Miss Nebraska USA 2013: December Events

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable holiday season. It was nice to relax with my family and friends for a few days because I have been very busy over the last week and a half. I kicked off the holiday season by talking with Star 104.5, the Christmas station, about how I used to take ice skating lessons as a kid at the opening of the Conagra Food Ice Rink in downtown Omaha. The Conagra Food Ice Rink is a great way to celebrate the season while supporting a good cause. Their mission is to “shine the light on hunger,” and proceeds benefit Food Bank of the Heartland.

I was also asked to speak at the Angel Guardians Christmas event. This was very special to me because Angel Guardians is an organization that is very important to my family. My oldest brother has been a part of Angel Guardians and it has made a huge difference in my family’s life. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for special-needs teens and adults in the areas of housing, employment, fitness, socialization and recreation. I have been volunteering for the VSP (Very Special People) Club, which is designed to provide recreational activities to cognitively and developmentally disabled teens and adults in a comfortable and non-institutional atmosphere, since 2007. It was great to thank them for making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities and to enjoy the evening with my family. I also met another great organization that I can’t wait to work with! As Miss Nebraska USA 2013, I hope to be the spokesperson for those with disabilities and work with as many life-changing organizations as possible.

One of my favorite things about Christmas is hearing the bells of the Salvation Army. They are a constant reminder to be thankful for what you have and to give back. I always keep spare change and dollar bills in every one of my coats so I am prepared to donate to the red kettle. This year, I took part in helping out by bell ringing a couple different times. My sister and I lucked out by having gorgeous weather the day we rang together. People kept commenting that we were having too much fun! Our kettle was almost overflowing by the time we were done! Thank you to everyone who donated even just a few coins to the Salvation Army this year!

I was back on the ice again at the Conagra Ice Rink just a few days before Christmas with my old skating club, Blade and Edge. Trying to skate with a crown is no easy feat! It’s safe to say I lost all of my skills, but it was fun to see all the kids skate to Christmas music in fun costumes. It really put everyone in the Christmas spirit.