WOW ,where to start…everything has been amazing so far but let’s get into the details.
It began with my super long 4-day road trip all the way down from Jacksonville to Orlando to Miami to Orlando to Leesburg to Jacksonville. I don’t think ive ever seen so much of Florida in one month! In the last month, my mom and I drove down to Orlando at least every week or even twice a week! Luckily, my Aunt Sally lives in Orlando. I am really thankful because her home is another, home away from home for me and it’s always nice to get a good home cooked meal. The best part is that Aunt Sally is a great cook... and so is Uncle Bill!
While in Orlando I went to Regalia…and I FOUND A DRESS! There is this hard to describe feeling you get when you try on the right dress, it isn’t like butterflies when your nervous, but a warm fuzziness of confidence. You feel absolutely beautiful and you just know it is the one! The dress is stunning, even more than I ever expected it to be. Carry O’Neil and David Lang are the most amazing people to work with and know how to find that “perfect dress.” There is never a dull moment when it comes to shopping with them. They always have me singing, dancing and laughing the whole time. I love David and Carry and I am so SO thankful for their kindness, generosity, and loving support!
Next stop was at Ann Marie’s in Homestead, FL and let me just say her store is AMAZING! It has everything, for everyone! I had such a great time trying on dresses, clothes, and jewelry. It was a great day spent with Mary, Laura, my mom and Ann! Ann is beyond generous and I am so thankful for her wonderful sponsorship. I definitely got some super cute dresses to wear at MAOT!
My next stop was Copperhead Salon in Orlando, FL. If you have never been to Copperhead not only have they done an amazing job with my hair, but their salon is absolutely beautiful! Chris Martin works magic. I say this because I am obsessed with my new hair cut! It waves, has volume and curls just the way I want it to. They have taught me all the tricks in the book for managing my own hair, but I can only hope it will look as good as when they do it.
Once I came back to Jacksonville, my sunshine princess, Kendall and I made knotted blankets to deliver to Wolfson’s Children Hospital. Afterwards we made an appearance with Miss Duval County, Kalli Kearney, at a Children’s Miracle Network Fundraiser at Mimis Café, hosted by the Jeep Wrangler Club in Jacksonville, FL. It was truly an amazing experience because people were so giving, while asking who were and what we do, giving us an opportunity to explain the Miss America Organization and promote the organization’s National Platform.
After all of that traveling it was time to get into the dance studio. Practice, practice, practice. That’s what all of my days have consisted of and I have never felt so prepared. I can’t tell you enough how excited I am for MAOT!
Not only have I been preparing at the dance studio, I also had a mock interview! Thank you Norma Storms for setting it up! The judges asked me great question and gave me helpful advice. The mock interview really helped settle my nerves and only made me even more excited to meet the judges at MAOT!
I am so blessed to know that I have amazing support and such a loving group of friends and family! Thank you to everyone who attended my send off party! Even to the people who couldn’t be there, your “spirit” was still with me in my heart. I had such a wonderful time, we had cake and delicious edible arrangement (Thank you Jennifer Herrington) Of course, the chocolate covered strawberries were my favorite! Everyone enjoyed playing with my fat head poster and then we even had a little mock on stage interview, that really helped and was funny too!
Thank you to my Sunshine Princess and her family for hosting this event. I appreciate everyone coming by and all your support. Go Florida!
With only 1 days left I feel better than ever and I can only hope to make Florida proud. I am not permitted to have my cell phone, computer or anything that can connect me to the outside world, but if anyone would like to send me letters during the week, I would love it! Your prayers are always needed for my health, strength and mental wellbeing. Thank you for all the encouragement and support, it means more than you will ever know. Wish me luck!
Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen
Jennifer Stehlin
Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive; Orlando, FL
32819-8122
