Town Hall on "Bullying In America"

Queens Public Television's Queens Update chose to do a special one hour segment on "Bullying In America". So I was invited to join the panel for this town hall discussion on bullying.

I joined fellow panelists Janet Susin (retired teacher, Regional President of National Alliance on Mental Illness), Officer John Groshans (Floral Park Police Department), Kateri Gasper (Queens County Senior District Attorney), Brett A Schudder (President/Chairman SISFI), and Victor Fronari (Director of Division of Child and Addolescent Psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital).

With our on-stage audience and callers from across Queens, we discussed everything from the psychological affects to internet protection strategies. As you might imagine, much of the conversation centered on cyberbullying. Here are a few hightlights:

Trust. For example, if you install parental control software on your child's computer, tell them that you are doing so and explain that it is for their safety should anything happen. By letting them know it is there, they will feel both respected and safe. Sure, they might get upset, but it's much better than them finding out later and starting to wonder what else you aren't telling them.

Build structure. Guidelines help children identify the right choice in a stressful or negative situation. More importantly, setting guidelines helps children build their own inner discipline and take pride in having made the right choice, rather than being forced to do so. Again, it's that respect coming into play. This is pivotal during years when children are starting to formulate their sense of worth.

If you close a door, they climb out the window. You cannot take away technology from this generation. We are in a new age and they feel naked and outcast without the right tools. One child I met recently admitted to buying her own pre-paid cell phone because her parents took hers away. Don't deny access. Set expectations and learn the technology for yourself so you can speak their language.

The list could go forever when it comes to great things discussed. I think the through-line was that we often forget that we are the ones who control technology. There was a time when people lived just fine without this stuff, so it's up to you to decide how much of a role you want it to play in your life. I'll leave you with this: have family dinner. I know, I know, none of us have the time. Don't underestimate what it can do. In this digital age, insist on personal interaction and communication.

QPTV is a non-profit that reaches over 440,000 viewers in the Queens area. They dedicate themselves to providing diverse programming that relates to the interests, concerns and needs of their community. The staff was incredible...thanks to QPTV, my fellow panelists, and all the guests who contributed to our conversation today!! It was an honor to take part!!

Ave Maria Catholic Academy

After my morning at Our Lady of Trust, I went across town to Ave Maria Catholic Academy for another conversation on bullying. These students also designed anti-bullying campaigns, and I want to congratulate all of them on incredible work!

And yes, just like this morning, I kicked off another OUTREACH competition! Ave Maria is our third school to take on the project and we are thrilled to see where they take things in their community! Check out the school's letter to parents about my visit, and the article on The Forum!

Learn more about Project Empower and Outreach.

Our Lady of Trust Middle School

Thank you to the students at Our Lady of Trust Middle School for incredible work designing anti-bullying campaigns today! Students designed posters with unique ideas on how to end bullying in their school. These ideas have been adapted as the schools official policy!

One student asked me how to handle a bully if they don't stop even when you ask a million times. When a bully goes that far to make you uncomfortable, that's when you need to block them from reaching you. Walk different halls to class, pull out the buddy system so you are never alone, and insist that a teacher move you to a different seat (or even different classroom) if they are distracting you. If it's rumor-spreading, ask your friends to make sure no one tells you what the bully is saying. If it's rude messages online, put a block or mark them as spam. Bullies will only bully when they know their actions will reach the victim. If you let them see that they can't get to you anymore, they will eventually give it up.

At the end I had a surprise. Our Lady of Trust is the second school to launch the Project Empower OUTREACH competition!! Good luck to the students!! Can't wait to see your results!! Thanks for a great day!

Learn more about Project Empower and Outreach.

Talent Show Judge

Today I answered a big question: am I a Simon, Randy or Paula? Answer: Paula. I was hoping my usual consistent use of the word "dude" would place me as a Randy but my constant grin gave me away as I joined the judging panel for Break-Through Talent's 2011 Industry Showcase.

By my side were Barry Shapiro (casting director for Hermon and Lipson) and Heather Finn (agent at Frontier Booking International.) We watched as performers of all ages and styles showed their best skills and after casting our votes we called back several and gave notes before having them give an encore performance. The goal was to model this experience after a true NYC audition.

After locking in our scores we went onstage for a talk-back session where the participants and their parents could ask us questions about the professional industry and our experiences within it.

Break-Through Talent is an agency and training center in Poughkeepsie, NY. The founder, Pat Gallio, helped guide her own daughters through the world of competitive dance and saw a need for quality training that helps connect young talent into the professional world while helping prepare them for the big move to New York or Los Angelos. Pat and I shared horror stories of scam agencies and the many dangers of being a young artist breaking into the big leagues. Growing up in Rochester, I had very few connections to the mainstream performance industry of New York or Los Angelos. A resource like this is going to be such a dream for young performers in this area who want to start working towards the next level.

More importantly, I love that Pat allowed us to give each performer our feedback. Having been through hundreds of auditions I know how much it stinks to never know what the panel was left thinking after seeing you. Any chance to get feedback is going to give the artist a huge push to improve, as knowing what you can fix means knowing what went right. We all know how easy it is to rip oneself apart after not getting the job. I'm glad we were able to leave each artist with something to love about what they did, and ideas about how to move forward.

Thanks to Pat, my fellow judges, and all the incredible young artists for sharing their talent with us today!!! Hope to see many of these stellar young ladies in the Miss New York system someday.

Albany Medical Center

The eighth and final stop on my Albany tour was to visit patients at The Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center! This is the eighth Children's Miracle Network Hospital I have gotten to visit so far this year.

I was joined again by Miss Empire Star 2011 Jenn Pollard, who has spent many hours volunteering at this location. Amy and Brenna, two of the hospital's Child Life Specialists, lead us through our visit to the pediatric unit. We stopped by rooms where patients sat comfortably relaxing with family members by their side. In one room we found a young man engaged in a heated race on his Wii as his mother gently put finishing paint strokes on a small bird house. In another, a girl's walls were plastered with hand painted signs from friends and a mountain of stuffed animals sat smiling from her bedside. Each time we left a room the staff adjusted the lights or sent for any additional comforts the patient seemed to want. So proactively supportive of each patient! From those who had been there for meer hours to those patients who'd been around for weeks, staff knew the needs and - more impressively - likes of each child.

Every few minutes we would pass a room full of games or books, with no patient's room more than fifteen feet from a place to play. At one point we stopped by the main play room. A large tree with a grinning face stood tall in one corner, towering amiably over half the room. A tiny stuffed bear was swinging, literally, from his branches. A glass paneled wall curved up and over our heads to give the room a panoramic view of the sunset. From Barbie Dream Car to Hess Trucks, every classic toy lined the floor as parents sat calmly watching little ones play. We got down to do just the same.

Albany Med brings in patients from across the region and even neighboring states. I met one doctor on the way out who performs surgery on hearts the size of coffee beans. This is also the first hospital to perform an EXIT procedure in the Capitol region. Partnered with Albany Medical College, they have the best new doctors coming to them each year. Children's Miracle Network helps them maintain equipment that maximizes this staff's skills. All day I had been told how lucky I was to be visiting here, so clearly the community knows just how good this center is.

Thank you to Amy, Brenna, and all of the staff for showing Jenn and me around!! And thanks to all our new friends! We'll be back again soon!

You can help me support this hospital. New Yorker's have helped me raise nearly $4,000 for Children's Miracle Network to benefit their New York State hospitals, just like this one. Learn how here!

Talking with the NYS School Boards Association about Dignity for All Students

Sat down today at the headquarters for the New York State School Boards Association to discuss the Dignity for All Students Act in New York. This new policy will require schools to implement bullying training for staff by this coming June. I have had almost all of the schools I've worked with reach out to me for recommendations on programs to utilize in response to this new requirement. Since the specifics of the requirements are still up in the air, I reached out to some of the policies leaders to get the scoop. I'm excited to say that I've reached out to my friends at many of the nation's top anti-bullying organizations to ask if they would be interested in custom fitting some of their curriculum to meet the needs of this new policy. Every one of them has expressed interest.

I will be working in partnership with these organizations and the NYSSBA to make the transition into the new Dignity For All Students Act policy easy and effective for schools across New York. Stay tuned for updates!

Park Terrace Elementary School

This morning I joined parents, staff, students and Miss Empire Rose 2011 herself, Colleen Gagne, at Park Terrace Elementary to talk about bullying and help present the school's leadership awards!

After chatting with Principal Steve Pavone I learned that this school is not just about stopping bullies, it's about building futures. They are developing partnerships with local colleges to help students start on the path to success from an early age. I had sensed something was special about this school when we walked by a boulder with "bullying...just stop it" painted across the front.

My usual talk about how to be a leader was a breeze with this crowd, and after our discussion I helped award nearly 80 students for their excellence in leadership and outstanding character in the month of November. An audience of parents cheered. Each month teachers at Park Terrace have this chance to highlight and reward exceptional behavior in their students. Bullying research has shown that punishing or criminalizing a bully is far less effective than rewarding positive behavior.

What I love about this model of rewards is that not only do the good students get attention, but every student has a chance each month to turn their behavior around. It's not a once a year shot, it's a constant open door and regular opportunity that any student can take up. Life is not about getting it perfect from the start, or even about where you have been along the way...it's about where you are going right now. It's about the steps you choose today and how you handle the opportunities right in front of you. One can always learn from their past, but I don't believe in defining people entirely by their history. Every morning is a new chance and could be the day you start fresh. Even if you've been the bully for years on end, or slacked on your school work, or failed to keep in touch with friends, or waiting to start up that new business idea...your path can change on a dime if YOU make that choice. This is America, the land of opportunity, and Park Terrace is doing an incredible job of making those opportunities clear for their students!

Click to see a great news clip from my visit! Thanks to all the students and staff for a great time, and to all the parents for showing such incredible support for their little ones!!

P.S. Yes, of COURSE I signed the rock.

Visiting Children at Emmaus Refugee Program

After a long day at schools and visiting with Mayor Jennings, we made one last stop before dinner: Emmaus United Methodist Church. In the back building of this church was an entire school and play center where I made a surprise visit to meet refugee children from across Albany. Emmaus has an exceptional Refugee and Immigration Support Services program.

When I arrived, little ones were busy coloring holiday decorations as cartoons danced across a nearby TV and older students carefully sketched a still-life setup on their art pads. Piles of books, games and craft supplies filled shelves that lined the walls. Downstairs were brightly colored classrooms where learning continues long after school hours and a lunch hall where children receive meals each day. As we toured, giggling faces kept popping up in the windows followed by the patter of little feet racing around the halls. So I went out and met the children, soon snatching up crayons to join the evenings artistic activities. Finally the bus came to take them all home, so we said our goodbyes as they raced out the door covered in smiles.

Thank you to Pastor Holly Nye and Program Director Rifat Filkins for showing me the wonderful work you are doing for the Albany area. I had already taken a liking to this church when my host's daughter, Rachel, explained that she started wearing mismatched socks after her church group chose to use it as a sign of diversity and acceptance. These children were treated with such respect, and I can see how their personalities are flourishing in this environment of acceptance and support. The program I saw tonight was such a gorgeous model of what a community can do for it's neighbors. Making an impact does not have to be a big money operation; it's all about the right skills, the right people, and the right passion coming together.

All my love to my new little friends! I will wink to you from the Miss America stage!

Albany Tree Lightning Ceremony

During my meeting with Mayor Jennings, he turned and asked if I was free to come across town after and help him light up the city for the holidays. How could I say no? So we were off to take part in the Hannaford Capitol Holiday Lights Ceremony at Washington Park.

For the past 15 years, Hannaford Supermarkets has been filling the park with over 125 light displays and welcoming community members to drive through for some holiday cheer. Their ride brings them to the Washington Park Lake House where Santa and his friends will greet guests for refreshments, crafts and holiday wishes. All proceeds from this event go towards the Albany Police Athletic League, which creates juvenile prevention programs throughout the area.

A crowd gathered and Santa made a grand entrance on his sleigh. Two little helpers, Sarah and Lindsey, were on hand to assist Santa in pulling the lever. Living in NYC I'm always hearing about parades getting shut down or permits keeping people from celebrating in their area...while I know there is always a good reason, it saddens me anytime people are kept from coming together to celebrate. Tonight's community spirit reminded me of my hometown. At the end of the day we are still a tribal species, and there's nothing like the holidays to bring everyone together.

Meeting with Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings

After a long day at schools, my crew went downtown in the midst of Albany's breathtakingly historical buildings for a meeting with the big cheese of this city. I sat down with Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings to talk about my work to end bullying through leadership development in schools. Joining me was Albany H.S. teacher Ellen Mall-John, her husband and gorgeous daughter (my sidekick for the week,) Miss Empire Star Jennifer Pollard, Albany's Outstanding Teen Brittany Rose Egnot, and local director of the Miss Empire Rose/Empire Star competition Janet Murphy.

Jerry worked at Albany High School for 21 years. This is a man who has been known to stop and pick up students off the street to drive them to school. We talked about his perspective on the education system's development over the past years and where we felt there were still some major needs. He quickly jumped on board as I told him how Project Empower is working to prep students for life beyond the classroom and enrich them with the social and professional skills that enhance classroom learning. Jerry and I look forward to bringing Project Empower to schools in Albany, aiming to reduce bullying and social struggles through positive leadership training. Thank you to Mr. Jennings for taking the time to talk with us this afternoon! He's a hoot!

Eagle Elementary School

Thank you to my friends at Eagle Elementary for a great discussion on bullying! I got an all-star welcome and joined the students for a conversation on what to do when you see bullying in your school.

At one point, as I stood in the center of 500 elementary students, I walked around asking how they can be a leader in their life. You would be amazed at all the ideas they came up with; helping your parents with chores at home, inviting a new friend to sit with you at lunch, helping a peer with their homework, giving someone a compliment...they had a million ideas. The more we talked, the more hands shot into the air. We decided that you are never too young to start engaging in leadership. It can begin in Kindergarten and become a habit that helps you grow stronger every day. Once someone knows the power of their positive actions, they are sure to become a key player in improving the world around them. And, when you build a positive world, the negativity of bullies will have no place.

Thank you to all my friends and the incredible staff for a great conversation, and for the beautiful flowers! So proud of the work this school is doing to create a safe and supportive community for all students! Such leaders!!

Albany High School

Greetings from Albany! I am in our state capitol for a few days and excited to start off my trip with a visit to Albany High School to speak with students about bullying.

I met with a large assembly as well as three periods of a more intimate "Lunch With a Leader." We talked about everything from drama and cyberbullying to self acceptance and how to generate personal opportunities in life. Self acceptance was one thing this student body knew rather well - majority of students sported some sort of personal flair such as brightly highlighted hair, sleek vests and skinny ties, or funky tank tops and purses. I knew I was in an environment of acceptance right off the bat.

Albany High School serves nearly 2,400 students. The school is broken into four academies, each with a specialized academic focus. They further offer courses in everything from fashion design to culinary arts. At one point I walked in to greet a debate class and found myself in a perfectly modeled court room. Students get to test drive different fields, explore new skills and show off their unique specialties and interests. In many schools I feel that students start the day waiting for it to end so they can get to dance class, soccer practice, their sketch book, etc. This school engages students in their passions throughout the day, therefore carrying over that energy into the rest of their academics. No wonder everyone felt so comfortable...everyone is celebrated around here! Each day, each student gets to remember what makes them great. Pretty solid way to reduce negativity, eh?

Thank you to all my new friends at Albany High School! It was incredible learning about all of your stories and I can't wait to keep in touch with many of you!!

Boys & Girls Club of Queens Fashion Show

Today I was a special guest for a fashion show at the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens! Old Navy and Limited Edition for Her, a nonprofit that provides club kids with professional attire for job interviews, served up wardrobe for this fundraiser event that featured professional models as well as some rising stars from the club itself.

The show kicked off with the Long Island City JROT color guard and club member Danisha Harrell singing "God Bless America." Next a hip hop dance performance from the VBGCQ Dancers and then we were into our first round of fashion. Teresa Ross stepped up between sets to revive her performance of "Don't Rain on My Parade," before the VGBCQ Models stepped up to model Old Navy's latest trends.

I watched all of these talented club members do their thing at this summer's VBGCQ Talent Show. Not only am I thrilled to see them growing their skills, but I am in love with the fact that this club facilitates so many opportunities for these children to share their talents with others. They are creating an environment where every participant can find a way to contribute and be celebrated. A regular flow of positive energy can help children deal with stress and negativity as well as develop self value that will help them reach higher. The environment at this club is exacty what I strive to create with every school and youth program I work with during my year. If we could give children positive schools, positive after-school programs like this one, and positive family and community life...I think we may be able to build a formula that erases bullying and the need for negativity. Lucky for Astoria, we are well on our way.

Congratulations to VBGCQ for a great show and thank you for all you do for the Astoria community! Congratulations to all of today's talented participants, it was so good seeing you again!! So proud!!!

Talking with Girl Scouts About Leadership

Thanks to the Girl Scouts in Astoria for a great leadership chat today! I was invited by my local troop to join for their food drive event and sit down with the girls to talk about what defines a leader. We talked about how to engage in leadership at all ages and in all places, and what qualities a leader carries. We decided that a leader is one who makes positive choices when faced with decisions or opportunities.

The girls caught right on, sharing stories of leaders in their lives and examples of times when they made a leader-ly choice. Being a Girl Scout is being a leader. I know that from my 11 years as one, and working for my Silver Award. I have to extend a huge thank you to all the Girl Scout Troop Leaders across our country. You are facilitating vital opportunities for the young women in your community to get hands-on leadership experience. Every hour you volunteer is enriching the coming generation with the skills and role models they need to succeed!

USO on Broadway!!

I made my Broadway debut!!!! Tonight was the USO Liberty Bell's "Let Freedom Sing" Broadway Concert held at the Snapple Theater Center!

Friends, supporters and members of our military joined for a show that featured eleven of the 2011 Liberty Bell cast members. The show was a musical journey through the eras. We covered everything including classic Andrews Sisters', the Big Band era, disco favorites, and even some Lady Gaga (performed by yours truly!) The first handful of rows were filled with uniformed military members who kept the cheers rolling, especially as I pulled them onstage for a "Bad Romance" dance-off.

USO is my job-on-the-side during my year as Miss New York. I made sure to keep up my involvement because USO taught me nearly everything I know about advocacy, non-profit development, and community impact. This organization puts its mission above all else. To be a Bell one must demonstrate excellence in talent as well as ability to advocate a cause and hold engaging interactions with anyone from corporate sponsors to high ranking military to children and veterans. The skills I have developed in this job helped make me capable of the work I am doing today as Miss New York. I will continue working and volunteering with them as long as they will have me.

Yup, that's my Star Princess there to cheer me on! Thank you to everyone who came out tonight to give support!!!! It was a blast!

Staten Island Women of Achievement Awards

Today I attended the Staten Island Women of Achievement Luncheon, an award event sponsored by the Staten Island Advance. Close to 1,000 guests packed the Hilton ballroom to hear the stories of some of the community's most influencial females.

Honored today were Christina Chukalas, Betty Harty, Elissa Montanti, Lynn A. Rogers, and Elizabeth Rooney. Each of there stories left the audience in captivated silence.

Keynote speaker for the event was none other than Dr. Oz, who has family on the Island. This man was a pure vision of health. They could have turned the lights off and illuminated the room with his healthy glow alone. When our Pledge of Alegiance leader Alyssa Trivelloni was announced and began approaching the stage, Dr. Oz shot from his chair and ran front to lift her up and onto the stage. After helping her with the pledge he surprised her with a gift as every audience member's heart melted like butter. I might mention that the Doctor came here from a major surgery he was performing this morning. I nominate him for Mr. America.

Additional notable guests included NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Senator Diane Savino (first female senator), Councilwoman Debi Rose (first African-American elected official on Staten Island,) Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (first hispanic assemblywoman.)

The women honored at today's event could have easily chosen to use their power to make a financial fortune for themselves. Many pine for the kind of drive and commitment these women possess so as to help themselves climb to riches. Yet we sat here celebrating these women because of their choice to use their talents for others. They are rich: rich with stories of lives saved and influenced by their work, in self value, meaning in their community and emotional journeys. In a time when dollars are tearing lives - and even countries - apart, these ladies stood on stage in tranquil beauty that cannot be found from even the most abundant bank account. I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn about these women and so pleased to see them rewarded. They are role models for the kind of life I wish to continue to pursue.

Congratulations to today's honorees, and thank you to the Advance and all the individuals who gave their support to today's event!

P.S. Will add my pictures once I get back the camera that we used at the event! Check back!

Partnership Meeting with New York Islanders

Met today with the New York Islanders (management, not the players or I would be a giggling mess,) and they are excited to partner up for a special anti-bullying event!!

We will begin preliminary planning soon and will let you know the details once we set them! I looooove hockey, and the Islanders loooove their Long Island fans. They are more than excited about doing something to help end bullying in their community!

Stay tuned for details!!!!

Speaking at St. John's University

Thank you to Professor George Maggiori and his class for inviting me to speak at today's lesson. The topic was entrepreneurship. As I was hot off the launch of Project Empower it was exciting to share my experience of launching a non-profit with students who aspire to do the same.

Among the many things we discussed, we talked quite a bit about what it takes on a personal level. A few major highlights...

Work ethic. To make Project Empower a reality our team sacrificed blood, sweat, tears, hours of sleep, vacation days and personal capitol. Entrepreneurship is not for those looking to be out of the office by 5 every day. Each of us had our day jobs while working on this project, so between school visits and Miss America prep I was writing up web script, attending midnight meetings, sitting down at dinner to meet potential partners, booking camera crews and more. It became common to have a 20 hour schedule each day. Yes, there were times when I wanted to scream and many nights of sobbing phone calls to my mother but I survived because I was in love with the work. That is the key. When you pursue your own entrepreneurial initiative, the opportunity to focus solely on your passion will ignite an entirely new fire within you.

Bravery. Yes, there will always be nay-sayers who make you question whether your idea deserves to become a reality, but don't worry about them. If you aren't hurting someone then what does it matter what others think of your journey? They are usually making assumptions based on extremely minimal information. There is plenty of room for everyone in this world. There are those of us who will let our own insecurities stand in the way. This is where ignorance can be bliss. Let yourself take a ride without fear of crashing the car, because there's very little harm that can be caused by crashing the metaphorical car of entrepreneurship. The ride will be worth the experience and you will learn along the way. Life is about writing your story. Never be afraid to add a chapter.

Modesty. I stress this when I talk to students about anti-bullying: It's amazing what you can accomplish when you don't care who gets the credit. We talked about how important it is to bring others into your venture on a partnership level. Ego may leave you unwilling to share the credit, but if you got into entrepreneurship to have it be all about you...you are not going to make it far. You have to keep the mission as the star of the show. It's like holding a balloon: if you insist on keeping your arms wrapped around the balloon it can only grow to be so big before you risk popping it. You have to let go so it has room to expand. It's the same with an idea. Partner with people you trust and who match your level of commitment. Allow others to benefit from the work. When everyone has a stake in the success of the effort then everyone will step up to the plate.

Again, thank you to St. John's University, Professor Maggiori and his students for welcoming me into the classroom! It was a pleasure to share my experience with you, and wish you all the best with your ventures!

Maria Fareri Children's Hospital

Today I was in Westchester to visit the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, where I joined my darling "sister" Lauren Molella, New York's Outstanding Teen, to tour and spend the afternoon with patients! This hospital is the seventh of the Children's Miracle Network hospitals I have gotten to visit so far this year.

I entered the lobby and felt like I was in a Dr. Seuss book. Walls of fish tanks wound through and behind them sat a spread of couches all facing a beautiful stage whose ornate proscenium climbed high and towered over the room. A clock tower with a cheesing grin presided over the room from the corner.

As our guide for the day, Andy, walked us to the elevator we passed the largest doll house I had ever seen, made up of nearly a hundred little rooms decorated by donors. Beyond several walls of murals we found a lobby of nurses setting up ice cream dishes. Lauren and I joined for a sweet snack and chatted with patients and their family members. After that we went to visit patients in the different themed "neighborhoods".

At one point we passed through a hall covered in sports memorabilia where families stood tapping digital screens to watch videos and test their sports trivia skills. The visit felt a bit more like a trip to Disneyland than to a medical center, but I should not be surprised as that has become an apparent theme among CMN hospitals in New York. Not only do they provide top medical care, but the staff's commitment to the comfort of patients and their families is undeniable. This location was exceptional in the customized comforts we found around every corner, including busting playrooms and a high-tech teen room with XBox Live and webcam tables. We just couldn't help ourselves...we got caught up in the fun.

Thank you to Andy and all the staff at Maria Ferari Children's Hospital, as well as the patients and family members who came out to play! Lauren and I cannot wait to come back!

You can help me support this hospital. Help me raise funds for Children's Miracle Network to benefit our New York State hospitals, just like this one. Learn how!

Schreiber High School

Thank you to the students at Schreiber High School for spending the morning with me discussing bullying, drama and how we can make things change. I met with both the Gay Straight Alliance as well as a larger school assembly and both had plenty to contribute to our conversation. I even went through a mock-Miss America contest on the school's radio show, where I answered on-stage questions straight out of AP Euro books.

At one point in our conversation I discussed self acceptance and mentioned how I have become comfortable with several things about myself that I used to stress over. One of which was the fact that I am not a natural social butterfly. As I elaborated a girl next to me shot up her hand and said that she too was not super social, and that she was glad to hear the same about me. Hey, we all have something that we often will consider a shortcoming, but everyone is dealt the same number of bad cards in life. Sometimes you can't see where they are in a person, but we'd be foolish to assume anyone is walking around with a perfect hand. The leaders of the world are those who don't put energy into worrying about their bad cards and instead pay attention to learning the ways of their good cards. We all certainly have good cards. If you don't think so, then you don't know yourself well enough yet.

Help others by celebrating each other's good cards in life and learn to embrace the hand you were dealt. Great poker players can turn even the worst hand into a win.

Miss Brooklyn and Miss Kings County Pageant

Tonight, two more women joined the ranks of Miss New York 2012 sisterhood. Contestants took the stage, between performances from some of Brooklyn's finest young talent, to take the titles of Miss Brooklyn and Miss Kings County.

Director Chrissy Joseph invited me to join for the evening and kick off the night with the National Anthem. I watched Chrissy strut her stuff at the Mrs. New York pageant earlier this fall and can testify to the fact that the women who win tonight will be in wonderful hands. Beyond her exceptional skills on the pageant stage she is one of the kindest, most warm individuals I have encountered this year. Her cheerful and humorous disposition is wildly contagious. She had a group of contestants who would make any Brooklynite proud. As I wandered backstage before the show I saw contestants busy chatting and prepping together without a single sign of nerves or fear. It was clear that tonight was all about celebrating oneself and fellow women of accomplishment. What a perfect vibe.

By the end of the night we had the verdict. Please say hello to your Miss Brooklyn 2012, Maria Desantis and Miss Kings County 2012, Jaleesa Peterkins!!!!

Both Maria and Jaleesa were beyond thrilled when I came up to them after, and I cannot wait to see that energy flourish during their year ahead! Go to my 'Local Titlesholders' tab above to find info on how to follow their year and learn more about their work!

Congratulations to both women and to all of the contestants for representing themselves so beautifully throughout the competition! Brooklyn, you should be proud. A special thank you to our outgoing titleholders, Christina Moore and Carmen Mendoza. You are beautiful, bright, and your commitment to your causes brought pride to our entire organization. You will be missed, yet our new women seem highly capable of taking up the mantle for 2012!

Miss Staten Island and Miss Richmond County Pageant

Tonight was the 46th annual Miss Staten Island Pageant! Two women took away titles and the chance to compete next summer for the Miss New York crown.

One of the longest running locals in the state, the Miss Staten Island Scholarship Organization has won national awards for the quality of their production and overall program. They have consistently provided some of the highest scholarship amounts in the state and many of their previous titleholders have become pivotal members of the fabric of the community. The strength of tonight's competition spoke to the coveted nature of the titles this organization offers.

The theater at New Dorp High School was packed with fans of all ages and titleholders from across the region. The show was a blast. For those who weren't one of the hundreds in the crowd, catch the competition highlights on SI Live to see what I'm talking about.

And the winner is...congratulations to Miss Staten Island 2012, Jamie Lynn Macchia and Miss Richmond County 2012, Stephanie Accardo!!!!!

Absolutely classic winning pictures. Get to know these women, they are absolutely incredible. Click the 'Local Titleholders' tab on the top of my blog to find information and keep up with their years. I am so incredibly sure that both will be welcomed by Staten Island with open arms, as they are fine examples of the incredible women this community has to offer.

Every single contestant walked away with an award during tonight's competition, with honors ranging from academic to artistic excellence. This is what makes the Staten Island program so exceptional; they highlight the value of each individual participant and allow no woman to walk away unnoticed. So congratulations to all the contestants for the beautiful work you did tonight and all the excellence you bring to your community! A huge thank you to outgoing titleholders, Maria DeSantis and Amanda Alicea. Maria made Staten Island proud when she made the top ten at Miss New York this summer, as did Amanda when she took home awards for highest scores in both non-finalist talent and non-finalist interview. Here's wishing Jamie Lynn and Stephanie just as much success over the coming year!! We are all excited for you!