Take Me Out to the Ball Game... and the Rest of My Vacation

So, since I returned from Teen USA 2008, I've spent most of my time traveling in between appearances, and one of my favorite stops has been the new Washington Nationals stadium, where I've attended just about every home game the last few weeks cheering on the guys that work so hard to represent DC oh so well. I even had the opportunity to take my mentee, Erica, a sweet girl that I met during one of my elementary school appearances, to her first professional baseball game where she got to meet some of my favorite ushers at the games-- Mr. Pete, Ms. Louise, Ms. Susan, Mr. Lewis and of course my new adopted "dad", Mr. Cecil. Erica and I both had a ball, and for Erica literally... she got her pink Nationals baseball signed by some of the players downstairs in the Nationals Clubhouse after the game! A few days later, I was invited to the National Council of Negro Women's National Black Family Reunion held on the National Mall on September 7th. I was invited by the U.S. Department of Education to read to little children and share the importance of literacy. Also, participating in the fun was my dear friend and former Miss DC Teen USA 2007, Jasmine Alexis. The event featured several tents and exhibitions, as well as performers, and vendors. The weather was absolutely perfect, and we even had the honor of meeting Dr. Dorothy Height (a Spelman alumna and implemental woman in Washington, DC) under the V.I.P. tent.

Then after the Reunion, I went over to the J.W. Marriott Hotel to meet the young ladies interested in becoming the next Miss District of Columbia USA. The interest meeting went very well, and I was able to answer most of the ladies' questions. It felt really good to be on the other side of the table, sharing my experiences and encouraging these ladies, because it served as a reminder that hard work does pay off. Although the pageant is rapidly approaching, I still have a couple more months to serve as Miss DC USA and I want to make sure that DC benefits from all that I can offer it.

If you are interested in participating in the 2009 Miss District of Columbia USA/ Miss District of Columbia Teen USA Pageant, we are still accepting contestants. Please send an email to missdcusa@gmail.com to receive the application and contestant contract.