Update

Hi Everyone,

I've been slacking a tiny bit regarding updating you on appearances. So, I've decided to create one big blog post to let you know what I've been up to. A separate blog will be posted in the near future to give you details on my Miss Massachusetts 2013 pageant experience, which was absolutely incredible. All I can say is if you are eligible to compete in the Miss America system, you must do so. It's such life changing opportunity and it makes you a better person.

Read the posts below to learn about my June/July appearances!

NSTAR Walk for Children's Hospital Boston 6/9/13

Local Miss MA Contestants 

The NSTAR walk for Children's Hospital Boston is an annual event that the Miss MA local title holders participate in. It's a wonderful event, because it allows us all to come together and volunteer for such a distinguished hospital. CHB is part of the Children's Miracle Network, which is actually the Miss America Organization's national platform.

with a dear friend of mine, Mei-Lin

Contestants must raise money for CMN in order to qualify to compete at an MAO local. I had fantastic time with my fellow sister queens at a water station where we kept the walkers hydrated. I also was able to help pass out snacks. I throughly enjoyed myself and loved the experience knowing I was helping raise money, so children can have healthier and brighter futures.

Cambridge Family & Children's Service Banquet 6/11/13

I was invited to be a special guest at CFCS Banquet. I enjoyed spending time with the guests, taking pictures, signing autographs and speaking about the Miss America Organization. It was a really cool experience, because I also got to greet guests as they arrived in style by limo. It was a Hollywood themed party, so guests walked the red carpet and were given a catered meal with delicious dessert. Too bad I was in pageant mode then, so I had to watch the dinner commence from a far. However, I still had a blast brightening everyone's day. Thank you so much to CFCS for having me! You've been such a pleasure to work with :-)

Zinga Fundraiser 6/12/13

I held a fundraiser at Zinga! Frozen Yogurt in Kenmore Square. This is my absolute favorite frozen yogurt place around. It also happens to be a Miss Boston/Cambridge sponsor. I decided to have a fundraiser at Zinga! to raise money for Children's Miracle Network. The fundraiser was fun, because I got to stand out on the sidewalk and hand out free samples in my crown and sash. I know the public enjoyed that..haha. Most of them didn't know who I was, so it allowed me the opportunity to introduce myself to a new community and make friends. I was able to meet my goal of raising over $600 for CMN.








Dedham Flag Day Parade 6/14/13

Dedham Flag Day Parade 

Miss Suffolk County and I had the opportunity to be in the Dedham Flag Day Parade thanks to her business manager Lisa for booking us this appearance. This was my first parade as Miss Cambridge and boy was it exciting. The entire Dedham community was out to watch the parade and welcomed me with open arms. I was so thrilled to be a part of this experience.

Thank you New England Corvette Rentals for the ride

We rode in style on top of a corvette...never thought I would be able to say I did that!





This was also a great bonding experience for Victoria and I because soon after we would become roommates for Miss MA week.


We promised each other a cheat meal after the pageant was complete. I know that will happen in the near future. What a memorable flay day!

Rocky, Carrie, Victoria and Lisa 

Cambridge Ride & Run 6/23/13

At the finish handing out metals 

Handing out metals alongside Mario Lopez and Semirah 

 After attending the Cambridge5K Freedom Run at the CambridgeSide Galleria, I was invited to be a part of the Cambridge Ride & Run. This was such a great event, because it motivated youth in the Cambridge and surrounding communities to exercise. The Ride & Run was designed to allow participants to "ride" their bikes and "run" a specific distance. The course looped around the CambridgeSide Galleria and at one point allowed the kids to run in the mall. How fun?

Speaking to a participant 

I helped out with awarding each child a metal as they crossed the finish line. I also was a part of the official awards ceremony at the end of the event. Also, we had a celebrity in town who took part in the festivities.

Mario Lopez of ExtraTV stopped by to enjoy the fun. He announced the start of the races and also handed out metals with me. What a cool experience. I also met up with Cambridge Mayor Henrietta Davis. It's always a pleasure to see her. I absolutely love the Cambridge community!

Did you know Cambridge was voted the most walkable city in America? Soon, hopefully Cambridge will also be voted one of the most bike-able and healthy cities as well!

with Mario Lopez 

High giving a participant after winning 

A new friend, she gave me a hug! 

Another winner 

Miss Massachusetts 2013 Pageant
Pageant Week June 26-29
(Separate Blog Coming Soon)

Yasso 7/2/13

with members from the marketing department 

Post Pageant life....My business manger, Dustin, invited me to a focus group at Yasso Boston headquarters. I was able to sample new frozen yogurt flavors and provide the company with feedback. The best part about this appearance was sampling frozen yogurt that hadn't been released to the public yet. Who knows, maybe the company will change their strategy because of me? Anyway, Yasso is a sponsor of Miss Boston/Cambridge and I absolutely love healthy treats!

Stay tuned for more blogs. Although I didn't win Miss Massachusetts, I still remain Miss Cambridge till February of 2014! 

For more info visit: Miss Cambridge Facebook Page-Click here or www.missboston.org 

Boston Pride Pageant

With the 2013 Pride King & Queen 

I was invited to judge the 2013 Boston Pride King & Queen Pageant. This was definitely a new experience for me, but I throughly enjoyed being part of this event. The talent was truly amazing, and I was very entertained during all the performances.

Thank you so much to Miss Boston/Cambridge Organization board member, Rocky Graziano, for setting this appearance up. I had the opportunity to judge the pageant along side my business manager, Dustin Rennells. He was also my chaperone ;-)  His sister Marshelle Johnston joined us for the night. She did my hair &  makeup. Marshelle has become a really good friend of mine! I have such a great pageant family! Also, thank you to Glitterati for dressing me perfectly for the evening.

I got to sash the winners 

Contestants were judged on four phases of competition:
Private interview
Pride costume/ Personal intro
Talent
Evening wear

The winner of the Boston Pride King & Queen pageant will be the face and spokesperson of Boston Pride. One of their first appearances will be to ride in the Boston Pride parade this Saturday, June 8th.

Other pride events will take place through June 9th. Click here (for more info).

Judging the pageant alongside Dustin

Marshelle and I before the pageant 

Cambridge Family & Children's Service

At the MENtoring Event with CFCS mentors

I am so happy to announce that I will be partnering with Cambridge Family and Children's Service to promote my platform, ADOPT: Adoption Depends on Positive Thinking. I was adopted from Changsha, China when I was two years old. Since I was given a second chance at a better life, I believe it is my time to pay it forward.  I want to spread adoption awareness throughout the Cambridge community and Greater Boston Area. I will also be supporting the overall mission of CFCS, which is to "serve children and strengthen families."
History of CFCS (Click this link)

Sophie speaks about mentor requirments

CFCS offers: adoption, developmental disabilities, intensive foster care, and residential services. It also has a volunteer mentoring program and helps with family support and stabilization.

On Friday night, I went to a Latino MENtoring event hosted by CFCS. The purpose of this gathering was to encourage men, and especially bilingual men, to become mentors. (Watch this video to learn more about the mentorship program at CFCS:  Mentor Video.) CFCS matches mentors with youth in the community. I would higlhy encourage anyone who can to become a mentor. As soon as I turn 21, I am signing up to mentor a child. I want to help enhance a life and brighten a child's future. The mentorship program is always looking for new adult volunteers. Why not take the opportunity to make a new friend?

Become a mentor!  (Click this link)

Quick Facts-Mentor Requirements:

1. Must be at least 21 years old
2. Is willing to commit 2-3 hours a week for a minimum of 1 year
3. Can offer friendship, encouragement, guidance and support to a youth

So, do you meet the qualifications?? If so, please consider being a mentor!

Thank you to Venture Cafe for hosting the event

I am so glad to be forming a relationship and bond with CFCS. All of the staff are incredibly dedicated. I already have an appearance scheduled with CFCS next week. I can't wait! Stay tuned for my next blog post. –Carrie

Cambridge5k-Freedom Run

I had so much fun today attending the Cambridge5K- Memorial Freedom Run hosted by the East Cambridge Business Association and sponsored by the CambridgeSide Galleria. 

Female costume winner, Wonder Woman!

I arrived to volunteer at approximately 7:30am and was very busy working the race till about 1:30pm. I spent the majority of the morning helping participants check-in and get organized before the race started. There were over 1,000 people pre-registerd for the event!

The race began promptly at 10am. While the runners were on the course, I hurried to the finish line to be assigned my next job. I was asked by the Race Menu coordinator to help take time chips off of runners shoes after they crossed the finish line. This was a fun job, because I got to congratulate race participant and interact with them right after their finishing moments. Most of the runners were really happy to have the extra support and help. 

Working registration 

It takes a lot of energy to run a 5K on a cold day, but I know you get a great adrenaline rush afterwards. I blogged a few weeks ago about running my first 5K. It's such a great feeling crossing the finish!!! If I had more time, I would have run this event too. However, sometimes it is nice being just a volunteer and spectator.  Overall, I was very impressed with the turnout even with the rain. 

It took about an hour for all runner to cross the finish line. After the race was completed everyone moved over to Canal Park for after party celebration. There was lots of food, drink vendors and free samples. I ran into one of my sponsors KIND Bars. I took some pictures and made sure to get more free samples ;-)

Removing a time chip from a runners shoe

 After taking a short break, I was asked to help with the award ceremony. I had the honor of standing on stage with the event manager, Eddie. We handed out awards for the best costume, top male and female finishers as well as top team finishers.  All of the winners proudly accepted their custom trophies and made sure to show them off to the rest of the audience.

The Freedom Run concluded with a dance off, which I had the privilege of judging. I choose a top 14, then a top four, lastly a top two...and a final winner! There was some fierce competition! The lady I chose as the winner ran the Boston-Run to Remember 5k, then the Cambridge5K-Freedom Run, then won the dance off. That's three major events in one day! Let's just say she was extremely busy and burned a lot of calories. I think I could use some workout and dance tips from her. She definitely has the stamina and energy I need for Miss Massachusetts. Strong Women Rule!  

Posing at the finish line 

Posing with some new fans

Today, was awesome! I'm exhausted, but it was the perfect way for me to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with the community. Thank you again to the East Cambridge Business Association for having me as a celebrity guest. I can't wait to continue working with you in the future.

 -Carrie 

Fastet team winners

More pictures can be found at Miss Cambridge Scholarship Organization's FB Page

Being introduced as a dance competition judge

KIND Bars

The dance off begins

Miss MA Class of 2013

Hi Everyone,

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Here are group pictures from the Miss Massachusetts contestant orientation and gala. I can't believe there are only 33 days till the pageant. I feel like I was crowned Miss Cambridge 2013 yesterday. However, I'm feeling great about my state pageant preparations. I'm so blessed to have the support of so many talented people!  

Please make sure to continue to follow my journey by:

Liking my Facebook Page:Miss Cambridge Scholarship Organization

Following me on Twitter: CambridgeMAO

Voting me People's Choice at: Missmass.org

(The contestant with the most votes wins a spot into the top 11)

21 ladies will compete for Miss Massachusetts 2013

Silly pose!

Classic staircase photo at Asa Waters Mansion

Outside of Asa Waters Mansion in Millbury, MA

Alvin Ailey

Striking a pose

I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Celebrity Series of Boston to promote its 2013-2104 season at two Alvin Ailey performances, which took place at the Citi Performing Arts Center (Wang Theater). My executive director, Stephanie Janes, is the senior communications manager for the Celebrity Series. So, she invited local titleholders to help out at the shows. How could I say no to this awesome offer?

The wonderful part about this appearance, was that I got to watch the show and then volunteer afterwards. Alvin Ailey has always been one of my favorite dance companies. They don't come to Boston very often, so I couldn't miss this performance. I decided to volunteer two nights because the show line-up varied per night.

Volunteering with Miss Plymouth County & Miss Western MA

Both performances were incredible. As a dancer, I was truly impressed by the talent I saw on stage. I could tell that all the dancer were experienced storytellers, just loved movement and expressing themselves. Most importantly they were all having fun.

The Alvin Ailey company is like a big family that invites their friends, "the audience," over for a dinner party. They welcome you into their home and make sure you are comfortable and entertained while you're visiting.

Pictured with my executive director, Stephanie Janes

About five minutes before the show ended, my sister queens and I went to the lobby to hand out fliers promoting the Celebrity Series. It was a lot of fun, because the audience was surprised to encounter ladies wearing crowns. Most of them didn't know about the Miss MA and Miss America Scholarship Organizations. So, I gave them a quick 30 second speech telling them a little bit about myself and the system. 

Lots of people were excited to know that there actually was a Miss Cambridge. They smiled and waved at me. I thought that was pretty cool ;-) I absolutely love my job and all of the fantastic perks that come with it!

-Carrie

Promoting the Celebrity Series of Boston at the end of the Alvin Ailey

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to share this newsletter I wrote to the Miss Boston & Miss Cambridge community about a week ago! Please continue reading this post, if you didn't receive my letter via email. I've been super busy preparing for the Miss Massachusetts pageant, but I will always try to make time to update you on my latest adventures.  Enjoy! -Carrie

Wow, I can’t believe it’s already been three months since I was crowned Miss Cambridge. Since my crowning, I’ve been utilizing every opportunity to serve the community and promote the Miss America Organization. To date, I’ve made over 10 appearances, and my most memorable appearance has been volunteering during the Cambridge Science Festival. I was stationed at the Science Carnival and Robot Zoo. During this event, I even ran into the mayor of Cambridge, Henrietta Davis. I truly had a wonderful time interacting with visitors and learning about the latest innovative robot technology. Appearances are so much fun and keep me really busy. However, I wouldn’t be able look my best without the backing of my wonderful sponsors. Wherever I go, I always have Hint Waterand my Vera Bradley tote with me. Some events require me to be more dressed up, so I am lucky to have Glitterati Prom & Pageant Superstore as my wardrobe sponsor. They have the most breathtaking cocktail dresses and evening gowns. I am also fortunate to have my personal trainer Jeff of RxStrength Training keeping me fit for Miss Massachusetts. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! None of this would be possible without the support of my business manager, Dustin Todd Rennells and the rest of the Miss Boston board. I’ll be honest; it really does take a team of people to help Miss Cambridge do her job. Again, I am so thankful for everyone that’s supporting my journey and making sure I am upholding the four points of my crown (scholarship, service, success, and style)! -Carrie Miss Cambridge 2013 Follow my journey:  Facebook: Miss Cambridge Scholarship Organization Twitter: @CambridgeMAO Blog: misscambridge2013.blogspot.com Website: missboston.org To book appearances: www.missboston.org/Contact.html

Miles for Hope

Moving Towards a Cure

Registering participants 

On May 4th, I participated in "Moving Towards a Cure" a 5K run dedicated towards raising funds for brain tumor research and awareness. Not only did I volunteer and help register runners, but I also ran the race (in just over 30 minutes)! I've never run a 5K, so I was very happy to have completed the race.

Crossing the finish line 

My mother was a runner. She even completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. She also participated in many charity walks and runs. When I was younger, she pushed me in the stroller and brought me on the race course. I would get to "cross the finish line" with her. As I got older, she continued to have me accompany her. While she was running the race, I would be volunteering at water stations with my father. Sometimes, I would even get to hand my mother water as she ran by. It was a lot of fun.

My mother inspires me, and this was one of the ways she taught me to give back.  I've been an active volunteer ever since.

Walk for Hunger 

Jessica and I posing with the mile 14 sign

The next day, I volunteered as a course marshall for the 45th annual Project Bread- Walk for Hunger. I stood by mile 14 (in Cambridge) and cheered on walkers. I meet another volunteer named Jessica who was also assigned to the same spot. We both had a great time pretending to be cheerleaders. Too bad we forgot to bring pop-poms! The Walk for Hunger was 20 miles, so we knew it was important to keep up the walkers' spirits. They still had another 6 miles to walk and we could tell some of them were getting tired. Jessica and I did our best to say motivating and exciting catch phrases. Most of the walkers laughed and smiled at us :-)

I wore my Miss Cambridge banner, which also entertained most of the walkers. Many of them didn't know there was an official Miss Cambridge and were very happy to meet a local celebrity. I am always glad to make myself visible to the community.

(Click here for a video of me cheering on walkers)

I guess you could say I spent my weekend "running around," but for all the right reasons. One of my favorite parts about the summer is all of the fundraising events that take place. I can't wait to continue to volunteer and make appearances. I already have many appearances lined-up for the upcoming months.

-Carrie

If you'd like to book me for an appearance please follow this link for more information:

http://www.missboston.org/Contact.html

Boot Camp Workout Honoring Fallen MIT Officer Sean Collier

boot camp attendants with Sean's father and brother (center)

My fitness sponsor RxStrength Training held a boot camp workout honoring fallen MIT officer Sean Collier. I helped promote this event and participated as Miss Cambridge. We raised over $1, 500 for the Collier family. They have decided to donate the money to the Jimmy Fund in memory of Sean.

Working out

Sean's father and brother came to the boot camp event. Mr. Collier spoke briefly about Sean's strong personality dedicated to serving and protecting community. His words touched my heart. I could tell that Sean was an incredibly talented police officer. He will truly be missed. This workout was definitely something I never have experienced before. Everyone was motivated to work and train harder, because it was all for Sean.

Member of the Miss Cambridge and Miss Boston Organization

I will never forget this experience. I send the Collier family my sincere condolence, and I will always remember Sean for all his accomplishment and contributions to the Cambridge community.

-Carrie

Catching Up

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for stopping by to read my blog. I've been really busy making appearances, so I haven't had much time to share my personal experiences with you. All I can say is that I'm having such a wonderful time being Miss Cambridge. These last few months have been so much fun. I love representing the city of Cambridge and volunteering in the community. To catch everyone up, I've decided to upload
multiple event pictures to this post. Please ENJOY!

Cambridge Science Festival 

On April 13th, I had the opportunity to attend the Cambridge Science Festival and Robot Park.  I absolutely love science and technology, so this appearance was perfect for me. I provided attendees with event maps and also helped them fill out satisfaction surveys. I also got to explore the event and learn more about the latest innovations and science creations. 

A highlight of the festival was running into the mayor of Cambridge, Henrietta Davis.  She is an excellent representative for the city, and I was honored to finally unite with her. It's great to know that two women leaders are helping better the Cambridge community! 

My favorite part of this event was speaking with a young group of girls who want to be scientists and doctors. I told them more about my passion for science and my work at the Museum of Science. I also made sure to let them know about my role with the Miss America Organization. These girls now aspire to be future doctors, scientists and of course... Miss Americas! 

Cradles to Crayons 

C2C's lobby (Welcome to the Giving Factory)

I volunteered at Cradles to Crayons in Brighton, MA on Friday, March 26th! I have been volunteering with C2C since high school. This is a non-profit organization which provides underprivileged children (birth through age 12), in the Greater Boston and surrounding areas, with the necessities (clothing, shoes, school supplies, books, games etc.) they need to thrive.




In high school, I had the opportunity to be a Teen Leader and became very close with some of the staff at C2C. Not only did I volunteer in the summers on a regular basis, but I also participated in the annual back-pack-athon, where I helped fill 20,00 backpacks for Boston's youth. I've also donated many of my own clothing and toys to C2C. So, it was awesome to go back to the Giving Factory to volunteer.

During my visit at C2C, I helped sort summer girls clothing into sizing bins. It's really important to make sure clothing is examined for quality control and then sized properly, so it can then be distributed into individual clothing packages. I've learned that every volunteer job at C2C is significant. In the past, I've gotten to sort and clean shoes, toys, and even put together the final care packages.

Every time I volunteer at C2C, I know I am making a difference in a child's life, and that means the world to me. For more information on how to volunteer at Cradles to Crayons click here: http://www.cradlestocrayons.org/










Thanks for reading...more posts to follow!

-Carrie