Thursday, June 26, 2014, I spoke in Rochester for the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International. They are working closely with the University of Connecticut CAPD Research Project under the direction of Dr. Frank Muziek; to the Deafness Research Foundation permitting them to issue four grants to CAPD researchers; and to Autism Speaks to permit them to check for CAPD signs as they test Toddlers (ages 12 - 36 months) for Autism. This was quite an honor for me. There were more than 250 people at this event listening to me speak about "Auditory Processing Disorder from a Teenagers Perspective".
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Final Weekend of Miss Teen Minnesota International 2013
The weekend of March 7, 8 and 9th was the best weekend. Again, I met alot of great women working hard to make changes in their lives as well as the people in Minnesota. I wouldn't have traded this year for anything in the world. Thank you International Pageant system for the opportunity to have my dream come true.
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On the evening of February 22, 2014, I went to cheer on friends at the Miss United States pageant.
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Pre-Pageant Party in Bloomington was on Saturday, February 22nd. I met many wonderful young women who are changing the world. Can't wait until next month to see who wins.
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Banner Presentation - It’s a sunny Sunday morning on February 9, 2014. As I make my way up to Monticello to do a banner presentation for Miss Teen Wright County 2014, Ayla Witschen.
She invited me to come and present her with her banner and had me say a few words on the pageant system and what it stood for, along with what my platform is. I was very excited to meet another one of the contestants. I was glad to speak to her family and friends about my platform, Auditory Processing Disorder. They all were very polite and nice while I was up there.
Ayla spoke on her platform, Alzheimer’s Awareness. She has a great story and can’t wait for her to get her story out at the pageant and the work she will do before the time comes.
She invited me to come and present her with her banner and had me say a few words on the pageant system and what it stood for, along with what my platform is. I was very excited to meet another one of the contestants. I was glad to speak to her family and friends about my platform, Auditory Processing Disorder. They all were very polite and nice while I was up there.
Ayla spoke on her platform, Alzheimer’s Awareness. She has a great story and can’t wait for her to get her story out at the pageant and the work she will do before the time comes.
Go Red Event at the Mall of America - “Are you ok?” “Hey you! Call 9-11!!” This is what you say to someone who has just had sudden cardiac arrest or heart attack. Were you aware the two are not the same thing: a heart attack is when the blood flow to the heart is blocked and a cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating.
I helped over 100 people learn hands only CPR at the Go Red event at the Mall of America on Saturday, February 1, 2013. I helped kids from the ages of 5-15 and elders learn as well. Everyone should learn how to do CPR, one day you could save a life just by learning it. Even when a child is young and can only give 20-30% of the compressions necessary, it's better than not having the heart beat at all.
I was talking to people about the American Heart Association to woman who have never heard of the association. I gave them tips on how to live a heart healthy life and also helped them realize that they need to change their eating habits and get more exercise. I did a casting call for the event as well. It’s very personal for me because my grandpa has had strokes in the past and as also had open heart surgery. He’s my best friend and I have helped him change his eating habits and he is now healthier than he was before! Go Red for Woman is a great association that helps many learn more.
I helped over 100 people learn hands only CPR at the Go Red event at the Mall of America on Saturday, February 1, 2013. I helped kids from the ages of 5-15 and elders learn as well. Everyone should learn how to do CPR, one day you could save a life just by learning it. Even when a child is young and can only give 20-30% of the compressions necessary, it's better than not having the heart beat at all.
I was talking to people about the American Heart Association to woman who have never heard of the association. I gave them tips on how to live a heart healthy life and also helped them realize that they need to change their eating habits and get more exercise. I did a casting call for the event as well. It’s very personal for me because my grandpa has had strokes in the past and as also had open heart surgery. He’s my best friend and I have helped him change his eating habits and he is now healthier than he was before! Go Red for Woman is a great association that helps many learn more.
Go Red Luncheon Wednesday, February 5, 2014 "Go Red for Women LuncheonThe American Heart Association is the national platform for the International Pageant System. I have had the pleasure of doing appearances with this wonderful association this year and many before it. On Tuesday, January 28, 2013; I was able to go to the Go Red for Woman Luncheon.
I also had the pleasure of learning hands only CPR. They have changed CPR, you don’t give the person a breath. I loved being a part of such a successful event. When we had lunch, they did a live auction and there were well over 450 women that attended! The silent auction was such a success.
I also had the pleasure of learning hands only CPR. They have changed CPR, you don’t give the person a breath. I loved being a part of such a successful event. When we had lunch, they did a live auction and there were well over 450 women that attended! The silent auction was such a success.
2014 St. Paul Winter Carnival - One of the worst nights for driving since winning the crown to drive was January 24th. It’s late and cold outside but as I bundle up before going to Winter Carnival with my mother and my sister queens, I can’t help but realize how cold it is outside. We met up at the River Centre in St. Paul. Dinner for Winter Carnival started at 6:30pm and we did not enter until around 7:30. The show started and I was so impressed. It was almost like being at a play and watching the show was eye opening! I enjoyed watching them sing and dance and watch each girl be crowned. Before this event, I didn’t know there was a North Wind, East Wind, West Wind and South Wind Princesses as well as Aurora, the Queen of the Snows and King Boreas. It was fun listening to Klondike Kate entertain for the evening. It was truly amazing. They have a great program! They go to many events talking to young kids and the elderly in hospitals and nursing homes. I was very impressed.
Went to the Minnesota Timberwolves game with Scott Skolt. What a fun time and the Wolves won the game.
Woodbury Tea Party with Mary Swenson - The roads are horrible as I drive an hour away from my home on a snowy Sunday night. In Woodbury I helped out at Mary Swenson’s Tea Party for her little dancers! Andrea and I taught the kids how to model and pose! Within teaching the girls how to model, Carolina Reyes (Miss Minnesota 2010) was there and taught the girls about confidence and self-esteem. Gianna Capuzzi taught the girls about hair and makeup tips. I love the feeling I got after helping out with this event; knowing that a girl went home to having more self-esteem and also with more confidence to stand up for herself. One less girl who could possibly be bullied when she grows up.
Along with talking to the girls about modeling and posing; we also go to go to a tea party with the girls. At the Tea Party, we got to sign autograph cards and take pictures with the girls! It was beyond fun and I enjoyed talking with all of the young girls to the older girls as well!
Along with talking to the girls about modeling and posing; we also go to go to a tea party with the girls. At the Tea Party, we got to sign autograph cards and take pictures with the girls! It was beyond fun and I enjoyed talking with all of the young girls to the older girls as well!
Miss Hmong 2013 Pageant - this pageant was held on November 30. This event was held in the convention center in St. Paul. There were more people at this event than any other we went to this past year - over 5,000 people. We introduced ourselves and our pageant system. We had many young women asking about running for the International Pageant. Had a great time talking to the Miss Hmong 2012 and Prince Charming.
American Heart Association Gala on November 2 was amazing. The women were dressed in beautiful dresses or gowns and the men in tuxedos. Everyone looked amazing and were there to have fun and raise money for heart disease research. There was s cocktail hour where people bid on gift baskets followed by a wonderful dinner. During the dinner, there was an auction where people bid on wonderful gift packages. The evening raised over $1 million. I was honored to be part of something so wonderful.
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Erik's Autism Ranch Limo Tour on 10/26/13
This appearance was a fun day working with a woman who has autism that is working at socializing with people. She gave us a tour of the Catholic Cathedral in St. Paul and then to a dance studio for Irish Dance training. I am Catholic, so I really enjoyed hearing some of the history of the Cathedral building. Also, the dancing was one of the most fun times with my sister queens.
This appearance was a fun day working with a woman who has autism that is working at socializing with people. She gave us a tour of the Catholic Cathedral in St. Paul and then to a dance studio for Irish Dance training. I am Catholic, so I really enjoyed hearing some of the history of the Cathedral building. Also, the dancing was one of the most fun times with my sister queens.
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Dyslexia – The Big Picture
On October 12, 2013, I was honored to attend Groves Academy in St. Louis Park for the viewing of a movie called “Dyslexia – The Big Picture”. The auditorium was filled with parents and their children who had dyslexia.
Dyslexia is characterized by the difficulty learning to read fluently and with accurate comprehension despite normal intelligence. Some of the signs that your child may have dyslexia are delays in speech, letter reversal and being easily distracted by background noise. Many children with dyslexia also have a co-occurrence of ADHD. Both ADHD and dyslexia occurs in 5% of all children; however, 25-40% of children diagnosed with either ADHD or dyslexia also have the other learning disorder. It is also said that 50% of children with dyslexia also have Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), which is the platform I am passionate about.
The movie was educational and funny at the same time. Many adults asked questions of the Grove’s Academy director, John Alexander, after the movie as well as the director of IDA-UMB (International Dyslexia Association, Upper Midwest Brach), Kelly O-Rourke Johns.
After the movie and questions, people asked me why I was in a crown and banner at the event. I was then able to tell them my story with APD. One mother in particular was very interested in what I had to say because she has two children with a diagnosis of dyslexia and has gotten them help with it. However she said they have only improved about 40%. She asked me how to get an APD diagnosis and what help was available. I told her she needed to contact an authorized audiologist for APD and get computerized programs for APD that can re-train the brain for hearing what the brain is supposed to hear. She was very excited and I believe went home and called the audiologist I suggested right away.
It’s a great feeling knowing this crown is not only sparkly but also is helping kids get the help they need so they can be as successful in life as possible.
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On October 12, 2013, I was honored to attend Groves Academy in St. Louis Park for the viewing of a movie called “Dyslexia – The Big Picture”. The auditorium was filled with parents and their children who had dyslexia.
Dyslexia is characterized by the difficulty learning to read fluently and with accurate comprehension despite normal intelligence. Some of the signs that your child may have dyslexia are delays in speech, letter reversal and being easily distracted by background noise. Many children with dyslexia also have a co-occurrence of ADHD. Both ADHD and dyslexia occurs in 5% of all children; however, 25-40% of children diagnosed with either ADHD or dyslexia also have the other learning disorder. It is also said that 50% of children with dyslexia also have Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), which is the platform I am passionate about.
The movie was educational and funny at the same time. Many adults asked questions of the Grove’s Academy director, John Alexander, after the movie as well as the director of IDA-UMB (International Dyslexia Association, Upper Midwest Brach), Kelly O-Rourke Johns.
After the movie and questions, people asked me why I was in a crown and banner at the event. I was then able to tell them my story with APD. One mother in particular was very interested in what I had to say because she has two children with a diagnosis of dyslexia and has gotten them help with it. However she said they have only improved about 40%. She asked me how to get an APD diagnosis and what help was available. I told her she needed to contact an authorized audiologist for APD and get computerized programs for APD that can re-train the brain for hearing what the brain is supposed to hear. She was very excited and I believe went home and called the audiologist I suggested right away.
It’s a great feeling knowing this crown is not only sparkly but also is helping kids get the help they need so they can be as successful in life as possible.
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Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
October 12, 2013 - What a great day for a walk!! The air is crisp, the sun shining and so many women dressed in pink. I was honored to be asked to walk at Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Fund Raiser. I was asked to be a part of Amanda Matthes team.
Also part of that walk team was Danielle Enberg; it was great seeing her again. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her as an International pageant sister – she has run in the Miss category while I was in the Teen category. The wonderful thing about this pageant system is the sisterhood. I have gotten to know so many great people who I now call friends and know I can count on.
I also met up with my high school counselor who is also a Vikings cheerleader. The cheerleaders were there helping cheer on the walk and helping raise money to stamp out this terrible disease.
October 12, 2013 - What a great day for a walk!! The air is crisp, the sun shining and so many women dressed in pink. I was honored to be asked to walk at Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Fund Raiser. I was asked to be a part of Amanda Matthes team.
Also part of that walk team was Danielle Enberg; it was great seeing her again. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her as an International pageant sister – she has run in the Miss category while I was in the Teen category. The wonderful thing about this pageant system is the sisterhood. I have gotten to know so many great people who I now call friends and know I can count on.
I also met up with my high school counselor who is also a Vikings cheerleader. The cheerleaders were there helping cheer on the walk and helping raise money to stamp out this terrible disease.
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Feed My Starving Children & the Minnesota Vikings
LET’S GO VIKINGS! All I see are Viking jerseys everywhere; and then all of a sudden there is this big guy, wearing a Vikings hat and signing pictures of himself. It’s Randal McDaniel. He was a Hall of Famer. And all at once, we all come together to do one thing, to feed children who are hungry. Today was a very successful day of packing food at Feed My Starving Children. And it all started with people coming together to do one thing, and that is to pack meals!
I had so much fun with my sister queens and everyone else that came out to help! It’s so amazing to think that so many people are willing to give up a day just to help others in need. Andrea Bennett-Xiong and her parents were there at a different station. Charity Bess and her Girl Scout troop as well as myself and my mom were at our own packing station. With the help of those little girls, we made 23 boxes with the 7 of us at one station. THAT’S A LOT! We fed about 99 kids for a whole year. That’s 36,288 meals, 168 boxes!
LET’S GO VIKINGS! All I see are Viking jerseys everywhere; and then all of a sudden there is this big guy, wearing a Vikings hat and signing pictures of himself. It’s Randal McDaniel. He was a Hall of Famer. And all at once, we all come together to do one thing, to feed children who are hungry. Today was a very successful day of packing food at Feed My Starving Children. And it all started with people coming together to do one thing, and that is to pack meals!
I had so much fun with my sister queens and everyone else that came out to help! It’s so amazing to think that so many people are willing to give up a day just to help others in need. Andrea Bennett-Xiong and her parents were there at a different station. Charity Bess and her Girl Scout troop as well as myself and my mom were at our own packing station. With the help of those little girls, we made 23 boxes with the 7 of us at one station. THAT’S A LOT! We fed about 99 kids for a whole year. That’s 36,288 meals, 168 boxes!
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Minnesota State Fair Parade
I was at the state fair parade with my Mrs. Queen Andrea. It was so hot out that day as we entered the float among many other Ambassadors. I remember sitting there in my white sun dress thinking, “Wow it has got to be at least 100 degrees out” and sure enough it was. One of the hottest days at the state fair this year! Whenever I do a parade I get this feeling of accomplishment, it’s a feeling that will never get old.
I was at the state fair parade with my Mrs. Queen Andrea. It was so hot out that day as we entered the float among many other Ambassadors. I remember sitting there in my white sun dress thinking, “Wow it has got to be at least 100 degrees out” and sure enough it was. One of the hottest days at the state fair this year! Whenever I do a parade I get this feeling of accomplishment, it’s a feeling that will never get old.
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Sparkle Night at the Minnesota Twins Game
On Tuesday July 30, I attended Twins Sparkle Night at the Target field. The Twins organization helped raised money for the Gillette Children’s hospital. My mom and I were taken down below in the stadium along with all the other queens and ambassadors from around the state. As we started walking on the field, there were small boys in the stands lined up to “high five” me as well as other queens. It was a great honor to walk the Twins field and create awareness and funds for Gillette Children’s Hospital.
Gillette Children’s Hospital was created in 1897 and became the nation’s first hospital for children who have disabilities. In 1897, children and adults with disabilities were given very limited options for health care, education and employment. I am proud to be part of this organization and was also very proud to pose for a picture by a boy named Ryan in a wheelchair. He was a very happy boy and I gave him a high five and he gave me the most dazzling smile.
On Tuesday July 30, I attended Twins Sparkle Night at the Target field. The Twins organization helped raised money for the Gillette Children’s hospital. My mom and I were taken down below in the stadium along with all the other queens and ambassadors from around the state. As we started walking on the field, there were small boys in the stands lined up to “high five” me as well as other queens. It was a great honor to walk the Twins field and create awareness and funds for Gillette Children’s Hospital.
Gillette Children’s Hospital was created in 1897 and became the nation’s first hospital for children who have disabilities. In 1897, children and adults with disabilities were given very limited options for health care, education and employment. I am proud to be part of this organization and was also very proud to pose for a picture by a boy named Ryan in a wheelchair. He was a very happy boy and I gave him a high five and he gave me the most dazzling smile.
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Miss Henderson Royalty
The sun was shining and after a long car ride, we finally arrived at Henderson! While getting to know each contestant, I got to see how special each of these girls were and a few started to stand out to me! With all the passion these girls have for being a queen or princess, it was a tough decision to make. I loved being able to have the opportunity to judge the Miss Henderson Royalty. I have been on their side of the table and know what it’s like to want to impress a judge, but now I know what it’s like to be on this side of the table and how hard of a job it is to choose the winners. It was interesting to listen to all the girls talk about how much they knew about the Henderson heritage; you can tell each of these girls love their community. Charity, Andrea and I had a blast down in southern Minnesota on the warm Saturday evening of June 22, 2013!
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Tater Daze Parade
On June 15, 2013, I had a great time with Krista Wanous in the Tator Daze parade.
On June 15, 2013, I had a great time with Krista Wanous in the Tator Daze parade.
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Youthcare Dinner & Live Auction
It was my honor to be invited to the Youthcare organization fund raiser by Tou Ger Bennett Xiong. This organization has been around since 1974 and helps young inner-city kids through mentoring programs and camp Sunrise. The keynote speaker adopted six children that had many special needs. Her story touched me when she talked about how her children have been a part of Youthcare and how it has helped her children on many different levels. These types of gatherings make me think about how much larger the world is other than what I have experienced so far in my 18 years. I feel so proud and humbled to be a part of these programs; I am getting so much more out of them than I am giving to them. The world is a very large place but made much smaller and more intimate through these types of groups.
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Raising Awareness for a Deaf School
Skolt Scott asked us to make an appearance to help raise money and awareness for a deaf school on May 10, 2013
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Buffalo Hospice House 5k Run
Arriving at Buffalo, we were all in coats and wishing we had mittens. It was chilly out on the afternoon of May 5th. We were there to help start the 5K Run for the Hospice House. Sarah Tichich invited us to help with this spectacular event. Along with starting the event, we also got to cheer on the runners and walkers when they were on their way back to the finish line! Andrea, Charity and I had so much fun helping with the freeing of the butterflies, even though it was to cold for real ones. We got to put a name on a paper flower or butterfly to pray for a loved one who has passed away! The experience was moving and very spiritual.
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Hope Chest for Breast Cancer at the Galleria
What a nice event!! Donnell Rank invited the three queens, Andrea Bennett-Xiong, Mrs. Minnesota International, Charity Bess, Miss Minnesota International and I, Miss Teen Minnesota International to the Hope Chest event at the Galleria in Edina on Sunday morning, May 5th. It was fun to see the grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters and friends there raising money for breast cancer. This organization has been around since 2003 and helps raise money for women who have breast cancer and have no medical insurance. They put on events like Sunday’s, to raise money for uninsured women as well as have retail stores in St. Paul and Wayzata to raise money. I am grateful to Donnell for inviting me to this event and send my prayers to her for a speedy recovery. I love you Donnell. You are a great speech coach!!
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Big Lake Ambassador Candidates Fashion Show
On Sunday, April 28, 2013, the three queens, Andrea, Charity and myself, had the pleasure of attending the Big Lake Ambassadors appearance where they had a fashion show with the candidates. It was a sunny day despite getting lost getting there and motion sickness. I talked to a woman who's son was bullied in school because of his Auditory Processing Disorder and other learning disabilities. We talked about the Pacer Center and other support groups so he could feel he belonged and had some control over his life. This is exactly why I love having this crown, because I get to talk to so many people who have the same auditory learning disabilty as myself and I can offer help.
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Metro Friendship Foundation
Charity Bess and I were honored to be asked to the Metro Friendship Foundation (April 21. 2013) where money was raised for children with Autism. I met a young lady who had a spectrum of autism who wanted to be a princess like me. I talked to her father and told him that I also had a learning disability and his daughter could also be in a pageant or do whatever she wanted to do, regardless of her learning disability.
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Bowling for Soup with the Timberwolves
Had a great time with the JD Styles & Timberwolves Bowling for Soup event at the Mall of America on Sunday, April 7th. Pictured here with Timberwolves players Chase Budinger, J.J. Barea and Derrick Williams.
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Hmong Women Achieving Together
On March 28, 2013, I attended the Hmong Women Achieving Together Annual Fund Raiser with Charity Bess, Miss Minnesota International 2013 and Andrea Bennett-Xiong, Mrs. International 2013. It was a fun night and eye opening.
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2013 Miss Teen Minnesota International Pageant
I am so excited to have been named 2013 Miss Teen Minnesota International along with my sister queens, Charity Bess - Miss Minnesota International and Andrea Bennett Xiong - Mrs Minnesota Interntaional. We are heading to Chicago this summer to compete in the International Pageant.
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Miss Teen United States Minnesota Pageant
Megan and Sarah Edgar at the Miss United States Pageant on Saturday night, February 23, 2013. Megan really wanted to meet the new Miss Teen North Dakota United States because she and Sarah have worked together on Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Awareness because Sarah's brother also has APD and Sarah has done a great deal to get APD known throughout the mid-west. Way to go Sarah as the new queen.
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Pre-Pageant Party
The pre-pageant party was at the Comfort Inn in Bloomington on February 23, 2013. Shown here is Megan with Krista Wanous, Miss International.
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Go Red Event at the Mall of America
On Saturday, February 9, 2013, I was proud to be with my International sisters talking about heart health for woman (and kids). This is the fifth year in a row that I have been a part of this amazing organization.
Meet and Greet - International Pageant
On a very cold January 23, 2013 Wednesday night, I travelled WAY up north to Stacy Minnesota for the Meet & Greet. I met some new great friends that are going to be running for the Miss Teen Minnesota International pageant. I'm so excited.
I also got to see some older friends that I have missed.
I also got to see some older friends that I have missed.
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U of MN Audiology Department
On November 19, 2012, I helped teach a class with Dr. Aprna Rao, a professor and teacher at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Services. We taught what APD was to students going to school to become audiologists. The students asked me what it was like to have APD and what has worked best for me. What a rush!!
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Children's Hospital in Minneapolis
It was a great pleasure to appear at the Children's Hospital on October 23, 2012 to speak to audiologists, speech-language pathologists and speech therapists about my experiences with auditory processing disorder. My co-speaker was Courtney Sterk, who is a private practice audiologist. Courtney and I have spoken before at the Courage Center and have started to pair up to do seminars; Courtney does the technical information and I give my perspectives of living with this learning disability from a teenagers viewpoint.
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International Pageant in Chicago, IL
I was lucky to get a ride with Carolyn and Jenny Monson to Chicago for the 2012 International Pageant on July 28, 2012. I was so excited to see my good friend Krista Wanous win the Miss International title. Sarah Bazey also won Mrs. International for 2012; two Minnesota winners at nationals and I was there to see it!!
To the left is a picture of Jenny Monson, Sarah Bazey and myself.
Below is a picture of me, my fabulous coach, Cheri Kennedy and Jenny Monson.
To the left is a picture of Jenny Monson, Sarah Bazey and myself.
Below is a picture of me, my fabulous coach, Cheri Kennedy and Jenny Monson.
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Send Off Party at Leisha Gust's House
On July 11, 2012, I had the priviledge of wishing Gabby Taylor, Krista Wanous and Sarah Bazey good luck at the send-off party. They are all well prepared, have fabulous wardrobes and are ready to win at Nationals. Good luck girls, I can't wait to see you in Chicago.
YES, I'M GOING!! YEAH!!
YES, I'M GOING!! YEAH!!
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Tater Daze Parade
On June 14, 2012, I attended the Tater Daze Parade in Brooklyn Park, MN. It was exciting because the local news channel was commentating on the participants and I sent in information about Auditory Processing Disorder, so they could talk about it on the TV. Love it!! It was freezing and looked like it was going to rain but it never did.
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Donnell Rank Fund Raiser
I was humbled to see Donnell at her party in May, 2012. She is a very strong woman and a mentor to me. I love what she has taught me about public speaking and am honored to know her. It was great seeing so many International sister queens at the event. My prayers are always with you, Donnell.
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Courage Center
On April 24, 2012, I spoke at the Courage Center regarding APD Awareness with Courtney Sterk, a speech language pathologist and Carrie Wiersma, an Audiologist. We spoke to therapists and teachers about what it's like having APD as well as the technical aspects of this learning disability.
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Grove's Acadmey
On April 19, 2012, I spoke at Grove's Academy (for more information check out http://www.grovesacademy.org/) to the middle school girls about healthy self esteem and having a learning disability.
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Night before the Pageant in March 2012
The night before the pageant, the woman go out to dinner in St. Cloud. Here they are with their pageant coach, Cheri Kennedy before dinner.
Listed in order from left to right:
Anna Korger
Libby Lansing
Betsy Abernethy
Cheri Kennedy
Jenny Monson
Megan Muehlberg
Gianna Capuzzi
Kjerstyn Hall
Listed in order from left to right:
Anna Korger
Libby Lansing
Betsy Abernethy
Cheri Kennedy
Jenny Monson
Megan Muehlberg
Gianna Capuzzi
Kjerstyn Hall
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Pre-Pageant Party
Allison Stavrakis hosted a pre-pageant party for all the Minnesota International contestants in Bloomington at the Comfort Inn on Saturday, February 25, 2012. The party was great fun and I met some fantastic friends at the party.
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Teen Get-Together at Jenny Monson's House
On February 12, 2012, most of the Miss Teen International contestants met at Jenny Monson's house to get to know each other. We had fabulous talks, eats and learned what we needed to do for the International Pageant from Jenny. It was a great time -- Thanks so MUCH JENNY!!!
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Go Red Event at Mall of America on 2/4/12
The Go Red event was held at the MOA on February 4th. I was located outside Bloomingdale's, trying to get people, especially women to learn more about heart disease and how to prevent it. One of the reason's I love the International Pageant system is because they believe in women's health and fitness. Go RED!!
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International Pageant Meet & Greet in December 2011
I absolutely adore Jenny Monson, the 2011 Miss Teen Minnesota International winner. I aspire to be her.
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Co Speaking Engagement for UMB-IDA
On September 29, 2011, Maureen Vaughn, a speech therapist and myself spoke at the UMBIDA conference regarding APD. The audience was filled with teachers and parents of children diagnosed with APD. The parents had tons of questions for me; it was a very exciting night.
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Send Off Party for Jenny
Send off party on June 22, 2011. Good luck Jenny, Mary and Mindy.
What a fabulous evening. I absolutely love Jenny!!
What a fabulous evening. I absolutely love Jenny!!
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Night of the Pageant
Megan was congratulating Jenny Monson, the new Miss Teen Minnesota International 2011 winner.
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Pre-Pageant Party
So much fun at the Pre-Pageant Party. I love silent auctions. I got some great stuff.
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Go Red at MOA
Go Red at the Mall of America on February 5, 2011. Megan posed with O'Neil Hampton from the Biggest Loser. Megan worked outside the Sears court at the Zumba area; had a great time learning Zumba.
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Pageant Christmas party in December
Great time to meet all the new contestants and celebrate Christmas.
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School presentations are important
Megan is meeting wtih schools and school districts to get the word out about APD Awareness and early intervention.
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Had a Fabulous time at the Pre-pageant Party with my new "sisters".
We met at the Comfort Inn in Bloomington on February, 2010.
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STAND OUT STUDENT AWARD in Northwestern Metro - Helping a student with APD - Channel 12 News Films
Megan spoke with Aisata regarding how to deal with Auditory Processing Disorder. Megan is mentoring this girl through her learning disability. They will be on channel 12 News in September.
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Video of Megan on Channel 12 News
Click here to see Megan's video
Stand Out Student with 11 year old Megan is mentoring on APD.
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Osseo Lions Day Parade - September.
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9-11 Firefighters Memorial Service
Megan was asked to speak at a 9-11 Memorial Service in New Hope, MN by Brooklyn Park Fire Chief, Ken Prillman.
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Brooklyn Park City of Commerce recognized Megan as an outtanding teen in BP with a proclamation on August 4.
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"Helping Children with APD" Seminar presented by the NCAPD given in Bloomington, MN in May
Dr. Jay R. Lucker, President of the National Coalition for Auditory Processing Disorder (NCAPD) and myself. Megan spoke on what it's like to be a teen with APD to the professionals that attended Dr. Lucker's seminar.
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UMBIDA - Upper Midwest Branch - International Dyslexia Assoc. - March 2009
Youth Strand panel at the UMBIDA Conference
Megan was a panel member at the UMBIDA conference. She talked about Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), how it has affected her life and answered questions from attendees about APD.
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Miss You Can Do It Workshop - February 2009
Alex Schmitt - 2008 Miss You Can Do It and I - assisted contestants for Miss You Can Do It with walking, standing, answering questions for their contest.
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Volunteering at the Pacer Center - 2009
Megan at the Pacer Center
Megan volunteers at the Pacer Center anytime they call her. She has helped disabled children with crafts on several different occasions. She has also talked to a mother and daughter, whom had APD, and help them understand that just because you have APD, doesn't mean your life is over - far from it!!!!
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Go Red Casting Call - American Heart Assoc. - February 2009
Volunteering with other Mrs., Miss and Miss Teen International contestants.
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Woman's Expo - American Heart Assoc Booth - January 2009
Volunteering at the January 2009 Woman's Expo at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Shown are Miss Teen Benton County 2009, Mrs. Ramsey County 2009, Mrs. Lakeville 2009 and Megan - Miss Hennepin County 2009
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Woman's Expo - Minnesota Inernational Pageant Booth
Myself and Megan Herickhoff, Miss Teen Minnesota 2008
