Sapulpa High School Human Trafficking Assembly

   

              On Tuesday, March 3rd, I had the incredible opportunity of emceeing a human trafficking assembly at Sapulpa High School.  I am so grateful that The Demand Project asked me to be a part of the movement to end sex trafficking.  During the assembly I introduced each speaker and also was able to share the importance of protecting yourself and staying safe on social media.  The founders of The Demand Project, Kristin and Jason Weis, both presented a power point about the realities of sex trafficking and being aware of what could happen and how you can prevent from being a target.  Elizabeth, an intern for The Demand Project gave a motivational speech about sex slavery and was incredible at pumping up the audience.  Elizabeth's message inspired the students to make a difference.  In closing, Red 12, a dance group with Hope Academy performed a "war" dance.  The "war" dance was an interpretive dance that symbolized going to war against human trafficking  I had such a blast meeting everyone and being involved with spreading awareness about this growing issue.  Many left motivated in getting more people involved with this cause.

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

        It has been an awesome week!  I have received the "I'm not a Meanie Muffin" wristbands and was able to give some to the sweet kids I visited at St. Francis Hospital.  I will forever remember their sweet faces, they are my heroes!  I am so grateful to know such amazing little human beings.

        It has been snowing in Oklahoma!  I was looking out my window and became mesmerized watching the cars drive by as the snow glistened off the tires.  I began to reflect on my journey and realized that some of you may not know anything about my background. 

        I want to start by saying thank you to my parents for everything they have done for me.  It is my humble beginnings and growing up appreciating the simple things in life that molded me to be the person I am today. 

        I grew up on a small farm in Northeast Oklahoma and really never imagined when I was young that I would be where I am today.  Being raised on a farm helped me learn what responsibility is.  I can remember as early as four years old having the responsibility of taking care of a bottle calf.  Every morning and night with my parents help at this age, this little guy had to be bottle fed because essentially, I was his adoptive mother.  I eventually became independent in this task and it became second nature to care for something other than myself.  I remember getting up early before school and making sure my animals were fed before I ate.  I remember the 4-H shows and how much fun they were.  I studied hard to learn the parts of a cow and worked diligently to try to overcome my shyness when talking to the judges.  It was not until my 5th year competing that my calf named Calfuccino won grand champion.  Five seems to be the number for me and yes, I did name Calfuccino myself.  He was a beautiful Brown Swiss who I completely fell in love with.  So, perseverance finally paid off.  I absolutely love thinking about my childhood and the incredible memories I have from growing up on that little farm.  The values I gained from my past far outweigh what money could buy.

   Here are a few pictures of my Holstien and Hereford calves. They didn't win the trophy but they were certainly grand champion to me. 

With one of our horses named Gator and Kissee

Bottle feeding Kissee

Feeding our Hereford, Duke

My best friends :)

SHOWTIME!!

  Some have voiced to me that they assumed I live in a "perfect world" and what could I possibly struggle with.  Struggle is not a stranger to anyone, we all struggle with something.  It's how you approach your challenges.  Don't let your past define who you are, continue in spite of what others say.  As my parents say, "move on, move up!"  I would not have had the drive and fortitude to handle what some define as "failure" to obtain a goal without the encouragement of my family.  My parents never said I failed at anything.  They would simply say, "The more no's you get, you're closer to a yes!"  You can accomplish anything you set your mind to with dedication and hard work!  So, my message to all who reads this is the same.  Never, ever give up on your dreams!

        I can assure you that being a "beauty queen" is not all crowns and cocktail dresses, we too share disappointments.  Although, at times I get discouraged about things, I know this is not permanent and it comforts me to help others.  So find what warms your heart and motivates you to become a better person.  It is how we handle our challenges, it's not our failures that define us.  

        Here are a couple of my favorite quotes...

"She was unstoppable not because she did not have failures or doubts, but because she continued on despite them." Beau Taplin

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

Have an incredible week!

Cherokee Pearce
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015

 

St. Francis Children's Hospital

             Although this week was a productive week for me it was also one of the most emotional weeks thus far during my reign.  I was fortunate enough to visit Saint Francis Children's Hospital in Tulsa, on February 13th.  I was so impressed by the appearance of this hospital, it was warm, inviting and the display of vibrant cartoon characters seemed to wrap their arms around you as you walked through the halls.  I realized how comforting that must be for a child to be surrounded with such bright and colorful images.  It seemed more like an indoor playground or school than a hospital.  It was hard for me to believe that behind the doors of these hospital rooms that some children were fighting life threatening illness, some of which are incurable.  I met children as young as two years old that day fighting for their life.  It was hard for me not to feel a sense of anger.   I was angry that any child had to endure this kind of suffering.  It was so upsetting to see such sweet and loving spirits struggle with life.  It reminded me how much we truly take for granted.  

           I am so thankful that Saint Francis staff took the time to show me around the facility and let me visit with the kids in hopes to make their Valentine's Day a bit brighter.  I want to thank the parents for sharing their experiences with me and for encouraging their kids to stay strong when they feel like giving up themselves.  My visit made me feel even more passionate about Warriors for Ross and more determined to spread awareness about this cause.   

Cute Valentines a few of the kids gave me :)

The Little Lighthouse

I cannot possibly describe in words how truly thankful I am to have visited The Little Lighthouse on Tuesday, February 3^rd.   For those of you who do not know, The Little Lighthouse provides tuition-free education and therapeutic services to children with special needs ages ranging from birth to six years of age. 

The experiences and memories I have of this day are ones I will cherish a lifetime, without a doubt my new little friends hold a very special place in my heart.  I was received by these kids with open arms and complete unconditional love.   I will forever remember the cutest things I heard that day like, “put your hat on” and watching the beauty of communication through sign language, saying thank you or pretty.  I especially enjoyed the dance to the little lighthouse song and seeing their sweet, little faces!

One of my favorite parts was reading my book, Meanie Muffins, to a group of the students.  It was so cool hearing their feedback and seeing them understand the lesson in the end.  One precious little girl told me in the middle of the book, “Those Meanie Muffins don’t have Jesus in their hearts.”  That was seriously the most adorable thing I had EVER heard!  I also got to celebrate sweet Ellie’s 5^th birthday with her!

I was expecting to impact the lives of these kids as Miss Oklahoma Teen USA.  I can honestly say they gave more to me than I could ever hope to give them.   I got to leave with amazing new friendships, a stack of colorful cards, and the best of memories. 

Visit The Little Lighthouse Facebook page and their website to donate.  The Little Lighthouse only runs on donations, so it would be greatly appreciated if you would donate for these incredible kids.  

I told Ellie to say "Cheese!" while she ate her string cheese. Too cute!

Taking a look at Meanie Muffins

Reading Meanie Muffins to a class

Precious Prince Wyatt

The sweetest gift

                                          

Human Trafficking

        It has been an awesome week!  On Tuesday I went to the Anti-Human Trafficking Rally at Foolish Things Coffee in Tulsa.  The prevention of human trafficking is something that I have been passionate about for several years now, I was amazed that this is happening right here in Oklahoma to children as young as six years old.  I am so grateful that I had the chance to talk with several human trafficking and domestic violence organizations like Beautiful Dream Society, Dayspring Villa, The Demand Project, DVIS (Domestic Violence Intervention Services), the Tulsa Police Department, and Unlock Freedom.  I learned so much about human trafficking and I was really inspired and motivated to help these organizations spread awareness. 
Here is a video that the Tulsa World covered on the event.

DVIS (Domestic Violence Intervention Services)

Taking selfies with Caleb!

Unlock Freedom

Melissa from The Beautiful Dream Society

        On Friday I went to Broken Arrow High School with Unlock Freedom for an assembly!  I got to pass out bracelets and flyers that had information about staying safe online and the warning signs of traffickers.  I got to talk to some of the students after the assembly and they mentioned that they learned a lot and were inspired to volunteer and make a change.  That was one of the most rewarding parts of the whole experience.  I can't wait to continue my journey with Unlock Freedom in helping them spread awareness.

For the Human Trafficking Hotline, you can call 1(888)373-7888 or you can text 233-733

The flyer I passed out

#ItStopsWithMe

Senior Center: Chelsea, Oklahoma

       This by far has been one of my favorite appearances!  I had the opportunity to go to Chelsea, Oklahoma to visit with the seniors and take their blood pressures and blood sugars.  Something that you may not know about me is that I am BLS (Basic Life Support) certified.  I am also pre-diabetic and my mother is a type 2 diabetic so monitoring blood sugars and staying healthy is very important in my own life.  I know it was meant for me to be there because two people I tested were in hypertensive crisis.  High blood pressure can lead to strokes. So I am excited that I was able to assist an RN in helping educate everyone about their blood pressure and blood sugar levels.  I had the time of my life learning how to "Rock & Roll" and "Two Step" with a couple of kind gentlemen.  I am not the greatest dancer so kudos to them for being patient and teaching me!

Click here to see the chart and other information that we used from the American Heart Association.

Natalie M. Fashion Show in Kansas City

   

      I had the honor of participating in one of the largest prom and pageant fashion shows in the nation!  This experience was extra special because all of the money raised during the show is donated to schools in the area to help with budget cuts, as well as providing scholarships for the top ticket sellers. 

     What I loved most about the this experience was being able to meet young girls from across the state of Kansas who had huge dreams and aspirations.  I was so humbled to see first hand how being a titleholder can inspire others.  I will always be grateful for this awesome opportunity and will continue to work diligently to motivate and inspire others to never give up on their dreams.

 Vanbros Girls: Miss Missouri USA, Rebecca Dunn; Miss Arkansas USA, Leah Blefko; Miss Arkansas Teen USA, Arynn Johnson; Miss Missouri Teen USA, Christina Stratton; and I. 

Me, Tony Bowls, and Christina

Me, Janet Parkes our sweet appearance coordinator, and Christina. 

Tony Bowls and I