Queens in Kings....Coney to be Exact

Today is the 4th of July! Most people would be spending this day outside with "fun in the sun" in honor of our country's freedom from Great Britain, but not me. Nope! I did that yesterday with the amazing Keelie Sheridan (Miss Greater NYC) and Claire Buffie (the new Miss NY 2010). With combined efforts we had everything from tortilla chips and quacamole to hummus and wheat wraps- not to mention blueberries, blackberries, watermelon and veggies! We spent the much needed day off lounging on the beaches of Coney Island together. It was a blast! Although some of our conversation was "girlie," a majority of it was based on the Miss NY Org. It was great to see the current Miss NY really seeking our advice on how we think the organization can grow as whole and also how we can all work together to see that happen. I am so grateful for this experience in the MNY pageant and the wonderful opportunity to meet these amazing women. It was clear, after yesterday, that the three of us are so passionate about what this program has to offer each young woman... each of us has such a unique perspective and it was awesome to bring the three of them together and really be able to brainstorm for what's to come.After the beach, Claire and I were able to meet up with Jackie Holmes (Miss Manhattan) to do a late birthday celebration at a DELICIOUS Mexican restaurant in Hell's Kitchen. How amazing is it that we were all able to find these friendships through the Miss America Organization?! This is what the organization is about... finding the balance of personal gain and friendships. MNY/MAO is so much more than a pageant or competition- it's a life-changing opportunity to find yourself and grow through comradery and friendships as well. I am so proud to know each of these women and I look forward to hopefully spending many years to come laughing around restaurant tables in NYC or completely frying on the beaches on Coney Island.

I can't wait for next weekend!!


Mallory