Service, Style, Scholarship and Succes

The Miss America 4 points of the crown stand for Service, Style, Scholarship and Success.  Out of these four points, service, has always been my favorite part of the Miss America Program. There is just something about giving that makes me feel whole. My platform deals with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and I am fortunate enough to live in the same town as The University of Iowa Children's Hospital.  The UIHC has been named one of the top 10 best U.S. hospitals for years. Since I knew I would be doing a lot of hospital visits I decided to take on the challenge of becoming an official UIHC volunteer! However, I wasn't aware just how difficult of a process it is to become a volunteer or schedule visits in the hospital. This consisted of an orientation class, multiple health screenings and then 10 hours in the volunteer office getting to know the hospital    and all the volunteers. Although it was a long process it was well worth it! I can't wait to see which parts of the hospital my volunteering takes me.















Back in November I held a sticker drive.  Since so many donations are made throughout the holidays I decided to wait and make my donation now since they don't get as many.  Through social media and word of mouth I was able to donate over 9,000 stickers to the pediatric units at the children's hospital! A HUGE thank you to everyone who was able to donate stickers! I know the kids really loved it. 

Today is National Pancake Day at IHOP! IHOP gives out free pancakes and in return they hope you will donate to Children's Miracle Network.  Julia, Nina Yu (Miss Iowa's Outstanding Teen) were able to help encourage donations and have some pancakes at the Coralville location.  Thank you to the managers and staff for having us and being so welcome! 

My sister and I got to have some fun with style at Runway Prom and Pageant.  Neither of us Baker girls are camera shy and had the opportunity to model some dresses.  We had a blast!
  

Thank you to Le Chic Prom and Pageant for always making sure my style is perfect for evening gown!  Heather and Stacy always make sure you feel beautiful and 100 percent confident on stage.

   

One of the greatest aspects of the Miss America Program is that they are the largest scholarship program in the United States. This past weekend I was able to attend the Miss Macomb Pageant, a preliminary to Miss Illinois. One of my best friends took 2nd runner up and was awarded a scholarship for her platform essay.  I am so unbelievably proud of you Anna, you looked beautiful on that stage! Does anyone recognize her dress!?


    

  

Last but not least the success I have had the past couple weeks would not be possible if I didn't have such amazing friends and family! Thank you to everyone who has helped me throughout my journey to Miss Iowa, we are only a couple months away!


xoxo
Miss Pearl City 
Jessica Baker