Miss America Week Continued...

I was unable to access the internet for the rest of my stay in Las Vegas so now that I'm home, I can finally blog about the rest of my Miss America experience.

The last thing I wrote about was the first night of preliminaries where Kathryn performed her talent.  The next day I got a little extra sleep and went to the famous "Trade Show" where you can purchase anything and everything with a crown on it :-)  A pageant girls dream.  Many dresses, designers, purses, jewelry you name it, they had it.  Of course I wanted to buy everything, but I ended up only buying a couple of tote bags with crowns on them.  They are so cute! I also had the opportunity to meet Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010, at the trade show!

Caressa Cameron and I

Wednesday night was the second night of prelims where Kathryn had her on stage question.  Again I got to sneak up to the front of the theater where I was lucky enough to sit in the fourth row!  I got some great footage of Kathryn doing her introduction and her on stage question.  Check them out here:

Introduction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3vQV1RagNM
On Stage Question: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Oda4FRA-gI

Wasn't she fabulous! I loved going to visitation after each prelim night and congratulating her!  Kathryn was so appreciative of everyone coming and gave us all a hug each night.  She made us all feel so special even though I'm sure she was exhausted.

I got a photo with Reggie Rivers, He was the best emcee ever!

Miss Minnesota 2001, Kari Knuttila and I

Visitation after Wednesday Night Prelims

Thursday came too fast and it was the final prelim night.  It was the busiest prelim night yet.  So many people came.  Kathryn competed in Life Style and Fitness and Evening Wear.  I recorded the swim wear portion, but my camara failed to record the evening wear :-(  
   
Life Style and Fitness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4i41X9INmg

Visitation after Thursday Night Prelims

I got a photo with former Miss America, Lauren Nelson!

Friday morning we all had brunch at the "Knuttila Suite" and a group of girls (including myself) went down to the Paris Hotel to save spots for the DSW Show Us Your Shoes Parade.  We had the biggest crowd at the parade and you certainly could not miss us.  We were all wearing white angel halos to match Kathryn's costume of a "Minnesota nice angel."  We even had biodegradable snow to throw in the air when Kathryn walked by.  There was a slight breeze that afternoon and the snow flew back into our faces that stuck in everyone's hair.  It was so funny to be in sunny weather and see fake snow in everyone's hair.

 

It was so much fun to see all of the other state's costumes as well.  There were a lot of unique ideas, like biker outfits, hula girls, snow flakes, and sporting teams.  I also achieved my goal of meeting Katie Stam and getting a photo with her at the parade!  She was so graceful and nice to everyone.

Katie Stam!

Later that night I attended the 90th Anniversary Miss America Gala.  There were delicious H'oderves and desserts and 45 former Miss Americas to celebrate the 90th Anniversary!  All of the contestants were allowed to sit with there families.  It was nice to see Kathryn and hear some stories about her week.

Miss America's Outstanding Teen, Lacey Russ

A random story about the Gala was when I was waiting in line to get some roast beef, Tony Bowls came in line right behind me.  I turned around and started talking with him. He was very nice and I got a photo with him!  I guess you can say I was a little star struck :-)

Tony Bowls and I

Finally, it was the day we had all been waiting for. Saturday! The entire day I was in awe of the fact that I was attending the 90th Anniversary Miss America Pageant! The energy in the theater that night is indescribable.  All of the contestants had worked so hard to get to this point and the time had finally come.  The moment they started naming the top 15 semifinalist I immediately started to tear up.  I wanted Kathryn to be a finalist so bad and I was worried why they weren't calling her name.  After every name was called I squeezed my hands tighter and tighter together hoping Kathryn's  name was called next.  Although her name was not called, I have never been more proud of being from Minnesota.  I know that many would agree with me when I say that Kathryn executed every area of competition with grace, elequence, poise, beauty, and talent.  

Waiting in the longest line I have ever seen!

Miss CA and I took off our shoes :-)

Kathryn and I

Seeing the Miss America Pageant in person was a wonderful experience.  It really showed me that anything can happen at any given moment.  Everyone must be on their toes at all times because you honestly have no idea who will be crowned! But that's the nature of pageantry :-) Gotta love it!

I'm looking forward to attending the Miss Coon Rapids and Sweeps pageants in February.  I can't believe they are the last local pageants until Miss Minnesota!

Always,

Bethany Beniek 

Miss America Prelim Night #1

Tonight is the first night I have had access to the internet here in Las Vegas! It has been quite the experience thus far.  I walked more steps in the past three days than I ever have in an entire month.  Did I mention I only packed heels? My feet are definately getting broken in for Miss MN week ;-)

In front of the strip

I got to watch the Miss America contestants rehearse the opening number on Monday morning.  I was one of the very few people watching the Monday rehearsal because most of the fans were arriving on Tuesday (the first night of prelims). Today I was up early to watch Kathryn rehearse her talent for her performance this evening.  I also saw her randomly with a small group of contestants in the hotel shooting a commercial for Saturday's telecast on ABC.

At the Monday Rehearsal

I caught a photo of Kathryn when she was walking through the lobby 

She truly is an outstanding representative for Minnesota and I have been nothing but proud every time I see Kathryn.  I'm sure you all are keeping up with the photos she has been posting on her Facebook page and she is stunning in every single one!  Not only is she beautiful, she is so talented!  Tonight was the first night of prelims and she rocked the Miss America stage with her piano piece.  I was fortunate enough to be sitting in the 12th row and got an awesome video of her performing.  Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnGWK7AanXc 

Watching talent rehearsals

Aja, Allison and I at first night of prelims

After the show we were all excited to go to visitation and tell Kathryn how wonderful she was doing!  She definitely has one of the biggest support systems here in Vegas!  I'm excited to sleep in a bit tomorrow and finally see the famous "Trunk Show" everyone has been talking about.

I still can't believe I am in Las Vegas watching the Miss America Pageant!  It's so surreal to me. I only pray that someday I will have the opportunity to compete on that stage.

Always,
Bethany Beniek

A Whole New Year!

Considering the weather was terrible on December 30th I was unable to attend Kathryn's send-off party in Detroit Lakes.  I was so sad that I couldn't attend, but thank goodness there was a second send-off party in Maplewood on January 2nd where the weather was more cooperative!

Let's start with saying Happy New Year! It is now officially 2011 :-) I have so many goals I want to accomplish and I cannot wait to see what this year holds.  On January 1st I started the year off with another National Anthem performance for the girls SCSU division 1 hockey game.  It was so much fun.  I think doing National Anthem performances are a great way of showcasing the talent aspect of the Miss America Organization.  I have had the incredible opportities of performing for the Men's D1 hockey game and then the Timberwolves game and I have just been asked to sing for the Men's Gopher Basketball game on January 26th! I have been so blessed to have been given these opportunities and I am so excited to perform for the Gophers! They are doing very well this season and the Williams Arena holds over 10,000 people and they expect to be sold out. Wow! This is great practice for Miss Minnesota.

On January 2nd I started the morning off with a tour of Gillette Children's Hospital with Bailey, her Mom, and my Mom.  Ever since my fundraiser this past September my Mom and I have been trying to coordinate a time to tour Gillette because she hasn't been there yet.  She was so touched by the stories of Gillette that she simply had to see where the money I raised was going. She instantly fell in love (like most people do when they go there).

In the afternoon many of the other Miss MN contestants came to Gillette to do a fun activity with the children.  Kathryn and I helped Lupe bling out her door knob hanger.  She loved the color pink.  She was wearing a pink zip up, pink sweat pants, her nails were painted pink and let's not forget her pink gems on her brace!  So naturally we put pink glitter on her name tag :-)  She was actually on the News yesterday.  Watch her video clip here, http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/01/04/mpls-girl-shot-in-the-neck-now-able-to-tell-story/ and if you watch closely, you can see some of the autograph cards the contestants gave her hung on her hospital door!  Another little girl we all fell in love with was Princess Ashton.  Did I mention she loved pink too?  It is always uplifting to visit the children at Gillette and get to know their stories.  They continue to inspire me and fuel my desire to give back to them.

Ashton and I

After Gillette we all went over to Kathryn's send-off party.  If I could describe Kathryn in one word it would be, WOW! Words cannot describe how incredible her wardrobe is, how talented she is, and how well spoken she is.  If there is anyone ready for the job of Miss America, it's Kathryn Knuttilla.  Kathryn has one of the biggest hearts I know.  She would/will do great things as Miss America.  It's all in God's hands and I cannot wait to see the outcome. 

Andrea, Tyler and his Mom

Kathryn and I

Allison, Lauren and I

All us girls :-)

I am leaving for Vegas this Sunday! I started packing today and I simply can't believe it's already here.  Since I have never been to Miss America I decided to go a couple days early to explore Vegas a bit and then endulge in "Pageant World" once Tuesday comes around (the first night of prelims).  I will be taking tons of photos and will try very hard to update my blog during the week.  Pray for good weather this weekend so my flight leaves on it's scheduled time.

Always,
Bethank Beniek     

ps.  I put my new headshot as the header of my blog.  It's going to be my Miss MN headshot for the program books.  I hope you all like it!

Holiday Cheer

I cannot believe Christmas has come and gone already.  Time sure does fly by!  I went to 5 Christmas gatherings in three days.  I loved spending time with my family and close relatives and of course eating as much mashed potatoes and turkey as possible :-) I certainly had my fill.  I am so thankful for the blessings that God has given me and what a better way to celebrate the birth of our Savior than by coming together as a family.

Last week, I rang the bell for the Salvation Army at the Herbergers store in Baxter with my little sister queen, Bailey Wachholz, Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen.  Because of our fierce Minnesota weather this past month, the Salvation Army has not been raising enough money for their upcoming year.  This was the first year ever where they actually sent the volunteers home because of the terrible weather in the Twin Cities area.  I wanted to help the cause so I volunteered my time ringing the bell.  Our shift was from 9:00am-12:00pm and we took turns ringing the bell when our hands got tired.  It was nice to have company this year.  Last year I did it by myself up in Moorhead and having someone to talk to made time go by a bit faster :-)

Bailey and I

The next day Bailey and I performed at the Mall of America in the Best Buy Rotunda.  It was a blast!  The mall was so busy with last minute shoppers.  It took my Dad and I about 25 minutes to simply find a parking spot.  The rotunda was decorated so beautifully with the biggest Christmas trees I have ever seen !  I sang many Christmas songs trying to spread the Christmas spirit :-)  I sold some of my CMN silicone bracelets to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network while we were performing.  Thank you so much to my director Christina for selling my bracelets and my Dad and Pam Wachholz for taking photos.  We also got some video footage of us performing and I will try and post them as soon as possible :-)

Bailey and I

Looking up at the four floors of people above me

The Biggest Christmas Trees Ever

My Cousin Carly and I

This week I will be attending Kathryn's send-off party in Detroit Lakes.  I am very excited to see her again and her new wardrobe.  I'm even more excited to watch her compete in Vegas!  I will be going to Miss America for my first time ever this year!  I will be there for an entire week watching all of the prelim nights and of course the final night!  I am so excited for Kathryn, she has already made Minnesota proud and I can't wait for the rest of America to meet her :-)

I hope you all have a Happy New Year!

Always,
Bethany Beniek

Inspiring America Concert #6

On December 4th I attended my 6th "Inspiring America" concert.  This was Kathryn's last concert before she competes for Miss America in January.  It was yet again an evening filled with entertainment, laughter, and inspiring stories.  I realized that I sometimes underestimate the healing power of God.  John Leggate helped me see His power.  Here is part of his story from www.whohasinspiredyou.com  

          "Six years ago, John Leggate was diagnosed with cancer and given just months to live. 

          He sold his store in Minneapolis, planned his funeral and spent what he thought would

          be his last days with his family.  Here we are today... and John Leggate is still with us. 

          The doctors say that they have never seen anything like it and that he is truly a miracle. 

          John's attitude and amazing spirit and will to live should be an example for all of us to 

          follow."

The concert was a great success and I hope Kathryn will make her goal of raising $15,000 for the Children's Miracle Network before Miss America!  If you want to help the cause please buy one of Kathryn's CD's entitled "Blessed Beyond Measure" that contains 12 original compositions at www.whohasinspiredyou.com/cd.php 

We Love Our "Who Has Inspired You" T-Shirts!

I hope everyone is staying safe in this winter wonderland that I like to call Minnesota!  Yesterday alone I got stuck in the snow twice with my little Chevy Cavalier :-(  No need to go to the gym anymore, I have a driveway full of snow that needs to be shoveled every day! Not my favorite work out, but necessary.

I'm getting very excited to perform christmas carols at the Mall of America on December 23rd!  I have been rehearsing my christmas tunes ever since Thanksgiving!  I hope you can all make it!  I will be performing with Miss North Metro's Outstanding Teen, Bailey Wachholz,  between 3:00-4:00pm in the Best Buy Rotunda.  We will also be selling red and yellow silicone bracelets benefiting the Children's Miracle Network. Can't wait!

Always,

Bethany Beniek   

Fourpoints Magazine!

One of my crowning moments was featured in the Fourpoints Magazine this month! I scanned the page and you can see it below! How exciting!

Always,

Bethany Beniek

So Much To Be Thankful For

The month of November has flown by! Where did the time go? It's Thanksgiving and I have so much to be thankful for.

I am so thankful of everyone and everything in my life.  God has led me to where I am today and I constantly find myself saying when I pray, "Thank you so much!"  I encourage you to think about all the things that you are thankful for on this special holiday.  Sometimes if we don't take time to think about what we are thankful for, it's easy to take it for granted.  Thanksgiving is a nice reminder of how no matter what life throws at you, there is always something that brings us happiness.

Another way of reminding myself to never take anything for granted is by attending Miss Minnesota's Inspiring America Concerts.  On November 6th,  I attended Kathryn's Inspiring America Concert in Wadena where there was yet again amazing talent to be shared and memorable stories to be told.  With the location being in Wadena, it was very touching to hear that one of the nominated Inspiring Americans was a volunteer who had tirelessly worked to clean up the pieces of their city that had previously been ripped apart by a tornado this past June.  Could you imagine losing your house to a tornado? You can read more about the inspiring stories at http://www.whohasinspiredyou.com/

Miss Coon Rapids, Allison Lordbock and I at the Inspiring America Concert

There will be another Inspiring America Concert in Coon Rapids on December 4th.  If you haven't gone to one yet you simply must attend, you won't regret it! I hope to see you all there.

On November 13th a New Miss Mankato 2010 was crowned.  Sadly I could not attend because of the snowy weather, but I waited up that night to hear the results! Congratulations to Natalie Davis, the newly crowned Miss Mankato!

And to end this month off with a bang, I got to sing the National Anthem for the Timberwolves basketball game last night (November 24th)! Where do I even begin?  I think to sum it up, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I had a blast! Not only did I get to sing I also got 4 tickets.  I brought my Dad, brother and boyfriend.  My brother was by far the most excited for he is an avid basketball player/enthusiast.  We arrived early and were taken into the Target Center (before the doors opened) and were sat in some court side seats to watch the players warm up. WOW we were all pretty pumped about seeing the players about 2 feet away from us.  I was even taken "Back Court" to warm up where there was a private DJ and a buffet of food.  There were guards everywhere and I had to wear my court side pass around my neck to be visible at all times.  I felt like a real VIP :-)

Once the time got close, they took me onto the court where I honestly felt like a baby ant.  All the players were so big and tall!

Standing next to DeJuan Blair

They told me how it was going to work and before I knew it they were announcing me to sing the National Anthem.  There had to of been at least 10,000 people there!  They announced me as, "Bethany Beniek- Miss North Metro." Since everyone loved my "Kevin Love" jersey they told me not to wear my banner because it would cover the jersey up, so they told me they would announce me as Miss North Metro which was so cool to hear.  If you want to see a video of me singing at the game follow this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yaq48LV9MQQ

Singing the National Anthem

I was displayed on the big screens in the center of the court

The game was intense with the Timberwolves ahead most of the game, but then lost in overtime. It was a very fun game to watch.  This was a once in a life time opportunity and I cannot believe I can check this off of my bucket list.  Like I said earlier, I have so much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Always,
Bethany Beniek