"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

Christian Learning Center

          On the last week of June, I had another opportunity to read my book, Meanie Muffins, to another daycare!  Reading to Elementary Schools and Daycare Centers is something I have enjoyed throughout my year as Miss Oklahoma Teen USA.

          

          At the Christian Learning Center, I was SUPER impressed with how well behaved the kids were while I was reading.  I read to the three year old's group and the school age group.  I was so shocked that a child as young as three could tell me the lesson learned from the book.  I told the school age group more about my story and why I felt inspired to write a children's book.  This group of kids asked so many questions and I spent a lot time with them hanging out and getting to know each other.  I feel really blessed to have the opportunity to go into a classroom, read my book, and hear the kids talk about being kind, respectful, and accepting of other people's unique qualities. Something that stands out to me about this appearance is that I received a message on Facebook from a mother of one of the kids and said that her son was really impacted by my book and she thanked me for taking the time to read it.  That was one of the most rewarding things ever!!  It helps me know that I am doing my job :) 

She LOVED her Meanie Muffins bracelet!

          Thank you so much to the Christian Learning Center for allowing me to visit! I hope to come back soon! :) 

Sincerely, 

Cherokee Pearce

Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015

USO: Operation That's My Dress

Wisconsin Teen and Nebraska Teen were on my flight!

Flying over Chicago <3 

          WOW!  I don't even know where to begin about this incredible event!  The USO is such a great organization that helps members of our military and their families in so many ways!  I was honored to be a part of the Operation That's My Dress event in June, benefiting families at Fort Drum. The event took place in Alexandria Bay, New York at the Edgewood Resort.  The Edgewood Resort also provided us Teen USA titleholders with hotel accommodations for the weekend that we were there!

          The first night we had the opportunity to attend the Welcome Dinner!  The resort provided us with an AMAZING buffet to feast on that was absolutely delicious!  It was really fun mingling with all of my fellow sister queens and the other USO Volunteers.   The USO Show Troupe was even kind enough to perform a few songs for us after dinner which is something I will never forget, their voices are incredible.

         

       
         


















The next day was the day of the actual event!!  We started our day with a rehearsal for the fashion shows and then prepped and relaxed for our show for the military daughters!  This was a super fun show because all of the girls in the audience would cheer for the Sherri Hill dresses that they loved.  After our first fashion show, we had the opportunity to help the teen girls pick our their dream dress for prom!  Sherri Hill's donation was SO generous and the girls fell in love with Sherri Hill's designs. I helped two young ladies pick out a dress and I can say that they made a huge impact on me.  These girls know what it's like to overcome obstacles, they have went through countless moves to different states and even countries.  I am so glad they had a day to be pampered and taken care of, they completely deserve it!  After the teen's session we went back to get ready for the active duty member's and military spouse member's runway show then quickly went back to the dress expo after our second fashion show.  I met many military spouses that were so grateful for having the opportunity to pick out a gown for an event.  It was an honor meeting some of the strongest young women who sacrifice as they or their father, mother, or husband is fighting for our country.  This was truly a remarkable experience!

       
       





          After the event, the USO and the Edgewood Resort organized an amazing "Thank You" Party!  This was our last meal together as a group before we all parted ways to go home :'(

       
           I had such a blast the whole weekend and really want to thank the Edgewood Resort and the USO Staff and Volunteers.  This event was so amazing, thanks to everyone's effort in making it the best it could possibly be.  I look forward to another Operation That's My Dress Event in the future!!

Sincerely,
Cherokee Pearce
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015