 The 12th annual Steps of Hope autism awareness walk will take place at Ridgedale Shopping Center on March 4, 2012. Established in 1971, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is an organization of families, educators, care givers, and professionals committed to supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). AuSM exists to enhance the lives of individuals with ASD, and it seeks to realize its mission through education support, collaboration, and advocacy. I have had the pleasure of serving as the official spokesperson for AuSM during my year as Miss Minnesota. AuSM keeps all your dollars local. Proceeds from Steps of Hope directly serve families in your neighborhood by supporting AuSM's programs. For over 40 years AuSM programs have provided information and support to individuals, families and professionals that care for people living with autism. Visit our Steps of Hope Support Grants page to learn how your dollars promote a better life for those living with autism in your community. It is easy to be a part of Steps of Hope! Pull together a team and join us as we weave our way through Ridgedale Shopping Center's upper level. Come out to support this great cause and engage in all the fun activities we have planned: face painting, massages, interactive karate and much more! Also attending the big event are the Vikings cheerleaders, TC the Twins Mascot, and yours truly, Miss Minnesota 2011 Natalie Davis! The Autism Society of Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible. Download the 2012 brochure and help spread the word. Be rewarded! We have some great prizes for our top fundraisers. Be our biggest fundraiser before the walk and win a room with breakfast for two at the Sheraton Minneapolis West. Second place wins breakfast for two. And there are more fabulous prizes for fundraising totals on the day of the walk. Click here for details.Visit the sponsor tables placed throughout Ridgedale Center. At the tables, our sponsors are happy to chat with you and offer information about their products and services. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Visit our sponsor page or download a sponsor form. Steps of Hope is a yearly gathering for individuals, family members, and professionals connected to the autism community. This will by my fifth year attending Steps of Hope. I will never forget the first time I attended the event. Growing up, I felt very much alone in my experience having a brother with Autism Spectrum Disorder, so coming to Steps of Hope for the first time as a high school senior and seeing thousands of people gathered to support their loved ones with autism was, in a word, incredible. The purpose of Steps of Hope is to bring the autism community together and to let families know that they are being supported by AuSM and each other; they are not alone. Please support this incredible community event and organization. For more information, visit www.ausm.org.
Miss Coon Rapids  Samantha Phillippi, Miss Coon Rapids 2011 The Miss Coon Rapids pageant occurred on February 4. Congratulations to Samantha Phillippi, the new Miss Coon Rapids 2011! Also congratulations to Meghan Ehlert, Miss Coon Rapids 2010, and Emily Freeh, Miss Coon Rapids Outstanding Teen 2010, on their incredible years of service! Best of luck to them in their future endeavors! I was asked to perform the national anthem and my talent at the pageant as well as conduct a brief interview with Kathryn Knuttilla, one of our emcees for the evening and my former Miss Minnesota! It was wonderful catching up with her! Following the pageant, the enormous crowd of pageant enthusiasts headed to TGI Fridays (probably one of my favorite restaurants) for the after party. I had a great time eating with the Scipioni family!
Rotary International | | One of my favorite things to do as Miss Minnesota is speak at Rotary Club meetings about my platform, "Autism Awareness: The Missing Piece." I focus on three "missing pieces" related to autism: social skills programs in school systems, employment opportunities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and awareness and understanding of the condition. Rotary was founded in 1905 as the world's first service organization, and there are now over 34,000 community-based programs internationally. Rotary members are likeminded in their passion for serving others, and thusly, they are very receptive to my presentation. Thank you to the Waconia and Minneapolis Rotary Clubs for inviting me to speak to your members during the past month.
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MusicLink Foundation Event at Mall of America  On the weekend of February 11, over 230 music students from around the state came to the Mall of America to share their talent while raising funds for the MusicLink Foundation. I was asked by Sue Wege, one of my Miss Minnesota judges and the Director of Regional Coordinators for the MusicLink Foundation, to emcee and perform at the event. MusicLink has the mission of helping to provide music lessons to children in need. By partnering with teachers, schools and businesses, MusicLink is able to provide lessons, music, practice instruments and Summer Music Camp Scholarships to hundreds of children, who would not otherwise be able to afford them. I personally benefitted from piano and voice lessons as well as summer music camps (at St. Olaf!) when I was growing up. MusicLink ensures that all children have the opportunity to experience the joy of music! This year the MusicLink Foundation is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. They have set a goal to reach 5,000 students nationwide by the end of 2012 and to have MusicLink programs in all 50 states. They currently have reached 4,948 students and are in 45 states, so they are on target to reach this goal. In Minnesota alone, there are 95 teachers currently teaching 305 MusicLink students. Money raised at the Mall of America event will help to bring music education to even more Minnesota students in need. To learn how to support the MusicLink Foundation, please visit www.musiclinkfoundation.org.
KS95 Tour de Grove On Feburary 15, I attended Tour de Grove, a bike-a-thon fundraiser for Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare and the Children's Cancer Research Fund, hosted by Cottage Grove Middle School and sponsored by KS95. If a student raised a certain amount of money, they were given 15 minutes to ride a stationary bike as many miles as they could for the chance to win prizes. If they raised a larger dollar amount, they won a t shirt and a day at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America. I was so impressed by the enthusiasm of the students! We have some great Minnesota philanthropists in the making!
Steps of Hope is coming up! March 4 at Ridgedale Mall! Later that evening, I headed to the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) office in St. Paul for a committee meeting to plan the 12th annual Steps of Hope autism awareness walk, which will take place at Ridgedale Shopping Center on March 4, 2012. Established in 1971, AuSM is an organization of families, educators, care givers, and professionals committed to supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). AuSM exists to enhance the lives of individuals with ASD, and it seeks to realize its mission through education support, collaboration, and advocacy. Steps of Hope is AuSM's largest fund raiser. All proceeds stay in the Minnesota community. There are also numerous autism resources at the walk for families in need of support and people seeking employment or volunteer opportunities. All individuals and teams are welcome. Visit www.ausm.org to learn how to register. Also attending the Steps of Hope walk are TC the Twins mascot, the Vikings Cheerleaders, and yours truly, Miss Minnesota 2011 Natalie Davis! Be there or be square! February is I Love to Read Month!
-Burroughs Community School in Minneapolis On February 16, I visited Burroughs Community School to read to elementary aged students. I started out the morning in two special education classrooms, reading to children with autism. I read "Tobin Learns to Make Friends" by Diane Murrell, a book used by many educators to teach social skills to children with autism. The kids enjoyed the book, scooting closer and closer to me as I read it.
I then had some time to visit the kindergarteners while they were in physical education class. Picture this: I walk into the gym to see 30+ kindergarteners running around playing "soccer" with loud rock music playing over the loud speaker. It looked like a scene out of the cartoon "Recess." It was probably the funniest site I have ever seen! The rock music seemed incredibly appropriate for the chaos I observed. However, I have to hand it to the gym teachers; they train those kindergarteners well! Their teacher told them to stop playing soccer and return to their designated sitting places, then they moved to the center of the gym "inside the yellow circle" to come meet Miss Minnesota. We took several group photos and the kids asked some GREAT questions, such as "Are you a REAL princess? Is that a REAL crown? Do you have a king?"
My favorite conversation of the day:
Child: Do you live in a castle or a house?
Me: I live in a house.
Child: Oh, so you're RICH then?
Me: Nope! I'm a regular girl just like everyone else!
Child: Oh. (Walks away.)
At the end of my visit to Burroughs, I read to Mrs. Butchert's 2nd grade class. I started by asking what their favorite thing about 2nd grade was. The first child raised her hand and said, "Reading!" I said, "Very good! We'll do lots of reading today because it's I Love to Read Month!" The kids must have liked my positive response because every child I called on after that gave the same answer until I finally said, "Okay, let's all say it together: READING!" It was pretty darn cute. We read "My Friend with Autism" by Beverly Bishop. Before I began, I told them about my brother Trevor and what it meant for him to have autism. I was surprised by how many kids had already heard of autism at such a young age. They asked a lot of good questions about autism and about Miss Minnesota. What a great group of kids!
Be sure to read with your child today and every day! First, children learn to read, then they read to learn. Learning to read and loving to read are incredibly important! Thank you, Burroughs Community School, for instilling a love of reading in your students!
 I returned home about a week and a half ago from Miss America. I apologize for not sending out this blog sooner, but I needed the time to heal, reflect, and SLEEP! I have mainly been in hibernation mode, with the exception of a few appearances. My days and nights were completely flipped for a while, but I think I have them switched back to normal now! I am so happy and thankful to be home again, still able to represent our state and the Miss America Organization as Miss Minnesota 2011.
I'll be completely honest: I left Miss America feeling disappointed, not because I have regrets about my performance (I still feel I was a strong competitor in every area of competition and I finished knowing I did my absolute best), but because this dream I have been working toward for the past 6 years was over so quickly. My week at Miss America was incredible, and it flew by! At times I found myself in complete awe of where I was and what I was doing. We were 53 of almost 13,000 young women who wanted to be in our shoes, and for that blessing, I am so thankful. After prelims were over, I felt confident that I would be competing on national television on January 14, and I was very sad, even heartbroken, when the results were otherwise. In fact, I needed a few minutes of alone time to hug my mom, cry, and compose myself before returning to face and thank everyone who came to support me at Miss America. This experience has reminded me of several things: 1) Life isn't always fair, but I can still learn and grow from those experiences; 2) God's plan is better than my own. I still don't understand why the results were as they were, but I have faith that God has an important purpose and plan for me; 3) There is nothing more important to me than the love and support of my family and friends.
I cannot even begin to thank everyone enough for the many messages, cards, and prayers that were sent my way before, during, and after Miss America week. Thank you to the slews of people who spent the time and money to come support me in Las Vegas. I cannot express how much I LOVED running into my "Minnesota people" as we were shuffled around in single file lines lead by body guards through Planet Hollywood. Seeing your smiling faces made my day! I don't even know what to do about the hundreds of Facebook notifications I have. If you sent something that needs a reply, and I haven't responded yet, please try again. I promise I'm not ignoring you! I will never take a hiatus from Facebook again! Ooftah! Thank you to the people who hosted AWESOME Miss America viewing parties. It was so fun to see the pictures you posted! Thank you all for letting me represent you on the Miss America stage. I wish the outcome would have been what we all hoped for, but I am so thankful for being recognized as a Quality of Life Award finalist for my platform of autism awareness. For those of you that know me well, you understand that my passion for my platform is the number one reason I stayed involved with the Miss America Organization for all these years. I love my brother Trevor so much, and it has been an honor and a privilege to use my position as Miss Minnesota to improve his life and the lives of others facing similar challenges.
I am beyond excited for the rest of my year as Miss Minnesota. I look forward to continuing to promote my personal platform as well as the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and getting to know the young ladies who are just beginning their journeys to the Miss Minnesota stage this June. At the end of the day, becoming Miss Minnesota wasn't JUST about being able to compete at Miss America, amazing as that was; it was about the voice and opportunities I have been given for personal growth and development and to improve the lives of others. I can't wait to see what is in store for the rest of this year and my life.
God bless you all! See you soon!
Love,
Natalie
This is my final blog at Miss America! I cannot believe tomorrow is the final night of competition and my last day at the Miss America Pageant! I also can’t believe it will be my very last pageant competition ever. Being able to compete on the Miss America stage is a dream come true. I am so thankful and I find myself continually in awe of where I am. I made it! Be sure to tag me in photos of your Miss America viewing parties!
I LIVED in my fluffy pink bathrobe at rehearsal today. Everyone finally slowed down to rest because the preliminary competition is over. The top 15 is decided, and the rest is in God's hands. Thank you so much to everyone who has come to Las Vegas to support me. It has been incredible to see your smiling faces at visitation each night. I have also hugely appreciated all of the cards I have been receiving from people at home. Thank you for your prayers and your love!
After a long day of rehearsals, we attended the Miss America Crown Celebration to say good bye to our Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan, to thank our sponsors and state board members, and to honor our veterans. It was a great chance to let loose and relax before our final day of competition tomorrow.
 I completed the last 5% of my competition tonight with on-stage question. My question, essentially, was, "What is the most important thing people need to know about Autism Spectrum Disorder?" Well my answer, and the basis of my platform, was that autism is not an insurmountable barrier. I spoke about Trevor's successes in academics and extra curricular activities DESPITE his challenges. With a strong community and family support system, people with ASD have the potential to thrive and become contributing members of society.
It felt amazing to finish this last 5%. I walked off stage that night and threw my hands in the air with excitement. I know that, regardless of what the judges decide on Saturday night, I did my absolute best in every area of competition. I will not be leaving Las Vegas with any regrets.
This morning... I overslept! Uh oh! I had 20 minutes to shower, blow dry my hair, throw a few curls in, and grab my make up to put on in the holding room before my Quality of Life interview! I guess if I win Miss America, I'll have to get used to getting ready quickly! I was pretty impressed by my speed!
I am so thankful for the incredible experience I had this morning: I sat down with three former Miss Americas, Katie Stam, Kellye Cash, and BeBe Shopp-Waring, to share my passion for my platform, "Autism Awareness: The Missing Piece." There are eight incredible Quality of Life Award finalists, and regardless of who places first, it is an honor to have been selected as one of those eight.
After my Quality of Life interview, I had a second interview with Katie Stam, Miss America 2008, Brooke Poklemba, Miss Maryland 2009, and TMG Pageant Network! Check it out!
Later, I headed to the theater for my official talent rehearsal with Chris, Valdez, and Steve, our awesome stage managers. After I rehearsed the first time, I was allowed two minutes to sit and hug my mom, who could hardly speak because she was crying so much! I was so thankful to have that few minutes to sit with my mom and to see how proud she was of me. I love you Mama!
As for the actual talent competition, I could not have been happier! It was the best I had ever performed "Unexpected Song" by Andrew Lloyd Webber. I only have 5% of the competition left with on-stage question tomorrow. After that, it is in God's hands. We'll see what happens!
(Below is a photo from the rehearsal earlier in the day. If anyone has photos from the actual competition, please send them my way! Thank you!)
Today is the day the competition begins!
This morning, I woke up bright and early to get ready for my interview with the judges. One of my hostesses picked me up from my room at 9:00 and brought me down to the first holding room. There were actually a series of three holding spaces before I finally got to meet the judges for the first time.
It was incredible. The interview was very well balanced. I was able to talk about my platform, my opinions on current issues facing our nation, and most importantly, they truly got to know me. So happy to check the interview off my list! What a positive way to start off the competition! Tonight, I competed in swimsuit and evening gown. I wore the jet black Deauville design from Miss America's new swimsuit sponsor, Kompliqué. I also wore the absolute love-of-my-life-gown from The Pageant Shop. Yes, I went with the periwinkle gown that I wore at Miss Minnesota. While I did have another gown designed for Miss America, I could not get the periwinkle gown out of my head. That gown is one hundred percent "Natalie," and that is what needed to be showcased on the Miss America stage. I am so happy with my performance so far on the Miss America stage, and I CANNOT WAIT to compete in my favorite (tied with interview) area of competition, talent, tomorrow night!  (Rehearsal earlier in the day)
Today was filled with nothing but rehearsals and meals. I can't believe that the preliminary competition starts tomorrow. While every day I have been here feels like three days packed into one, the time has flown by so quickly!
2/3 of the ladies have already completed their judge's interview. I am the fifth contestant to go tomorrow morning, and I am so excited! My prayer is that they get a chance to get to know me. I am confident in the skills I have developed over the past 6 years. Now it's time to cut her lose and let her rip!
Top secret. I can't say a word! Let's just say, you'll be seeing a lot of Las Vegas! You'd better just watch the Miss America pageant on ABC on January 14!
Another early morning! We had a full day of top secret rehearsals with our choreographers, Barry, Stacy and Brian, for our top secret Miss America opening number.
I was pulled out of rehearsals for a period of time to get my hair and make up done by stylists who have worked for Express and Vogue (cool!) before I headed to several filmed interviews with Tall Pony and Artistry by Amway.
That evening, we headed to Fashion Show Mall wearing fashions by our new sponsor Express. We met in the basement to rehearse the runway show, then we lined up in a glass box, which subsequently rose up out of the main floor of the mall, revealing to us an enormous crowd ready to see us strut out stuff!
After the fashion show, we had a quick autograph session before heading to...drumroll please...Buca di Beppo! I was HUGELY looking forward to this. Buca di Beppo also sponsors a meal for the Miss Minnesota contestants every year, so I knew I was in for a treat.
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