What I Am Most Excited For Miss Idaho Week
What I Am Most Excited For Miss Idaho Week
Life is short; time is fast, no real life replay or rewind. This is your moment, this is your life.
In this very moment I was crowned Miss Ada County 2017 and my journey to Miss Idaho 2017 began. It began the opportunity to change lives, it began the opportunity to grow, it began the opportunity to show others the joy of the Miss America Organization! This moment is one that 21 other local Idahoan women had and cherish each day and one lucky women will be able to have this moment as the new Miss Idaho 2017 at the end of this week.
This being not my first go around for the title of Miss Idaho, my favorite thing besides the fun limo rides we get to have during the week, if being able to connect with all the women around me! I have met some of my best friends through this organization and I cannot express enough how amazing EACH AND EVERY SINGLE WOMEN that is going to hit that stage on Friday and Saturday is. These women are strong, passionate, charismatic, thoughtful, genuine individuals who are making a difference in the community! We have fun backstage and create memories that I know I will be sharing with my kids, and their kids someday!
I want all the contestants competing this weekend to keep in mind this…
It's not the title, nor the crown that counts.
It's not the weight that's lost that really amounts.
It's not the makeup design, or the gown that you wear,
Or the shape of your build or the length of your hair.
You see, the growth of a Queen is all done inside,
It's nothing support hose or makeup can hide.
The real preparation is done in the mind,
It's leaving your fears and your faults all behind.
It's lifting your soul to a place that's far seen,
It's molding a woman to the height of a Queen.
It's hard and it's work, it's not easily done,
But when it is over, you'll know who has won.
When the pageant is through and the lights are turned down,
You will know you're a winner and you will have your crown.
You see, all crowns are made different, it's really an art,
Yours can be rhinestones or the growth of the heart.
I am most excited for this week because not only do I get to have the opportunity to be chosen for my dream job, but also they fact that I get to do it beside such a wonderful group! Cherish the moments you have because in a blink of an eye it can go by so fast. I am so grateful to be able to represent Ada County at Miss Idaho and hope that you can join me on June 9-10th at Kuna High school for the Miss Idaho pageant!
-Katarina Schweitzer
Miss Ada County 2017
Lifestyle and Fitness While Being Body Positive
Lifestyle and Fitness While Being Body Positive
Hello my friends, Miss Middleton here! My platform is entitled “Every Body is Beautiful” and it’s about being body positive, changing media attitudes towards fat acceptance, and combatting eating disorders. I struggled with body image and anorexia for the majority of my teen years but because I became body positive and realized my worth wasn’t equated to a number on a scale or the size of my waist, I was able to let go of my issues. This was a major process for me, one that I am still undergoing. Getting healthy was all in my mind and my mind still fights me every day to go back to my bad habits.
This brings up the question of how I’m getting ready for the swimsuit portion of Miss Idaho?
My preparation is to live my life! It’s called “Lifestyle and Fitness” for a reason! I can’t let my past obsessions with chasing a thin ideal overcome my life and preparation in other parts of the competition. I eat healthfully and enjoy all types of food (even dessert and pizza) and I work out doing things I love (my pup and I love going on walk/jogs, and I enjoy swimming at the pool I lifeguard at).
When I walk that stage, I will be the biggest I’ve ever been. But I’ll also be the healthiest I’ve ever been.
Last year at Miss Idaho, I was chasing my Thin Ideal. I worked out religiously and I cut out all “bad” foods. I didn’t have a good time last year because I resented myself for thinking I didn’t look as good as the other girls. I hated them and I hated myself. Swimsuit was terrifying and I was not the nicest person to be around. Even though I felt and acted the way I did, I was still accepted into the sisterhood, which is why I am back this year (but with a new perspective!).
I am so excited for Miss Idaho this year! Because I value myself more, I can value others more! Every single girl is gonna rock swimsuit!
“You can't rely on how you look to sustain you, what sustains us, what is fundamentally beautiful is compassion; for yourself and for those around you.”~ Lupita Nyong'o
Getting ready for Miss Idaho I am tempted to focus solely on how I look for the competition-wardrobe, makeup, fitness, the list goes on and on. But this quote reminds me of where my priorities are: being compassionate for others and developing my platform so that I can be an inspiration for young girls who are like how I was-hating my body and only accepting my worth if I was a certain size. Looks fade and go away but a compassionate heart stays beautiful forever
Points of the Crown- Style
I absolutely love fashion; we are able to convey to people what we like without even saying a word. Contestants develop a personal style that shows their personality. One of the points of the Miss America crown is Style! In each phase of competition contestants have the chance to share their style to the judges with what evening gown, talent costume, swimsuit and interview outfit they pick. Your style should be based solely on what you like, what looks good on you, and what you can afford. Ask yourself what you would like people to remember about you and your clothing. Figure out which elements you’d like to add to your wardrobe and search out these pieces. Once you narrow down what items look good on you—and which make you feel good—you’ll be in style every day.
Summer styles are now in bloom! Have fun plans for summer break? What are you planning on wearing?
Here are some fun outfit ideas for you and your friends to rock in the summer heat!
- Bright colored dresses
This coral color is great for any summer occasion, whether it is concerts, brunch with the girls, or date night!
2. Fun shorts
These cool tye-dye shorts will leave you feeling comfy, and looking cool!
3. Fun Maxi skirt
Dressy enough for a night out with the girls, but to casual enough to run a few errands and how cute is that tank? Pair any t-shirt with a fun, bright maxi skirt, it's too perfect. Then add a jean jacket for those cooler days.
4. Stripes
Anything with a striped pattern will be turning heads towards you when you walk on by!
5. Wedges
Wedges are your friend when you want to wear a heel but don’t want to be to fancy or aerate the lawn during outdoor events! I'm almost positive you could live off of just this color alone. (I wore mine for Graduation)
6. A dress with a back
You look good from the front but when you walk away leave them with a little surprise!
7. Headbands
These fun headbands that are especially perfect for the beach, and music festivals, as the weather gets warmer. Also For every headband sold, a headband is given to a child with cancer.
8. Light Jacket
Because it's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket for those cold nights by the bonfire or out on the lake. A great lightweight jacket will keep you warm and looking lovely! Here are two styles I love…
9. Floral everything
Keep it fresh and clean with the season by adding a pop of color through floral. It can be through pants, dresses, kimonos, or shirts!
LASTLY…
10. Nice pair of pants
White, Black or Blue you choose! Always nice to have a pair to coordinate with your outfit and activities!
These pieces will brighten up any wardrobe for spring or summer! All of these items are available in store or online at Miss Idaho’s State sponsor store Ava Rae Boutique! www.avaraeboutique.com
Miss Ada County 2017
Katarina Schweitzer
National School Breakfast Week with Miss Capital City
Hello Idaho! It’s Miss Capital City, Megan Wilson!
We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, March 6-10th was National School Breakfast Week!
The federal school breakfast program is a crucial protective factor for youth. But, there are many barriers associated with traditional breakfast that keep participation low. For example, children may choose to play with friends before school, there is social stigma surrounding the program, or they may not get to school in time to eat. This is why I have been promoting alternative breakfast models in collaboration with Partners for Breakfast in the Classroom.
Breakfast in the Classroom allows ALL students to eat their morning meal right when they arrive to class. Teachers and administrators have witnessed behavioral problems decrease, academic outcomes progress, and an increased sense of community in the classroom.
I had the honor of writing a Governor’s Proclamation for Idaho School Breakfast Week which was read at Pierce Park Elementary School in Boise. Lieutenant Governor Little read the proclamation to students and attendees from the Idaho Education Association, Idaho State Department of Education, Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force, and Boise School District.
The best part of this event was seeing Lt. Governor Little sit in a Kindergarten chair to eat breakfast with the Kindergarteners and hearing a chocolate milk versus white milk discussion!
Follow this link to see the video I produced and hosted to promote alternative breakfast models!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52nKxa2B7cQ
Proclamation
WHEREAS school meals originated in 1946 to ensure the strength of our youth in protecting our nation against all enemies foreign and domestic; and
WHEREAS evidence proves that school breakfast can now defend Idaho youth against hunger, obesity, behavioral problems, poor academic performance, and poor diet quality; and
WHEREAS there are 25,000 Idaho farms with whom schools can foster collaboration in the actions of feeding Idaho’s children and supporting Idaho’s economy; and
WHEREAS new, innovative models of serving breakfast are improving participation in the meal, the sense of community in the classroom, educational outcomes, and the budgets of many Idaho schools; and
WHEREAS a movement such as “Idaho School Breakfast Week” promotes the notion that all Idaho children deserve the basic, human need of a nutritious morning meal; and
WHEREAS Idaho’s future potential—in all institutions—is only as strong as the potential we instill in our children today
-Miss Capital City Megan Wilson
How do you push yourself beyond to be better?
A few years back in high school when dealing with the frustration of what seemed like a perennial competitor in academics, dance, and other extracurricular activities, my mother kindly enlightened me that my toughest competition would always be myself.
This sage advice only made me more frustrated, yet as time passed on, I quickly learned that this would be the truth. An understanding that would help shape me into the person I am today.
“Someone will always be prettier.
Someone will always be smarter.
Someone will always be younger.
But they will never be you.” -Kanye West
How do I push myself beyond to be better?
I turn my dreams into goals.
Now the difference between setting goals and accomplishing them is astronomically different. Setting goals is admirable; yet truly accomplishing them takes dedication, strength, will power, and hope. I find that pushing myself past my limits brings me the best results. In school, whenever I feel as if I am falling behind in a course, I push myself to make up the difference. In life whenever I feel lackluster or down, I find ways to serve others. For my fitness goals, I strive to push myself beyond my mental capacity.
Of course, just when you feel as if your goals are in reach, life will always throw a curve ball. There will be minor setbacks, but overcoming those hurdles only makes you stronger. I apply a well-known phrase to my life by Gordon B. Hinckley “Try a little harder to do a little better.”
Changes do not come overnight, but I can promise that when you set a goal and if you are determined to accomplish it by competing by yourself and pushing beyond your limits just a little bit at a time, the results will be immeasurable.
-Remi Walker Miss Pocatello