Let Us Represent You!

To kick off my senior year just right I decided to run for student council! Now my high school isn’t very large so we don’t have anything fancy, but the student council does do a lot for not only our school, but our community as a whole. From homecoming to community service events, the student council does it all.

Before the election week there was a meeting with the candidates to discuss some of the events that would be taking place throughout the year for the council. Immediately I was excited by all of the ideas and plans they hoped to put into action though the council. I was literally jumping with joy!

When I decided to run I also thought it might be fun to run with a friend and campaign together since there can be three representatives. This, of course, had never been done before, but, my best friend, Morgan and I decided to change up this election a little bit.

The first step we took was to look at the students past records of voting and what swayed their votes. Surprisingly, one of the major factors in their choice of candidate was the funniness and creativity of the posters! So, Morgan and I, with the help of our friends, came up with the craziest and funniest posters we could think of. If we were going to do this we were going to do it right!

I have never before seen quite the reaction that we received! We had more compliments from teachers and students than we can count and gained more followers than we ever expected! The majority of our poster were done with photo shop and filled with references to nerdy movies and books. I must say they are hilarious!

Morgan and I are very close and neither of us will be too upset if we lose. Instead, we will be happy for the other if they win and happy that we had the opportunity to run for office. We know that who ever is chosen by the student body will do wonders for our school and community and represent us well.

The announcement of the new student council will be next Tuesday morning, so until then, wish us luck!

Much love,

Haley

My Second Chance At My First Pitch

After I was crowned Miss Teen Arkansas International, one of the first events that I was able to attend was a Dickey Stephens (Arkansas Travelers) baseball game where I would be throwing out the first pitch. I was so honored and excited, but there was an issue. I’m terrible at sports. I can’t even throw a baseball straight! So, before the game I buckled down and practiced, practiced, practiced until I could throw a decent pitch. I thought that I was ready… and oh how wrong I was!

It wasn’t until I was out on the field, standing on the mound and gazing up at the large crowd and the catcher who was signaling me to throw the ball that I realized I was far from ready. But, still, I let it fly and even with all of the catcher’s speed he wasn’t able to catch it before it hit the dirt. At the time I was a little sad that it wasn’t the pitch I had hoped for, but I was ecstatic that I even had this opportunity.

Fast forwarding to after I won Miss Teen International, I discovered that I would be able to throw out the first pitch again! And I was being given a second chance to redeem myself!

This time I didn’t practice, but went straight into the pitch with confidence that I could throw a decent strike. Unfortunately, the second time around the pitch was far worse than the first! I honestly couldn’t believe it! It practically didn’t go anywhere near home plate!

When I look back now, I can’t help but laugh! It’s alright that the throws weren’t perfect, because I had the time of my life doing something people only dream about. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m proud of my first pitches, even if they didn’t exactly make it home!

Always,

Haley Rose Pontius

One of My Favorite Healthy Recipes

The majority of the meals my family eats are recipes found on the American Heart Association website at heart.org. They have everything you can imagine and they‘re fun to make as a family! This is the recipe to one of my favorites. It’s a South Pacific Shrimp with Southeast Asian seasoning.

You’ll need:

1/3 cup “lite” coconut milk (see Cooking Tips)
2 serrano chiles or jalapeno peppers, preferably red, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 pound medium shrimp (30-40 per pound), peeled and deveined (see Cooking Tips)
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup diced seeded tomato
4 cups baby spinach

Start by combining the coconut milk, chiles, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, lime juice and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing occasionally. Drain well, reserving marinade.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook, turning once, until barely pink, about 30 seconds per side; transfer to a plate. Add tomato and spinach to the pan; cook, stirring, until the spinach starts to wilt, about 30 seconds. Add the reserved marinade; simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the pan; heat through. Serve immediately.

Cooking Tips:
Freeze any leftover coconut milk or refrigerate it for several days; you can use it instead of broth or water to cook rice or enrich a curry or rice pudding.
Cooking with frozen shrimp: Individually quick-frozen shrimp, sold in resealable bags, are convenient to keep in your freezer. Thaw in a covered bowl in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, place shrimp in a colander under cold running water for about 5 minutes.

This is a great seafood main dish at only 176 calories per serving! I hope you’ll try this and many other recipes at the American Heart Association website. Enjoy!

Much love,

Haley Pontius

25 Things About Me!

1. I competed in my first pageant when I was three years old.

2. My favorite kind of movies are the sappy chick flicks that will make you cry! I recently watched one called Upside Down and it was an emotional rollercoaster. I loved it!

3. If I’m not wearing high heels then I’m barefoot!

4. I love to decorate for Christmas! This time of year brings me so much holiday cheer that I literally drape the inside of our house with colorful lights, silver garland, and huge wreaths. And don’t even get me started on the outside of our house!

5. I’m a tree hugger. I’m in love with nature itself so every time I see a clear-cut forest I almost start to cry!

6. I love to get things in the mail. No matter what it is, I get excited every time!

7. I try to live by the verse James 1:19 that says to “be quick to listen and slow to speak”. I have found that this is helpful in every area of life!

8. I am constantly doodling. Enough said.

9. Although I am seventeen, I have yet to get my driver’s license.

10. My best friend is my rat terrier who I named DeeOGee. Did you catch that? If you didn’t that’s okay. My dad didn’t get it until two years later!

11. When I was a little girl I played every sport known to man at some point or another. Basketball, baseball, soccer, you name it! Eventually I realized that pageantry was the perfect sport for me.

12. I love to take pictures. I’m always ready to strike a pose!

13. I am terrified of the dark. So much that I actually have to sleep with a lamp on in my room.

14. I am a huge animal lover. If it were my choice, I would take home every stray animal on the side of the road.

15. I love to play badminton with my friends. We can play a single game for hours!

16. When I was little I went to the extreme when I built sandcastles in my sandbox. My castles were huge and equipped with child-size tunnels that I would crawl through.

17. I have a purity ring that I wear everyday. It’s my promise to myself, my Lord and my future husband to stay pure till marriage.

18. The perfect way to spend a lazy day is to curl up in a blanket on the couch and watch a marathon of lifetime movies. The only way it could get any better is if it were raining and I had a cup of hot chocolate.

19. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 45:11. “The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.”

20. When I was a little girl my mother would make me pancakes in the shape of teddy bears with chocolate chip eyes. I still believe this made them taste better!

21. One of my favorite things to do with my friends is make unique short films. We all dress up in costumes, play several characters, and direct it as a team. The best part is watching the final product and laughing till we cry!

22. I love to try new things and I’m up for anything!

23. I met my best friend in first grade when she dropped her pencil in class and while reaching down to pick it up noticed I had cool shoes. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

24. My favorite snack is hot chocolate and popcorn, separate and together.

25. I am the first Arkansas titleholder to win the International Pageant.

Haley Pontius

Social Media

Let me start by saying that social media and I are in a love/hate relationship. It has completely changed the way we communicate with each other. It’s a brilliant and easy way to connect with people from all walks of life and all over the world, but have we become too wrapped up in the online world?

I love my Instagram. I love to take pictures, look at pictures, and edit pictures so it’s by far my favorite social media network. If I let myself I could spend hours on this one site and never get bored. This is the down side to social media. Yes, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and every other site out there are all wonderful assets to have, especially if you are involved within an organization, but we have to limit how long we are spending on these networks.

The online world isn’t real life. While it’s a great way to keep in touch with friends, family, and your community it simply isn’t real life. So many people have become impersonal when on the internet and often ponder saying or posting something that they would never say or do in the real world.

We live in a fast paced world where we immediately know when something has happened and we are constantly being hammered with new information. In this crazy mesh of ideas and news, we have to stay grounded.

As hard as this may sound, let’s set our phones down, log off the computers, and turn off the Tvs‘. Let’s talk with each other face to face! Let’s go outside and get active together! We are the only ones who can keep our bodies healthy so don’t be a couch potato!

With this said I challenge you to log off of this computer and go spend time with your family and friends. Go outside! Have fun! Live the healthy life you want to live!

Love,
Haley

My First Photo Shoot

Just recently I had the honor of visiting Dothan, Alabama to have my official photographs taken for the International Pageant and I had the privilege of working with Clay Spann, Joey with Competitive Image, and of course, they’re right hand woman, Terri! It amazes me still when I think about how talented they are and how they have perfected what it is they do. So, I really must brag on them!

I really don’t know how Clay Spann does it, but somehow he captures the most breathtaking photos I have ever seen. With the supermodel hair and makeup he gave to me combined with the gowns and jewelry that the Competitive Image provided, I felt more beautiful than you can imagine!

And I must say The Competitive Image is full of stunning gowns and adorable dresses that not only catch your eye, but showcase the beauty of the girl in the gown. I am beyond excited that they are my sponsor!

 So, I can’t wait for you all to see the Clay Spann photographs or to wear my next gown from Competitive Image! It can’t come soon enough!

All my love,

Haley Rose Pontius

The Natural State

I love Arkansas with all my heart.

I’ve lived my whole life in the countryside and I feel a special connection to all of the nature that surrounds me. It’s all so beautiful and peaceful, from the birds that sing in the morning to the frogs that croak at night. The way the sky looks when the sun sets to the crisp glow when it rises. The way the mountains turn every shade of orange, yellow and red in the fall to the vibrant greens of springs. Arkansas is simply beautiful and it’s beautiful all the time.

I took this photo out my back window this morning on my phone as I was writing to you! 

I personally believe that Arkansas is the most amazing state, without a doubt. It literally has everything! The state’s diverse geography ranges from the mountains of the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, to the densely forested land in the south known as the timberlands, to the eastern lowlands along the Mississippi River. People say that if a fence was built around Arkansas, the state would be completely self-sufficient simply because the regions and their resources were so diverse.

Just because I adore Arkansas, I want you to see more of it so here are quite a few photographs.

Whether you choose to spend your time enjoying the outdoors or the contemporary cityscapes it all takes full advantage of our state’s resources. You can go duck, deer or wild turkey hunting, shopping for antiques, fishing for trout or you might even go digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Where it’s the only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can search and keep the diamonds they find! You can get away from it all in more than 2.9 million acres in three forests and journey one of 250 hiking trails that collectively stretch more than 1,500 miles.

Arkansas is well known for numerous well established businesses such as Wal-Mart founded by Sam Walton, Tyson Chicken, J. B Hunt and Dillard’s. It’s also the home of the well known country singer Johnny Cash and Former President Bill Clinton, actress Mary Steenburgen, and boxer Jermaine Taylor.

With all of the opportunities and places to discover there is no better place to visit than Arkansas. It’s simply beautiful and breathtaking and I hope you’ll come visit us.

Much love,

Haley Pontius

My Goals

My platform is my life. It effects every choice that I make on a daily basis and has completely altered the way I view my health. Had I not even become Miss Teen Arkansas International I would still be working just as passionately as I am now.

Heart disease effects everyone, big or small, young or old, male or female. Whether or not we realize it, every one of us know someone who has been directly effected by it. Heart disease is all around us, we just don’t always see it. Nor do we see how easily it can often be prevented.

So, my mission has always been the same: to educate, raise funds, and raise awareness. These are my three basic steps to helping others lead a heart healthy life.

I have already been working intimately with the American Heart Association and had the opportunity to work with the staff on some of the largest events in Arkansas for this organization. Now, I am working to join with events all across our nation and even over seas!

The American Heart Association has a goal: by 2020, to improve the cardiovascular healthy of all Americans by 20 percent, while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent.

How are we going to do this?

1. Education. About heart disease, how it can be prevented, and how to live a healthy lifestyle. Though schools, communities, businesses and families.

2.Raise Funds. For the American Heart Association so that they may be able to continue their research for the new treatments for heart disease, as well as continue their many programs aimed towards education and awareness.

3. Raise Awareness. Of the American Heart Association and its many programs and partnerships such as: Go Red For Women, Hoops For Heart, Jump Rope For Heart, NFL Play 60 Challenge, My Life Check and, my favorite, the Alliance For A Healthier Generation.

Obesity has been found to be one of the root causes of several diseases, including heart disease. It can cause not only heart disease and stroke, but high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma as well as many other diseases.

In 2005 the Alliance for a Healthier Generation was founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation as a response to the growing rate of childhood obesity. It’s goal is to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and to empower children to develop lifelong, healthy habits. The frightening reality is that this generation could be the first in history to live shorter lives than their parents because 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese. That’s a scary thought.

By working with schools, companies, communities, healthcare professionals and families the Alliance is transforming the conditions and systems that lead to healthier kids. Together we are leading the charge against childhood obesity.

With the title of Miss Teen International, my reach has been broadened and I now have the foothold I need to work on a national and international level with the American Heart Association. There is much to be done and not very much time to do it, so new events and ideas are still piling in! I’ll keep you posted on all of our progress so stay tuned!

Much love,

Haley Pontius

My Crowning Moment

I stood on stage grinning ear to ear, squeezing the hands of the girls next to me. I could hear the voices of the hosts and the excited cheers of the crowd and I could see the bright lights and the smiling faces, but my mind was somewhere else.

I wasn’t thinking about winning, but about my week spent with the other contestants. I had made new friends, my sister queen had truly become my sister, and I had grown so much in those few short days. I 

had had the time of my life and I didn’t want it to end, but here we were and it was almost over.

The International Pageant system has always been one that I deeply loved. I admired the national queens for their grace, dignity, and kind hearts. They exemplified the qualities of a true queen in every area of their lives. It was an honor just to be given the chance to compete for the title and we were proud to be the class of 2013. We gave it our all and we left everything on the stage. It was an exhilarating week full of memories that we will never forget, bonds that formed and friendships that grew. The young women I met throughout that week reflected integrity, confidence, leadership, and character. These virtues shown through not only on the stage, but off it as well. The girls that I came to know were kindhearted and genuine and I will miss them terribly.

What I will miss the most is the time spent with these girls. Dancing backstage with Miss Teen Georgia, making silly faces with Miss Teen Illinois, and our bridge (or was it more like a tunnel?) that we all 

ran through backstage laughing before finals. These are the memories that I will always remember, laugh about, and treasure. 

To think it was over and they were about to announce who the new Miss Teen International was seemed crazy to me. All of the preparation that went into this competition and it was over! It didn’t seem real!

We stood in a line with our heads held high and our shaking hands clasped tightly in one another’s. Our hearts were pounding and the butterflies in our stomachs were fluttering. It’s a hard thing to describe, but it was a terrible yet wonderful feeling.

Then he said my name and I almost fell on the floor. I couldn’t believe it. In fact, I still can’t believe it! It’s hard to wrap my head around and I still wake up in the mornings and think “Did this really happen?”

Throughout that night, the question everyone continuously asked me was “How do you feel?” and every time my answer was “I have no words.”

Because in that moment the way I felt was indescribable.

Always,

Haley Pontius

Miss Teen International 

Heart Health is a Family Affair

In 2007 my father was diagnosed with a heart disease called Atrial Fribrillation, in which the heart beats rapidly and erratically. At the time I was so young that I didn’t understand what was happening or
why my dad was in the hospital so often. But, through time my family realized the root cause of his heart disease was the way our family was living our every day lives. We all ate unhealthy and hardly
exercised. My parents were overweight and my father was a smoker for 35 years.

So, we decided to make a change.

We all began to exercise, eat healthier, lost weight, and my father quit smoking. Over the years my father’s condition, as well as the overall health of our family, has improved tremendously. With the help
of the American Heart Association my family was given the direction and support we needed to make this change.

Over the years, I have become deeply involved within this organization and it has grown very close to my heart. The mission set forth by the American Heart Association is simple, “To build healthier lives, free
of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.” That single purpose drives all that we do and the need for our work is beyond question. I’m honored to say I have been part of this organization and had the opportunity
to work side by side with the American Heart Association staff on some of the largest events in this organization.

With this said, I encourage you to make the decision. It starts with that. Decide to make the change. Know your family, access your environment, and DECIDE to make the change.

Check out the American Heart Association website at heart.org and the Alliance For A Healthier Generation at healthiergeneration.org for all your information! These websites have everything from heart healthy
recipes to easy exercises that you can fit into YOUR everyday life!

Specifically, I urge you to check out the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple Seven Steps and My Life Check. Thanks to science and research, the American Heart Association has created this simple tool
so you know where you stand on your road to good health!

Choose to make the change now. If you don’t do it for yourself, do it for your family.

Much love,

Haley Rose Pontius

My First Blog

Hi everyone!

My name is Haley Rose Pontius and I am Miss Teen International 2013. I am honestly still in disbelief that I am able to say this! I’m proud to have been chosen to represent not only the International system, but all of the extraordinary contestants at the pageant this year. I will strive to make you all proud in everything I do.

To break the ice, here is just a little bit about myself.

I’m the 17 year old daughter of Beverly and Doug Pontius and the little sister of William Pontius. I’ve grown up in the same town, in the same school, in the same house, with the same friends my entire life. I have found that the same children that I played with on the playground are now about to enter their senior year along side me. With only 500 students in my 7-12 grade high school it’s not hard to see how this is possible!

When I was 11 years old my father was diagnosed with a heart disease called Atrial Fibrillation. It was a rude awakening to the way my family was living and eye opener to the world around us. Over the years, my family has improved immensely in our eating habits, physical activity, and overall health. By working with the American Heart Association I hope to inspire, motivate, and encourage others to make a change in their lifestyle for the better.

I got my first taste of pageantry when I was three years old and my mother entered me in the county fair pageant. Immediately we were hooked! Since then, pageantry has always been something close to my heart and a huge part of my life. Had I never competed in pageants, I know I wouldn’t be who I am today. It has shown me how to be the person that I want to be and made me confident in who I am. The first time I ever competed in the International system was in April of 2012 in the Miss Teen Arkansas International Pageant. From the very beginning I fell in love with the people, the morals, and the ideas. Little did I know roughly 16 months later I would be Miss Teen International!

I am so thrilled to see what my year as Miss Teen International has in store for me and I hope you will all join with me on this journey of a lifetime by following my blogs, Twitter, and Instagram!

Haley Rose Pontius

Thank You Class of 2012

 As we begin the oh so anticipated 2013 competition week, I can't help but think of all of the wonderful people that have played such an important role in my life throughout this year.

A chaperone told us that often times, the girl that feels the most lonely at the end of the week is the girl with the crown. However, in my case, this statement was far from true.

The Class of 2012 was full of vivacious, confident, beautiful, and truly genuine young ladies. The friends I made last year have been my biggest support system throughout the year. I distinctly remember being afraid that no one would want to talk to me at the Coronation Ball.

However, ALL of my precious friends were so excited for me! Their reaction spoke volumes about the type of ladies they are. It has been such an honor to represent the Class of 2012. I will forever treasure the friendships we made!

All my love,
"Alabama"

Competition Week: Your Best "You"

As you make last minute preparations for the 2013 Miss Teen International pageants, you are probably packing tons of gorgeous gowns, fabulous make-up, and your favorite hair styling tools. You may have remembered to bring a sewing kit, extra earrings, and other last minute necessities. However, the most valuable thing you can bring to competition is your very best "you"!!

What exactly does that mean? Well, to be your best, you must be at peace with any outcome, have a positive self image, and come to the competition with a selfless goal in mind. Need some explanation?

Well, when I say, "be at peace with any outcome," I mean that you need to mentally prepare yourself for any outcome and know in you heart that a crown WILL NOT CHANGE YOU! No, the crown does not have super powers. It won't make you more talkative or more beautiful. It will, however, open more doors for you to serve people all over the world! You should also be prepared to win!! Ask yourself, "What would be my ultimate goal as Miss Teen International 2013?" If you are blessed with this beautiful Earthly crown, you will be ready to put your fabulous plan into action!

You should also have a positive self image. The Lord made us all beautiful and unique in very different ways! No, we don't all have the same color hair or the same body types, but in the end, none of that really matters! If you let your inner beauty shine, it will radiate outward and glorify God in all that you do!

Finally, come with a selfless goal in mind! If you come to the pageant simply wanting to win the crown, you will miss out on countless opportunities! If you come to the pageant with a servant's heart, you will have the opportunities to touch so many lives, raise awareness about your platform, and possibly gain more volunteers for your organization! What more could you ask for? I also made so many amazing friends last year that I am still in touch with because we weren't focused on the competition but rather on making lasting memories!

All my love,

Caroline

Goodbye, Sarah

I remember very distinctly the feelings of excitement that surged through my body as I sat in my room (at about 3am) after being crowned Miss Teen International 2012. I was absolutely thrilled beyond words to have gained a new title. However, it never really occurred to me that I would gain two absolutely amazing sisters! Unfortunately, in a little over a week, I will watch of them give up her title as Mrs. International 2012.

I have had the pleasure of reigning alongside Sarah Bazey throughout this year. She is an absolute inspiration to every person that she meets, and she always leaves a lasting impression on his or her heart. I have learned many valuable lessons about dedication, hard work, and perseverance from Sarah. I know that I will carry a piece of her with me throughout my life. I am so very thankful for the love, support, and hospitality Sarah has shown to my family and me throughout this past year.

We have shared so many wonderful memories together....and LOTS of laughs! Although it is almost time to say goodbye to “my” Mrs. International 2012, I know that the bond we have created will last a lifetime!

Thank you, Sarah, for being my role model and my sister! I love you very much!

Love and CUPCAKES,

Caroline

Writing Your Onstage Speech

I cannot believe that the 2013 Miss Teen International pageant is only three weeks away!! Time has really flown by for me, and I know that with all of the things you have had to do in preparation for competition, you are probably really beginning to feel the pressure!

As you know, during the competition you will receive a panel interview score and an onstage interview score, which is comprised of a 30 second speech and a platform-based question. I noticed that a lot of contestants focused more on being prepared for the question than their speech. However, your speech is very important!

As Miss Teen International 2012, I have used the information in my speech on many occasions because it provides a brief yet powerful overview of my platform. As a contestant, your speech is important to you because it determines your level of confidence and calmness going into your onstage question. If you nail your speech, you are sure to be able to deliver a confident and powerful answer onstage.

A great speech has two major components: content and delivery. You should include a brief summary of what your chosen platform is and why it is an important idea or organization. In other words, look at your platform page and choose the most important information. You are allotted a 30 second time period to deliver your speech. About 3 seconds before your time is up, you will hear the faint sound of wind chimes. The audience probably does not even hear this sound, but as a contestant, the wind chimes are an extremely stressful sound. Most girls tend to speed the last line (which was probably intended to be the most powerful) up. Make sure that you do not make your speech exactly 30 seconds, so you have adequate time to clearly deliver your speech.

This brings me to the second, and most important, component of the speech: your delivery. Because you have to memorize the speech, it is very difficult to sound passionate about what you are speaking about. My mom told me that I needed to speak in such a passionate way that every member of the audience would want to take part in the Miracle League and Shane's Inspiration because even if I did not win the crown, I had the perfect opportunity to teach hundreds of people about the organizations that are so close to my heart. In my opinion, it is more important to speak clearly and from your heart than to pack in tons of information! I hope this information is helpful as you write a speech of your very own!

I am looking forward to seeing you all very, very soon!

Caroline

The Wonderful World of Disney

Wondering why you haven’t heard from me in a while? I have been unleashing my “inner kid” at the happiest place on Earth, also known as Disney World! Every year, my family takes a trip to Orlando, Florida for the 14 and under travel baseball team National Championship at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports. Not only do we get to visit attractions at one of the largest baseball stadiums in Florida, interact with former major league baseball players, and meet legendary coaches, but we are also able to visit our favorite vacation spot!

This year, we visited a few places we have not been to in several years. On our first day, we learned about the magic of making movies at Universal Studios. A few of our favorite attractions were Shrek 4D, complete with moving seats! We also got to experience what it would be like to be outside during a category 5 tornado in the “Twister” attraction.

My absolute favorite attraction was the Men in Black roller coaster. The indoor roller coaster featured lots of twists and turns…all in complete darkness! We got to meet Frank the pug, the talking dog featured in the movies, and watch him interact with his trainers while learning new tricks!

We also spent a day at Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios’ high-thrill theme parks! Each area of the park is designed after a specific movie, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Dr. Seuss’s “Seussland”. I have always loved Dr. Seuss, so naturally, the colorful world of Dr. Seuss was definitely one of my favorite places to see!

I may be a college student now, but I will never be too old for One fish, Two fish, Red fish, Blue fish!

Poseidon’s Fury felt like we were really walking through the ruins of Greece!

We always make a trip to the Lego store at Downtown Disney. My brothers always like to make lego racecars and race them with other Lego fans. 

On our last night at Disney, we visited Chef Mickeys at Disney’s Contemporary hotel. During our Disney themed dinner, all of our favorite characters visited our table for a meet and greet. I always look forward to seeing Minnie Mouse, my all-time favorite Disney character. If you ever have the chance to visit Disney World, make sure to schedule a character dinner!

Visiting Disney World is always the perfect way to spend time with my family while having the time of our lives!

Caroline Crowley

Cyber Etiquette

As my reign draws nearer to an end, I am constantly thinking of valuable lessons to pass on to the next Miss Teen International and young ladies, in general. The most valuable lesson I have learned in life to always act like a queen. When you wear a crown, all eyes are on you! It is important that as a role model, you set a positive example through your every action.

Although you may not realize it, your social media accounts often provide a first impression to others. Not only do you represent the International Pageants, but you also represent your family, title, and platform. Your language and photo choices reflect your morals and values. Social media accounts can provide an excellent way to market yourself and your platform, raise awareness about issues that are important to you, and even meet queens and others that are active with your platform. Facebook has been a lifesaver for me this year, because I am able to connect with people all over the world!

However, social media accounts can also be negative and even dangerous. As attractive and intelligent young women, it is important to not only set a positive example, but also, to keep yourself safe! You should be conscious about your choice of words and especially careful of the photos you post. Also, it is very important to monitor the amount of information you share about yourself. You may not realize it, but several types of phones and social media accounts sync to show your exact location. Make sure that you have these settings turned off at all times in order to keep yourself safe. Also, you should never accept a friend request from someone that you do not know. It is so simple to click ‘accept’ out of habit, but one click can be very dangerous!

I am confident that you all will make, as my mom says, “smart choices”. I encourage you to utilize all of the wonderful technology that is accessible to you. Simply remember to always present yourself as a classy woman, whether in person or via a computer!

Caroline Crowley

Summer Fun in Orange Beach, Alabama

This past week, I got to kick off my summer vacation with a trip to a part of Alabama I have not spent much time in. I spent a week with friends in Orange Beach, Alabama! When most people think of beaches in our area, they think of Panama City Beach, Florida, because it the most popular Spring Break attraction in the United States. However, Alabama is home to some of the most beautiful beaches that are known for their family-friendly atmosphere. Orange Beach is the perfect spot for a family vacation!

We stayed at the Phoenix West hotel and resort. My favorite part was the lazy river! It was the perfect place to cool off when it got a little too warm. However, the view from our balcony was absolutely amazing! I loved watching the beautiful sunsets before dinner every night.

During our stay, we frequented several of the local restaurants. I don’t think I have ever eaten so much snow crab in my life!! We ate at so many delicious places, but my favorite restaurant was definitely The Hangout! The Hangout is a huge open restaurant that serves as a “hangout” for Orange Beach residents and visitors. After we were done with our delicious meal, (snow crab legs, of course!) we sat in huge over-sized beach chairs to watch local bands play on the stage outside. The Hangout is the perfect place to spend your entire night! I had such a blast!

Although I am a little sad that the end of this summer marks so many changes for my life, I know it will be one to remember! I hope you and your family have a fun, exciting, and safe summer!

Love,

Caroline

Summer Service Projects

Summer is FINALLY here! I am so excited about my family’s upcoming vacation plans and just having a little time to relax. However, I try to always keep in mind the reason God has blessed me with so many wonderful gifts….to serve others! During the warmer months, we have fewer Miracle League and Shane’s Inspiration events. So, sometimes I have to get a little creative with my own summer service projects! Here are a few ideas I have put to use this summer:

- Donate unused clothing to homeless shelters/others in need

Most girls have way too many clothes than their closets can handle. While some clothes can be sold, others can be donated to others in need! Summer vacation is the perfect time to make room for new clothes while helping others!

- Host a “water drive”

When most people think of donating non-perishable items, they think of canned food drives. However, during the warmer months, food banks, summer camps for underprivileged children, and shelters of all kinds are ALWAYS in need of sanitary and easily accessible water.

- Adopt a pet!

In my last blog, I told you all about Tyson! Since being blessed with his sweet nature, I have become a bit of a pet adoption advocate. Summer is the PERFECT time to help keep homeless pets out of the heat and in a cool, comforting home!

- Volunteer at a summer camp

Caroline Crowley

A New Member of the “Royal Family”

Last year, I was so inspired my Miss Teen International 2011, Jurnee Carr. Her platform, The Humane Society, focuses on eradicating animal abuse through no-kill shelters and most importantly, adoption! In Alabama, we experience absolutely BRUTAL summers due to the heat, paired with extreme humidity. My family and I decided that this would be a perfect time to help others in need. However, this time, the “person” we chose to help had two extra legs and a little extra hair on his body.

Meet Tyson! He is a four-year-old chocolate lab, and the newest member of our family. He is the most gentle and loving dog I have ever met. He loves to take walks and watch TLC! Tyson fits right into our baseball-loving family because it is his favorite game, as well! My mom normally does not allow us to have animals inside our house, but Tyson is a bit spoiled already. He even has his own room!

If you and your family decide that you have room for a new addition, I encourage you to at least visit your local Humane Society before making a choice about purchasing or adopting an animal. Knowing that we have helped Tyson live a better life is so rewarding…and so are his “kisses”!

Caroline Crowley