Sorry I haven’t posted anything in awhile everyone, things have been a little crazy! Since I blogged last, I have turned 22, completed two graduate school courses, and enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family.
I had so many things to be grateful for this year. Some of things I was most thankful for were my family, my education and the opportunities I have been given this year. I feel so blessed to have the chance to go back to school and further my education. I love learning, and it seems like every time you learn a new life lesson, there is another one right around the corner. I hope that someday I can share the passion I have for learning with other young criminal justice students. I also feel so grateful for the opportunity I have been given to be your Miss Buffalo 2012. It has been almost three months and I have already met so many wonderful people and I absolutely cannot wait to represent our Queen City in June at Miss New York State! So exciting! Lastly I am grateful for my friends and family who keep me sane and grounded. I could not dream of having a more supportive group of people behind me, I love you all so much.
I promised I would keep you posted on all events as soon as I know of them so here it is...
I will be a gift wrapping volunteer at the Opportunities Unlimited table at the Niagara Falls Fashion Outlets this Saturday from 5 to 9. Opportunities Unlimited is a local organization the assists individuals with developmental disabilities in our area. It is a great cause so please stop by and let me do the hard work for you! :-)
Lots of Love,
Lonna
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Miss Buffalo Makes Strides for Breast Cancer
October 2nd, I had the best time at my first official appearance. I was honored by being invited to be a special guest at this year's Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk in Niagara Square. I was already registered as I walker but thrilled when I was asked by the American Cancer Society to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremonies. Let me tell you, the people of Buffalo were pretty rowdy and ready to go although it was freezing out!
It was so inspirational to meet survivors or 2 years, 17 years and everything in between. Not only did I meet survivors but fighters too, and their friends and loved ones....also the ones they've left behind. I was so glad I could be involved with such a great cause. Breast cancer is one of the most curable cancers and it is important that we make women of all ages aware of the measures they should take to detect cancer as early as possible.
I am so happy I could give back to a city that has one of the best cancer institutes in the country. Without the amazing breast cancer treatment my grandmother received from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, she would not have been here to see me win Miss Buffalo, and for that I am grateful.
Cutting the ribbon with a 2 year and a 17 year survivor
SO cold!
It was so inspirational to meet survivors or 2 years, 17 years and everything in between. Not only did I meet survivors but fighters too, and their friends and loved ones....also the ones they've left behind. I was so glad I could be involved with such a great cause. Breast cancer is one of the most curable cancers and it is important that we make women of all ages aware of the measures they should take to detect cancer as early as possible.
I am so happy I could give back to a city that has one of the best cancer institutes in the country. Without the amazing breast cancer treatment my grandmother received from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, she would not have been here to see me win Miss Buffalo, and for that I am grateful.
Cutting the ribbon with a 2 year and a 17 year survivor
SO cold!
On Chippewa, mid-walk...
"Miss Buffalo Goes Pink"
**Now selling purple Domestic Violence Awareness bands, $2 each. I will be selling them at all future appearances! Thanks!**
Thursday, September 22, 2011
So Blessed
I don't have too much to say since the last time I wrote to you all, my heart still hurts for Jamey and his family. I guess I was just thinking about how fortunate I am to have such a loving and supporting group of friends and family (and of course my "Dream Team"). I feel so lucky that in all this chaos of Graduate School work, two jobs and pageant prep I have so many people who are there to help me whenever I need it. I would write more but as I said, surrounded by a ton of homework so that is all for now. I guess I just wanted to say thank you!
Oh, by the way, I got my official Miss America Organization Sash in today =)
Oh, by the way, I got my official Miss America Organization Sash in today =)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I am Jamey Rodemeyer
Surrounded by piles of school work and my Shih Tzu, I have been trying to figure out a way to put into words exactly how I feel about the events of the past day or so.
Jamey Rodemeyer was a 14 year old boy from Williamsville, NY. This past Sunday, after years of relentless bullying due to his sexual preference, Jamey made the horrible decision to take his own life.
This issue really bothered me not only because it is related to my platform on Teen Domestic Violence Awareness, but also because I felt bullied when I was a middle schooler and a Freshman in high school like Jamey. I cannot even fathom the constant anxiety today's teenager feels in regards to bullying. Bullying doesn't just end in school anymore with name calling or throwing someone in a locker, it continues at home. Teens log into their social media and are flooded with cyberbullying. Although in today's society there are many amazing artists and public figures reaching out to promote Dignity For Students, I still feel very fortunate that I am not a teenager today.
This is my 9th grade yearbook picture. Glasses, braces, at-home-highlighted hair; the works. Needless to say I didn't fit in too well with the all the "popular" crowds during that point in my life (I probably still don't). It also didn't help that I was a huge choir nerd and developed later than all the other girls thus transforming my current nickname of "Train Tracks" to "The Anorexic Girl."
This was extremely hard for me. Among other rumors, I actually heard that someone said the only reason I was put on the cheerleading team later that year was because I was bulimic and the only girl they could lift in stunts. Which is hilarious to me now because I am terrified of heights but at the time had me in tears almost daily.
This recent event is not an issue dealing with gay rights, but an issue of equality, respect and love. Young people are bullied every day, many of them, like Jamey, for something that they can not change. It is not someone's responsibility to change how God made them so you can be more comfortable, it is your responsibility as a human being to love one another and accept people for who they are.
Jamey Rodemeyer was a 14 year old boy from Williamsville, NY. This past Sunday, after years of relentless bullying due to his sexual preference, Jamey made the horrible decision to take his own life.
This issue really bothered me not only because it is related to my platform on Teen Domestic Violence Awareness, but also because I felt bullied when I was a middle schooler and a Freshman in high school like Jamey. I cannot even fathom the constant anxiety today's teenager feels in regards to bullying. Bullying doesn't just end in school anymore with name calling or throwing someone in a locker, it continues at home. Teens log into their social media and are flooded with cyberbullying. Although in today's society there are many amazing artists and public figures reaching out to promote Dignity For Students, I still feel very fortunate that I am not a teenager today.
This was extremely hard for me. Among other rumors, I actually heard that someone said the only reason I was put on the cheerleading team later that year was because I was bulimic and the only girl they could lift in stunts. Which is hilarious to me now because I am terrified of heights but at the time had me in tears almost daily.
This recent event is not an issue dealing with gay rights, but an issue of equality, respect and love. Young people are bullied every day, many of them, like Jamey, for something that they can not change. It is not someone's responsibility to change how God made them so you can be more comfortable, it is your responsibility as a human being to love one another and accept people for who they are.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
My name is Lonna, and I am your Miss Buffalo 2012
Hey everyone! It is a little bit late so I am going to keep this pretty short. My name is Lonna McCary and September 4th I was crowned Miss Buffalo 2012 at the Buffalo Wing Festival. I was so excited, surprised, happy and honored to be chosen to represent my hometown at Miss New York State this June.
So I feel that I should tell you a little more about myself. I am 21 years old (I will be 22 on October 29th), I was born in Virginia because my dad was stationed with the United States Navy there but I have spent most of my life in the rural suburb of of Silver Creek, NY. I have an amazing boyfriend who is about to commission as a Second LT in the United States Marine Corps. I also happen to have four brothers, two sisters, two sets of parents, five dogs and a goldfish named Neville Longbottom. Having ten people in your immediate family makes Christmas shopping a nightmare but it also keeps me surrounded my love and support which I am so grateful for.
I am sure if I wasn't falling asleep I would have much more to tell you about myself but I will leave you with that for now. It has only been 11 days since I have been crowned and so far things are great. Although I am very busy with graduate school work, I feel so fortunate to have found an amazing "Dream Team" within my Miss Buffalo Scholarship Organization family. My Directors and Coordinators keep me grounded and focused and I'm ecstatic that I get to work with them for the next year!
So I feel that I should tell you a little more about myself. I am 21 years old (I will be 22 on October 29th), I was born in Virginia because my dad was stationed with the United States Navy there but I have spent most of my life in the rural suburb of of Silver Creek, NY. I have an amazing boyfriend who is about to commission as a Second LT in the United States Marine Corps. I also happen to have four brothers, two sisters, two sets of parents, five dogs and a goldfish named Neville Longbottom. Having ten people in your immediate family makes Christmas shopping a nightmare but it also keeps me surrounded my love and support which I am so grateful for.
I am sure if I wasn't falling asleep I would have much more to tell you about myself but I will leave you with that for now. It has only been 11 days since I have been crowned and so far things are great. Although I am very busy with graduate school work, I feel so fortunate to have found an amazing "Dream Team" within my Miss Buffalo Scholarship Organization family. My Directors and Coordinators keep me grounded and focused and I'm ecstatic that I get to work with them for the next year!
I will be sure to keep you all posted on events and appearances!
Yours,
Lonna McCary XoXo
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