Outdoor Fun

The very best thing about living in New England is our amazing array of Winter Sports (http://www.visitnh.gov/4-seasons/winter/winter-sports/default.aspx). I had so much fun at a snowshoe photoshoot for Ogunquit's Beachmere Inn http://www.beachmereinn.com/. Photo credit: Patrick McNamara http://www.mcnamaraphoto.com/

Stylish Moments

A few fun images from Winter Fashion Shows and Photo Shoots. A huge thank you to WERZ's Eli Tretter, Jay Bishop, Trisha Tidd and Jason Greenleaf.

National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans

I was so lucky to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Veterans Hospital in Manchester, NH for National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week on Valentine's Day. It was amazing to hear the stories of these soldiers who were prisoners of war during War World II and the Korean War. Each one of them has such strength and courage. I was inspired when one of the soldiers told us was he still had his pilot license and flies every month! I was so honored when one of the gentlemen handed me a part of the American flag that had a poem on that back that read:

I am part of our American Flag.
I have flown over a home in the U.S.A.
I can no longer fly.
The Sun and Winds have caused me to become tattered and torn.
Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten.

This was an experience that I know I will cherish for the rest of my life. These men and women are the heart of our country and I am very thankful for everything they have done to protect us.

With Love and Honor, Kamilah

Miss New Hampshire's Outstanding Teen

Words can not describe how proud I am of Miss Lauren Percy. It has been quite the journey for the both of us since our crowning in September and we have had so much fun along the way. Lauren you have grown so much these past few months and I know this new chapter will be even bigger than the last. You are such a beautiful person and it shines through everyday. I'm so excited to be a part of this monumental time in your life. I know these next six months are going to be the best time in both our lives. I can not wait to see you on stage in Orlando!! I love you little sis, you ROCK IT!!!

With Love, Your Very Proud Big Sis Kamilah

"Nobody else's footsteps lead exactly where you're going."

My experience was amazing. I made so many friends, friends that I know that I will treasure forever. We had SUCH a great time backstage, from dance offs, to sing offs, to Tengo competitions, to writing Oscar winning screen plays. I was inspired at how all of the girls knew who they were, and stayed true to themselves the entire weekend. We had a BLAST.

The Miss NH local title holders are AMAZING. Thank you for being such great big sisters and role models for me. Krystal, you rock! I am super psyched to be your little (or same size... go 5 feet!) sister! Thank you for your love and support from you and your family.

Our choreographer was amazing. Heidi, you are FABULOUS, and I had so much fun playing with your kids back stage. Candace is an amazing producer. It is incredible what she does. Brenda, I am so excited to be your girl. You are such an inspiration with all that you do for the Miss NH program! Audra, I am also so happy to be your girl. Thank you for all of you do for the program, it's incredible. Stephanie, I don't mean to sound repetitive, but I am ecstatic to be your.. another word for girl.. Your teen. I can't wait to get to know you and your family better!

To Bill Haggerty, thank you for all of your support. AND CONGRATS FOR THE ACADEMY OF HONOR AWARD!! Claudette, I can't wait to spend the year with you!!! Thank you for all that you do for this amazing program. Terry Landry, Thank you for your support to the program.

This is turning into a 25 minute Oscar speech. Oh well. I have so many people to be thankful for!

Dr. Dana. You. Are. Fabulous. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for your support and friendship. I can't wait to see you at Miss Boston! Lauren (April), you and your family are so sweet! I am so happy to be friends with you!! To my Fairy Godmother, I love you!!! I'm going to Orlando..... and guess what is in Orlando??? Bibity bobity boo:) Thank you so much for your support:)

Carry and David, thank you for your support and guidance. What made my dress so special was that it had your love in it. Trisha and Elaine, thank you. Thank you so much. You are two of my guiding lights (PS you make the best cookies). Kami, if I had a sister, I'd want it to be you. I can't even tell you how many times that I've asked my mom to adopt you:) I love you, and can't wait to see you again. Sarahjayne. I can't even put into words how much I am thankful to have had you as a director. You put so much time and love into me, and helped me uncover the courage to just be me. You will forever hold a spot in my heart.

To my family. My Nanny, Boppa, Grandma, Gramps, Mimi, Grampy, Aunt Corinne, all of my cousins (And my newly engaged cousin Jenna!) Thank you for your love. Thank you for making me who I am today. I am so fortunate to have a family like mine. To my brother, YOU ROCK. Even if you do like the University of South California;) You are so supportive, and I love you sosososo much!!!! To Daddy, I will always be your little girl. I love you so much. Thanks for being my dad. Mama. I love you. I don't even think you know how much. I don't think you ever will. Thank you for those long car rides listening to 80's night on the way back from Boston and other activities. You are the best Mama ever. I absolutely can not wait to get down to Children's Hospital Boston!!! That will be a priority of mine:)

Thank you for all of your support, guidance, and love.
Thank you all for being a part of my life.

All of my love,
Lauren Percy ~ Miss New Hampshire's Outstanding Teen 2011

"Good Morning Sunshine!"

"Good Morning Sunshine!"

That's what my mom said to me this morning. It's a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. What a perfect start to an unbelievable journey that this weekend will be! Before I embark on this adventure that I've been preparing for during the past years (five years, really), I would love to reflect on one of my favorite parts of the Miss America Organization, the people. Since being involved as a Pre-Teen in the Miss NH Local Organizations, I have met so many people who care and work tirelessly to support and encourage young women. All of the Local Directors have our best interests at heart, and really strive to make us the best people that we can be. The Miss NH Organization has given all of us so many opportunities to learn, grow and serve our community. And we are all very grateful.

Another amazing aspect of the Miss America Organization, is the ability to impact others through service. I originally chose my platform because of one little girl in my hometown. Children's Hospital Boston had made such a difference in her life, so I decided to volunteer. I have learned that Children's Hospital Boston and the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals are so much more...they are a community of incredible people dedicated to providing world class medical care, research, hope and love. I was very inspired by a little boy I met at Christmas time. His strength, laughter and joy touched my heart forever. I am hoping you will all join me on March 1 at IHOP for National Pancake Day to benefit the Children's Miracle Network so we can help fund lots of miracles and help lots of kids in need. www.ihoppancakeday.com

So as I pack, I am thinking of all of the people who have guided, encouraged, supported and touched my life. You have all helped me become the person I am today. I am very grateful.

All of my love, Lauren