"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ~Howard Thurman

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.  And then go and do that.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ~Howard Thurman.


We are passionate people. The Miss America Organization thrives on passion: the passion for others, to better ourselves as people, for our families, and the passion for our community. A main reason why I am devoted to the Miss America Outstanding Teen Organization and the Miss America Organization is I am passionate about everything the programs stand for. I am my platform. With a full time volunteer position at Children's Hospital Boston, I am living this passion daily. I am dedicated to my studies, and I am enthusiastic about my school work. I try to put all of my heart and soul, my entire self, into everything that I do. I am inspired by the virtues of the Miss America Organization. This weekend, 27 young women who share that passion with me will go for the title of Miss New Hampshire. My big sister! I can not wait to see who she is! The current Miss New Hampshire, Krystal Muccioli, has done a wonderful job this year! The Miss New Hampshire contestants all have their own amazing talents, skills, and abilities. I am so inspired by their charisma, dedication, and passion. I have had the privilege to spend a lot of time with the girls, and they are wonderful role models.

To 27 Amazing young women (you too, Krystal!!!),

I am so thankful that all of you are a part of me! Each and every one of you have taught me a different lesson: whether it be about college, boys, or friendship. Thank you for being such amazing role models, friends, and big sisters. 


To my new big sis, we're in for a fabulous year!

Can't wait for this week to begin!
Love and miracles, 
Lauren

"There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness." ~Lady Blessington

"There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness."  ~Lady Blessington. 

Someone once told me that every single line on a woman's face made her who she is today, because that line was made by a laugh. I started my week, by enjoying the "Parenting New Hampshire" Magazine's, Family Fun Fair. Oh, what a Fun Fair it was! I had a super time meeting adorable little kids from around the state, dancing, and playing! I was also excited when "Max", from the Manchester Monarchs came up to high-five me! Later that day, I competed in a dance competition. The last one of the season before Nationals! (Go NHSB!). Our team did a fabulous job! Love you girls (T.E.A.M) ;). Today, my marvelous mother and I drove down to Boston. I had an interview for a position as an "Official Volunteer" at Children's Hospital Boston. And...I got the position! I was so excited! I can not wait to be volunteering there weekly! I will be volunteering six hours a week, every Thursday. The kids are amazing, and I am so blessed to have this opportunity, as I am sure I will learn so much from them! 
Love and miracles,
Lauren

One Big Birthday Wish... Can you guess it?

Thank you all SO much for all of the love that you have given me today! I truly had a FANTABULOUS birthday! And it's all because of my family and friends. :) So thank you! So what did I wish for on my perfectly pink birthday cake that my Mama made?
I bet you'll never guess.....:)
Seriously. You won't. ;)

Thank you for being so loving, kind, and accepting. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful circle of family and friends.

Newly 17,
Love and miracles,
Lauren

Miss New Hampshire's Having a Ball!

I had a FABULOUS fun filled weekend! After working all night (well really just 3-11) at the NHS Charity Dance, I had a busy weekend! My weekend started off with a visit to the 2011 Miss New Hampshire rehearsal. All of the girls look fantastic! After, my mother and I went to Tilton, NH to pick up my dear friend Miss Eileen Kelly. We had a super fun sleepover, filled with yummy treats, and Saturday Night Live! The next morning, Eileen and I woke up early to go to a bridal show in Haverhill, MA. The bridal expo was super fun! I got some ideas for my wedding (12+years in the future)! We drove in the silver bullet (our Toyota mini van) to Manchester, for the Miss New Hampshire Ball. I felt like Cinderella! I was escorted by the wonderful Mr. Bill Haggerty, the Co-Executive Director/ Producer of the Miss New Hampshire Organization. I had a blast dancing the night away with all of the girls!
Love and miracles,
Lauren

Government, Ballet, and Tea, Oh My!

What a wonderful and busy weekend! It started off with the second session of the New Hampshire Youth and Government program, which I look forward to every year. I have made SO many friends through Y and G, and I always look forward to seeing them! This year, I was excited to be elected as an Executive Councilor. Our council became a family by the end of the session. I was also ecstatic to be awarded the Raymond Burton Executive Councilor Award! One of my favorite parts about the program is the opportunity to write and pass bills. For the past two weeks, I have been busy researching bills from gambling, to the State Education Curriculum. After all of our research is finished, we run a mock government. One of my favorite bills that we passed on Saturday was a bill on Sanitation for School Lunches.

After Y and G, I scurried over to a dance competition at the Capital Center for the Arts. Go New Hampshire School of Ballet! Our team did SUCH a fabulous job. Way to go T.E.A.M.!! And thank you, Jen (my wonderful dance teacher)! The competition continued into Sunday, where our dances were fortunate enough to be ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th! Also on Sunday, was the Miss New Hampshire Tea Party, and oh, what a perfectly pink party it was! I was delighted to visit with little girls from around the state, while enjoying a lovely princess perfect tea party. All of the Miss New Hampshire contestants brought their favorite dessert to share. My favorite dessert was a brownie with a mint topping! The little girls were so excited to attend a real tea party, with "Real, Live Princesses!" We had a blast as we did the Cha Cha Slide, the Cotton Eyed Joe, and the YMCA on the stage. It was also a pleasure to be able to see some of the Miss New Hampshire contestants' talents. What a lovely time with my little dance partners, and little tea party friends. :)

Love and miracles,
Lauren

Let's Make It Happen:)

Today is Day 48 of my adventure. So far it has been absolutely amazing! I was given the opportunity of a life time 48 days ago, when I was crowned "Miss New Hampshire's Outstanding Teen 2011", and I promised myself that I would make it the absolutely, positively, best year of my life! So far, each of my 48 days have been filled with Service, Scholarship, Style, and Success, and I am LOVING it!!! I started my journey running, and I have not stopped since! Every day is a new adventure. I began my year of service, with a trip to the Bow Elementary School, to chat with the students about my favorite "point" of the Miss America System, "Service".
My platform is "Little Miracles: Supporting The Children's Miracle Network." The moment I began working with it, and walked into Children's Hospital Boston, I fell in love! I fell in love with the children, the atmosphere, and the people who give so much to the children there. The first time I was able to distract a child who was sick, the first time that child forgot that he was sick, was a feeling that I can not even describe. The children are amazing! As I continued to work with my platform, it became part of me, of who I am. The children have a huge spot in my heart.
In addition to working with my platform, I've been a busy little work horse! From speaking at fashion shows, to volunteering every week, visiting Radio Disney, meeting with our US Senator, Kelly Ayotte,  planning fundraisers for the Children's Miracle Network, to volunteering at Children's Hospital Boston... I am fully embracing this life changing opportunity.
As I continue with this journey, please come along with me, by following my blog! It will be a fun adventure, I promise! :)

With warmth and love,
Lauren