It's almost time...

Last night was our send off party and it was very special. So many sponsors, family members, and friends showed up to support us.

Megan and I modeled our competition wardrobes and some outfits from our week at the Tacoma Sheraton.

For those of you who are wondering what that week will look like... here goes...

Sunday we arrive and get settled in our rooms form 9:30-10:30
11:30 is the Arrival Ceremony and the Miss WA luncheon where all the past Miss Washington's perform. And then they put us right to work learning the dances.

Monday - Wednesday is spent rehearsing and learning dances in the hotel ballrooms and at the Pantageous Theatre.

We also make an appearance at Children's Hospital and have a dinner with the board of directors.

On the Fourth of July we get released to our parents for most of the day. My folks and I, along with Ben and my sister Tonie are going on a behind the scenes tour of Point Defiance Zoo. It was opened up to contestants and their family and friends as a sponsored event! We will have dinner and enjoy the fourth together. I may try to get a tanning session in too since we are sequestered at the hotel all week. Rub on tan just is not the same. :)

Then on Thursday we have our judges’ interview. Mine is near the very end. I am contestant 20 of 22. So when the morning group is interviewing my group (Beta) will be at the farmer's market) then we will come back to the hotel and I will have a bit of rest time before my interview.

Thursday night consists of the dress rehearsal and in my past experience the atmosphere and the competitiveness all changes after the interviews on Thursday. The ladies get down to business.

Friday we rehearse and all 22 young ladies compete in the preliminary night.

Saturday is rehearsals and the final night of competition. All the ladies perform the opening number and introduce themselves. Then immediately following they announce the top ten who step forward and get ready to compete. They also announce the Miss America Community Service and Academic Awards and "non-finalist talent".

The top ten compete in swimwear, eveningwear and talent. Then they return in their business suits and the top 5 are announced. They top 5 compete in on-stage question and then the judges use a ballot voting system to select the new Miss Washington 2007!

It will be an exciting week and event. In 2005 when I went as Miss Whatcom County I placed in the top ten and got people's choice. So far I have made $11,000 in scholarships and I am always looking to increase that number. I hope to finish paying off my B.A. from Western and have some money for graduate school when I finish on July 8th.

Thank you for all your support and well wishes, your prayers for contentedness and a sense of peace are welcomed.

Blessings - Look forward to your comments.
Alex

Adapted Aquatics in Full Swing!

We are on our third week of the pilot program for North Kitsap Adapted Aquatics and it has been a huge success.

I have participants enrolled ranging in age from 5 to 87! Below are some shots of my oldest participant during her swim time with Volunteer Mike!

Enjoy. And if you'd like more info on the program visit our web page at http://www.nkaaweb.com/ .

We will begin another session later this summer!

Program Coordinator - Alex Duchemin with Participant Joy and Volunteer Mike - giving directions as "usual". :)

Play time - 87 and shooting hoops. What a gal!

Exercise.

Socialization.
All done - and boy is it rewarding for everyone.

Thanks for visiting the blog, blessings. Alex

Vote for a Fourpoints Cover Model

There is a competition for the Fourpoints (Pageant Magazine) for the next issue's cover model.

While in Missouri we met and watched Madison Burke compete for Miss Missouri's outstanding teen.

She placed in the top five and was absoultely wonderful. She made it into the top five for the competition for Fourpoints.

Vote for her! :)
http://www.fourpointsmagazine.com/covermodel/vote.asp

Thanks for reading, Alex

And the new Miss Missouri 2007 is....

On June 10th at an "oh so ugly hour of the morning," Megan, Michele and I headed off to Mexico, Missouri.

Michele my director was judging the Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen Program so Megan and I went along for the ride.

The gist of the 4 day adventure was something I never thought I would ever say, "I was pageanted out." :)

We attended the teen program in the afternoon and then headed to the Miss program at night. We got lucky and the weather was, "cool" and did not exceed 90 degrees. I have no idea how the contestants stayed so lovely through the entire program. The "gymtorium" at the Mexico Military Academy was not air conditioned. And even with my battery operated fan, disguised as a pink "razor" cell phone I was more than toasty. Makeup remained in solid form, and hair was at it's fullest despite the humidity and heat.

We watched the new Miss Missouri 2007 Lindsay Casmaer and the new Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen 2007 Mary Bauer be crowned and it was exhilarating. I will admit I had picked Lindsay as my favorite from the first time I saw her on the website and Megan (Miss Kitsap can vouch for that). She had to hear about all the reasons why I loved Lindsay all week long. And then... she WON! :) I felt like I won myself.

I got to meet some of Lindsay's family and even got my photo taken with her. The Miss Missouri crew was wonderful, including Kay Lea the Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen Executive Director who welcomed us with open arms, and of course gave some fabulous insight and advice.

I even got to perform my talent during the teen program. What practice. Thank you Kay Lea for making a space in your program lineup for me.

Overall the week was priceless, I got to know my counterpart - Megan Hornbuckle Miss Kitsap 2007 - even better. We have been friends for almost 10 years with some year apart as we pursued lives beyond Kitsap but we were destined to experience this together and I am lucky to have found a friend in Megan.

On a side note I saw fireflies for the first time! And we discovered Sonic (the burger joint). I couldn't get enough of their strawberry limeade! We also hit up Dillard’s before we headed to the airport and found some incredible steals. Let's just say my wardrobe about tripled!
We had a wonderful time, and is usual on one of these "pageant adventures" I learned a lot about myself.

Here are some photos for your perusal. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts, Alex Duchemin

** Can you guess how many outfits Megan and I wore while in Missouri? **



The teammates at Miss Missouri 2007 in Mexico, Missouri!
Night 2 of the Miss pageant. I got labeled the "lady in red" by Miss Missori 2005's Dad! :)

Night 3 of the Miss Pageant - told you there were many outfits involved. :) We got to meet Danielle a Children's Miracle Child with Children's Miracle Network and hear her story. She was a "little sister" at the program this year and brought me to tears multiple times.

After Night 2. We loved "The Sonic" and here I am posing after a long day of "pageanting" with the menu, we ate here multiple times and the folks at Sonic thought we were a bit crazy.

Parade Day (4) - With Jack one of the teen judges from New York!

Lindsay Casmaer - As Miss River City 2007 with her little sister in the parade, just hourse before she was selected Miss Missouri 2007.

Intermission on Night 4 - The Final night!


Us with Miss Missouri 2006 and Miss Arkansas 2006 - Just after the show.

They were the "Dream Girls."

Here we are with Lindsay after the show. Congrats and thank you for spending some of your time with us.

Megan and me with Mary Bauer - Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen 2007. Congrats Mary!

Signing off. Look forward to hearing from you. Alex

The Calendar of Events thus far...

What does Miss Poulsbo do?

From March 24th until today July 15th...

March 24th - Crowned Miss Poulsbo 2007 http://www.misspoulsbomisskitsap.org/

Brenna Gardner-Brown Miss Poulsbo 2006 crowned me and Molly joined in.

Go "Team Lemmon and Lime!"

What a night. I made $6,000 in scholarships.

$5,000 for winning Miss Poulsbo

and 5 seperate $200 scholarships.
Living the Platform, Ruby Watland Community Service, Academic, Best Interview, and People's Choice!

March 25 - The day after I was crowned we had our first appearnace. Megan Hornbuckle, Miss Kitsap 2007 and a dear friend and I headed off to a Martha and Mary Auction and Luncheon where we got to meet Cisco and get some great gardening tips.

March 28 - meet with director to discuss game plan

March 31 and April 1 - Two days of Sweeper pageants where the last four girls are heading to state were selected.

Miss Columbia - Tina Faulkner

Miss Ranier - Roby Southard (my roommate while at state)

Miss Olympic - Sarah Starr

Miss Cascade - Angelica Lewis

April 6 - Host the Miss Kitsap Fair and Stampede Interview Workshop and volunteer training

April 11 - Chamber of Commerce Luncheon and clothes fitting

*** This was a highlight because it was my first official appearance in the Norwegian bunad. Here I am pictured heading to the luncheon holding my dog Ipa! ***

April 12 - Molly and I watched the first runner up to Miss Poulsbo - Erin Bartlett - and Holly Wasson in the Princess and the Pea.

April 14 - Miss Kitsap Fair and Stampede program. I got to perform my talent and see a dear friend compete. Well done ladies!

April 20 - Children's Miracle Network Luncheon and Fashion Show with the Port Ludlow Guild.

April 21 - Rotary Garage Sale where Megan and I served Hot dogs from 1-4

April 21 - Bainbridge Island Wildlife Auction where I have never seen more money raised in one sitting and certainly never had to work harder. 5-10pm

April 21- Aaron Wasson's birthday where Megan and I appeared as Bond Girls 10pm-12am

April 24 - I turned 23 years old!

April 26 - My second voice lesson

April 26- Official Crown Photos taken by Hudson's in Bremerton!

April 27th - Miss Viking Fest pageant where Whitney Gleeb was selected. My pageant little sister Molly wore her bunad, that matches mine, for the first time. We look like sisters for sure! :) We were chaperoned by Amanda and her daughter Anna and had declicious food at Red Robin afterwards!

April 28th - Lion's Fishing Derby with Molly 10-Noon

April 28th - Rotary Auction 6pm-Midnight

This was one of the most meaningful events we have done. They raised over $30,000 in one bidding frenzy alone for scholarships for NK High School Students. They raised over $90,000 and Hugh and Brenda purchased Megan and I for an appearance for $1,000 and this was matched by another donor as well!

May 1 - I bought my first home this past month and May 1st was move in day!

May 3 - Volunteer Orientation in Seattle

May 3 - Train my initial group of volunteers for North Kitsap Adapted Aquatics. For more information about the program I started here in Kitsap County visit http://www.nkaaweb.com/ .

May 4 - Lion's White Cane Days - fundraising at Central Market

May 4 - 6 Spring Forum where I met all the other contestants and performed my Vocal Performance of "All for You" from Seussical the Musical or the first time!

May 9 - Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

May 9 - Receive the "Key to the City" from Mayor Quade at the City Council Meeting

May 11 - My sister graduated from her Alaska Airlines Training Program! Congrats Toni.

May 12 - Sequim Irrigation Parade with Molly and Megan. We saw Mrs. Porter with the Daffodil Queens. (She is Momma WA 2005 - The mother of Allison Porter Miss Washington 2005)

May 14 - Meet with Sharon Rosengreen a past Miss Washington for a makeup consultation

May 17 - Lion's Club meeting

May 17 - After Hours at Viking Bank

** I got to perform my talent at both events! **

May 18 - Rotary with Jack Archer

Jack and Karen have been incredible supporters of me since before I became Miss Poulsbo. Jack helped me get a program at the Poulsbo Rotary when I was just a contestant and since then has continued to support me and help make this process extra special. Thank you Karen and Jack!

May 18 - Arrival Ceremony for Viking Fest were I met two families who wanted to get involved with North Kitsap Adapted Aquatics! I also got to see the newly remodeled, and soon to be opened, Marine Science Center. The Mayor, Miss Viking Fest court, and I got to cut the "Grand Opening Ribbon"!

May 19 - Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast where Molly and I made and served pancakes to hundreds of hungry festival goers.

May 19 - Armed Forces Day Parade in Bremerton

May 19 - Viking Fest Parade

May 19 - Viking Fest Fireworks Show

May 24 - Volunteer Training in Seattle

May 25 - Another voice lesson!

May 26 - Car Wash to raise money for our trip to "Mizzourah"

May 27 - Miss Washington Outstanding Teen Pageant

Stephanie Range MWOT 2006 crowned the new MWOT 2007 Genay Tucker from Greater Vancouver. Congrats Genay! You will be incredible at Nationals in Orlando, Florida!

May 29 - Fitness Assessment with Personal Trainer - GREAT NEWS!

May 30 - Tuberculosis Test 1 for Volunteer Work

June 1 and 2 - Trip to Bellingham

June 2 - Mobility Project Gala Event - Auction

June 4 - Volunteer work in the Therapy Pool

June 5 - Voice lesson

June 6-10 Miss Missouri Pageant and Miss Missouri Outstanding Teen Pageant

Congrats Mary Bauer Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen 2007 and Miss Missouri 2007 Lindsay Casmaer

June 11 - Tuberculosis Test 2 for Volunteer work

June 11 - Interview with North Kitsap Herald

June 11 - Volunteer in the Therapy Pool

June 11 - Fitting

June 12 - Voice Lesson

June 12 - Training Sesson with Personal Trainer

June 13 - Tuberculosis Test 2 for volunteer work

June 13 - Mock Interview #1

June 14 - Week One with new participants at North Kitsap Adapted Aquatics!

June 15 - Vinland Elementary Family Field Day with Little Sister Molly.

(More photos to come! :) )

Thank you for viewing!

Alex Duchemin

16 days until departure!

The far away family and friends have been asking for a way to know what adventures I have had, and am having as Miss Poulsbo 2007.

It seems so strange to me that all I am doing would be of interest, but I will admit... being Miss Poulsbo has been a great adventure with plenty to tell.

The day I became Miss Poulsbo I graduated from Western Washington University and by the look on my face, you can tell how overwhelmed I was. In fact someone once said, "She looks like she swallowed a fly." And that is about how I felt.

The process began that night. I started substitute teaching two days later and set to work on my appearances the very next day. My pageant little sister Molly and her mother were at my very first appearance which was at the beautiful Kiana Lodge for a fundraiser for Martha and Mary.Molly and me just after the momment I was crowned!

I will never get used to the unending support this community continues to extend to me. People have given of themselves and their time to be a part of this process with me.

The arrival ceremony for Miss Washington is in 16 days at the Tacoma Sheraton. We have a week of rehearsals and appearances and then the competition is on July 6th and 7th at the Pantageous Theatre in Tacoma. If you'd like to see the other young ladies who are competing visit the Miss Washington Website at http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=116264BFD43E14&e=364155

What does my pageant preparation consist of for Miss Washington? I am working on current events, I had my first of three mock interviews this past Wednesday, I am working out with a trainer who is literally working my tail off, volunteering with my platform and beyond, fundraising for Children's Miracle Network, and then of course preparing a wardrobe and an overall "look" for my return to Miss Washington.

If you are interested in finding out more about the partnership with Children's Miracle Network and my fundraising efforts, visit my website at http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=116264BFD43E14&e=364155 .

I was in the local newspaper on July 13th you can read that article at http://www.northkitsapherald.com/ . There are so many events that I have already missed writing about, but I plan to get some photos and tidbits posted.

I have already had the chance to learn and grow so much, what an opportunity this has been.
Hope you enjoy reading, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Blessings, Alex Duchemin