I think that this blog is long overdue and I apologize. Life got even more busy after Miss Minnesota week when I got back to "reality" and went back to work.
I started off strong with two days of blogs, but the little sleep during the week really caught up to me and I fell behind on the blogs. Forgive me!
Day 3 was exhausting yet fun all at the same time! The day started with a trip to the Veterans Home in which we were able to talk to the residents and their families, sing patriotic songs, and signing autographs. I left many different emotions as the military is extremely close to my heart. I come from a family with strong ties to the military and know how important these individuals are to our community. It was extremely interesting hearing their stories and was yet another reminder of the impact these individuals have had on my life. Freedom isn't free. There would be no way I could participate in the Miss America Program had it not been for these individuals who gave up so much so that I could have a better tomorrow.
After the Veterans Home visit, we headed for our rehearsal at the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center then prepared for Open Arms. Open Arms is a non-profit organization that cooks and delivers free meals to those who have specific nutritional needs that need to be met. I worked the salad line with three fantastic ladies - Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter, Katie; Miss Frazee, Ashley; and Miss Morris Area, Cassie. We had SO much fun and only made a little bit of a mess :)
Day 4 marked the official start of the preliminary competition! The day started with personal interviews. I walked out after my interview feeling fantastic but also knowing God's Plan was already unfolding. I was at peace for the rest of the day and couldn't wait for prelims to start! I would be competing in onstage question and talent. I felt great about my onstage question and have never performed my talent better! I was feeling on fire and couldn't wait to see my family and committee for the first time all week. That night, I walked away with the Impact of Change scholarship award for my service work and platform which was sponsored by Tiffany Buszta. It was such an honor to receive this award! I also received my Bronze medal for the Duke of Edinburgh program which was a 3-month-long process.
Day 5 began with a visit to the Minnesota Autism Center (MAC), a K-12 school for those that fall on the autism spectrum. I had never heard of MAC, but I'm thankful Rebecca Yeh, Miss Minnesota 2013 introduced me to such a fantastic school! If you have never heard of MAC, I highly recommend looking into it. I left feeling inspired by the children that I met there. It was such a blast! After MAC, we headed back to the auditorium for rehearsal before the second night of prelims! This night, I would compete in swimsuit and evening gown. Again, I felt I left my heart on that stage and couldn't have performed any better. This night, I was honored to stand beside 4 other incredible women for the Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life award. Congrats to runner up, Emily Kallis, and my roomie for the week, Kailee Ogden who walked away as the 2014 Quality of Life winner!! These two are incredible individuals and I am so happy that I had the chance to get to know them better throughout the week.
Day 6 was a fun day at the Mall of America with the 2014 Northern Lights Princesses! We enjoyed a morning with Radio Disney and spent the day making crafts, dancing and singing, and decorating crown boxes with our princess. My princess was Andi who is from Brainerd and has participated in the Brainerd princess program and who I've know for many years. The princesses were also crowned that morning so it was fun to see how excited some of the princesses were! It was a fun morning and I even got to see my Outstanding Teen, Molly :) The rest of the day we had some down time to relax and pack before the Crowns and Gowns gala at the Radisson Blu. The gala was a beautiful event put on by the Sister to Sister Program made up of former Miss Minnesota's. It was an emotional night for me because it was a beautiful reminder of the rich history and power of the Miss Minnesota Program. I was honored to be in that room with so many former Miss Minnesota's and so many people who tirelessly volunteer for this amazing program. It was a fantastic way to end Miss Minnesota week (but also the jam sesh and girl talk we had in our room with a couple of the other contestants!).
Day 7 was our last and final day. That night a new Miss Minnesota would be crowned and I felt very relaxed knowing that God's Plan for my life far surpassed the outcome of the pageant that night. I knew I had done everything I could have possibly done, left my heart and soul on that stage, and remained fully myself in the process! I knew I could leave that night feeling fulfilled. I didn't walk away as Miss Minnesota, but the friendships that were formed and the memories made were far greater than anything a crown could ever give me. There are no words to describe how fantastic the week was! I walked away that night as the Miss America Community Service winner for the work that I've done with the Alzheimer's Association and my personal platform promoting children and teen dementia education. That was a huge honor and I will continue to fight for a cure long after my competitive pageant days have come to an end. This is a life-long commitment for me.
Thank you for all that supported me on this journey! I know and understand that God has something greater in store for me and I can't wait to see what exactly that entails :)
With love and gratitude,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
Gretchen Ennis Photography
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
Day 2 of Miss Minnesota week.
Day 2 of Miss Minnesota week has been incredible! I am having so much fun and am feeling so blessed to be here.
The day started with a trip to Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul in which we were fed breakfast and able to meet Minnesota's Children's Miracle Network Champion family. Michael and his parents are so incredibly inspirational. Michael was born with Apert Syndrome, rare genetic disorder causing birth defects. I know Michael will continue to be a shining light to his parents and others around him.
We then had a chance to spend time with patients in the waiting room of Gillette. It was so much fun to interact with the kids as they were almost star-struck because of all the crowns! There were many autographs signed and many pictures taken, but nothing will compare to the pure joy and excitement that were evident on their faces. They reminded me that life is so precious and that no matter what stone we've been given, we are not to let it define us.
We took a tour of Gillette as well. It is fascinating to see the innovation happening in our backyards in terms of the medical field. It was clear that those that work at Gillette have such a heart for pediatrics and truly enjoy their jobs.
After our time at Gillette was over, we rode in style back to our hotel in two stretch SUV limos. We were given a fantastic lunch, then thrust into rehearsals in which we learned the opening production number! The dance is so much fun and I know it's going to be a great show.
We then had some down time before getting ready to attend the Saint Paul Saints baseball game! I enjoy baseball and getting to interact with the fans was fun. I should be used to all of the pictures that were taken, but somehow it just seems as if the farther we get into pageant week, the more photos we take. The Saints won and we could leave the field happy :)
There was a major jam session on the way back to the hotel (in a huge party bus I might add!) and a powerful group prayer. This week has already been a huge test on my faith, but I'm thankful to be surrounded my women who keep me accountable and want to help me strengthen my faith.
Day 3 will be busy, and I can't wait to fill you in!
Much love,
B
The day started with a trip to Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul in which we were fed breakfast and able to meet Minnesota's Children's Miracle Network Champion family. Michael and his parents are so incredibly inspirational. Michael was born with Apert Syndrome, rare genetic disorder causing birth defects. I know Michael will continue to be a shining light to his parents and others around him.
We then had a chance to spend time with patients in the waiting room of Gillette. It was so much fun to interact with the kids as they were almost star-struck because of all the crowns! There were many autographs signed and many pictures taken, but nothing will compare to the pure joy and excitement that were evident on their faces. They reminded me that life is so precious and that no matter what stone we've been given, we are not to let it define us.
We took a tour of Gillette as well. It is fascinating to see the innovation happening in our backyards in terms of the medical field. It was clear that those that work at Gillette have such a heart for pediatrics and truly enjoy their jobs.
After our time at Gillette was over, we rode in style back to our hotel in two stretch SUV limos. We were given a fantastic lunch, then thrust into rehearsals in which we learned the opening production number! The dance is so much fun and I know it's going to be a great show.
We then had some down time before getting ready to attend the Saint Paul Saints baseball game! I enjoy baseball and getting to interact with the fans was fun. I should be used to all of the pictures that were taken, but somehow it just seems as if the farther we get into pageant week, the more photos we take. The Saints won and we could leave the field happy :)
There was a major jam session on the way back to the hotel (in a huge party bus I might add!) and a powerful group prayer. This week has already been a huge test on my faith, but I'm thankful to be surrounded my women who keep me accountable and want to help me strengthen my faith.
Day 3 will be busy, and I can't wait to fill you in!
Much love,
B
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Day 1 of Miss Minnesota week.
Just a quick update on how this day went!
Check-in began at 1pm this afternoon. I was able to sign the official Miss Minnesota poster and pose for some pictures before given my room key to unpack and prepare for the week ahead.
Today was so much fun, as we spent the day at the Mall of America! First, we spent time at Nickelodeon Universe. Though I'm not a huge ride fan, I'm proud of myself for making it on one roller coaster before deciding to sit out on the rest.
Next, we headed to the Barbie Dream House Exhibit! I was so excited about this as I have wanted to go for many weeks. It was so much to be a little girl again and just enjoy the time I had with the other contestants. If you haven't seen this exhibit yet, I highly recommend it!
On the agenda next was dinner at Skyzone. This is always a fun dinner because not only do we get to eat delicious food but we also get to play arcade games! It was such a fantastic night and it was great getting to know the rest of the contestants. I'm looking forward to what this week has in store :)
Thanks for your prayers,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
Check-in began at 1pm this afternoon. I was able to sign the official Miss Minnesota poster and pose for some pictures before given my room key to unpack and prepare for the week ahead.
Today was so much fun, as we spent the day at the Mall of America! First, we spent time at Nickelodeon Universe. Though I'm not a huge ride fan, I'm proud of myself for making it on one roller coaster before deciding to sit out on the rest.
Next, we headed to the Barbie Dream House Exhibit! I was so excited about this as I have wanted to go for many weeks. It was so much to be a little girl again and just enjoy the time I had with the other contestants. If you haven't seen this exhibit yet, I highly recommend it!
On the agenda next was dinner at Skyzone. This is always a fun dinner because not only do we get to eat delicious food but we also get to play arcade games! It was such a fantastic night and it was great getting to know the rest of the contestants. I'm looking forward to what this week has in store :)
Thanks for your prayers,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Thoughts Before I Leave for Miss Minnesota
First, I have to say a thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and words of encouragment. It is because of the support I've recieved that I've been able to get through this week.
Yesterday, I enjoyed a day of pampering! The Miss Brainerd Lakes Scholarship Program has some incredible sponsors, and they have made me feel beautiful and ready for what next week will bring me. The day started with a manicure and pedicure at Panache Salon and Spa in Baxter. Monica and the staff graciously donated their services to my sister queen and I to make sure our nails looked Miss Minnesota ready. I'm beyond grateful for their generous donation! Then I was off to my mom's salon for a hair cut and color. Any woman can vouch for me when I say that getting your hair done is one of the most fantastic things because it makes you feel so empowered and ready to take on the world! Many thanks to my mom for always making my hair look fantastic. Finally, my day of pampering ended with a trip to The Red Umrella for a perfect tan. Thanks to PJ and her skills in making sure I always look natural and flawless. I seriously have the best team behind me! Thank you so much!!
Today, as many of you know, I had my Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life interview and platform presentation. There is no better honor than being a finalist for this award, and I put forth everything I could and everything I had. Ultimately, I know it's in the Lord's Hands and I'm grateful that it is. No matter the outcome, I'm proud to be a finalist and would be happy for any one of the other four finalist. They are incredible individuals and I've been blessed to have the chance to get to know them through the years that I've been competing! Thanks for your prayers I've patiently waited through the application process and thank you to the McBride family and the committee they have formed to keep Tracie's legacy alive. Tracie will never be forgetten because of the efforts put forth by these incredble individuals.
Tomorrow, I check in for Miss Minnesota week. I am about to embark on one crazy journey and could not be more excited! It will be one busy week but I am feeling more than prepared for what lay ahead of me.
Truthfully, when I first started competing, Miss Minnesota seemed so far out of reach. I never thought I would make it to the Miss stage. The Miss contestants were always the ones I looked up to the most but never imaged myself in their shoes. Now here I am, preparing to leave for Miss Minnesota week and compete on that prestigous stage! I am now that girl I always looked up to and it has become so surreal.
I didn't know my pageant journey would bring me to where I am today. The Miss America Program has truly shaped me into the person I am today. I started competing in this program as a shy fourteen year old who refused to order her own food at a restaurant. Now, though still a bit of an introvert, I have been given the skills to speak to any audience with ease and can now confidently order my own food at a restaurant (are you proud?!). This program as motivated me to be healthy - in mind, body, and spirit. I have learned to always put my mental health before anything and pride myself in knowing that I am in the right place mentally. I've also been motivated to eat healthier and get active because I want to treat my body right, not because I feel pressure to be thin. Plus, I've grown stronger in my faith and fully understand and believe in my heart that God is the Great I Am and Ultimate Planner.
Miss Minnesota 2014 is crowned in one week and I wanted to let you all into my heart to see how I've been doing.
Mentally, I feel fantastic. I am so excited to spend the week with such an elite group of women and to represent my beautiful community. That has been my focus going into this. I want to walk away knowing the week was a blast. While making Top 11 would be great, I know that God's plans are greater than any plan I could formulate on my own. This has given me great peace.
Physically, I feel great. I'm very comfortable in my own skin and I know who I am. I am a daughter of the Most High and no matter how much I weigh (or how little I weigh), Christ's love for me will never change. My worth in grounded in The Lord, not in the score the judges give me in swimsuit.
Spirtitually, I've been feeling God's presence more and more as I get closer to check in. It really started today as I began my Quality of Life interview. I've never felt closer to God than I do right now and I know this closeness will continue through pageant week. I'm thankful for good friends who will be leading a Bible study during the week to keep me and others in the right mindset,
So again, thank you for all of the prayers! They are much appreciated. I'm surrounded my some pretty great people and couldn't feel more blessed! Thank you all!
Your Sister in Christ,
Bailey Wachholz
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
Yesterday, I enjoyed a day of pampering! The Miss Brainerd Lakes Scholarship Program has some incredible sponsors, and they have made me feel beautiful and ready for what next week will bring me. The day started with a manicure and pedicure at Panache Salon and Spa in Baxter. Monica and the staff graciously donated their services to my sister queen and I to make sure our nails looked Miss Minnesota ready. I'm beyond grateful for their generous donation! Then I was off to my mom's salon for a hair cut and color. Any woman can vouch for me when I say that getting your hair done is one of the most fantastic things because it makes you feel so empowered and ready to take on the world! Many thanks to my mom for always making my hair look fantastic. Finally, my day of pampering ended with a trip to The Red Umrella for a perfect tan. Thanks to PJ and her skills in making sure I always look natural and flawless. I seriously have the best team behind me! Thank you so much!!
Today, as many of you know, I had my Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life interview and platform presentation. There is no better honor than being a finalist for this award, and I put forth everything I could and everything I had. Ultimately, I know it's in the Lord's Hands and I'm grateful that it is. No matter the outcome, I'm proud to be a finalist and would be happy for any one of the other four finalist. They are incredible individuals and I've been blessed to have the chance to get to know them through the years that I've been competing! Thanks for your prayers I've patiently waited through the application process and thank you to the McBride family and the committee they have formed to keep Tracie's legacy alive. Tracie will never be forgetten because of the efforts put forth by these incredble individuals.
Tomorrow, I check in for Miss Minnesota week. I am about to embark on one crazy journey and could not be more excited! It will be one busy week but I am feeling more than prepared for what lay ahead of me.
Truthfully, when I first started competing, Miss Minnesota seemed so far out of reach. I never thought I would make it to the Miss stage. The Miss contestants were always the ones I looked up to the most but never imaged myself in their shoes. Now here I am, preparing to leave for Miss Minnesota week and compete on that prestigous stage! I am now that girl I always looked up to and it has become so surreal.
I didn't know my pageant journey would bring me to where I am today. The Miss America Program has truly shaped me into the person I am today. I started competing in this program as a shy fourteen year old who refused to order her own food at a restaurant. Now, though still a bit of an introvert, I have been given the skills to speak to any audience with ease and can now confidently order my own food at a restaurant (are you proud?!). This program as motivated me to be healthy - in mind, body, and spirit. I have learned to always put my mental health before anything and pride myself in knowing that I am in the right place mentally. I've also been motivated to eat healthier and get active because I want to treat my body right, not because I feel pressure to be thin. Plus, I've grown stronger in my faith and fully understand and believe in my heart that God is the Great I Am and Ultimate Planner.
Miss Minnesota 2014 is crowned in one week and I wanted to let you all into my heart to see how I've been doing.
Mentally, I feel fantastic. I am so excited to spend the week with such an elite group of women and to represent my beautiful community. That has been my focus going into this. I want to walk away knowing the week was a blast. While making Top 11 would be great, I know that God's plans are greater than any plan I could formulate on my own. This has given me great peace.
Physically, I feel great. I'm very comfortable in my own skin and I know who I am. I am a daughter of the Most High and no matter how much I weigh (or how little I weigh), Christ's love for me will never change. My worth in grounded in The Lord, not in the score the judges give me in swimsuit.
Spirtitually, I've been feeling God's presence more and more as I get closer to check in. It really started today as I began my Quality of Life interview. I've never felt closer to God than I do right now and I know this closeness will continue through pageant week. I'm thankful for good friends who will be leading a Bible study during the week to keep me and others in the right mindset,
So again, thank you for all of the prayers! They are much appreciated. I'm surrounded my some pretty great people and couldn't feel more blessed! Thank you all!
Your Sister in Christ,
Bailey Wachholz
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Two Weeks at a Glance
I have been so busy these past two weeks leading up to Miss Minnesota!
After completing a rough finals week, I was off to Hudson, WI for an overnight camping adventure. I am one of five Miss Minnesota gals to participate in an awards program called the Duke of Edinburgh. Duke of Edinburgh is a self-development program in which participants engage in a variety of categories to develop life-skills. This program was just brought to Minnesota, so all five of us are working towards our Bronze medal (after that, we will work for silver and gold). A part of the Bronze medal includes an "Adventurous Journey", and for our journey we stayed at Camp St. Croix on the St. Croix river and participated in service projects and cooked meals. It was a fantastic weekend, and next week I will recieve my Bronze medal at one of the preliminary nights of competition.
Upon returning home, I unpacked my car to settle in for the summer. It feels great to be back home, but it has been crazy busy with appearances and final preparations.
The Sunday before Memorial Day, I was at Cragun's Resort and participated in their annual Military Appreciation Day. My sisters queens and I, along with Miss Minnesota 2013 Rebecca Yeh, participated in the parade and had a chance to speak onstage. I've attended this event for the past three years and every year, I leave feeling empowered and grateful for the service men and women who sacrificed so much for our beautiful country. It was a fantastic day and I was thankful to be a part of it.
Last week, I was up early to speak to the Sunrise Rotary in Baxter about Alzheimer's and my story. I was asked to speak to this group by a member who happened to read my story in Her Voice magazine. The man that asked me to speak has been touched by Alzheimer's as his sister struggles with the late stages in a local nursing home. It's people like this man who continue to inspire me and remind me why Alzheimer's education is so important.
The same day, I spoke to the Noon Sertoma in Brainerd about the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer's in Brainerd this coming September. I spoke with Brenda Beard, who runs the MN-ND Alzheimer's Association's Duluth Office. Brenda has always been a huge supporter of mine and I was so excited to be able to speak along side her for the first time about one of my favorite events of the year!
I am very honored to announce that I have been chosen as a Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life finalist! Only five finalist were chosen for this prestigious award and I am blessed to be one of them. Tracie tragically passed away nineteen years ago, but her memory as been kept live by her incredible family. I've had the privilege of getting to know the McBride family these past couple of years and have been continually inspired by their faith and compassion. They are an incredible family! I'm very happy that I get to participate in a program that keeps Tracie's memory alive. On Saturday I will participate in an interview and present a ten minute presentation to a panel of judges. From there, a winner and first runner up will be announce on one of the preliminary nights of competition next week. I'm honored and blessed just to be a finalist.
Finally, last Saturday was my send-off party to Miss Minnesota 2014. We had a fantastic turnout in which they had the chance to see my wardrobe, talent, and interview skills. I was beyond happy at how many people came to support me and my sister queen, Lauren. I am surrounded by such incredible people! If you are following me on Facebook, you see that I post a "thank you" photo everyday of people who have helped and supported me on this crazy journey. I had no idea the plan God had for my life when He placed the Miss Brainerd Lakes crown on my head. He certainly knew what He was doing though and I'm so grateful for all of the doors that have opened these past nine months.
Thanks to all of you for the support! Only 3 days until Miss Minnesota check-in!!
With love,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
After completing a rough finals week, I was off to Hudson, WI for an overnight camping adventure. I am one of five Miss Minnesota gals to participate in an awards program called the Duke of Edinburgh. Duke of Edinburgh is a self-development program in which participants engage in a variety of categories to develop life-skills. This program was just brought to Minnesota, so all five of us are working towards our Bronze medal (after that, we will work for silver and gold). A part of the Bronze medal includes an "Adventurous Journey", and for our journey we stayed at Camp St. Croix on the St. Croix river and participated in service projects and cooked meals. It was a fantastic weekend, and next week I will recieve my Bronze medal at one of the preliminary nights of competition.
Upon returning home, I unpacked my car to settle in for the summer. It feels great to be back home, but it has been crazy busy with appearances and final preparations.
The Sunday before Memorial Day, I was at Cragun's Resort and participated in their annual Military Appreciation Day. My sisters queens and I, along with Miss Minnesota 2013 Rebecca Yeh, participated in the parade and had a chance to speak onstage. I've attended this event for the past three years and every year, I leave feeling empowered and grateful for the service men and women who sacrificed so much for our beautiful country. It was a fantastic day and I was thankful to be a part of it.
Last week, I was up early to speak to the Sunrise Rotary in Baxter about Alzheimer's and my story. I was asked to speak to this group by a member who happened to read my story in Her Voice magazine. The man that asked me to speak has been touched by Alzheimer's as his sister struggles with the late stages in a local nursing home. It's people like this man who continue to inspire me and remind me why Alzheimer's education is so important.
The same day, I spoke to the Noon Sertoma in Brainerd about the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer's in Brainerd this coming September. I spoke with Brenda Beard, who runs the MN-ND Alzheimer's Association's Duluth Office. Brenda has always been a huge supporter of mine and I was so excited to be able to speak along side her for the first time about one of my favorite events of the year!
I am very honored to announce that I have been chosen as a Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life finalist! Only five finalist were chosen for this prestigious award and I am blessed to be one of them. Tracie tragically passed away nineteen years ago, but her memory as been kept live by her incredible family. I've had the privilege of getting to know the McBride family these past couple of years and have been continually inspired by their faith and compassion. They are an incredible family! I'm very happy that I get to participate in a program that keeps Tracie's memory alive. On Saturday I will participate in an interview and present a ten minute presentation to a panel of judges. From there, a winner and first runner up will be announce on one of the preliminary nights of competition next week. I'm honored and blessed just to be a finalist.
Finally, last Saturday was my send-off party to Miss Minnesota 2014. We had a fantastic turnout in which they had the chance to see my wardrobe, talent, and interview skills. I was beyond happy at how many people came to support me and my sister queen, Lauren. I am surrounded by such incredible people! If you are following me on Facebook, you see that I post a "thank you" photo everyday of people who have helped and supported me on this crazy journey. I had no idea the plan God had for my life when He placed the Miss Brainerd Lakes crown on my head. He certainly knew what He was doing though and I'm so grateful for all of the doors that have opened these past nine months.
Thanks to all of you for the support! Only 3 days until Miss Minnesota check-in!!
With love,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013
Cragun's Memorial Day celebration with Irma Cragun!
Sunrise Rotary
Noon Sertoma
Lauren and I at our sendoff!
Bev, my Miss Brainerd Lakes sister! Bev ws Miss Brainerd Lakes 1954 :)
Our incredible director, Cyndi!
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