HOTL 4th Graders= JOY!

It's been about a month since I have given up my title as Miss RRV Outstanding Teen...and let me tell you, life has not slowed down one bit! School has been busier than ever with college and high school courses, and music studies in my schedule! And the Sound of Music performance is now a month away. Wow time flies! I am loving every minute of my life. And oh yes, even the crazy ones!

I didn't want to stop speaking about my platform, "It's No Joke, Say NO to Smoke." The impact that smoking has had on loved ones in my life has given me the motivation to continue to fight against this ongoing issue. So I decided to speak with a group of joyful 4th graders at the Heart of the Lakes Elementary.

Part of my day is spent as an assitant at the elementary in Perham. It's been a unique experience helping and interacting with the children. Memories from my fourth grade life always seem to float back to me when I'm with them. I offered to speak to all of the 4th grade classes that I help out with. Last Friday I spent the a portion of the morning with Mrs. McEachran's class. I had Mrs. McEachran as a teacher and I was very pleased to spend a part of my time with her students. We disscused the alarming statistics of smoking together and they assured me that they DIDN'T want to smoke. :)

This Monday I will be continuing my little 4th grade tour at HOTL with Mrs. Klinnert's class. I can't wait to spend time with them!

Blessings,
Paige

My farewell

“To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.” Last September when the lights were blocking my view from the audience, and my heart was pounding inside of my chest, I was announced as your first ever Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen. At that moment I could never have pictured, planned, or predicted what this past year has given me. My dreams and imagination went beyond what I ever thought possible as I took on a job that has changed me forever.

First and foremost I need to thank my Savior who is my source of strength, joy, hope, and the one who gives me a unique calling and purpose. You lay the plans you have for me each and every day. Thank you for giving me a year blessed with discovery. Mom, I have never seen more patience out of you than this past year. Your support is a huge part of my success. Thanks for always showing me in simple ways that you believe in me. Dad, thanks for your listening ear. Whenever I had any stress you were always there to help talk me through it. Terry, I know you sometimes don’t understand the pageant world, but thanks for pretending that you do and supporting me along the way. Bailey, sharing your 16th birthday with me at one of my appearances was so much to ask. Thanks for being willing to share your special day, and many of your days with me. Aubrey, thanks for being such a hilarious sister. Your humor always makes me laugh deep down, even though I may not like to always admit that. Gavin, thanks for being such a talkative brother and for always asking questions about what I was up to at my “pageants”. Mickey, you are such a skilled candy thrower. Thanks for always being willing to snap some pictures with me! To my extended family, I always feel your love and support whether you are across the United States or being there to cheer me on. Melissa, you put so much on your plate and balance it well. You went the extra mile for me this year. Thanks for your enthusiasm to help me be the best I could be. Shelley, you are the pro at helping me with fine line details of everything that I do. Thank you for your countless hours and behind the scenes work you did this past year. Amber, thank you for your encouragement, tips, and making sure all was well! Robin, I could not have asked for a more moving piece to take to MMOT. Your chorography translated so much within me to perform at my best. Northern Lights SADD, a huge thank you goes to this organization for seeing such significant potential in me and letting me join in their efforts of making a difference in the lives of teens. To all of the people behind the organization, you sacrifice so much of your time and energy. Thank you. Dave Howey, so much of what you do is behind scenes. Thank you for cutting my music for MMOT and for giving me the opportunity to share my message of teen smoking prevention across five radio stations in the Red River Valley. Kelli Beniek, your talent that shines in your photography is beyond explanation. I’m not only thankful for my photos, but I am more ecstatic about the relationship that I was blessed to begin with you. Jay, your service never goes unnoticed as I am with others. However, many do not know that you are the skilled lady that puts the time and effort into making my hair look stunning! Thank you for your hugs and encouragement along the way. Bethany, I could not have asked for a better, more beautiful, and spontaneous sister queen to share my year with. You have truly become my big sister that I have always wanted. I can’t wait to continue to watch you succeed and accomplish your goals and aspirations. You give so much of yourself to the people in the world around you. You continue to inspire me. My lovely friends (you know who you are) that I have made throughout this experience. I am so thankful for the relationships I have with all of you! I look forward to making more memories with you. To the Red River Valley, thank you for excepting me with open arms. I am so honored that I represented such a strong and amazing area of Minnesota this past year. To my successor, you have a year full of discovery ahead of you. May every experience and appearance bring joy to your journey. Your year will be more than you can ever ask or imagine.

I am so blessed for all that I have discovered, learned, and accomplished this past year. Tonight I will take the last step to completing my journey as Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen as I place the crown on your new title holder. All of you have inspired me along my journey and I thank you with an overwhelmed heart for all you have given me.

Many blessings,
Your first Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen,
Paige Alexandra Meyer

Final Days as Miss RRV Outstanding Teen

It has now been a week since I have given up my title, but I wanted to give you a recap of my final days of Miss RRV Outstanding Teen. Life has definately not slowed down in any way! Life is good! ;)

Saturday was the BIG pageant day! It was exactly that not only for Bethany and I, but for all of the girls competing for the title of Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen and Miss Moorhead. We were up and at it early when the alarm rang at 6 AM! It was quite a time crunch to get ready, pack up Bethany's vehicle with our wardrobes, and get to Moorhead High by 8 AM!

The morning was spent getting to know all of the girls and vice versa. Practicing our production number "Dynamite" was so much fun. The contestants caught on to the proudction number soo quick. We then went through competition walks for all of the girls. That too came naturally and quickly for all of them. Before we knew it, we had to get some lunch. While the girls filled their tummies I went to practice "God bless American" with Kathryn Knutilla, Miss Minnesota. Since the pageant was on the 9th Anniversary of 9/11 we wanted to have a special presentation of rememberance. Bethany and I had a great time figuring out our harmonies. Kathryn was such a great help!

Around 1:30 the teens had their interviews. I had the priveledge of bringing all of them in to meet the judges. We had a spectacular judging panel that made it relaxed for all of the girls. With the interviews being six minutes each they were over before we knew it. After interviews, I was able to run through some of my talent presentataions. It felt great to be on the stage again!

At 3:30 interviews were finished and we all headed to have a great meal provided for us by Bennigans of Moorhead! The meal hit the spot. We all made sure to fill our tummies before the night ahead of us. We ate quickly to be sure and get back in time to get ready for competition.

The doors opened at 6. I got to welcome everyone along with Bethany, Kat (MMOT) and Kathryn (Miss MN.) It was great to recieve and give many hugs to fellow friends and family as they came to support me and the contestants! I had many of my friends that are going to college in Moorhead come as well as many of the girls I competed with at MMOT! It was so great to see everone!

The pageant itself is a complete blur for me! It went sooo fast. My farewell was a bit tough to get through. I wasn't prepared for the emotions I would feel as my recorded farewell played and I walked the stage. Reflecting on my year as Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen was so incredible it brought many tears to my eyes. I really felt the love and support of everyone that was there! Thank you so much!

My final job as Miss RRV Outstanding Teen was to crown the 2010 title holder. With great honor I crowned Brianna Drevlo. I was so delighted to give her the experience I had this past year. She is a true outstanding teen. I can't wait to watch her compete for MMOT and cheer her on as she brings joy to the Red River Valley! Congratulations!

After the pageant I took some pictures and chatted with people I didn't see before the show! Then it came time to pack up my pageant wardrobe for the last time!...Even that was sad! I got back to the hotel around 10:00 and took a deep breath in, took off my heals,exhaled and smiled! I had done it. That night I spent time with fellow pageant friends eating pizza and reminissing about the evening. I went to bed quite late, but it was worth it!

The next day I had the great honor of performing at the Inspiring America Concert hosted by Kathryn Knutilla. There I sang the National Anthem and performed my dance from MMOT "Ave Maria." I was honored to be a part of such an inspiring afternoon. Many families involved with Children's Miracle Network where there to tell there stories! The North Dakota CMN Champion Alyssa Pratt was there! I met her at the Telethon. It was so great to see her again. Being a part of CMN has been such a blessing for me. Seeing children win their battles with cancer is incredible! I can't wait to see them continue to thrive and get healthy.

After the concert it came time to say goodbyes and get ready for my journey home. For the next couple of hours it hit me once again that my year was over. However I marveled at the thought of the people I had met, impact, and have changed my life! The night I gave away my title, the crown disappeared, but not the people or memories I made, and the things I have learned! I am thankful for it ALL!

Life has not slowed down in the slightest bit since last weekend. I just got through my second week of my senior year! This past Tuesday I was casted as the lead in The Sound of Music. I will be performing as Maria the weekend of Novemeber 19, 20, and 21! I hope to see all of you there. I will keep you posted!

I plan on keeping up with this blog! I am excited to continue my communication with you! This is not the end...it's only the beginning!

God's blessings to you!
Paige

Miss Red River Valley OT 2010 is tomorrow!

I just arrived in Moorhead and I'm writing this blog from the great Courtyard Marriot Hotel. I just got all situated and have now kicked back to reflect on my year as Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen with a box of chocolates from my amazing sister queen Bethany! It's definitely a bittersweet evening knowing that this will be the last night I fall asleep as Miss Red River Valley Outstanding. I know my dreams tonight will be illustrated with many of my memories that I have made this past year! I am so thankful for all of the people I have met and that are now a part of my life. Thank you all for your support along this journey of a lifetime!

The pageant will be at Moorhead High Auditorium at 7 o'clock. I hope to see all of you there! You will be not only get to see and hear my recap of my year, but learn who the next Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen will be. I can't wait to find out. I'm sure all of you are as anxious as I am! Bethany will also be sharing her experiences from her year and crowning the new Miss Moorhead. You can't miss this incredible evening! Tomorrow will also mark the 9th anniversary of 9/11. Lot's to celebrate and remember tomorrow. Please Join Us!

For the last time,
Paige Meyer
Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen

God bless!!

Potato Days Parade in Barnsville

Potato's were everywhere in Barnsville, Minnesota this past weekend! Bethany and I had a great time being apart of one of the many interesting happenings during Potato Days!...The HUGE Annual Parade.

Beth and I were very lucky to receive a courtesy vehicle from Ward Muscatell of Moorhead! We got to ride in a Red Ford F-150. We felt quite fancy! They have been really awesome supporters of the Miss Moorhead Program and we are so thankful for their willingness to help! Thanks so much to Ward Muscatell!

Luckily the evening was a perfect temperature! The only problem we had was the wind. Let me tell you wind and hair most of the time don't work together...And when you are trying to wave and be a "princess" it gets difficult! However, I don't think many of the little girls really noticed. ;)

The parade wait was the longest part, but once we got rolling it flew by as conversations took place and our waves became frantic as all of the children clapped and waved themselves. The smiling faces are always so precious!

After the parade we enjoyed the Dairy Queen! It was like Miracle Treat Day all over again! Yumm!! I met up with some family and family friends and enjoyed the Potato Days events..and don't forget the unique potato dumplings!

I can't get myself to count the days I have left as Miss Red River Valley OT! It's quite bittersweet! (That's become my favorite word lately!) I am really excited to start senior year and pick out that college that is out in the world! I have a lot to look forward. Hope to see you on the 11th! You won't want to miss out!

Congrats to our MMOT Katarina Akridge on a great representation at Miss America Outstanding Teen! I hope you had a life changing experience!

Love and Blessings,
Paige

Bittersweet :)

Yesterday I recorded my farewell at the Lakes 99.5 Radio Station with Dave Howey. A huge thank you goes to the Dave for being so willing to help me out this year! I really appreciate your support and generousity.

I must say that it was quite bittersweet putting together my final words and memories from this past year together! I had such a difficult time getting my farewell under five minutes! I don't want to get into too much detail! You will have to wait until the night I give up my title! ;)I have sooo many people to thank and I am so blessed to have had all of you cheering along the side line for me this year! Just a quick reminder Miss Moorhead and Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen 2010 will be crowned at Moorhead High on Saturday, September 11th! The pageant starts at 7o'clock! Hope to see you there!

This week our Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen, Katarina Akridge is competeing for the title of Miss America Outstanding Teen in the sunny Orlando, FL. I hope she is having a very memorable time and enjoying herself! The final night of competition is this Saturday! I know she will make Minnesota proud!

There are only a few weeks left before I give the job as Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen to a very lucky lady! I hope she is ready! I'm really looking forward to meeting all of the girls competiting for the title! This Saturday Bethany and I will be in one of our last parades as sister queens. These next few weeks are going to be very bittersweet. All good things, must come to an end. However, I am confident that as the end is drawing near as MRRVOT it's not the end of my journey!

All my love,
Paige

Vergas Looney Days Parade

As my reign is starting to roll to the finish line I was really soaking in one of my last appearances today at the Vergas Looney Days Parade. The parade is one of the last big events during the Vergas Looney Days Celebration! It was so great to be back to the community I represented in 08'.

For a town of 311 people I was very excited to see the streets filled with people. The Parade Route was short, but totally filled with the streets of the entire community. I saw many familiar faces, including new ones! So many little girls were very excited to see not only me, but many of the other queens from around the area! It was so great to wave to lots and lots of people!

A huge thank you goes to Bob Sazama Trucking for once again allowing me to use their incredibly big truck for the parade. It was great!

As my time is winding down, I am once again remembering, what a year I have had. It would not be the same without all of you!!

God bless,
Paige