e
for Miss Virginia 2006

(Updated 06/23/2007 )

October | November | December |
June~September 2006
January~June 2007

October 2006
1 Special Guest at Evergreen Church (Fredricksburg)
 
As a guest at Evergreen Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia, I had an opportunity to share my faith with the audience, as did Caressa Cameron, Miss Greater Springfield 2006.  Pastor Scott Roberts interviewed each of us about our personal faith and beliefs and how they strengthen us.  We talked about how we strive to be a positive example to both youth and adults and the messages we share with others during our appearances.  We also shared our experiences in competing in the Miss Virginia pageant, and I was able to tell the congregation about the Scholarship program of the Miss America Organization, the significance of the four points of the crown, and the personal growth each contestant undergoes as she competes in the system.  I then explained my work as Miss Virginia, including school tours, appearances at charity events, and singing the National Anthem at as many events as possible.

I also sang Schubert’s “Ave Maria” and Franck's “Panis Angelicus”.  I don’t get an opportunity to sing sacred repertoire very often so it was a nice change of pace


These precious twins loved the sparkle of my crown.
2 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Irving Middle School (Springfield)

I always try to perform for the students as many of them have not been exposed to opera yet.  But this time I had a special request for The National Anthem.  The students were so respectful as they stood and reflected on the song's meaning. 


 

Middle School has a strong after school program which gives students the option to stay after school until there is a parent or adult at home to be with them.  Once the bell let the students out of class, many of them attended my Right Decisions Right Now presentation.  I was delighted to deliver this message and particularly delighted to see my Princess from 2005, Katelyn Crompton who is an eighth-grader there.  
 


Adrianna and her escort , Nina Woody from Springfield Virginia, at Washington Ervin Middle School in Springfield Virginia.  Miss Virginia gave a talk on "Right Decisions Right Now" and was warmly welcomed by all. Miss Virginia was also accompanied by Caressa Cameron, Miss Greater Springfield 2006.

 
2 Live Television Interview with Channel 69 "PM Arlington" (Arlington)

With Rich Massabny, host of PM Arlington, Arlington’s Public Access Channel.  Rich has interviewed many prominent figures in opera including some of my friends from college who have gone on to have great careers in the performing arts. 


While on the show I was asked to sing a few bars of my song from Miss Virginia.  Normally this type of thing doesn’t phase me, but Joe Banno, Arts critic for the Washington Post was next on the show.  He has reviewed many wonderful opera productions in the area over the years.  I performed my best a cappella version of "La Canzone di Doretta".
2
Roanoke Times – Seriality Soap Opera TimesCast  10-02-06

http://blogs.roanoke.com/vlog/

(First there's an intro of advertisements while the media loads.)

Adrianna appears in the second episode of the TimesCast Soap Opera at around 5:02 into the video...to be continued!!!
3 Loudoun County United Way Kickoff Event (Leesburg)
Each year the Loudoun County United Way helps fund programs across the county to help those in need.  This year I was asked to sing The National Anthem for their annual fundraising kick-off ceremony, where they also honored top donors from the past year.


With several officials and volunteers from the United Way of Loudon County organization, including Gary Clemens, Loudon Campaign Chair, Karen Russell, ECHO United Way Agency, Jeff Eveland, and others.
3 George Mason University, Take Back the Night” (Fairfax)
George Mason University, in conjunction with its Sexual Assault Services, holds its Annual  “Take Back the Night” Rally to bring end violence against women. Men and women are invited to attend. Come support those impacted by dating violence and sexual assault. Reception immediately following in the Women’s Center, JC 240K.

 ***Featured Speaker is Miss Virginia Adrianna Sgarlata***

JC North Plaza. 7PM.

"Take Back the Night" Article

* * * * *


 Take Back the Night is an annual event hosted by the George Mason University Women’s Center.  This event gives students, alumni, and others a chance to gather and talk about domestic violence.  The evening featured singers, poets, and speakers who shared a variety of experiences they had had.  All shared powerful experiences and were eager to educate others on the issues surrounding domestic violence. 


“The Clothesline Project (CLP)" is a program started on Cape Cod, MA, in 1990 with the goal of "Bearing Witness to Violence Against Women.  It is a vehicle for women affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt. They then hang the shirt on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the problem of violence against women.”  http://www.clotheslineproject.org/   
 

Pictured is a sampling of the t-shirts featured around the campus of George Mason University. 
4 Miss America Preparation (Silver Spring, MD)
5 i-SAFE Event - Cedar Lee Middle School (Bealton)
 

Today was my first school presentation with i-SAFE, for whom I am a National Spokesperson (http://www.isafe.org/channels/sub.php?ch=ai&sub_id=mv).  I worked with presenters from i-SAFE to teach the children about a variety of online safety tips, as well as to teach then what cyber bullying is, it’s many forms, how to recognize it, and where to turn for help.  


These young men volunteered to help during the presentation


After my presentation, I became an honorary member of the "Tiara Club".  My first order of business was to crown the second newest member of the "Tiara Club", the School Resource Officer. 
 
To learn more about Internet safety for your child, please visit the i-SAFE website at http://www.isafe.org/ 
 
5
Conference Call with the Dean of George Mason University (Fairfax)
5 Miss America Placement Lottery (Fairfax Station)
 Adrianna selects 2nd in the Alpha Group
 Wednesday (PM) – Interview
Thursday - Talent
Friday - On Stage Question
Saturday - Swimsuit/Evening Wear
 
6-8 Personal Vacation
10~11 Goya Distribution Center Grand Opening (Berkley Plantation)
 
For their official welcome to Virginia, the members of the “GOYA Family” who had come for the grand opening of their new plant, were welcomed to the Commonwealth by Miss Virginia, as well as government officials and business leaders from Virginia at the beautiful and historic Berkeley Plantation.  We had a lovely reception outside and then toured the grounds, after which we had dinner at the newly renamed “GOYA Tavern.” Being born and raised in Virginia, I have tried many peanut products, but today I had my first taste of peanut soup…yummy! 


 


The picture above is of the James River just behind Berkeley Plantation where the settlers held the first official Thanksgiving in America.


A little history on Berkeley Plantation –

 

“Benjamin Harrison, son of the builder of Berkeley, and its second owner, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and three times Governor of Virginia.  William Henry Harrison, Benjamin’s third son, born at Berkeley,, was the famous Indian fighter known as “Tippecanoe,” who later became the ninth President of the United States, in 1841.  His grandson, Benjamin Harrison, was the 23rd President.” 

 

“On December 4, 1619, early settlers from England came ashore at Berkeley and observed the first official Thanksgiving in America.”   

 

"The first Bourbon Whiskey in America was distilled at Berkeley Plantation, 1621 to 1622."

 

“Taps” was composed at Berkeley in 1862 while civil war Union Forces were encamped at the plantation."

 

*  Information comes from “Visit Berkeley Plantation, Virginia’s Most Historic Plantation” Brochure as well as from tour guides at the Plantation.  For more information, please visit their website at http://www.berkeleyplantationcom/ 


This was the official opening of a new plant for GOYA, America’s largest Hispanic owned food company.  Pictured above are members of the Unanue family, who own GOYA, Governor Tim Kaine, and me.


Let the celebration begin!


Governor Tim Kaine and me. 
 
I was also a participant in the magic act that evening.  If you ask the guests that were there that night, they will tell you that perhaps I could have a career as a magician…but then again, maybe not.

These photos just added (2/20/07)

 

 


I'm learning the tricks of the Magic trade from the magician who entertained us this evening.  The photo is a bit deceiving -- I'm actually stuffing a handkerchief into my hand -- and there is a candle in a sconce on the post just over my shoulder.


Two photos autographed by Governor Tim Kaine
12 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Jouett Middle School (Charlottesville)

I want children to realize that bullying has real consequences.  Victims are always hurt -- either physically, mentally, emotionally or psychologically --  and in some cases permanently.  The bullycide quilt helps "put a face" to those who suffer from bullying and helps children to realize the impact bullying has on others. 

I told the story of Jared, whose mom is the founder of Bully Police USA (I am Virginia Director of Bully Police USA).  The story made a real impact on the students and gave them some very real food for thought.  Here's a link to Jared's story - http://www.jaredstory.com/assault.html 

After my presentation these students wanted a closer look at the bullycide quilt and asked me to tell the stories of ALL of the children on the quilt. 


As part of the schools anti-bullying program kick off, the students were given the option to follow my lead in signing the “I Will Not Bully” Pledge.
 
13 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation and DARE Graduation at William Campbell Middle School (Naruna)
 
I first met Deputy Joel Everhart on August 8th when I was a guest speaker at the 2006 Virginia Center for School Safety Conference in Hampton.  Deputy Everhart invited me to come to his school for the graduation of the sixth graders for a program called D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education).  The students participated in a two week long event where they learned about substance abuse and saying “NO”.  I was invited to speak at their graduation and present the RDRN materials to them as a way of reinforcing their knowledge.  I was so proud of them!





Each sixth grader crossed the stage, shook hands with Mrs. Fran Wydner, Vice Principal, as well as the Health and P.E. Teacher, and Deputy Everhart who presented each student with a certificate of completion.  I then congratulated each sixth grader and presented him or her with a small gift.
13 Barbra Streisand and Il Divo Concert (Washington DC)
 
I am a huge fan of the singing group Il Divo and had hoped to meet them in person at their recent concert in D.C. where they performed with the incredible Barbra Streisand.  Thanks so much to several friends who arranged for me to attend the concert and meet the Concert Master and several members of the orchestra!  I was invited backstage after the show, but unfortunately was not able to meet Il Divo since they had to leave for New York directly after their performance.  Big bummer! 
 
I was seated in the third row, with no one in front of me—if you can believe that!  So I had an unobstructed view of Barbara and “The Boys”, as they are affectionately known. 

Unfortunately no photos were allowed during the performance.  But during intermission, I was able to meet Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski and Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.  They were both very gracious to let me snap a photo, asked lots of questions about the Miss America Pageant, and wished me luck!
14 Personal Appearance (Pembroke)
15 GMU Concert Fundraiser (Fairfax)
16 Bully Free Virginia Kick-off Conference (Richmond)
 
The Bullying Prevention Grant Networking Conference was the kick-off event for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program for those in attendance.  Mini-Grants have been awarded to 25 schools across the Commonwealth to provide training, consultation, technical assistance and materials to implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.  In February, additional schools may apply for training in the spring of 2007 and implementation in the fall of 2007.
 

 
With Catherine F. Moffett, EdD, Program Coordinator, Center for School-Community Collaboration, Virginia Commonwealth University as we as we prepare for the conference.  In addition to addressing the audience, I was asked to open the conference by singing the National Anthem.


Display and discussion of the "Faces of Bullycide" quilt
 


Addressing the Conference
 
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program offers a school-wide approach to bullying prevention through a blueprint that adapts to the existing structure of an elementary or middle school.  The program includes interventions on four levels:  school-wide, classroom, individual and community.
16 i-SAFE Event  - Community School (Roanoke)

What a wonderful school!  The students and faculty gave me a warm welcome and were very attentive as we discussed youth safety on the Internet, as well as making positive choices in their lives.  It was a very fun--and full--day, since I spent time with students from 6-14 years old in several classrooms.

     

  


October is Computer Learning Month, and the school is making a big push to educate children about safety on the Internet.  I was asked to meet with the students and teach them about the i-SAFE Internet safety program.

 
To learn more about Computer Learning Month, please visit
http://www.computerlearning.org/clmact.htm
 
To view additional photos, please visit the website of Community School at this link:
17 Conference Call with George Mason University (Fairfax Station)
17 Meeting with Attorney General, Bob McDonnell (Virginia Beach)
The office of Attorney General Bob McDonnell called and asked me to meet with the Attorney General and provide input on my experiences as I travel the Commonwealth teaching children about internet safety.  Virginia is the first State to create and implement an Acceptable Use Policy relating to Internet safety instruction for public and private schools.  As such, Virginians are looking at curricula to begin using in schools, and I am encouraging the use of i-SAFE materials.

Office of the Attorney General
Youth Internet Safety Task Force
Adrianna is mentioned in the fourth paragraph

 
17 Speaker at the Virginia Youth Internet Safety Task Force Conference (Virginia Beach)
 

I shared with the Task Force the work I am doing with bullying prevention, cyber bullying, and Internet safety.  I relayed to them my experiences with the FBI as I watched, live, how an Internet predator is found. 


Sharing the lectern with notable speakers such as Attorney General Bob McDonnell was quite an honor for me.  And to be given the opportunity to share my message of bullying prevention and Internet safety at the kick-off meeting for the Virginia Youth Internet Safety Task Force afforded a wonderful opportunity for me to share the work I have been doing throughout the Commonwealth.
 

Attorney General McDonnell helped me display the "Faces of Bullycide" quit as I shared with the audience the sometimes tragic effects of bullying.  Sadly, while the well-known forms of bullying are still around, the Internet has opened a vicious new reality of cyber bullying and brought new dangers from Internet predators.
17 George Mason University Orchestra Concert (Fairfax) Open to the Public!
 
18 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation Burley Middle School (Charlottesville)
 
First on the agenda was a lengthy and thorough discussion of the ill effects of smoking, alcohol and other abusive substances.  Then we discussed the importance of deciding right now to avoid harmful substances -- and the necessity of sticking to that decision despite peer pressure and awkward circumstances.


Once again the "Faces of Bullycide" quilt was an effective tool in helping the students understand the very real consequences of bullying.


One of the many classes who attended the RDRN presentation.  They were an interested, enthusiastic, and very polite group of young people.


Principal Marcha Howard gave me warm greetings and thanked me for my visit.
 

With me are Vice Principal Douglas Granger, and Officer Sean Horn, School Resource Officer for Burley Middle School -- another SRO I met on August 8th when I was a guest speaker at the 2006 Virginia Center for School Safety Conference in Hampton. 
18
Interview by Bruce Sanborn, News Reporter for The Charlottesville Radio Group (Charlottesville)

The moment I walked into the Burley Middle School I was approached by Bruce Sanborn for an interview for the Charlottesville Radio Group.  The administrators and leaders of the Burley Middle School are working hard in their school and in their community to provide a healthy. safe and nurturing environment for all their students. 

18
One-on-One Meeting with Dr. Dewey G. Cornell of the University of Virginia (Charlottesville)

I first became familiar with Dr. Dewey G. Cornell's work when I was working with Delegate Rob Bell on the two anti-bullying laws that were passed in 2005.  Since then, Virginia has made great strides in implementing the suggested curricula in accordance with the newly passed laws.  Dr. Cornell is working with Albemarle County Schools to conduct surveys among students to determine the levels of bullying which are occurring.  He is a Professor at the University of Virginia, School of Education and a well-known author and expert in the field of violence in schools. 

 
To learn more about the Virginia Youth Violence Project, visit:
19 Photo Shoot for Engaged! Magazine (Washington, D.C.)
 
Engaged! magazine was created by Doreen Tisone in an effort to "produce a regional bridal planning tool of the highest quality--one that is visually enticing, highly informative, and supremely useful."  (Letter from the Editor, Engaged!) 

The photo shoot occurred at the historic Red Cross Building in Washington, D. C.  During the photo shoot I modeled over $300,000 in Tiffany's merchandise as well as exquisite gowns from the area's top bridal salons. 
 
There may be more candid photos to come--we'll see.  The magazine is due to be published in January. 
19 Planning Meeting with "Army Idol" (Ft. Belvoir)
21 225th Celebration of Yorktown in partnership with America's 400th Anniversary Celebration (Yorktown)
 

I have SO MANY beautiful photographs from this event that it has taken me quite a while to find the time to narrow them down a bit.  A few of my favorites are posted below.

 

The day started with a parade.

 

Next came autograph signing for fans of all ages.

 

Older fans,

 

Younger fans...

 

even Military fans!

 

Next came an interview for the local television channel.

 

Even General George Washington was on hand to join in the festivities.

 

The Godspeed was in port and available for public tours.

 

The Godspeed was one of the three ships on which people arrived in 1607 to settle Jamestown, the first permanent English colony in America.

 

And the Schooner Virginia was also in port and open for public tours.  As Miss Virginia, I just HAD to get my photograph taken on board. 

 

I kept asking everyone if there happened to be a "Schooner America" anywhere around, in anticipation of the Miss America pageant...lol

 

I really enjoyed the beautiful red, white, and blue bouquet I was given.

 

The celebration in Yorktown is part of America's 400th Anniversary celebration.  This is the second event in which I have participated in honor of this historic anniversary, and I will be singing the National Anthem for the Official Opening Ceremonies of America's 400th Anniversary weekend on May 11th in Jamestown.

 

 

To learn more about Yorktown and the "225th Anniversary: Victory at Yorktown", please visit this link:

http://www.jamestown2007.org/se-yorktown225.cfm 

http://www.jamestown2007.org/pdfdocs/225th%20Schedule%209%2028%20061.pdf

 

 

To learn more about Schooner Virginia, please visit this site:

http://www.schoonervirginia.org/ 
21 National Italian American Foundation Gala (Washington, D.C.)
 
The Washington Times
http://www.washtimes.com/entertainment/20061022-110540-7761r.htm
 

Adrianna singing the National Anthem at the National Italian American Foundation Gala.  Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito (one of the 2006 NIAF Honorees) is standing on the far left between the two flags in this photo.  On the near left is Dr. A. Kenneth Ciongoli, NIAF Chairman.  Actor/Director Mel Brooks is on the far right, and Actress Anne Hathaway is on the near right.  She was accompanied by Raffaello Follieri, also a 2006 NIAF Honoree.  Also on the right is Jack Valenti, influential lobbyist, author, and long-time president of the Motion Picture Association of America.  There were many other honorees and officials on the dias, but they wouldn't all fit in the photo!
 

With Frankie Valli (a 2006 NIAF Honoree) and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia (a past NIAF Honoree)
 

All the special guests are assembled and ready to be announced as they walk the red carpet into the ballroom and up to the head table.  As I was talking to Frankie Valli about his career, famed baseball player Yogi Berra joined us. 
 

The woman in the blue dress is Teresa G. Marino from the Italian Cultural Institute, who has offered to help arrange a scholarship for me to study the Italian language abroad.  And the woman in the pink dress is Ornella Fado, who hosts  a television show in New York that features privately owned Italian restaurants.


Being interviewed.



With Maraco Mancini, First Counselor, Consular, Justice and Home Affairs of the Embassy of Italy
 
Here's a link to an article about the event in The Washington Post.

The Washington Times – National Italian American Foundation

http://www.washtimes.com/entertainment/20061022-110540-7761r.htm

 

Here's a news clipping which appeared on the web and mentions my name in the commentary.
 
And here's a link to the article in The Washington Post
22 Miss Virginia Organization Photo Shoot (Charlottesville)
23 Roanoke Times Webcast Filming (Roanoke)
 

http://blogs.roanoke.com/vlog/2006/10/timescast_102306.html

 

(First there is an intro of advertisements while the media loads.)

Adrianna discusses the Weather at approximately 1:40 into the video
23 Sponsor Visit with Friendly Lincoln Mercury (Roanoke)
23 Sponsor Visit with Elderberry's (Roanoke)
24 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Nelson County Middle School (Lovingston)

Pictured with Brooke Berry, daughter of Deborah Berry (Director of the Miss Virginia Dogwood Pageant) and Katie Bowes, Miss Greater Franklin County 2007.  The school was having a miss-match day to show school spirit.  I think Brooke should win a prize for her creatively miss matched outfit!
24 Photo Shoot with George Mason University (Fairfax)
24 Photo Shoot with Rodney Young Photography (Annandale)
25 i-SAFE Event at Ladd Elementary School (Waynesboro)


One of the many classrooms I visited at Ladd Elementary School to discuss Internet safety with the students.


The i-SAFE i-Buddy has been added to the wall in this computer lab to remind students to use safety when communicating on the Internet.
 
A news article about my visit with the students at Ladd Elementary School was published in NewsVirginia.com - The News Virginian.  You may click on the link below to read all about it!
 
 
25
TV Interview by NBC 29 WVIR-TV
After my i-SAFE presentation at Ladd Elementary School I was interviewed by NBC 29 WVIR TV.  Below is a link to the article, and below my photo (in the article) is a link to a video clip of the interview. (The video takes a few minutes to download, turn off pop-up blockers).
 
 
Miss Virginia Talks About Cyber Bullies
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You'll need a version of Windows Media Player 7 or higher to view the video. If you need to download it, go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/mediaplayer/en/default.asp.
The video player is supported by Microsoft IE 5.0 and above.
26 Right Decisions, Right Now and i-SAFE Event at Sutherland Middle School (Charlottesville)
 

A group of 8th grade technology students from Sutherland Middle School took on the task of becoming i-Mentor certified through the i-SAFE program.  After their certification they competed in a program they created with the teachers called "Junior Apprentice", modeled after Donald Trump's "The Apprentice".  The tasks of the "Junior Apprentices" centered around October 26th's Cyber Information Day, which involved designing, marketing, and executing a cyber information assembly for the sixth grade students.  I was invited to attend as their special guest speaker to talk about Internet safety, especially peer pressure that can occur and lead to dangerous or inappropriate situations.  I also spoke with the students about the Right Decisions, Right Now program.
 
   


In the background is a sample instant message conversation used during the presentation to teach the 6th graders the difference between appropriate and inappropriate conversations over the Internet.


The i-SAFE i-Drive ~ "i-DRiVE TV is high-tech TV made for students, by students. It's a cutting-edge, half-hour television show featuring student interviews, discussions with experts, profiles of the latest techno gadgets, and real-life Internet stories." 


Afterwards I recorded an interview and a Public Service Announcement on the school's closed circuit television system.  Congratulations to the 8th graders for putting on such a professional quality, comprehensive program.
 
* * * * *
 
If you or your child would like to become better educated about safety on the Internet, please visit this link to get started!  There are separate on-line education modules for educators, parents and families, adults, students seeking to become i-Mentors, and law enforcement officers
 
To become an i-Mentor, visit  http://xblock.isafe.org/imtn.php 
"Education
Once again i-SAFE sets the standards for all others to follow in Internet safety education. The i-LEARN Online program and the i-Mentor Network will change the way you learn forever. i-SAFE knows you are busy and need a system of learning where you can stop, pause, and rewind at your convenience. i-LEARN Online and the i-Mentor Network are created as an "On Demand" system for you to learn safe and responsible use of the Internet at your own pace. i-SAFE provides the lessons you want, when you want them, all with the click of a mouse.

Simply put, the i-LEARN Online program and the i-Mentor Network bring the education to you. On your computer are a set of online videos on Internet safety. They consist of the subjects everyone needs to know to be safe and responsible on the Internet. After watching each video you will also be certified to teach that lesson to others. And once you view all these videos you will be trained to teach others how to teach the i-SAFE program. So what are you waiting for? Join the revolution and learn online safety the fast and convenient way - online! "
27 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Willow Springs Elementary School (Fairfax)
 

These young students were very eager to share their thoughts, especially when asked about the definition of peer pressure.  Their school spirit is obviously strong--can you tell it's Orange Day?  The kindergarten students are studying their colors, and the student body lent a helping hand by wearing orange t-shirts so that the kindergarten students can begin to recognize the color orange. 


Principal Elizabeth Rhein is on the left, and next to her is P. D. O'Keefe, Fairfax County Public Schools Violence Prevention Specialist, and on the far right is Vice Principal, Angela Thompson.
27 Bailey's Crossroads Rotary Club (Bailey's Crossroads)
 

The Rotary Club is a service-oriented organization, so I explained that the four points of the Crown stand for Service, Scholarship, Success, and Style.  Were there a fifth point, I feel it should stand for STAMINA!


I shared with the Rotarians my activities on bullying prevention and Internet safety, as well as my efforts and work with Delegate Rob Bell to create and lobby for passage of the two anti bullying laws on which I worked as Virginia Director of Bully Police USA.  I also shared with them the "Take A Stand, Lend A Hand, Stop Bullying Now" materials developed by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.
 

After questions and answers, the Rotarians asked me to sing the National Anthem for them--which prompted another round of questions about my training, performances, and future plans.
28 Miss Virginia Peanut Pageant (Suffolk)


Welcoming the audience with emcees Jack Bloom and Krystal Gizara


All the contestants on stage awaiting the crownings of the new queens.


Congratulations to Ashley Smith, the new Miss Virginia Peanut


Adrianna and Dominick Fink


With two lovely young queens, (I think the one in blue is Jordan Martin, the new Junior Miss Virginia Peanut).


With Hailey Hill, the new Little Miss Virginia Peanut.


With Madeline Batts


With the outgoing young Virginia Peanut Queens at intermission
29 Personal Vacation
30 Live Filming of "Military Idol" (Ft. Belvoir)
It was an honor and a privilege for me to be asked to host the 2006 Military Idol competition at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.  All nights of competition were broadcast on AKO (Army Knowledge Online) and are currently posted for viewing by all Army personnel and invited guests of Army Personnel who have been granted guest access to the AKO webcast.  For more information, please visit www.militaryidol.com
 
On this first night of competition the final 13 contestants competed in an elimination round and six were chosen to continue.
 
Below I am pictured with last year's Military Idol, William Glenn.


"William Glenn, who has since retired from the Army as a sergeant, was the first Military Idol winner in 2005. Glenn shares a joke with Miss Virginia 2006 Adrianna Sgarlata, emcee for this year’s finals. The competition is at Wallace Theater on Fort Belvoir, Va. Tim Hipps / U.S. Army "


And here I am with the final six who were selected to go forward in the competition.

"(Left to right) Sgt. 1st Class Constance Campbell (second from left), Fort Hamilton, N.Y.; Staff Sgt. Angelo Johnson, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Sgt. Quanda Brown, Fort Lee, Va.; emcee Adrianna Sgarlata, Miss Virginia 2006; Spc. Dave Boholst, Fort Polk, La.; Spc. Vicki Golding, Fort Myer, Va.; and Pfc. Randy Holmes, Schweinfurt, Germany; are semifinalists in the 2006 Military Idol competition at Wallace Theater on Fort Belvoir, Va. — Tim Hipps /U.S. Army "
 
The judges were top-notch professionals, including the vocal coach and arranger for "American Idol".
"Military Idol judge Debra Byrd, a vocal coach and arranger for “American Idol,” critiques a Soldier's performance during Military Idol’s first elimination round of finals week Oct. 30 at Wallace Theater on Fort Belvoir, Va. Byrd is flanked by Grammy award-winning country music artist Michael Peterson (left) and Jack L. Tilley (right), the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army. — Tim Hipps /U.S. Army "
More photos are on the way - please check back in a few days!
31 Sponsor Visit with Friendly Lincoln Mercury (Roanoke)
Last week I officially logged my first 15,000 miles as Miss Virginia.  I started the year driving a 2006 Mercury Milan, and last week I traded it in for a 2007 Mercury Milan.  While I was at the dealership I was in Mr. Statum's office saying hello, and he pointed out to me that Nicole Johnson was getting lonely on the wall all by herself.  So we took her down for a picture in front of my new car and Mr. Statum issued the challenge for me to WIN Miss America so that Nicole can have company on his Wall of Fame. 
 
Friendly Lincoln Mercury graciously sponsors the usage of a brand new car each year for Miss Virginia.  When the car has been driven a certain number of miles, it is traded in for a new one.  They also take care all of the service on the car - THANK YOU, Friendly Lincoln Mercury!
31 Sponsor Visit with Zee's Salon and Day Spa (Roanoke)
31 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Cave Spring Middle School (Roanoke)
 

They really know how to make a girl feel welcome!


The students really do listen to these presentations--and hopefully they learn respect and tolerance, along with skills necessary for making good decisions, especially about not smoking.

November 2006
2 Live Filming of "Military Idol" (Ft. Belvoir)

During this session of the competition the judges chose the final three competitors who would move forward.
 

Getting ready for the broadcast
 

Photo with the judges after the broadcast - from left to right, Michael Peterson, Grammy award-winning country music artist; Debra Byrd, vocal coach and arranger for "American Idol"; and Jack L. Tilley, the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army.
 
 

Signing an autograph card for Army Sergeant William Glenn (now retired) who was the first Military Idol winner in 2005.
 

Sharing fun times with contestants and audience members
 

The crew were a great group of dedicated and talented people--thanks to all for making this such a fun event for the contestants and me.  This is Sgt. Hayes, who helped me with my cues backstage.
 
More photos of the competition to follow - please check back for update.

 
3 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Short Pump Middle School (Glen Allen)
 

Adrianna with Alison Kinsey.  Alison is wearing Adrianna's crown. 
 

 
After the presentation the students were eager to tell me about their experiences with bullying and peer pressure.  In the background you can see students taking a closer look at the Bullycide Quilt.


Thank you students and teachers for making me feel so welcome.  And thank you to the members of the PTA for the Starbucks gift card you gave me -- Starbucks hot chocolate will help me keep warm as I travel the Commonwealth this winter.
 
3 DECA Night at the Washington Capitals Hockey Game (Washington, D.C.)
 
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), is an organization that is very near and dear to my heart.  Each year there are several conferences, including a nation-wide marketing competition.  Two years ago I served as an advisor to a group of students whose project was Teen Suicide Prevention and Anti Bullying.  The students won first place in the National DECA competition for their efforts.  This conference was a regional conference, and as a kick-off the students got to attend a Washington Capitals game.  After the game students heard from a variety of speakers, some of whom are shown below.
 

Throughout the game there were several messages welcoming the DECA students to the game and to the Washington Area.  After the game all the DECA students gathered to hear inspirational messages from several guest speakers.
 

DECA officers and one of the guest speakers, Byron V. Garrett, from Live Works, International
 


Conferring with fellow guest speaker Byron V. Garrett, from Live Works, International


The first speaker for the evening was Ted Leonsis, Owner of Washington Capitals.  He mentioned that he is of Greek descent and challenged all the students to work hard and be creative and inventive.  He pointed out some of the most successful entrepreneurs of late are very young and very successful--creators of MySpace, YouTube, and several other highly successful businesses.


Then it was my turn to address the students.  There I am on the Jumbotron!
4 DECA Conference (Washington, D.C.)
 
After the kick-off the night before, the students had a chance to rest before a long day of fun and learning.  When I was involved with DECA while I was in high school we chose our projects based on current event issues, which is still true for these students.  Today's students now have an added advantage.  During the conference various presenters such as i-SAFE gave the students necessary information so that they could choose a cause on which to base a project.  During my presentation to the students, I informed them of a program called the i-Mentor program where they can actually mentor younger students in their school on internet safety issues.  Once students have selected a project, like Internet Safety, they will work the rest of the year to develop their ideas into a 15-30 page marketing proposal which will later be judged at State and National Competitions. 
  
4 Live Filming of "Military Idol" (Ft. Belvoir)
 
During this session the final three competitors performed two selections each and were critiqued by the judges.  The viewing public, who watched the competition broadcast on the Army Knowledge Online webcast, was encouraged to VOTE, VOTE, VOTE for their favorite -- the winner to be revealed on Sunday, November 5th.
 
More photos to follow - please check back later.
4 Miss Blue Ridge Mountains Festival Pageant (Waynesboro)

Singing for the audience.


With pageant emcee Kristel Jenkins Wittensoldner, Miss Blue Ridge Mountains Festival 1998.  I first met Kristel when I competed in the 2003 Miss Virginia USA Pageant and Kristel was choreographing the opening number for the teen competition. Kristel was also Miss Virginia USA 2001 and Miss Virginia Teen USA 1995.
 

Congratulations to Tara Wheeler, the new Miss Blue Ridge Mountains Festival. 
 
Thank you Julius Tolentino for taking beautiful pictures once again.  The photos above were taken by Julius.
5 Live Filming of "Military Idol" (Ft. Belvoir)

The final broadcast begins - the winner will be revealed shortly.


Greeting the judges


What a fabulous set!  The contestants are on the left, the background singers on the left closer to the center, and the band is on the right, and the judges are on the right just in front of the stage.  There were large screen TV's on either side so that the audience could see all of the performances up close.
 

Contestants, background singers, live band, judges, large screen TV, lights, graphics, TV cameras - I could get used to this!

The big screen ~

Third Place Winner Sgt. Quanda Brown, Military Idol 2006 Spc. Vicki Golding, Second Place Winner Staff Sgt. Angelo Johnson, and General Belinda Pinckney from Fort Belvoir

With Military Idol 2006 Spc. Vicki Golding and Military Idol 2005 Sgt. William Glen (Ret).

The Gang:  Contestants, crew, judges, and emcee, Adrianna Sgarlata, Miss Virginia 2006.  This was an incredibly FUN experience! 
 
More photos to follow - please check back!
6 Miss Virginia Sponsor Appreciation Day (Roanoke)

During Sponsor Appreciation Day in Roanoke, I had the opportunity of visiting almost all of the generous sponsors that provide food for contestants and their chaperones during Miss Virginia Week.  In addition to those sponsors, each Miss Virginia can take advantage of the sponsorship from food sponsors Elderberry's and Texas Tavern.  This was actually my first visit to Texas Tavern, as I have never been much of a hamburger fan, having had my first hamburger in the 11th grade.  But I decided to give it a try, and had the famous "Cheesy Western" -- hamburger, pickles, horseradish, cheese, and a fried egg.  I highly recommend you try this unique "taste sensation" (that's one of my Dad's favorite sayings) the next time you are in the area!  Don't forget that the Texas Tavern literally seats "thousands of people, 10 at a time"! 
6 Grand Opening and Commercial Filming for Henri Kessler (Roanoke)
This was the Grand opening of the new location for Henri Kessler, the fur sponsor for the Miss Virginia Organization.  I modeled several beautiful furs, greeted guests, participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony, filmed a commercial for the salon, and had a wonderful time.
 

Roanoke County Supervisor Mike Altizer, Miss Virginia, and Michael A. Wray, Chairman of the County of Roanoke Board of Supervisors

Michael A. Wray, Chairman of the County of Roanoke Board of Supervisors, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Carl Rosen, owner of Henri Kessler Furs & Outerwear

Being interviewed by a reporter from the Cave Spring Connection
7 Miss America Preparation (Washington, D.C.)
7 Planning Meeting with George Mason University (Fairfax)
8 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Corporate Citizenship Awards (Washington, D.C.)

Rehearsing the National Anthem with the orchestra

There I am on the big screen performing the National Anthem for the assembled guests and dignitaries.

After I performed, the next few speakers apologized that they could not sign, nor did they have a crown.  It became a bit of running joke, and during one of the pauses in the evening's events a gentleman approached me and asked if he could borrow the crown.  The lady in the photo above wore it for a few seconds, then placed it on the lectern beside the microphone--where it stayed for the next few award presentations. 

Much to my surprise I was approached by a lovely, gracious woman who introduced herself as Lynn Hackerman Weidner, Miss New Jersey 1971 and former Miss America contestant, who is currently on the Board of Directors of the Miss America Organization.  We chatted about the evening's events and the upcoming Miss America Pageant.  I can't wait!
9 George Mason University - University 100 Class (Fairfax)
 

University 100 is intended to help students transition from high school to college.  The main objectives of this course are to develop relationships with others in the class including the instructors, to establish a knowledge base of campus resources, and to acquire basic academic skills for success. 

Before students enter college, it's important that they have a basic understanding of how to present materials to audiences -- basic public speaking.  Behind me is the outline I provided to the students on how to create a presentation. 

We also talked about conflict resolution, using both bullying prevention and my experiences living on campus at GMU as an example.
9 Institute Society Dinner at Virginia Military Institute (Lexington)
 
Matt and I were invited to attend a special reception thanking VMI Alumni for their donations to VMI. 


With Captain Matthew Thompson and Mr. and Mrs. Conner - both historians from Stafford.

 

There was an interesting display of VMI memorabilia
 
About the Institute Society:
"...in May 1973, the VMI Foundation’s trustees established The Institute Society as an association of dedicated alumni and friends whose unrestricted financial support to VMI was “above the ordinary, constant, and generous.”
 
"The Society’s mission must be to add each year to the financial resources of the Institute so that excellence of the training and education given can be continued and improved to the end that present and future cadets will continue to make the Institute heard from in future years.”
To learn more about The Institute Society at VMI, please click on this link
10 Right Decisions, Right Now Presentation at Loudoun Country Day School (Leesburg)
 
Loudoun County Day School did an outstanding job celebrating Veterans Day.  When I arrived, the children were outside observing their classmates, who were members of the local Brownies and Cub Scouts, post the American Flag.  Then all of the children proceeded into the auditorium to the accompaniment of live bagpipe music.  Once inside they performed a number of patriotic songs, and the fifth-graders even delivered the Gettysburg Address.  So Impressive! 
 
At the end of their presentation, I was asked to speak to the students about the Right Decisions, Right Now Program.  Today I focused on RESPECT!  Respect for themselves, their bodies, their peers, their teachers, their parents, our servicemen and women, and of course our great Nation. 

The children had been saving their pennies and placing them in this container each week since the beginning of the school year.  It was their goal to present the USO with a donation for Veteran’s Day, and they succeeded!

Congratulations students on your generous contribution of $444.28

As part of the  Veteran’s Day celebration, Veteran’s from various branches of the military came to the school and went to the classrooms to talk to the children about the meaning of Veteran’s Day.

After the presentation, two of the students escorted me to each of the classrooms for smaller visits.  They were so excited that they were given the chance to escort "Miss Virginia" that they made a welcome poster for me.  Aren't they creative?  If you look closely, you will also see two former Miss Virginias on the board - can you find them???
 
Thank you, Loudoun County Day School, for your enthusiastic support of our Nation's Veterans! 
10 Fair Oaks Mall Christmas Event (Fairfax)
 
When I was a junior in High School, I started working at Fair Oaks M