For the last time...

This is my last blog as Miss Minnesota 2009. This entire year has been such a blessing and I want to thank everyone who supported me.

The past two nights have been quite the rush. On Thursday we had our first Preliminary Competition where I performed one of my favorite songs: “Over the Rainbow” At the end of the night we announced two very special awards. Congratulations to Molly Jewison, our Miss America Academic Award Winner and Tiffany Schultsted-Peterson, our Miss America Community Service Award Winner.

Friday was our annual Golf tournament and then another night of preliminary competition. This night I performed the song “Let it Be” while accompanying myself on the piano. It was such an amazing experience to play and sing (my first time ever in public!) on the Miss Minnesota stage. At the end of the evening we announced our preliminary winners. Congratulations to Kathryn Knuttila, Quality of Life Award Winner, Lexy Okeson, our Swimsuit Prelim Winner and Siri Freeh, our Talent Prelim Winner.

Tonight someone’s life is going to change forever. I am so honored to be apart of the new Miss Minnesota’s journey, and to be a constant resource throughout her year.

I have a little over 12 hours left as Miss Minnesota, and I am so grateful for my entire year. Every moment created, every word spoken, and every person I met I will remember. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my year.

This is not the end… instead this is only the beginning. This is the springboard to the rest of my career as a performer, and just the start of my work with Children’s Miracle Network. You will see more of me, I promise ☺

Always,
Brooke

My Outstanding Teen

Wednesday night was the Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen Pageant, where we had to say goodbye to my good friend and sister Katlyn Ziegler. I want to dedicate this blog to Katlyn, for all the amazing times we had this year during our reign.

The Thursday before Miss Minnesota last year, I went with 16 other contestants to watch the new Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen be crowned. As soon as Katlyn was announced the winner I only hoped that I would be the one to spend the year next to her. Luckily I was.

I could not have asked for a better sister queen to spend my year with. Every appearance together I spent most of the time either smiling or laughing. Especially when we sat side by side in the Frazee Turkey Days Parade throwing candy, and one guy decided to challenge us and throw candy back. It nailed me right in the head.



Cheering Katlyn on at the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant was another incredible part of our year. The Minnesota cheering section was not only the loudest but the most visible with our neon yellow t-shirts! I still have mine and wear it more then you think ☺ Katlyn did an incredible job representing Minnesota at the teen pageant. She walked with such confidence, and played just beautifully. I could not help but tell everyone around me that she was my outstanding teen.


Since the summer I have had the opportunity to spend almost every weekend with Katlyn. Whether it was at a local pageant, collecting donations at the Mall of America, or riding in parades we were together. I really enjoyed the days when I was able to convince Katlyn’s mom, Roberta, to let Kate take the morning off from school to do an appearance with me. Who needs morning class when you can have pancakes at IHOP?

I have never had a sister, even though I still ask my parents every day for one, Katlyn filled that position this year. And I know she will continue to be in that role. For those who have met her, you know what I mean when I say Katlyn is someone you will never forget. She has already done so many amazing things at such a young age. I cannot wait to see what she continues to accomplish.

Thank you Katlyn for making my year so much fun, and thank you for becoming apart of my life. I look forward to the many more memories we will continue to create in the future. You have definitely made an impact on me.

Congratulations to the new Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen Katarina Akridge!

Always
Brooke

Bird On My Arm

Miss Minnesota week is on its way! The girls arrived on Saturday to check-in and enjoy a night out of bowling. I had 2 shows that day, so I unfortunately was unable to attend. The girls are lucky they missed out on my insane bowling skills ☺ Last year I did get the lowest score… I guess you could say I am the best WORST bowler ever!

On Sunday, I woke up bright and early to finish packing and move into my hotel room. A huge THANK YOU to my family for helping me organize everything. This year I have my own room with a couch. (The perks of becoming Miss Minnesota.) I met up with the girls as they were making door signs for their hotel room doors. Since I had to head to the Quality of Life interviews, Miss Winona Lauren made my door sign. It looks great!

Congratulations to our five Quality of Life finalists: Liz Abbas, Bethany Beniek, Tiffany Gunderson, Kathryn Knuttila, and Allison Lordback. They all did a wonderful job on their interviews, and the judges have a tough job deciding who will receive the award.

Our first official appearance was at the Mall of America. The girls could not stop laughing at all the looks we were getting as we walked through the halls in cocktail dresses, crown and sash. For me it was another typical day as Miss Minnesota, I had done this walk so many times before. We had a delicious lunch at Panda Express, and then headed to Glitz for our fashion show. It was wonderful to see all the family and friends that came to support us. As soon as I saw my mom and dad, I gave them each a huge hug. I know I had only been gone for about 5 hours, but it still felt like days. I started the program out by introducing all the contestants, and then speaking on behalf of Gillette Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network. Glitz was very generous to make this day a fundraiser for Gillette by doing a silent auction and accepting donations. Before the girls started their fashion show, I sang a song off my CD, and then it was time to see the dresses! All the contestants looked beautiful, and the dresses were amazing. I was tempted to buy so many, but after this weekend I’m not sure where I will wear a long flowing gown.



We were able to chat with our supporters who came to the show. Thank you to the Miss Mankato committee who gave me an adorable Miss MN Bear ☺

Then it was off to a wonderful meal at Crave for dinner, and back to the hotel for rehearsals. The show is going to be so fun this year! If you have not purchased your tickets yet, you better arrive early Saturday evening. After rehearsal I was off to bed by 9:15! It was the first night in months that I was able to go to bed before 11:30 PM.


I was so excited for Monday morning as we were visiting Gillette Children’s. This was one of my favorite appearances from last year during Miss Minnesota week as well. When we arrived at Gillette we were greeted by the whole Gillette team: Andrea, Becky, Kate and Darlis. They had tables set up for us to make cookies with the patients and hand out autograph cards. Half of the girls made cookies while the other half would take a tour of the hospital and then they would switch. Since I volunteer at the hospital every week, I know the hospital quite well so instead of a tour I stayed with the cookie group. I had told the girls prior to this experience how life changing Gillette can be, and it was so rewarding for me to watch each titleholder interact with a patient and smile every moment. The delicious cookies made all of us hungry, so it was perfect that we had Panera right there at the hospital. It was a wonderful way to start our morning!

Then we popped the umbrellas back up, and headed off to the capital. Where we met with Lt. Governor Carol Molau. It was an amazing experience as she asked every girl, individually, about where she was from and their platform. Then we were able to learn about her job that is constantly changing day-to-day… sounds like the job of Miss Minnesota ☺

Dinner at Fuddruckers was full of little kids in the restaurant collecting all of our autograph cards and then back to the hotel for more rehearsal.

Tuesday started out at the zoo, which I have not been to since last year. It was a beautiful day and we were able to walk around until meeting for the Bird Show at 11am. As soon as we entered, I knew this show was going to be different. First, 21 girls in crowns and sashes makes any little kid curious, and the way we all sat in the same row made the perfect autograph line. Once the show started the host could not help but notice us. He even did a special presentation for us with a bird that looked like she was wearing a crown, with the “Miss America” theme song. But my all-time favorite part of the show was when the host, Dave asked for a volunteer. I raised my hand right away! Then he said this volunteer needed to be an adult, I kept my hand raised. Then he said this volunteer had to be very brave, hand still up. Dave then said the volunteer must have a dollar, and with my hand still raised I shouted, “oooo I have a dollar!!!” At last I was picked for the bird show. After folding the dollar up, I held it out in my hand and the bird fell to my arm and took the dollar. Except I didn’t see it since I closed my eyes as soon as the bird started to come towards me. Since the bird had to return the dollar, I made sure I kept my eyes open to watch the whole thing. We definitely have some great photos from that event.

The rest of the day we were at the Theatre running the show, and had a huge dinner at Buca’s. We are halfway through the week, and I only have 4 days left as Miss Minnesota. Stay tuned to hear about the preliminary competitions and who will be the new Miss Minnesota 2010.

Always
Brooke

Free Time? Nah.... I'm Miss Minnesota!

Two weeks and counting until Miss Minnesota week starts, and we will crown a new Miss Minnesota 2010. As I try to squeeze the last few appearances in the time I have left, I am also writing my farewell, and preparing for my life after Miss Minnesota. The day after I give up my title as Miss Minnesota, I am right back into my show at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, which will continue until July 31st. Then I will have a few weeks off, until I start school back up. I am looking forward to being a constant resource for the new Miss Minnesota, and continue advocating for Children’s Miracle Network.

The last few weeks have been quite busy, as most of my weeks are. With performances every night other then Monday, and Miss Minnesota appearances during the day.... Memorial Day was the perfect day to relax and spend some quality time with my family.

On May 14 at the Eagan Walmart we celebrated our new Children’s Miracle Network Champion, Bella Giraldo. I met Bella and her family at the Mall of America CD Release Party, and was excited to be apart of this special day for her. The theme of Bella’s Party was Princess, and I wanted her to feel like a true princess. With the help of my seamstress Chrissy Stoner, and Sundantz Creations we created Bella her own sash!

At the event I met up with Vicki Kueppers and her daughter Kathryn who set up the sound system. Then I chatted with the crew from Gillette, and the rest of the guests. It was wonderful to hear Bella’s mom, Rebecca, talk about how grateful she is of Gillette Children’s, and to see Bella’s face when I gave her the sash, and her own crown! I, of course, did not forget about her little sister Grace, as I crowned her as well! Then I performed the song “Part of Your World” from Bella’s favorite Disney movie, The Little Mermaid. If you are attending Miss Minnesota this year, you will have the opportunity to meet Bella and her family!

I am also spending a few of my mornings at Gillette Children’s volunteering with their patients. The hospital has been doing some remodeling, and it looks beautiful! I am excited for their new edition to open next fall. Also with being apart of the cast of Footloose, I was able to do a volunteer opportunity with my entire cast. We went to Feed My Starving Children in Chanhassen, where we were able to hand-pack meals specially for starving children. Since we needed to have 50 people volunteer I called on the help from some of the Miss Minnesota contestants. Miss Twin Cities, Kathryn, Miss Moorhead, Bethany, and Miss Mankato, Samantha were able to help out. We ended of packing 62 boxes, that's about 13,392 meals! It was such an incredible day! This year Miss Minnesota has welcomed a new sponsor, Coco and Chloe. They wanted to put on a fashion show with Miss Minnesota and the contestants. They were very accommodating of my schedule, and booked a day I had off from my show. Last Monday, at Majors in Bloomington they held a fashion show and a fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network. I sang my song “Don’t You Dare” and then quickly jumped into the fashion show!

I look forward to seeing everyone at Miss Minnesota this year! I better get back to working on my farewell, and finding my songs to sing for the preliminary nights! Oh, and my 8 show week ☺
Always,
Brooke

One Month to Go!

I have not had a spare moment since starting Footloose. On top of performing 8 shows a week at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre and keeping up with my appearances as Miss Minnesota, my May schedule has definitely picked up. So this blog is a tad late but I thought I would update you on what I have been doing these last couple of weeks.

It is my one month anniversary performing with Chanhassen Dinner Theatre! I cannot believe I still have two and a half months of the show left. Who knew you could have so much fun at work? If you have not seen the show yet, I strongly encourage you to come check it out! Footloose is such a great show to watch, and this cast is so talented!

Before I was cast in the show Footloose, I took a job on Monday night’s teaching at Premiere School of Modeling for Faith Schway. Did I mention that Monday is the only night I have off from the show? The class size is 12 girls and they are all different ages. Some of the girls are looking into competing in pageants, some would like to try modeling, and others are taking the class for confidence. I have truly enjoyed working with all of the girls, and we always have a lot of laughs during the class.

That is what I have been busy doing when I am not wearing the crown. Now back to Miss MN appearances, I was invited to Eagan’s Wine Tasting Event at the Eagan Community Center. Luckily I was able to stop by for an hour before I had to leave for my show. I met up with Margo Danner (who has been a wonderful supporter of me ever since I competed in Miss Twin Cities) and we greeted all the guests who arrived. It was nice to see so many familiar faces from the area, and thank them for all their support.

Three weeks ago I attended the Miss Minnesota Workshop for all 20 contestants competing this year. Since it was on a Saturday I had to take off from my matinee show, thank you so much Maria for covering for me! The workshop was an all day event. We started with picking the contestant order, and then roommates (I found out that Miss Minnesota get’s her own room!!). We went over the entire schedule for Miss Minnesota week, what to expect, what to wear, and how to prepare. I remember one year ago when I was sitting where the contestants were, and I had so many questions and thoughts going through my head. This year I tried to provide answers to any of the questions they might have, and help put their mind at easy. The rest of the day consisted of presentations from our partners such as Gillette Children’s, YoungQuest Fitness, Arbonne, and Paula Preston. Then I was off to my show that night!

Last week was packed with appearances for Gillette Children’s. It started with the Grand Opening of the new Bruegger’s Bagels in North Oaks Village. It was a fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network as well. If you purchased a dozen bagels, part of the proceeds were donated to CMN. At the event we had the CEO Jim Greco and Head Chef Phillip Smith to kick off the grand opening! Bruegger’s Bagels in North Oaks Village was 1 of 5 stores that they were visiting! Phillip gave us the history on how the bagel and cream cheese from Bruegger’s are made, and he even gave us samples of their new Iced Coffee Coolers! As I was heading out the door to my show, I was handed a bag of a dozen bagels, and 2 boxed lunches. The rest of the cast of Footloose was happy when I brought them bagels to share in the dressing rooms.

The next day was an Art Gallery Fundraiser for Gillette Children’s. I ran into a lot of friends from Gillette who I had seen at the hospital and my CD release party. The artists were Gillette Patients! It was fun learning about their picture they painted, and having them describe it to me.


May 1st was probably one of the longest days of my life! I woke up bright and early to head over to the CMN Walk at Como Park. I started the walk off by singing the National Anthem, taking tons of photos and signing autographs. It was a beautiful day, and we could not have asked for better weather. A few of the contestants competing for Miss Minnesota were in attendance as well, and we were able to catch up a bit. During the walk I was able to see plenty of familiar faces, volunteers from Gillette, employees from Wal-Mart, and patients I had met before. For most of the walk I was with Gracie and her mom Linda. I met Gracie the year before at the CMN Walk while I was Miss Twin Cities. I then ran into her at the Art Galley where her painting was on display. Gracie always has a smile on her face, and continues to inspire me. I am so excited to have her come to Miss Minnesota this year!

After the walk was finished I was able to meet other families from Gillette, and hear their stories as well. The connection I have made with Gillette Children’s has definitely been one of the best parts of my year. After the walk at Como Park I drove right to Chanhassen for a matinee show and thankfully I was able to squeeze in a 30 minute nap before the evening show at eight.

The next day I was up bright and early again to emcee the MusicLink Play-athon at the Mall of America. I emceed last year as Miss Twin Cities, then this year as Miss Minnesota, and told everyone that next year I would just have to be plain Brooke ☺ MusicLink is an organization that raises money for music lessons for children in need. During the Play-athon we had students who had benefited from this program perform for the audience. All the kids were extremely talented, and I had the opportunity to perform as well. I look forward to next year!

On Mother’s Day my whole family ran in the Race for the Cure. My older brother Mike surprised us by coming home that weekend, and he joined us on the run. I am so incredibly proud of my mom who finished her first 5K run! My mom was Supermom this year with everything she did to help during my reign as Miss Minnesota. I would not be here without her, and I love her so much!

In four weeks I will embark on a new chapter in my life. When I think about giving up my title as Miss Minnesota, so many emotions run through me, yes I will be sad to see this year end, but relieved to have a little more free time. I am anxious to see who will be my successor, and excited for another girl to experience the year I had. I feel proud, blessed, overwhelmed, and honored because I did everything I wanted to this year, and more. Sure, some things did not go the way I had hoped, but there have been many astounding opportunities along the way. For these last four weeks I will cherish every moment I have as Miss Minnesota.

Always,
Brooke

Footloose

All my life my Mom has told me, “Everything happens for a reason”. I think she was trying to console me when things didn’t go my way like: not being chosen for a solo in choir or a part in a show, or not getting into the top 10 of American idol. Every time she said it I would always think to myself, what does she mean? When will I find this reason? The reason finally came about two weeks ago!

I was home all alone while my family on vacation in Hawaii. I had the whole house to myself. I know all you college students know what I am talking about, because as much as I love my family, living at home after you have been on your own, in your own apartment, doing your own thing, let’s just say we all needed a break from each other ☺

I woke up that morning with a head cold, and planned my day to just sit on the sofa and write a blog, work on my new website, and answer hundreds of emails. Around noon my phone rang with an unknown number, if you know me I never pick up numbers I do not know… bad habit. I let it go to voicemail, and a minute later checked the message. It was Chanhassen Dinner Theatre asking if I could come in for an audition that day. They were looking to replace the person in the role of Rusty (due to maternity leave) in their current production of Footloose. Sing one song, and bring a headshot and resume.

I looked at the tissue box in front of me, and bag of halls cough drop and jumped off the couch and ran to the piano. I knew that voice or no voice I was going to do this audition, and I had only 5 hours to prepare! As I started to learn the song I had to perform, I got a message from my friend Ben who is currently in the show, Footloose. He invited me to watch the second half of the show to get a feel for what the director is looking for. Perfect! I have never seen Footloose before, and this will help so much! It did chop off two hours of my prepare time, but it was worth it.

It was about 30 minutes before I had to leave, when I got another message from Ben…. “Dress the part.” Well what does that mean? I grabbed my computer as I started googling Chanhassen, Footloose, and Rusty! Thankfully Chanhassen had some photos of the show on their website, ran up to my room to search for leg warmers which are popular again for dance class at the Conservatory. I had a pair of cowboy boots from a country performance I did a couple years ago when I thought I would become a country singer. Thank goodness I never cleaned out my closet!!!

Now, I had about 10 minutes before I had to leave, when I realized I did not have a headshot or resume ready. Thankfully I had a performance resume already created from Boston Conservatory…. Now where to find a headshot? My Miss Minnesota headshot will work, it is the most recent. As I attempted to print my resume, my printer decides to tell me it has no black ink. Now I have 2 minutes before I have to leave, and have no idea where the ink cartridges are. I send a frantic text to Hawaii to my Mom, Dad and brother Sean asking if they knew if we had any black ink cartridges. With the time change they were all still asleep, no response. I now begin to tear my office apart as I desperately look for a black ink cartridge! I’m about to give up when I try one more place under my desk, and HOORAY, an ink cartridge. My resume is printing and I start to look for my headshot on my computer, found it right away. Time to print… it won’t print. I was supposed to have left 5 minutes ago, and I start looking around my room for a photo I can use. And what to do I find….. An extra copy of the Miss America Program Book. I find the Miss Minnesota page and proceed to cut the circle picture of myself out of the book, my headshot ☺

As I’m driving to Chanhassen I get another call from them, audition has been moved to 3:45 can you make it? Sure, no problem. I make it to the show just before the second act begins. I’m escorted up to the directors room to watch the show, I felt like a VIP. I have never seen Footloose before, and I did enjoy the half I saw!

Time for my audition, I walked into the room with the music director, director and choreographer of the show. I felt as ready as I could be. I started to sing, and it just felt right. Yes, I had a cold, and yes I only had 2 hours to prepare, but I was not going to let them know that. After I sang the song once, they asked if I could take it up a key. Oh Boy, but when I started to sing once again it just felt right. After talking over my resume, and giving him my circle, cut-out, headshot, I was asked to do a monologue. I thought to myself, a monologue? I don’t have a monologue! What am I going to do, can I make one up?

I smiled and said, “Unfortunately, I do not have a monologue at this moment, but give me 5 minutes and I will come up with something.” 5 minutes to come up with a comedic monologue?? What was I thinking!! Then it dawned on me, I have been Miss Minnesota for almost 9 months, I know I have some funny stories from my adventures. Which one to choose? The time my crown was stolen? When I ran a 5K in my crown and sash? The time I had to use the men’s bathroom at Miss Brainerd Lakes and a guy walked in? Yup, that was my winner!

I felt pretty good after the audition, and was honored to even be considered for the role. Once I was home, I walked out to get the mail, and noticed two missed calls on my cell phone. I looked, and it was the Chanhassen. My heart started to race! I called back right away, and heard the words, “Congratulations, you are the new Rusty,” I did a silent scream in my house, and jumped up and down! Then I heard…. And you start in 2 weeks.

For the past week and a half I have been at the Chanhassen everyday learning the show. It is a different rehearsal process since the show is currently running. My rehearsals consist of watching the show, and teaching myself. I started on Tuesday, April 13th and the show runs until July 31st.

I hope you will all come out to see this entertaining show! My understudy will go on for the days that I need to attend my Miss Minnesota appearances, April 24th for the Miss Minnesota workshop, and the week of Miss Minnesota, June 13 to 19, but come any other time ☺

So, my Mom was right, everything does happen for a reason. Thank goodness I was home to answer the call when the reason finally came.

Never a Bridesmaid... Always Miss Minnesota

It has been almost a month since I have blogged, and so much has happened!

On Saturday, March 27 I headed to the Mall of America to meet up with Katlyn, the current Miss Minnesota Teen to volunteer for The Great Minnesota Birthday Party for Cheerful Givers. I volunteered for the Cheerful Givers back in October for Make a Difference Day. I was hoping to see some familiar faces. Cheerful Givers is an organization that puts together birthday bags to give to families in need. In October I helped stuff 500 birthday bags! This time around we were collecting donations, to be able to make another 500 birthday bags. The mall was very busy that day with Spring break, Prom season, and Easter right around the corner. Thank you to all who donated.

From the Mall of America, my dad and I headed up to Duluth for the KTCO Bridesmaid Ball Event. This was a fundraiser for Gillette Children’s Hospital hosted by the radio station KTCO up in Duluth. During Miss America week the hosts of this radio station interviewed me about my work for Children’s Miracle Network. While on the air they invited me to this event, and having never been a bridesmaid myself, I wanted to see what everyone was talking about when it comes to bridesmaids dresses. I had to go!

Every woman who attended the event wore a Bridesmaid dress from a wedding they were in, at the end of the night the judges would announce the winners of specific division of the competitions.

The divisions were:

Disney Princess
What was the bride thinking?
Blast from the Past
Most likely to go home with a grooms men

It was quite entertaining seeing all the dresses, and I had a blast judging.


At the event I meet Becky, a Gillette representative, who had a few local kids that have gone to Gillette with her. She introduced to me, Emma, who was 2 years old, came to the ball dressed up as Bell from Beauty and the Beast. She was the clear winner for the Disney Princess award ☺ I also met Michael Rudd and his family. Michael was born with Apert Syndrome, his fingers and toes were fused together. He has been going to Gillette Children’s hospital for treatment. The third Gillette Patient who was in attendance was another Michael. He was 16, and made me laugh the entire night. We talked about American Idol, Math, English, and of course… our iphones. We were sharing our favorite apps with one another, when my dad chimed in. He said his favorite game to play was solitaire. Michael looked at my dad and then said, “Solitaire is an old ladies game…” It was the funniest moment of the night!




April 6, I attended an appreciation luncheon at the Science Museum in downtown Saint Paul for Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club on behalf of Gillette and Children’s Miracle Network. Wal-mart and Sam club and their employees have been have been sponsors for Gillette and Children’s Miracle Network.

As soon as I arrived I saw many familiar faces, Andrea and Becky 1 and Becky 2 from Gillette, Brandon Wittrock and his family and also Jon Galloway, Vice President of Gillette Children’s. I sang, and spoke on my experience at Gillette and then Brandon and I handed out awards!

On Thursday April 8th, I attended a fundraiser for CMN “A Night of Inspiration”. I was so excited to see Tyler, and his family again from National Pancake Day. Tyler and I love to talk Pokemon, and he just got a new gadget that he loved showing me! He even told me how to get one of my own. ☺ At the event I spoke to Brandon Wittrock and his family, and also a new patient named Rachel who was wearing her crown and sash from the Pageant of Hope that she participated in March.

Workshop for Miss Minnesota is only 1 weeks away!

Always
Brooke