Superintendent of Sackets Harbor to Talk Bullying

Sat down this afternoon with Fred Hall, Superintendent of Sackets Harbor Central School, and Jennifer Gaffney, Principal of Sackets Harbor High School, to talk about our shared passion for youth development programs. After telling him all about Project Empower and my work discussing bullying across the state, Fred shared details on the countless activities and groups his school has started to offer in order to engage students in character development.

From community anti-bullying campaigns by the Glee Club to community service raffles and events, Fred pushes students to develop their social and civic skills in addition to academics. This school even has students doing midnight video-chat tutoring with students in other countries. Learning to think of others and explore oneself at an early age helps make it second nature in adulthood. That's what we do at Project Empower, and that's what is happening at Sackets Harbor. Thank you to Fred and Jennifer for everything you bring to the lives of your students.

This week the students are celebrating some of their character achievements,

so I left behind a message to congratulate them.

Check out my video message to the students!

La Fargeville and Lyme Middle Schools

Great conversation today with LaFargeville and Lyme Middle Schools about bullying and leadership! After waiting in the wings during a quick viewing of my Miss America talent performance - which I was too excited to actually watch - I was escorted to the stage by a beautiful young woman and good friend Joelle, Miss Thousand Island's Star Princess, who, you will see below, sports the same glamorous crown case as I. Joelle showed off her public speaking skills and introduced me for what proved to be an incredibly interactive conversation.

One student asked what to do if someone blocks them into a corner in the bathroom or stands in your way and refuses to move. We talked about how when someone is using their physical power to control or hurt you, you cannot fight back. No matter how tempted you are to hit or push, doing so will only make matters worse; teachers will have trouble determining who was the instigator, and both parties will likely end up punished. When someone bullies they are trying to get a reaction, so remember to stay calm. Also, don't go anywhere alone. Not only is it safer to have a friend with you, but it's also much more fun. It is always OK to ask a teacher or adult to accompany you in the halls if it makes you more comfortable.

After my conversation I got to visit classrooms and meet with students, including one young woman who asked me questions about pursuing acting in New York City. Rachel had recently starred in the school production of Music Man and we got all sorts of caught up in our conversation about acting.

I had the pleasure of speaking with a number of girls at today's school about the opportunity to be involved with the Miss America program. Met with the usual hesitations related to lack of interest in being categorized as a 'pageant girl', I offered a simple explanation: Every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square. Having a title does not require compliance with any preexisting stereotypes. The opportunity is your own to develop and the success and style of your year is your own to shape. This goes for everything in life.

Thanks to LaFargeville and Lyme students for a great talk today, and to the staff and Joelle for making me feel so welcome! A special thank you to Julie Bocciolatt, a teacher at LeFargeville and the mother of Miss Thousand Islands 2011, for inviting me to visit. It means so much to have the support of those within our Miss New York family.

Honorary Citizenship from Watertown's Mayor Jeff Graham

This morning I stopped by to meet Watertown Mayor Jeff Graham. Mayor Graham is an avid blogger and longstanding leader of the Watertown area. I also had the honor of meeting one of our Congregational candidates, Matt Doheny. Both gentlemen and their teams gave me a warm welcome to the North Country.

Having gone to school at Clarkson University here in the snowy north of New York, I have a special fondness of this region of the state. The Miss New York Pageant was hosted in Watertown for years and the community has a strong affection for the title. In fact, my host for the week is a former Miss New York, Jessica Renzi, who met her current husband during her time as Miss New York here in Watertown. NYC is what comes to mind for most Americans who think of our state, and it has been my goal to expand people's awareness of what New York has to offer. There's no denying the beauty and culture that the North Country brings to our state.

Then I got a surprise...Mayor Graham granted me Honorary First Citizenship of Watertown! Yes, this means I am a certified Watertownian. This adds to an already long list of reasons why I'll be back up here (that is includes fishing, because if you haven't fished in Northern New York you haven't truly fished.)

Thank you to Mayor Graham, Matt, and all their staff for a wonderful morning!!

Watertown's News 7 to Talk Miss America

This morning I woke up in Watertown! I'm in town to speak at several schools but started the trip with an early morning visit to News 7. They got the scoop on Miss America and we touched quickly on some bullying advice for adults, since the issue is a hot one in the area. Thanks to Jeff and Beth for having me on the show!

Miss Niagara

Tonight I took part in the grand return of the Miss Niagara Scholarship Organization. After a nearly ten year hiatus the title is back and women from across the county came to compete for the job of Miss Niagara, a scholarship award, and the opportunity to compete for my title this summer.

Hundreds of guests filled the historic Palace Theater. As I conversed with the crowd I was pleased to hear that many did not know a contestant, telling me they were simply interested in supporting what the program stands for and offers to young women. Nearly 60 baskets were put together and donated by the local community to help raise funds for the scholarship. The theater was abuzz with energy as locals prepared to welcome back a familiar friend, Miss Niagara, from her decade long absence.

And the winner is...

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Miss Niagara 2012...Desiree Wiley!! Desiree will spend the coming year serving her local community and will join me this summer for the chance to take over the job of Miss New York.

The community's support of tonight's event really moved me. I am so glad to see how much this area values the Miss America opportunity. Much of my professional and personal growth happened because of my first local director, Bob Clark. He taught me everything I know about being a business woman during my year as his 19 year old Miss Tampa. Every year he takes a young lady and transforms her into a woman. When local directors take the opportunity to mentor and grow their contestant, the entire community wins. It is clear to me that this will be the case with the Miss Niagara Organization, and I am so thankful to have them in our family once again.

Congratulations to Desiree, and to all of tonight's contestants! You represented yourselves beautifully and made your home town proud. Thank you to the Miss Niagara team. What a beautiful return you have made. Thank you for bringing the Miss America opportunity to the women in your area and for letting me take part!!

Meet Gianna, a Children's Miracle Network Hospital Champion

Earlier this week I got a Facebook message that turned into a dinner date. This doesn't happen often, but the individual who contacted me was well worth taking a night to meet.

Meet Gianna...a Children's Miracle Network Hospital Champion for New Jersey. She is a student, model and actress who comes to New York City almost weekly for auditions and work.

When only a year old, Gianna was in a car accident and suffered head trauma. She had to be placed in a coma in order to survive. When she awoke, she had no motor abilities. For the past thirteen years she has received regular care at CMN Hospitals. When I walked in tonight, Gianna met me at the door and gave me a massive hug. She rushed me to the table to meet her mother and best friend, and we instantly starting to gab about acting and Miss America. I never noticed the limited movement in her right arm and leg. Her wild curls, bright eyes and incredible energy captured all my attention.

Thank you, Children's Miracle Network. You didn't just save this girl

s life physically; Gianna is full of life because if the incredible care CMN Hospitals provide both medically and personally. So glad I got to meet her.

Let's do it again soon, Gianna!! I have to hear how Jonas was in How to Succeed!

Queen of the Rosary Academy

This morning I brought a panel of judges to Queen of the Rosary Academy to judge the finalProject Empower non-profit competition. After developing their own civic project over the past four weeks, 12 teams from two separate academies sought the chance to win the grand prize and a trip to the New York City Regional Competition coming up in February.

Congratulations to Peace Makers and Santa's Helpers for winning top score from their schools!

Peace Makers was an anti-bullying effort that created a pledge bookmark, invited Detective Steven McDonald to speak to at their school and held a poster contest among their peers. Santa's Helpers collected nearly 150 toys then personally delivered them to the local hospital.

While these two teams will have to opportunity to present at our big competition in two weeks, they are not the only winners for today. Check out some of the other projects we saw:

The "Homeless Helpers" campaigned for donations of warm clothes and volunteered their time at local shelters. "Driving Irresponsibly" created an education campaign to end drunk and distracted driving. "Free Shoveling for Senior Citizens" did just that. "All Children are Born Special" collected funds and created a viral awareness video for a local runaways shelter - and even performed a special rendition of Lady Gaga's Born This Way. "Water Resources" had peers take a pledge to participate in a weekly water-conservation day. "Litter" donated their time during recess for several weeks to clean trash from the school block. "Animal Helpers" put up fliers and collected supplies for local animal shelters. "Ugly Tie Contest" had students donate to participate in a contest for the ugliest tie. "Beauty Inside and Out" designed a website to teach students about Locks for Love. "Head Start for the Future Generation" collected books for local day care centers. Other groups collected donations and designed awareness campaigns for St. Jude Children's Hospital, USO, UNICEF, Wounded Warriors, Salvation Army, Good Dog Foundation, as well as local food pantries, day care centers, shelters and hospitals.

Today's judges all hail from the worlds of finance, business, and New York University. Each donated their time to be part of the event.

All we did was give three basic instructions to these students: identify a need, come up with a plan, and implement it. What impresses me most is how creative and bold each group was with their efforts. With youth comes fearlessness and thus the tendency to take greater risk. As years jade the rest of us, it's important we watch these students as they remind us of the payoff that comes with bold action.

Congratulations to all of the students and a huge thanks to our judges and teachers who made this such an incredible experience!

Project Empower's big day ahead...

I've been in dozens of meetings all week to catch up on the progress of Project Empower since I've been gone.

Thrilling news! On February 10th we will be holding our first-ever Regional Non-Profit Competition. Throughout the fall we held our non-profit event in schools across New York City. The twelve winning teams will be getting the opportunity to present their community initiatives to a panel of global leaders for the chance to win a year of funding and partnership with Project Empower! All this in only three months, and there are so many other things in the works. Stay tuned for details!

Keynote at PricewaterhouseCoopers

Thank you to PricewaterhouseCoopers for inviting me to be keynote speaker today to discuss contemporary leadership with their staff!

PwC is encouraging it's associates to step outside the typical finance mold in order to bring out the individualism that makes them valuable. I was so flattered when, after seeing me speak at NYU, this group asked me to share my story with their staff in order to encourage a dialogue about the benefits of taking the "path less traveled." Peter Drucker once said, "Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision." Whether asking to take college level engineering in 8th grade or choosing to go all-in on a beauty pageant for the sake of paying my education, I'm on board with Drucker's concept of making bold moves in order to maximize potential and opportunities, be it that of a business or your life. We had a great discussion about my Miss America experience, the skills I have learned and developed on my journey, and the benefits of setting lofty life goals.

Thanks to my new friends at PwC for letting me share the afternoon with them!

This is bigger than school yards...

I should we writing my Miss America experience update, but something far more important must come first.

This week while I was away our nation lost another life to the hands of bullying, but this was not a typical victim. Almost a year after his 14 year old son Kameron committed suicide from bullying, father Kevin Jacobsen took his own life. After becoming a major advocate in the fight against bullying and even speaking in front of congress so passionately that he brought the crowd to their feet, the pain of losing his son had been eating at him every day until he just could not go on. He leaves behind a wife and children.

The bullies who tormented Kameron to death have now further destroyed this family. This story is just horrifying proof of how bullying is bigger than schoolroom teasing. This epidemic is ripping families and communities apart.

My request: Please...get out your cell phone, Facebook, Twitter, or just stand up and walk over to someone nearby...and give someone your love right this second. As we saw with Kevin, we cannot know the pain someone carries no matter how OK they look on the outside. We all hurt. Some just have a strong poker face. Do not assess whether someone is worthy of your love, chose that you are too tired or self aware to share your love, or worst of all decide that because they look confident and strong that they need to be pulled down into their place. Touch someone today and help them heal. There is no such thing as giving too much, as we have an endless supply to give and exist for that very reason.

My thoughts are with the Jacobsen family and I hope you will all consider giving your support to them as they deal with this devastating loss.

Miss America

Here is where I will eventually post my Miss America experience. There is so much to share. To rush these posts would be a waste of the opportunity to slowly reflect on the week, so I appreciate your patience and promise they will be up soon!!!!

Miss America: Preliminary Swimsuit Winner!!!

Who needs beaches to rock a bikini body? Not us New York girls! Tonight I had the absolute honor of being awarded the Amway Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit Award!!!!!

This scholarship goes to the contestant during each preliminary night who earns the highest score in the swimsuit competition! Unreal! Not only was this past year a challenge in terms of my nutritional health (going gluten-free was no easy task,) but I also did not work with a trainer. I wanted to learn how to master my physical health on my own so that it could become skills for me to carry for the rest of my life. I have to thank all the people, books and websites that helped me piece together my health process, as well as Equinox for being my official sponsor! They gave me all the right tools and the perfect atmosphere to take on my health.

Check out this video by swimwear sponsor Komplique of the Thursday night swimwear preliminaries:

Miss America: Quality of Life Finalist!!!

At today's Miss America Arrival Ceremony at Planet Hollywood my name was announced as one of the eight finalists for the Quality of Life Award!!

The Quality of Life Award is a scholarship provided to Miss America contestants who have made exceptional impact on the lives of others. The selection is made based on an extensive application that explains the details of our platform work and involvements.

This award is what Miss America is all about! Forget the fancy pictures and pretty dresses...titleholders are about using their skills to give back to others. From working with Senator Klein on the new legislation to launching my own non-profit initiative - plus all the schools, events, and partnerships that happened in between - I tried to find a way each day to make sure I am always forwarding the fight against bullying.

During my AMWAY interview I had the chance to discuss my nomination.

From the politicians and organizations to the students and community members who gave their support, my effectiveness in the fight against bullying was fueled of the passion of many. I extend this honor to every single person who took part in supporting my work this year. Thank you to the Miss America Organization and the panel of Quality of Life judges for this incredible recognition!

Send Your Love!

To send cards, letters or packages to me during Miss America:

Kaitlin Monte, Miss New York

Planet Hollywood Business Center

3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South

Las Vegas, NV 89109

They do not allow us to receive any organic items (flowers, fresh foods, etc.) Packaged foods or gifts will be allowed!

Thanks to everyone who has already sent their love!! My walls will be covered in your beautiful notes! Also, feel free to email, tweet, write on my wall, text message...I may not get a chance to respond but will certainly be picking up my digital messages all week!

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!