Official Crowning

On December 23rd, the Greater North Haven team headed back to the Jared Andrew Studio for the official crowning of Alexa and I. We both received our new sashes and were crowned by Ashley. (I was able to be crowned twice since Ashley had a little trouble for the first time around.) It was fun night, as usual, with our wonderful team. Happy Holidays everyone! 

Toydrive for the Children's Hospital

Yesterday, Ashley, Tiffany George (Miss Litchfield County), Brittany Decker (Miss CT), and I went to the Bristol Wal-Mart to collect toys for the Connecticut Children's Hospital.  You may or may not know, that a year ago I spent about a week in the Children's Hospital and let me tell you that the hospital is great.  So, anytime I can give back to them I try too, after all the help they gave me. Last night, thanks to a ton of generous donors, we collected 144 toys and $70 for the hospital and its patients. Amazing, right?! I'd like to thank Scott for inviting us and for all the wonderful people who donated to better the lives of others.

Passing out flyers.

Ashley, Brittany, and me

Ashley, Me, Scott, Tiffany, and Jay

Modeling all the donated toys!

Happy holiday,

Brianna 

Brittany's Send-off

Today, we all gathered at Rocky Hill High School to celebrate Brittany's Send-off to Miss America.  If you don't know Brittany, she is a wonderful person and I'm very privileged to have known her for a few years now.  She has worked very very hard for her journey to Miss America and I know it will all pay off on the Las Vegas stage. The audience was lucky enough today to preview her Miss America wardrobe and let me just say that it is stunning! She is going to be amazing and I have no doubt that she will show those judges what Connecticut's made off! :) Tune into ABC on January 15th to see Brittany at Miss America!

My usual picture with Ashley. :)

With Scott from CCMC.

The girls with Brittany

With Britt

A Day of Appearances

Saturday was a pageant-filled day for Danielle and I.  First, we were able to attend a bake sale held by Erin Ward, a former Miss Wolcott Outstanding Teen. As usual, Erin did a wonderful job and raised quite a bit of money with her delicious desserts for the Animal Rescue Foundation that is rebuilding its shelter in Terryville. Then, we took a trip to the Brass Miller Center Mall to help sell historical photographs of Waterbury for the Waterbury Lion's Club. We even made a few sales! ;) At night, we headed back to Hamden to the Square Foot Theater to see another performance of "A Snow White  Christmas." It was just as cute as the night before and all of the cast was excited to see us again. 

However, the best part of my night didn't come until later. A mother of one of the cast members told me how her daughter went home the night before and printed out a picture that we had taken with her and put it in her scrapbook.  The young girl had told her mother that she wanted to be just like us when she was older.  It brought a smile to my face, yet again, knowing that we were able to be a role model for that young girl.  And that's what the Miss America Organization is all about.

Danielle, Erin, and I

Me, Joe Ouimet, Wolcott Dog Ward, Danielle, and Kathy Johnson, President of ARF

With Steve Briotti, a Waterbury Lion

Sister Queens

During the 50/50 rafflee at Intermission

Alexa, Danielle, and I

A Snow White Christmas at the Square Foot Theater

It was wonderful to be back at the Square Foot Theater for a production of "A Snow White Christmas," which included 75 adorable kids.  Throughout the night, I was able to meet the performers, talk to audience members, and promote my issue of concern.  It was wonderful to see how much the arts have given to these children as they shined onstage. To talk to each of the little nervous performers before the show and then to see them sing and dance with confidence onstage brought a smile to my face, knowing that my issue of concern dealing with the arts was allowing them to grow and better themselves through it.  It was a night full of fun and excitement and I was very grateful to attend.

Danielle and I before the show.

With some of the perfomers. Aren't they adorable?

With Amy, Our Business Manager

Speaking about Operation A.R.T.S.

Patrick, Amy, Ashley, Jared, Me, and Danielle

All of the cast at curtain call.

Miss Litchfield County and Outstanding Teen Pageant

Last night, Ashley, Alexa, and I made our very first appearance with our new titles! We headed to my second home, the Thomaston Opera House, for a night filled with excitement.  And let me just say, it is much nicer (and less stressful) to be the person watching the pageant rather than the one competing.  Congrats to all the wonderful contestants last night; It takes a lot to put yourself out there on the stage and you all shined.  Also, a very special congratulations to Miss Litchfield County 2011, Tiffany George and Miss Litchfield County's Outstanding Teen, Jaine Coann LeFebvre. I look forward to spending time with both of you throughout the year!

Pre-Pageant Pictures at my house!

With Jaine

Congrats Tiff!

Sister Queens. :)
Danielle wasn't able to attend because it was her Sweet 16! Happy birthday girlie!

With our very spirited Miss CT, Brittany Decker

I'm excited for another busy and pageant-filled weekend next week! I'll be sure to update my blog as the appearances continue. :)

Much love,
Bri

Crowning Moment

Hello everyone! I am very excited to announce that on December 5, 2010 I was crowned Miss Hamden's Outstanding Teen 2011 at the Square Foot Theatre along with my three sister queens, Ashley Membrino, Danielle Trusch, and Alexa Farrell. I wanted to take the time to thank everyone who has constantly supported my journey throughout the Miss America Organization this past year. Your support in my endeavor means the world to me and I believe that each and every one of you has become a part of me in some way.

I am ready to make the most of this title and I hope to do a great job representing the Hamden area.  This year will consist of a wide range of appearances and it will help me continue to promote my issue of concern, Operation A.R.T.S.: Arts Rewarding Teen Success. I will have the opportunity to compete for my final time in Miss Connecticut's Outstanding Teen in June and I am happy to say that State preparation has already begun!

Please continue to follow my journey throughout the year on my blog. Also, please feel free to contact me as well at bsmail@chasemail.org.

Much love,
Brianna Leigh Smail
Miss Hamden's Outstanding Teen 2011

The Teens in our Winter Outfits with Miss Hamden's Outstanding Teen 2010, Molly Westfall

The Teen Contestants in Evening Gown

With the Judges after being crowned.