We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.
-Aristotle

Over 12,000 Goya cans were used to make this, and were donated to the United Way of Salem County!\


With the 5th graders from Gloucester Township School! (They were awesome back-up singers!)


Even Miss New Jersey needs a little rest after a crazy week!

I think I have just experienced one of the most exciting, rewarding, but unbelievably exhausting weeks as Miss New Jersey. Each day I'm presented with a new challenge, but I look forward to learning more about myself and invigorating my thirst for knowledge. So with that, I have a lot to share from the past 4 days!

First I want to keep reminding everyone about my "Feel Great 5K Walk/Run" that will be held on December 6th at the Mercer County Park! $20 Registration Fee, and all proceeds benefit my platform and the Children's Miracle Network! Children at $10 and there will be a "1 Mile Fun Run" for the children so families can enjoy the event!

REGISTER HERE
http://www.therunningcompany.net/

Also I'm very excited about a new SPONSOR!! I would like to thank Tom D'Auria and Tanlines Tanning Studio in East Windsor, NJ for becoming my sponsor for the Miss America Pageant!! They have beautiful facilities, with beds ranging from level 1-5 as well as Mystic Sunless Tanning! Tom and all the ladies are so friendly, and are active within the community, so I encourage every to patronize this great sponsor and everything they do for the community!!

TANLINES
370 Rt. 130 South
East Windsor, NJ

Well, onto my appearances, Wednesday I was honored to be a part of the new GOYA Warehouse opening in Pedricktown, NJ. I share my story of how Goya products have been a major part of my life, especially growing up with a Puerto Rican Babysitter who fed me Rice and Beans, which is my favorite food next to my Oatmeal Pancakes! I also sang the National Anthem and cut the ribbon! The food was wonderful, and I just had so much fun meeting with Goya Executives, and would like to thank Rafael Torro and his assistant Giovanna for having me be a part of the spectacular event! The saying is true, "If it's Goya, it has to be good!"


Singing the National Anthem!


Cutting the Ribbon!


Speaking with the President of Goya


With the wonderful, Rafael Torro!

Friday I was up bright an early to head to Gloucester Township Elementary School, and was the special guest for the 33rd annual "Americanism Day." Sponsored by the AMVETS, this event was designed to educate children on the importance of patriotism and important symbols of our great nation. This year they had a special ceremony called the "The White Table Ceremony," which is dedicated to all the POW/MIA in the Armed Services. It was a very emotional, but beautiful ceremony. I was so impressed with the children and how proud they were to take part in this event. I think it's so wonderful how dedicated Principal Gentile and his assistant, Ms. Katherine Murphy are to making sure this event takes place!


With Principal Gentile!


With the District and National Presidents of the AMVETS, as well as a Gloucester Township Police Officer!


With members of the Gloucester Township School Board

I spoke to the students about coming from a military family, and being a descendant from a signer of the Declaration of Independence. I also encouraged them to get involved in their communities and give back to everyone who has sacrificed for their freedom. I closed the show by singing the "Armed Forces Medley." All the servicemen in the audience were impressed by how I knew all the words, and I didn't forget them! (Little did they know, I had to lock myself into my room the day before so I learned them) But I had such a wonderful time being with the students, and getting to meet them all!


Speaking to the Students!


Singing the Armed Forces Medley!

Saturday I was once again up bright and early to head to Ridgewood, New Jersey where I took part in a charity event with DUXIANA. I helped to collected toys, cloths, and other items for children involved with "Project HOPE," a mission which is dedicated to helping children in Haiti, and providing them with a better life. From there I then went to Summit, New Jersey to collect more things at the Summit DUXIANA store. I had such a wonderful time, not to mention that we had the chance to try out the fabulous "Dux Bed," which is probably the most luxurious bed I have ever tried! I want to thank Ann-Britt Paulsen for having me at the event, and I also want to thank her for giving me a wonderful "Duxiana Down Pillow!" I haven't such restful sleep in such a long time! I will be in Red Bank this coming Saturday to collect more things for Project Hope from 11-1, so I hope to see everyone come out and support this wonderful cause!!


With Anne-Britt Paulsen, and her employees in Ridgewood.


Another one from Ridgewood!


With some young girls who came to donate!

I'm getting very excited because I am coming to the end of my Dale Carnegie Course! I only have two to go, and then I will be the first Miss New Jersey to graduate!! I will keep everyone posted!!

Well now it's time to get back to practicing, and getting ready for the upcoming events. I'm really excited for the event I was invited to this Friday evening at the Columbus Citizens Foundation! I might have the chance to meet Susan Lucci!!

Wishing you health and happiness!