Bronx Arts School

Is there anything cuter than a Kindergarten graduation ceremony? Anything at all? Today I had the honor of being a special guest at the Bronx Art School Kindergarten Moving-Up Ceremony. Held at Barreto Point Park, I joined proud parents and family members as they watched their little ones receive awards and sing to celebrate their learning. I got to join them for a special rendition of "Season's of Love" from RENT (an early morning to be sliding up to high C) then sat and dedicated "Go The Distance" from Disney's Hercules, singing in honor of their upcoming adventures as first graders.

Afterwards I got to meet each student individually and talk with families. I met one little girl who not only looked a lot like me when I was little, but told me she wanted to be a super model. Her mom talked about how expressive she is because of what she experiences in the classroom every day. With weekly required classes in music, drama, art, and even american sign language, the Bronx Art School utilizes artistic expression to help students develop. As a child who started doing theater and art at the age of five, I can testify to their benefits. This program is such an asset to the Bronx community and the New York City area.

After the ceremony I went back over to the school where I was met by a classroom full of 5th and 6th graders. About to move on to new schools next year, I sat down for my first classroom discussion on bullying. A huge thank you to the students for their willingness to open up and talk about some tough issues.

My thanks also go to Kevin Pease and the Bronx Art School administrative team for letting me join you for this special day, and congratulations to Ms. Jeanneret, Ms. Peters, Ms. Johnson, and Mrs. Martinez for their wonderful work in preparing these kindergartener's to move forward!

Pittsford Summer Concert Series

This afternoon I jumped in the car with Mom and we hit the road upstate. No, city friends, I don't mean Westchester. I mean all the way up and west; we were Rochester bound.

The Town of Pittsford welcomed me home with open arms as part of their Summer Concert Series festival. We drove in just in time for me to jump out of the car and run down by the canal where I received my inaugural public introduction. I am thrilled that this honor was given to my home town and that I was able to bring the crown upstate less than a week after earning the title.

I had a great time seeing old friends, greeting new neighbors, sharing the tale of my journey to the crown and explaining the many wonderful things that the Miss New York and Miss America organizations do for young women. I met a young lady named Eva, who after a minute of talking I recognized as a former student from my theater counselor days! I haven't seen her since she was in first grade, and now she is going into tenth! My word, where did the time go?

Yet time had not changed Pittsford one bit. Forever dressed in the smooth green of the Erie Canal's waters, she is still the historic beauty in which I grew up. The beautiful shops and restaurants, the boats quietly cruising by...I half expected to look into the water and see a gawky little girl in an N'Sync t-shirt staring back at me.

A huge thank you to Communications Director Shelley O'Brien and Town Deputy Supervisor Sandy Zutes for welcoming me into the day's festivities! I am sure I will see plenty more of my Pittsford friends over the next year!

In the news: Pittsford Native Crowned Miss New York Brighton/Pittsford WHEC

STOMP Out Bullying New Chatline

Something very exciting just happened in the world of anti-bullying. STOMP Out Bullying, a major player in the field of anti-bullying resources for youth, has launched it's new 24 hour Help Chat Line for kids and teen. This is a free and confidential online chat that links up victims with trained volunteers who can assist kids and teens through their feelings of distress or suicide.

One of the hardest parts of being a bully victim is reaching out for help. It can be embarrassing to admit you have found yourself in this kind of a situation. With my brother, Peter, we would often find out months later of instances where he was ridiculed or got his feelings hurt. By then, the damage was certainly done and deep, and the added shame and secrecy made things worse. For many children, making a phone call to a hotline without their parents knowing can be tricky; they may not have access to a phone without having to tell their parents what is going on, and often they are not ready for that conversation. STOMP Out Bullying is making an incredibly progressive move by providing vital resources by way of the web.

You can read all the details and learn more about how to support STOP Out Bullying. I hope you will also share their website with any youth or teens you know, because even if you do not think they are being victimized by a bully, you never know. Do your part in your community by spreading this resource. It's a step in a wonderful direction.

Boys & Girls Club Talent Show

I have been so stoked for this event! Every since my first meeting with the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens I have been in love with this organization. I made a promise to them that I would be at their talent show this week, and I am tickled that I got to come with a big surprise announcement!

When I say that I was blown away by this talent show, I am by no means exaggerating. Not only were some of these kids wildly talented, but every one of them was so incredibly respectful towards each other. The common factor in each of the 20 plus performances was the glowing joy made quite obvious by their smiles. Terry, the Executive Director, was telling me that the students who come to this club come from dozens of different background and lifestyles. That they can function all together so effectively is powerful to me. As a child, it is so easy to meet someone different and choose to isolate that difference rather than learn about it and accept it. So, judging from the abundance of energy in both the students and their adoring audience, this club is definitely a model for community building.

I met a beautiful young girl named Lauren. Her mother told me that Lauren wants to be a hair and makeup model. With a face like hers, I was not surprised. I spent some time with Lauren after the show, and look forward to seeing her next time I visit! She is one of the many fabulous volunteers working at the club.

I am so thrilled to be a friend and partner with this organization. Events like this are why I adore the Boys & Girls Club; they facilitate a community of support and love that is playing a vital role in shaping these students' futures. No one is in competition, no one has any reason not to stand up for and respect those around them. In fact, they seemed to find even more joy in the chance to cheer for one another as they watched their peers showcase their unique skills, talents, and individuality. Literally, a kid did a rapping Donald Duck impression...I think that is a pretty good example of supporting each others uniqueness! This is all helping to make better futures not just for these young individuals, but for the communities in which they live.

Thank you to Executive Director Terry Hughes for inviting me into this family, to all the volunteers who made this event possible, to my mother for the beautiful dress, and to Blaire Trunzo for organizing this awesome evening! He has a quite obvious skill for bringing out the best in others!

In the news: Variety Boys & Girls Club Has Talent and Shows It Queens Gazette

Summer Solstice Festival

Today I got a call from my Princess, Maddie. She wanted to ask me to my first official appearance as Miss New York. I could never say no to this little lady, so we were off the the Summer Solstice Festival in Queens to celebrate the arrival of summer.

The festival, held in the Socrates Sculpture Park, is a community event that brings kids and adults together for activities centering around nature and creation. From playing in mud holes to making seed meatballs, to using scrap fabric and craft pieces to make costumes. Maddie and I made her a beautiful cape, courtesy of a lot of staples!

One of my new young friends, Rachel, heard me say bullying and shot an eager glance to her mother. Her mom told me that Rachel had recently been bullied in school for her disability and had to go through a lot of work to get it to stop. Rachel turned to me and asked if I could come to her new high school and talk about bullying. I was all smiles. I had an awesome time with Rachel, her twin sister, and her sweetly shy little brother; I'm looking forward to talking to them about helping make their schools a better place.

I got to talk to several teens about the opportunities available through the Miss America Organization, and to a number of people about my advocacy work against bullying. I love getting a chance to explain to people how much more there is to the title than just a beauty pageant. A big thanks to all my new friends!

Hello, World!

Hello, New York. My name is Kaitlin Monte, I am your new Miss New York...and I am in heaven. We will be seeing quite a lot of each other this year.

Since Saturday night when the crown hit my head I have been at a loss for words. I am beside myself with honor at the opportunity I have been given. From the moment I realized that I was the last one standing, all I could think was that the clock starts now. I have one year to accomplish everything I have wanted to do under a crown. And so, we are off.

I may never find words strong enough to express my gratitude to the other beautiful women who took this journey with me last week. This was the most competitive pageant I have done, but in a fabulous way; each of us had a personal, passionate, and driven reason to be there. Each of us brought something valuable to the crown and I am so inspired by each of you! I am walking away from this not just with the wonderful opportunity to be Miss New York, but with amazing friendships. I know, I know, it sounds cliche, but it's totally true; I was surrounded by powerful, beautiful, effective women who I can respect. How blessed am I for such an experience. It is my personal charge to use my title to enrich each of your work this year. As local title holders, you have the opportunity to work more intimately with your communities and that is where deep change can happen. Anything I can do to assist you this year, I pray that you will reach out to me! I am at your service, and so incredibly in awe of each of you.

A million thanks must be extended to the family and friends!! All of you came together to support me through this, and I am overwhelmed by your love! You have watched travel a long road to this goal, and played a part in shaping me into a woman worthy of this chance. You keep me grounded, you helped me reach beyond what I thought I could do, and you kept me believing. Not just in me, but in the world around me. You did not let anything stand in the way of me and this dream, and I am forever indebted to many of you for your generosity and selfless assistance. I know I will get to thank each of you personally and look forward to working with many of you this year! I cannot wait to head home to see my Rochester crew!!

Oh man, I need to keep this short because I feel like I could gush my gratitude for hours.

No one believed in me more than my mother. She hand crafted every beautiful appearance dress I wore during the week. She sat for hours with me stitching up my competition wardrobe. She was the only face I could see in the crowd as the crown went on. I work every day to make her proud and to give back even a fraction of what she has given me; not only in gorgeous clothes and a constant helping hand, but in deep love and her constant insistence that this was possible. She is the one who, when I was 16 years old, told me I could fly. There is nothing easy about living on your own since 16, but somehow it never seemed hard because all along, she was there telling me I could do this. A beautiful voice never letting me cave, she is the most powerful person I know. We made it, Mommy.

My platform is Breaking Down Bullying, and already I have been approached by so many people sharing their stories and getting excited about my work ahead. Your stories ignite the passion in me; no one has the right to impede on anyone else’s ability to find happiness. My brother, Peter, grew up with Landau Kleffner Syndrome. I have seen his spirit almost completely broken at times because of ridicule and teasing from those who did not understand him. My sister, Virginia, is severely dyslexic. One of her professors in college was so ignorant to her disability, telling her she couldn't understand anything because she couldn't read, that she dropped her second major in her final semester because of one class left for which he was the instructor. He had no right to make her feel inferior. When I was cyber bullied in middle school I locked myself in a bathroom and told I mom I was going to burn my face off, because I thought it would make people stop being mean. How another person can sit there and ruin another persons life intentionally is simply beyond me. Just because someone is different does not mean they are wrong. No friend, peer, significant other, employer, teacher, or family member has the right to keep you from being as happy as you choose to be. There is room for every lifestyle, every choice, and every individual. Many of you may have heard that the New York State Senate just passed new legislation on bullying and cyber bullying. I have already been asked by several students I have met to come to their schools and talk about bullying. There is a wonderful energy behind this issue, and great change is happening! Young or old, we all have a place in making this better. Like I said on stage, if communities stand behind one another, the bully will have no place in this world. New York, we are one of the most progressive states in this country. Let's become the model of a bully and abuse free world.

During the week before the pageant, Claire Buffie told us she had made a list of everything she wanted to accomplish under the crown. She suggested we do the same. That night, I made my list. Yes, I definitely should have been sleeping, but I stayed up thinking about the year I would want to have. Since Saturday night the list has exploded. Not only with my own aspirations, but now laced with the wishes of others who have approached me. New York, you are my muse. From New York City to my home in Rochester and my friends out West, to my academic stomping ground in Potsdam and all the areas up North. The clock is ticking, but I am hitting the ground running for you. This year has nothing to do with me. It is about all the people and organizations who are making this world better that I can support. I am a key, and I have a year to unlock as many doors as possible for those who continue to make our communities better every day.

So hello, world. Let's get started.

Big Daddy's Summer Carnival

It was a perfect day for a party! I got to be a special guest today at the Big Daddy's Diner Summer Carnival!

This afternoon party is full of activities for kids. There was cookie decorating, balloon animals, face painting, music, and plenty of milkshakes and tater tots. I think events like this do a lot to make kids feel important. A whole restaurant catering just to you? How could that not make you feel special!

I made tons of new friends and even got my face painted. The face painter, who was given full artistic liberty, decided it would be highly appropriate to mark me with a glittering peace sign. Touche, eh? I spent time with each little guest; talking, signing autographs, naming balloon animals, and getting educated on silly bands. Thank you so much to Big Daddy's and their staff for allowing me to be part of todays festivities! And here's wishing all my new buddies a great summer vacation!

Send Off Party

My heart is swollen with love after last night's Send Off Gala!! I was so excited to see so many of my favorite people in attendance!! I must really start by thanking Arnie Berkins and Marina Montes for throwing this event for Kasey, Alissa, and me. You made us feel like winners already, and I know I speak for all of us when I say how excited we are to make you proud next week.

I was pumped to premier my wardrobe and talent in front of my closest friends and family! I mean, you can't bomb in front of such a crowd, right? I took pictures and was going to post them but why ruin the surprise? You will just have to come to Staten Island next weekend and see for yourself.

Congratulations to the new Nassau County's Outstanding Teen, Alissa Gianotti! You are going to do SO WELL as the pageant and I will be screaming for you when you walk out next Sunday. And a special note to my sister queen Kasey Waters, Miss Greater Gotham, who took a five foot marble stage and danced her face off. Imagine what she will do with the entire St. George stage. Probably blow your mind.

Again, I cannot thank my guests enough for coming out to support me last night. Each of you have given me love that will keep my spirits bright during pageant week. I will be seeing your faces and hearing your words as I compete. You are my inspiration.

It's The Night Of The Party, Y'all!

Everyone is invited to come celebrate with us tonight at the official Send Off Gala for Miss New York!

A huge thank you to Arnie Berkins and Marina Montes for throwing this event for me, my sister queen Kasey Waters, and our new Nassau County Outstanding Teen, Alissa Giannotti. They have put together a beautiful evening for us. I am so grateful for the chance to spend time with all my favorite people before heading off into the sunset. Of course, there will be a wardrobe showing so get ready to see the real deal. My dress is currently riding through a sewing machine as Mom and I make final adjustments. I found earrings this morning, and will be finalizing my talent track this afternoon. I am stoked to see Kasey and Alissa's wardrobe and talent!!!

The event is tonight at 6pm, at Therapy Lounge (52nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenue). You do not have to RSVP as tickets will be available at the door. It is a beautiful night, please come celebrate with us!!

YAI Exciting Update, Peter's Story

Anybody check out my Central Park Challenge page lately? After walking on Saturday morning I had told you that we had reached $835 in donations. Well, the walk has been walked but the mission continued. This afternoon I got an email thatour fundraising total for YAI has reached $935!! That is only $65 short of the goal I set a week and a half ago! Unbelievable!!!

I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate and respect each person who helped make this possible. I know how hard times are right now; none of this money was just chillin' in your pocket with nothing to do. This money is going to a cause that is dear to my heart.

I have been thinking a lot lately about my brother. I have never fully shared his story and think this is a wonderful time to try. At age two and a half Peter had a seizure. It scared my parents to death, as he had been born perfectly healthy and they could not figure out where this had come from. Soon after he had another. And another. Epilepsy had taken over, and continued until he was five. I remember him having one once, and my mother throwing us in the car to race to the doctor. We would run him inside and I would watch as the doctor would ask, "Peter, where is Momma? Can you say hello?" He would cry and scream until he fell asleep. When he woke up everything was alright again.

But one time, that was not the case. After one seizure Peter recovered but would not talk. Not just in that moment, but ever. He was silent, and became significantly less responsive to language overall. Even his own name. He was ultimately diagnosed with Landau Kleffner Syndrome. This disease causes damage to the part of the brain that handles language and comprehension. It's effects are similar to autism. To this day, doctors still do not know what happened.

Growing up for Peter was obviously difficult. School was a challenge, as was his social life. Many of his peers taunted and teased him. I remember he used to cry as a child because he would get so frustrated that he could not communicate with us. As he got older, he would cry because he had come to realize he was "different." It angered him that he would not be able to live life like the rest of us do. I watched as Peter's spirit began to melt away. Not because of his disability, but because he foresaw a life of limitation and ridicule.

Luckily, we were able to get Peter involved in a number of programs similar to those offered by YAI. Special Sitters helped my parents find specialized babysitters. Supported Employment has helped him get skill training and on-the-job experience. He is even working on getting his license through Rochester Rehabilitation's specialized driving school.

I have seen him grow more confident with each day. He and I have spend hours on Skype talking through homework, working on job applications, talking about relationships, playing Red Alert (he always beats me in 2 minutes flat,) and sharing stories from his horseback riding class or my adventures in the city. He is a master of video games and WWII trivia. He can name every military aircraft ever built and tell you when and why it was designed. He is the most big-hearted, caring young gentleman I know. He is my biggest fan, as I am to him.

We will never know why Peter's life was changed, but he does not deserve to feel like any less of a person. It was not his fault. Yet, it is his battle to win. The programs he took part in have helped him learn to master his world. YAI does this every day for hundreds of people just like Peter. So I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for supporting YAI.

And remember: no one had the right to take away Peter's happiness just because he was different, and that goes for every single living human on this earth. Just because something is new or different to you does not mean it is bad. Take the time to understand that persons world before you say or do something to hurt them. Even if you think it is a joke, you never know how much it may break them inside. Be a healer. Spread love, share compliments, and give support. Someday you may need the same.

CMN Telethon in Albany

Momma and I took a trip up to the state capital today to volunteer at the Children's Miracle Network Telethon for the Children's Hospital of Albany. I joined fellow title holders Amanda Alicea, Miss Richmond County, and Kim Cantoni, Miss Liberty, as well as Upstate New York's Outstanding Teen, Madison Manuel!

It was great to venture upstate for the day and take a break from the city. I love Albany, particularly it's giant pistachio building. I know it looks like a UFO but I am telling you, it's a pistachio. We drove by RPI, my former mortal enemy from my Clarkson hockey days. Mom and I grabbed lunch at Alexi's Diner and then headed over to the studio where we were briefed and prepped to man the phones. We had the pleasure of meeting a number of current and former patients of the Children's Hospital of Albany before jumping on set to get started. Below is my new friend, the beautiful Miss Vivian!

Besides the hundreds of callers who made donations, a number of companies did corporate matching throughout the day. By the time we left, the program had raised (brace yourself) over $1.4 million! What a dream!

Thank you to Art Hunsinger for inviting us to participate as well as all the volunteers and workers who made it such a success. A special thank you to Mom who, when asked to volunteer, threw on a headset and joined in! I have the best mommy ever! And of course, to Amanda, Kim, and Madison. I had a blast spending the afternoon with y'all and cannot wait to see you again next week!!

Women's Empowerment Conference

After this morning's 3K Run, I jumped a train downtown to the Helen Mills Theater where I served as emcee for the Women's Empowerment Conference.

The conference was part of a weekend-long series of fundraiser events for A Young Mother's D.R.E.A.M. They are a non-profit whose mission is to assist young/teen moms in completing their education through one on one mentoring, motivating them to become accomplished while instilling determination, resilience, and excellence as core values.

I am thrilled to have gotten involved with A Young Mother's D.R.E.A.M! Being pregnant in your teens or early twenties is an incredibly difficult situation. You are entering a new world of responsibility to which many of your peers will not be able to relate. By helping young women find the tools and skills they need to become successful mothers, they are in turn enabling these ladies to stand up against the bullying and criticism so many of them face. Being a young mother does not mean that you are any less capable of success, or that you have to sacrifice your personal goals or dreams. I was excited to be part of what I feel was a celebration of ambition!

The speakers, who I had the pleasure to introduce, were Lucinda Cross (author of Corporate Mom Drop Outs,) Sonna Hasset (founder of All So Sweet,) Robin Ransom (CEO of her own career consulting firm,) Tiffany Aliche ("The Budgetnista") and Sharon Smith-Sullivan (representative with Primerica.)

Each speaker shared a tremendous amount of information on everything from personal finance to business networking. I could not take notes fast enough! I must also make mention of the vendors at the event, who had some fantastic wares to share; from health drinks, to jewelry, to affirmation mirrors. I will admit...the mirrors were my favorite. Hand made by a 14 and 12 year old sister and brother, they are covered in positive messages and images to inspire you every time you take a peek. I was so impressed with the professionalism and thoughtfulness of these budding young entrepreneurs!

A huge thank you to event organizer Geneva Farrow for letting me take part! I took so much away from today and am thrilled to be involved with such an important cause!!

YAI Network's Central Park Challenge

The big day has finally arrived! This morning was the Central Park Challenge 3K Walk to benefit YAI Network's!

My team was up bright and early to get to Central Park for the walk. Nothing like a 6 AM wakeup call, eh? Walking for my team was my gorgeous mother, my wonderful friend Dan, and introducing...(drum roll please)...Miss Southern New York's Princess, Maddie!!! I was so excited to take my princess with me for this event and show her how easy it is for one person to make a difference. Maddie knows that, though; she is a bright, loving girl who sees the best in everyone around her. We had a ton of fun getting ready for the race, even making sand art at the kids booth before joining the 12,000 other runners and walkers for the main event. It was an arguably perfect day for a walk. Yes, she shook her sand art up by the end. That's half the point!

As I had mentioned before, my team walked in honor of all those who have been bullied for their disabilities. I walked for my brother and sister, both of whom grew up with disabilities and learned to stand strong in the face of unnecessary ridicule. It is with deep, overwhelming pride that I let you know that Kaitlin's Bully Busters raised a total of $845 for YAI Networks in just two and a half weeks! I am wildly grateful to all those who participated with me by making a donation!! You are each making a strong impact in so many lives and proving your commitment to a bully free world.

Seriously, one person can make a difference. I signed up for a walk and offered people a chance to make a difference, and $845 later that difference was surely made.

Be a catalyst in your own world.

Last Day to Donate

Today is the last day to make a donation to my team for the Central Park Challenge.

The Central Park Challenge will be taking place tomorrow morning in Central Park. I am excited to be walking with none other than Miss Southern New York's Princess, Maddie. 3K is going to fly by when I have a 7 year old to chat with the whole time!

All funds raised from this event go towards YAI Networks and their programs for people living with disabilities. I was speaking with a friend in my improv group yesterday who told me he has an autistic son and was glad to see me taking part in this cause. Most of us know someone effected by a disability, even if the disability is not their own. I encourage you to donate not just for those living with a disability, but in honor of their friends and family as well.

A disability is only a scratch on the surface of a much bigger person inside. Help me to help others shrink that scratch, so they can shine even brighter!

Pulse Karaoke

Last night I was invited as a guest singer at Pulse Karaoke Lounge. A big fan of karaoke, I did my go-to number (Misery Business by Paramore) and then spent the evening talking with other guests about the Miss New York organization.

I had a great time promoting the upcoming Miss New York Pageant and hope to see many of my new singing friends on Staten Island in two weeks!

Haha! I ran up on stage and snapped this picture so quickly between two songs that I planted myself right in front of the E! Sorry!

Boys & Girls Club of Queens

Today I got to take a tour of the Boys & Girls Club of Queens. I am so grateful to Executive Director Terry Hughes for taking time to show me around on what appeared to be a busy day. We spoke in the lobby in the midst of a constant flow of kids checking in, all greeting Terry as they passed. Terry explained that after school gets out, dozens of students will slowly flood into the club. They have programs running until 7PM which means the kids will have a lot to do. Most of the children who come to this location are regulars, and I soon got to see that this is quite a tight-knit family.

Athletic Director Carol O'Connell took me through the recently renovated gym, and then into a room where I saw a table of dance shoes that got me giddy. Carol explained that this location has an extensive Performing Arts program. I love the sound of that! She told me about their upcoming talent show which I look forward to attending.

Terry took me through the rest of the facility where I met each of the staff members. I learned about what kinds of programing goes on in each space, quickly becoming aware that this staff made excellent use of their resources in order to maximize the quality of activities available. I am excited to be partnering with this location for the next year, and hopefully beyond, to lend my hand in enriching this wonderful organization!

Speaking of which, the best part of the day was meeting the kids! They all came together in the game room so I could introduce myself and learn some of their names and faces. This place truly felt like a big family, with respect being extended between the kids and the staff in both directions. I gave hugs, listened to stories, and was met with a gasp as I explained that I lived nearby in Astoria and not in a castle as they had expected.

A huge thanks to Terry Hughes and the staff of the Boys & Girls Club of Queens for welcoming me in for the afternoon. I am thrilled to be involved with such a wonderful program!!