Dear Friends,
From Tulips to Fashion - I had an incredible week! After serving as the Grand Marshall of the Holland, Michigan Tulip Time Festival, I caught fashion fever! I just left Cleveland after a full week of fashion fun; from meeting with 14 local designers to speaking to the fashion forward media representatives, it has been insightful looking at the fashion world from the inside. I was thrilled to be a part of Fashion Week, Cleveland, and have the opportunity to participate in one of Cleveland’s biggest fashion shows! It was Black Tie Gala on Saturday where I was able to perform, and watch the final VIP fashion show, where Tad Boetcher launched his new line…. he is a Kent State Alum, living in New York, who created Bill by Bill Blass. His new line is called tad b, and will be available at Lord and Taylor and Dillard’s across the country! And what a nice person he is! It is always so encouraging to meet genuinely kind people with pure motives, in any business. (But before leaving Cleveland, I did have some time to visit the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame and that too, was so much fun. So much history and since my passion as you know, is music, I loved checking out all of the memorabilia and exhibits within this very unique museum.)
I also had the opportunity to visit the Cleveland University Hospital Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. I visited with the children and toured the facilities that are the temporary home and make the life-saving difference for these remarkable and spirited kids. I was able to just hang out with the patients in their activity room, sign photos and let them wear the crown… then we all made crowns…. decorated and modeled our creations. I have to say, theirs were all a lot cooler than mine. I love to visit these children and it continues to help to inspire me to promote the Children’s Miracle Network because of the incredible work that is being done to help these children who have so much hope. They are truly a blessing to all of us.
Now, you guessed it, more fashion! I jetted off to New York for just a day to personally select and get fitted for my Stephen Yearick gowns. Stephen is a wonderful and talented designer and he will also be doing my Pageant gowns this year! From the dramatic to the dazzling, Stephen is helping me to get ready to make some red carpet statements. And speaking of the red carpet, I just arrived in LA where I am taping for one of TLC’s newest shows, “Who Are You Wearing.” I was asked to be one of the celebrity guests and renown fashion experts for a new show that will debut in July. (Look for your Tune-in alert for that!) This new show will feature me walking the red carpet with a high fashion couture dress, created exclusively for me by a special designer (who hasn’t been revealed yet- I love the suspense). It’s quite an experience to have designers surround you to help you be your best. I am so thrilled to be working on such a fun program and to know that it will debut on TLC, our network partner, is really exciting! The last time I was on TLC - was the moment I was crowned Miss America 2008 - needless to say, that was incredible!
I’m already looking ahead to next week and I’ll fill you in on my trip to Las Vegas which is after LA!
So stayed tuned, I know my travels this month will continue to be full of surprises that I will love to share with you.
Warmest regards,
Kirsten
May 14th, 2008
Dear Friends,
I can’t believe it is May already! The month of April flew by and I have had so little time to write my journal, but before my next series of events begins, I wanted to share some of my travel stories with you!
Since we last caught up, I had the opportunity to perform in Michigan at the National City Stars of Ballet and Broadway. This was a magical weekend, because I had the opportunity to actually perform in the show, singing “Taylor the Latte Boy.” It was so much fun and I think the audience loved it, too! I was in Detroit again and it’s always so much fun to be in my home state and to be surrounded by my friends and family. While I was there, I had the chance to stop by Kalamazoo (yes, that is a real town!) to see my brother Lars perform at Western Michigan University. He was wonderful and I love to see him perform on stage.
Then, I was off to Washington DC for one of the most remarkable events of the year, it was a celebration for the US Army Reserve’s 100th Anniversary! What a thrill to be invited to this event – the day kicked off with a ceremonial photo on the lawn in front of the Capitol where a photographer from PEOPLE Magazine came and photographed the event. It was ceremony for the re-enlistment of 100 soldiers marking the US Army Reserve’s very special day. That evening, I was invited to the Celebration of the Century, escorted by Generals and had the opportunity not only to sing the National Anthem, but to welcome all of the guests. I shared with them my personal story of how my Grandpa served in the Army in WWII and how my Dad also served in the Air Force in Korea and Japan. I was overwhelmed with the emotion of the evening and was seated with some very distinguished soldiers who had recently returned from Iraq. It was a very moving event that touched all of those who were in attendance.
Afterwards, I went back to Lansing, Michigan, our state capital, for an appearance at Michigan State University (Go Spartans!), where I spoke for their Women’s Day event. I spent a bit of time with “Queer Eye For the Straight Guy” ’s Carson Kressley… who was also there to present- it was a whirlwind, and then …once again, I hopped on a plane and few back to DC for another extraordinary event! I was invited to attend a very special Garden brunch with Tammy Haddad, a Miss America Board Member and met with hundreds of celebrities including Greta van Susteren, Alan Greenspan, Tracy Ulman, Chris Matthews and so many others. It was a wonderful event and I was thrilled to meet so many new people.
Then, it was time to get dressed for the red carpet and I was invited to one of the most celebrated events in Washington, dubbed “the Oscars of D.C.” The White House Correspondent’s Dinner. Celebrities like Salman Rushdie, Laura Ingrahm from FOX, Colin Firth, and even the Jonas Brothers! Pamela Anderson, Marcia Cross, Ashlee Simpson and so many other famous faces were there to be a part of this annual event. President Bush spoke and as you probably saw from some of the news clips, showed his humorous side and he was really quite funny! New American citizen and Scottish-born late late night comedian Craig Ferguson was the entertainment for the evening, and the whole event was just surreal. I felt quite honored to have been invited.
On Sunday, I woke up and couldn’t believe the week I had had, but now I was off to Philadelphia, PA, where I would be NBC News 10 and Philadelphia University’s celebrity judge for their version of a Project Runway finale. I then was off to sing the National Anthem at the Philadelphia Soul arena football game, it was different for me and I was happy to be a part of this new sporting event.
On Tuesday, I met with the Mayor of Philadelphia, Mayor Michael Nutter and that was an honor. That evening I was invited to sing the National Anthem again for Philadelphia’s baseball team, the Phillies- and we had so much fun (even though I have to say, I’m a true Pistons fan at heart, and had to cheer on Detroit as they played the Sixers in the NBA playoffs the very same night! As they are 3 and 2 right now.. I am pulling for them to make it to the Eastern Conference finals. DEE-Troit, BASKETBALL! ) and some of the staff members from the national office even showed up to surprise me!
Now, my frequent flier miles are really adding up! Last week, I visited Little Rock, Arkansas to be with the Children’s Miracle Network and over the weekend, I traveled to Chicago, Illinois. Today, I’m back in Michigan for the Holland Tulip Festival and will serve as the Grand Marshall! Its’ been a wonderful month and as I look ahead, the calendar continues to be filled with incredible events to help me promote my personal platform and to continue promoting our wonderful scholarship program.
I want to personally thank you for your continued support – as your Miss America!
Best wishes,
Kirsten
May 5th, 2008
Dear Friends,
I’ve just landed in Boca Raton, Florida! I was here in the Sunshine State only last week, serving as the Grand Marshal of the Honda Grand Prix and gave the legendary command, “Start your engines!” It was a thrill, but unfortunately, the sun didn’t come out and it poured! So, I’m back again, and this time, the sun is shining and I am working with the Children’s Miracle Network.
It has been another incredible week for me as I spent time in Washington, experiencing so many powerful events with the Eating Disorders Coalition. I was invited along with nearly 100 citizens to participate in the EDC’s Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. Our goal was to deliver a very strong message to Congress about the need for legislation dedicated to Eating Disorders. It was a privilege to be a part of this profound event as I continue to promote my personal platform message this year.
This event was created by the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy and Action. Our Lobby Day this year, supported the passage of Mental Health Parity, as well as introduced the Federal Response to Eliminating Eating Disorders (FREED) Act. It will mandate federal funding for Eating Disorders Research, universal standards for treatment as well as insurance coverage, and outreach and prevention programs for all levels of education. Congressmen Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN) co-sponsored Mental Health Parity and I had the opportunity to meet with them. Congressman Kennedy is championing the FREED Act, and we are looking forward to his leadership on this issue in the Senate. I was invited to speak exclusively to the EDC at a reception, and then the next day at a Congressional Briefing. I left feeling inspired to be a part of this wonderful movement and to hopefully make a difference.
After the lobby event, I had time to do some media interviews and also prepare to be in the National Cherry Blossom Parade on Saturday. And even though the forecast was for rain - my float sparkled with a beautiful rainbow that made all of the spectators who lined the paths to the Monument smile as I passed by and waved. I was able to perform “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” along the Parade route which was so much fun!
I loved being in DC and had a chance after the parade to tour some of the most beloved historical sites. I enjoyed every minute of it, even in the rain!
As I look forward to the week ahead, it will be filled with wonderful moments with CMN and then, I’m back to my home state again. I love it - I’ll be in Michigan this weekend where I will get to perform in National City Stars of Ballet and Broadway at the Music Hall in downtown Detroit. What a thrill - every time I have the opportunity to be near my hometown and perform on stage with so many accomplished dancers and performers, it is a blessing!
So, now I’m off to prepare for my next event. But, I will continue to keep you posted on the events and my travels ahead.
I sincerely appreciate your continued support.
All the best,
Kirsten
April 15th, 2008
Dear Friends,
This week has been incredible…I was honored to be asked to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the NBL Home Opener in Detroit! I was certainly anxious to toss the pitch, so I practiced over the weekend and when I threw it, I surprised everyone when it made it to the mound and I nailed a strike! My athletic abilities seemed to take everyone in the stadium by surprise …even me since I never played sports in school… only dance, so I was able to make my Michigan fans proud! Then, I performed the National Anthem and God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch - and I was so much fun to be a part of this wonderful opening day in my home state with one of my favorite teams…the Tigers! (And I know my Dad was proud, too!)
I am now getting ready to head to Florida where I will be speaking on behalf of my personal platform. I am very excited to be addressing the leading experts and distinguished professionals at the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) Symposium, who help those in the medical field deal with current issues and cutting edge intervention relating to the treatment of Eating Disorders. This very important event will allow me to use my voice to raise awareness on this very important issue as well as help to educate others on how severe the problem is across America, touching over 10 million young girls every year. I am proud to be a part of this event and hope to be able to make a difference as I continue to spread my message.
Once I leave this event, I’ll be off to St. Petersburg, Florida where I have been asked to be the Grand Marshal of the Honda Grand Prix race! The race will be televised live on ESPN nationally, so you’ll have to tune in and watch as I give the legendary command, “Start your engines!” It should be a really exciting event as over 200,000 spectators visit the St. Petersburg area to see such an incredible race. I’m also excited to see one of my friends Miss Florida, Kylie who will be performing at the event- it should be a thrill for both of us!
After Florida, I’m off to New York for a photo shoot with Supermodels Unlimited…then I’m off to have an interview on FOX Business live from the Waldorf Astoria! That interview will air live on Monday. I will then travel to DC for another milestone event to mark my year as Miss America…. I will work with the Eating Disorders Coalition and lobby on Capitol Hill for legislation for health insurance for those struggling with eating disorders. And, I am proud to be a part of this event and to further continue my commitment to making a difference to help support and promote awareness of eating disorders.
I am so proud to be your Miss America and I thank you for your continued support. I look forward to staying in touch and will look forward to sharing so many new and wonderful experiences with you!
Warmest regards,
Kirsten Haglund
Miss America 2008
April 2nd, 2008
Dear Friends,
I’ve just spent the most remarkable week of my life with the most remarkable children in the country! The magic began after leaving Boston, where I spoke in the Radcliffe Gym at Harvard University on a panel about Eating Disorders. I was invited by the Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Harris Center for Eating Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. David Herzog. The forum was entitiled Redefining Perfection: Fashion, Beauty, and Body Image, and the other panel speakers included Paige Adams-Gellar (founder of Paige Premium Denim), and couture fashion designer Bradley Bayou. The discussion was moderated by Boston’s award-winning broadcaster, Frances Rivera. A 30-minute question and answer session followed, as did interviews with the Boston Globe and Herald, their local television stations, women’s magazines, and Diet.com. I felt quite honored to have been invited as the first speaker at this event, and most importantly, there were many moms and young women in the audience with whom I was able to speak with personally after the forum. Every opportunity to touch lives is a blessed one.
From there, I hopped on a plane and headed to Orlando, Florida for the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration! This year, the Children’s Miracle Network was having its very special 25th anniversary, and I was honored to be a part of this extraordinary week of events.
On Thursday, for the first time, I met the children and started to get to know them - the ‘Champion’ represented each state across America and there were also children from Great Britain, Ireland and even Canada! These children have all confronted incredible challenges in life and have become an inspiration to everyone they meet, including me. They have become the “Champions across America” and they are heros - who now have touched my life.
As the Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network - the events in Orlando were so memorable. Friday morning- wow- I woke up and began doing an hour of radio interviews with the radio-thon that had me speaking with stations across the country as well as in the UK! But then, I moved into the Ballroom, where Sam Champion (an appropriate name) welcomed everyone on camera to the national morning show, GMA. Sam introduced me and I had a chance to say, “Good morning America”. It was only the beginning of many firsts that weekend. I then had the opportunity to go to Disney’s Epcot Center where the children and I gathered for an afternoon of fun! That night was a special gala where I was asked to perform my favorite song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. The event was hosted by Marie Osmond and CNN host, Glenn Beck. The evening was filled with wonderful tributes to doctors, nurses and children who were symbolic of the amazing people in Children’s Miracle Network.
It was a night also filled with entertainment and it would also be the setting for a reunion of one of America’s most famous families…The Osmonds. ..160 of them to be exact! The Osmonds reunited and performed some of their most loved songs from the 60’s and 70’s. It was so emotional as they spoke about their family and then invited all of their 160 family members to come on stage- wow- it was amazing! One of the reasons this particular scene was so encouraging though… is that as a co-founder of Children’s Miracle Network, Marie Osmond was inspired to do so because of her two brothers born deaf into a musical family. What a joy to see such passion for humanity and a family give birth to such an incredible organization that may grow in scope, but continues to be completely about matters of the heart: love, family, compassion and unconditional support. This is what Children’s Miracle Network is truly about.
On Saturday- I gave Miss America pins to the Children in a pin exchange with a special ceremony for the kids. Then, we all went into the ballroom for a evening that would leave a lasting impression on everyone seated in the room. The medals were presented to all of the children which was so inspirational, and then everyone was entertained by Cirque and American Idol Star, Taylor Hicks…it was magical.
On Sunday we packed up and went off to DC! I traveled on the same flight as the Champions and got to know them on a very personal level. We were off to the White House for a visit with the President! It was on Monday, another milestone for me- I met with the President of the United States ….what an honor and what a thrill to be able to meet President Bush with the children. The kids were filled with excitement and I was honored to be part of a moment in time where the Champions of America and I were able to greet our American President. What a symbolic day….as Miss America 2008 this was my first visit to the White House and I don’t know who was more excited- the kids or me. It was truly the icing on the cake for all of us.
Now I’m off for a satellite media tour and more interviews with the press. Soon, I’ll pack and I’ll be home for the first time since being crowned, even when I visited Michigan for my homecoming, I didn’t sleep in my own bed and I am so looking forward to being home with my family and friends, celebrating Easter and going to sleep in my own bed! (I hope my cats still recognize me!)
I want to wish you all a very blessed and happy holiday.
Warmest wishes,
Kirsten
March 24th, 2008
Dear Friends,
It was hard to believe… I was going home to Michigan just a little over a month after being crowned in January as Miss America!
After some weather delays, I couldn’t wait to see my family and all of my friends who were coming to Michigan to help me celebrate. It was so much more that I could ever imagine, I was treated like royalty from the moment I arrived and my State Executive Director, Shelley made sure that Homecoming would be an event to remember.
The weekend fun began when after a day of rehearsals (which I have missed! At school, as a musical theatre major… all we DID was rehearse!) I arrived at the Frauenthal Theater in horse-drawn carriage with my Dad (he was so proud) as my escort! A crowd of about 800 turned out to welcome me and to see me perform. One of the most heartwarming moments, was when I was able to see so many of my 2008 Miss America Pageant sisters who came to town that included, Miss Virginia Hannah Kiefer, Miss Texas Molly Hazlett, Miss Illinois Ashley Hatfield, Miss North Dakota Ashley Young, Miss Iowa Diana Reed, Miss Indiana Nicole Rash, Miss Wisconsin Christina Thompson, Miss California Melissa Chaty, Miss Utah Jill Stevens, and Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto.
And, one of my favorite Miss Americas, Kaye Lani Rafko was in attendace, and I felt quite honored to crown the new Miss Michigan, Gina Valo, who I know will do a wonderful job as Miss Michigan. I was also so touched that our MAO Chairman of the Board, Sam Haskell, III, was also there to show his support for me.
One of my favorite moments of the night was when my father, joined me on stage for the ballad, “Here and Now.” It was a moment that he and I will always treasure. Then, in the second half of the evening’s performances, I performed with my brother Lars, “The Prayer.” I guess you can tell we have a family who loves music! I couldn’t have imagined the night without them… as every day of my life, and my journey to the Miss America stage, they have stood beside and loved me unconditionally. The night was magical and I was also joined by several Children’s Miracle Network kids from Michigan children’s hospitals.
The next day- I had to pinch myself- it all felt like a wonderful dream and I am so happy to be your Miss America.
I then went off to meet the media and do a few interviews for the West Michigan region.
And if the week, couldn’t possibly gotten any better- I was off to New York to be a part of the opening night for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof that is TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ Pulitzer Prize-winning classic - one of my favorites. The cast included Academy Award® nominee TERRENCE HOWARD, Tony Award® winners PHYLICIA RASHAD and ANIKA NONI ROSE, and Academy Award® nominee and two-time Tony winner JAMES EARL JONES. Renowned director and choreographer DEBBIE ALLEN directed it and as you may recall Debbie, was one of our 2007 National Judges for Miss America.
I walked the red carpet with celebrities .and it truly was a star studded night. I had the opportunity to sit next to Harry Belafonte and Bonnie who is traveling with me, sat next to Morgan Freeman! Jeremy Piven and Eartha Kitt sat right behind me, and Spike Lee, just in front. Wow. The show was fabulous and we event went to the show’s after party as guests of our Chairman, Sam Haskell, and even Lynn Weidner from our MAO Board was there for the opening. It was a thrilling, classically cool night in New York and I loved every second!
But before I leave New York, I have a taping with our television partner, TLC which should be very interesting , then it is off to Arizona for events and a photo session with Savvy Magazine.
I look forward to sharing more wonderful events and experiences with you soon!
Kindest regards,
Kirsten
March 11th, 2008
Dear Friends,
The month of February has certainly ended on a high note! I was thrilled to have been in New York last week again on the second leg of my national media tour that included ringing the closing bell at NASDAQ - what an amazing opportunity for me to promote our Organization and also to act as the representative for the Children’s Miracle Network. Little Kate and her brother Brian were there too, to represent the 17 million children that CMN is able to help each year. I closed the market on the 19th, then stepped outside the NASDAQ building where I saw my signature and our Miss America logo flashing three stories high on the electronic marquees in Times Square. That was an amazing sight to see!
Then, I went to FOX studios to interview with Neil Cavuto, who was incredible. It was an honor to be featured on what is normally a ‘business’ show… one of my favorite things to do in this job, is go on to program’s like Neil’s and others, and show that we are SO much more than just a crown and a pretty face. Neil made me feel so comfortable during the interview, as we chatted about women in pageants, my platform, Children’s Miracle Network, and what it means to be a role model. After the interview, I had the opportunity to meet Brit Hume as well, and had photos taken back stage with them. After we left FOX Studios, I went off to Serendipity (a favorite stop for Broadway performers) for dinner which is also a thrill for me since I hope to be appearing on Broadway someday.
On Wednesday, I was interviewed for NYC TV Profiles by Mickey Burns, Better TV with Audra Lowe, and Teen/Kids TV News. Then on Thursday, I had the opportunity to be featured on the CNN Glenn Beck show! As a self-professed news junkie, who turns on network news as soon as I wake up, it is SO much fun for me to be at the CNN or FOX news buildings, sit in their hair and makeup chairs, and walk onto the sets that I see on the television screen every day. It is still so surreal to me! Glenn was also a lot of fun, and as he too is involved in Children’s Miracle Network, I will be seeing him again at the annual CMN Celebration in Orlando in March!
Before the media tour ended, I was able to do a radio tour that touched over 7 million listeners across this great country! Ask my mom, I was never a teenager that spent hours on the phone… so these radio interview tours that last sometimes 4 to 5 hours, are a completely new world to me. 
I’ve never held up a phone to my ear for that long before! But the more people that hear our message, the better.
It’s been a whirlwind and I’m now in DC and I had a special luncheon hosted by two of our Board members, Tammy Haddad and Phyllis George with our new official jeweler, Ann Hand. Phyllis is such an iconic Miss America that it was incredible to sit next to and chat with her. And what a positive, forward-thinking woman! Former Miss Americas are truly inspiring, incredible women that continue to make a difference and a statement well after their year of service. I only hope I can do the same. It was wonderful to meet at The Palm- (I loved it) and it kicked off my wonderful week in DC in style. And I even had the opportunity to tour the Smithsonian- as a history lover, this was an amazing way to top off my day!
I will be working with the USO this week for the National Guard Youth Challenge where I will be performing the National Anthem and participating in the awards ceremony for children who have been given obstacles in their life and have successfully overcome them with the help of the USO National Guard - and I am so very proud of all of them. What an honor to be able to meet them, and congratulate them on their personal achievements. We are so blessed to be able to help them celebrate their successful journey.
As I wrap up my week in DC, I will be going home to Michigan for the first time since being crowned to celebrate - it will be my Homecoming!
What a thrill- I have been so anxious to see my family and my friends who I have missed, and thank everyone for all of their support- I know it will be a wonderful celebration and it will also be a time for me to give thanks for their love and friendship.
Thank you all for your support, I feel so privileged to be your Miss America 2008!
All the best,
Kirsten
February 26th, 2008
Dear Friends,
It has been simply amazing! My first month as Miss America has been a whirlwind as I traveled from New York to LA and began to appear at events around the country. Just last weekend, I was off to LA where it was a balmy 72 degrees and sunny- so I could begin the IHOP CMN campaign. (It’s a long way from Michigan where they were expecting another snowfall for the season!)
I was able to take in some of the sights of Los Angeles, including Wicked where I got a VIP backstage tour! Then at 1am on Sunday morning I woke up to begin my interviews on radio, prints and television to promote National Pancake Day with IHOP to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network! It was an amazing expereince as IHOP kicked off national pancake day where pancakes were free and the donations all went to Children’s Miracle Network. The exciting news is that so far we have raised over $500,000! I was thrilled to be a part of this great fundraising effort and flipped pancakes for the cause. I was even interviewed for EXTRA and they had me show my impressive pancake flipping skills! Although I’m not considered an accomplished chef (my mother would attest to that), I quickly learned to flip pancakes to perfection… or at least without setting anything on fire.
Then, I jumped on a plane and flew to DC for the Congressional Quarterly Dinner. It was a privilege to be there with so many of the Washington politicos and even our official jeweler for MAO, Ann Hand (www.annhand.com), and a familiar face, Chris Matthews, who judged last year’s Miss America pageant! The next day, I had a photo shoot for the cover of Pageantry Magazine; we went for an avant-garde, fashion forward theme, I hope you like it!- the issue will be out by the end of April. Thank you to Bruce Boyajian, The Mansion at Strathmore and the Cahra Salon and Spa for everything.
After DC, I’m planning to spend some time in AC and then I’m off to New York again. I’ll be anxious to tell you about my next visit to NYC where on Tuesday, the 19th, I will ring the Closing Bell on NASDAQ with two special friends from the Children’s Miracle Network. Then, an interview with Neil Cavuto from FOX Business, followed by a satellite and TV tour that will reach over 7 million people! I have so many exciting events to share with you and I’ll keep you well informed with my blogs.
Since being crowned Miss America 2008, I have been receiving an overwhelming amount of letters from young women who have recovered from, or are currently struggling with an eating disorder. One of my goals as Miss America 2008 will be to raise awareness of eating disorders in order to bring this problem to light and make treatment options more readily available. The number of people and support groups who have contacted me is a great source of strength as I spread my personal message across this great country.
As young women are growing up- they are surrounded by messages in the media saturated with the messages that “thin is in”… whether it be laptop computers or Hollywood celebrities. I have experienced, and understand the pressure that society places upon women to look a certain way, or fit a certain body ideal in order to be well-liked and successful. It is time however, that we as women stand up for our bodies and our minds, and combat the assault on our self-esteem, that all too common bane of womanhood: you’re just not good enough. We are enough. Every single woman has a soul and a mind that is beautiful and mysterious and powerful BECAUSE it belongs solely to her. It is our character, our beliefs, our oddities and quirks, pet peeves and passions that define us… NOT the measure of our waistlines. I encourage women of all ages, to stand alongside those who have fought for women’s rights for centuries, to not let a societys standards of physical beauty define their potential or significance. Who are role models for women? Elizabeth I, Joan of Arc, Susan B. Anthony, Sandra Day O’Connor, Oprah Winfrey… women admired in history for their courage and their character… NOT for their physical beauty alone. We are more than our bodies.
Let us love all that there is that makes us human and makes us women, and encourage a new generation to do the same.
My warmest wishes to you,
Kirsten
February 20th, 2008
Hello everyone!
I am so happy to be able to share all the amazing things I have been experiencing since being crowned Miss America 2008. It has truly been a whirlwind of appearances and activities, flying cross country and zipping from one media interview to the next, and yet I can’t seem to stop smiling!
My first big surprise as Miss America was when I stepped behind the curtain onstage after my crowning to see my grandmother, Iora , who had competed in the Miss America Pageant herself in 1944 as Miss Detroit. It has been such a thrill for me to be following in her footsteps and it meant so much having her there to share the moment with me.
After my first press conference in Las Vegas, I flew to New York City for an amazing week of media appearances. On Monday morning, I was a guest on Live! with Regis & Kelly and it was just as much fun as you would imagine. They were both so sweet and they made me feel completely comfortable. I also made appearances on ABC News (where I got to meet the legendary Sam Donaldson backstage), Inside Edition, and The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. Another especially fun interview was when I appeared on Fox & Friends. Former Miss America Gretchen Carlson was the host and she had invited past Miss Americas Debbye Turner, Susan Powell, and Kate Shindle on the show to give me some tips about enjoying my year as Miss America. Later in the week I was a guest on The Morning Joe with host Willie Geist. I was also interviewed by People magazine and the story (which covers my recovery from an eating disorder) appears in their February 1 issue.
While I was in New York, I also had the chance to attend a performance of “Legally Blonde” on Broadway starring Kate Shindle. It was especially exciting for me to watch Kate because becoming a Broadway performer is my dream as well.
This past weekend I was in Philadelphia for my first corporate appearance with Kerbeck Cars at one of the largest auto shows in the country. I also made my first visit as Miss America to a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. I am especially honored to be serving as the National Goodwill Ambassador for CMN. I first began learning about this wonderful organization last year as Miss Michigan. When I attended Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant in Orlando last summer with a group of other state misses, we were privileged to visit one of Children’s Miracle Network’s many outstanding hospitals, the Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital. I am thrilled that this year as I travel throughout the country I will be visiting children’s hospitals and getting to know the amazing children who receive care through this program. Their joy and spirit are a true inspiration and they are a gift to us.
I am also looking forward to the year ahead for the opportunity it gives me to spread my message of Raising Awareness of Eating Disorders. It is so gratifying to know that I can use my personal experience to help others who struggle with this disease. I’ve walked in their shoes and come out on the other side knowing that health and inner strength are the keys to a successful and happy life.
Thank you to everyone who has helped me in my journey so far – all the girls who shared the Miss America Live! experience with me in Las Vegas (and in Los Angeles for our “Reality Check”!), my wonderful family and friends in Michigan, and all the new friends I have yet to meet throughout this beautiful country!
Until next time,
Kirsten
February 5th, 2008
