Well my day was made yesterday when I realized that my picture had made it into Fourpoints Magazine, the number 1 entertainment source for everything Miss America! My dear friend, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Elizabeth Fechtel is in the photo with me as I’m jumping for joy for being at Miss America in Las Vegas!! I thought I would share the picture with you!

This is the legacy I tried to leave with the students of Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, MO this past Wednesday on February 1, 2012. At the beginning of my presentation I told them that when they went home and thought about the girl in the crown who spoke to them, I wanted them to remember most importantly one thing- that Love is Louder. But let me back up a little bit and tell you the entire story of how I ended up at Lindbergh Highschool. A very large and superb school in St. Louis.

As you may already know, I am the National Teen Spokesperson for CHARACTERplus. When I attended their National Conference in July, I met Tina Meier, the key-note speaker for that day and the founder of the Megan Meier Foundation. Months later, Tina asked me to be the National Teen Spokesperson for the Megan Meier Foundation. I had the honor of being the key-note speaker at the Megan Meier High School Leadership Conference in St. Charles this past November. (you can read all about it in a previous post). When I was there, I met many wonderful educators and students from across the country, with many being from St. Louis, MO. Lindbergh High School happened to be one of the schools there that day. Coincidentally, when I was at the CHARACTERplus Conference in July, I attended a session put on by Lindbergh High School. I was so impressed by their prevention for many reasons; some including, the students leaders they had speaking there that day, the enthusiasm and passion of the faculty for their students success, and all of the student-lead organizations that are put on in supported in their school so that every student can be involved in things that they are passionate about, and of course because they are HUGE advocates of CHARACTERplus and therefore, character education! So I, who at the time had just been given the job of the CHARACTERplus Teen Spokesperson, was totally and completely impressed by this school of such magnitude and greatness.

Well, after the Megan Meier Leadership Conference, a Lindbergh educator- the lovely Kami Johnson, asked me to come speak at Lindbergh about my platform! When I arrived, I found out that they were all wearing a Megan Meier ribbon, and that they had passed out “Love is Louder” cards before I came. Further proof that this school rocks! I gave two presentations in their auditorium to first an audience of upperclassmen (Sophomores-Seniors) and then another to the Freshman student body. The auditorium was filled each time! I would say that I spoke to roughly 750 to a thousand students that day. I gave them a presentation very similar to the one I delivered at the Megan Meier Conference with a lot of emphasis on bullying prevention and teen suicide. I relate my platform to the audience I am speaking to, therefore, I related my platform of character to very prevalent issues facing teens today. I SO appreciated the manners and generosity that Lindbergh students and staff showed me upon my visit to their school. The principle himself made me feel welcome, student leaders so generously helped me throughout the day, and the student body was so very kind and great listeners. I heard that students were updating their Facebooks and tweeting things such as, “Love is Louder” and “Stop bullying others.” This MADE my day and honestly melted my heart. To know that I made some impact on at least one person that day means the world to me.

A huge bonus for the day and a wonderful surprise was that one of the students who saw my presentation was my beautiful friend Nicole Chabloz!!! She is a former Outstanding Teen local title holders and one of the sweetest girl I have ever met! She didn’t know I would be there and I didn’t know she would be there so that was another factor to add to my incredible day! Before my presentations, Debbie Smith, an educator for the Fred Saigh Leadership Program, did a quick video shoot of me speaking about who I am and what my platform is all about so she could show it at their next meeting. We also met at the Megan Meier Leadership Conference. I congratulated the members on their leadership and encouraged them to further their efforts in showing character and preventing bullying. She is such a sweet lady, and I really appreciate her for meeting me at Lindbergh for the video shoot!

Well, needless to say, I had one of the most amazing days as Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen. At the end of each presentation each student signed a banner and pledged to fight bullying. I am so awestruck by all of the coincidental ways God has placed incredible opportunities into my life, one after the other, all connected by the people I meet. I want to thank Him first, then Lindbergh High School for your exceptional generosity and character, Kami Johnson, Debbie Smith, and my daddy for driving me 8 hours in one day and for making it a blast! Thank you Lindbergh students for listening to a large piece of my heart.

http://www.loveislouder.com/

Love is Louder,

Kensie

Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen

On January 21st, I experienced one of the funnest, sweetest days ever as Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen! I surprised the Hale Girl Scouts Club at their  meeting for a fun “All About Me” Princess Day! All the girls knew that they were having a guest speaker, but little did they know that the guest speaker was me! I ran downstairs to greet them all and we jumped right into our fun festivities. First, I told all the girls about my title and what the Outstanding Teen Program stands for. I spoke to them about the four points of the crown and my platform “Promoting Character Education.” Most of the girls had been to my character assemblies at school, so we hopped right into the princess party! I taught all of the girls how to sit, walk, and stand like a princess. Next, (my FAVORITE part) we decorated cupcakes with pink and yellow frosting!! All of the girls did a great job making hearts and flowers on their cupcakes. Cake decorating is one of my favorite things to do! We painted our fingernails and all of the girls had the opportunity to make their very own sash. They could have whatever title they wanted on them. Some said “Beautiful, Kind, Honest, Pretty, Cute, Princess, and Outstanding.” Others had their names on them. To top off the incredible day, all of us put our pretty dresses on and I crowned each of the girls and gave them a goodie bag, autograph card, and a rose. I told them how lucky they were because their crowns had pink stones in them like the national Outstanding Teen crown! I think I made their day…they sure made mine!! Thank you to Teresa Hussey Mccumber for coordinating this adorably fun day!

Love,

Kensie

Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen 2011

So like I said, right after my flight landed from Vegas in St. Louis on Sunday January 15th, I zipped off for Overland Park Kansas, where I modeled in the Natalie M. Fashion Show! Each model was required to sell tickets which benefitted high schools and scholarships for high school girls. As soon as I got there, they told me to pick out a dress. I didn’t argue. I picked out this gorgeous cheetah Tony Bowls dress.  I went back stage to check out the walking patterns and little did I know… that I would run into the amazing designer Tony Bowls for the second time that week! First in Las Vegas, Nevada and now Kansas! How crazy awesome is that?! The first time I met him I was a little starstruck and just told him how much I appreciated his support towards the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Program, but this time we had a good conversation! How lucky am I to not only meet one of my favorite dress designers, but become his friend as well?!

The fashion show was a blast! The stage was amazing and all of the girls looked beautiful. The lighting, music, and size of crowed made me feel like I was a part of the Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show. Tony handed each model a rose on stage. I want to thank  my dear friend and past MMOT local title holder Carmilita Smith for bringing her friends and driving to come and support  me! It was so nice seeing her and eating Ihop afterwards. . I also have to thank my Mom for driving me literally across the state in one day, and also to Natalie M.’s for having me a part of their incredible show! I live such a blessed life. Thank you God!

Love Always,

Kensie

Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen 2011

On Tuesday, January 10th, the day arrived that I had been waiting on for months! I met my awesome Lake of the Ozarks Director Wendy White at the St. Louis Air Port and we were off for the 2012 Miss America Pageant in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! We flew over the beautiful Grand Canyon and eventually arrived at our hotel Planet Hollywood! That night we attended the first preliminary night of competition! It was so amazing finally seeing all of State title holder Teen friends! It felt like we’d been together only the week before! Sydney did an incredible job on on-stage question that night and was so poised speaking about her platform.

Wednesday morning I woke up bright and early and headed to rehearsal!! All of us Outstanding Teens had the privilege of performing on the Miss America stage so we had a four-hour practice relearning our opening production number from MAOT. We got to rehearse on the Miss America Stage! After the first rehearsal, my lovely roommate from MAOT, Justine Kerr- Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding Teen, along with Minnesota, New Mexico, and Wisconsin’s Outstanding Teens, and I ate lunch at a restaurant in Planet Hollywood. Then we hit up the Miss America Trade Show before we headed back to our second rehearsal on the Miss America Stage. That night, I met Tony Bowls! He sponsored our gorgeous production dresses! It was such a surreal experience to run under the tent where the Miss America contests run back and forth under and to be lined up back stage with them before they competed in swim suit! I heard that Sidney rocked it in swimsuit! (I was backstage). It was amazing performing on the Miss America stage! I was hoping celebrity judge, Mark Ballas from Dancing With the Stars would notice my dancing skills . Sidney was breathtakingly gorgeous in evening gown. All of the Teens said that Missouri has the best gowns. Just a fun fact.

Thursday, I got to sleep in a little bit, then I had breakfast with Wendy! Then I had a fun autograph-singing session with all of the Teens. I didn’t mention that when I had previously visited the trade show, I received a VIP ticket to Mac Duggal’s (ONE OF MY FAVORITE DESIGNERS EVER) suite! He is he designer of the last two gowns I competed in at state. I was so excited to visit his suite after the autograph session. Unfortunately, he wasn’t there due to business, but I had a blast meeting his clients and viewing some of the new 2012 collection! I left him an autograph card (with a picture of me in my winning blue gown of his) and I thanked him for his designs! That evening, I went to dinner with Wendy at the Planet Hollywood buffet. Yumm. It was so good! It was all multi-cultural with a huge dessert bar. Sidney of course, ROCKED the house that night with talent. I honestly can say that she had the greatest crowd response as a vocalist in talent. Everybody was clapping and dreaming on out loud! Did I mention that her costume is killer?

Friday was an AWESOME day! Thanks to the Miss Nevada Organization, it was the Teen outing day! After we all gathered in the lobby, we headed to the Las Vegas sign where we took many fun photos. Then it was off to a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital!All of the Teens were asked to make a blanket that represented their home state for a child patient. I of course, made a warm, fuzzy Mizzou blanket! Touring the hospital was so much fun. We saw beautiful babies and we even met an adorable puppy who helps bring joy to patients. Next, we went to the famous Wayne Newton’s Ranch. Let’s just say it was very fancy! There were all kinds of animals there! I held a sloth, penguin, and a baby kangaroo! There were peacocks (one of my very favorite animals), swans, ducks, geese, and even bunnies roaming freely around. (Yes, I was once again in heaven). We went through the horse stables, which were filled with beautiful Arabian show horses and their babies! We even got our own horse show in an out-door arena. We boarded Wayne Newton’s private airplane as well! We ate lunch at the delicious MiMi’s Cafe. I’d never been there before and it was super good! I should tell you that Iowa’s Outstanding Teen- Francesca Lubecki Wilde was my bus buddy all day and also happens to be one of my best friends! Her, and I, and New Hampshire’s Outstanding Teen- Lauren Percy really hit it off in Orlando and have kept close ever since! After a much-needed nap, Wendy revived me from the dead and we hit the Vegas strip! I finally got to see the city of lights at night! First we at ate the MOST amazing restaurant ever! The Sugar Factory! Half of it is a candy shop, and half of it is a very nice restaurant. Now I told you I was in heaven before, but this was even more like my heaven! We ate out on the heated patio and enjoyed a delicious strawberry cheesecake sundae. yummmm. We visited Treasure’s Island and saw an outdoor pirate show, complete with a sinking ship. We visited Caesar’s Palace! (My most wanted site to visit) One my list of things to do, I had  to ask the front desk lady if it was the real Caesar’s Palace. Mission accomplished. We topped the night off watching a water show at the Bellagio to Faith Hill’s “This Kiss,” which I loved!

Saturday was the big day for the Miss America contestants! It was pretty neat for me as well! If you’ve seen Katy Perry’s music video for “Waking Up in Vegas,” she rides a limo to her hotel. I told my friends at school that I was going to reenact that scene. (not actually thinking that I would). Well, some of the Miss Missouri fans and board members had a brunch at a condo that some Missourians were staying at. And we ended up riding a limo over there! Score! Mary Ann Owens made a delicious brunch and we rode the limo back to Planet Hollywood. It was the finals night of Miss America live from ABC! It was pretty exciting to be in the same room with hosts Chris Harrison from “The Bachelor” and Brooke Burke-Charvet from my favorite show “Dancing With the Stars.” Sidney looked beautiful!! The pageant was very different because it was live on television and camera guys were running across the stage, but it just added to the excitement. Congratulations to Laura Kaeppeler on being crowned the 91st Miss America! Later that night, I heard her speak at the visitation. After the pageant I bumped into (ok I approached) the incredible Gretchen Carlson- Miss America (1989) and got my picture with her! It was sad saying goodbye to all of the Teens, but we plan on reuniting again! And my best friend Francesca from Iowa only lives two hours away from me! To close our wonderful Vegas adventure, Wendy and I returned to my heaven, The Sugar Factory and enjoyed the same yummy meal, except the strawberry cheesecake sundae was enjoyed as a milkshake. We even saw the judges, including Chris Jenner and the studly Mark Ballas.

Sunday, was sadly time to leave Vegas. We flew home to St. Louis. And then I zipped off to another adventure as Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen, but you can read about that in my next blog post. I must say that Sydney Friar is an incredibly talented and poised woman. Her genuine personality and beauty that radiates from her God-loving soul inspires me every day. She carried herself with such calm poise all week and superb performance that she blew me away beyond my wildest dreams. We are so lucky that we get to keep her as our Miss Missouri and I am so lucky that I have her as my big sister queen! I can’t wait to see the incredible things she does with the remainder of her year. I want to thank Wendy White for being my incredible travel buddy, chaperone, and best friend all week! I had the time of my life!

Love,

Kensie

Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen 2011

If you remember from one of my earlier posts “Forever a Lake Girl,” the day after the Miss Lake of the Ozarks Pageant on October 30th, I had the fun opportunity to do a fashion photo shoot with Miss Missouri Sydney Friar, Miss Lake of the Ozarks Jeni Dixon, and Miss Lake of the Ozarks’ Outstanding Teen Savannah Moore! The fabulous photographer Jordan Weaver took our pictures all day and we had such a blast! The title of our article was “From Crowns to Careers.” How fitting! We started out on a the stage in an auditorium and took pictures in our evening gowns, crowns, and sashes with a big spotlight on us. The fashion segment we modeled was a business line by Blairs Landing and Saffees. We took pictures all over the school- my favorite part was in the library! In one of my pictures I’m modeling against this awesome metal door that leads to the cafeteria. It was so much fun modeling the business clothes and spending time with my big sister queen Syd and the new Lake of the Ozarks title holders. What an awesome way to kick of a new year for them! I finally got to see the magazine for the first time when it came in the mail last night! Here are the pictures for you to see!

Love,

Kensie

Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen 2011 ♥

This past Sunday I headed to Mexico, MO for my awesome sister queen, Miss Missouri Sydney Friar’s Miss America Send-off Party!! Talk about EXCITING! I performed my musical theatre dance “Spanish Rose,” spoke about my year so far, and chatted with some of the Teen title holders on stage. Sydney looked so beautiful and did a superb job on stage. She is an absolute inspiration as Miss Missouri and as such a genuine person. I cannot wait to watch her compete in Las Vegas this January for the title of Miss America!

Sydney says it perfectly when she sings, “Dream Until Your Dreams Come True!”

Vote Sydney For Miss America!!!

Help secure Sydney’s spot in the finals by voting for her at:http://www.missamerica.org/videocontest/ as she shows off her style, personality, and why she should be chosen as the next Miss America!

There is a limit of one (1) vote per person and internet accessible device per contestant throughout the Voting Period, regardless of method of voting. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. PST on January 12, 2012.

The Miss America Organization is proud to announce your opportunity to vote for a finalist at the 2012 Miss America Pageant, broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 14, 2012 on ABC.

Last Thursday, December 1, I had such an amazing day at the Gallatin Elementary School! This is their second year integrating the CHARACTERplus Program into their school curriculum (Woohoo!), and they asked me to come speak for one of their character days! Yay! They have a character day every month, where they focus on a specific character trait. Their trait this month is “Compassion.” I spent the day with their guidance counselor, the awesome Mrs. Andrea Henderson, and spoke to every student that day during six rotations! So my message reached 350+ students! I did my regular character lessons (if you’re interested you can view earlier posts, such as 4th Grade Missouri Day!), and put extra emphasis on their trait for the month- Compassion. For Compassion, I bring two students up and have them each take off one shoe. They put their foot next to other person’s shoe (or try it on), obviously it doesn’t fit perfectly. This shows, that before we judge others for their differences, we must “Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” to understand what they are going through, or why they feel differently than we do, or dress and act differently, and we must be “Compassionate” for that person and their differences. I was so surprised by how many students that have never heard that saying “Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes,” but I’m so glad that I taught them hopefully a life-long moral!

Now, this elementary school was awesome! These students were such good listeners, and very smart! They were super creative with my “Cooperation” activity, where I have the students make shapes as a team with their bodies. The boys had to make a basketball, and one class of boys even jumped up and down as if the ball were bouncing! No one’s ever thought of that before! Including me! I’m very pleased to say that the “Citizenship Rap” was a total hit! The students were super loud and we even add a special Gallatin touch to it. At the end we crossed our arms and yelled, “Bulldogs!” and the boys started barking.

Before lunch, Mrs. Henderson took me over to the Gallatin High School to visit with their guidance counselor. Hopefully, I’ll be visiting their school very soon! One of my very favorite parts of the day, was eating lunch with my little friend Jennifer Teal! Jennifer was my Little Princess at Miss Missouri for two years and her mother Julie helped line up this speaking appearance at Jennifer’s school. After lunch, I spoke to the Kindergarten and First Graders. I read them the book  “The Recess Queen” by Alexis O’Neill. They were great little listeners and did a fabulous job with the Citizenship Rap as well! At the end of the school day, the students had an assembly, where they did a skit that incorporated ”Compassion.” I particularly enjoyed this skit because they used one of my favorite Christmas stories- ”The Grinch!” Mrs. Henderson presented me with an awesome Bulldog Character shirt and we passed out the certificates to the new Character Champ Students. These specific students were awarded for their superb character. To end the perfect day, we all did our Citizenship Rap together for the parents and teachers. “Citizenship you know it’s good! Citizenship from the house to the hood! Citizenship it’s every where! We show service we like to care! BULLDOGS! Woof Woof Woof!” Thank you to Gallatin Elementary for giving me an awesome Thursday and special thanks to Mrs. Henderson and Julie Vyrosteck!

Love,

Kensie

Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen 2011

I hope your Thanksgiving break was as fun and relaxing as mine! I slept in for the first time since last year it feels like! I walked through Simpson Park, which is extravagantly lit up with lights, and sat on my character bench to take in the view. I cut down a real Christmas tree, saw the movie BREAKING DAWN, went to my Aunt’s house in Jefferson City, and even rode in the Hale Thanksgiving Parade. Maybe it wasn’t the Macy’s Day Parade….but hey, I’m a small town girl I’m so thankful for the opportunities God has blessed my life with through the title of Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen. I am so thankful for all of my family and friends who love and support me. I am thankful for you! Thank you for reading my blog!

My two best friends, Brianna Sears and Amanda Judy! Decked out in our Dance Squad Uniforms!

Prayers and Love,

Kensie

Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen 2011

Last Wednesday was such an honorable and moving day for me. I set off for St. Charles at 4:00 A.M. with the company of my radio and a few sweet teas to keep me awake. I arrived at the St. Charles Convention Center for the first ever Megan Meier Foundation Highschool Leadership Conference! As soon as I walked into the doors, I saw Tina Meier (Megan’s mom) being interviewed by a TV Station about the day’s big events to come. If you would look back at one of my very first blog posts, I met Tina Meier at the CHARACTERplus National Convention in July at the same place- The St. Charles Convention Center. She was the key-note speaker that day and we happened to be sitting at the same dining table. She not only moved me with her story on stage, but also with her warm and courageous spirit in conversation. I really do believe that some things happen for a reason, and I believe that I was meant to meet Tina Meier that day in large part, because at 9:00 A.M. on November 16, I was standing on stage in front of two-hundred high school students and educators speaking on behalf of bullying prevention and good character at the Megan Meier Highschool Leadership Conference.

I started out with the message that, “Love is louder.” “Love is louder than the pressure to be perfect and to fit in.” Love is louder than any hateful words or bullying that one may face in this society of peer pressure. I spoke for thirty minutes on various topics from bullying  prevention, to ways to deal with bullying as a bully, bystander, or victim, and of course, good character! I shared some of my personal experiences with peer pressure and accounts of being a victim or bystander of bullying. My goal was to get on the same level as the students and speak to them as someone who was going through the same things that they did everyday and as someone who understood the pressures of a teenage life. I incorporated my knowledge on bullying and good character in hopes to present moving facts and virtues. As I took a step back after  my presentation, I realized just how big of an honor it was to be there and to speak on behalf of Megan and all of the other people who have suffered and even lost their lives from bullying. I told the students that unfortunately, if Megan hadn’t taken her life due to cyber bullying, we all probably wouldn’t be gathered here today at this event. I said, “Let this day serve in the creation of a legacy that can be carried on in honor of Megan’s life, so that we may prevent bullying and save the lives of others.”

We spent the rest of the day breaking up into group sessions. We did different activities that were very informative and self-involved. Each student had stories and personal accounts to share, including myself. One neat thing we did was tape a note card to everyone’s back. Each person wrote something nice about them on it, so when they looked at it, they would be immensely complimented. I wanted to frame mine! Another cool thing we did, was we each took a piece of play-dough and made something symbolizing a thing we’d learned that day. Then we stuck all of the different colors of play-dough together, to show that everyone shared the same feelings and yet had unique qualities. I had black play-dough and created a crowd of people. But outside of the crowd of people, there was one person holding out their heart. This was to symbolize a bystander who decided not to be a bystander anymore. They stepped out of the crowd and offered their heart to a victim of bullying and stuck up for them.

Later in the day, I lead a small breakout group session. I worked with girls from a private school in St. Louis. Each school was to develop a bullying prevention plan to take back to their schools and enforce this year. Each school went up on stage and shared their ideas and plans. I was blown away by all of the innovative and brilliant ideas they presented! I was SO excited that my Gateway Sister Queen, dear friend, and Miss Missouri 2010 Erika Hebron was there! She has been a part of the Megan Meier Foundation and also serves on the Honorary Board of Directors. She shared her leadership skills all day and facilitated the students. It was truly an incredible day to be a part of. I want to thank Tina Meier, Megan Brockmeier, the rest of the Megan Meier Foundation, and all of the schools present for taking the time to listen to my voice and for sharing with me a piece of yours.

After the Conference, I paid a much-needed visit to the one and only Phillip Johnson Salon! Phil is an amazing hair sponsor and I want to thank him and his employees for always rocking my world! Let’s just say, I dissolved into my chair the minute I sat down.

Love,

Kensie

Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen 2011

For more information on Megan’s story and the Megan Meier Foundation, visit: www.meganmeierfoundation.org

bully presentation