I almost forgot the most important update of all! There is a brand new, Miss Vermont website. Eternity Wed Developmet has spent months designing this new site and they have done a fantastic job. The final product was way beyond my greatest expectations. Check it out! There is a lot to see and with the new appearance calendar it is even easier to keep track of my appearances. Be sure to play the video of my rendition of the National Anthem at the Boston Garden and check out my personal sponsorship page with links to all the men and women who have helped make this year possible for me. THANK YOU ETERNITY WEB DEVELOPMENT!
www.missvermont.org
XOXO
Ashley
Sunday, November 30, 2008
6 Weeks & 3 Days...but who's counting?
With all of the excitement the holidays bring it is easy to forget that very shortly after Christmas and New Year's, I will be off to Las Vegas for Miss America 2009. I have recently realized an advantage warm states have over cold states, specifically in the swimsuit catergory. Taking today as an example, it is cold (about 25 degrees), grey, and dreary. I am one who cannot stand running on a treadmill and I will have to somehow motivate myself to run out in the cold. brrr...
I am looking forward to the month of December. I have several Right Decisions Right Now appearances and several Christmas themed gatherings to attend. I have really enjoyed my RDRN apperances. I have been amazed at the critical thinking skills some middle and junior school children have. They have been a source of inspiration to me.
I need to update you on an exciting apperance that happened the week before last. Two Monday's ago I was in my second gown fitting, with pins sticking in and out of me, when my cell phone rang and it was an unknown Boston number. I decided to answer despite the pins and am sure glad I did. It was the Boston Celtics informing me of an Anthem singer cancellation they had for the next night's game against the New York Knicks. They were wondering if I could be in Boston 24 hours later. I did some rearranging of a very packed schedule and said "of course!". My mother and father graciously drove me to Boston and escorted me through the evening at the TD Banknorth Garden (which we still, in my family, call... "The Boston Garden"). In true form several of my amazing girlfriends from Saint Michael's College managed tickets and were there just in time to see me perform. (Thanks Tracy, Aimee, Leah, & Jill!) It was a thrill singing at the Garden.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is looking forward to the rest of the holiday season.
Best,
Ashley
I am looking forward to the month of December. I have several Right Decisions Right Now appearances and several Christmas themed gatherings to attend. I have really enjoyed my RDRN apperances. I have been amazed at the critical thinking skills some middle and junior school children have. They have been a source of inspiration to me.
I need to update you on an exciting apperance that happened the week before last. Two Monday's ago I was in my second gown fitting, with pins sticking in and out of me, when my cell phone rang and it was an unknown Boston number. I decided to answer despite the pins and am sure glad I did. It was the Boston Celtics informing me of an Anthem singer cancellation they had for the next night's game against the New York Knicks. They were wondering if I could be in Boston 24 hours later. I did some rearranging of a very packed schedule and said "of course!". My mother and father graciously drove me to Boston and escorted me through the evening at the TD Banknorth Garden (which we still, in my family, call... "The Boston Garden"). In true form several of my amazing girlfriends from Saint Michael's College managed tickets and were there just in time to see me perform. (Thanks Tracy, Aimee, Leah, & Jill!) It was a thrill singing at the Garden.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is looking forward to the rest of the holiday season.
Best,
Ashley
Friday, October 24, 2008
updates from the road
My voter registration drive has been very successful! The most rewarding part is I get the feeling that some of the voters I am registering were not going to vote on November 4th. After the conversations we have had...they will!
My most memorable story from the last two weeks however did not come from one of the high school or college campuses I visited. It came from a nursing home I visited last week. I was asked to go to Morrisville and perform for the residents. I sang some of my favorites and some of theirs. After singing, we had a question and answer time. The residents asked me many questions and one asked me about my platform. When I spoke about "Your Vote is Your Voice" and shared with them my travels registering voters I could not help but notice one woman's eyes swell up with tears. After the Q and A session, while I was signing autographs, that very elderly woman with tears in her eyes wheeled her wheelchair over to me, hugged me, and said "I remember when women could not vote. I have cast a ballot every time I could and plan on doing it again November 4th. Thank you for doing what you are doing." I have thought about that woman a lot during my travels this week. Her name was Ruth and I won't forget her.
As great as my travels have been since returning from LA, I am looking forward to having some time to prepare for Miss America. Sometimes I get so caught up in having a presence in the state I forget that in only 95 days I will be on stage at Miss America. As I move forward I pray for patience and guidance to be able to balance being the best Miss Vermont I can be while striving to walk off that Planet Hollywood stage as Miss America 2009.
With Love,
Ashley
My most memorable story from the last two weeks however did not come from one of the high school or college campuses I visited. It came from a nursing home I visited last week. I was asked to go to Morrisville and perform for the residents. I sang some of my favorites and some of theirs. After singing, we had a question and answer time. The residents asked me many questions and one asked me about my platform. When I spoke about "Your Vote is Your Voice" and shared with them my travels registering voters I could not help but notice one woman's eyes swell up with tears. After the Q and A session, while I was signing autographs, that very elderly woman with tears in her eyes wheeled her wheelchair over to me, hugged me, and said "I remember when women could not vote. I have cast a ballot every time I could and plan on doing it again November 4th. Thank you for doing what you are doing." I have thought about that woman a lot during my travels this week. Her name was Ruth and I won't forget her.
As great as my travels have been since returning from LA, I am looking forward to having some time to prepare for Miss America. Sometimes I get so caught up in having a presence in the state I forget that in only 95 days I will be on stage at Miss America. As I move forward I pray for patience and guidance to be able to balance being the best Miss Vermont I can be while striving to walk off that Planet Hollywood stage as Miss America 2009.
With Love,
Ashley
Monday, October 13, 2008
Your Vote is Your Voice
It is hard to believe 5 1/2 months have passed since I was crowned Miss Vermont 2008! What an incredible experience. The people, opportunities, memories, personal, and professional development of these experiences will be with me for a lifetime.
The last three weeks were spent in Los Angeles for the filming of TLC's Countdown to the Crown. There is not much I can say about the show but I can tell you that it will air on TLC in January and that I am grateful for having three weeks to form incredible bonds and friendships with some of this nation's most articulate, talented, and decorated young women.
Now I am back in VT and and it is time to hit the ground not just running but full out sprinting. Tomorrow starts my voter registration drive. There are 21 days until the election and I plan to register as many voters as I can between now and then. Young voters make up 21% of the eligible voting population. That is a political force to recon with! No candidate can ignore the issues young people face today.
Check the "appearance" page of www.missvermont.org to track my steps. I will visit two high schools and six colleges in ten days registering voters. But my quest towards a more politically active state does not end with voter registration or with 18-29 year olds. I will also be visiting elementary schools to teach younger students about the importance of political action. The Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee of the 1960's started with 4 young people hungry for change. The SNCC subsequently coordinated sit-ins, freedom rides, and non-violent marches that shaped a political era. I am excited about bringing this message to younger students because it is important for us all to remember that political involvement does not begin or end by casting a ballot. Voting is one very important tool for participating in this democracy but there are many ways to get your voice heard.
The vision of a few determined women started the movement in Seneca Falls, New york, 1848, that resulted in my right to cast a ballot. When I cast my ballot in November I will cast it remembering the fight of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her sisters in justice.
I hope you will all join me in voting!
All My Best,
Your Miss Vermont
The last three weeks were spent in Los Angeles for the filming of TLC's Countdown to the Crown. There is not much I can say about the show but I can tell you that it will air on TLC in January and that I am grateful for having three weeks to form incredible bonds and friendships with some of this nation's most articulate, talented, and decorated young women.
Now I am back in VT and and it is time to hit the ground not just running but full out sprinting. Tomorrow starts my voter registration drive. There are 21 days until the election and I plan to register as many voters as I can between now and then. Young voters make up 21% of the eligible voting population. That is a political force to recon with! No candidate can ignore the issues young people face today.
Check the "appearance" page of www.missvermont.org to track my steps. I will visit two high schools and six colleges in ten days registering voters. But my quest towards a more politically active state does not end with voter registration or with 18-29 year olds. I will also be visiting elementary schools to teach younger students about the importance of political action. The Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee of the 1960's started with 4 young people hungry for change. The SNCC subsequently coordinated sit-ins, freedom rides, and non-violent marches that shaped a political era. I am excited about bringing this message to younger students because it is important for us all to remember that political involvement does not begin or end by casting a ballot. Voting is one very important tool for participating in this democracy but there are many ways to get your voice heard.
The vision of a few determined women started the movement in Seneca Falls, New york, 1848, that resulted in my right to cast a ballot. When I cast my ballot in November I will cast it remembering the fight of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her sisters in justice.
I hope you will all join me in voting!
All My Best,
Your Miss Vermont
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Before I Go...
This week I have been getting odds and ends together for LA. I am grateful for many altruistic Vermonters for helping me prepare. Foremost, my trainer David Chess. Without David pushing me I would not feel as healthy ad happy as I do. I owe him so much! You're the best David. I also am grateful to C at Fiori Bridal for altering some cocktail and competition attire for me. These sponsorships are an asset to my preparedness.
Speaking of LA...I have been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be a Vermonter. If the opportunity to share with the Nation what Vermont is all about arises in LA I want to be prepared. Being born, raised, and educated in the 802 gives me great anecdotal evidence of why I believe this state to be so great. A few words come to mind when describing the essence of our state...community, service, mentors, simplicity, & nature top the list, among many others. I leave for LA in two weeks. It anyone wishes to share why they love Vermont and what they believe the essence of Vermont to be please write a response. I welcome your input.
I hope this gorgeous week has treated you well. Don't forget to vote in your Primary Election on Tuesday!
Love & Blessings,
Ashley
Speaking of LA...I have been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be a Vermonter. If the opportunity to share with the Nation what Vermont is all about arises in LA I want to be prepared. Being born, raised, and educated in the 802 gives me great anecdotal evidence of why I believe this state to be so great. A few words come to mind when describing the essence of our state...community, service, mentors, simplicity, & nature top the list, among many others. I leave for LA in two weeks. It anyone wishes to share why they love Vermont and what they believe the essence of Vermont to be please write a response. I welcome your input.
I hope this gorgeous week has treated you well. Don't forget to vote in your Primary Election on Tuesday!
Love & Blessings,
Ashley
Saturday, August 30, 2008
A Lifetime in 12 Months
One year ago today I was anxious and teary eyed as I kissed my Mom and Dad goodbye in the Boston airport. I was headed for a four month internship in Sydney, Australia. One year, two theses, one diploma, one crown, and a lifetime of life experience later I sit. As the last three weeks blur together in my mind I am finding it more and more important to take little moments to reflect on my expereinces and count my blessings. If the rest of my reign is anything like the last 12 months of my life, the moment I place my crown on my predecessor's head will be here in the bat of an eye.
That being said, I will take a few moments now to reflect on the month of August. The first week proved to be quite a thrill. I performed at South Burlington's National Night Out as well as the Family Motor Coach Association's Northeast Rally. The highlight of the week came at the Travis Roy Foundation's Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament. The Travis Roy foundation raises money for spinal cord research and victim support services. I was honored to play on the Celebrity team in the opening game. To my surprise I was the only woman on the team and had to hold my own for my title and gender playing with former Red Sox players and an NHL player. Luckily for me, I played softball when I was young and spent many summer evenings in the back yard with my cousins crushing the wiffle ball. I was the lead-off batter in the bottom of the first, swung hard at the first pitch and hit a homerun! That moment was magnified because no one was expected Miss Vermont to be any good. HAH!
The next week I spent in Orlando, Florida with some of my Miss America sisters. We flew to Orlando to support our Outstanding Teen titleholders as they competed for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2009. The week was packed for us Miss contestants with PR and good times. We spent one morning on The Daily Buzz morning news program, one day at Disney, one day at Seaworld, three nights watching our teen's compete, and one night at a grand fundraising soiree at a gorgeous Orlando estate. Although we did exciting things, the best part of the week was becoming friends with the rest of the women. It is a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by such intelligent, accomplished, and down-to-earth ladies.
Today I sang the National Anthem at my high school's first home football game of the season. I love going back to Lyndon Institute. This will not be the last time I return this year. I am currently in the process of setting up my state-wide voter registration drive. One of those stops in October will be to Lyndon Institute.
Monday is Labor Day and I will be in Northfield in the morning to sing the National Anthem at the start of their grand Labor Day Parade. After singing, I will jump in my car and drive to Essex where I will spend the afternoon and evening meeting and greeting at the Essex Roatry Corn Booth at the Champlain Valley Fair. I look forward to eating corn on the cob, meeting with Vermonters, and getting to know some rotarians. Wednesday I will be singing the National Anthem and God Bless America during the 7th Inning Stretch of the home Lake Monsters Game. We will be selling 50/50 tickets for a fundraiser so if anyone is available and in the Burlington area come out for the game and buy lots and lots of 50/50 tickets! ;)
I have 21 days until flying to LA to film the Miss America Reality Show. After Orlando, I really look forward to spending more time with my Miss America sisters. I feel blessed that the new face of the Miss America Organization allows us ladies to spend so much time together.
In this post I would like to acknowledge the community members who came to my car wash on August 2nd. The day was a big success and I was humbled by the generosity of Northeast Kingdom-ers. THANK YOU!
Much Love,
Ashley
That being said, I will take a few moments now to reflect on the month of August. The first week proved to be quite a thrill. I performed at South Burlington's National Night Out as well as the Family Motor Coach Association's Northeast Rally. The highlight of the week came at the Travis Roy Foundation's Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament. The Travis Roy foundation raises money for spinal cord research and victim support services. I was honored to play on the Celebrity team in the opening game. To my surprise I was the only woman on the team and had to hold my own for my title and gender playing with former Red Sox players and an NHL player. Luckily for me, I played softball when I was young and spent many summer evenings in the back yard with my cousins crushing the wiffle ball. I was the lead-off batter in the bottom of the first, swung hard at the first pitch and hit a homerun! That moment was magnified because no one was expected Miss Vermont to be any good. HAH!
The next week I spent in Orlando, Florida with some of my Miss America sisters. We flew to Orlando to support our Outstanding Teen titleholders as they competed for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2009. The week was packed for us Miss contestants with PR and good times. We spent one morning on The Daily Buzz morning news program, one day at Disney, one day at Seaworld, three nights watching our teen's compete, and one night at a grand fundraising soiree at a gorgeous Orlando estate. Although we did exciting things, the best part of the week was becoming friends with the rest of the women. It is a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by such intelligent, accomplished, and down-to-earth ladies.
Today I sang the National Anthem at my high school's first home football game of the season. I love going back to Lyndon Institute. This will not be the last time I return this year. I am currently in the process of setting up my state-wide voter registration drive. One of those stops in October will be to Lyndon Institute.
Monday is Labor Day and I will be in Northfield in the morning to sing the National Anthem at the start of their grand Labor Day Parade. After singing, I will jump in my car and drive to Essex where I will spend the afternoon and evening meeting and greeting at the Essex Roatry Corn Booth at the Champlain Valley Fair. I look forward to eating corn on the cob, meeting with Vermonters, and getting to know some rotarians. Wednesday I will be singing the National Anthem and God Bless America during the 7th Inning Stretch of the home Lake Monsters Game. We will be selling 50/50 tickets for a fundraiser so if anyone is available and in the Burlington area come out for the game and buy lots and lots of 50/50 tickets! ;)
I have 21 days until flying to LA to film the Miss America Reality Show. After Orlando, I really look forward to spending more time with my Miss America sisters. I feel blessed that the new face of the Miss America Organization allows us ladies to spend so much time together.
In this post I would like to acknowledge the community members who came to my car wash on August 2nd. The day was a big success and I was humbled by the generosity of Northeast Kingdom-ers. THANK YOU!
Much Love,
Ashley
Friday, August 1, 2008
Long Time...No Write.
I have just realized it has been half a month since I last wrote. Sorry for that. When I don't see any new comments posted I assume no one is reading the blog. Then I run into someone or hear from someone on the phone (Shauneen...ahem) who looks forward to my new posts...so here I go.
Since the great Fenway extravaganza it seems I have been here, there, and everywhere... Vermont Mountaineers Game, Rotary Speeches, Stars and Stripes Parade in Lyndonville, sang at my Church, Registered voters at the University Mall in Burlington, Sang Anthem at another Lake Monsters Game, Toured the Vermont Children's Hospital, was presented with a fundraising quilt from Lyndon State College Quilt Camp, and still managed to nanny, have voice lessons, train, do my Miss America paperwork (kinda...not done yet :0), re-do my bedroom at my folk's house, and spend two quality days at the lake house with Grammy, Dad, Mom, and cousins. woah. I think that was the longest, most incorrect sentence I have ever written. ha. Oh well, you get the point.
During the last couple week's travels there have been some stand-out moments I would like to highlight. Foremost, it was a joy to sing the National Anthem during the parade at the Stars and Stripes Festival in Lyndonville. This was my first "fly-over" experience. Mr. Axelrod of Lyndon executed a grand "fly-over" coordinated in perfect time during the last part of my singing in memory of Caledonia County state Representative Cola Hudson and Lyndon's own late Dr. Elliot. It was an honor to be part of a moment so much bigger than myself. Both of these men had such a profound impact on our community. They made contributions so great, I only hope to some day be as well respected. The second moment I would like to highlight is my experience at the Vermont Children's Hospital (VCH). Yesterday morning I toured the Hosptial at Flethcher Allen Medical Center by the Hospital's Director of Development and Children's Miracle Network Coordinator, Laura Simmers. I also met Dr. Lewis First, well-known around the state for his television spots. The VCH is quite amazing. I was not expecting to see such a cheerful and child-friendly atmosphere. The Children's Miracle Network (CMN) has focused their resources on making the children's surroundings colorful and even fun. Because of the Children's Miracle Network there are toys, games, and activities for the children to use while in the hospital. They have even provided child friendly modes of wheeled transportation for the children to use in lieu of wheelchairs, such as red wagons. I am glad to see what an impact CMN has on VCH. It makes CMN a tangible charity in my mind and one I am proud to be an ambassador for. If anyone is interested in making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network I am in need of raising an additional $250 for them. To do so please visit www.missamerica4kids.org and search my name, Ashley Wheeler. My page will appear and you can make your donation there....every little bit helps. Let's raise more than the $750 total required to compete at Miss America!
The next ten days are quite a marathon until I depart for Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant and Miss workshop in Orlando, Florida. I hope to see some of you at my car wash tomorrow in Lyndonville at Guyer and Morill Real Estate, Sunday's Vermont Mozart Festival in Stowe, National Night Out in South Burlington on Tuesday, Family Motor Coach of America's Regional Rally in Essex on Thursday, the Travis Roy Foundation Celebrity Wiffle Ball Tournament in Jericho on Friday, and the Lake Monsters game on next Sunday. As of the 12th I am off to Orlando to meet my Miss America sisters and support Blaize Hall as she competes for Miss America's Outstanding Teen. Oh, and in the midst of it all I turn 22 on Wednesday. My goodness did 22 years fly by...I still feel like the little girl enjoying these summer days at the power's park pool and begging Dad for 75 cents to buy an ice cream cone at Carmen's. I don't think 75 cents cuts it these days.
In today's post my voice coach Shyla Nelson gets a grand shout out. Shyla will be performing at the Vermont Mozart Festival on Sunday night in Stowe. GOOD LUCK! She also deserves great praise and gratitude for taking time to work with this un-trained vocalist week after week. THANKS SHYLA!
Love and Blessings,
Ashley
Since the great Fenway extravaganza it seems I have been here, there, and everywhere... Vermont Mountaineers Game, Rotary Speeches, Stars and Stripes Parade in Lyndonville, sang at my Church, Registered voters at the University Mall in Burlington, Sang Anthem at another Lake Monsters Game, Toured the Vermont Children's Hospital, was presented with a fundraising quilt from Lyndon State College Quilt Camp, and still managed to nanny, have voice lessons, train, do my Miss America paperwork (kinda...not done yet :0), re-do my bedroom at my folk's house, and spend two quality days at the lake house with Grammy, Dad, Mom, and cousins. woah. I think that was the longest, most incorrect sentence I have ever written. ha. Oh well, you get the point.
During the last couple week's travels there have been some stand-out moments I would like to highlight. Foremost, it was a joy to sing the National Anthem during the parade at the Stars and Stripes Festival in Lyndonville. This was my first "fly-over" experience. Mr. Axelrod of Lyndon executed a grand "fly-over" coordinated in perfect time during the last part of my singing in memory of Caledonia County state Representative Cola Hudson and Lyndon's own late Dr. Elliot. It was an honor to be part of a moment so much bigger than myself. Both of these men had such a profound impact on our community. They made contributions so great, I only hope to some day be as well respected. The second moment I would like to highlight is my experience at the Vermont Children's Hospital (VCH). Yesterday morning I toured the Hosptial at Flethcher Allen Medical Center by the Hospital's Director of Development and Children's Miracle Network Coordinator, Laura Simmers. I also met Dr. Lewis First, well-known around the state for his television spots. The VCH is quite amazing. I was not expecting to see such a cheerful and child-friendly atmosphere. The Children's Miracle Network (CMN) has focused their resources on making the children's surroundings colorful and even fun. Because of the Children's Miracle Network there are toys, games, and activities for the children to use while in the hospital. They have even provided child friendly modes of wheeled transportation for the children to use in lieu of wheelchairs, such as red wagons. I am glad to see what an impact CMN has on VCH. It makes CMN a tangible charity in my mind and one I am proud to be an ambassador for. If anyone is interested in making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network I am in need of raising an additional $250 for them. To do so please visit www.missamerica4kids.org and search my name, Ashley Wheeler. My page will appear and you can make your donation there....every little bit helps. Let's raise more than the $750 total required to compete at Miss America!
The next ten days are quite a marathon until I depart for Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant and Miss workshop in Orlando, Florida. I hope to see some of you at my car wash tomorrow in Lyndonville at Guyer and Morill Real Estate, Sunday's Vermont Mozart Festival in Stowe, National Night Out in South Burlington on Tuesday, Family Motor Coach of America's Regional Rally in Essex on Thursday, the Travis Roy Foundation Celebrity Wiffle Ball Tournament in Jericho on Friday, and the Lake Monsters game on next Sunday. As of the 12th I am off to Orlando to meet my Miss America sisters and support Blaize Hall as she competes for Miss America's Outstanding Teen. Oh, and in the midst of it all I turn 22 on Wednesday. My goodness did 22 years fly by...I still feel like the little girl enjoying these summer days at the power's park pool and begging Dad for 75 cents to buy an ice cream cone at Carmen's. I don't think 75 cents cuts it these days.
In today's post my voice coach Shyla Nelson gets a grand shout out. Shyla will be performing at the Vermont Mozart Festival on Sunday night in Stowe. GOOD LUCK! She also deserves great praise and gratitude for taking time to work with this un-trained vocalist week after week. THANKS SHYLA!
Love and Blessings,
Ashley
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