Yulefest 2007

It was truly a magical affair. With a snow covered bunad and snowflakes on eyelashes I joined my pageant little sister Molly Lemmon and chaperones Tina Lemmon and Amanda Cheetham in the Klevstad Pavillion at 4pm in below freezing temperatures.

The ground covered in a sheet of white, above the water hovered a blanket of mist, and people were bundled from toe tip to nose tip hoping to keep out some of the cold. You can count on the fact that I had a few extra layers hidden under my bunad and I also donned my Norwegian sweater.

The band and choirs were unable to make it due to the inclement weather, the viking ship sprung a leak, the bonfire had to be covered in a blue tarp until the official "lighting" and the town Christmas tree was only 2/3 lit. But despite so many setbacks and slush covered streets there was a pile of people there to watch, Sons of Norway Carolers, darling children dressed in everything from Norwegian bunads to snow coats and mittens, and of course the beautiful Lucia Bride was there as well. Our host opened the evening and we immediately began the festivities. I shared briefly about the Miss Poulsbo program and Molly got to introduce herself including the fun fact that after 53 years of Miss Poulsbo's and over 10 years of having little sisters, Molly is the first Miss Poulsbo's little sister to come along side "her Miss" and wear a bunad too.Then we danced around the traditionally decorated Chrsitmas Tree. I had to watch the children and Carolers around me to catch on, but boy was it a blast. My "magic hand" was even instrumental in lighting the town tree.

I was delighted to carry a 2 year old girl, bundled in a snow suit, during some of the dancing and then later I got to join hands with one of my own 1st graders, pictured below. :)

It was a beautiful, but cold, night and I was honored to be asked to become apart of the tradition. I can't wait until next year, I'll be front and center to see Miss Poulsbo 2008 light the tree in the very same bunad I wore this year. What a wonderful town we live in that is so rich with tradition.

Uffda, time for bed. I have a classroom full of first graders, who are full of energy and waiting for their teacher to join in, and that is just a few short hours away. Thanks for reading.

Blessings, Alex Duchemin

"a home town gal"

My Prayers go out to a grieving family.

This past June I had the privilege of watching Lindsay Casmaer win the title of Miss Missouri 2008 and if you recall the blog she was who I had "chosen" to win. :) http://www.missmissouri.org/

The Missouri Pageant has been a highlight of my year as Miss Poulsbo. The program coordinators were welcoming and gracious and I certainly had a chance to grow closer to Miss Kitsap 2007 Megan Hornbuckle.

I also got to see over 20 incredible ladies compete in 4 nights of preliminaries and a final night of competition. The show was incredible and the competition stiff.

Among those competing was Abigail Scott. She performed a vocal talent and her platform centered around mentoring. Visit http://www.missmissouri.org/ for more information. I am sad to report that just this past week Abigail was killed in a tragic car crash at the young age of 21. Below is her obituary and those who are a part of the Miss America Organization family if you would like to extend your condolences you can visit the website at http://www.timeformemory.com/fh_obituary.cfm. I remember watching her compete and it breaks my heart to hear of her death. I am praying for her immediate and extended family, along with her fiancé as they grieve this incredible loss. I just wanted to memorialize her here as well. Thank you for reading.

Abigail Scott 1986 - 2007

My prayers are with you Patrick Kohler and Scott family.
Blessings, Alex Duchemin

Abigail L. Scott Click for Condolences Printable Version1986 - 2007 ABIGAIL L. SCOTT Abigail L. Scott, age 21, of Kahoka, MO, died Tuesday, November 20, 2007, the result of an automobile accident one mile east of Bethany, MO. Abby was born September 30, 1986, at Wayne, NE, the oldest child of Mike and Sue Shepherd Scott.

Survivors include her parents, Mike and Sue Scott of Kahoka, MO; brother, Michael Scott, a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; a sister, Elsa Scott of Kahoka, MO; grandmothers, Lorna Shepherd of Ainsworth, IA and Arlene Scott of Fort Dodge, IA; aunts and uncles: Robert Shepherd and Tom Shepherd, both of Washington, IA, Bill and Kitty Shepherd of Knoxville, IA, Dick and Deb Shepherd of Washington, IA, Rick and Sue Scott of Otho, IA, Craig and Paula Scott of Hudsonville, MI, Cindy and Leo Frehse of Sturgis, SD, and great uncle George Hart of New Berlin, IL; as well as cousins and other relatives. Abby was planning to marry Patrick Kohler of Belton, MO, in the future.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Robert “Shep” Shepherd and Ernest E. Scott. Education and the fine arts were an important part of her life. Before she was in grade school, she was involved in theater, music and drama as well as sports and academic activities. She transferred to Clark Co. R-1 High School her senior year from Fremont, Nebraska when her parents purchased The Media in Kahoka. At Clark Co. R-1, she was a member of the Campus Bowl, Choir, Show Choir, Band, Tall Flags, Pep Band, Track and Cross-Country, Drama Club and recipient of the ACT Award.

At Fremont High School in Fremont, Nebraska, Abby was active in Student Government, band and choir, and competed on the swimming and diving team. She enjoyed target archery and technical rock climbing. She also loved working with animals as a volunteer for the Dodge County Humane Society and through an Explorer program at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. She was a 2004 Clark County R-1 Honor graduate and graduated from Southeast Iowa Community College at Keokuk. Abby was currently a senior Political Science Major at Northwest State University in Maryville, MO, where she was also a member of the ROTC Sweethearts.

Abby was the Clark County Coordinator for the Big Bros. and Big Sisters and worked at the Clark County License Office when she was home. The past year she had been employed by the Maryville Chamber of Commerce and License Bureau.

She was the 2003-2004 Old Settler’s Queen and the current Miss Northeast Missouri, and competed in the Miss Missouri Pageant in June, 2007. She was active in the Church of the Nazarene in Keokuk and participated in church choirs and theater since she was a little girl. She had been in several of the Great River Player productions in Keokuk. Abby loved sunflowers, collecting “Cow Parade" cows and a good political debate. Her family had a special love for each other.

Funeral services were held Saturday, November 24, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Kahoka with Rev. Kenneth Beckmann and Pastor Dana Jurgensen officiating. Burial was in the Kahoka Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Abby Scott Memorial Scholarship, Great River Players, or the Keokuk (IA) Church of the Nazarene.




"The prayers and sympathy of the Miss Missouri Organization go out to the family and friends of Abigail Scott. Abigail competed in the 2007 Miss Missouri Pageant as Miss Northeast Missouri. "

Holidays...

I love the holidays and I could not be more delighted to be a part of the Yule Log lighting that is taking place in downtown this weekend. Saturday at 3pm (December 1st) I will be at the Klevstad Pavillion to help light the Yule log. Come visit me and my little sister Molly Lemmon and enjoy the festivities. Downtown is looking so festive, especially with a cup of coffee in hand and with a visit to Santa's hut under your belt. Oh... and don't forget to drop off your letter to Santa!

This is a picture of my staff at Christ the King Academy. I feel so lucky to be working with these wonderful people this Holiday Season, it was certainly something I am thankful for. Enjoy and I will write more again soon.

Check out this other link, or see the blog from earlier today. See if you can spot (Miss Whatcom County 05 - Alex Duchemin) me getting my groove on. :)

I am pictured with Miss Whatcom County 07 - Alli McComas Miss Whatcom County 06 - Janet Harding and Miss Whatcom County 04 - Tina Faulkner

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9636749534

Blessings, your Miss Poulsbo 2007, Alex Duchemin

Who said beauty queens don't have fun?

Check this out...

In 2005 I was part of an incredible Miss America Scholarship Program in Whatcom County. I made some of my closest friends, and grew a great deal. Many people ask me how I was ready for this year. How I did so well? How did I know I wanted to compete again?

Well it is because of a program with incredible committee members who are committed, a local director who cared about me and a community that embraced me in Whatcom County.

This is a fun holiday treat Coming to you from Miss Whatcom County 2005 - Alex Duchemin (Currently Miss Poulsbo 2007)

Who said beauty queens don't have any fun.

Check out Miss Whatcom County 07 - Alli McComas
Miss Whatcom County 06 - Janet Harding
Miss Whatcom County 05 - Alex Duchemin
and Miss Whatcom County 04 - Tina Faulkner

Just havin' a bit of fun.
Hope your Holiday Season is bright and full of cheer!

We got elfed. Check it out by clicking the link below.
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9636749534
This elfin' greeting brought to you by OfficeMax®.

It just made me smile.

The school year is off to a grand start!

Well here I am, having written very little in the past months, wondering where to start. I've had several "avid blog readers" ask for a post, so here it is, to satiate the need. :) A bit of my life.

My school and classroom is my second home and I could not ask for a better family. They have embraced me and I have truly found my place.

I will begin with the biggest and the best "detail" of my life. I have started my career! And in the middle of pageant madness it is stable, rejuvenating, and exactly where God wanted me.
I am a first grade teacher at Christ the King Academy with the greatest group of children I could have asked for.

I am not "Miss Poulsbo" to them; instead I am "Miss Duchemin" their teacher and very little has ever felt this good or satisfying in my entire life.

I get to school each morning with a renewed sense that I am doing what God created me to do. I think back to "college days" when I was lonely and wondering what would come next for me. I remember days where I would go without being hugged and I'd think to myself, you are supposed to get at least 10 hugs a day, and here I am with not a single one. Now, I get at least 15 hugs a day from 15 first grade friends.

My family (pictured here is three generations on my mother's side) have been a huge support and even lend a helping hand, on a regular basis, in my classroom. Mrs. McGuire and Mrs. Duchemin (my aunt and mother) are absolutely adored by the students.

Miss Poulsbo adventures are great, and the best part is being with my "Miss Poulsbo's little sister" Molly Lemmon. She has grown almost a foot since we met last Spring, and she is the most wonderful addition to my life. The other added bonus is my friend Megan Hornbuckle, Miss Kitsap 2007, who has been like a life ring in the middle of a rampant sea.
We have learned so much, and have made a great team. Whoever it was that first emphasized to me that the young women who were selected as Miss Kitsap and Miss Poulsbo must be team players, was absolutely correct. We are a team and need each other.
We took a break after Miss Washington and did very few appearances. With the holiday season fast approaching, we have done a select few events.

We recently served at the Martha and Mary Heritage Gala and here we are pictured with Mayor Kathryn Quade sporting our fabulous red dresses and Megan with a new doo. :) It was a black and white affair and boy did Megan and I serve as the cherry on top the sundae.

I was also recently an honored guest at the First Lutheran Church's lutefisk luncheon last weekend. I was accompanied by Tina Lemmon (Molly's mom) and Miss Molly Lemmon herself. No, we did not taste lutefisk, but we got to sample some mean Swedish meatballs.

Next weekend there is the Sons of Norway Lutefisk dinner and soon after that I get to be a part of the Yule Log lighting ceremony in downtown Poulsbo.

Many want to know, "What of Miss Washington?" "How was the experience?" and to be honest all I can say is read the blogs from those days. It was a dream come true and even better the second time around.

I made wonderful friends and we have an incredible Miss Washington. AND Miss America will be on TLC this year! That is exciting news. I want to emphasize that having started my first teaching job, I am almost completely debt free and that is only after earning over $16,000 from the Miss America Organization. Please if you know a young woman who might be interested, or even really skeptical, feel free to pass on my email. misspoulsbo2007@gmail.com Encourage her to visit the Miss Poulsbo website, or even the Miss Washington website for other counties where she may be eligible. This experience will can be life changing.

Life changing is... having bought a home... living near famlily... having started a life... HERE in Poulsbo. I am so lucky to call this home. I am near the ones I love and get to see them every day. Friday nights are full of walks in downtown, movies at the local theatre and dinner with extended family.

This weekend we brought in the holiday season with a Pumpkin Party, good food, a trip to the Pumpkin Patch and great friends.

I am so blessed to call Poulsbo my home and am proud to represent this incredible community. It is time to wrap up, but I long for our community to know that there is a proud young woman out there, singing its praises to anyone who will listen.

I hope this rambling is a bit satisfying for those looking for "the scoop" and if not, I will be back! I will have more to share and I'd love to continue my musings another day.
Thanks for following my tangents and know that this is my pleasure. Leave comments, ask questions, this is a forum for anyone who is interested.

God Bless,
your Miss Poulsbo, a truly local gal.
Alex Duchemin

From Miss Poulsbo to Miss Duchemin

Rom 408 here I come!

Welcome to Miss Duchemin's first grade class! That's right, I got a teaching job at Christ the King Academy and I start August 27th. I am collecting things for my classroom now and as soon as I am done working at the coffee stand on August 15th I will set to work on my room.
If you have any children's books, shelves, school supplies or educational games/posters, or really anything along those lines let me know! I am certainly a great charity case and my first graders will appreciate it!

Pillows, bean bags, dressups... I had to change my entire mindset from 4th-6th grade thinking to 1st grade thinking so I am in need of all kinds of things.

I can't believe I am teacher! It is quite the responsiblity. I feel a bit like a deer in the headlights. I give a parent orientation on August 30th and students are in school on September 4th. What do I say? What will my morning routines be? How do I start?

What an adventure. I would love to hear your favorite school memories or things your favorite teachers did. Do help!

Blessings,

Alex - or should I say "Miss Duchemin"

Things are settling down...

Well, things are finally starting to settle down. With Miss Washington completed; a trip to George, WA for Creation Music Festival; and some days at work under my belt I am starting to feel semi-normal again.



I still need to settle into my new home a bit more and spend some quality time with those I love, so that they no longer feel neglected; but I am truly seeing the light at the end of this pageant tunnel.



I am looking forward to 9 months as Miss Poulsbo; continuing with North Kitsap Adapted Aquatics; and fulfilling other "said duties", but I am really looking forward to LIFE!



I am applying for teaching jobs for this fall and praying that God will provide, believing in faith that it is all in his hands.



Plus I just started a new business venture that I am very excited about. I recently, because of pageant, started using Mary Kay products and I am so thrilled to now be an Independent Beauty Consultant with the company.



Interested in a free makeover? Visit me, your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant: Alex Duchemin at www.marykay.com/alexduchemin or email me at alexduchemin@marykay.com



So... as you can see I have a lot of new and exciting things going on in life!

God is good.



Blessings, Alex

Roughin' it and exciting news!

After heading off for a week of "scrubin' it" at camp as a high school counselor and Division Director (overseeing the other high school counselors and campers) I was ready for the real world of showers and looking lovely.

It was wonderful to see old camp friends and during a week full of archery, riflery, horsemanship, and whittling; my class entitled "Princess Party" was a welcomed reprieve for those little girls who just need a bit extra attention. We made princess crafts (foam crowns and door hangers), painted picture frames that included a print of them wearing one of my three crowns. They had tea parties, learned Princess Principles, performed a song for the camp entitled "Aristocrats," and memorized verses that taught us, "He is the King of kings and Lord of lords" and that we are "Children of God" therefore we are "Daughters of the King" and "that makes us princesses".

Our Princess Principles were as follows:
1. Princesses always say, "thank you."
2. Princesses love God and love people.
3. Princesses are always polite.
4. Princesses try everything once.
5. Princesses share of themselves.

The girls were delighted to get to see and wear my crowns and they believed the highlight was getting my autograph.

What a delight to get to share my title and experience with young ladies in that way.

I also did a wonderful appearance at a retirement center in Moses Lake with Miss Moses Lake, Sara Rosborough (our 2007 Miss Congeniality), Elizabeth Lamb-Ferro, Miss Spokane, and my teammate Megan Hornbuckle, Miss Kitsap. We performed for them, including my Miss Poulsbo talent, a bilingual monologue called, "The Coat of Many Colors" and my Miss Washington piece a vocal performance entitled, "All For You" from Seussical the Musical. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the performances and receiving autographs. Sara's adopted grandmother was there wearing a crown and sporting a photograph of Sara on her walker. What a priceless opportunity. Thank you to the group in Moses Lake for setting it up.

We then headed to see Charlotte Smith - Miss Tri Cities 2006 and 3rd runner up to Miss Washington - give up her title. She wowed us with vocal performances (The Star Spangled Banner, a Rascal Flatts song, and my favorite "Legacy" by Nicole Nordeman) along with her Miss Washington violin performance. She was an incredible Miss Tri Cities and will go so far no matter what she puts her mind to.

Congratulations to the new Miss Tri Cities, whose name escapes me at this moment, she is a well deserving, eloquent, graceful, and talented (saxophone player) young woman. I look forward to watching you compete at state next year!

Now that I am back to reality I was going through mail and found a letter from Miss America.
It read, "Alexander, congratulations on being the recipient of the Miss America Community Service Scholarship..."

Now if you watched Miss Washington you would understand my confusion at receiving this letter. My well-deserving friend Tina Faulkner had been awarded this scholarship on the Miss Washington stage that night. She has worked in her platform for over 5 years so of course her being given this award came as no surprise to me.

After getting the letter I contacted the state Executive Director for clarification. She relayed to me that I had actually won the award. The state will still award Tina the $1,000 but I was thrilled to find out that I was actually chosen by the Miss America Scholarship board as the recipient of this incredible honor.

Going into the experience the community service award is the one award that I truly desired to win. It is an honor because it is awarded from a national board but also because of why you receive the award. I submitted an essay about my platform, "Unifying the Differently Abled: Adapted Aquatics" and two letters of recommendation. One came from a member of the North Kitsap School Board who had helped me secure the location for my North Kitsap Adapted Aquatics Program and the other from a Red Cross Coordinator who came and trained my volunteers.

The letters were so generous and spoke of the ladies faith in my program and in what we are accomplishing here in Kitsap County to "Unify the Differently Abled."

I am so incredibly honored to have received this award and congratulate Tina Faulkner on all she has done for her "Big Brothers - Big Sisters" platform in her community.

To view all the other awards given visit http://misswashington.org/miss_site/finalists_winners.asp

I will be in the Silverdale Whaling Days parade this weekend and looking forward to heading to Creation Music Festival in George, Washington this week as well. A bit more "roughin' it" while camping and hearing some fabulous music!


Blessings to all, Alex Duchemin

miss washington

Onstage Question

miss washington

Swimwear competition

Miss Washington Overview

I can't believe it has taken me this long to sit down to a computer and update you all on my "Miss Washington Experience".

Below are photos beginning at arrival (the photo includes Miss WA 2006 Kristen Eddings and the top 3 contestants for this year. Miss WA 2007 Elyse Umemoto, 1st runner up and sweetheart representative Tina Faulkner and myself 2nd runner up)

That’s right! I walked away this year with the Swimsuit award, People’s Choice, and the title of 2nd runner up!

God is so good. He knew exactly the way it was supossed to be. Tina Faulkner deserved to have the chance to go to Sweeper and is my dear friend. She was Miss Whatcom County 2004 and crowned me Miss Whatcom County 2005.

Our new Miss WA 2006 Elyse Umemoto will do our state proud. She gives credit where it is due, is flexible and gracious, and is absolutely beautiful. I know that God has great things in store for her this year.

The week was a whirlwind and I cannot believe it is over. I am now preparing for a week at camp and had a job interview for a 1st grade position at the local private school. Be praying, I need a teaching job.

You will see photos from the first and second night of competition, visitation after Friday night’s competition, and the gala after the final night.

The two opening numbers were “Dream Girls,” and “One Night Only” and you see me pictured below in both.

Here are 3 of the Top Ten - Myself, Kelly Backous and Shannon Touhy as we await the announcement of the Top Five. Shannon and I were both named to the top 5 so in these moments I was simply reminding myself, “I am in His hands, and His will will prevail.”

A huge difference this year from the last time I competed at state, or even for my local title was that I was not nervous. Literally I walked out onto stage calmly and ready for whatever might happen. I truly wanted to be Miss Washington this year but the Lord had something better. I walked away with no regrets and certainly no disappointment. I get to remain as Miss Poulsbo and pursue new endeavors.

Here are some clips from the swimsuit and interview portion of the first night of competition.

Pageantry has served it’s purpose in my life. I am a more finished and well-rounded person, I have so many connections, many new friendships and have made $15,000 in scholarships. I am left with only $1,000 left to pay off in student loans after 5 years of college!

Thank you to family and friends and committee members who showed up to support me, I have never felt more loved and supported.

Thank you to my sponsors EHL insurance, Signature Mortgage, Premetco (Jack Archer), and the anonymous Rotarian who shall remain anonymous. J

All your generosity, the way you gave of your time, energy and resources is remarkable.
I truly had the time of my life and thoroughly enjoyed the ride!

Thank you.
My love, and His Blessings,
Alex Duchemin

Talent Rehearsal on Thursday!

Let's meet our Dream Girls - My face was at least 3 times my actual height.

Opening Dance Number - Dream Girls

I did my onstage question first, then talent.

To view my onstage question visit - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gksKqRDHO-M

Intermission and then 2nd half opener - "One Night Only"

During the second half of Friday night I competed in evening gown and swimwear.

To view my swimwear competition from Friday night visit - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gksKqRDHO-M

Beta Swimwear Winner!

And the preliminary awards go to...

Left - Heather Liable - Alpha Swimwear Winner

Devanni Partridge - Alpha Talent Winner

Liz Lamb-Ferro (and not pictured Charlotte Smitth) - Beta Talent Winner

Alex Duchemin - Beta Swimwear Winner.

After Friday night they had a visitation and Ben brough Ipa to visit.

Swimwear trophy and flowers! YAHOO!

Molly my pageant little sister even stayed up late to see me.

Ben came out in his matching pageant attire.

Megan and I - Teammates and friends for life.

Saturday night of competition - Opening numbers

Top Ten was announced and we competed in swimwear, eveningwear, and talent.

Then after intermission brought back to hear...

The TOP FIVE announced.
I was chosen as top five which meant I then answered an onstage question.

Mine was about a great disappointment in my life... easy one compared to immigration reform, gas prices, and inappropriate internet pictues

Kristen sang "It is Well" and performed beautifully.

What a wonderful Miss Washington she was.

After all phases of competition were done awards were announced and I was selected as the "People's Choice" winner and received $1375 in cash.

Then the TOP FIVE came forward to be announced

4th runner up - Shannon Touhy - Miss Pierce County

3rd runner up - Charlotte Smith - Miss Tri-Cities

2nd runner up - Alex Duchemin - Miss Poulsbo

1st runner up - Tina Faulkner - Miss Columbia

and the new Miss Washington 2007 is

Miss Seattle - Elyse Umemoto

Then the gala event... being escorted by my father Michael Duchemin and my awards were announced by volunteer and board member Mike Miller

They played our song - Fresh Prince of Belair

The grandmas.

We're done.

What a finish!

Dress Rehearsal

Written on July 6, 2007 at 8:57am about
July 5, 2007

Yesterday’s pace really picked up. We started the morning quarantined (The Beta Group that is) while the Alpha group prepared for interview. We headed off to the Farmer’s Market where we shopped (I bought cherries) and signed autographs.

I even met two little girls from Poulsbo. Their picture is posted here. Their grandparents go to Christ Memorial Church do they knew some family!

Then we headed back to our rooms where I took a nap and prepared for interview. After getting ready physically once I went to the first holding room I got my mouth going (talked a bunch) with Bev White and then in the second holding room I prayed with Sara Rosborough and Elyse Ummemoto the only two contestants after me. I also listened to some worship songs that were a great reminder that this is all in God’s hands and far beyond what I can do on my own.

I spent time giving my heart and dreams back to him and by the time I entered the interview room I was ready.

I came out feeling fabulous! I answered all their questions, had them laughing and nailed my closing statement. They know me a bit better now and have a glimpse into my heart for children, the Children’s Miracle Network partnership and also my opinion on some major issues.

After interviews we were hurried off to dress rehearsal where, as usual, there was a lot of “hurry up and wait”. We got through our talents twice and the whole show once so it was a success.

I feel ready, and today we have some rehearsal, lunch with our directors and then off to the show for hair and makeup.

The show begins at 7:30 and you can count on the fact that I will be ready.

Look forward to seeing all of you at the ball afterwards.
Blessings, Alex