NY Daily News Top 100 Photos of 2011

I just discovered that New York Daily News named this picture one of the 100 Most Iconic Photos of 2011! This list includes everything...Occupy Wall Street, Hurricane Irene, and the Miss New York Organization? Amazing!

Making Staten Island the official home for the Miss New York Organization has been beyond a wonderful choice. The community has put us on the map again, bringing us into the limelight of New York City with the backing of its largest borough and the incredible support of the local community across the island. The stunning beauty and history of the St. George Theater ties perfectly into the beauty and history of this organization. Thank you to all our friends on Staten Island for making this year such a thrill for the Miss New York Organization!

I love that this picture is considered iconic, because this organization is iconic. The Miss New York Organization has been helping women pursue their education and careers for decades. The journey of women's rights and equality has been a long one, and this program has continuously played a part in helping young ladies maximize their potential.

Webster Schroeder High School

I finished up my 2011 school bullying tour on a high note. Thank you a million times to Webster Schroeder High School's staff and students for welcoming me and for being so engaged in the fight against bullying.

After meeting staff I got involved right away in a meeting with three 12th grade boys who have chosen bullying prevention as their civic advocacy project. Webster Schroeder requires all 12th grade students to engage in community advocacy so they can begin to think about the impact they wish to make in the world. Obviously this is right up my alley, as this is exactly what we do with Project Empower's OUTREACH program. We had a discussion about the countless ways they could pursue bullying awareness. Some of my favorite ideas included asking the athletic department to require athletes to sign a Behavioral Contract which would ban bullying and require positive bystander support, starting a bystander awareness campaign, and raising awareness about the anonymous tips hotline at the school.

I then made stops into several classrooms before joining 1,000 students in the auditorium for a one hour conversation about bullying. I shared my stories and work, and then answered questions from the group. There were some questions that were so good, I wanted to expand upon them here in hopes that those students will find their way to my blog (if my responses seem incomplete, know that it is simply because I do not have time to retell my original answers and that these are only supplemental comments to my initial conversation):

To the young woman in the back who asked how I learned to feel beautiful...I could not see you because of the bright stage lights, but just asking that question is what makes you beautiful. You said that some girls just cannot believe that they have beauty within them but clearly you believe you do because you asked to learn how to let that beautiful person out. Please know that I still sometimes struggle with the concept that this title I have was contingent in some part upon the loads of makeup and fancy clothes that I put on this summer at the Miss New York pageant. Someday I want to write a book and spill all the secrets to the external beautification process I have learned. I'll tell you exactly what mascara, bra, hair color, posture tricks, etc it took to get the look of a "beauty queen." But, remember that you can buy fancy clothes, makeup, surgery to get a perfect body...but you cannot buy a beautiful mind. Even the best college in the world cannot make you smart if you do not already have your mind opened and engaged. Continue to beautify your mind; learn, think, experience things, explore. Get to know yourself and find the aspects of you internally that make you valuable. We all have skills, personality traits, etc that make us shine. I firmly believe that it is my mind that is the most beautiful thing I have. That's why I talk so much, and why I seek people and experiences that allow me to flex my brain. When I am leading my non-profit group through a strategy break-through, or explaining the concept of leadership to students, or having an intellectual conversation about world finance...that is when I feel truly beautiful. We are all a Light Bright; you can color us any sort of beautiful you want, but the beauty doesn't happen without the internal light.

To the young man who spoke with me after about also being the "quirky" one...I cannot tell you how happy I am that I helped you know you're not alone. There are more of us than you think. Just because the people around us cannot understand the value or reason behind our differences does not mean that those differences do not have both value and reason. Our job is to shut out the noise from others and focus on finding that place where we are meant to be. When you finally get to that place, the journey will make sense to both you and those who you met along the way. I hope you will always look for ways to make people question their pre-conceived notions of the world, and that you too will speak out someday and help others like us know that they are not alone. That moment with you is still replaying in my brain. So incredibly happy that we met.

After the assembly I went for a private meeting with another group of seniors focused on bullying prevention for their project. Their teacher had tweeted me asking to talk to them separately. One student's story was beyond anything I have heard all year. I am excited to be in a position to try and help, and expect I will be back in Webster again to follow up.

Thank you to the students for being so engaged in the assembly, to the staff of Webster Schroeder for welcoming me into your school, and to County Executive Maggie Brooks for hosting me for today's event!!! What a stunning end to my 2011 year.

Rochester "Girls Coalition"

Thank you to the young ladies at Rochester Youth Bureau's "Girls Coalition" for having me at your holiday event today! I got to speak about bullying and my work to bring change, and got to meet young ladies who are making changes in their own lives every day.

The "Girls Coalition" program is an after-school place for young women across the city of Rochester to come and connect. The staff serve as mentors to help the girls navigate the world and begin to build strong futures for themselves. According to the girls, it is like having a second family; they share secrets, give each other advice, and support one another's lives. It is so vital that everyone have a place they can go where they feel connected and valued. Thank you to County Executive Maggie Brooks and the Monroe County Youth Bureau for letting me visit and for facilitating such a vital program for my home community!

Penn Yan Middle School

Thank you to the students at Penn Yan Middle School for a great talk about bullying today! I sat down with three different groups of students over lunch to discuss our ideas on how to change bullying.

One student, a beautiful young lady from the local high school, had come over to help host my visit. Allie had moved to Penn Yan from down south and I found out she was bullied for years once she arrived. She eventually founded the H.E.R.O.S. program: a pledge taken by students across her district to stand up and by an ally to those who face bullying and harassment. This one individual has changed the entire social fabric of that school district, and the success of her effort was apparent from the number of students in the audience wearing bright green "H.E.R.O.S" t-shirts. Allie and I spoke for a long time. She is already planning her first retreat event for participants in her program. The best part was, when I asked the other students about Allie's work, they all lit up with excitement at how they loved her. You know how serious I am about youth leadership, and this girl is a shining example of it's power. So I put my John Hancock on a green pledge sticker and will be keeping up with Allie to hear all about her program as it grows.

"Click, Comment, Create Change" Tour with Senator Klein

Today, Senator Klein and I were off on our "Click, Comment, Create Change" tour.We made stops at charter schools across New York City to talk with students about cyberbullying and get them online to participate. Today, through a new partnership with the New York City Charter Schools, all students at charter schools across the area will log on and participate in the census!

For those who don't know, here's a recap of our Cyberbully Census: students across New York State can log on at www.nycyberbullycensus.com and fill out a 20 question survey about cyberbullying. They will get to share ideas on how to create a law and help us to build data and statistics that will assist in pushing our new bill through the Senate. Senator Klein will be using the actual results and suggestions from this survey to craft the legislation

We spent all day speaking with students. My dear friend Parry Aftab was there to show everyone just how much students know about the issue. With one exercise, it took only two minutes in each school for students to generate a list of ten ways to cyberbully someone with a cellphone. Parry had students share why they don't look to adults for help. After sharing my story of being cyberbullied by an ex-boyfriend for almost two years by way of cellphone, we explained just how this census is going to change the way we handle this issue.

At each school we were joined by local elected officials who have signed on to support this effort. They each shared their own stories of bullying, and some talked about handling cyberbullying with their own children.

We are asking students to take the lead in ending this epidemic. We in New York hope to change the way lawmakers across the country handle issues of cyberbullying and bullying by directly including students in the conversation. Because, hey...as much as Senator Klein or any lawmakers wants to help, they did not grow up in the digital age. No one knows this issue like those who live with it every day.

You have got to watch this clip where Senator Adams asks a room full of fourth and third graders if they have Facebook. Note that half (yes, half!) the students raised their hand. Listen to the reaction from the parents and staff: Miss NY, State Senators Visit Bed-Stuy Carter to Take on Cyber Bullying

As important as it is to bring awareness to the issue of bullying and cyberbullying, and even share our own stories and experiences as offerings of hope...the thing that matters most now is doing something about it. Our team is committed to doing more than just repeat the rhetoric of the issue. This census has allowed me to partner every single bullying presentation I've done this year with an opportunity for students to take the lead and become part of the answer.

Because youth leadership is what Miss New York is all about.

Thank you to the teachers, administrators, local officials, and especially the students from today's tour!! Your participation and support is going to help individuals all over our state, and perhaps help us build a model that will save lives nation-wide!

As always, thank you to Senator Klein and Parry. I couldn't have asked for a better team to make my platform a reality.

Honored by Queens Republican Party

What a surprise I got tonight when I responded to an email requesting me to attend a holiday party. Turns out I was there to be honored by the Queens Republican Party as their civil honoree!

Some of the party leaders had heard my story in local news. They had taken note of advocacy work as Miss New York against bullying, my support of our military through USO, and my work with disability awareness in honor of my siblings. Also honored at tonight's event was U.S. House Representative Bob Turner. I just don't know if I ever excepted to be honored alongside a federal representative in my early twenties.

Tonight's guests included Judicial candidates Kate Christoforatos, Robert Beltrani, Gabe Tapalaga, John Casey, Milton Flores and Joseph Kasper. Chairman for the New York Republican Party, Ed Cox, also joined, as did Council Member Dan Halloran and community members from across Queens. Keynote address was delivered by Rich Lowry (Editor, National Review) who after my speech told me that he too has siblings living with disabilities!

What made tonight so special to me was that it was not my political affiliations that earned me this award, but my work and service. We live in a time when political polarization is causing gridlock on vital and timely issues. I am so glad to know that there are still groups who, while standing strong in their political beliefs, give such impassioned support to individuals working to make the world better! Making our communities safer and stronger is something everyone can agree upon.

Thank you to Phil Ragusa and the Queens Republican Party for this esteemed honor. It is such a privilege to have your support in my continued efforts to improve and support our community!

VOTING IS HERE!

It's time for America to pick their favorite contestant!!!!!!

I need your votes to lock in a spot in the top 15 at Miss America in January!!

WATCH MY VIDEO AND VOTE!!

Last year, Miss New York 2010 Claire Buffie won America's Choice. New Yorkers know how to show the love, so thank you to every single one of you who gives me the vote so I can take my work to end bullying to the big stage. Let's DO THIS!

TransCanada Holiday Party

During the summer I attended the Children of the City Benefit, where amid the evenings auction event I jumped in to offer a free evening with the highest bidding organization. The ensuing bid-off resulted in an additional $700 for the charity, as well as a second bidder asking if they too could have the prize package if they matched the winning bid. So, $1,400 went to Children of the City and tonight, to cash in on their prize, TransCanada Ravenswood invited me to their holiday party

Had a wonderful time meeting everyone. This division of the Canadian based energy company happens to be Long Island City based, which means we are all literal neighbors. This organization has a passion for community development. They've provided funding to renovate and resurrect parks in Queens, support dozens of community charities, and even included one of their favorite organizations as part of tonight's entertainment. Young artists from Creative Outlet gave a knock-out performance that has left me with John Mayer's "Gravity" on repeat since I got home.

Thank you to TransCanada Ravenswood not only for tonight's invitation, but for continuously seeking ways to engage within your community. You are such wonderful proof of how a corporation can use it's strengths to make an impact.

If You're Not Part Of the Solution...

Check out this school in Sanborn, NY. I completely love this video.

Bystanders have a responsibility. Making a negative choice makes you a bully, making no choice still makes you part of the problem. Making a positive choice is being a leader...help out and be part of the solution.

Touche, Edward Town Middle School. So proud of fellow New Yorker's taking the lead.

I signed the pledge...now it's your turn!

USO Gold Medal Dinner

A special shout out to all of tonight's honorees at the USO 50th Annual Gold Medal Dinner. I joined the Liberty Bells for a performance as part of tonight's gala where outstanding individuals from each member of our armed forces were honored. Also honored was my number one USO volunteer, Joan!! Joan volunteers full-time at the USO office in Port Authority and gives more than anyone could ever ask of an individual. She is like an aunt to us, and to every military member and family that walks in that door. Congratulations to Joan and the incredible honorees from our national service branches!

Of course, today is the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. My brother Peter has memorized FDR's Pearl Harbor Address down to every vocal intonation, and it has become tradition that I hear it recited each year. Since Pete isn't here to give me the live version, I believe youtube will have to suffice. Let us all spend this day remembering the individuals who gave their lives in defense of our freedom. Let us also honor the families who sacrificed for the sake of their neighbors and nation. God bless our military, and God bless America.

Board of Directors Good Luck Dinner

After a long day of wardrobe selection (yes, I finally have everything picked out,) my lovely board took me out for dinner for our official good-bye before Miss America. Over Italian goodness, we got to relax and take a look back at the year thus far.

Let me tell you...I cannot thank them enough. Last year's Miss New York said this year is like driving a car and that makes sense now. When I won the title this organization handed me the keys and told me to enjoy the ride. I was not placed in the back seat for a predetermined route. This was all about where I wanted to take this title. Of course it was scary; it's not like I've ever driven a car like this before. But, when I was petrified by fear they pushed me through. When I was overly ambitious they gave me nothing but thumbs up. They even stepped in at those moments when I was teetering on the brink of exhaustion and helped pull me back onto my feet (sometimes literally!). This entire year has been a beautiful whirlwind invented by my own desires. What makes them so amazing is that they are volunteers. I cannot thank them enough for the time, resources, skills and emotions they have offered to make my journey so strong.

When I look back at the last five months I am overjoyed: I've launching a petition that garnered over 3,000 signatures internationally. I'm on the forefront of anti-bullying legislation. I've launched state-wide cyberbullying initiatives with legislators. I formed my own legislative outreach team. I've partnered with anti-bullying organizations, Dignity For All Students Act, Monroe County Youth Department, professional sports teams and youth programs across the state. I've given keynote addresses at top Universities. I've spoken to students across the state. I've visited nearly every Children's Miracle Network hospital in NY and raised over $4,000 to support their work. I've walked on red carpets across Manhattan. I helped an Anti-Bullying Album get a Grammy nomination. I've supported charity causes throughout the state. I've become pen pals with dozens of students dealing with bullying. I even launched and became a leader for a global non-profit education model that is growing faster each day. The next six months are going to be even bigger and will happen regardless of whether I become Miss America. And it all began as a broke 22 year old girl looking for a chance to show my stuff. Hey...everyone's a no one until they become someone. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to the Miss New York Organization!! I am in love with you all, you do incredible things for women in this state!!!!!

"Day In the Life" on NY1

One brave reporter from NY1 chose to follow me through my daily life as Miss New York leading up to Miss America.

She braved workouts, board meetings, interview prep sessions, press conferences, voice lessons, school visits, and a true NYC dinner...at a street cart.

Thanks to Angela for coming along to playing for a few days!

The Boy Who Shook my World

WE MUST FIGHT FOR EVERY CHILD.

THIS EPIDEMIC MUST STOP RIGHT NOW.

I am at a loss for words. This is the bravest thing I have ever seen.

We love you, Jonah.

Watch his response video three months later.

Toys for Tots Annual Party

What started as a small gathering in the basement of churches has grown into one of New York's hottest parties of the year. This year, the 2,000 tickets sold out in under 13 minutes! Tonight I rocked the holiday spirit at Toys Party NYC, an annual event for Toys for Tots!

The thousands of guests attending tonight's event at Chelsea Pier were each required to donate one toy upon arrival. This simple concept has grown into one of the most impactful holiday efforts in the state, with a literal mountain of said toys greeted us at the door. Hosts Robby Brown, David Tufts and Chris Kann welcomed me for what I knew would be a fantastic night. Holiday cheer - and fashion - was thick in the air as I mixed and mingled with some of New York's finest.

Tonight will benefit SAGE and the toys will be distributed to over a half dozen organizations throughout New York City. At one point I had the privilege of stepping up to the mic to greet the guests and share my mission of ending bullying in America. Tonight, every participant helped in this effort. Acts of kindness can change someone's day, or even year. The children who receive these gifts will know that someone out there was thinking of them. It's this kind of holiday spirit that I hope to inspire all year round, but tonight was a stunning example of communities coming together for one another!

Thank you to all my new friends for a great night, and to everyone who made Toys Party such a success! Special thanks to Robbie, Chris and David for having me, and for all you do each year for the children and senior LGBT residents of New York City!

And good luck to poor Santa...he's got his work cut out for him delivering all 2,000 of these presents after tonight!