Wow, I can’t believe this has happened.  I remember as a young girl sitting in front of the TV watching the Miss America pageant with my mom and admiring all the incredible women on stage.  Little did I know that I would have my turn one day.  Here I am, 1 month after being crowned and I am still in shock that my wildest dream has really come true!

    I have had a whirlwind of a month!  I had my first live news interviews with Good Morning Arizona and Fox 10 in the “Girls Club”.  It was a really cool experience (even though I said "exactly" every 10 seconds) and I am so glad to have had that opportunity.  My first few events as Miss Arizona were a blast as well.  I have met so many amazing people already, including Adrian Wilson from the Cardinals.  This month has also opened some wonderful singing opportunities.  I have sung the National Anthem at the Athletes International Banquet, at Phoenix First Assembly on the 4th of July, and soon I will be singing at a Phoenix Mercury game!  One of my goals is to sing the National Anthem for all Arizona sports teams!  (so if anyone has any connections PLEASE let me know!)

    AUGUST IS DROWNING IMPACT AWARENESS MONTH FOR ARIZONA!!

    I have made some amazing advancements with my platform already in this month.  I am now on the Advisory Committee for the Drowning Prevention Coalition and a new member for the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.  I am very excited for my new leadership roles and can’t wait to accomplish more with my platform.  For those of you who don’t know, Drowning is the leading cause of death for young children in Arizona.  It is ranked 2nd nationally just behind driving collisions.  4,000 children die each year in the U.S.  from water related injuries and 58% of Americans do not consider drowning as a threat to their children.  To me, this is an absurd idea and I know that drowning can be easily stopped by following the ABC’s of Water safety:

    A stands for Adults.  It is the job of the adult to be vigilant in watching their children around any body of water, not just a swimming pool.  There is a common misconception that drowning only occurs in pools, but the reality is that a child can drown in as little as three inches of water, to include bathtubs, buckets, and even toilets.

    B stands for Barriers.  Barriers can come in many forms.  In the home, fences around pools that are closed and locked will successfully keep a child from falling into the water, but parents must also be aware that their homes pose a threat to drowning even if a pool is not present.  Bathtubs and toilets are equally as dangerous, as a child can drown in as little as three inches of water.  Child locks must be place and used properly throughout the home.

    C stands for Classes.  One of the most effective ways of educating children about water safety is to enroll them in swimming classes, not only to teach them proper swimming techniques, but also about proper safety protocol such as the “buddy system” and asking an adult’s permission to enter the water.  It is also critical for parents to take swimming classes and become CPR certified so that they are prepared in the event of an emergency.

    It is an incredible thing to realize that everything you have worked for has truly paid off.  I know everyone says “Follow your dreams and one day they may come true,” but once they do it is the craziest, most wonderful feeling in the world and I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way.  (I won’t name them all now, but you know who you are)