Choosing my Miss Teen USA Gown!

       On Thursday I had the pleasure of going to Atlanta, Georgia to pick out my gown for MISS TEEN USA!!!  I was so thrilled that I got to meet up with few of my Vanbros sister queens to pick out our dream gowns.  Walking into the Atlanta Mart brought back so many memories and so much excitement!  Of course the Sherri Hill showroom was absolutely beautiful and full of some gorgeous gowns to choose from.  After trying on just a few gowns and taking design and color ideas from several, the sketch was drawn. There it was on paper "THE ONE" I was going to walk on the Miss Teen USA stage in.  I can't hardly wait to show everyone the gown I have chosen.  A special thank you to Sherri Hill for designing such beautiful gowns and making this decision so easy.

Miss Missouri Teen USA and I 

Thank you, Malone, for being so helpful and supportive! I love you lots!

St. Patrick's Day

       I had such a fun St. Patrick's Day! I bet you didn't know that I'm Irish!  I'll give you one guess what else I am. ;)  Here are some fun facts about St. Patrick's Day!

1)  We should really wear blue 
Saint Patrick himself would have to deal with pinching on his feast day.  His color was "Saint Patrick's blue," a light shade.  The color green only became associated with the big day after it was linked to the Irish independence movement in the late 18th century.

2) Saint Patrick was British
Although he made his mark introducing Christianity to Ireland in the year 432, Patrick wasn't Irish himself.  He was born to Roman parents in Scotland or Wales in the late 4th century.

3) There's a reason for the shamrocks 
How did the shamrock become associated with Saint Patrick? According to Irish legend, the saint used the three-leafed plant as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity when he was first introducing Christianity to Ireland.

4) It could have been Saint Maewyn's Day
According to Irish legend, Saint Patrick wasn't originally named Patrick. His birth name was Maewyn Succat, but he changed his name to Patricius after becoming a priest.

5) There are no female leprechauns 
Don't be fooled by any holiday decorations showing lady leprechauns.  In traditional Irish folk tales, there are no female leprechauns, only nattily attired little guys.

       I was also able to be a part of the Cherokee Nation Monthly Meeting in Rogers County.  I really enjoyed visiting with everyone and it was so great learning more about my heritage.  I especially enjoyed listening to one of our veterans share the importance and significance of the American Pledge.  He described how some say it robotically as though the words are merely memorized and the true meaning is lost somehow in reciting.  Although most of us have recited this repeatedly in schools and certainly have learned this early in our lives, listening to someone who served our country give his description of it's meaning was emotional for me.  When he spoke the words they were profound and meaningful, so in honor of our veterans, I have included the pledge and it's meaning below.

• "I pledge allegiance"... you promise to be loyal 
• "to the flag"... to the symbol of your country
• "of the United States of America"... a nation of 50 states and several territories, each with certain rights of it's own
• "and to the Republic"... a country where the people elect representatives from among themselves to make laws for everyone 
• "for which it stands"... the flag represents the values of our form of government, in which everyone is equal under the law
• "one Nation under God"... a country formed under God whose people are free to believe as they wish
• "indivisible"... the nation cannot be split into parts
• "with liberty and justice"... with freedom and system of law
• "for all"... for every person in the nation, regardless of their differences 

       By reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, every American promises to be true to the United States of America.  The freedom available will not be take for granted and each American will remember the countless men, women, and children who have given their lives through the centuries, so that they can live peacefully today.


I also enjoyed seeing this sweet little one and hearing Farrell talk about her heritage.

Red Ribbon Gala

     

 On Saturday, March 7th, I was able to attend the Red Ribbon Gala, benefiting Tulsa CARES.  Tulsa CARES provides a wide variety of services to meet the special needs of those affected by HIV and AIDS.

       They had a live auction and all of the money raised from the event goes to care coordination, counseling, nutritional services, and transportation assistance for those living with this terrible disease.  I was so honored that I got to be a part of this with my big sis, Olivia Jordan, Miss Oklahoma USA!  It was incredible to spend time with her and her awesome family.  After the auction they opened up the dance floor and we danced the night away!

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