LAMAA Forum.

Reading the title of this blog, I'm sure you are wondering what LAMAA stands for :) It stands for Lakes Area Memory Awareness Advocates, and is a group that strives to make the Brainerd Lakes Area a safer and more education community for people who have Alzheimer's and related dementia's.

LAMAA was formed a little over a year and a half ago with help from the Alzheimer's Association and Jon Knopik from the Minnesota Council on Aging. It was a small group at first. My Mom and I attended the first few meetings and felt an instant connection with the people who attended and what the group wanted to acheive, so we stayed with them. LAMAA started laying the groundwork; first by finding a name and a motto, then really getting the word out.

The Forum was the first major event of LAMAA, and it was a huge success! It was a two day event held at Central Lakes College right in Brainerd. The keynote guest speaker was Dr. George Schoephoerster, who practices geriatric medicine and has studied Alzheimer's for many years. He opened both days with a speech explaining Alzheimer's and why there is such a need for a cure.

After Dr. George spoke, attendees could choose 2 of 4 breakout sessions each day. I was asked to do a "teen perspective" session on the impact that Alzheimer's has on children and teens and what I have personally done to combat Alzheimer's. I was inspired by the people I saw in the 2 days of this forum. Although I knew a couple of people, most were complete strangers. It was crazy to see how much they cared and how much respect they had for what I was doing. I met some pretty amazing people who have opened even more doors for me to further expand my educational program throughout Minnesota. I am excited to share about these oppurtunities as they get closer :)

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer that finally came!
Always,
Bailey

 The LAMAA booth with 2 other Memory Advocates, Lou and Julie :)

 Speaking at my breakout session!

 Most of the LAMAA Members :)

My family is the "face" of LAMAA. Which means that I see this picture everywhere I go in Brainerd. This picture on the posterboard was the biggest one I have seen so far :)

Kathryn's Last "Night of Inspiration"

Saturday night, I was excited to attend to attended Miss Minnesota, Kathryn Knuttila's last "Night of Inspiration" concert. If you remember from an earlier blog, Kathryn heald one of these concerts in Brainerd in April. Her platform "Who Has Inspired You" is centered around honoring people who are inspiring in their communities.

Last night's concert was a little different. Kathryn invited 9 former Miss Minnesota's to speak about their reign, and honor someone who they personally thought was inspiring in their lives. Some of them also performed the talent that they won Miss Minnesota with!

Not only did I walk away from that concert feeling totally inspired, but I was also reminded of how great the Miss America system is. The tradition of this pageant system started in 1921 when the first Miss America was crowned and everyday I am amazed at how much it had grown. No other pageant system is able to have former titleholders dating back to the 1960's, or even earlier, standing onstage and talking about their reign.

It was also great to catch up with all the local titleholders who came :) Talking with them got me really excited for Miss Minnesota 2011 in June. It's going to be a really great pageant to watch! It's crazy that it is only one month away. Kathryn has been an incredible Miss Minnesota and I look forward to seeing what things she will accomplish in her life after Miss Minnesota.

Always,
Bailey

 Corrina, Miss Scott County's Outstanding Teen

 Beth and I

 All of the local titleholders!

 Kathryn Knuttila, Miss Minnesota

 Allison Lordbock, Miss City of Lakes

 Corrina and I having a little fun :)

 Myself, Beth, and Stace!

Corrina and I with Jennifer, who judged us at Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2011

Cake-off!

This is always one of my favorite days... The Miss Brainerd Lakes Cake-off! For the past 3 years, I have been coming to this event held in the Brainerd Mall each year. Cake decorators from all over the Brainerd Lakes area come prepared for a day of decorating!  They bring their own cake, and have a certain amount of time in which they decorate it.

Every year they have a theme, and this years theme was "princess". There were 3 very talented decorators! People who come to the event pay for a ticket which entitles them to all the cake they can eat and a voting card that they can use to choose the "People's Choice" award. There are 3 judges that judge them on the appearance of their cake and the taste, and that cake is the "Cake of the Lakes".

This event is also the kick-off event to the Miss Brainerd Lakes scholarship pageant! This is the first time that the Brainerd community gets to see all of the contestants and pick their favorites. It's exciting because they have 14 contestants, the most in it's history, which has allowed them to add a second title... Miss Baxter! So not only will there be a Miss Brainerd Lakes crowned but also a Miss Baxter! I know that it is going to be a great pageant. All of the contestants are gorgeous and I cannot wait to watch them compete!

Always,
Bailey

 Little Miss Forth of July :)

 Mary Peterson, Miss Brainerd Lakes and I!

 Miss Heart of the Lakes, me, Miss Brainerd Lakes, and Little Miss Forth of July!

Mary and I thought it would be fun to be in a hurricane with our crowns and sashes, so we hopped into the hurricane simulator at the mall :)

Oh, April...

I can't believe that it has been a month since Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen Pageant. Where does time go? Seriously! The weeks leading up to the pageant seemed to go by so slow because I just wanted it to be here. Now I wish I could slow down time!

I'm not going to lie and say that the last 4 weeks have been a breeze... They have been incredibly hard. I'm was and still am so honored to be the 1st runner-up but I wanted to win more than anything and I worked so hard for it. Everyday leading up to pageant day, I was busy preparing and when it was all over, I didn't know what to do with my free time. I forgot what spare time even was! The first 2 weeks after, I had lost all my ambition. I wasn't kind to my body. I stopped working out and ate unhealthy foods. I didn't put in any efforting into my schoolwork. I struggled to get out of bed each morning. I had constant headaches and was just plain crabby. My North Metro crown got dusty because I didn't make any appearances. I didn't even blog! I was suddenly slapped back into reality when I read this quote; "The minute you think of giving up, think of all the reasons you held on for so long." It is so true and preparing should never stop. I first needed to decided if I was going to compete again...

Many of you know that that was my 3rd time competing for the title as MMOT. Before the pageant, I didn't think that I was going to compete again. The Outstanding Teen pageant is for girls ages 13-17 and the Miss is for 17-24 year olds. I turn 17 next April and that would make me eligible to start competing in Miss that summer. I haven't told anyone this, but I actually promised myself right after I competed the 1st time in 2009 that I was only going to compete 2 or 3 times, thinking that if it didn't come to me then, it probably never would. But is that really a good way of thinking about it? Our current Miss Minnesota, Kathryn, competed 4 times before she won and our current Miss America's Outstanding Teen, Lacey Russ competed 4 times for her state title and went to MAOT and won. Being 1st runner-up was really a wake-up call. I was so close to the crown... So close!! So why not compete again? I realized that with only one year left in the Teen pageant, I would be crazy not to. I don't want to have any regrets. What if I competed that 4th time? What if I would I have won? Could I have gone to Nationals and possibly be Miss America's Outstanding Teen? I didn't want these questions haunting me for the rest of my life, and I knew that if I didn't compete again, they would. That's why I'm excited to say that I am competing for Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012!! I have a new outlook, and a new approach. I've started the road to preparing, and I've recommitted myself to many of the things I stopped doing during those first 2 weeks after the pageant. My new motto is: "I haven't lost, I just haven't won yet"

With that being said, I'll update you on my life :)

A week after the pageant, on the 13th, I finally turned 16! I was surprised at a fancy restaurant in Brainerd by my parents and boyfriend, Austin. Along with what was probably the best cake (both looking and tasting!) that I've ever had! Many thanks to Becky Kubesh on that one :) Then on that Sunday, I was surprised at Perkin's for brunch with my girlfriends! To top it all off, I passed my driver's test on April 18th and I am now a licensed driver in the state of Minnesota... I'm so excited! I had the best Sweet 16 birthday any girl could ask for. Thanks everyone for many it so special :)

On April 15th, Miss Minnesota, Kathryn Knuttila, came to Brainerd with her "Night of Inspiration" concert! Kathryn's platform is "Who Has Inspired You" and she has traveled the state of Minnesota putting on these concerts honoring people who are inspiring in their community and raising funds for the Children's Miracle Network. It was a great concert, and I can tell you that I left feeling inspired!

And finally, on Saturday the 30th, I was in Maplewood, MN at the Redeeming Love Church for the Royal Experience: Beauty is As Beauty Does. Stacie McBride-Cox is the wonderful woman who puts this on and everyday I get inspired by the faith-based woman that she it! Stacie has helped shape me into the person I have become by perfecting my interview and my onstage walk, as well as teaching me that, if I put my mind to it, I can conquer and achieve anything. The Royal Experience is a fun day. Girls from all over the state come for a day of pure fun, all the while praising God for the people that they are! Girls ages 5-12 come to find their hidden talents, and how they can use those talents for good to help others and glorify God. At the end of the day there is a talent show were they can show off those talents and the talent mentors of the group give them a makeover and help them find a pretty dress to wear. I was a talent mentor, and spoke about my love for art and how that was my God-given talent. My little cousin, Kiyah, was a part of the day and she an example of what this day can do for a little girl. She's 5, and came that morning having no idea what she was about to experience. Half way through the day, I asked her if she going to do the talent show (it was optional), and she said no. After hearing 3 girls speak about their God-given talent of writing, Kiyah broke out of her shell. She wrote a story and was so proud to share it at the talent show. She said to my Mom; "This story is my way of glorifying God!" That's exactly what that day was trying to achieve and to hear her say that was simply amazing.

All-in-all, the day was really fun! I was inspired by those little girls. Allison Lordbock was a talent mentor who spoke of ministry and her words really stuck with me. She said that we as people are not good enough, but with God on our side and in our lives, we are.

"Everything happens for a reason"

Much love,

Bailey

Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2011 pageant!

When I sat down to write this blog eariler today, I didn't even know what to say. This is one of the hardest blogs I have had to write.

Yesterday started out with so much anticipation! I was excited that, after waiting for 10 and 1/2 months to compete for MMOT again, the pageant was finally here. But I was sad that it would be all over in a blink of an eye, and that's exactly what happened. As I look back on yesterday, I can't believe that it actually happened.

My interview started around 11 in the morning. I was the very last contestant out of 10. I went into my interview knowing that all of the work I had put into perfecting it would shine through. I walked into the interview room with complete ease knowing God was going to be in that room also. I can tell you with complete honesty that I was nobody but Bailey and I'm proud of that. I spoke from my heart and what I knew. There was a great judging panel as well! I came out of my interview feeling so accomplished. 2 years ago, I never would have imagined speaking that way in front of people. Now I can do it with complete ease and I have the Miss America Organization to thank for that. I started crying after my interview because I had worked so hard for that moment and I walked out with, what I felt, was the best interview I had ever had. I couldn't have asked for anything more than that, and I prayed right then and there to thank God for shaping me into the person I am today.

Here were the judges:
     Jennifer Ostergaard
     Jason DeRusha
     Carla Beaurline
     Kate Metzger
     Ginger Bamonti-Grossman
     Vanessa Johnson Hufford

After my interview, I was thrust into rehersal, which is always one of my favorite parts of the whole pageant experience. That's when you really start to connect with the other contestants and form friendships that will continue even after the pageant is over. Right away we learned our opening number routine. We danced to Firework by Katy Perry. It's kinda wierd because the whole week prior to the pageant, that song was stuck in my head. God has his little ways of showing his power, that is for sure! We then had some lunch, and headed back to rehersal for all of the walking patterns and such. For ftiness wear we walked to More by Usher and for evening gown we walked to Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars. All 3 are great songs that are easy to dance and walk to :) I had so much fun getting to know the girls at this time. They all were so nice and fun to be around! We had many laughs. I'm truly going to remember those moments forever.

After long hours of rehearsal, we finally had time to just relax and prepare for the night ahead of us. We were given dinner, but I think alot of us were a little to nervous to eat a whole lot :) I know I was! We had 2 hours to really prepare ourselves both mentally and physically.

There were 2 dressing rooms, with 5 contestants in each. In my dressing room, I had contestants 6-10.

Here is the contestant order:
     Emily Freeh
     Claire Schilller
     Katy Hamlin
     Brianna Drevlow
     Ellie Bachmann
     Corrina Swiggum
     Chandra Dahlke
     Alexis Houule
     Brianna Smith
     Bailey Wachholz

Before I knew it, I was getting dressed in my opening number outfit, with my stage hair and make-up all done. Of course, I had to snap a few pictures with my dressing room buddies! Then it was offically pageant time. We got in our order backstage while Miss Minnesota, Kathryn Knuttila, played the Star Spangled Banner on the piano. The music started and Kat, Miss MN Outstanding Teen 2010, danced while I prayed my heart out backstage. I led a group prayer, and as I was talking I couldn't help but smile. Anyone of these girls competing tonight would make an amazing MMOT. I promised myself right then and there that, if I didn't walk away tonight as Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2011, that I wouldn't give up. God's plan is perfect and so is His timing. If that crown was meant to be mine it would be placed on my head and if not, then there is obviously something better out there waiting for me.

I had so much adrenaline, and when I walked out on that stage I was smiling from pure joy. I had so much fun dancing, that I truly forgot I was even competing. That's when you know you were meant to be competing, when you are having so much fun that you forgot its a competition.

Then came our introduction, and in a split-second I was racing backstage to get into my fitness wear. I took a moment to really let all of this sink in. I took a deep breath and reminded myself why I'm doing this. As much as I want to be MMOT, I'm doing this because of the personal growth and the opportunity to make a difference with my platform.

Fitness wear came and it went. I know that I'm not the skinniest girl on stage, but I don't let that stop me. I'm healthy. I eat right and exercise. I'm a normal teenager! Although I'm not in any sports, I commit to working out a regular basis. I'm confident in who I am and I don't believe that you need to be stick-thin to win a pageant.

By now the pageant was half over and I wished I could stop time for a few minutes.

Then came evening gown, my favorite part. I'm absolutly in love with my gown and felt like Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen in it. I answered my onstage question with complete honestly. My answer came from the heart.

Next was talent. I was so excited for this! I was one of two piano players. For my piece I put 3 classical piano pieces together (With the help of Kathryn and Cathy. Thanks!!). I loved my piece and I still do! Everytime I play it I just get so happy. I worked hard on that piece for many months and to finally perform it on that stage was an incredible feeling. After I had finished, I was bouncing with excitement. It was the best performance I had given and I was just so happy! I couldn't stop smiling.

After talent, I realized that is was all over. I would no longer be judged in anything else. I had done everything I could, and now it was up to the judges to decide who the new titleholder would be.

As I was getting into my evening gown for the last time, I almost started to cry (I was the cry baby of the group, as you can probably tell!). I didn't want this day to be over, but I wanted to see the results! I felt my performance that night was the best ever. I would either be walking away as Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2011 or as the same person I went into it as; Bailey Wachholz, Miss North Metro's Outstanding Teen.

We all graced the stage in our evening gowns to give the judges a final look then went into one long line. I was shaking from nerves and from anticipation. I always love that feeling though! They called a few awards before the runners-up and new titleholder were announced.

Here they are:
     Spirit Award: Alexis Houule
     People's Choice: Chandra Dahlke
     Talent: Brianna Drevlow
     Interview: Claire Schiller

Then the moment I had been waiting for for a very long time. Our emcee, Jennifer Hudspeth, said it was now time to announce our winners. I had no idea who would win or place. It was such a close pageant with so many talented and beautiful girls!!

Jennifer called second runner-up. I was second runner-up at MMOT 2010 last year so I know exactly what Brianna Drevlow felt like when her name was called. She is an amazing girl and I hope she continues with pageants! Good luck in all that you do Brianna! :)

When first runner-up was being called, I still had no idea who it would be. When they called my name, so many emotions ran through me. I am so honored to be able to call myself MMOT 2011 first runner-up! Just to place was amazing and although I wished I could have walked away as Miss MN's Outstanding Teen 2011 I know that I did everything I could have possibly done to prepare myself. God's plan is perfect, and it just wasn't in His plan this year to have me win. Everything happens for a reason, and although I don't know that reason yet, I do know that I walked away that night with so much more that I could have ever imagined. I believe I am now a stronger person overall. My faith grew and so did my friendships. I have the best director, Christina, and the best sister queen, Bethany, in the entire world. I also have an amazing coach, Stacie. She has watched me take a step back from time to time but was there to help me take serveral steps forward. Thank you, ladies, for being such a big part of my life! I also want to thank everyone who helped me along this journey and who will continue to support me in many more. You know who you are and just know that I love you and I appreciate everything you have done for me!!

I regret nothing of that night and for the next 7 months, I am going to enjoy each and every day as Miss North Metro's Outstanding Teen. I promise to give everything I have, to not only grow the system, but to prove that this is more than just" beauty pageant". The Miss America system embraces who you are a person, and I love each and every aspect of this system.

Congrats to the new Outstanding Teen, Alexis Houule! She is an amazing girl, who will represent this organization with grace and poise. I look forward to seeing what she will do with her year. I had the chance to get to know her a little bit, and I know she will not disappoint.

Again thanks for all of your kind words and support through all of this. You have not seen the last of Bailey Wachholz, I can promise you that!

I know this blog is really long, and I'm sorry for that :) But here are some pictures, so enjoy! Many thanks to Kelly Beniek for the wonderful pictures. YOU ROCK! :)
xoxo,
Bailey

 Chandra, Miss Mankato's Outstanding Teen!

 Corrina, Miss Scott County's Outstanding Teen!

 Dressing room girls! Brianna, Chandra, Me, Alexis, and Corrina

 Opening number!

 Intro!

 Evening gown!

 Fitness wear!

 1st runner-up!

 Myself and Brianna Drevlow!

 My friends, Carly and Abbie!

 Sister queen!

The new Outstanding Teen, Alexis!