HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY!

St.Patrick's day is my all time favorite holiday! I am very Irish and I love to celebrate my heritage. As you know, I have been Irish dancing since I was four years old and I absolutely love to perform! Every year, Akron has a big Irish parade the Saturday before St.Patrick's day and I always walk and dance with my dance school. This year I was asked to make an appearance in the parade as Miss Ohio Teen USA! They had a convertible for me with signs on it that said my name! I was so excited! When it came time for the parade, it started pouring down rain. The luck of the Irish wasn't with us when it came to the weather! Because of the rain, I didn't get to ride in the convertible because I didn't want to ruin the interior of the car. I decided I would just walk in the parade, and that way I could walk up to the children and actually interact with them. Even though the rain put a damper on the day, I still had so much fun. It was amazing to see so many people there still all decked out in their Irish and green clothes even in the rain! They made me feel so special too. I had people asking for my autograph and pictures with me! I truly felt like a celebrity! After the parade ended, there was an after party at the Barely House which is an Irish restaurant and bar. The University of Akron band also participated in the parade. It was so nice to see the talented band that I get to dance with at every Akron game! They came into the Barely House and played a few Irish tunes and ended with the Akron fight song as Akron got ready for the MAC tournament! I felt proud to be a Zip after listening to them play. My uncle is in an Irish band and they were playing at the Barely House all day after the parade. My uncle invited me in and called me on stage and introduced me to the crowd. The crowd gave me so much support and will continue to on my journey to Miss Teen USA!Look!! It's a real leprechaun! Haha I love this holiday!

About to walk in the cold & rain with my high heels
& skirt on! It wasn't too bad, I survived :)

The University of Akron's fabulous band director!
He taught the band "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"
which is my favorite Irish song for me! They did an
amazing job as always!

This is one of my best friend's, Megan! I have grown
up with Megan and have Irish danced with her throughout
my entire life. I love her!

The Callahan & O'Connor Irish band taking a break to
introduce me! :)

Some adorable little girls that just may be future
Miss Teen USA's!

Early morning on March 17th, my family began the Irish festivities! I woke up and put on all of my Irish clothing and decorations to celebrate St.Patrick's day! My family and I enjoyed a delicious Irish breakfast with all of our fellow Irish friends whom I've grown up with over the years. After breakfast, we went to Rockne's which is an Irish restaurant and we listened to my Uncle's band again. They are an amazing band and bring so much fun to St.Patrick's Day. Following Rockne's, we were off to the Barely House again. Another Irish band was playing there and they have been very close family friends to me my entire life. I dance with them every year and I did once again this year. I had a blast dancing with my friends and with such a talented group of musicians. Overall, St.Patrick's Day is a day I look forward to every year and it never fails to be one of the best days!

One happy Irish family! This is my cousin Katie, our Pap,
and my 7 month pregnant sister all ready to
celebrate St.Patrick's Day!
I love my Pap so much! I am so blessed to have the
best grandpa in the entire world :)

Haha I love my best friends so much! These are
two of my closest friends Leann and Liz! I have also
grown up with them and I don't know what I would
do without them in my life! <3

Pittsburgh Training Weekend :)

Training has officially begun!! I spent the weekend at the Pittsburgh Hyatt with an incredible group of people. Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, and the Pennsylvania state titleholders were all lucky enough to spend the weekend with our wonderful directors Randy Sanders and Melissa Pitchford along with Melissa's sister, Kim Proctor. I am so fortunate to have these amazing individuals helping me through my journey to Miss Teen USA. Friday night when I arrived, Randy and Melissa gave us helpful tips that we will carry on with us to Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. We watched past pageant videos and discussed how the pageant is going to work at the national level. Their encouraging words and important tips really motivated me for Miss Teen USA! I honestly can't wait! I woke up Saturday morning for my photo shoot with Carter Studios. I had a blast with Jonathan and Heather! Heather did an amazing job on my hair and make up and she was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. We had so much fun together. Jonathan is a phenomenal photographer and he made the shoot such an amazing experience. He had the BEST music on his ipod too haha! He was laughing at me the whole day because I kept coming back while the other title holders were shooting just so I could dance to his music! I had such a great time getting to know both of them and I hope to see them again soon! I also can't wait to see the pictures! After my shoot, I spent some time with the best director, Melissa! We went over what I need to work on and what to expect at Miss Teen USA. She really has my best interest and I am so lucky to have her. Rima, Amanda, and I met Melissa later in the day for some walking training. We put on our bathing suits and walked for her....in the lobby of the hotel!! We were all laughing saying how we could be a reality show on TV for MADE or something! I have to admit, it did prepare me to walk in my bathing suit in front of people with confidence though! We spent the remainder of the day bonding and going over more hints to help us be the best we can be at the national level. I had such an incredible time throughout the entire weekend and I am so blessed to have the best sister queens and director. Rima, Amanda, and I grew to become so much closer and I love them both to death. We certainly missed Catherine though! She was at home sick :( Pictures to come soon!