More pics from Andrea

Kirstin and Andrea talking Miss America

Chillaxin' with Harvey

Earlier that day, CSU graduation day!

Miss Greater Cleveland meet Miss America!

Andrea Andrysick had the unique opportunity as Miss Greater Cleveland to be an honored guest during Cleveland Fashion Week, and this year was even more special, considering that they also brought in Miss America, Kirstin Haglund. What a day! I know it had to be an exhilirating and draining day all in one. You see, Andrea also took part in her college commencement, only to hurry home and don an evening gown and her crown and get right back out on the road. She really does exemplify the dedication and organization it takes to be a great titleholder, and she does this still maintaining a great sense of humor and grace under pressure. I'm very proud of her and the exceptional woman she has become.

Kirstin was very gracious and even remarked that their conversation was very similar to one she'd had with Lauren Nelson the year before. Most importantly, she reiterrated to Andrea that the job of Miss America is exactly that-a job, first and foremost. Kirstin was very candid with her thoughts and advice and I think it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get the scoop straight from Miss America.

There really is an exceptional group of ladies going to Miss Ohio this year, and any one of them would do a great job at the top spot. Do I think there are some that may not be truly prepared for what the job of Miss Ohio entails? Absolutely. Do I think some are better equipped to handle it than others? Definitely. It takes an independent minded, mature young woman to juggle all the balls you'll have in the air, while still trying to be gracious, thoughtful, and selfless. I am so fortunate to have had the chance to get to know some of these wonderful young women and have them become a part of our extended family. What wonderful role models for my own daughter. She really has reaped the benefits of having so many strong, active role models throughout her life because of the Miss Ohio program. For that, I'm very thankful. To whomever will become Miss Ohio, remember it goes by very quickly, and it can be arduous at times, but it will fly by in a second, so take the time to take pictures and enjoy what it can bring to your life. And my last bit of advice would be to learn the fine art of compromise and knowing when to pick your battles. It will lead to a lot less heartburn. ;-)

I did it my way!

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the sun. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal ...a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance ...a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to lose and a time to seek; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.
ecclesiastes 3:1-8

It's time!

Full-figured Whitney wins America's Next Top Model! Could a full-figured Miss America be far behind?

Anyone who knows me well, knows I'm a HUGE America's Next Top Model fan. This year, I have been pulling for Whitney from the very beginning. She not only embodies beauty, but more importantly, a confidence that is lacking in many fuller-figured women. I was ecstatic when she pulled off the big win, and I think it is sending an extremely important message to young women about body image and acceptance. Noone can deny that this girl is hot! Could the MAO be as accepting of a girl like Whitney? Time will tell, but my hope is that this event will be the catalyst for the change that is necessary to stop the madness of crazy dieting and ridiculous amounts of exercise that some of these young ladies partake in to become what's considered "attractive", by pageant standards.