wisdom were always a blessing during Miss Indiana week……….and the food is great as well!

To Pat, Sara, and Stacey: The behind the scene work you do with the princesses, tickets, and CMN monies is truly appreciated. I know my Miss Indiana experience would have been so much more stressful if it had not been for all of your hard work!

To the Aurthurs: You enthusiasm for the Miss Indiana program through your photography is wonderful. You have captured so many memories that the local titleholders of Indiana will share with there families down the road.

To Anthony Mosley: Thank you for volunteering your time to take photos of me. I loved spending time with you and your photography is amazing!

To Craig and Karen: first off thank you for NOT making us do production numbers in our swimsuits!!! Your commitment to make Miss Indiana first and foremost a GREAT show is appreciated by all that attend. Once I got over my fear of you Craig I saw you were a big teddy bear who cared about making this experience enjoyable for the whole audience. Karen thank you for helping me with my wardrobe and making sure that I looked my best at Miss Indiana!

Marietta I would have been lost with out you and our Google Calendar system. If it wasn’t for you I would have been so unorganized because of my crazy schedule. You helped me to achieve all of my goals as Miss Indiana and book all of the appearances I wanted to do this year!

To Tony, Quinn, Joe, Jenelle, And all of the backstage crew of Miss Indiana and Hostesses at Miss Indiana. You make Miss Indiana the show it is…PERIOD. We would be lost with out all of your handwork! Thank you!

To Co you were always there to calm me down during my first couple of years competing at Miss Indiana before you pushed me out on stage for the different phases of competition. During my latter years you would get me pumped up when I needed a pinch of enthusiasm in my step. No one can make me smile like you and help me to enjoy the fun of being backstage at Miss Indiana! You made my experience as a 500 Festival Princess and Miss Indiana competitor 1,000 times more fun. Don’t ever lose your spunk!

To Brad: You MCed my first pageant and you will MC my last. I remember being in high school and thinking that I had finally met a celebrity when I met you and I always had fun when you would come to the football games and let my cheerleading squad be on your TV sports show. You make Miss Indiana the show it is because of your amazing people skills and sense of humor. I wish you great national success with your TV career but I always hope you come back to Miss Indiana because it wouldn’t be the same with out you!

To Barb Helm: Your constant encouragement and love helped me to carry on during times of defeat and sadness. Your presence in many of my interviews helped to calm my nerves when I would see a familiar face in the room. There are many things I looked forward to when I would become Miss Indiana and having you decorate my dressing room was one of those things. It was everything I had hoped and so much more! Also thank you for allowing your family to be a part of my journey to Miss Indiana, having your granddaughter as my princess is one of my happiest memories during my year in the MIO. I treasure your friendship and all of those Black Buggy Dinners!

To Terry thank you so much for your “Orange Power” my orange swimsuit last year was all for you! Your pep talks before my interviews always got me pumped up to show the judges I could be Miss Indiana. I will miss your big hugs and all of your stories about Miss Indiana History. You need to write a book…I would be first in line to buy it!

To Michael: I have always wanted a big brother to look out for me. When I met you I got that plus a great shopping buddy. NO ONE in the Miss Indiana Organization made me feel more like Miss Indiana but you! Your calls to check in on me helped my drives to appearances pass faster and texts of encouragement helped me to carry on in times of great fatigue and stress! I appreciate you giving of your time to be my “date” at numerous appearances and I value your fashion sense and will always treasure our trips to Cache where we found the perfect ensemble so that I would be “appearance perfect!” I hope we will always keep in touch and you will always think of me as your little sister.

To Morgan and Trina Jackson you are what every family should be…….. full of love and Christ. No one has a bigger heart than the two of you and I value our friendship more that you will ever know! And Morgan if by some chance I don’t end up being a local director I will follow up on my second plan You are going to rock the Miss America stage some day I KNOW it!!

To my Miss Indiana Sisters thanks for beating me so many times and allowing me to have the chance to return to Zionsville year after year and learn more about myself. God knew what he was doing with this timing. Kelly, Brynn, Sarah, Susan, Betsy, and Nicole. I learned so much from you all. Thank you for taking the time to give me such wonderful advice. When I became Miss Indiana I was most excited to be a part of your sisterhood!
To Megan Thwaites I don’t think there will ever again be two sister queens with the same name from the same high school. I have enjoyed getting to know you through our joint appearances and wish you the best of luck next year at DeKalb High School with Cheerleading and Classic Connection!

To Katie Stam from the moment I heard you were competing against me in Miss Central I was…well let’s face it…I was a nervous wreck! I had heard about your successful pageant reputation but upon meeting you I was genuinely excited to see that you had a heart as big as all of your pageant success! You are the most gracious, hardworking, good-hearted person I have ever met and I am so honored to have you as a friend. I am so excited to continue to watch the many blessings unfold for you and Brian!
To My Princesses: Jordan I will always remember the second year you were my princess and you told me that you had to mow 40 lawns at $5 a piece to pay for your own Miss Indiana Princess entry fee. I felt so honored that you would work so hard to be with me. The following year I was saddened yet amazed when you made such an adult decision for such a young woman. You told me you could have still been my princess but you were getting tall and felt I would have a better chance of winning if my princess didn’t tower over me so you decided to end your princess career! You have such a huge heart and I hope you never lose it! And to Jordan’s little brother Cole thank you for always making me feel so special…you are a great “pageant boyfriend”
To Delaney I have watched your confidence grow these past few year as my princess. I was so thrilled to learn that you were Indiana’s National Princess and I hear you were the star of the show. Thank you for being there when I competed in locals and always supporting me. I wish you could be my princess forever but I look forward to the day when you are on the Miss Indiana stage and hopefully my little girl can accompany you in evening gown! You will make an amazing Miss Indiana some day!
To Pageant Posse (Bridget, Erin, Erica, Tonya, Sarah, Lindsey, etc.): I have so many memories, inside jokes, and facebook albums because of all of the girls I have met in this organization. I am so excited that I can truly say those stereotypes are not true!
To “The Trio” I thought that when all of my friends aged out of Miss Indiana I would be lonely but then I met you two! We have had so many amazing times together on our pageant travels from Indiana to Las Vegas. Ashley and Claire I will be at Miss America cheering you on some day soon…You know I’ll give you pageant mental coaching FREE of charge!
To Kaleena, Lisa, Lauren because I made friends like you I know all the stress, time, and tears I have endured from competing were all worth it. When I first started out in this organization we were told that my fellow competitors would most likely end up being my bridesmaids…at the time I didn’t believed them but I have been a bridesmaid in two of your weddings with one more to go! I look forward to having you stand up with me at my wedding in January! I also will look forward to the vacations we will take together without men in the years to come!
To Jim and Joy YOU have supported me like no one will ever know (because I can keep a secret). I met you when I was Indiana’s sweetheart and our friendship blossomed over the years. You both are shining jewels in my crown. Thank you for sharing your amazing gift not only with me and the contestants of Indiana, but with women from across the country. Miss Indiana and the entire MAO are very lucky to have you be a part of this organization. I will be praying for you both along with the whole Miss America Organization. I know you will kick cancers butt again Joy!

To Linda Stayer…it’s all your fault! I say that lovingly. You were the woman who got me involved in this crazy thing called pageantry. If I would not have won the title of Miss Auburn in high school and worked with you, who knows where I would be. At your urging I competed in the Miss Northeast pageant, and so the journey began. Had it not been for you my life would have been completely different. Thank you for being my biggest fan you have truly changed my life for the better!

To my family that is no longer with me: Grandpa Meadors and Grandpa and Grandma Banwag you are the reason for my platform and I know that in a very short amount of time no one else will have to endure the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
To Grams if only you were here to see me. I know you would be proud of me and I still love you Grams!
To the Meadors Family, Grandma, and Aunt Sue: Thank you for your support of me during the Miss Indiana competition and for coming to cheer me on at many of my appearances as Miss Indiana! Having you at those events made them so much more special!
To the Meyer Family: Mitch, Michelle, Daniel, Michael, Lorea, Great Grandma Johnson and my many great Aunts. You have come to support me in not only Miss Indiana competitions but so many of the locals I competed in. Thank you so much for helping me to set up so many appearances and for the very special candy dish! I love you all so much!

To Grandpa and Judy: no one was more excited when I called to tell them I was the new Miss Indiana then you two! I can always feel the pride you have for me when we speak and I enjoy our time together more than anything in the world. Grandpa you have been there to counsel me through so many difficult times in my life and I love you more than you will ever know. I never wanted to let you down and having you in my life pushed me to achieve my biggest dreams!

To my Dad: Thank you for becoming such an involved pageant dad over the years. I will never forget when you told me that when I won Miss DeKalb County you were as proud as if you had had a son score the winning point in a ball game. Even though at times I acted embarrassed I am so appreciative of all of the pictures you have taken over the years and all of my appearances you traveled with me to.

To Kelsey: Lord knows we have had our times…as sister do. But the day I graduated from high school I remember the words you said that brought me closer to you. You said, “how will I do it without you?” and Kelsey you did it! You have grown into such an amazing young woman who is much more responsible and level headed then I could have ever been at your age. You have an infectious scene of humor and God could not have picked a better friend for me that just happens to be my little sister.
To the love of my life and my future husband, Steven. This has been a very difficult journey for me and even more difficult for you. Every year when I would come back from Miss Indiana so disappointed in myself from not reaching my goal you were there with a shoulder for me to cry on. I know it was hard for you and these past six months have tested our relationship because of the lack of time we have for each other. Well guess what?! I reached my goal with your loving support and now we can move onto achieve our goals of marriage, family, and creating a successful business. January can’t come soon enough!
To my Mother: what can I say there is no possible way that I would have been able to achieve this dream without you. I would not have been able to do everything scheduled on my calendar with out you. You are the best personal assistant, motivational speaker, wardrobe stylist, blog proof reader, email drafter, event coordinator, hair stylist, make up artist, project finances, cheerleader, room decorator, suitcase packer, ect that money could buy…and you did it all for free. Because you believed in me and wanted to se me reach this dream. You never pushed me and when I wanted to quit you said quit and when I wanted to try again you said…I knew you would never quit. You know me better that anyone and I pray that every young competing in this organization can have a “pageant mom” like you…and that is a complement! I love you so much and cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for me in my 24 years of life!
To my heavenly father at times it was hard for me to trust in your plan. My journey was nothing like I had imagined for myself but you knew what you were doing all along. I thank you everyday for the blessings you have given me in my life and I pray you will continue to bless me my family and my friends for our whole life and that we may all remember to trust in you and your plan for our lives.
May the next Miss Indiana, all of the contestants tonight, and all of the future Miss Indiana contestants be as blessed as I have been on my journey. I hope that my story of perseverance will inspire others to Never, Never, Never, Never give up!”

People have asked me if I was sad to give up my title and the answer is no. I spend 6 years in the MAO and really got everything out of it a girl could ask for…what is there to be sad about?! I did get teary eyed at different time during the week when it would hit me that I actually was Miss Indiana 2008 (it is still very hard for me to believe). Actually I probably would have cried during my farewell walk and final song if it hadn’t been for the former Miss Indianas. As I waited during the finals off in the wings I watched as each former Miss Indiana in attendance speak about their time as Miss Indiana and what they are up to now. At that time a peace came over me. I was no longer going to cry because my time as Miss Indiana was over I was overjoyed to be a part of this amazing sisterhood FOREVER. I look forward to continuing to support this program as a FORMER MISS INDIANA and that is something to smile about!

Carlos Diaz Crime Stoppers Golf Challenge/Indianapolis Tornadoes Football Game

I woke up at 3:30 am on June 20th (a day I heard was statistically the happiest day of the year) to headed down to Valle Vista Country Club to participate in a golf outing. Carlos Diaz, special correspondent for Extra, asked me to be a special guest at his event. I had met him when we both were on the Blue Team for the Celebrity Hometeam Softball Challenge for the Indiana’s Wish Fund. I arrived at the club at 6:00 a.m. and then was escorted out onto the golf course to be interviewed by Carlos about my bracket picks. Earlier, he had me fill out a bracket with all of the golfer’s and thought it would be really fun because I didn’t know any of the golfers. He asked me about my picks such as, “Why did you choose Kim and Jody to go farthest” and I said because they were women…then he filled me in that they were actually men. All of the golfers got a kick out of it! Then he asked me why I picked Vanderwooden to win it all and I said because he had a very cool sounding name. This man happens to be an ER doctor from Las Vegas and was one of Carlos’s friends. We at least if Miss Indiana gets sick at Miss America next year we have a doctor to call! Then I took pictures with all of the golfers by the trophy and the cars they could potentially win if they got a hole in one. After that Carlos had me “tee-off” the golf outing by hitting the first ball. Of course I asked to use last year’s champion’s driver! I hit a hard grounder to the left…which would have been great had I been playing baseball! The guys all cheered for me even though it was less than stellar! Then Carlos interviewed me on camera for the website for next year’s Challenge. Thanks Carlos for such a great morning!

Later in the day, after spending some time with my family for Father’s Day, I headed to sing the National Anthem at the Indianapolis Tornado’s football game. They are a minor league team that won Nationals last year…who knew?! The quarterback for their team was also the quarterback for the UINDY Greyhounds when I was an undergrad. When I pulled up to the stadium I told the man at the gate that I was singing the National Anthem. He asked, “The Canadian or the American anthem?” I thought he was joking but I guess the team the Tornadoes were playing was from Canada. After I sang the National Anthem I was able to toss the coin. I was a little intimidated because I was surrounded by all of these very tall football players and I had a great time. As I walked off the field I told the Tornadoes to kick there butt! Right before I got into my car I was stopped by a women who choreographed Miss Indiana back in the Michigan City days and she told me all of these glory day stories about the pageant. My favorite “fun fact” was that Mr. Clooney used to emcee the pageant and his son would help take tickets, work backstage, and hit on all the girls. Yep that’s right George Clooney use to be a part of the MIO!! Then I rushed home to pack for Miss Indiana the next day!! Check back here each night as I will update you on the fun being had in Zionsville by me, Megan T., and all of the contestants! Also go to www.facebook.com/megan.meadors to see all of my pictures of the week!

Stage One dance Studio

On June 17, I traveled to Greenwood to participate in day camps for girls of all ages at Stage One Dance Academy. I was asked to participate in this event by my friend Christina. We were both we on the UINDY dance team where I was the president and she was the vice president. I did a “Princess Camp” (ages 1-3) where I took a picture with each of the girls, taught them how to wave like a princess, and then taught them how to walk with confidence. We even had a prince named Eric in attendance (no relation to that guy in the Little Mermaid). The next camp was a “Glamour Camp” (ages 4-8) where I sang for the girls, taught them how to walk and wave, and answered their questions about being Miss Indiana. The last camp was a “Pageant Camp” (ages 9-17) where I spoke to the girls about being Miss Indiana and how they could become Miss Indiana or Miss Indiana’s Outstanding Teen. I then taught them how to “Stomp a Runway”, wave, and sit like a lady in a dress. I was also able to sing a couple songs for them, take some pictures, then sign some autographs. I had a wonderful time with all of these girls and hope to see some of them competing at Miss Indiana and Miss Indiana’s Outstanding Teen one day soon!

Take me out to the Ballgame…

After the Elks events on June 6th I headed back to Victory field but this time I was going to be playing on the field! I was invited to participate in the Hometeam Celebrity Softball Challenge benefiting the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund. I had no idea who else was participating in the event until I arrived. I was greeted by Shelly from Arni’s (they donated dinner for the celebs) and it was so great to see her. I was on the home team in blue and white and donned blue and white knee socks with my jersey. I was so extremely nervous for this event. I felt as if I would be the least famous person at the game and would have no one to talk to. I guess no matter how old you get, you still get those feelings. When I arrived I saw one table of men and asked if I could sit with them. They said yes and introduced themselves. One was Joe Hellmen, a former IU basketball star, and the other was Carlos Diaz from Extra. I knew who Carlos was but not Joe and Carlos said, “How can you know who I am but not him. He was a star at IU in 1986.” I said, “I’m not going to tell you how old I am.” We chatted because Carlos had interviewed Katie and met her in LA when she was filming Countdown to the Crown and Joe lives in Zionsville so we talked about his kids and their great town. Then they went out to warm up and I went over and chatted with a Wish Kid and his mom along with some local media celebrities. Everyone was so kind at it really calmed my nerves. Then we went out to the field to practice. I wanted to practice batting more that throwing and catching but if you practiced batting they interviewed you first and everyone watched you. Many of the Pacer’s and Colt’s players were whiffing pretty badly so I decided to hang back. Then we headed to the dugout before being introduced. Once in the dugout I saw him…..I was beyond excited. Peyton Manning was in my team’s dugout wearing a blue and white jersey. Peyton Manning was on my Team!!!!!! He along with Helio Castroneves and President Obama are three people I really want to meet. I couldn’t believe it. I am usually not star struck, but this time I was. Then we went out to the field to introduce ourselves. Next to me in the line up was a very very tall younger man, I introduced myself to him and he said I’m Josh. I asked if he played basketball and he said yes he plays for the Pacers (he was Josh McRoberts). He asked if I knew anyone else there and I said no and he said the other Pacers were on the black and white team. I said we could be buddies so I made another friend. Josh and I sat in the dugout for the first inning. I wanted to play but he wasn’t so sure. When they came around to ask who wanted to bat I said I did and so did Josh. He was like no way. I told him he could go after me and I would make him look good but he said No way because I would probably hit well and he would go up and strike out and look dumb. I did convince him to go into the outfield with me. Carlos also hung out with us in the outfield because we were both the only people there who were less than 5’9”. I had a blast with both of them. After the 2nd inning, I saw my chance when everyone on the blue team headed out to the field I stayed back and asked Peyton for a picture (he wasn’t playing just signing autographs because we all don’t want him to mess up his rocket laser arm for the upcoming season.) He said “Sure let’s do it.” I didn’t talk to him…I didn’t want to mess up meeting him by saying something stupid. It was a great picture though. Then I was up to bat. As I stepped up to the mound I looked at Bob Sanders, who was the catcher, and said, “tell the pitcher to let me hit it.” He told the pitcher (who was Dwight Freeney) and Dwight said No Way! He threw me a pitch and I hit the first one and it popped up and Bob caught it…I was out! The audience booed Bob (I mean he should have dropped it but he was too competitive) and I threw my bat down and stormed off the field (they told us to act goofy!) In fact many of the players were hilarious. One purposefully got hit by a pitch and stumbled to first base and another got out at first and ripped up the base and threw it across the field. Then it was time to head back to the outfield. I got fielded a grounder (that had rolled between two guys legs) and threw it to first….that was my only contact with the ball beside my one time at bat. Now we know why the Miss America pageant has a Lifestyle and Fitness portion! Also during the game kids were yelling “Peyton -Peyton” and it sounded like Megan – Megan so I kept turning around to look. Well one time someone WAS calling my name. Courtni and Bailey (Miss Indiana USA and Miss Indiana Teen USA) were in the stands signing autographs during the game and were yelling for me. They were standing behind a huge group of kids who were waiting for Peyton’s autograph. The whole game was a blast and I made new friends in Carlos and Josh and hopefully Peyton. It was a fantastic day!

Elkdom

On June 5th after work I headed to the Sheraton Hotel in Indianapolis as a special guest of the Elks for their state convention. The Elks are a huge scholarship donor to the Miss Indiana Organization and Miss Indiana and Miss Indiana’s Outstanding Teen attend every year. Their convention has been in French Lick for the past 30 years but this year it was in Indianapolis. Although I would have loved to spend the weekend in lovely French Lick, it was great timing for me because the Sheraton is about 10 minutes away from my apartment! Unfortunately, Megan Thwaites couldn’t come because of a family wedding but I want to make sure and say congrats to her for making Varsity cheerleading and our schools very competitive mixed showchoir! I arrived early to the Convention for the lunch because Katie Stam was the keynote speaker! It was so great to see her and her parents!! Once at the luncheon we were able to catch up on our travels and lives. I then addressed the Elks and explained the Miss Indiana program to them, told them about myself, and thanked them for the scholarships the have donated to the MIO. Then Katie addressed them and spoke about her platform and the similarities she shares with the Elks with their passion for community service. She had written NOTHING down and it was one of the most amazing speeches I had ever heard and it was so personal to the Elks organization…that is why she is Miss America! After the luncheon we headed to our rooms to get ready for the event that night. Michael stopped by to keep me company…Thanks Michael!!! Then I headed downstairs to do a sound check…the hotels equipment wouldn’t play my CD so I ran upstairs to get my laptop. It worked on my laptop but the hotel said they didn’t have a sound guy to play the songs for Katie and me…….but I had a plan. I also want to thank Mayo Sanders of Angola for all his help and for being my bodyguard during the event! After the sound was figured out I headed to the receiving line before the event. Katie and I were followed by Miss Pre-Teen America then the national president of the Elks and his wife. Miss Pre-Teen America was about 10 and from Ohio. Her parents are Elks and she had heard Katie was going to at the event and wanted to come. She was super sweet and so excited to meet Katie. We met many Elks in the receiving line and took many pictures. We had the opportunity to talk with the Elk’s national organization president and his wife. They were from Delaware and great people! After the receiving line we headed into the dinner. I sang the National Anthem and Katie sang God Bless America. Then both the Indiana and National Elks presidents spoke after dinner. It was great to have my mom, dad, and fiancé there. I recruited Steve to be the sound guy for Katie and I! Thanks Steve! At the dinner Katie and I caught up on all of our exciting events: my wedding, her travels, the rules she has to follow as Miss America, Miss Indiana, and both of our future plans. Afterward my dad said everyone else at our table was just staring at us while we talked. I guess I would talk then take a breath then she would talk and then take a breath then I would talk and we would both laugh and repeat. They said it was so funny. It was getting pretty late and Katie and I thought they were going to skip over us in the program and not have us speak and sing but they called upon us and we both sang one song and spoke about the MIO and MAO. The Elks national president spoke about his visits to 43 different states and all of his travels. Katie made a joke that she will see his travel and raise him one because she travels 20,000 miles a month. It was very cute. Then we parted ways. She had a wedding the next day for one of her friends and I was participating in the next day’s Elks events so we needed our sleep!

The next morning I woke up bright and early to meet EI and Harry for breakfast. They are in charge of the Miss Indiana organizations partnership with the Elks and come to Miss Indiana every year! They were wonderful hosts. After breakfast I spoke to the high school seniors and their families at their awards ceremony where they received their scholarships. Then we all headed across the hall for pictures and autographs. I started talking to one girl and her mom and she said, what are your parent’s names? I told her and she said I knew you were a Meadors! I dated your Uncle in high school and you look just like your Aunt Terri. What a small world! Then I headed back into the Conference Room. Along with donating to Miss Indiana and graduating high school seniors for scholarship money the Elks biggest community service project is raising funds for Cancer research. They had representatives speak from both IU and Purdue cancer research programs about advances in medicine thanks to their donations and had a current woman battling cancer speak about her journey. It was very moving. Then I helped pass out awards to the local Elks lodges that had raised the most money. In total this year the Elks raised $ 238,750 for research and $7,213,428.94 since 1946 when they started their cancer fundraising programs. It was a very touching experience because I have some family and friends who have had to battle this terrible disease. After this event I went back up to my room to gather my things and check out before the Women Luncheon. At the luncheon I was able to sit with the past presidents wives. They were sooooo much fun and almost all of them and their husbands had passed out awards to me at the Gala after Miss Indiana each year. At the luncheon I was able to sing a song and thank the Elks for their continued support of the MIO. Then the wife of the national president of the Elks told me she wanted me to become an ELK. It is something I am very interested in doing! It was a fantastic weekend and I can’t wait to see the Elks at the Lebanon brunch and at the pageant!

Indian’s Baseball Game

On June 4th I headed to Victory Field to sing the Star Spangled Banner for the Indianapolis Indian’s! I was able to secure this appearance through my princess partner Shea. She does the announcing for their activities in between the innings. I received an email the day before and was asked if I would also throw out the first pitch. I obviously said YES. I told my coworkers the morning of the game and they told me I had to practice so I didn’t make a fool of myself. We have a device that measures the distance people walk so they used that to measure the 90 feet from the mound to home plate. One of my coworkers is on an intramural softball team so she had a ball and mitt in her car. We all went outside, on our break of course, and did some practice throws and they went pretty well so I was feeling confident before the game. I was excited for the game because I had bought an Indian’s jersey to wear for the festivities and many of my family members were coming to watch (all my grandparents, my great aunt, my uncles, my aunt, my dad, my fiancé, and many of my cousins). Before the game some little boys wanted a picture with me and they looked like little leaguers so I asked them for some advice. They taught me how to wind up and their dad said to throw it past the catcher because it is better to over shoot it than be short. Great advice! Then it was time to sing…the field is so beautiful by the way and you all MUST get out to a game! It was a little awkward to sing because I had two cameras in my face that projected onto the large video screen, but it went ok. Then I went back to watch the first game with my family and some people came up to me to have me sign their baseballs. Then I asked my little cousin Lorea and her friend Abby if they wanted to go get ice-cream. I heard them whispering, “I hope she buys us the ice-cream because when we go back to school and the teachers asks us what we did over the summer we can say we went to a baseball game and Miss Indiana bought us ice-cream!” It was so cute and of course I was going to buy them their Dip in Dots! After our ice-cream run and the end of the first game I headed down to the field to throw the first pitch. Now in my opinion, I didn’t do so hot with my singing so I was hoping that I could do better with this “pitch.” While on the field I met David. He was throwing out a pitch before me. He was a participante at Noble. Noble is an Adult Day Facility for adults with developmental disabilities in Indiana. I had met David and the people at Noble before because I spent a semester there with one of my OT classes developing programs for their facility. It was so great to see them and they were excited that “Miss Indiana” had worked at Noble. David did great with his pitch and got it to the catcher from the top of the mound. Now the pressure was on! I stood at the bottom of the mound and threw a pretty great pitch if I do say so myself…right to the catcher. Then after my pitch one of the Blue Angels from the air show that weekend pitched. Let’s just say he had a difficult time. He asked if I would go up to his suite and meet his fellow Blue Angels so they wouldn’t give him at hard time. Of course I had to help him out. All of the Blue Angels were great and there were even a couple of female pilots! We took some pictures and I told them not to razz their friend too much. They invited me to the air show but I couldn’t come because I had a very busy and exciting weekend ahead! All in all it was a great day for BASEBALL!

Lorena’s School

On May 29th I finished my tour of Indiana middle school’s spreading my message of making good decisions by speaking to my 20th school which just happened to be my cousin Lorea’s school. St. Michael’s is a catholic school and I thought I was going to speak to just the middle school students and then visit all of the classrooms so I geared my speech toward the older age group. I was surprised once again when I walked into the gym and there sat the whole school! I had to spontaneously make my speech age appropriate. After answering some of the cutest questions ever and singing them a song I went upstairs to visit my cousin’s third grade classroom. I signed each of her classmates an autograph while they asked me questions such as “what do you remember about third grade”? (I said that I had a hard time with cursive writing…and if you have seen my signature you will see I still have a hard time with it) and what my favorite food was in 3rd grade (I LOVED fruits and veggies and hated cake and cookies…if only I still had that same palate!) It was so great to see my cousin and her best friend Abby. They have come to watch me compete at the local and state level many times and I love their enthusiasm! After leaving the school I visited the police station (of my own free will), to meet some of the Greenfield’s finest at my Uncle’s request! They said I would never get a speeding ticket in Greenfield!

Lafayette and New Carlisle

On May 27th I headed up to Lafayette to speak at two school, Klondike and Southwestern. It was the last day for both of the schools and I was part of their special programs. At this first school my talk was the kick-off to their big May Day! The second school was having a talent show and I spoke at the end of “Act One”. They had many talented kids! Then I stopped by Triple X for one of their famous burgers and a root beer. After my meal I drove to New Carlisle Indiana to give my RDRN speech at New Prairie’s annual Blue and Gold awards. I was invited to speak by Ardith Ross a teacher at the middle school. She is also the mother of former Miss Indiana’s Outstanding Teen and current Miss Kankakee Valley, Leanna Ross. I arrived early for the event (because of the time change) and spent some time with Leanna! I learned from her that the time zone line runs through their town so that the school time is different than the town time! I probably asked her 20 times what time it was and how much time I had before my event! After some dinner we headed to the awards ceremony. I signed autographs and took pictures then listened to the choirs and bands perform. They were amazing! I was shocked that we shared the same middle school fight song! Then I gave my speech and watched the kids receive their awards. I took more pictures with the kids before heading back to Indianapolis. Thank you for your hospitality Ross family!

Princess Tea Party and 500 FANtacy Party

On May 23rd I headed to Carmel for the Miss Central Princess Tea Party fundraiser. This was an event that Debbie Wiley and I decided to host when I was the current Miss Central. After I accepted the position of Miss Indiana I told her I still wanted to help her out with this event in any way I could. Of course Miss Central 2009 Bethany Clemens was there along with my sister queen, Megan Thwaites and Miss Indiana 2005 Susan Guilkey. Once at the tea we greeted the princesses signed autographs and took pictures with them. After the meet and greet we all headed to the stage where I spoke to the girls about the MAO and then interviewed Bethany, Megan, and Susan. Then Bethany came out in three options for her “Miss Indiana” evening gown and interview attire. The girls then voted on which dress and interview outfit they thought Bethany should wear. Two of her dresses tied so the one little girl who voted for the third dress broke the tie! Then we headed to the tea party. We had all different shaped, sized, and color tea cups and pots. It was just like Alice and Wonderland. We even had little sandwiches with no crust! After our tea the girls went to make picture frames to put the picture of us in as a remembrance of the day. While the girls were decorating their frames I let them try on my crown…they got a kick out of that! It was great to catch up with Susan Guilkey and hear what is going on in her life. She was such an amazing Miss Indiana and has a heart of gold. I remember when she was Miss Indiana I went to watch her deliver a Right Decisions Right Now program so I could see what that part of being Miss Indiana was like…and now I’m giving those speeches…I still can’t believe it! Congrats to the Miss Central program for a very successful fundraiser!

After the fundraiser I frantically searched the city of Indianapolis for a dress to wear later that night. I was invited to the FANtasy 500 Race Party through a connection one of my cousin’s had. I ended up finding two dresses…one black and one magenta. I stopped by my friend Lauren’s house to get her opinion and we both liked the magenta one and not just because it is a fun word to say (inside joke)! I then went and got my hair cut and was excited that they also styled it so I didn’t have to worry about that for the night. I picked up Frank and we headed to the circle downtown. Once outside the Hilbert Circle Theater I donned my sash and was swarmed by people for autographs and photos. It was really cute! I also ran into J Scott Reid and one of my college roommates Ashley! Then I walked the red carpet, posed for pictures, and was interviewed by Scott Evans-The Face of Indy TV. I told him that I was so excited for the event and it didn’t feel like I was in Indiana it felt like I was in Hollywood because of all the energy. Then I told him my pick to win the race…HELIO! Hey, I’m doing pretty good at picking winners this year (three for three with the race and the two big pageants!) Once inside I met up with Micheal Nash and Craiger. I also ran into Bethany Clemens at the party along with many princess friends from the 2008 500 Festival Princess Group. Miss Indiana USA, Courtni was also there. I had been texting her when I heard that news that she would also be there to see what she was wearing and if she was wearing her sash. We always have a good time together and I was so happy to spend time with her again. I was a VIP and spent the night in the celebrity room where I met Brady Quinn! The night was growing older and still no sign of Mario Lopez one of the co-hosts of the event. I was getting tired because I had a photo shoot the next day-all-day-bright and early with Anthony Mosley and wanted to be rested! (by the way we had a blast and the photos were wonderful!) Frank, Michael, Craiger and I were standing by a couch and then they made everyone on the couch get up and then brought all this security in and then MARIO! He was literally standing right behind me! He looked over and saw Courtni and I in our sashes and didn’t say anything. I mean he has hosted both Miss USA and Miss America so he knew about the programs. He just stood in between the security guards for a long time and didn’t talk to anyone. He just kept texting. So I decided I was tired and was going to leave and not wait to meet him. ON the way out I met saw some more of my princess friends and I also met some business men from Brazil and we talked about how we wanted a Brazilian to win the next day! The next day I was so bummed when I saw a picture Courtni had taken with Mario! I told Craig about it in our next training session and he said, “Well yeah he started talking to her when you were talking to your princess friend! I said, “Why didn’t you tell me!!!” Oh well I almost met him in Vegas and Indy so next time I’m in the same space as him I’m sure it will happen!