Summer with My Princesses

Every year that I have competed in the the Miss Illinois program, I've had the honor of mentoring a princess through the Princess Program. I take this seriously, because these young girls look up to us titleholders so much--we really are role models for them, and I've had such a rewarding time getting to know my princesses and be a part of their lives! They are so fun, and I love spending time with them and staying connected. I'm in contact with all three of my princesses--Hannah, Bella, and Sophia--and we've had a lot of fun this summer.

During Miss IL week, I got to crown my Miss Northern Suburbs princess Sophia during the Princess Luncheon at a beautiful country club on a golf course. We were so excited to see each other, and it was such a sweet moment when we were holding hands in line, waiting for our turn to go up front so that I could crown her. Then, we enjoyed a lunch and had time to talk and open some gifts, as well as visiting with her Mom, Edna, her sister Kiersten, my mom, and my directors who also attended the luncheon. It was a great afternoon together.




We also had the chance to visit the Marion Fire Station with our princesses. We had lunch there, and then the firefighters took us on a tour of their station, which was interesting. The Mayor of Marion was there, so I was able to meet him and let him know that we were glad to be there. Sophia got to climb inside the fire truck and look around at the end of the tour, and we laughed when one of the firefighters tried on a crown and let some of the contestants try on the firefighter gear. When it was time to get back on the bus, Sophia sat on my lap on the ride back to the Marion Civic Center. :)


I had fun watching Sophia during the introductions and dance number on stage during the Outstanding Pre-Teen/Teen pageant on Friday, and then, on Saturday night--the final night of Miss IL--I was absolutely THRILLED to see her walking toward me on stage with a white rose as I heard my name called as one of the Top Ten Finalists!! It was such a special moment. We hugged and waved, and I was just so glad that she got to be a part of that--what a great way to start the final pageant night. I won't forget it. The next morning, I got to see her along with her mom and sister, and that was also a nice time that we enjoyed. I just love her whole family!

Sophia and I spent more time together on the Fourth of July with my Teen and Pre-Teen titleholders, Kalina and Cassidy, and I look forward to getting together sometime soon! She is a sweetheart, and I really love being around her--she has such an adorable smile and a great attitude. Love you, Sophia!

I have enjoyed seeing my princess Hannah at church this summer, and I took her out to get bubble tea at Fusion Brew. We got to talk about the upcoming school year, her interest in cooking, movies, and summer trips, which was a blast. I'll never forget the facebook photo that she tagged me in a couple years ago that said, "You changed my life." I've learned that individuals are always making an impact on those around them, and it is really a beautiful thing when you find out that you really have positively affected someone and actually know about it. Many times, we really don't understand just how much our words and actions matter, but they do, whether we clearly see the results of them or not.

I also got to see my princess Bella when she came to visit me with her mom and brother at Dairy Queen for Miracle Treat Day. She has been having a busy summer with dance and is excited to become a big sister soon! I was so thankful to have time to sit down and catch up with her and her family, and give her a huge hug...actually several of those!


Love you Sophia, Bella, and Hannah! :)

The Princess Program is open to young ladies of ages 5-12, and for more information, the website is: http://www.missillinois.org/princess/index.html

TOMORROW: Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen!

Everyone loves icecream, so why not stop by your local Dairy Queen and support miracle kids at the same time? Tomorrow, August 11, is Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen. At participating locations, $1 from each Blizzard sold will be donated to Children's Miracle Network! As always, the funds are kept in the communities in which they are raised, so if you donate, you can be sure that you are having a positive impact on kids in your own area.

For those of you in Bloomington/Normal, come see me at the Dairy Queen on College Ave! I'll be there representing the Miss America Organization in supporting CMN from 3:00-4:00 pm.



If you can't make it to a Dairy Queen tomorrow, please consider making a donation online--every dollar helps: https://missamericaforkids.org/m.aspx?i=24788EEA3B471B

For more info, the official website is: http://miracletreatday.com/

"Behind the wheel, there is no such thing as a small distraction."

The Miss Illinois Organization has partnered with State Farm to support a new platform to combat distracted driving and to educate and encourage drivers, especially teen drivers, to practice safe driving habits. This is such an important message, especially in light of the problems that cell phones/texting have caused and the lives that have been lost as a result. I challenge you to take responsibility for your driving choices by committing to not texting while driving, for example. Furthermore, make it known to your family, friends, or whoever may be driving that you won't tolerate any driver to text while you are riding with them. It will take discipline and a sense of conviction to stick to these rules, but it's just not worth the risk to do otherwise!

Did you know that car crashes are the number one killer of teens? In 2009, more than 2,300 young drivers (ages 15-20) were killed in motor vehicle crashes. In my research of distracted driving and stats on teen driving, I found out about State Farm's "Project Ignition," which I am encouraging high schools in IL to consider getting involved with. This program is based on service-learning, in which students learn and get engaged with issues through hands-on experiences in their communities, which is a very powerful and caring way to learn and reach out to others. Here is more info from http://www.sfprojectignition.com/:

"The National Youth Leadership Council® and State Farm® are pleased to announce the availability of $2,000 Project Ignition grants for public high school students and teachers to address teen driver safety through service-learning. Applications are due November 15, 2011.

Students use their own creativity to create impactful awareness and engagement campaigns. Strategies used in the past have included: hosting events and demonstrations; forming community-wide partnerships; working on local and state policy; producing public service announcements; and more.

Twenty-five schools will be chosen to receive $2,000 grants to support the implementation of their campaigns between January and April, 2012. Ten of these 25 schools will be granted an additional $5,000 to support their participation in a significant national conference or event. They will also be given the opportunity to be named "National Leader Schools" and receive an additional $2,500 to go deeper with their campaigns during the 2012-2013 school year.

Applications are due November 15, 2011."















Also, please consider supporting the STANDUP Act, which supports a graduated licensing approach for young drivers. Below is more info from http://www.saferoads4teens.org/standup-act.

"States must meet the following requirements under the STANDUP Act:
Three stages of licensing – learner’s permit, intermediate stage, and full licensure – should be used
Age 16 should be the earliest age for entry into the learner’s permit process
Nighttime driving while unsupervised should be restricted during the learner’s permit and intermediate stages, until full licensure at age 18
Driving while using communication devices (cell phone calls, texting) should be prohibited at least until full licensure at age 18
Unrestricted, full licensure should occur no earlier than age 18
Passengers should be restricted – no more than one non-familial passenger under age 21 unless a licensed driver over age 21 is in the vehicle – until full licensure at age 18

Compliance with the requirements within the first three years after enactment will make states eligible for incentive grants.

Do GDL Systems Really Reduce Crashes and Save Lives? Yes!

•In 1997, the first full year of its GDL system, Florida experienced a 9% reduction in fatal and injury crashes for 15-17 year-olds, compared with 1995. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 1999)
•Researchers examined GDL systems implemented in 1997 in Michigan and North Carolina, which were considered among the country's most comprehensive programs. Comparing 1999 with 1996 data, crashes involving 16-year-old drivers decreased by 25% in Michigan and 27% in North Carolina. (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2001)
•In California, the alcohol-related crash rate of 16-year-olds dropped 16 percent in the first year after the GDL law took effect and 13 percent in the second year when compared with the crash rate of 16-year-olds before the law was in place. (Automobile Club of Southern California, 2002)
•In California, teenage passenger deaths and injuries resulting from crashes involving 16-year-old drivers declined by 40 percent statewide from 1998 through 2000, the first three years of the program. In addition, the number of at-fault collisions involving 16-year-old drivers decreased by 24 percent. (Automobile Club of Southern California, 2001)
•Oregon's GDL system was particularly effective with male teen drivers. Those who completed the GDL system experienced 16% fewer crashes during their first year of driving compared to those who had not received their license under the GDL system. (NHTSA, 1998)"

I took the time to write to our members of Congress, urging them to support this act. You can do the same here: http://www.capitolconnect.com/saferoads4teens/ It only takes a moment..

Fourth of July with my Northern Suburbs Family

After the Miss IL pageant concluded, I had the privilege of road-tripping all the way up to the Chicago area with my Teen Kalina, Pre-Teen Cassidy, and Cassidy's mom Janine--thank you for driving up the whole state IL! It was such a good time for me to spend with them, and we really bonded together. We were all pretty tired and slaphappy that day, so we have quite a few inside jokes and funny memories. (For the record, I really do love you girls, no matter what you say! Haha!)

On Independence Day, our directors and my princess Sophia joined us for the Lake Villa Fourth of July. It was a very hot, sunny day, so lots of the kids watching the parade had squirt guns...one boy actually squirted us as we went by on our festive float! I gave out some autographed photos, and we all had a good time meeting other titleholders at the parade, a troop of girl scouts, and two groups of senior citizens from local nursing homes.

After the parade, we visited The Willows--a Senior Living Facility--where we delivered over 200 handmade Fourth of July cards! It took us several hours to decorate each homemade card with festive stickers and celebratory messages. Each resident has a clip outside their room to receive mail, so we split up and delivered the cards to every room on each of the floors. Kalina and I met a couple cute elderly ladies and had our picture taken together after our conversation. We also met an older woman who was excited about going downstairs for a date! I spotted a baby grand piano in a lounge area, so when we were done delivering the cards, I sat down and performed several pieces. Cassidy and I also sang the Star Spangled Banner. The music helped to coax several residents out of their rooms to watch, including one gentleman who just kept smiling as he listened. We were glad to bring joy to their day!For lunch, Janine invited everyone to her home for a delicious barbecue, and I enjoyed spending more time with my girls, their family members, and Mr. and Mrs. Harwood. Thank you to Janine for being such a wonderful hostess! Later, Kalina and I stopped by Cassidy's softball game and then it was time for us to head home. Thank you to Kalina's mom, Sharon, for driving me part of the way home! It was a great weekend of bonding and reaching out to the people of Lake Villa, IL. I'm so proud of the Miss Northern Suburbs titleholders for showing that we are committed to continuing to represent the Miss America Organization to the best of our abilities. This is truly a special group that I am honored to be part of. Love you all!

Children's Memorial Hospital Visit!

I was grateful to have the chance to visit Children's Memorial Hospital for the first time along with my good friend Katie F Miss Fox Valley 2011. Children's Memorial is a CMN hospital in Chicago, and thanks to some extremely generous philanthropists, they are preparing to move to a new building next summer, which is definitely exciting news. Their "Heroes for Life" Campaign supports the new hospital, which will be called the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to honor the donors.

Katie and I spent the morning in the Brown Family Life Center. I was so impressed with this area of their facility because it feels nothing like a hospital. The room for children is full of natural light and is decorated and filled with toys. The atmosphere is welcoming and cheerful and reminded me of a classroom with its bulletin boards and craft supplies. It is so inviting, and I'm really glad that there is a "Medical Free Zone" in the hospital. Not only do sick and recovering children get to relax and play in this area, it is a wonderful place for siblings, parents, and visitors to have a place of refuge to go to when they need to relax and escape.


There were flyers posted around the hospital to let people know that Katie and I would be visiting. Among the kids there, I had the privilege of spending time with a little girl recovering from surgery who was there with her mom. She had to roll her IV machine with her as she walked in, but she seemed to be in good spirits when she sat down to color. They spoke Spanish, and although it has been several years since my last Spanish class, I was able to communicate with them a little bit with my words...and a lot with a smile. We colored Disney princesses together, took a few photos, and I let her try on my crown, which she was happy about. I'm sure she was surprised to meet a real princess that morning! I also spent time with another young girl whose brother was recovering from a lung operation. She opened up and talked with me about what was going on with her brother and family. Again, I was glad that there was a place for her to go and just be able to play and be a kid.


When these children are in the hospital, their families are impacted so much. Parents and siblings spend hours, and days, and weeks in hospital rooms, waiting and praying for improvement for the health of their children. We need to be supportive of what these hospitals do. I want to thank Jessica and Ellen and the volunteers I met for your dedication to Children's Memorial and giving of your time and energy to be there and help where it is needed. You all make a difference in these kids' lives.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there are people on a wait list to get in to volunteer at Children's Memorial. It's encouraging to know that there are people willing to serve others in that way. For more info, please visit:http://www.childrensmemorial.org/friends/default.aspx?src=tab It is also so important to continue our efforts to fundraise for Children's Miracle Network in order for their organization can continue to flourish and provide for thousands of kids. If you would please donate any amount, it would be so appreciated. Here is the donation link: https://missamericaforkids.org/m.aspx?i=24788EEA3B471B

"Miss Northern Suburbs to compete at Miss Illinois" PRESS RELEASE

Miss Northern Suburbs 2011 Pageant Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: KRISTEN HADAP
224-717-6112

MISS NORTHERN SUBURBS TO COMPETE AT MISS ILLINOIS

GRAYSLAKE, IL JULY, 2011 - Natalie Sherer, a 22-year-old from Normal, will represent the northern Illinois area as Miss Northern Suburbs to compete for the title of Miss Illinois 2011 on July 2, 2011. Held in Marion, IL, the Miss Illinois Pageant will feature twenty-six contestants from across the state to compete for the opportunity to represent Illinois at the 2012 Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Preliminary phases of competition, including lifestyle and fitness, evening wear, talent and on-stage question, will be contested on the nights of Wednesday, June 29th and Thursday, June 30th. The week culminates with the coronation of the new Miss Illinois 2011 on the night of Saturday, July 2nd.

Currently a student at Wheaton College, Sherer is majoring in Piano Performance and hopes to pursue a career as a concert pianist and teacher, as well as starting her own organization of musicians who perform benefit concerts for worthy causes.

Joining Natalie Sherer at the Miss Illinois competition will be Sophia Thompson from
Libertyville. Thompson is the current Miss Northern Suburbs Princess. She will be among 36 young girls who make up the 2011 Class of Miss Illinois “Princesses” that will grace the stage during the weeklong competition. The Miss Illinois and Miss Northern Suburbs princess programs enable girls, ages 5-12, to be mentored by local titleholders that will be competing for the title of Miss Illinois.

Established in 2008, the Miss Northern Suburbs Scholarship Organization provides opportunities for young women to achieve their personal and professional ambitions. Contestants also participate in community service activities and develop leadership skills that help them excel in their chosen career and life goals. A not-for-profit affiliate of the Miss America Organization, the Miss Northern Suburbs Scholarship Organization has made available more than $18,450 in scholarships and in-kind funds to six young women throughout the northern Illinois area. Winners of the annual Miss Northern Suburbs Competition are eligible to compete in the Miss Illinois Competition, held every year in Marion, IL in June.

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation’s leading achievement programs and the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Each year, the Miss America Organization makes available more than $40 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance. Based in Linwood, New Jersey, the Miss America Organization provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of unique nationwide community-based programs. On an annual basis, Miss America state and local titleholders, along with the Organization’s network of volunteers, participate in more than 12,000 community-service projects, providing in excess of 500,000 service hours to worthy causes. For more information about the Miss America Organization please visit www.missamerica.org. For more information about the Miss Illinois Competition please visit www.missillinois.org.
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For more information about the Miss Northern Suburbs Scholarship Organization, please contact Kristen Hadap or Robin Ruchti at 224-717-6112 or 847-872-7140. Or visit www.missnorthernsuburbs.com.

Meeting Miss America 2009 Katie Stam (again)!

At the end of May, all of the Miss IL 2011 contestants participated in Spring Forum in Springfield, IL. It was wonderful to meet new contestants and reconnect with returning titleholders as we had meetings, sessions, and rehearsals together. As I posted about recently, many of us visited St. John's Children's Hospital before Spring Forum officially started, and I presented the Pediatric Unit with a gift--an original watercolor painting that I dedicated to St. John's. We also received our contestant groups and numbers and found out who our roommates will be during Miss IL week--I'm looking forward to rooming with you, Samantha!--and I was able to see my directors as well. Thank you to everyone involved in order to make this weekend possible-- Amalia and Glenn Schwerdtmann, Jane Ann Cruse, all of our Miss IL board members, Marta Clugston and all of the hostesses, Lana Markham, our security team, Shelby Zane, Sherri Winters, Staci Boyer, Michelle Holmes, Karen Bloom, Limelight Photography, and all of our volunteers who contributed. We also had a chance to hear from all of our lovely Miss IL titleholders who have just a few weeks left of their years. Thank you to Whitney, Kaitlyn, and Grace for everything you have put into representing the Miss IL organization this year.
My favorite part of the weekend was when Katie Stam, Miss America 2009, spoke to all of the contestants. She is definitely one of my favorite Miss Americas, and I really identified with a lot of what she said about leadership and her perspective on life, and I appreciated the advice she shared with us. She absolutely exemplifies the kind of titleholder I strive to be--what a true role model she is. She really is dedicated to connecting with every person she can, and I experienced this first-hand when I had the opportunity to meet her afterward--for a second time. During her reign as Miss America, I went to an event where she was the guest speaker at a school in Southern Illinois in which she joined everyone in making cards to thank our troops. Both times that I was able to interact with her, I was thankful for her friendly, humble attitude and the way she was attentive to each person she met. I also asked her to sign the inside of my sash, which is definitely an inspiring visual for me!

Spring Forum provided a good opportunity to continue to prepare for the job and title of Miss IL, talk with my fellow contestants, and take some group photos at the Capitol building. Speaking of which...the new Miss Illinois is in the photo below! Who will it be??

~MISS ILLINOIS CLASS OF 2011~