Thank You

This Monday I leave for Miss New York.  The competition will take place in Staten Island next weekend, June 14-16th.  I can't believe I have been Miss Buffalo for NINE MONTHS already!  So far my year has been amazing, I have met so many people who have not only influenced me but changed my life forever.

I am humbled when people share with me their personal stories of abusive relationships and thank me for what I do.  I am truly only confident in myself because you all are.

So the point of this blog is to thank everyone who has effected my life this year.  There are some individuals and groups of people who I would like to thank, if you are not on here please do not be offended, I am running on little sleep!

Jennifer Starkey:   Words can not describe how much your guidance and friendship has meant to me.  When I felt like giving up, you were always there with a swift kick in the behind, a hug and a pair of Alisha Hill's to make it all better.  I am forever indebted to you for the blood, sweat and tears you have put into the Miss Buffalo Organization.

Kim Bowman:   Thank you for knowing how to calm me down and keep me level-headed.  I will never forget our journey to workshop together, you can make me laugh so easily.  Congrats on your new job and I pray that we will never lose touch with each other.

Tom Gleed:   To my ED, thank you for your hard work in making the Miss Buffalo pageant the premier local pageant in Western NY.  Without your love and support I would be lost.

Mom:  Where do I begin.  Eight years ago I competed in my first pageant, soon after I won my first title.  Two of my favorite people were there that day; you and papa.  One year later, when I gave up my crown, only you were there.   You have helped me through that loss and so much more.  Every time I feel lost you have helped me find my voice.  Thank you for always pushing me to be my best but never expecting more and embracing every piece of who I am.  I love you so very much.

Dad:  Although we are far apart you are always there for me.  Thank you for always making time for me to vent and for being one of my biggest advocates.  I am so excited to see you next weekend!  Love you.

Randall:  Many people ask me if it is weird being in graduate school with my stepdad.  My answer is always "heck no!"  I am so happy that I have not only parents but close friends who I can always count on.  Thank you for keeping me sane through all the madness.  Tim Jims =)

Hilbert College:  To my second family, thank you for nurturing me through some of the most challenging years of my life.  I truly wouldn't be who I am today without your eight core values; Service, Compassion, Respect, Joy, Integrity, Vision, Hope and Peace.

Corey Cruppi:  To my Mr. Buffalo, thank you for being a great friend and keeping me tan and sassy!

Russ Hurlbert:  Thank you for making sure my hair is perfect and more importantly fit my personality.  You are truly the best!

Chaybans:  Thank you to Elias and Chaybans formals for always making sure I look my best.  You are too good to me.

Emily:  My best friend.  I have a lot of close friends but it is hard to find girls who truly understand, appreciate and are proud of me for what I do (pageant girls understand this!)  You have been on my team since the day we met, with a shoulder to cry on, a hand to high five and an encouraging word.  Thank you for always pushing me to keep my chin up and never judging me.  I love you more than words can say.

Last but certainly not least, Jesse.  Miss Western NY, my roommate, my friend.  Thank you for being a big sister to me and being supportive no matter what.  I can't wait to make lifelong memories with you this weekend.  Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone when I felt I was on the island of misfit toys.  I love you  too much.

Another Pic

Just received an email with another pic from my trip to Elim Christian Fellowship Church.  Thanks again girls for having me!  Remember your goals are Within Reach!!

Girls to Women

I had such a wonderful time last night with the bright and beautiful young ladies of Elim Christian Fellowship Church. I have visited this church before and had a great time and was honored when I was invited back to speak specifically to girls.

This group had girls that were very young to adult women and we talked about dating, bullies, dating your bully and how to get out of bad situations. They even convinced me show them talent!

Thanks for having me ladies! Keep shining and remember that your goals are within reach. You jut have to grab them!

We Want YOU! To Be A Local Contestant!

I really hate that people have such horrible things to say about pageant girls. I never hear people bad talk sororities the way they do pageants. How are we any less of a sisterhood? We are as group of extraordinarily talented and intelligent young women who are constantly pushing each other to be our best selves.

I could not be prouder to be a pageant girl. Maybe if young girls were looking up to Miss America instead of J Woww society might have a brighter future.

Let's turn a new page ladies. Let's recruit as many young women as possible to carry on the Miss America tradition of Service, Style, Scholarship and Success.

If you want to grow yourself as an individual while helping your community and making some of the way friends the world has to offer, hen check out www.MissAmerica.org

Hi, my name is Lonna and I am contestant 9

Workshop this weekend was amazing. I met so many talented and individual girls. I am so happy that I got to talk to Kaitlin Monte and Claire Buffie; two women who seem to have endless ways to inspire me. Every day I seem to find myself more and more. Thank you both for being the amazing women you are and never allowing anyone to change you. If I could fill at least one of your very large shoes I would be happy with myself. Words can't say how much I love this organization. I love all of my sisters and I pray for my sister who could not be there today due to an accident. We are all here for you!

Workshop!

This weekend I will be going to Staten Island to take part in the Miss New York 2012 workshop.  I am so excited to meet my new sisters and find out what order we will go in! 

For more info on this year's Miss New York pageant, visit their website at www.missny.org When you're there grab a couple tickets or comment below with your email address if you are interested in buying ad space in this year's program book.  You can advertise your business to individuals from all over the state, or you can just give me a shoutout!

Either way, I hope you are all sending me your love and support and I look forward to posting pictures for you.  Keep an eye out on my twitter page, @LonnaLu  lots of pictures to be posted there in real time.

Lots of Love,

Lonna

Girls Night Out

I had an absolutely wonderful time last night at Crisis Services' annual event "Girls Night Out." This event donates to the Haven House (Buffalo's shelter for battered women) and the Crisis Services office and hotline that took over 6,000 calls last year alone.

I was surprised with the opportunity to model an outfit by a generous sponsor (and one of my favorite stores) TJ Maxx. I had such a wonderful time and made a couple close friends who care for the same cause as me. I love that the Miss America Organization gives me the opportunity to reach out and do these types of events. Hopefully some more things in the works with Crisis Services. Have a wonderful Easter!

Lonna <3

PS- I also got my headshots done, sneak peek!