Top Secret! Confidential! Shhhhhhh . . .

That’s what we were told about practically everything we did in L.A.! It was so secret that even we (the contestants) didn’t know what we were going to do until we did it. Unfortunately, I really can’t talk much about the L.A. trip. If I do, I get fined a lot more than a Miss Michigan could afford to pay. All I can say is this - for the first time in Miss America’s 86 year history, all 52 contestants met months before the pageant to prepare to become the next Miss America. All the super secret stuff we did will be featured in a 2 hour special to be aired before the Miss America finals. In addition – YOU will have the chance to vote for Miss Congeniality! It is definitely worth watching . . .

I will say that the entire experience was overall very exciting, fun, challenging and interesting. Camera’s followed us for three full days documenting our every move! I have definitely gained a newfound sense of empathy for anyone who participates in a reality show – it can be trying at times. Perhaps the best thing about the experience was the chance to get to know and bond with my Miss America class. I think one of the most stressful parts about competing in a competition like this is the anxiety about not knowing anyone. That is one thing that none of us will have to worry about in January. We have gotten to know practically everyone and already developed some close friendships. Overall, I think that this has the potential to become a valuable part of the Miss America tradition. I can’t wait to see the finished product!

We did have some downtime during filming to enjoy the pool, go shopping and visit the Santa Monica Pier. If you know me at all, you know how I chose to spend my free time. . . at the pool! (and I had a lot of company!) The weather was perfect, the view of the ocean was beautiful, and the pool waiters made sure that we always had enough water and fresh fruit 

On the final night in L.A., we were wisked away for one more final surprise . . . a Miss America party Hollywood style! When our bus arrived at the Kodak Theatre for our first stop, we were greeted by hundreds of people with cameras ready! It was a surreal experience as we each stepped off the bus to screaming fans and walked the corridor to a picturesque view of the ‘Hollywood’ sign in the California mountains. After a million photographs were snapped, we continued down Hollywood Blvd. At our final destination we were welcomed to the Roosevelt Hotel by Mr. Hollywood himself who entertained us with stories of ‘old Hollywood’. Next we were escorted to a candle lit pool deck to rub elbows with former Miss Americas, Marilu Henner (from Taxi), Doris Roberts (aka Marie on Everybody Loves Raymond) and the national Miss America execs. Unfortunately, I did not have a camera that night! Luckily, Emily (Miss PA) snapped some photographs of me and the VIPs. (as soon as she sends them I’ll be sure to post them for you).

Each of us went to sleep that night feeling like a star!