Miss Thousand Islands 2012

Miss Thousand Islands Outstanding Teen 2012

2012-02-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

I am THRILLED to announce our new Miss Thousand Islands Outstanding Teen, Maggie Ackerman!!Maggie is a fabulous girl and will be a wonderful representative for us. I look forward to doing many appearances with her throughout our reigns.

I was delighted to have the opportunity to host the Miss Thousand Islands Outstanding Teen Pageant at Sacred Heart Church. There were five beautiful, talented, and poised ladies who competed for the title...and they brought an impressive sized audience with them! I hope these young women continue with the Miss America Outstanding Teen program in the future. This organization is close to my heart as I was crowned Miss New York Outstanding Teen in 2007, when I was 14. Because of this title, I was able to compete in the Miss America Outstanding Teen pageant in Orlando, Florida. It was one of the most memorable and enlightening experiences of my life. The title helped me expand my communication skills, become more involved in community service, and encouraged me scholastically. Furthermore, it showed me how much the Miss America Organization has to offer young women and inspired me to compete at the next level, Miss New York. I am so grateful for the opportunities it provided me and I'm delighted to see Maggie embark on a similar journey!

Congratulations, Maggie! Best of luck throughout your year. I'm sure we will be seeing a lot of each other :)

<3 Allie

The contestants and myself.

Our new Miss TI Outstanding Teen, Maggie Ackerman!

Dinner with Miss New York

2012-02-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte, along with some local pageant supporters for a wonderful dinner! My meal was fantastic (from Savory Cafe) and I very much enjoyed catching up with Kaitlin on her experience at Miss America and her journey as Miss New York. I am thrilled that Kaitlin hasn't forgotten Upstate New York throughout her reign. She has made several appearances in the area and I'm sure there are more to come.

Joining me at the dinner was my amazing Mom and friend, Caitlin. Additionally, it was also great to see some pageant family including Jessica Renzi, Nancy Kall, Kathy Lettiere, Morgan Bocciolatt and family, Sue and Gary Pilon, and some new pageant supporters, Shereen Daly and her daughter, Kyra. Shereen is the owner of the dance studio I teach at, In Motion School of Dance, and Kyra is one of my dance students. Shereen has been in close contact with Miss New York about her platform, "Ending Bullying Through Leadership", as it hits close to home with her family. She is very impressed with the work Kaitlin has done and with the Miss America Organization for propelling Kaitlin's goals with her platform. I hope to see Kyra involved with the organization as she gets older, or maybe even as a Miss New York Star Princess in the near future??!

Kaitlin Monte, Myself, and Morgan Bocciolatt

Myself with Kyra Daly

Miss Niagara Pageant

2012-02-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful time this past weekend on an adventure with Shelby, Sue and Gary!

We left early Saturday morning allowing us enough time to make a much desired stop at the Waterloo Outlet Mall. We all ended up with some great treasures including two beautiful BCBG dresses to add to my cocktail dress collection! Thanks again, Shelby, for my adorable black dress that I ended up wearing to the pageant :)

Shortly after arriving in Buffalo, we headed to the Creekview Inn for dinner and to meet up with a former Miss Thousand Islands, Kristina Ferris. It was wonderful seeing her and catching up with her, she looks amazing!

The Miss Niagara Pageant was next on our agenda. We all thoroughly enjoyed watching the pageant, taking part in the raffles (they had over 60 baskets to raffle!!), and spending time with some of our pageant family including Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte, her Mom, Linda, the new Miss Buffalo, Lonna Kay, a former pageant contestant, Vicky Rippel, and the current Miss Finger Lakes, Charlotte Booth. It was so nice to see everyone supporting a new pageant in the Miss New York Organization. They did a great job and I can't wait to see it grow in years to come!

A big congratulations goes out to the winner of the pageant, Desiree Wiley! She did a spectacular job and I'm sure she will represent the title well. Her fellow contestants all did fabulous as well, especially for being new to pageants! Great job, ladies!

After a good night's sleep, we met back up with Kristina and her fiance (congratulations!) for a delicious breakfast at Betty's. If anyone is headed to the Buffalo area, I would highly recommend it! The blueberry french toast casserole was scrumptious...good thing my pageant diet hasn't started yet!!

Thanks again, Shelby, Sue and Gary, for an incredible weekend!

<3 Allie

Myself, Kaitlin and Kristina

Myself, Desiree Wiley (the new Miss Niagara) and Kaitlin

Kaitlin, Chuck Berasi (ED of Miss Niagara), Lonna Kay (Miss Buffalo), and Myself

The contestants and titleholders after the Miss Niagara Pageant

Good Luck, Kaitlin!

2012-01-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

I am incredibly proud and astonished by the wonderful representative that we have for New York, Kaitlin Monte. She is the epitome of success in every aspect and is overall a phenomenal woman. I have been thrilled to see her journey as Miss New York and the accomplishments that she has made. Among these accomplishments was her recent selection as a finalist for Miss America's Quality of life award due to her fabulous promotion of her platform against bullying. Kaitlin is in Las Vegas this week for her opportunity to be honored with the title of Miss America. I am confident that she will succeed in this venture as well and I wish her the best of luck!

Please join me while I watch her compete in the final night of Miss America this Saturday, January 14th at 9:00 pm on ABC!

<3 Allie

So long 2011!

2011-12-31T12:55:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's already time to say goodbye to 2011, it went by so fast!

Last year at this time my Dad, brother, boyfriend, and I were flying over the Atlantic Ocean headed to Greece and celebrating the New Year. Although the beginning to this year may not be quite as exciting, I still get to spend it with my family and friends which is what matter most!

Looking back on this past year I can't help but smile about all the wonderful things that I was blessed with. Whether it was the opportunity to travel to Greece to see my Grandpa, competing in Miss New York, being crowned Miss Thousand Islands, or starting my shop, Dance Alley, there are so many things for me to be thankful for. I will always cherish the memories that were created throughout 2011 including surprising my parents with a party for their 25th Anniversary, taking a road trip to Manhattan with my Mom and friends for Miss New York's homecoming, attending the Sugar Plum Ball with my Dad for our annual night out, and driving to Pennsylvania to pick up my boyfriend's surprise puppy for Christmas. I loved every moment that I was able to spend with my family and friends throughout 2011.

Although there were innumerable great memories, there were also some that will leave a scar on my life forever. I miss you everyday, Papa, but it comforts me to know that I have an angel looking down upon me at all times. I look forward to seeing you again someday.

Saying farewell to 2011 is bittersweet because although it's hard to let go of an exciting and adventurous year, I know that even better things are to happen in the year to come....bring it on 2012!

<3 Allie

Pre-Christmas Update!

2011-12-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a busy day for me!

I had a great time wrapping presents for the Miss Thousand Islands Scholarship fund from 10:00 to 12:00. We had a lot of support from the Ritz Day Spa and Salon and their employees, thank you! We hope to have even more support from the community this coming Friday, December 23rd, from 10:00 to 2:00. We'll take one thing off your to-do list by wrapping all of your Christmas presents in exchange for a donation to the organization! Unfortunately I won't be able to make it because I will be picking up a special Christmas surprise (details soon to come!)...but there will be plenty of other elves to wrap your gifts ;)

Thanks to YNN and 7 News for news coverage! Here are the links:
YNN
7 News

After the gift wrapping I headed to the State Office Building to set up a table for Dance Alley at the Nutcracker performances presented by In Motion School of Dance. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Nutcracker performance in years past but I was incredibly impressed while watching the show this year. Shereen Daly, owner of In Motion School of Dance, does a fantastic job directing the program...it's great to see the growth from year to year and the excitement of audience as they follow the journey throughout the show. I look forward to next year!

Finally, to end my awesome day, my boyfriend, Joe, and I headed to Liverpool for Lights on the Lake...if you haven't seen it before I would absolutely recommend it! Although it was a long wait, it was worth it. There is so much work put into creating the spectacular show, it's beautiful! Here's a picture of a castle (how appropriate) from the show:

AND my last final was today...wohooo school's out!

<3 Allie

Sugar Plum Ball

2011-12-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday night, for the 6th year in a row, I attended the annual Sugar Plum Ball and had an amazing time! In case you aren't aware of what this is, it's a father/daughter dance to benefit the Children's Miracle Network. This year I had the unique opportunity to attend as the "Sugar Plum Fairy" and Miss Thousand Islands with my wonderful date, my Dad :) The Sugar Plum Ball has become a tradition for my Dad and me...I wouldn't want it any other way! It's great to be able to spend quality time with him while supporting a worthy cause.

My handsome date and me :)

I danced the night away with children from all over the North Country and signed over 100 autographs...I loved it!

A few of my adorable fans, Rachael and CC :)

What a wonderful night...thanks Dad!

<3 Allie

Cape Vincent Christmas Parade :)

2011-12-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Saturday afternoon I had the pleasure of riding in the Cape Vincent Christmas Parade with my Outstanding Teen, Kaili Schindler, and one of my princesses, Joelle! It was a little chilly out but with blankets from Gary and Sue, we made it through the parade without going numb :)

After the parade we stopped at Aubrey's for a delicous lunch. I had the most daring veggie burger I have ever eaten....it had cheese, an egg, coleslaw, and garlic fries on it! But it was a veggie burger so that made it healthy, right?? Oh well, I'm better off eating it now than closer to Miss New York :)

Thanks for a fun day!
<3 Allie

Feels more like Christmas in July!

2011-11-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

I had a great time at the Watertown Christmas Parade yesterday! The weather turned out beautiful, the rain even held off for us. It's hard to believe that it was 60 degrees at the end of November in Northern New York. I hate to jinx us but I wouldn't mind seeing some snow, I'm ready to go snowmobiling :)

Thanks to my fabulous chauffeur, Gary, and also to Shelby and Sue for riding with me! One of the highlights of the parade for me was hearing some of the children shout out to Sue, "Hi Mrs. Pilon", or my personal favorite, "Hi Mrs. Lunch Lady"....sooooo cute!!!

<3 Allie

SUCCESS!

2011-11-18T12:20:00.000-08:00

I met with April McClintock last night to see my pictures from the photo shoot and I am so thrilled with them! She is a phenomenal photographer and I am so blessed to have had the chance to work with her. I am so excited to share them with you....

My official head shot...I love it!!

I bought all of the dance photos to display at my dance wear shop, I can't wait to see them printed :)

It's hard to believe I'm in Watertown in this picture!

This one is so fun...and perfect for autograph sheets! Great idea Shelby ;)

I worked so hard for this one, it's definitely my favorite!

Thanks again April! I had a great time at the photo shoot and I am so impressed with the pictures :)

<3 Allie

Service Above Self

2011-11-18T12:09:00.000-08:00

Although it seemed as though Wednesday was going to be a rough day when my doctor called me to let me know I have Mono, it ended being very successful! Around noon time, Morgan Bocciolatt (Miss TI 2011) and I headed to a Watertown Rotary Club meeting to present a speech on what the Miss America Organization is and how it has effected us. They always say that it's easiest to speak about causes and topics that one is most passionate about, and I couldn't agree more. Its incredibly fulfilling to me to spread the word about an organization that has had such a positive impact on my life. I hope that the Rotary Club enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed being there! The goals of MAO and Rotary Club seem to fit together very well so I hope we have formed a lasting relationship. Thank you for a great afternoon.

Since I'm on the topic, I figured I'd give everyone a basic idea of why I'm proud to say that I'm part of the Miss America Organization...

Beginning when I was only 9 years old I knew that I wanted to be part of the Miss America Organization. It all started with my introduction to Jessica Renzi (who was Jessica Lynch at the time), Miss New York 2003. She was always so poised, beautiful, and had an incredible personality to match. After meeting her backstage then seeing her perform her ballet routine en pointe, I was mesmerized and inspired. I realized at that time that everything I want to be in life is what Miss New York and Miss America stand for. Although outsiders see Miss America as glitz and glamour, it is so much more. It's about intelligence; it's about integrity; it's about passion; it's about leadership; it's about community service; and it's not only about willingness to change the world, but readiness to. And believe me, I am ready to. Everyday I am more excited about the journey ahead of me as Miss Thousand Islands, thanks again to everyone who has been there for me every step of the way!

<3 Allie

A-ma-zing Photo Shoot with April!

2011-11-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

Hi All!

My photo shoot on Friday with April McClintock went better than I ever could've imagined. I have seen her beautiful work before but it was clear to me within seconds of the shoot how talented and creative she is! Her visible passion for photography inspired me and has resulted in some wonderful pieces of art that I am so lucky to be part of. Thank you, April, for a wonderful experience! I can't wait to see all of the images upon their completion. I will be sure to share them with everyone as soon as they are released! Here is a teaser that April posted to her Facebook page yesterday evening:

Thank you also to April's amazing prep team: Michael Huxley (assistant/lighting), Carrie Baker (make-up), Rosie from The Ritz Salon (hair), and not to mention my awesome support team...Shelby, Sue, and my Mom :)

So excited to see the rest of the pictures and for the adventures that are yet to come throughout this year!
<3 Allie

The SCOOP on yesterday!

2011-10-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

As a Student Ambassador at Jefferson Community College I was presented with an amazing opportunity yesterday...I was able to intoduce Dr. Carol McCoy, the President of JCC, and the keynote speaker for Leadership Day, Jerry Greenfield! Mr. Greenfield is the co-owner of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and had fantastic words of wisdom about "mission driven" business for the hundreds of high school and college students that attended his speech.

After his speech I was able to speak with him briefly. I told him the story about my shop, Dance Alley; he was very interested and encouraging to me. It's great to hear advice from someone who has been so successful! If only Dance Alley could become a $300 million company...hey, a girl can dream!

I was also able to meet an idol of mine from the show "House" and also the movie "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", Amber Tamblyn. Besides being an actress, she is also a poet so she came to JCC to read some of her poetry. Amber was a very sweet girl, I had a great conversation with her and her mom!

Part of the audience at JCC's Leadership Day.

Me introducing Dr. Carol McCoy and Jerry Greenfield.

Myself and Jerry Greenfield.

Myself and Amber Tamblyn.

http://www.wwnytv.com/news/local/Jerry-of-Ben--Jerry-132729283.html

7 News caught me eating Ben & Jerry's ice cream after the speech...check out this link to see it :)

I had a great time at the event yesterday and I'm thrilled to have been a part of it!
<3 Allie

The Crowning Moment!

2011-10-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, August 13th I began my journey as Miss Thousand Islands 2012. I am ecstatic about the memories and experiences that I am about to encounter throughout the year to come and the wonderful people that I am going to be working with!

Thank you to my amazing family and friends for your constant support; to the panel of judges for seeing in me what it takes to represent this beautiful area and its plentiful resources; to Morgan Bocciolatt, Miss Thousand Islands 2011, for paving an exhilarating path for me and setting the bar so high; and finally, to the Miss Thousand Islands Board of Directors who work so hard to make this pageant a success. I am THRILLED to be joining your team and can't wait for the adventure that is yet to come :)

Below are some photos from the pageant including a shot with my runners-up...my fellow contestants were all so STUNNING! First runner-up was Desiree Wiley, Buffalo, second runner-up was Katy Michael, Watertown, and third runner-up was Bridgette Sharlow, Chaumont. Amazing job girls, I am so happy to have you in my Miss TI family!

Kathy Lettiere of A Touch of Grace, the official dress sponser of Miss Thousand Islands (and a great friend!)

Morgan Bocciolatt, Miss Thousand Islands 2011

Kaitlin Monte, the elegant and beautiful Miss New York 2011 who has done a fabulous job of representing our wonderful state!