e
for Miss Virginia 2006

(Updated 06/23/2007 )

June ~ September 2006
October ~ December 2006
January 2007 | February 2007 | March 2007 | April 2007 | May 2007 | June 2007

Appearances for Miss Virginia 2007

January 2007
1-3 Personal Vacation
5 Marshall Elementary School (Manassas)
 
Virginia law mandates the implementation of Character Education curriculums combined with anti-bullying programs.  Each school has the freedom to create programs based on their individual needs within the guidelines of their school district.  Today was Marshall Elementary School's "No Bully Kick Off".


Just before my introduction, the students in the back were holding up "peace" signs to help remind others students to stop talking.  They were so cute!


Here I am talking to students asking for their input on what exactly the word "bullying" means.  I usually get responses along the lines of "when someone is mean to someone else".  No matter how simple the answer, the meaning remains the same -- and the kids now understand that bullying in any form is not acceptable. 
 
5 Miss Arlington Pageant Rehearsal (Arlington)
6 Miss Arlington Pageant (Arlington)
  (Photos by Julius)
 
(l/r) Opening the program with the National Anthem; With the Arlington guys...  (Chip, are you "crying" or "leaking"???)

 
And the rest of the Arlington guys....; Crowing Miss Arlington 2007, Leigh-Taylor Smith


Five Miss Arlingtons all in a row:  Paige Yurachek 2002, Marianne Minton 2004, Courtney Patterson 2005, Adrianna Sgarlata 2006, and Leigh-Taylor Smith 2007
11 AgriBusiness Legislative Dinner (Richmond)
 
This annual event was held in honor of the men and women in Virginia who own agriculturally based businesses that support our economy.  While there, I sampled the various food products which were featured from across the Commonwealth, including a selection of Virginia peanuts -- my favorite were the chocolate covered ones...yummy!


Just before opening the dinner by singing The National Anthem


With Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell, whom I first met during a meeting of the Virginia Internet Safety Task Force last year


With William J. Howell, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates


With State Senator Jay O'Brien, from Virginia's 39th District, which is the district where I lived while growing up. 

12
Miss America Send-Off Party (Roanoke)
 

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to everyone who helped with my Miss America experience.  I love you all. 

WDBJ7 TV was on hand to interview me and ran a feature on the evening news.  Below is a link to their website, with an article about the party and the Miss America Pageant.
 
7~18 No Appearances - Miss America Preparation
19 Miss America Pageant - Qualify of Life award finalists announced
20
Engaged Magazine - Spring 2007 issue

Last October I participated in a professional modeling photo shoot for Engaged! Magazine at the historic Red Cross Building in Washington, D. C.  The first copies were delivered to the publisher on Friday, and copies were delivered to my home on Saturday.  I wanted to get these on the site as soon as possible, so I had someone scan them and post them on the site.  I haven't even seen them myself because I'm here in Las Vegas at the Miss America Pageant.  And I'm not even sure they have hit the newsstands just yet--probably next week.

Click here to view the photos (.pdf file). Note: Pages 9 and 10 are a two page spread.  This shot is very similar to the photo of me that was taken for the Virginia Living Magazine article that featured several of the Miss Virginia contestants two years ago..

 
Hope you enjoy the photos -- and just in case anyone is wondering, I am not engaged.
 

 
19 Miss America Pageant (Las Vegas)
Today was a big day!  Here I am with Kate Michael, Miss District of Columbia.  We decided to fly out together because we live so close to one another and it's always nice to have company.  When we got to the airport we found out our flight had been delayed.  While waiting, we learned that U.S. Senator John Enson from Nevada was also on our flight, so we took time to ask him questions in preparation for our private interviews later in the week.  Once our flight was called, we headed to the gate where we found Tiffany Lawrence, Miss West Virginia, as well as the official Miss America Photographer, Bruce.   Once on the plane, all of the passengers knew we were there and the flight felt more like a party than anything else. 

20 Miss America Pageant - Fashion Show Mall (Las Vegas)

We went to the world famous Fashion Show Mall and were introduced to the audience.  At the start of the show, we were all lined up in a glass box beneath the runway.  We were then raised to the top of the stage -- we all felt like we were in a magic show. 
 

With Misses Ohio, North Dakota, Alaska, Kansas, and South Carolina


With Brittany Lietz, Miss Maryland
 
20 Miss America Pageant - Dinner at Planet Hollywood (Las Vegas)
 
Tonight we had dinner at the Planet Hollywood restaurant at Caesars Palace.  Afterwards we enjoyed dancing. 
     
(l) With Melinda Toole, Miss Alabama. (r) Not sure what I was so excited about, but apparently it was great!
21 Miss America Pageant - Rehearsals (Las Vegas)

It takes hours and hours of rehearsals to stage the opening number, swimsuit competition, evening gown competition, finale, and more.

 
(l) With Katie Millar - Miss Utah, and Katherine Crouch - Miss Idaho. (r) Modeling our rehearsal signs which made it easier for the choreographers to identify us.  However, we felt like we should have been taking mug shots with them because they were so large.

  
Sending a message to someone.
21 Miss America Pageant - Dreamgirls Movie Screening (Las Vegas)
As a special treat, we went to a private screening of Dreamgirls at the Palms. 

      
With Jamie Wilson, Miss Louisiana
22 Miss America Pageant - Gondola Ride at the Venetian (Las Vegas)
We went to The Venetian for a special Gondola ride and desserts afterwards. 

 
On the bus with Taryn Foshee, Miss Mississippi

We all pose for the press and fans.

Enjoying our ride - Misses Minnesota, Iowa, and Idaho. 


With Janie Allen, Miss Colorado


Overlooking the crowd. 

 
25 Miss America Pageant - Preliminary Competition -  Talent (Las Vegas)
For the first day of preliminary competition I performed my talent selection "La Canzone di Doretta" from Puccini's opera La Rondine.  

 

Many thanks to Ethel Smawley, John Smawley and their wonderful staff at the Encounter in Kingsport, Tennessee, for creating this beautiful gown for me.  And as always, thanks to Julius Tolentino, photographer extraordinaire and friend of the Miss Virginia organization, for his wonderful gift of photography for all of us.

  

And check out the lapel pins and cheer signs created by my dear friend and supporter Thomas Whitfield through his graphic art and design company Prototype.  Thanks, Tom, for your generosity and never-ending support in so many areas.
  
 
26
Miss America Pageant - Special Gift (Las Vegas)
I love being from Virginia because of the support that comes from former Miss Virginias, volunteers, local title holders, and fans everywhere.  I received a HUGE basked full of Ghirardelli chocolates from the former Miss Virginias.  The girls were so excited - we all know that chocolate relieves stress, right!
26 Miss America Pageant - Preliminary Competition - On Stage Question (Las Vegas)

The second day of preliminary competition involved the on stage question for my group. 


Once again, thanks to Julius Tolentino for this photograph.
 

During the Opening Number introductions contestants wore cocktail dresses from Sherri Hill and Jovani.
27 Miss America Pageant - Preliminary Competition -  Swimsuit & Evening Gown (Las Vegas)
The final day of preliminary competition was Swimsuit and Evening Gown for our group. 
 
Thanks to Venus for providing the swimsuits for all the contestants.  And thanks to Kendra Crompton, my personal trainer for all her help.

 


AP Photo - Jae C. Hong
28 Miss America Pageant - Children's Miracle Network Gala (Las Vegas)

Children's Miracle Network and The Miss America Organization hosted a fundraising gala in support of both organizations.  Many former Miss America's were in attendance, as well as volunteers and employees of both organizations.

With Sharon Ritchie, Miss American 1956, and Brittany Lietz, Miss Maryland.
31 Sponsor Visit with Friendly Lincoln Mercury (Roanoke)

February 2007
1 Associated Press Interview (Fairfax Station)
2 George C. Round Elementary School (Manassas)
2 WWZW-WREL Inteview (Lexington)
2 Style Weekly Interview (Richmond)
3 Miss Capital Region Pageant (Midlothian)

Singing in my Miss America talent gown.


With Isaac Thweatt



With Jordan Forbes - Miss Capital Region 2007, Alice Overbey - Executive Director, and Kristi Glakas - Miss Virginia 2005
 
Congratulations Jordan!
4 Singing National Anthem at Washington Capitals Hockey Game (Washington, D.C.)
 
During an appearance at a Capitals game earlier this year, I met the owner of the team, Ted Leonsis, who invited me to sing The National Anthem at one of the Capitals Hockey games, as well as at a Wizards game on April 6th.  At the start of the event, the players were announced and skated out onto the ice, where they warmed up for a few minutes.  While they were still warming up, a carpet was rolled onto the ice so that I wouldn't slip, and I actually stood on the ice and watched for a while as the players finished their warm up.  Talk about energy!


Next to the ice before the doors were opened. 

 
Singing with the America Flag behind me - a picture I will cherish forever.


With Slapshot, official Mascot of the Capitals.
6 William Halley Elementary School Anti-Bullying Kick-off (Fairfax Station)
The Connection Newspapers
 
Bullies Beware
Halley Elementary School kicks off new bully prevention program
February 7, 2007
 
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=77043&cat=104
 
Halley Elementary held a school kick off of their "What's the Buzz?" anti-bullying program. 
 
During the school assembly, children as young as five gathered to hear "What's the buzz?"  They had been hearing about the program for months and this was the official kick off of the program.  I taught the children four rules that would help them throughout the year - the most important being to tell an adult when someone is being bullied.


Some of the fifth grade students formed a group called "The Bully - Nots".  They performed dances and songs choreographed to self-authored lyrics about respect and anti-bullying.  I think they should take their show on the road - what a talented group!


Parents and community members were invited to attend a meeting later in the evening describing the program and how they could be involved.  I addressed the parents during the evening session and later signed autographs.
6 Interview with The Broadside of GMU (Fairfax)
7 Conference Call with Committee for Children (Fairfax Station)
8 Garland R. Quarles Elementary School (Winchester)
 
The Winchester Star
 
Miss Virginia joins effort to help prevent bullying in schools
February 9, 2007
 
http://www.winchesterstar.com/TheWinchesterStar/070209/Area_miss.asp

Quarles Elementary kicked off it's "Peace Builders" anti-bullying program by having students perform skits which outlined the four rules of their program.  The kids were excited to meet a Miss Virginia because each year they hold their own Apple Blossom Festival Parade.  They even crown a king and a queen. 


Talking to the children about building peace in their school.


With the students who performed anti-bullying skits for their classmates. 
9 Business Meeting (Staunton)
10 Sponsor Visit with Zee's Salon and Day Spa (Roanoke)
10 Miss Greater Richmond Pageant (Richmond)
 
Adrianna sings the National Anthem with Brittany Young, Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen 2006.

A wave to the crowd before I sang

.
Adrianna with Preteen, Teen & Miss Greater Richmond winners.
12 WVTF In-House Production Opera Special (Roanoke)
With members of the WVTF radio family.  I was interviewed about my opera training and performance experiences. 

 
12 Kiwanis Club Dinner (Charlottesville)
13 Interview with the Virginian Pilot (Norfolk)
 
The Virginia-PilotOnLine.com
 
Once a victim, Miss Virginia now spotlights bully prevention
February 14, 2007
 
 
13 Production Meeting for Miss Virginia (Norfolk)
13 Committee for Children Bullying Prevention Seminar (Norfolk)
13 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Blair Middle School (Norfolk)


14 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans (Salem)
15 Interview with Virginia Currents TV Show (Richmond)
15 Committee for Children Bullying Prevention Seminar (Alexandria)
16 Committee for Children Bullying Prevention Seminar (Rustburg)
17 George Mason University Men's Basketball Game (Fairfax)
 
Singing the National Anthem before the game...

 to scores of fans...

the GMU band - where some of my friends are members...
Gunston the Patriot...
and even a few basketball players!
17 Miss Williamsburg Scholarship Pageant (Williamsburg)
 
Daily Press - Newport News, VA   ~  02-15-07
Williamsburg to send contestant to pageant

 

The VMI Color Guard present The Colors to open the pageant.

 
Miss Virginia 2006 and Miss Virginia 2005 share a hug.


Adrianna with co-emcees Kristi Glakas and Jordan Barnett. 

   
Singing again and Crowning the New Miss Williamsburg, Nathalie Fassič


 

With Terri Bartlett Osborne, Miss Virginia 1977
20 Celebrity Serve Event for CARITAS (Richmond)
 
From the CARITAS website:

"CARITAS (Congregations Around Richmond Involved to Assure Shelter) was organized in early 1980's to respond to the huge unmet need for emergency shelter for homeless adults in the cold winter months.  With its name derived from the Latin word for charity, today CARITAS is the largest emergency shelter program in our community.  More than 170 faith communities provide over 37,000 nights."  http://www.caritasshelter.org/aboutHome.asp

 

Tonight we served dinner to members of the Richmond community.  All of the servers, including myself, bargained with customers to bid on various items, including giving contributions for the singing of songs or performance of magic tricks, etc.  We had a blast!

 
All of the servers.

 
Sneaking a piece of cake and serving dinner.


Helping with a card trick.
21 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Twin Hickory Elementary School (Richmond)
This school is literally across the street from where the Miss Greater Richmond Pageant was held a few weeks earlier.  All of the students were so excited to get to meet Miss Virginia because they had been hearing about the Miss Greater Richmond Pageant for so long.
 


Getting a definition of bullying from the audience.


With a student in between assemblies. 


I asked the kindergarten students if they knew what opera was.  Simultaneously, as if they had all discussed it before the assembly, the students raised their hands and started singing to me.  It was the cutest thing ever.  Afterwards I had a chance to speak with some of the students one on one.

 

22 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Tuckahoe Middle School (Richmond)
 

After one of the assemblies a group from a choir class sang to me.  If memory serves, they sang "Jubilate Deo"  Great job girls!
 

Tuckahoe has a very large student population, so the assemblies were held in the gym with some of the students on the floor and some of the students on the risers in back.  Here I am walking to the back to hear a student's answer to one of my questions. 
22 Sponsor visit with the Virginia Lottery (Richmond)
22 Talent Show for Hanover High School (Hanover)
With Sarah Werner and Brittany Young.  Brittany invited me to her High School to judge their talent show.

With the other judges. 

With some of the DECA students whose club sponsored the talent show. 
23 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Sealston Elementary School (King George)
 
Today was a big day.  I presented the Right Decisions, Right Now program as well as i-SAFE curriculum to students in grades K-6.  The students had been learning about Internet Safety for several weeks prior to my visit, and the hallways were colorfully decorated with messages concerning Internet Safety and Cyberbullying.

These girls told me that they wanted to compete in Miss America when they are older.  If you look closely, you can see that they have already selected their hopeful titles. 

Before presenting to a group of Kindergarten students, Principal Bryant and I gave the kids an overview of my presentation. 

To read the newspaper article published in the Fredericksburg Free Lance Star click here:
23 i-S.A.F.E. Presentation at Sealston Elementary School (King George)
23 Newspaper Interview with the Fredricksburg Free Lance Star (Fredricksburg)
24 Miss Greater Springfield Pageant (Springfield)
 
(l) Adrianna talks about her year of service as Miss Virginia (r) with Ariel Struhar, Miss Greater Springfield 2007
25~27 NBC's iVillage LIVE (Orlando, FL)
 
I was in Orlando, Florida as guest on the nationally televised show iVillage Live on Monday, February 26 to discuss bullying prevention and Internet safety. 
Click on this link to view the segment on the show:
28 Sponsor Visit with Friendly Lincoln Mercury (Roanoke)
28 Sponsor Visit with Elderberry's (Roanoke)
28 Sponsor Visit with Henri Kessler (Roanoke)
28 Sponsor Visit with Zee's Salon and Day Spa (Roanoke)
28 Interview with the Martinsville Bulletin (Martinsville)
28 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Fieldale - Collinsville Middle (Collinsville)
 
Gold stars go to the viewer who can figure out which Miss Virginia Field Director once attended this school, and which former Miss Virginia contestant is now an Assistant Principal in this school.  Happy guessing!


What a welcome! 


I always have two students hold the bullycide quilt and then walk and show it to their fellow students.  Here I am giving instructions. 


After my presentations, students and teachers wanted a closer look. 
 
To view the article published in the Martinsville Bulletin, click here:

March 2007
1 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Noel C. Taylor Learning Academy (Roanoke)
Talking to the students about the long term affects of tobacco use and smoking. 
1 Wardrobe Fitting with the Bride's House (Roanoke)
1 Television Interview with Channel 10 (Roanoke)
1
Sponsor Visit with Elderberry's (Roanoke)
1 Conference Call with i-S.A.F.E. (Fairfax Station)
2 Sinai School Read Across America Event (Halifax)
 
This is an annual event for Miss Virginia that started with Nancy Redd.  Each year, Miss Virginia visits twice - once for an RDRN presentation and the second time to read to the students for Read Across America Day.  The kids were so excited!

We read one of my favorite Dr. Seuss Books - "Horton Hatches the Egg"

Afterwards I ate lunch with the students.  We had country fried steak, broccoli and cheese, a yeast roll, peaches, cake, and milk.  What a meal! 
3 Miss Chesterfield Pageant (Chesterfield)


Opening the program with the National Anthem

  
An autograph for our favorite Miss Virginia photographer and singing again!


Adrianna with the new Miss Chesterfield - Caressa Cameron


Who's photographing whom?
5 i-SAFE Meeting with Alexandria Police Computer Crimes Unit re i-SAFE (Alexandria)

Today I was escorted by Walter White, a VP with Verizon.  We made many stops, including to the Alexandria Police Computer Crimes Unit.  Here we discussed existing and future Internet safety programs.  We also presented them with a National Assessment Survey, which provides statistics on Internet usage among teens and preteens.
5
i-SAFE presentation for Tucker Elementary School (Alexandria)
 
5 i-SAFE Presentation for William Ramsey Elementary (Alexandria)
5 i-SAFE Presentation for MacArthur Elementary (Alexandria)

 

 

5 i-SAFE Presentation for MacArthur Elementary PTA (Alexandria)

I spoke during the PTA meeting about the various programs that i-SAFE offers.

 
With the Principal Deborah Thompson (right) and with Walter White, a VP at Verizon (left)
6 Weems Elementary School (Manassas)
Today I spoke to students from grades K-6 during two assemblies.  Pictured are some of the younger students who were eager to help out with my presentation by answering questions and telling their personal stories.
7 Visit with the Children's Miracle Network at Carillion Roanoke Hospital (Roanoke)
8 Miss Virginia Board of Director's Meeting (Roanoke)
Today I received my official Miss Virginia Crown case.  Thank you everyone--I LOVE it!
8~9 Dale Carnegie High Impact Presentation Seminar (Roanoke)
8 Rehearsal for Miss Roanoke Valley Pageant (Roanoke)
9 Rehearsal for Miss Roanoke Valley Pageant (Roanoke)
10 Miss Roanoke Valley Pageant (Roanoke)
 
To the Roanoke Valley board - thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to the program.  The production was beautiful and I was honored to work with all of you.  Congratulations Madison!
 

Singing "Memory" from Cats 
Photo courtesy of Bron Duncan


With Nicole Johnson - Miss America 1999 and Cao Boi from "Survivor" as we are recognizing all of the Roanoke Valley Princesses.


Pictured with Jeanie VandeLinde - Miss Virginia 1970, Madison VanDuyne - Miss Roanoke Valley 2007, and Susan Parker Potter - Miss Virginia 1984.
 
11 Miss Roanoke Valley Outstanding Teen Pageant (Roanoke)

Helping to announce the winners with Marion Ramsey and Lowell Hill.
Photo courtesy of Bron Duncan
 

Pictured with Brittany Young - Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen 2006, Emily Hunt - Miss Pre-Teen Roanoke Valley,
and Emily Wood - Miss Teen Roanoke Valley.  Congratulations ladies!
12 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Floris Elementary School (Herndon)

This was a very special appearance for me, as this was the elementary school I attended until 4th grade when my family moved.  
The night before my visit, my mom went through some of her old files and found all of my report cards.  The comments were fun to
read and brought back a lot of great memories.

Here I am showing the students a picture that was taken while I was in kindergarten at Floris.  To this day it is still one of my parents favorite pictures and they keep it in the office for all to see. 
 

Here I am demonstrating what NOT to do when they see physical bullying in schools.  I never want them to step in the middle of a fight, but rather find the nearest adult. 
 

Here I am visiting with kindergarten students explaining what it means to be Miss Virginia.

 


My final stop for the day was in the music room, where I talked to students about singing and the dangers smoking can have on their voices as they get older.
12 Business Meeting (Newport News)
13 Creekside Elementary (Suffolk)
 

Every school I visit teaches me more about the problem of bullying, as it can be different anywhere you go.  Here I am asking for a definition of bullying so I can see what specific issues I need to address during the presentation.  
13 Josh Groban Concert (Washington, DC)
Earlier in the year I had the pleasure of attending a Barbra Streisand and Il Divo concert.  During the intermission some of the musicians came out into the audience to greet guests.  I happened to meet Ms. Streisand's pianist, Randy.  A few weeks ago Randy emailed me and invited me to attend the Josh Groban concert, as he was also playing for Josh.  Of course I said YES!

I ran into my friends Mike and Nicole just before the concert started. 


And then we also ran into William and Bridget Aikens and her parents. 


Josh performing one of my favorite songs.


With Randy - Thanks for making all of this happen!
15 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Robinson Secondary School (Fairfax)
All of the schools that I visit are special, but I spent six years here at Robinson, and I really consider it to be the school where I "grew up".  Robinson is a Secondary School which means students in grades 7-12 attend.  The school has over 4,000 students and there were just under 800 students in my graduating class.  Today I spoke to the seventh and eighth grade students during two separate assemblies. 



Signing autographs.  And being photographed

With my eighth grade English teacher, Mr. Walker, and his assistant. 
15 Spring Collection Fashion Show for 310 Rosemont (Roanoke)
 
310 Rosemont is a fabulous boutique in the Market in Roanoke and is one of the sponsors of the Miss Virginia Pageant.  It just opened in August of 2006 and already has a phenomenal reputation as a chic place to shop in Roanoke.  I go there every time I am in Roanoke just to hang out and eat jelly beans...yummy!  The store is owned by Winter Hodges, is named after the street on which he grew up, and contains "artifacts" from throughout his life.  Winter will be a judge this year at the Miss Virginia Pageant. 
 
310 Rosemont and Porsche of Roanoke hosted a shopping event at the Porsche dealership and invited me to attend.


With Dennis Hancock and Winter Hodges, owner of 310 Rosemont. 


With Jim Walker, owner of the Porsche dealership. 

16 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Clifton Elementary School (Clifton)
 
This was my third and final stop on the tour of my former schools.  I attended Clifton Elementary during fifth and sixth grade.  I loved going to the school and still keep in touch with some of my friends who are scattered across the country due to school and work obligations.
 
Before my presentation, there was a school-wide assembly held in honor of First Lieutenant Fong, a soldier who was visiting the school during a two week period of leave from combat in Iraq.  Earlier in the year the students gathered donations to send care packages to the troops in Iraq.  Those care packages were received by 1Lt. Fong's unit. 

With 1Lt. Fong and Principal Arthur Polton. 

With the music and choir teacher, Beth Lytle.  When I was in the fifth grade, I joined choir and I can still remember the songs we sang.  Also in the fifth grade we learned how to play the sword dance on the recorder.  These experiences made a lasting impression on me and led to flute and voice lessons which later led me to choosing music as my major in college.  Thank you Mrs. Lytle for the lasting impression you left on my life. 

Speaking to the sixth grade students in my former sixth grade classroom. 
17 Sponsor visit with Zee's Salon and Day Spa (Roanoke)
19 Sponsor visit with Wheeler's Dry Cleaning (Roanoke)
19 Sponsor visit with Elderberry's (Roanoke)
19 Radio interview with Star 94 (Staunton)
19 Winning Choices Seminar (Blacksburg)
Each year students from Montgomery County middle and high schools are selected to attend a special day long event called "Winning Choices".  Throughout the day students listened to a variety of speakers and also competed in an essay contest sponsored by Rotary.

I issued the opening challenge by teaching the students about the four points of the Miss America crown and challenged them to create their own four points

With Jeff Yalden of MTV's "Made"
20 Filming of Roanoke Times Webcast (Roanoke)
20 Sponsor visit with 310 Rosemont (Roanoke)
20 Sponsor visit with Wheeler's Dry Cleaning (Roanoke)
20 Sponsor visit with Elderberry's (Roanoke)
20 Meeting with the City Manager (Roanoke)
20
National "Daily Point of Light Award" presented by the Points of Light Foundation

 

 

ADRIANNA SGARLATA
Fairfax Station, VA
Daily Point of Light No. 3424
March 20, 2007

 

Adrianna developed a service platform in 2004 entitled: “Behaving Respectfully and Valuing Others”, and began researching bullying protection measures in Virginia schools, since she herself was severely bullied as a child. Virtually nothing existed. After Columbine, we now are acutely aware that bullying leads to violence. One in every four students will be a victim of violence this year.

 

Click here for the whole article.

 

 

National Daily Points of Light Award for March 20, 2007

http://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/dpol/winner.cfm?AwardNum=3424
21 Virginia Farm Bureau Conference (Hot Springs)

Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance was established in 1950 and is now the largest domestic insurance company in Virginia.  This year their top insurance agents were recognized in a special ceremony held at The Homestead.  To open the conference that day, I performed The National Anthem.


Then I recognized three birthdays.  I only make that face when I make a mistake - but I can't remember what mistake I made.

This was my first trip to The Homestead and I couldn't resist a picture outside.

 


Later that evening I attended the awards banquet, and here I am on stage getting ready to lead the audience in "Happy Birthday".

Singing to Donnie
22 Hay Fever Theater Event Sponsored by the Bailey's Crossroads Rotary (Alexandria)
Every Rotary Club sponsors various events in an effort to raise money for various charities.  This event was co-sponsored by the Bailey's Crossroads and Centerville Rotary Clubs.  "Hay Fever", a play by Noel Coward, was performed that evening.  The Rotary Clubs provided 100 free tickets to military families. 
 
I opened the event by singing The National Anthem and later provided entertainment during the intermission. 
22 Radio Interview with Mix 93.1 (Staunton)
23 Fundraiser Dinner (Staunton)
 
This year I have decided to help in fundraising efforts for the MVO scholarship fund.  When I was in college four students and I performed at numerous fundraising dinners that were very successful.  So, Matt Thompson, Jennifer Pitts, Tom Whitfield, my mom, and I planned and organized this dinner/fundraiser modeled after the fundraisers we did in college.  It was an extremely successful and fun event, and we raised over $3,000.
 
Thank you to all of the locals and contestants that were able to attend.  And thank you to the community members who attended the event and met our lovely title holders.
 

With Steve Musselwhite who won three of the silent auction items. 
 


With the local title holders who were in attendance and one of the guests from the community.  All of the title holders assisted with the selling of silent auction items.  Way to go ladies!


With Mr. Amato, the owner of L'Italia.  My father's grandmother's maiden name was Amato and they are all from the same town in Sicily - SMALL world.  We haven't yet figured out if we are related but I like to think that Mr. Amato is my long lost uncle. 
 
We will be holding more fundraisers in the future - the next one will be on Thursday, May 10th at Al Fresco Restaurant in Newport News.  Please call 757-873-6044 if you would like to make a reservation.

Please click on the image below to enlarge for better viewing.

 
 
23~24

Miss Virginia Contestant Workshop (Staunton)

l/r - Adrianna with the Mayor of Staunton and shows off her competition evening gown during the "Encounters" portion of the contestant workshops.
23 Rotary District Conference (Hot Springs)
I was honored to open their event by singing The National Anthem. 

With members of the Covington VFW who posted the colors. 
24 USO of Hampton Roads Gala (Hampton)
 


Singing the National Anthem


Watching the posting of the Colors


Modeling jewelry for he live auction.
25 Conference Call with Bully Police USA (Fairfax Station)
26 Sponsor visit with Zee's Salon and Day Spa (Roanoke)
27 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Auburn Middle School (Riner)
    
Please click on the link below to view the article written about my appearance at Auburn Middle School.
28 Sponsor visit with Zee's Salon and Day Spa (Roanoke)
29 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Lebanon Middle School (Lebanon)
 

The drive to Lebanon was one of the most spectacular this year.  As you drive through the countryside it looks like a scene from an award-winning nature picture.  Once I got to the school, the students and staff were just as wonderful. 
29 i-S.A.F.E. Presentation at Lebanon Middle School (Lebanon)
 

To start the assembly, the school showed a series of videos provided by i-SAFE concerning Internet safety.  The discussions I led after the videos focused on Internet predators and cyber bullying. 
30 Green Valley Elementary School (Roanoke)
 

On Valentines day I visited the Roanoke Veterans Hospital where I met a young lady who is a student at Green Valley.  She went back to her school and asked if I could visit.  When I arrived at the school she introduced me to her peers and then escorted me to each of the classrooms in the school to sign autographs. 
30 Conference Call with America's 400th Anniversary Committee (Jamestown)
30 Sponsor Visit with Friendly Lincoln Mercury (Roanoke)
31 National Summit for SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) (Raleigh, NC)
 
From the SAVE Website:
"On a Friday night in 1989, a young man named Alex Orange lost his life while trying to break up a fight at a party.  Alex could have been just another statistic of another young life lost to violence.  But the following Monday, his grieving classmates gathered in West Charlotte Senior High School's cafeteria and vowed to organize against violence in Alex's memory.  The group formed Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE), with the vision that all students will be able to attend a school that is safe, secure, free of fear, and conducive to learning. 
 
"In just 17 years, SAVE has expanded from that first chapter in Charlotte, North Carolina, to over 200,000 members in over 1,600 SAVE chapters across the U.S. Today, SAVE serves youth in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges, and community youth-serving organizations in 45 states and several foreign countries. Our diverse members represent all races, ages, ethnic groups, sexual orientations, and physical abilities. SAVE is coordinated by a North Carolina-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere, but it is still led by students, for students."
 
http://www.nationalsave.org/main/history.php


Signing autographs next to Gary Weart, Founder of National SAVE.


With Calvin Hodnett, SAVE Board Member, and Dr. Pamela Riley, SAVE Executive Director. 


Singing The National Anthem. 


Delivering the Keynote address.  I spoke to the students about my experiences with bullying and how they can use their SAVE Chapters to make a difference in their communities. 


Signing t-shirts.

April 2007
2 Radio Interview with WFLO (Farmville)
3 Business Meeting (Washington, D.C.)
4 Official Miss Virginia Portrait Sitting (Charlottesville)
5 Filming of Moms @ Home Television Talk Show (White Marsh, MD)
Moms at Home is a talk show that is hosted by moms, for moms.  Kendel Ehrlich former First Lady of Maryland was one of the hostesses.  We talked for about an hour on bullying and how parents can recognize the signs if their child is a bully or is being bullied. 
5 Airing of Moms @ Home Television Talk Show (White Marsh, MD)
6 Singing the National Anthem at the Washington Wizards Basketball Game (Washington, D.C.)
With my aunt Cece (right) and our friend Rose (left) -- they are both huge Wizards Fans.

Practicing before the game.
7 Easter Egg Hunt (Buena Vista)
This is an annual event for Miss Virginia, and was my very first Easter egg hunt.  I sang The National Anthem before hand and then counted down to the start of the hunt.  I think it was only two or three minutes before the kids had found all of the eggs.

Lots of cute kids at this event!

The Easter Bunny stopped by for a visit...
 

And we were even joined by a celebrity - Jerry Venable of the legendary Harlem Globetrotters basketball team
10 Project Impact Community Event (Fork Union)
I spoke at Project Impact, a Parent Night event where students helped to educate their parents on bullying in schools. 
11 Lakelands Park Middle School (Gaithersburg, MD)
One of my judges from the Miss Arlington Pageant, Matt Bittner, teaches at Lakelands Park and asked me to come speak to the students at his school.  Matt also sings for the Washington National Opera, but I couldn't convince him to sing a duet with me--maybe next time, Matt.

Explaining the four points of the crown


Telling Jared's story. 
12 Glenkirk Elementary School (Gainesville)


I first explained to the girls what the four points of the crown mean. Then I spoke to them about relational bullying.  Relational bullying can range from gossip and rumors to exclusion and is usually considered to be more prominent among girls. 


Next I talked to the girls about my own experiences in school and how hurtful gossip can be -- especially when done over the Internet where the abuser can remain anonymous. 
13 Commercial Filming for Friendly Lincoln Mercury (Roanoke)
13 Sponsor visit with Zee's Salon and Day Spa (Roanoke)
14 Mrs. Virginia United States Pageant (Richmond)
 

I was invited to be a part of the Mrs. Virginia United States 2007 and Mrs. Maryland United States 2007 Pageants.  Here I am pictured with Mrs. Maryland - ChiQuita Battle (left) and Mrs. Virginia - Jennifer Phillips (right) 
 
For more information, please visit:
16~17 Smyth County Public School Tour of Middle and High Schools (Marion, Chilhowie and Saltville)

Right Decisions, Right Now visit at Chilhowie Middle School
Right Decisions, Right Now visit at Northwood Middle School
Right Decisions, Right Now visit at Marion Middle School
Right Decisions, Right Now visit at Sugar Grove Middle School.
 

During these two days I toured all of the middle and high schools in Smyth County.  We talked about bullying as it occurs in different grade levels.

The students were listening to Jared's story and were looking at the quilt which their classmates were showing them. 


This is a picture of Big Tom's house from the "Survivor" TV show.  The countryside was gorgeous!


Here I am talking to high school students.


This is a Declaration of Tolerance that one of the schools had posted.  What an appropriate message at this time in Virginia. 


Talking to a smaller group of students about the different effects of smoking. 

16 In