Be Your Own Superhero. SADD National Conference in LA, CA!

I am honored and pleased to say I just completed my year of service on the Student Leadership Council for SADD National. If any of you are new to the idea of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), I'll fill you in. SADD was founded 31 years ago in a high school after two hockey players had been killed by a decision that could have been made differently. A small chapter arose from the school and today there are 10,000 SADD Chapters across the United States.

I began working closely with SADD about three years ago. Through my high school SADD advisor I heard about Northern Lights SADD, a tri-state region of students who were dedicated to constructive decision making. I was elected to the Northern Lights Advisory Board, a student board for NL SADD. Here I met incredible individuals who supported, encouraged, and gave me opportunities to share about my platform, "It's No Joke, Say NO to Smoke," but more importantly loved me for my morals, values, and as a powerful member of society. Through NL SADD I discovered Jamestown College, where I now attend school, the wonderful people of North Dakota, and SADD National. After being encouraged by Lee Erickson to apply for the National Student Leadership Council I applied. Two months later I was named to the council by the SADD National Office.

Throughout this year I have traveled to Chicago, New York, and L.A. to plan conferences, projects, and give valuable insight to powerful individuals in legal offices, board positions, organizations, and national staff. I have appreciated every moment. I have had the opportunity to travel places I have never been, meet new people, and share my passions with youth alike.

I had a wonderful time in L.A. visiting the Santa Monica Pier, Disneyland, and planning conference. However, my highlight of the trip was to hear the stories of our keynote speakers. The trials they have overcome inspire me to appreciate the "little" moments in life that may not always seem significant. These speakers also challenged me to thank and cherish my loved ones. It's easy to forget that sometimes and it never should be.

These last few weeks in June have left my spirit overflowing with appreciation, joy, and inspiration to continue making a difference in the lives of people who surround me. Each and every day I am eager to see what experiences await me. My prayer is that my eyes will see, my ears will hear, and my thoughts will be attentive to the moments that define my life and yours.

Much love and blessings,
Paige

EOT article "Miss Minnesota Reflections"

To my dear community of Perham,

            I have just recently returned from an incredibly moving experience at Miss Minnesota 2012. I write this week as a Top Ten finalist and I couldn’t be more thankful for the entire journey. My week at Miss Minnesota was unforgettable. I came home with 21 more friends than before I left, a new focus, new outlook, and lots of encouragement. I was challenged, uplifted, and thrown into a whirlwind of experiences I couldn’t even imagine. As I stood on the Miss Minnesota stage I was so overwhelmed by the amount of genuine integrity that was demonstrated by my fellow contestants. A huge congratulations to the Lake Park native and our new Miss Minnesota, Siri Freeh. I had the incredible honor to stand by her side as she was named Miss Minnesota 2012. It was unbelievable. Even though I did not come home as Miss Minnesota I still find great pride and joy in finishing my year as Miss Perham 2011. I know my journey in the “pageant world” and in my community has not come to an end. I look forward to the days ahead as your representative. To see more of my reflections from Miss Minnesota week you can visit my blog at missperham2011.blogspot.com to learn more.

            As many of you know Turtle Fest is now in session! Be sure to head to the turtle park this Friday to race your turtle. The big parade is also this Friday! It is always so exciting to see the people Turtle Fest draw in. I hope you take full advantage of the opportunities to enjoy Perham this weekend.

"The Rest" of my journey at Miss Minnesota 2012.

Today as I write this blog I sit at home after a long week of dedication, hard work, and extreme inspiration. I am still overwhelmed by all of the emotions from pageant week and am so thrilled to share the rest of my experiences I had during the last few days of competition.

On Friday (2nd night of prelims) I shared my onstage question and talent. It sure was an exciting night. I was so happy with my performances and thankful there were no major glitches. Much of Friday was spent relaxing and enjoying our preparations for the pageant and sharing in fellowship. 

Saturday morning, myself and the 21 other contestants shared a Farewell Brunch with our Miss Minnesota Natalie Davis. I was so happy to see my Mom, pageant director Gina, and good friends who came to share the morning with me. After a week of having little contact with the people you love it is such a relief to see them. I almost felt like I was at college again. ;) The brunch was so inspiring as many individuals shared what they loved about Natalie. I am still astounded by her dedication to the job of Miss Minnesota. It was so nice to get to know her even more this week. Congratulations again, Natalie. 

Saturday marked the final night of competition with the crowning of Miss Minnesota 2012. I was so nervous before the show began as I knew my journey on the Miss Minnesota stage could possibly come to an end. As I awaited the announcement of the Top Ten I was at peace until, I was still waiting to discover my fate after the ninth girl had been called. When my name was called as the final finalist I was so relieved. Immediately after the announcement was made a whirlwind began as I competed in every phase of competition again. The final night was the best physical, mental, and spiritual workout I have had in quite some time. It was incredible!

Before I knew it the time had come to crown our next Miss Minnesota. As I stood with the Top Ten finalists for Miss Minnesota I was so proud of how far we had all come. As each runner up was called I was so at peace. Even though I was not called as a top five finalist I had the great priviledge and honor to    stand beside Siri Freeh as she was named Miss Minnesota 2012. She had me in tears! The experience was incredibly moving and will forever be thankful for who truly holds her heart. She deserves an astounding amount of love and support as our Miss Minnesota. I am so excited for you, Siri! 

After the pageant I was reunited with my roommate Taylor and friend Jessica, as well as my Mom and Dad, cousin Cassie, and many friends. And oh my the tears flowed! The blessings I experienced this past week were in such magnitude and I am forever grateful for them. 

Even though pageant week is now over I still have a job left to do as your Miss Perham. The rest of my summer will be spent representing my community with poise, class, and integrity. The experiences I have had at Miss Minnesota this past week will be with me always. I am confident my journey in the Miss America Organization is not yet completed. I look forward to discovering the plans the Lord has for me. I know He will continue to be faithful as I search for where my next steps need to be made. I carry such excitement for the new adventures that await me. 

A magnified thank you to every person who has encouraged me this past week. It has been so overwhelming to experience. I thank God each and every day for each of you. Please know I will carry your love with me always not only as a Miss Minnesota contestant, but as Paige Meyer. 

Much love, 

Paige 

Day 4 and 1st PRELIM at Miss Minnesota!

First and foremost I most apologize for not getting these blogs out a bit sooner. However, these last few days have been so busy and my sleep has been much needed.

Day Four was a day filled with great food. Our first exciting stop was at The Original Pancake House. Here I had my first ever pumpkin pancakes. There were so fabulous. It was almost like experiencing an early Thanksgiving desert! I also enjoyed a magical cup of coffee. I say magical because it really did work some magic to wake me up.

After breakfast we (22 contestants plus chaperones) made our way to the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center to do last minute run-throughs of production details. After several hours of narrowing down all of the details we enjoyed a lovely greek lunch. My they feed us well!

Lunch proceeded with more rehearsals and then once again it was time to eat! This time at Buca's a lovely little Italian restaurant that has the best pasta and deserts. The contestants and I enjoyed the family style atmosphere and shared quite a bit of laughs.

Wednesday evening was a day of preparation as interviews were held Thursdays morning. I had an incredible workout to get rid of some carbs, settle my mind, and reflect on the week. I headed to bed quite early Wednesday to be sure I was well rested for interview.

FIRST DAY of PRELIMS was Thursday beginning bright and early with interviews. The entire day was spent at the theatre preparing for different areas of competition and taking it easy. I so appreciate the extra time I was able to have just to relax and focus.

I had a wonderful time at the first night of prelims. I showcased my Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit and my Evening Gown. It was an incredible experience to stand on the stage, finally, as a contestant for the title of Miss Minnesota. It sure was a thrill! Visitation was held after the show and I was so thankful to see my Mom, directors, friends from college, and fellow pageant family members. I am so blessed!

Stay tuned and much love,
Paige

Day 3 was Jam Packed!

If I could name day three I would entitle it "Jam Packed."

Yesterday morning the alarm went off a bit earlier. Once my eyes woke up for the day the excitement started to settle in. IHOP, one of Children's Miracle Network supporters treated us to a wonderful breakfast of eggs and pancakes. They were delicious. I also enjoyed my first cup of coffee for the week here. My goodness, that was much needed! I had some time to catch up with our Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, Bailey Wachholz. She is such an incredible and awe-inspiring young women. Her and I have know each other since my outstanding teen days and I am so thankful she is a part of my life. I also got a chance to get to know some of the other contestants. We have such a sweet group. 

After our tummies were full we snapped a picture with the IHOP team to capture the memory and headed straight back to the hotel for rehearsal. I am so excited to reveal the production number we have been working on. It is outstanding! Makenzie Ross Erickson has been phenomenal to work with. Johnny Command has also been a complete joy and brought many smiles to our rehearsals. Our new board of directors have been such a blessings as well. Putting together a show at this level is such hard work and I am so thankful for their dedication. 

Before we knew it lunch time had arrived. We enjoyed a lovely lunch right here at the hotel in our rehearsal room which was so nice! 

The afternoon was spent rehearsing more! But this time swimsuit, evening gown, and the finale were a big focus. Ahh! I just get so excited thinking about it! 

Last night we enjoyed our free time at the Mall of America. The SkyDeck sponsored our meal and entertainment. I ate great food, bowled, and had a great time! My bowling team and I were not excellent bowlers, but it sure helped us create a lot of great memories. After supper we spent 2 hours at Nickelodeon Universe. I was placed in group two for the night and I can honestly say we tried almost every ride in the park. It's a bit out of my character to try crazy rides, but I sure did! We were all pretty tired by the end of the evening. 

More sleep, and more sleep is the key! Thanks for checking in!

Much love, 

Paige 

Day 2 at Miss Minnesota

Wow! Miss Minnesota Pageant Week has been in full swing. We never stop moving here! I'm having an incredible time and loving every minute of it. I sure do feel like a celebrity here in Minneapolis along with the other 21 young ladies. Our sponsors of each appearance have showered us with love and support.

Much of yesterday morning was spent at the local CMN supported hospital Gillette Children's Speciality Healthcare. Myself and the other 21 contestants spent our morning signing autographs for children receiving care at Gillette. The few encounters I had with each patient left me inspired and thankful. Each child from Gillette has a unique story which has entailed much determination and recovery. They were so uplifting.

After visiting with the patients we enjoyed a lunch sponsored by Gillette. We spent some down time getting to know each other and sharing about our platforms. My goodness am I surrounded by wonderful young women. I am so blessed!

Our afternoon was dedicated to rehearsal and more rehearsal. All of you attending the pageant are in for a real treat. We had a wonderful time rehearsing. :)

All of us shared a lovely dinner at the hotel. We all really appreciated the bit of down time we were able to have there as well. We have surely been treated like queens.

Much of our evening was spent....rehearsing. Putting the final touches on the production number and rehearsing our talents made each of us feel at ease. Natalie, our Miss Minnesota, also shared more about Miss America's largest supporter, Artistry and Amway Products. We even got to have a bit of taste testing time.

Day 2....complete!!

Much love,
Paige

Day 1 at Miss Minnesota Week. :)

Oh my does it feel great to have everything I need in one place here at the Crowne Plaza!

Today was packed, literally with packing and unpacking and traveling from one place to the next. I am so excited to be here and am really looking forward to the wonderful days ahead.

Tonight we had our very first event "Prelude to the Crown." The 22 contestants along with former Miss Minnesota's celebrated the sisterhood we all share as title holders at the local, state, and national levels. I had a wonderful time catching up with former Miss Minnesota's and meeting new ones. I also had a wonderful time getting to know the ladies I will be with all week long.

This evening we took some press photos at the WaterPark of America and the Mall of America. Getting 22 ladies all lined up and in order can be a bit of a challenge. I think we will be pro's by the end of the week! :) 

It's time!

This morning as I finish packing for Miss Minnesota and enjoy some breakfast I am consumed by such joy, excitement and gratitude for what is about to take place! The much anticipated week I have been looking forward to since being named Miss Perham 2011 is finally here.

The week of Miss Minnesota means more to me than accolades, thrills, and rewards; this week is all about the people I represent as Miss Perham. I am so honored to represent my community that has surrounded me with such love and care for almost 20 years. I will make it my goal and pursue every effort I can to shine for others. God has truly put incredible people in my life and I owe many praises for them.

An overwhelming thanks goes to my family, friends, mentors, directors, sponsors, teachers, and loved ones who have encouraged me not only as a contestant for Miss Minnesota, but as a young woman of God. I am forever thankful.

I will be available this week over email, facebook, and phone. However, my time will be limited to communication as I will be busy with press appearances and rehearsals. For updates and photos from the week please visit facebook at "Miss Minnesota Scholarship Pageant", missminnesota.org, and right here at my blog! Any well wishes can be sent to:

Crown Plaza Hotel and Suites
Attn: Miss Minnesota Contestant (Paige Meyer)
3 Appletree Square
Bloomington, MN 55425

Much love,
Paige Meyer
Miss Perham 2011

"This is it!" EOT article.

      Well everyone, this is it! I am now on my way to the Miss Minnesota stage. I will be leaving this Sunday afternoon to begin the week of incredible memories and opportunities at Pageant Week. The final touches and details are in place and I am thrilled to represent all of you as I compete at the state level. Let’s hope I have some exciting news to share with all of you when I make it back. Stay tuned for next weeks article as I write my article live from Eden Prairie in the midst of final days the competition. 

            There are many people I need to thank before my adventure at Miss Minnesota begins. However, many of these individuals may not always willing accept my thanks and gratitude because of their selfless character to serve. As I perform on the Miss Minnesota stage these people will be my source of inspiration and most importantly be the people I represent. These specific people that come to mind each have a piece of my heart. I am forever grateful to this community for supporting and encouraging me as I have prepared and worked hard to represent Perham on the Miss Minnesota stage. 

            The competition makes up three days of hard work and performance. The pageant begins on Thursday June 14^th with my interview taking place in the morning. That evening I will compete in evening gown, and lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit. Friday I will compete in talent and on stage question. Saturday the Top 10 will be announced. If selected I will once again compete in all areas of competition and be in the final running for the title of Miss Minnesota.

            To stay tuned to pageant press appearances, updates, and stories visit my personal blog www.missperham2011.blogspot.com. You may also visit the Miss Minnesota Organization website at www.missminneosta.org to see results and press releases. I will be staying at the Crown Plaza Hotel & Suites. Contact information is as follows. Have a wonderful week!

            Crown Plaza Hotel and Suites

            Attn: Miss Minnesota Contestant: Paige Meyer

            3 Appletree Square

            Bloomington, MN 55425.