"MISS USA 2015 IS... OKLAHOMA, OLIVIA JORDAN!!!"

          OLIVIA WON MISS USA!! I am so thrilled and so incredibly proud of her!  This blog post is going to be all about my time in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for Miss USA!  (You might want to grab a snack, this could be long! LOL)

Day 1

         On day one, our first stop was at the Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital and the Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center!  We were split up into two groups, half of us went the the cancer center and the other half went to the children's hospital.  I was with the group that went to the cancer center.  This experience was definitely touching because I was able to visit with patients that were receiving chemotherapy and some waiting to receive chemotherapy.  The patients  I spoke with were so optimistic about their condition.  One gentleman I met had battled cancer for sixteen years!! He STILL had a smile on his face and said, "I'm okay! I'm a fighter!"  Someone else I met that day received news that she was having her LAST treatment!! Her and her husband were so relieved and grateful for the news they received that day.  I talked to another patient that was there with her daughter and her daughter spoke about how her mother continues to work full time to take care of her family, despite her condition.  If that isn't strength, I don't know what is.  I still reflect back on the conversations I had and I pray that these people gain strength and God's comfort. 

I donated several copies of my book, Meanie Muffins, to the children's hospital!

          The next event we had that day was shopping at Kendra Scott!  Kendra Scott on Perkins Rowe was kind enough to give us 10% off of our order and a chance to win door prizes!  I had a blast learning all of the jewelry trends and getting to know my other Teen USA sisters.  

          Next, we had one of the most delicious meals EVER at Mike Anderson's!  They provided us with lunch that afternoon and we had all sorts of Louisiana cuisine.  My personal favorite were the charbroiled oysters.  I never had oysters before this day and I was  pleasantly surprised at how good they were. Also, I would like to give a shout-out to  Southern Magnolia Shirt Co. for providing us a tank to wear, just in case we got a little to messy eating our lunch :)

          Our last event of the day was the Miss USA Preliminary Competition!  It was such a huge highlight being able to watch my sister queen, Olivia Jordan, and the rest of the contestants shine on stage. This night is certainly one I will never forget.  It was also a huge honor being able to stand on the Miss USA stage to take pictures before the show and meet the incredibly beautiful Miss USA 2013, Erin Brady!  After the show, I had the opportunity to go to the meet and greet to see Olivia and her sweet family.  We had fun catching up and I got to hear about what a blast she was having throughout her Miss USA experience.  Also, just in case I get questions, my dress is by Sherri Hill and I bought it from Serendipity Prom! :)

Day 2

          On this day I had the opportunity to shoot with Georgina Vaughn!  We had such a blast during our shoot and the pictures turned out just as I envisioned.  

Here are a couple of photos of the final product...

          That night I went out to dinner with a few of my Vanbros sisters, Arynn, Megan, and Paige!  These girls are SO much fun <3 

The ONLY pic I have of that night :(

Day 3

          Our event on day three was the Chinese Laundry Event at Macy's!  All of the Teen USA titleholders split up into three groups and went to three different malls for a Meet & Greet.  I was placed in the Cortana Mall with Miss Teen USA 2014, K. Lee Graham!  We got to meet so many great people and wear the most adorable Chinese Laundry shoes!

Day 4

          Day four was a BLAST!  We started out our day by going to The Royal Standard Meet and Mingle Event!  The Royal Standard has adorable jewelry, clothing items, and home decor. Thank you so much for the custom made tote bags you made for each of us!!! I can't wait to take mine to the Bahamas for Miss Teen USA!! 

          Our next event of the day was a pool party at the Renaissance Hotel!  They provided us with a live band and fresh smoothies.  We also had salads from Fresh Junkie which were SO delicious.  This was definitely once of my favorite events.  After our pool party we had the chance to relax by doing yoga with a super talented instructor. 

          Our next activity was a workout with Angelo Frasier!  Exercising is one of my favorite things so I had a great time getting my blood pumping. 

          My other favorite thing is frozen yogurt and of course a few of us went to treat ourselves :) Thank you Zac and Will for being our chauffeurs!! 

          Next was a group dinner that Andrea (our Mississippi Teen) and her mom organized.  The guest speaker was Miss Mississippi Teen USA 2013, Madison Brock.  Madison gave us awesome tips on what to expect in the Bahamas when we all go compete for Miss Teen USA!  

          After our dinner, we headed over to the party that Jovani was hosting!  We danced for sooo long and had such a blast!! :)

Day 5

LAST DAY! :'( 

          This day was so amazing, we went to dress rehearsal and then went to the final show!!  I can't begin to describe the emotions I was feeling this day, especially when Olivia won! 

Here are a few photos from finals and the after party! 

Miss Teen USA Roomies :)

Adrielle, Miss Arkansas USA 2010, I always love seeing her :)

After party

Chloe and I when Oklahoma and Texas were in the final two

          I want to give a HUGE thank you to Blair and Lauren for being such amazing chaperons and organizing these events for the Teen USA titleholders.  I appreciate your hardwork, I had the time of my life in Baton Rouge :)

          Another big thank you to Will Henderson and Zac Grimaldo for spending time with us and taking photos and video for us to look back on.  You two are so much fun to hangout with :)

Thank you all so much for reading!!

Sincerely,
Cherokee Pearce
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015