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Miss
Pennsylvania Newsletters
September - October 2008 Newsletter
(October 17, 2008)
Dear MPSO Family and Friends,
MPSO enthusiasts will undoubtedly notice that this newsletter is late. But, I
hope you will forgive me and think of this newsletter as a “special edition”!
I’ve combined the September and October newsletters into one since the two
months include nineteen days of filming the TLC reality series, “Countdown to
the Crown”.
Let’s begin with September. After shooting an official Miss America program book
ad, I spoke at a luncheon for fellow CMU Arts Management students on Wednesday,
September 3rd. It was so nice to spend time with my peers. On the
other hand, peer groups can be some of the toughest audiences. I know firsthand
that CMU students are accustomed to rigorous academic discussions. So, I knew
that I would need to be prepared to address some critical issues. I also
realized that this was one group who already understood my arts platform, and
didn’t need to be sold on the benefits of supporting arts in education. This
left the door wide open for a great, unconventional conversation. We had the
inevitable brains vs. beauty debate. We talked about scholarships, empowering
women, and defeating stereotypes. I also addressed questions more specific to
our major; For example, we talked about how to make classical music and other
“fine” art forms translate to a modern audience like the one who will be
watching me at Planet Hollywood in Vegas. I left the luncheon feeling
energized, challenged, and more prepared for the interview portion of the Miss
America competition. Thank you MAM students, and thank you CMU.
Friday, September 4th, I enjoyed another interview experience on
radio WGPA with Lehigh Valley legend “Jolly Joe” Timmer.
I shared emcee duties with our Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen during the
Sun Inn’s 250th Birthday Celebration in Bethlehem on September 5th.
I also attended a celebratory cookout for Julia on Sunday, September 11th.
Congratulations again Julia – first runner up to Miss America’s Outstanding
Teen!
The official Miss America Contestant Lottery began at 4:45 on Monday September 8th.
I chose the sixteenth position in MU group. That means I’ll begin with interview
on Monday morning, followed by onstage question on Tuesday, and Swimsuit and
Evening Gown on Wednesday. I’ll finish the preliminary competitions with Talent
on Thursday.
I spent the 13th and 14th of September in Greenville,
Pennsylvania (a stone’s throw from Ohio) at St. Paul Homes’ “Caring Hearts on
Fire” gala. After dinner with the residents, I performed, and sold roses with
gift certificates attached. Finally, I was auctioned off to dance with the
highest bidder at the end of the night! It was a wonderful fundraising event for
St. Paul’s beautiful senior care facilities.
I spent the day at Pennsylvania Academy of Music on Thursday the 18th,
and enjoyed a sponsor visit to TC Salon and Spa in Bethlehem on Friday.
Sunday, it was time to leave for Los Angeles to film the TLC reality series,
“Countdown to the Crown”. I am limited in what I can share with you about the
show itself; you’ll have to watch when it airs in January. But, I can tell you
that I loved getting to know the amazing young women who serve as state
titleholders. Together, we enjoyed a Los Angeles Angels baseball game, had
dinner at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort, visited the Los Angeles Zoo, met the
Mayor of Manhattan Beach, flipped pancakes at IHOP, took a VIP tour of the famed
Warner Brothers lot, and shared a day with patients at the Children’s Hospital
of Los Angeles. We laughed a lot, cried a little, and I left LA feeling
confident that this is going to be a great year for the Miss America pageant.
Stay tuned!
I took one, just one (1) day off after Los Angeles! But honestly, I couldn’t
wait to resume my appearance schedule and get back to the job of Miss
Pennsylvania. I enjoyed a warm welcome back during the Fort Ligonier Days Parade
on Saturday, October 11th. It was my first parade as Miss
Pennsylvania and it was a beautiful day. I stayed long after the parade was over
to sign autographs for children, and meet Speedy Mr. Mcfeely of the Mister
Rogers show.
The next day, I performed and signed autographs at the re-opening of the Bon-Ton
store in Lancaster. I was joined by the lovely Miss Susquehanna Valley, Sarah
Timm.
I am scheduled to participate in a promotion for Bloomingdales on October 23rd,
and I’ll finish out the month’s appearances with the King Frost parade in
Hamburg on the 25th. Come out if you can endure the cold; it’s
always fun to see a familiar face along the parade route!
Finally, in honor of Arts and Humanities month, I have written an article about
my platform that will be included in “Art Soup”, a bi-monthly magazine published
in York County. Be sure to pick up a copy. I’ll also try to post the article
online with permission from the magazine’s publisher.
Thanks for your patience, and I hope you enjoyed reading this “special edition”
of the MPSO newsletter!
Until Next
Month,
Kendria Ashley Perry
Kendria Perry
Miss Pennsylvania 2008
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