Day 90: Played Easter Bunny

Happy Easter everyone! I hope you all enjoyed your day. I know I surely enjoyed spending time with my family in the gorgeous weather we had today. My parents, brother and I drove down to Yakima to spend the day with the rest of my family. Before heading there we made a pit stop at the grocery store. It was then that I began to ponder what I could do as an act of kindness for the day. When finally thinking this out loud my dad presented an idea that was too cool to refuse.
                   

My dad had suggested that we play easter bunny for random strangers. Our mission was to buy several plastic eggs and put a few dollars in each one with a simple note. Since we were already at the store we hunted down plastic eggs and retreated back to the truck to prepare. We placed the dollars in each egg and a note that read 'Hoppy Easter!' Once the eggs were ready, it was time to disperse the goodie filled eggs. My mom and I walked the grocery store parking lot, carefully placing the eggs in good- and in view- places.

The eggs were planted and before zipping off to Yakima, we waited a few minutes to see if any egg recipients would return to their cars. Two of the six lucky few returned in time for us to see. Both were at first confused then amused. They may never know where the egg came from, but it was so fun to see how they reacted. 

He is risen!

Kailee  

Day 89: Did Yardwork

With my spring break coming to a close, it is safe to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at home. The weather has been beautiful here in the Tri-Cities to boot! Today, my family and I spent the majority of our day outside. Because its been awhile since our yard has seen the sun, it definitely was in need of some TLC. I helped my parents with some weeding and gardening to help make the yard look better! It was such a nice day, that I may or may not have gotten burnt...;)

Day 88: Spoke About Health & Fitness

It was career day at Park Middle School and while I do not have a career necessarily, I was able to chip in my two cents. My mom, who is a Certified Personal Trainer, was asked to speak about her job and all of the little details. Where we as a team, were able to stress the importance of health and exercise. We touched on anything from how much water and/or protein your body should take in, to certain stretches athletes could do.

There were 4 sessions of 8th grade students. For each session we were asked to give them a 20 minute presentation. All of the kids were very well behaved and nice to work with. When my mom and I first walked into the school, we were introduced to a few ASB students who shook our hands and took us to our classroom. The students were interactive during our presentations and asked a lot of questions. They were willing to learn. It was a very nice day working with our next generation. It is nice to know they care about their futures.

Nutrition tips:
-Your body should be taking in close to a gram of protein per pound of body weight. (Ex. 120lbs., 120 grams of protein)
-Chicken breast is the best source of protein with close to 26 grams of protein.
- Your body needs lots and lots of water. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
- Try to drink at least 4 16oz bottles a day.

Day 87: Returned What Was Lost

I had not anticipated what happened today, but I am glad it did. My mom and I went to Shopko to pick up a few things. On the way out the door, I saw something that resembled a full shopping bag lying on the ground, but I wasn't sure, we were too far away. My mom and I got in the car and drove in the direction towards the bag. I noticed then that it was in fact a shopping bag full of newly purchased clothes. I made my mom stop the car, I grabbed the bag and ran it in to customer service. The ladies inside were happy to help and thanked me for bringing it in.

For someone who has left purchased goods lying around before, I would so appreciate someone bringing my items to a safe place. I just hope the person who bought the clothes realized they were missing and found them!

"I've found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay... 

small acts of kindness, and love."- Gandalf

God bless,

Kailee

Day 86: Helped Bake Cookies

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of helping Nicole Renard prepare for her fantastic flashlight easter egg hunt! I assisted her in making scrumptious sugar cookies and orange dreamsicle cookies. In addition to catching up with a good friend, I learned two delicious recipes and how to zest a lemon! Hey, you learn something new every day. ;)

When the cookies were done, Nicole and I had to taste one to make sure they were suitable for her guests. The orange dreamsicle cookie was one of the best things I have ever eaten. The recipe is even featured in Nicole's cook book, which she has for sell. Even though the cookies were a kindness to my stomach, I was happy to lend a hand.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 85: Bought Girl Scout Cookies

It's that time of year again. It's Girl Scout cookie season! Usually I don't hunt them down, but they sounded so tasty and I knew the money was going to a good cause. To find cookies in your area, you can visit the Girl Scout website , enter your zip code and see where cookies are sold and at what times. It also helps if you know a girl scout selling them.

In my case, I know of a young girl selling them so I bought a box from her. Also, I looked up where the girls were selling cookies near me and bought a box of savannah smiles from them. The closest selling spot to me was Texas Roadhouse. I drove down there and when I showed interest in buying cookies, the young girl scout eagerly gave her description of each type of cookie. When she was done, I asked what her favorite type was. She answered savannah smiles. I told her I would take a box of those and handed her a $5. The boxes are $4 a piece, so she tried giving me my change. When I told her to keep the change, her reaction was priceless. She was overjoyed that I allowed her to keep my dollar. Oh, the simple joys of children. They make everything that much more worth it. 

God bless & enjoy your cookies,

Kailee

Day 84: Went All For Books

My mom found this flyer at work and brought it to me. Publicized is an online book fair for The Children's Academy Preschool in Kennewick. I thought it was a fantastic way to give back to a local school and promote literacy! The book fair runs until April 2, if you would like to donate as well. The following is a link to visit: http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/childrensacademypreschool.

When you visit the website, you can choose from an enumerate amount of books. Once you have found the book you'd like to donate, you can choose to send the book to a particular child in a certain classroom. In my case, I did not know a specific child so my donation is going to go to any deserving child. I chose to purchase and donate 'Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully'. It sounded cute and like it had a nice message behind it. With it, I was able to attach a little note that read, "Enjoy this book on me!" 

God bless,

Kailee

Day 83: Lighting A Fire Within

This afternoon, three more titleholders will be crowned. Unfortunately, to do so we must bid ado to yet another Miss Washington sister. Analiesse was one of the few sisters from the east side of the state and one of the sisters I got to know best. Congratulations to Analiesse on a fantastic year!

Meet Analiesse Isherwood, Miss Moses Lake 2012

What is the title of your platform?
AI: My platform is "Lighting a Fire Within: Inspiring Others to a Life of Service. Through my platform. I focus mostly on awareness of extreme poverty, and inspiring others to feel they can do something to change poverty. 

How can others get involved in your platform?
AI: You could perhaps [learn] some eye opening facts about poverty around the world. For an actual act, you could consider making a small donation to something like World Vision (it shows people how fun/ cool it can be to help make a difference!) Via this link you can "buy" anything for someone who needs it most, like 3 ducks for $18 or buy a family in the U.S. a days meals for $16. It's easy and fun! But really anything that reflects serving the most impoverished of the world would be reflective of my platform. 



As Analiesse had asked, here are several startling facts that I definitely hadn't known:

• 50% of the world lives on less than $2.50 a day (US equivalent).
• Over 11 million children die each year from a preventable cause like malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia. 
• This and other healthcare deficiencies lead to frighteningly low life expectancies in some corners of the world
• Life expectancy in the U.S. is 78 years...life expectancy in both Swaziland and Mozambique is 39 years old. 

God bless,

Kailee

Day 82: Prayed For A Cure

As mentioned yesterday, this is another crazy weekend. Congratulations to the new Miss East Cascades! Tomorrow two more young ladies will pass on their crowns. One of those girls is Miss Catherine Watters.

Meet Catherine Watters, Miss Columbia Basin 2012

What is the title of your platform?
CW: My platform is called eliminating cancer, volunteering for a cure.

How can others get involved with your platform?
CW: Just talk to someone that is going through cancer treatments, especially elders. They are extremeley lonely. 

Why did you choose your particular platform?
CW: My grandma passed away from cancer. 





(Photo credit: Natalie Cruz)

Cancer, for a lack of a better word, sucks. Unfortunately, I think that it is safe to say, we all have personally known someone who has had cancer, or has known someone close to someone with cancer. As Catherine made evident, it is important to keep them in our thoughts and keep in touch with them as they go through difficult times. This weekend I am out of town and busy as a bee. What I have done, and encourage all of you to do, is to simply take a moment and pray for someone you know of, have heard of, or cancer patients in general. Even if you don't have the opportunity to speak directly to the person going through treatment, that doesn't mean the big man upstairs isn't listening.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 81: Operation Gratitude

It's another crazy weekend for me! In just 24 short hours I will be heading to Wenatchee to watch the Miss East Cascades pageant! In 48 hours, I will be competing for Miss Moses Lake and saying farewell to several Miss Washington sisters. However, before we do so, please take a moment to learn more about my friend Connie!

Meet Connie Morgan, Miss East Cascades 2012

What is the title of your platform?
CM: Wounded Warrior Project

How can others get involved in your platform?
CM: I really think [they] should check out the website "Operation Gratitude." You can write a thank you letter to serviceman or woman. It feels awesome.
http://www.operationgratitude.com

Why did you choose this particular platform?
CM: I come from a military family. I have had relatives fight for our country and thank goodness no one ever came home seriously injured, impaired, unemployed or alone. While no one in my family has been hurt, I am thankful that an organization like WWP exists and is there in case someone (like my brother) does get hurt.  The WWP was ranked one of the top non-profits in the country and was also voted one of the top non-profits to work for. While other non-profits may spend a large portion of their funds on administrative costs, WWP does not and they rely heavily on volunteers.  

(Photo Credit: Michael's Photography)

Thank you notes are always appreciated. Before heading out of town, I grabbed a thank you letter and wrote a heart felt note to a solider. A stranger really. But, no matter if they are a stranger or not, they still deserve my gratitude at the very least. What is often forgotten about letters or packages to our military is that they are ALWYAS appreciated, not just during the holidays. I seriously encourage you to check out the website above, take a few minutes out of your day and simply write a thank you letter to someone who is protecting our country. It really is the least we can do. Not to mention, Connie was right, it does feel awesome! :)

(Connie and me at Miss East Cascades)

God bless,

Kailee 

Day 80: Dined Out For United Way

This morning, I logged onto Facebook and found a post that intrigued me. A fellow FB friend was promoting Dine Out For United Way. This is a one day event where you could eat at several different restaurants and a portion of the tab would be donated to United Way. Among the plethora of restaurants were Famous Dave's- where the fam and I went- Texas Roadhouse, Round Table, Carmines, Cousins and Tony Roma's.

Right when I had read the FB post, I knew this is something I wanted to do. Ironically, at the same time mom and dad were discussing what we should do for dinner. We don't often go to Famous Dave's, so that sold us. The fact that a portion of the tab is donated to a good cause was the cherry on top! 

We enjoyed a delicious dinner and I handed over the coupon above. The paper I had originally printed had two coupons on it. Since my family and I had only used one, we were then left with an extra. When walking out of the restaurant, I stopped a family that was going in to eat and asked them if they too could present the coupon to their waiter and donate to United Way. The family happily agreed and I went on my way. 

If you read this before 10PM on March 21, you still have an opportunity to dine and donate. Visit one of the listed restaurants above and give back.

God bless,

Kailee 

Day 79: Donated Change To Make Change

If there is one thing I love to do, it's shopping! When shopping this afternoon, I came across an opportunity to donate my change to Crisis Text Line. I donated my change and some extra cash that I had. This is a private and anonymous line, where teens can text to talk about their issues. These issues can span from bullying to domestic violence. From now until the end of the month you can donate to Crisis Text Line too at JC Penny!

Day 78: Sharing Spree

Today marked yet another day of finals, so I haven't been out much. But real quickly, I wanted to share this site called Sharing Spree. The site offers a daily discounted item or "spree" that you can only claim that day. If you are to claim that spree, a portion of the purchase will be donated to the organization shown beside it.

Today's spree was three phone cases for $10. A portion of the purchase will now be sent to Manna Relief. This is an organization which sends essential nutrients to orphans and children around the world. If you sign up for Sharing Spree, they will send you a daily email with the day's deal. It is two of  my favorite things put into one, 1) shopping & 2) giving back.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 77: Fed Meters

It is that dreadful week again, the weeks of finals. As I type this, I am taking a break from a 16 page paper. With that said, I am going to keep this short. However, I would like you to know that my acts of kindness are a priority and even during finals week, I find time to make it happen. Most of the time, they find me (thankfully)!

Take today for instance. I took a break from studying and typing to practice for Miss Moses Lake this weekend at a studio on campus. Most of the parking on campus requires a parking permit or is a meter. I do not own a permit, so it was the meters for me! When I pulled into my spot, I noticed that the car's meter next to me was about to expire. With two minutes left, the owner was no where to be found. I dropped a dime in the slot and bought the stranger a bit more time. I hope they made it back in time!

The EWU parking patrol is always on the prowl. I know I would appreciate a stranger buying me some extra time, so that I too could avoid a parking ticket. 

Happy finals week

& God bless,

Kailee

Day 76: Clover for MDA

Top of the morning to you...or night at least. Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! I hope you all wore your green and avoided the painful pinches. Today was really simple.

Who says that four leaf clovers don't exsist? Because whenever I visit stores around St. Patty's Day, I see the walls of the stores plastered with them!The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) typically sells four leaf clovers near St. Patty's Day to fundraise for their organization. Many different places have them for sale and in my case the grocery store I went to was selling them and accepting change. I dumped my change from my wallet into the bucket after I made my purchase!

MDA raises awareness and money to fight muscle diseases. When I was younger, I would frequently see the four leaf clovers all over walls of businesses and have no idea what they represented, but now I know! Next time you see a wall of clovers, I encourage you to chip in and donate too! For more information on MDA, click here.

Make the luck of the Irish be with you,

Kailee

Day 75: Donated to Hope House

This quarter I took a course called Community, Communication and Citizenship. In the course we were asked to complete 20 hours of service learning at several different local organizations. They included Boys and Girls Club, West Central Community Center, Hope House, Women's Hearth and Cheney Assisted Living. The point behind the service learning is pretty self-explantory, meaning that we would learn by being of service to the organizations. At the end of the quarter, each group of students was asked to make a video. You can see my and Rebekah's video on West Central Community Center by clicking here. This last week, each group presented their videos for the class to see. All of the videos were incredible, but there was one in particular that stuck out to me.

Women's Hearth is place where women can take refuge throughout the day. Then the women usually trek over to Hope House for shelter from the cold evenings. Each women receives food, a warm shower, clean and dry clothes, a warm bed, hygiene items and resource information. In the group's video for the two organizations, one of the employees expressed their need for hygiene products and food, especially during the spring and summer months. She mentioned that they receive most of their donations during the winter months (which is appreciated), but they need donations now too.

Acquiring this information and knowing I would be downtown this morning, I dropped off several cans of food and a few things of deodorant. It was not a lot, but that will help make a dent in providing supplies to over 1,800 homeless women in Spokane. If you would like to donate to either location, I would suggest calling ahead because there is not always someone there to accept donations. Here is the Hope House website. For your information, they are directly affiliated with Volunteers of America. 

God bless,

Kailee

Day 74: Taste Spokane

If you were granted just one wish, what would it be? If you are unsure of your answer, then you are like me. There are so many amazing experiences and adventures waiting to be had. However, if you do know the answer, then you are much like Wishing Star kids. Children with Wishing Star are kids between the ages of 3-21 who have a life threatening or life shortening illness. Similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Wishing Star grants one incredible wish to each their 'wish kid'. Below are three children who have processed a wish and are waiting for them to be granted.

(London, Landon and Roan)

To fundraise for future wishes, Wishing Star held their annual fundraiser titled 'Taste Spokane' at Northern Quest Casino. Guests were invited to roam about the tables with tokens which could be traded for samples of delicious food from a plethora of different restaurants, wineries and breweries within the area. While the guests milled about, there was a live band and raffle prizes being sold. This is where I came in. 

I sold raffle tickets to those who wished to purchase them and raised money for Wishing Star by doing so. Each team of sellers was given a specific child to sell for, so Bev and I had precious little London. Our job was to promote the three (phenomenal) raffle prizes, which included a day on the farm and a picnic, an airplane ride above the Northern Idaho lakes or a murder mystery party for the winner and friends. When we sold a ticket, that money was then donated to help make London's wish come that much closer to coming true. She wished for a Dora the Explorer adventure! 

Overall, my time there was a huge success. I learned about the organization and met new connections, but most importantly making more wishes possible for more children! For information on Wishing Star, please click here.

God Bless,

Kailee

Day 73: Pi Day (3.14)

Happy Pi Day friends! For those of you who don't know, this is a unusual holiday that is celebrated across the country (apparently). In the mathematical world pi is a symbol that represented by 3.1415... Because today is March 14 or 3-14, someone came up with the clever idea to deem March 14th pi day and celebrate with actual pie. I am new to the whole pi day celebration and with there only being so much I can do with a year of kindness, I decided this could be a fun opportunity.

I went to Safeway and headed straight to their bakery. Now, the thought occurred to me that I could actually attempt to make a pie, but then I thought....hmmm better not. ;) I picked a juicy looking apple pie and took it back to share with my roommates, friends and neighbors.  A successful day I'd say. 

I hope you enjoyed your unusual holiday and if you did not get to celebrate...

well, there is always next year! 

God Bless,

Kailee

Day 72: Played Joy Kingdom

I have never been a fan of the Facebook apps like Farmville or Candy Crush. They just take up way too much time that quite frankly I don't have to spend. In addition, there are the troublesome notifications that ask for a particular item or to help grow another's farm. This was my preconceived notion before I heard about Joy Kingdom.

So yes, today I played a video game. But, Joy Kingdom is not your average video game! You can play via Facebook for free- much like many of the other games-and you will earn 'joy'. However, this 'joy' you earn can then be traded to benefit actual foundations in real life. There are opportunities to trade joy for bowls of dog food at Tony Larussa Rescue Foundation or protected land for lions through African Wildlife Foundation. Obviously the more you play, the more you can give back!

The game itself allows you to plant and grow plants and take care of animals. It is really easy to play AND raise money for good causes. To play, log into Facebook and visit the Ellen Show's page. In the right corner of the page there will be a box to click on. The picture below explains how the 'joy' works. 

So what do you say? Can you lend a little joy.

God Bless,

Kailee

Day 71: Thanked A (Hard) Teacher

With finals week just around the corner, the only thing on most students mind is school. A lot of times we work hard and use what we have learned from past teachers to do better. Again, a lot of times we don't realize that those rigorous teachers are the ones who well prepared us. Then on the opposing end, teachers will prepare us and never know if their commitment to us has paid off.

I know that personally I had my fair share of zany teachers. Teachers who did not care about the subject they taught or more importantly the kids that they were teaching. Then occasionally and fortunately, I would be blessed with several outstanding teachers. These were the teachers who encouraged you to do better, who made the subject more interesting and pushed you to your limits. Although they pushed me, it was all for my own good. In my opinion, I don't think that their successful job teaching should go un-noticed.

I took the liberty today to email a past teacher of mine. Now, the teacher who I originally planned on emailing has since been retired. But there are several other teachers that deserved my 'thank you' as well. I went with a social science teacher of mine who actually made politics appealing. Since involving myself with the Miss America Organization, politics and/or current events are never in short supply. Remembering how good it felt to be informed and empowered in that class, always encouraged me to learn more.

So now it is your turn. Who is a teacher that pushed you? That made you feel like you had potential? Have you told them lately? Will you?

...

Kailee

Day 70: Spoke Up About Bullying

After a very busy weekend, Jordyn is finally getting back to the 'normal' life. But, if there is one thing that will remain the same, it will be her positive attitude and passion for her platform. Jordyn is an advocate for prevention of youth bullying with her platform titled, "Character Counts."

Meet Jordyn Hall, Miss Lewis County 2012

What is your platform titled?

JH: My platform is Character Counts; Supporting prevention of youth bullying.

How can others get involved with your platform?

JH: Just treat everyone with respect, or if you see someone being picked on, stand up for the targeted person! Because after all that's what a person with a morally sound character would do. 

Why did you choose this particular platform?

JH: I chose this platform because I was severely bullied in high school by my so called best friends. Which in return, made me drop out of school, lose my self worth and made my GPA drop to an all time low. But don't worry! The next year I gained enough self confidence to return and I was a stronger and happier person.

(That is the beautiful and intelligent girl I know! You go girl! ^^)

When doing some research, I came across The Bully Report on Do Something.  This is a full report on bullying for teens in the United States. Included in the report are startling and heartbreaking statistics like the one seen above. In addition, there is also a petition to sign, stating that you will stand up for yourself and others. Of course I signed it and encourage you to do the same; http://www.dosomething.org/bullyreport

Then after Jordyn and I talked, she brought it to my attention that the National Bullying Prevention Center also had a digital petition. I signed that petition as well and again more than anything encourage you to do the same; http://www.pacer.org/bullying/digitalpetition/

This platform is so imperative because so many children experience bullying in different magnitudes. Whether it be a snide comment or physical bullying, bullying is bullying. I, myself, was also fell victim to rude, insensitive and arrogant people, so I definitely can relate. Take a stand, sign the petition and practice what you preach!

As Ellen DeGeneres says-

Be kind to one another.

Kailee

Day 69: Donated to the Ronald McDonald House

This afternoon Miss Seattle wrapped up a crazy pageant weekend. Congratulations to all of the contestants on their success and congratulations to all of the new new titleholders! Jean-Sun Hannah Ahn, Miss Seattle 2012, was another sister of mine who crowned her successor. Within her year, she has be an advocate for the Ronald McDonald House Charities!  

Meet Jean-Sun Hannah Ahn, Miss Seattle 2012

What is your platform titled?
Jean-Sun: Making A Difference in the Lives of Seriously Ill Children: Support for the Ronald McDonald House

How can others get involved with your platform?
The Ronald McDonald House charities is a global organization and anyone can help make a difference, whether is be simply making a donation to the house online, or even donating change to the boxes at your local McDonalds...anything you can give makes a difference. Anyone can volunteer at local Ronald McDonalds Houses, hosting movie night, activity nights and even dinners. Also promoting the organization through various social media outlets via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. The public will know you are supporting and raising awareness for this organization.

Why did you choose this particular platform?
I like to say that this platform found me. I was invited to an event at the Ronald McDonald House when I was a freshman in high school and the moment I stepped into the Seattle House, I knew I wanted to become involved and help make difference in the lives of not only these seriously ill children, but also their family members as well. Many times we don't realize that when a child becomes seriously ill it truly affects the entire family in more ways than one. I knew I could utilize my violin to help bring smiles to children's faces and bring joy in a time of crisis. In addition organizing fun filled events with music provided the opportunity for me to really get to know the children and families serving not only as a role model but also a friend. Consequently, my platform goes hand in hand with Mis America's national platform, Children's Miracle Network. As Miss Seattle, I was able collaborate with both of these organizations and serve as an advocate for both. It was incredible to be able to regularly visit the Seattle Children's Hospital where many of the patients also stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while receiving treatment. I know I will continue to volunteer and serve as an advocate for both these organization for years to come. I am so grateful to have had the many experiences I have had as Miss Seattle and look forward to what my future holds. 

My parents and I traveled to Yakima this afternoon to celebrate my mom's birthday and see the rest of my family. On our way there we stopped at good ole' Mickey-D's to complete my act of kindness for the day (and maybe a shamrock shake). If you haven't ever noticed, each McDonalds has donation boxes in front of the cash registers and/or under the window in the drive-thru. My dad and I both dropped a dollar or two into the box. The money collected from the donation boxes will then be used to help families!

(Jean-Sun and I after Miss Washington)

God bless,
Kailee

Day 68: Donated Books

Meet Kimball Gainor, Miss Whatcom County 2012

What is your platform titled?
KG: READ!

How can others get involved with your platform?
Promote a positive relationship with kids and reading by visiting a classroom, visiting your public library to get involved with, mentor a youngin and spend sometime reading with them. There are many ways to reach the same goal of promoting a healthy and positive relationship with reading! 

Why did you choose your particular platform?
This platform is important to me because when young children begin to read up until (often 2nd and 3rd grade) they begin to read to LEARN. If they have not already developed a positive relationship with reading, their following education is at risk as they are less likely to graduate high school and/or pursue higher degrees in college. My job is to build a bridge while children are still learning to read and develop that relationship, showing them why reading is something to be excited about and not dreaded! 
Photo Credit: Steven Michaels Photography

Although I did not have enough time to get into a classroom to read, I was able to find a collection of my books from childhood to donate. My house in Tri-Cities pretty much shares a backyard with an elementary school, so I thought that was a perfect fit for my donation. I hope the kids will appreciate their new collection of books. I know I thoroughly enjoyed them!

( A year ago when Kimball was crowned!)

God bless, Kailee

Day 67: Banned the "R" Word

This coming weekend there are pageants galore. Miss Whatcom County and Lewis County are tomorrow and Miss Seattle is Sunday! Of course, that means it is time yet again to say hello to a Miss Washington sister! Hannah was Miss West Sound 2012 and crowned her successor at the end of last year. This weekend she will be competing for Miss Seattle, so to send her my best, I wanted to give her a shout out now! Good luck to all of the contestants this weekend and Hannah I know you will do phenomenal! ;)

Meet Hannah Price, Miss West Sound 2012

What is the title of your platform?

HP: My platform is called 'One & the Same: Accepting Our Different Abilities'. It focuses on creating relationships and an understanding between individuals with and without disabilities. 

How can others get involved with your platform? 

HP: You can become an advocate and pledge for Spread the Word to End the Word, which bans the use of the word retard. In addition, you can promote Easter Seals WA and March of Dimes to support the growth of these programs in the state.

Why did you choose this particular platform?

HP: Firstly, my best friend growing up had a younger sister with Autism. The three of us got along great, and though I knew this young girl had a 'difference', it never bothered me. It did hurt me though to see her bullied and harassed and segregated because of this difference. This passion was re-ignited a few years ago when I spent three weeks in Beijing working in an orphanage for individuals with disabilities. It was the most educational and eye-opening experience I have ever had, and it really inspired me to continue spreading the message of acceptance and love in America through the MAO. 

Photo Credit: TCP Photography

As Hannah mentioned, one way to take part in her platform is to ban the word 'retarded' and there is a website to pledge to do so. It has always really bothered me when someone misuses the word and now I am able to spread the word to end the word! The website is http://www.r-word.org. Click 'pledge & be heard.' I just entered my information and took the pledge. Now, I am one of 357,457 who has officially banned the word from my vocabulary and I hope you will do the same!

On a side note, yesterday was the annual day for the campaign to end the r-word. So, this sounds like an even better time to pledge now!

God Bless,

Kailee