Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013: 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