WOW! I can't believe how quickly the time has flown since I competed in Las Vegas. It is so strange to have more down time since I am not preparing for Miss America now. I feel like I should be running to gown fittings, doing mock interviews, reading up current events, and running various errands. Even though I am not spending my time preparing for the national pageant, I am still so busy! Here is a run -down of what I have been up to:

 

I have really hit my school tour hard since my return home! I came home yesterday for the first time in about five weeks. I spent two weeks in Kanawha County, two weeks in Monongalia County, and a few days in Brooke County. Thanks to Alana Morris, Alex Russomano, Makenna Clemons, and Danae DeMasi for allowing me to stay with you while I was on the road! Because they opened their doors to me, I didn't have to stay in a hotel, which gets expensive and lonely! I really enjoyed my time in these schools. These visits really helped me understand the impact I can have on others. Some of the schools I visited had never had a Miss WV visit. It was so humbling to see how excited they were to have me there and share my message.  Each day I was traveling something reminded me how lucky I am to be in this position. I am so blessed! Special thanks to my appearance coordinator, Rose, for keeping me organized!

On March 4, I modeled in the WVU PRSSA Fashion Show to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club. It was so much fun and featured designs from a WVU student and looks from many stores in Morgantown. Thanks to my cousin, Alexis, for the invite! I really enjoyed the event and was so glad to help raise $1,000 for such a great cause. Read about it here: http://www.thedaonline.com/news/prssa-fashion-show-raises-more-than-1-000-for-mountaineer-boys-girls-club-1.3004593#.UUslRc260no

 

Friday, March 8, I was invited to judge Mohigan Idol at Morgantown High School. This event was a talent show open to elementary, middle, and high school students in Monongalia County and raised money for WVU Children's Hospital. I was so impressed with all of the talent there. Each group had to audition for the show, so they had to make it through one more round of competition before we judged them. Congratulations to the winners and to Morgantown High School for raising $5,000.00 for WVUCH!

 

Last Saturday, March 16 I spent time at the WV Bowhunter's Association Banquet! I was a little worried about this appearance because I thought there would be taxidermy, but there wasn't any! Phew!    Some of our local titleholders, Chelsea Malone, Megan Godfrey, and Kirsten Brown joined me at the event. We helped the association raise money through games, silent auctions, and various raffles. The best part of the evening was playing with the puppy they had available as a prize. Megan mom won it, so they went home with a new pet! It was a long night, but very fun. It was great to spend time with our local titleholders and the representatives from the Bowhunters Association. Thanks for having me!

 

Orientation is coming up soon for our 2013 contestants, but there are two opportunities left to compete for Miss WV! There are pageants being held on April 7 in Martinsburg, WV (contact candycreid@gmail.com) or on April 13 in Clarksburg, WV (contact barbbrunetti@gmail.com)! Don't miss out on an opportunity to become Miss WV or Miss WV's Outstanding Teen!

 

Be sure you're following me on Twitter and Instagram @MissWV2012 to keep up with my daily adventures as Miss WV!

 

Pictured on the cover is Gates during the judging of “Mohigan Idol.”