Farewell Letter

Photo by Zac Grimaldo. Hair and makeup by Austin Ryde. 

I am absolutely humbled and incredibly grateful for my year as Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015.  It has been such an honor to represent our beautiful state of Oklahoma.  I will always be thankful for the countless memories that have made my year so special.  I enjoyed traveling across Oklahoma to read my book, Meanie Muffins, to children in schools, daycares, and summer camps.   Going to Operation That’s My Dress in New York to help military families find their perfect Sherri Hill gown was so rewarding.  It was such an honor to be able to give back to those who sacrificed so much for our country.  I loved visiting The Little Lighthouse, a special needs school in Tulsa.  The kids there are an example of strength and endurance and reminded me to never take anything for granted.

I want to thank everyone who has been so incredibly supportive throughout my reign. 

To the whole Vanbros Team; Cathy, Janet, Jason, Jennifer, Jerry, John, Karen, Nikki, and Sherri, thank you so much for guiding me in the right direction this year and supporting me 100%.  When I started this journey in 2010, you all made me feel like I was a part of the family and I appreciate that so much. 

Adrielle Churchill, I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me. The guidance you have given me in preparing for Miss Teen USA is so valuable and I will continue to use those same skills for years to come.

Blo., you all are so amazing!  Thank you for doing my hair and makeup for my appearances and making sure that I look my best.  Your staff is so kind and talented, I couldn’t have asked for a better sponsor!!

Brian Attebery, thank you for always making my health a priority.   I appreciate your knowledge in health and fitness so much.  You are not only my fitness coach but a friend that has given me your honest opinion and pushed me to be my best.

Custom Dental, your sponsorship is so generous!  Thank you for taking care of my teeth and keeping them white!

Kim Forsyth, thank you for donating your time to help me with my on-stage presentation for Miss Teen USA!  I appreciate your sponsorship!

Laurel Austin, you are so kind!  I have enjoyed working with you throughout my year and I am so happy you are a sponsor!  You are such an awesome photographer!

Nicole West, I really thought I knew how to do my makeup until you came along.  Thank you for sharing your amazing talent!  You are truly incredible at what you do and someone that I have loved working with.

Serendipity Prom, Sherri Hill, and Stefanie Somers, thank you all so much for providing me my dream gown and earrings for Miss Teen USA!  I couldn’t be more grateful for your sponsorship, you all made me feel like a queen on-stage.

Valerie Hayes, words cannot express how thankful I am for you for your kind words and for always believing in me throughout my journey, I appreciate your interview advice so much. 

Will Henderson, I appreciate your friendship and kindness throughout my year.  Thank you for making the bootcamp in Dallas so fun!

Zac Grimaldo, my buddy, thank you so much for everything you do!  You work so hard to make sure your photos are perfect and I have seen you go above and beyond for all of your clients.  My headshots for the state pageant and Miss Teen USA were everything I dreamed of and more.  Thank you for taking the time to be such an amazing friend, I am so blessed to have you in my life.

Alex Miller, where do I even BEGIN?!  From the moment I met you at the 2014 pageant, I knew God had planned a great friendship for us.  You are so beautiful, intelligent, and funny and I am so glad that you are a part of my life.

Olivia Jordan, I can’t thank you enough for everything you have taught me.  You have been such an incredible sister queen and friend.  I am so grateful for the advice and guidance you have given me and always encouraging me to chase my wildest dreams.  You are such an inspiration! 

The Thomas Family, thank you so much for supporting me and treating me like I’m your own.  You all have helped me tremendously and have been so kind. 

To my Vanbros sister queens, Arynn, Christina, Megan, Melanie, and Paige, I am so grateful for our friendship!  I have had a blast getting to know each of you, we have truly made some incredible memories.

To my best friend in the whole world, my hipster sister, my Nebraska Teen, Paige Pflueger, you are incredible.  I seriously cannot imagine this experience without you by my side.  I have loved talking all hours of the night, our long workouts together, and helping each other throughout our preparation for Miss Teen USA.  I love you so much and I know we will be friends for life.

To all the many people who sent well wishes, cards, letters, and messages, you have forever changed me.  You did more for me than I could have possibly done for you this year.  I appreciate your support so much.

To my loving family, you all are my rock.  When I’m down, you lift me up.  When I doubt myself, you remind me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, with dedication and hard work.  When I have felt like giving up, you remind me of why I started.   Thank you for everything!

To my two most favorite people in the whole world, Mom and Dad, I would not be where I am today without you.  Thank you for pushing me to be my personal best and telling me to never give up. I’m grateful to have you both to make sure I have the opportunity to chase my dreams.  I truly owe ALL of my success to you two.  I love you both to infinity!

To all the contestants, I admire each of you for pursuing a dream.  As you know, there is only one girl who will walk away with the crown, so don’t get discouraged.  I walked away four times without a crown and yet the journey in competing and making awesome friendships are some of the best times of my life.  Embrace God’s plan for your future.

To my successor, you are going to have the most incredible year! Soak up every moment, and use this platform to encourage and support others.  As a wise woman told me once, “it is not so much about you, but what you do for others that counts.”  Reach out to the little ones who are standing alone too scared or nervous to speak to you, be a light and an example for them to follow.  You will truly be amazed by the power of the crown!  Lastly, take every opportunity that comes your way!  Welcome to the sisterhood!

This year is certainly one I will never forget.

I will forever be your Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015, Cherokee Dawn Pearce.

Animal Rescue

Recently, I have had the opportunity to spend some time in Dallas, Texas!!  I had some free time one day and decided to visit some animal shelters in the area!  It was so astounding to me how many animals do not have homes, there were literally thousands!  As I walked through the aisles it was heartbreaking to see so many animals that have been mistreated, starved, abandoned, or surrendered.  I couldn't seem to get these places off my mind when I got home.  I decided the next day to make one last stop in Irving, Texas to visit the animals there.  My mom and I talked about the possibility of one day finding the perfect addition to our family and one our current Shih Tzu, Reno, would love.   We have thought many times after the loss of our beloved Dugan of owning another dog, but never took the idea that seriously until we met Dallas! We saw her and fell completely in love!  Dallas was super shy and very leery of humans, her coat was extremely matted and she just curled up in the corner of her pen shaking.  Little did we know under her matted coat, she was terribly skinny and malnourished.  Needless to say, she now lives in the Pearce household with her new sister Reno!

After her first haircut.  She didn't enjoy it too much. 

It has been so rewarding to see the transformation Dallas has made since her adoption.  When we brought her home she seemed apprehensive about everything. She had separation anxiety and was fearful of men.  Her first appointment to her doctor revealed she was suffering from a ear infection and required steroids and antibiotics for treatment.  It was a trying first couple of weeks, but was completely worth every second because now Dallas is a playful, vibrant, and healthy puppy.

She loves car rides :) PS: I am parked in my driveway, not driving! 

Miss Dallas is so energetic and seems to run everywhere.  Her favorite toy is an empty water bottle.  She makes so much noise for hours biting and chasing the bottle around everywhere.  When she isn't running around playing, she loves to cuddle.  It was a shock when we first got her because she would crawl on my chest and sleep there for a long time.  When she sleeps at night, I think she has some pretty crazy dreams because she will bark and growl like she is chasing something in her dream.  It's the cutest thing EVER!!  Another cute quirk of her's is that she loves watching the computer! When I'm on the internet blogging or scrolling through Pinterest, she tries to follow the mouse across the screen and bite it!  I am having so much fun with her and I am so glad we made the decision to rescue. :)

Yes, she's sleeping. Lol

(Excuse my no makeup face.  That's how I am 85% of the time.)

Following videos will not play on mobile devices

Here is Dallas trying to capture the computer mouse... (Sorry for the poor quality,  it was taken on my phone)

Here she is playing with MY water bottle.  I guess she thought it was her's...

Thanks everyone for reading!

Sincerely,
Cherokee Dawn Pearce
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015

Miss Oklahoma USA/Teen USA Workshop

       For all who are interested in competing for the title of Miss Oklahoma USA or Miss Oklahoma Teen USA, there is an opportunity to learn more about the pageant as well as receive some helpful tips from the experts!  Vanbros and Associates is presenting the Reach your Goal Workshop on
Saturday, November 7th, 2015 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Riverwind Casino and Hotel (1544 State Highway 9, Norman, OK 73072)

       This workshop is featuring several guest speakers including Alex Miller, Miss Oklahoma USA 2015!  I will also be there! Alex and I are looking forward to answering any questions you may have about competing.  In addition, there will be presentations by several experts in the field of pageantry.  Brian Attebery will be there to speak about physical fitness and the importance of leading a healthy life style.  Serendipity Prom will showcase some of their stunning evening gowns and offer any styling advice questions.   Kim Forsyth Pitney will be available to give walking and modeling tips, and can schedule personal time if you desire.  You will also enjoy an Interview PowerPoint Presentation by the one and only, Valerie Hayes, leading pageant interview coach!

The cost per contestant is just $35 and includes one guest!

Please arrive 15 minutes early to pay at the door, (cash or check only)

Bring or wear a pair of heels!

To RSVP please call the pageant office at (913)381-7121

I hope to see you there! I am looking forward meeting all of the contestants as well as prospective contestants.

Sincerely, 

Cherokee Dawn Pearce

Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015

Wings of Hope Metamorphosis Fashion Show

       October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

       This blog post is dedicated to spreading awareness about domestic violence along with a personal story.
       I had the opportunity to speak at the Wings of Hope Metamorphosis Fashion Show which was such an honor!  Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services provides comprehensive and confidential services to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking. and child abuse or neglect.
       Many of you don't know but my Uncle Wayne Pearce was a victim of domestic violence and was killed by his girlfriend.
He was such an incredible person!  He was outgoing, so full of life, and missed terribly by all who knew him. He loved spending time with family, fishing, and going to the beach.  He was a devoted father, brother and a son. He certainly did not deserve to be taken from this world in such a brutal way.  He was only 29 years old when he was killed.

        We love and miss you always Uncle Wayne!  This post is dedicated in your honor!

     
       It is important for me to educate people on the signs of domestic violence and here they are...

       I ask you to please encourage men to seek help, most of the time these instances are not reported because men sometimes feel embarrassed that they are being hurt by a woman.
If you know anyone that is a victim please speak up, you could be saving a life.
If you are a victim, here is a 24 hour helpline, (405)624-3020

Thank you Tres Jolie for dressing Alex and I for this event!

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,
Cherokee Dawn Pearce
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015

Miss USA Homecoming!

       As many of you already know, Olivia Jordan (my pageant big sis) won the title of Miss USA 2015!  Her Homecoming Week was the first time she was able to travel back home to Oklahoma since she won Miss USA!  She immediately was flown off to New York City the day after she captured the title and moved into her new apartment that she shares with Miss Universe!!

       I was lucky enough to attend a few of Olivia's Homecoming events, so here's the scoop:

       The first event I was able to attend was Olivia's first homecoming party at the Riverwind Showplace Theater in Norman, OK!  I was able to catch up with some former Miss OK USA's and Miss OK Teen USA's which was so fun!  There was also an Olivia Barbie cake (that was way too beautiful to eat), a DJ and h'orderves.

YUM!!

Terrible quality, but I love these two <3

With Haley, my Miss OK Teen USA Roomie!! :)

SO happy Allison Brown (Miss Teen USA 1986 from Oklahoma)  joined us!

Former and current Oklahoma Titleholders 

        The next day, Alex (Miss OK USA) and I attended the OKC Jazz Fest and listened to some incredible music and had a great time jamming out to some good ole Jazz music!  Olivia had the opportunity to speak at this event and talked about her duties as Miss USA and the causes that she is passionate about.  Olivia is such an incredible role model and the epitome of a Miss USA.

       On Thursday night, Olivia finally got to have a homecoming celebration in Tulsa, her hometown!!  Alex Miller and I attended this amazing event at the Woody Guthrie Museum!  I love museums and history so I loved checking out their new exhibit.  It was such a pleasure joining Olivia's family and friends to celebrate her big win!!  Everyone is so incredibly proud of Olivia for all that she has accomplished thus far in her reign.  It's only the beginning and I can't wait to follow the rest of her year (and hopefully another year as Miss Universe!)

With my director, John Vannatta! 

Of course we had to take a goofy one! Hehe :P 

       To see more of Olivia's Homecoming, here's a video...

Thanks for reading! <3 

Sincerely, 

Cherokee Dawn Pearce

Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015

New York City!!

      Wow!! New York City was such a blast!  This was my very first time in New York City and it was such a fun adventure!

       The first thing in my agenda was the Sherri Hill New York Fashion Week Show!  At the Miss Teen USA Pageant I was one of the winners for the Sherri Hill Fashion Show along with Miss Arkansas Teen USA, Miss Kentucky Teen USA, Miss Missouri Teen USA, Miss Pennsylvania USA, and Miss Vermont Teen USA.  We had the opportunity to sit front row at Sherri Hill's show!!  The show was absolutely flawless and the designs were incredible, just as expected!  I enjoyed every second.

       After the show, a lot of us Teens went out to dinner at Junior's for some amazing burgers, milkshakes, and desserts.  Everything was so tasty!  Melanie (CA Teen), Caroline (KY Teen) and I got to know each other so much more and really bonded this night at dinner.  I seriously couldn't love these girls more!!

       The next day Christina (MO Teen) and I had such a fun day together!  We went to a diner for breakfast and then made our way to The American Museum of Natural History.  (That's when I got to experience the subway.)  All I have to say about that is, "WOW!"  The museum was SO amazing!  I am such a history nerd so museums are like a playground to me.  We both learned so much about the world and America's history.

       After spending several hours at the museum, Christina and I walked around the upper west side and found a pizzeria (YUM!)  I can definitely say that New York City "pies" are the best I have ever had.  To work off the pizza we ate, we went shopping!  We found some amazing deals.

       Later that night I met up with Olivia Jordan, Miss USA!  (I never get tired of saying that.  Lol!)  We went to Serendipity and caught up on each other's lives over some Frozen Hot Chocolate (again, YUM!)  I had a blast hanging out with Olivia and getting some great life advice :)

       The next morning I had the opportunity to shoot with the AMAZING, Chad Cosper!  It was so fun working with Chad, the photos turned out great!  I am so grateful he took the time to shoot.

       That was the last thing on my agenda, so then it was time to head to the airport to go back to Oklahoma!  My New York City experience was so fun and super eye opening!  I can't wait to go back!!

Thanks everyone for reading!

Sincerely,
Cherokee Dawn Pearce
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015