Henry Grew Elementary School Visit

On June 28, 2011, I visited the Henry Grew Elementary School. I spoke to the kindergarten children about summer camps and fitness programs. We discussed the five food groups as well as the various types of nutritious foods that keep the body healthy. Afterward I read them the book Moving Up: From Kindergarten to First Grade by Chuck Solomon. Each of the children told me what he/she had learned in kindergarten and what he/she expected in first grade. I was so impressed by their communication skills and their ability to express their ideas. They were respectful of me as well as one another. We concluded the day with taking group photos and playing games outside. I want to thank the Kindergarten Teacher Ms. Dianne Hays and the Paraprofessional Ms. Kimberly Isadore for letting me speak and interact with their class. I also want to thank the kindergarten children for welcoming me to their school and taking an interest in improving their health as well as that of their peers.

Brookline Flag Day

On June 19, 2011, I attended Brookline Flag Day. I assisted with the set-up of the Children's One Mile Fun Run and spoke to the children about the importance of physical fitness. Additionally, I walked in the Children's Parade around Cypress Field. It was great to see the children learn about Flag Day and express patriotism for their country. Afterward the children and I gathered around Mike the Hatman, and we all danced to country, rock and hip-hop music. The children were then able to enjoy the rest of the day with food and carnival rides. I had so much fun seeing families together and interacting with so many great children. Thank you to the Veterans Director Bill McGroarty for allowing me to participate in this wonderful event. I also want to thank the volunteers, who made Brookline Flag Day possible.

NSTAR'S Walk For Children's Hospital Boston

This past Sunday, I participated in NSTAR's Walk for Children's Hospital Boston. I joined thousands of other walkers in supporting Children's Hospital Boston's patient care, pediatric research and community health programs. I met so many great people, including doctors and nurses, who had worked at Children's Hospital Boston for many years. Additionally, I met Miss Commonwealth 2011 Amanda Narciso at the event. I also met Miss Massachusetts Teen Belleza Latina 2011 Griselle Gonzalez and Miss Caribbean Belleza Latina 2011 Angelica Flores. It was great to see such interest in the health and well-being of our children. I loved talking to some of the children and families about healthy eating and exercise. Some parents even told me that they were going to change their daily routine in order to encourage a more healthy lifestyle for their children. I suggested such things as closing all kitchen lights after dinner and taking a family walk around the neighborhood. I encouraged these parents to speak to their neighbors and friends about their lifestyle changes and encourage them to also make changes. Finally, I would like to thank all the staff, families and volunteers, who came out to support Children's Hospital Boston. As Children's Hospital Boston is one of the nation's leading hospitals in pediatric specialties, everyone's involvement truly makes a difference!

Fit Kidz 3K Fun Run

On Sunday, May 22, 2011, I attended the Fit Kidz 3K Fun Run. I enjoyed handing out nutritious snacks, such as yogurt and apple slices, to the children. Additionally, I answered their questions about having a well-balanced diet and eating healthy. Afterward three moms led us in doing stretching exercises to get ready for our 3K run around the Reebok World Headquarters. A physician then spoke about the correlation between exercise and increased confidence levels, academic performance, class participation and ability to concentrate. After all the volunteers and children ran the 3K, we took photos outside. The children loved trying on my sash and asking me questions about my upcoming pageant. I was so happy to see the children learn about healthy living through nutrition and exercise. I encouraged them to continue these good habits and talk to their friends about what they had learned today. Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to support this great cause. Children are our future, which makes it vital for us to teach them the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

Lowell General Hospital TeamWalk for CancerCare

On May 15, 2011, I participated in the Lowell General's TeamWalk for CancerCare. I walked with Mrs. Massachusetts America Jennifer Hardy, Miss Ethnic New England Shalon Chester and Mrs. Massachusetts International Jane Marshall. Afterward we joined Miss Massachusetts USA Alida D'Angona and Miss Massachusetts Teen USA Kay Tetrault in thanking the walkers. I felt so privileged to be part of an event that raises money for cancer patients and their families. Thank you to everyone who walked, donated and volunteered. You truly made a difference!

Walk for Hunger

On Sunday, May 1, 2011, I joined thousands of walkers in Project Bread's annual Walk for Hunger. This walk was one of the most gratifying I've done. Walkers and their sponsors helped to provide food for 448 emergency food programs in 130 Massachusetts cities and towns. Additionally, I met a group of pageant girls along the route. They were handing out water and answering any questions that the walkers may have. I was so grateful to participate in this event as hunger prevention can decrease the demand for emergency food in Massachusetts. By improving access to nutritious food for thousands of families, hunger prevention ensures a healthier future for society's most vulnerable children and families.