Do you live in a mansion? :)

On Friday March 27th I was honored to be the Guest Speaker at Lebanon IL Elementary School's D.A.R.E graduation. The day began with an introduction about the D.A.R.E program from officer David Tutterow. The graduates then received their diplomas. Next up was me! I had put forth much effort to make sure that I 1) related to the students, and 2) really got my message across. I shared with them how to take the lessons they have learned in D.A.R.E about alcohol, drugs, and violence and use that to help them make smart decisions for the rest of their lives. I used the Character Counts six pillars of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship to help them learn the importance of character and being our best self. The students were extremely responsive and attentive! Thank you students for being a fantastic audience and thank you parents for participating as well :) . After my speech the students closed their graduation singing two songs about what they learned in D.A.R.E. They did a fabulous job! Next we attended a reception in celebration of the students. This was really fun! I was quickly approached by a group of girls to see if I would sit with them...I said "Well Of Course!!" I had a blast getting to know the kids and answering their funny questions. Some of my favorites were " Do you live in a mansion? Did a limo take you here? and What celebrities do you know?" It really is humbling and heart warming just to realize the impact we have on children as titleholders. We also took some funny pictures, and learned how to sit like a queen! Thank you to Lebanon school for the wonderful Experience!

The same day, I visited my princess Tori Fulton's Kindergarten class. I could only stop by for a minute because they were making daffodils :). At school, a girl has been bullying my princess, and I wanted to bring a smile to her face and let her classmates know that they have a real princess in their class. The students thought Tori was the coolest girl in the world, and needless to say the girl is no longer bullying Tori!

Thank you for reading my blog! Check back soon! - Jamie

http://www.thinkb4youdrink.com/

http://www.misscentralillinois.org/

Exciting News and Events!

Ever since being crowned Miss Central Illinois, amazing opportunities have been coming my way! I have been heavily promoting my platform trying to get into as many schools, and be involved with as many organizations relating to my platform so that I can to reach out to as many people possible. I am so proud to announce that I am a new advocate for the National Institute of Drug Abuse. I will now be able to work with NIDA spreading the message of alcohol and substance abuse education. I will continuously update my blog with information for events that are coming up with NIDA. I urge you to visit their website http://www.nida.nih.gov/ for more information on the wonderful programs they have! I have also booked an appearance for March 31 at O'Fallon Township High school speaking at their Blizzard event. Blizzard is an event where all of the incoming freshman come to learn about high school, and about making good decisions. I will be a speak about alcohol education, and the importance of being active and involved in school activities. I would like to give a special thanks to Beverly Fulton for all of her help with my day fit for a queen! Thank you your work is appreciated :)! Thank you for reading my blog! Check back often! - Jamie

Miss Central Illinois!!

" When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on! " This quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt has been inspiring me this past year. I am so proud and honored to be the newly crowned Miss Central Illinois 2009! The Miss Central Illinois/ Miss Champaign Urbana Pageant was my fourth local competition of the year. At times I honestly thought that maybe I would quit because quite possibly I didn't have what it takes. I have never given up on anything in my life, and through the motivation of my wonderful family, friends, and supporters I decided to compete yet again. Upon entering the pageant I realized that there was going to be 16 contestants, and the competition would be very tough, but this time instead of focusing on what everyone else was doing and trying to be someone that I thought the judges would choose, I focused on being myself, and enjoying the experience. When my name was called as Miss Central Illinois I was in disbelief and was so excited! I had then realized the importance of persistence, hard work, determination, and most importantly staying true to myself. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity,and also to have two awesome directors Troy Escamilla, and Renee Smith and share this experience with the beautiful Miss Champaign Urbana Denise Hibbard! Please check this blog often as I will be updating it frequently throughout the year!
Since being crowned I have been working hard to find appearances to promote my platforms of alcohol education, Character Counts, and the Children's Miracle Network. I am very excited to announce the creation of my new website http://www.thinkb4youdrink.com/! I will keep the blog updated with upcoming appearances as well.
On April 23, 2009 I will be hosting a fund raising night at Coldstone Creamery in Shiloh Illinois, along with my princess Tory Fulton raising money for the Children's Miracle Network.
On April 26, 2009 I will be co-emceeing this Miss Illinois Sweeps pageants along with Denise!
On May 9th I am hosting " A Day Fit For A Queen." This is a mother/ daughter event that will be a fun filled day including a luncheon/tea, crafts, learning about character, and pictures with Miss Central Illinois :) ! All proceeds from this event will go to the CMN and alcohol education related organizations.
On February 28th I attended the Miss Heart of Illinois pageant in Washington. The pageant was beautiful, and a big congrats goes out to the new Miss Heart of Illinois Jenn Carr! Best of luck to you this year!
Thank you so much for reading my first blog entry! Sorry about the length :)! Please check back often!
Sincerely,
Miss Central Illinois
Jamie Johnson