Miss Iowa 2011

Hello again.

I was doing so well blogging about every day of Miss Iowa week, then I had one day with the internet down (Davenport had a huge storm and 800 homes went without power!) and I never got back into the writing flow. The last time I wrote I was getting ready for Thursday of Miss Iowa week, so I’ll do a quick recap of the rest of Miss Iowa week.

Thursday morning was actually very relaxing for the second half of the contestants. I was able to sleep in, read the newspaper, eat a leisurely breakfast, and do a quick workout in my hotel room before we headed to the Blackhawk Hotel for lunch before interviews. Interview felt great and got me excited to compete later that night. After interview, I had my technical talent rehearsal and a quick massage in the lobby of the Adler Theatre (much too quick! Thank you Institute of Therapeutic Massage and Wellness!) before heading out to dinner at Greatest Grains with the other contestants. Greatest Grains is owned by Pauli’s family and is by far the most delicious meal of the Miss Iowa week. That night was the first night of preliminary competition and the Miss contestants competed in on-stage question and evening gown.


With Gretchen, Miss Eastern Iowa, at Greatest Grains.


Introducing myself during the opening number.


Competing in on-stage question.


Competing in evening gown.

Friday was a very busy day. We started bright and early at 7:30 with the Miss Iowa Golf Outing. I had a great golf team – my dad, my brother, my boyfriend, and one of my board members. They did really well and seemed to have a great time. After a couple hours of cheering on golfers, we headed back to the Clarion for lunch with the Optimists Club. I sat next to Rachel, the adorable 5-year daughter of one of the members. After lunch, we got to spend a couple of hours with our princesses playing dress-up. I had a great time with my princess Stella – she has great taste! At 3:15 (!) we headed to Hy-Vee for dinner with our princesses. That night was the second night of preliminaries and the Miss contestants competed in swimsuit and talent and crowned our princesses.


With the rest of the contestants before the golf outing.


My golf team!


Competing in swimsuit.


Competing in talent.


Crowing Stella.

Saturday was also a busy day. That morning, my parents came to the Clarion to help me move out of my hotel room. Next, we went to the Bettendorf Family Museum for some fun time with our princesses. Stella has so much energy and we had a blast running around that museum! Then we all headed to Incredible Pizza for a quick lunch. We could have spent hours with our princesses here! Next, we went to the L’il Miss and Junior Miss Iowa pageants. Congratulations to Ally Wichman, Li’l Miss Iowa 2011, and Matilyn Hepker, Junior Miss Iowa 2011. After the long pageant (close to four hours), we headed back to the Adler Theatre to get ready for the final night of competition. The top ten of both Miss and Teen competed in swimsuit, talent, and evening gown. At the end of the night, I was honored to be named the First Runner-Up to Miss Iowa. I tied with Jessica Pray for overall interview winner, was named the Miss America State Academic Award winner, and was the Miracle Maker winner (for the contestant who raised the most funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals). Congratulations to Francesca Lubecki-Wilde, Miss Iowa’s Outstanding Teen 2011, and Jessica Pray, Miss Iowa 2011. They both have a busy and exciting year ahead of them and I wish them the best.


With my princess Stella before lunch at Incredible Pizza.


Tangoing with Benjamin Riveria, a professional dancer, after being named to the top ten.


Being named overall interview winner. I was tied with Jessica Pray for this award.


With the new Miss Iowa, Jessica Pray.


The Muscatine/Pearl City team. From left - Miss Muscatine Executive Director Kindra Plett, Miss Iowa 2011 Jessica Pray (Miss Muscatine), Miss Pearl City Elizabeth Davidson, Miss Pearl City's Outstanding Teen Jessica Erbst, and Miss Pearl City Executive Director Ashley Brown.

Thank you to my friends and family for their support. I was honored to be named the First Runner-Up to Miss Iowa for the second year. I hope to someday be Miss Iowa, but in the meantime, I will continue to support this program that means so much to me.

I have taken the last week off to just relax and unwind after Miss Iowa. I went up to Minneapolis to spend some time with my boyfriend before he begins working. We had a great time hiking around Minnehaha Falls, visiting the Como Zoo, spending time with friends, and just relaxing. Now, I am ready to get back in the gym, look for internships for the fall, and study for the GMAT and LSAT exams. I’ll have a busy summer ahead of me and, of course, will continue to proudly represent the Muscatine area.


With my boyfriend Stephen at the Japanese Garden in the Como Conservatory.

Elizabeth

Miss Iowa - Day Four

Greetings!

Yesterday was a busy day for the Miss Iowa contestants! We started the day off with two radio interviews at 7:15 (!) with B100 and Star 93.5. Pauli, as always, represented the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program proudly and each contestant was given the opportunity to briefly introduce herself. The interviews were quick, but we will all have plenty of air time during the competition as Star 93.5 will be broadcasting live updates!


With Gretchen, Miss Eastern Iowa, outside the radio station.

After the interviews, we had around an hour back at the hotel to pack up anything that needed to be transported to the Adler for the competition. Most of us, myself included, also had the time to take a quick, much-needed nap.

After packing up our things, we headed to the Fountains to have lunch with the Rotary Club of Bettendorf. The lunch was great and I had the opportunity to sit next to several business and industry leaders in the community, including Dr. Olson, a Bettendorf dentist (I can’t resist talking to a dentist!). The Rotary is really a wonderful organization. Their untiring focus on service is an inspiration and I am proud that so many communities in Iowa, America, and across the world have chapters that each strive to help those in need.

Next, we all moved our competition belongings to the Adler. As I had to harp to take with me, this was actually quite a process. But, after sixteen years of playing the harp, I am proud to say that I have finally learned how to move the harp safely, efficiently, and, most importantly, by myself. Thankfully, I did have Ciera, Miss Henry County, to keep me company in the car.

Dinner that night was at Lancer’s Grille in Eldridge, which has hosted the Miss Iowa contestants for several years. Thank you for your support!

Our last activity on Wednesday was dress rehearsal at the Adler. As we have three nights of competition, our dress rehearsal was sort of a hodge-podge of all three nights. While the rehearsal was tiring, it’s clear that the show will be great!

Today is the first day of competition. We have interviews, on-stage question, and evening gown. I can’t wait to get started!

Elizabeth

Miss Iowa - Day Two and Three

Hello again!

We are now on the third day of Miss Iowa week and it is going great. It does feel like we’ve been here for much longer than just three days, though.

Yesterday, we started out with an exercise session with Ray Porter, the official trainer of Miss Iowa, at 7:45 in the morning. It was great to be able to meet him and start out the day right by moving and warming up my body. After a little break to get freshened up, we headed downstairs at the Clarion for a Kids for Hunger event. In a little more than an hour, we were able to put together 1400 meals to be sent to Honduras! Kids for Hunger sends 30 million meals to 25 countries each year. This is extraordinary and was great to be a part of this!.


Posing with the contestants after we filled six boxes of food to be shipped off to kids in need.

After grabbing our crowns, we headed out to the assisted living facility Senior Star where a couple of us performed our talents, we were served lunch, and we had the opportunity to visit with some of the residents. At my table was George “Tom” Jones who was great to talk with and very welcoming. I was also one of the contestants who was able to perform. While I was unable to bring my harp with me, I was able to play part of Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccio on the piano, which I think the residents enjoyed.


With Miss Eastern Iowa, Gretchen, and Miss Davenport, Amanda, at Senior Star.

Next, we headed to Ridgecrest, an independent living and assisted living facility. This is always one of my favorite places to visit because the residents are so friendly and really seem to love life. Several of the residents described the facility as a “community” and that the fellow residents were their family. Here, Pauli spoke for several minutes about the Miss Iowa program, some of the other contestants were able to perform their talents, and we were given quite a bit of time to interact with those who came out to see us.

After most of the residents drifted back to their rooms, we headed back to the Clarion for dinner in the hostess suite and another three hours of rehearsal. Everything is starting to come together for the production number. While I have a hard time learning dance steps, I am very lucky to be around such wonderful contestants who are willing to help someone with two left feet like me look great in the opening number. Thanks, girls!

Today has been off to a great start. This morning we traveled to Iowa City to visit the Children’s Hospital at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. This hospital is one of two Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in Iowa. Here, the contestants were broken into groups to go visit children’s rooms. I have been to the hospital several times and the experience is always so rewarding. To be able to put a smile on a sick child’s face is so special. Two of the boys that we visited, Wil and Christopher, came down and joined the contestants for lunch. They were so sweet and so feisty! Both were clearly ladies men (in fact, Christopher’s mom whispered to me as we left that Christopher picked me out to be Miss Iowa! What great taste that nine year old has!).

We have a quick break now before we head to Golden Corral for dinner and then back to the Clarion for another couple hours of rehearsal. Unfortunately, I don’t really have many pictures to share from these days, but I’ll post pictures when I’m able.

Elizabeth

Miss Iowa - Day One

Greetings!

I am just finishing the first day of Miss Iowa week! This will be a short post because I want to make sure I get to bed and get plenty of sleep this week.
Today was a wonderful day and it was great to spend time with the contestants. I moved in to the Clarion Hotel in Davenport at 10:00 this morning with the help of my wonderful directors. At 2:00 we had our first activity, which was the Miss Iowa Tea at the beautiful Blackhawk Hotel. One of the things I enjoyed most about this was that all of the Miss and Teen Contestants shared the stories behind their platforms. I think the platform is one of the aspects that make this program great, so it was interesting to hear what sparked the passions of the contestants.


With a few of the other contestants at the Miss Iowa Tea. I'll add a few more pictures from this event tomorrow.

After dinner at the Blackhawk, we went back to the Clarion for three hours of rehearsal. We went through swimsuit and evening gown walks, as well as we began to learn the steps for our opening number dress. The Miss contestants will be doing a tango dance, which should turn out really well for the competition later this week.
Well, the day starts bright and early tomorrow, so I’m going to call it quits for today. I’ll try to post an entry each day, so keep checking back for updates. Until tomorrow!

Miss Iowa Ready

Hello!

I leave for Miss Iowa the day after tomorrow and I could not be more excited about the wonderful week ahead. I am really looking forward to meeting the other contestants amid a flurry of rehearsals and appearances.

Since the last time I wrote, I have been keeping busy mostly with preparations for Miss Iowa. On Memorial Day I was able to make time in my busy schedule to honor our veterans at a Dallas County political event. There, I was able to meet Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Former Governor Buddy Roemer of Louisiana, both of whom have hopes of earning the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination. I was also able to say hello to Representative Latham whom I met in Washington, D.C. a couple of weeks ago. As you have probably guessed, I am never shy about talking to politicians about my platform, so both Governors Pawlenty and Roemer heard an earful about the importance of dentistry in our state and nation. As Iowa boasts the first-in-the-nation Presidential Caucus, I am looking forward to meeting all of the Presidential hopefuls who travel though our state.


With Tim Pawlenty, the Governor of Minnesota. Gov. Pawlenty is considered one of the front-runners for the 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination.


With Buddy Roemer, the former Governor of Louisiana.

This week has been very busy with preparations, but it the best kind of busy. It is exhilarating to be working towards my dream of becoming Miss Iowa. This year will actually be my third year competing for Miss Iowa and I know that I am truly prepared for this job. While the competition is certainly important, Miss Iowa’s impact extends so much further than just the competition that the audience will see next weekend. Miss Iowa is an official representative of our state and her behavior must always leave a positive impression on every person that she meets. In addition, the power of the crown gives Miss Iowa the opportunity to truly make a difference through her platform. The Miss Iowa crown would greatly help me accomplish the goals that I have established for my platform of “Making Smiles Happen: Children’s Dental Health Advocacy”. These goals would impact thousands of lives across Iowa. On Saturday, the judges will be able to make the dreams of one young woman come true. But, what is most remarkable is the impact that that one woman can have on the people of Iowa. The responsibilities of Miss Iowa are huge, but I know I am ready for them. I am ready to be Miss Iowa.

Elizabeth Davidson

Herbert Hoover Elementary School

Greetings!

The days have been flying past as Miss Iowa approaches. In 8 days (8 days!) I leave for Miss Iowa week. My time has been spent at the gym, reading current events, practicing the harp, and planning wardrobe. I have also been traveling a lot, going to mock interviews, getting dresses altered, and making appearances.

Last Monday, I went to Muscatine for a Lia Sophia jewelry party, hosted by Vicki Plett who is one of the fabulous Miss Pearl City/Miss Muscatine board members. After the party, we were able to fit in a mock interview with several members of the board. I could not ask for a better board of directors. They are so supportive, so motivating, and so dedicated to this program. Thank you to all of the board members, especially Ashley Brown, Kindra Plett, Vicki Plett, and Michelle Hunt. You are stars!

This past weekend I traveled home to West Des Moines and was lucky enough to have a mock interview with a fantastic group of judges. They asked challenging questions and gave great feedback that will really help my preparations.

Last weekend I also traveled to Cedar Falls and Lamount to celebrate my boyfriend’s graduation from The University of Iowa. Congratulations, Stephen!

On Wednesday, I visited Herbert Hoover Elementary School in Bettendorf. My pageant sister Jessica, Miss Pearl City’s Outstanding Teen, has been working with this class of second graders now for several weeks, instructing them on how to live healthy lives. I am so impressed with everything that Jessica has been able to do over this past semester. She would be a wonderful Miss Iowa’s Outstanding Teen. Today was the last day that she met with the class, so she invited me as a special guest to reward the students’ hard work. I never cease to be amazed with the students that I have worked with. These students were great listeners and were eager to participate and learn. As you probably know, my platform is centered on children’s dental health. Even when I speak with adults, community groups, and legislators, my focus is always on the children that I can impact. Being able to directly work with children is, without doubt, what I enjoy doing most as Miss Pearl City.


Jessica and I with Mrs. Bengston's second-grade class.


I went around the room and let any student be a prince or princess for the day!


Listening to a question from one of the students.


Getting ready for the plaque-revealing activity. Travis was a great volunteer!

Later that afternoon, Ashley and Vicki stopped by my house in Iowa City to help me get organized for Miss Iowa. I have never been a light packer, but I always have tons of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and makeup to take to Miss Iowa. After all, Miss Iowa needs to look her very best at all times.

Yesterday I drove to Columbus Junction to meet with Michelle Hunt, one of the Miss Pearl City board members. We spent a lot of time talking about current events and potential interview questions. Michelle’s expertise is invaluable.

This weekend I’m traveling back home again for another mock interview and some much-needed time with my family. This was a busy week and it gave me a real sense of what life would be like as Miss Iowa. I can’t wait for the competition in just under two weeks!

Elizabeth

Washington Leadership Conference

Hi there,

As I mentioned in my last post, I have spent the last week in Washington, D.C. attending the Washington Leadership Conference with the American Dental Association. I was one of four Iowa delegates that visited with the nation's representatives and senators about the current legislative issues that affect dentistry for the coming year. We had private meetings with each of the five Iowa representatives and the two senators, as well as additional meetings with their staff.

We had three main bills that the American Dental Association was supporting. One is called “Breaking Barriers to Oral Health Act of 2011”, the purpose of which is to empower state-based entities to break the barriers to improved essential oral health care for lower-income individuals. Most Americans have access to the best oral health care in the world and, as a result, enjoy excellent oral health. But tens of millions still do not, owing to such barriers as poverty, geography, lack of oral health education, language or cultural barriers, fear of dental care and the belief that people who are not in pain do not need dental care. This bill creates two grant programs in which states and state dental associations compete for limited federal dollars in order to create or fund programs that directly deal with these barriers. Essentially, it provides funds for those who are closest to the problem that can do the most good.

Second, we were supporting “The Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act of 2011”, which seeks to repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act exemption for insurance companies. Currently, only railroads, unions, baseball, and insurance companies have exemptions from federal antitrust legislation, which means that insurance companies are allowed to collude together to set prices. This bill would eliminate the special treatment that the insurance industry has enjoyed for 65 years, and bring the industry into line with virtually every other American business sector. This bill actually passed overwhelming in the House last year (406 – 19) but died in Committee in the Senate. Hopefully this year will be the year this exemption is finally repealed.

Third was the “Patients’ Freedom to Choose Act”. This seeks to repeal the annual cap on Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) that reduces consumers’ access to health care. The recent Healthcare Reform Act reduced the cap from $5,000 to $2,500. If out of pocket costs for traditional medical insurance exceeds the new annual limit, consumers will be faced with hard decisions about the affordability of additional health care costs like vision and dental care. Hundreds of thousands of Americans rely on medical FSAs to cover these rising out of pocket health care costs. While the bill does not place a limit on FSAs, the cap will likely be placed at the historical $5,000 rate in Committee.

As I mentioned, the Iowa delegation (IDA Executive Director Larry Carl, IDA President Dr. David Davidson, IDA President-Elect Dr. Dan Kegler, and me, the Goodwill Ambassador to the IDA) were able to talk about all of these issues, in addition to specific Iowa issues like the Iowa Mission of Mercy, with all 5 Iowa representatives and both senators. All of our Iowa Congressmen were aware of the importance of dentistry in our state and nation and were very receptive to our message. I believe that we were very successful and I will be anxious to see these bills go through the legislative process.


The Iowa delegates with Senator Grassley. Grassley is such a professional and has a very firm grasp of the issues that affect dentistry in our state and nation.


The Iowa delegation with Senator Harkin. The Senator was responsible for procuring an earmark that really helped the Iowa Mission of Mercy obtain equipment last year. Thank you, Senator!


With Representative Boswell. He was so easy to talk with!


With Representative Braley. He has a great personality! For this photograph, he bent down and I stood on my tippie-toes so that I didn't look so short.


With Representative Loebsack. As a registered Johnson County voter, Representative Loebsack is actually my representative in Congress.


With Representative Latham. He has been a supporter of the Iowa Mission of Mercy since its conception.


I was very impressed with Representative King. He actually sat with us for 30 minutes to talk frankly and openly about the issues. It was easy to open up with him and have a serious conversation about the state of dentistry and our nation.


Taking a moment in between meetings to prepare.

In addition, the entire Washington Leadership Conference heard from specific friends of dentistry from the House of Representatives and several other industry leaders. They discussed current legislative issues and the role of dentistry in our modern society. We also heard predictions for healthcare in the upcoming years, a concept that is constantly evolving, especially with the passage of the Healthcare Reform Act this past year. The Conference was fascinating and it was such an honor to have been invited to join the Iowa Delegation.


With Representative Paul Gosar from Arizona. Dr. Gosar is a newly elected dentist in Congress and was the keynote speaker for our conference.


With Representative Phil Gingrey from Georgia. Dr. Gingrey is the Co-chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus and one of the speakers for our conference.


Representative Darrell Issa of California, the Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.


With Steny Hoyer, the House Democratic Whip.


With Representative Allen West of Florida. He is considered one of the new leaders of the TEA-Party movement.


My dad and I with Dr. Howard Koh, the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services. He was also one of our speakers.


With Frank Luntz, PhD, who is a New York Times Bestselling Author and Fox News Contributor. He is considered the nation's leading pollster and was fascinating to listen to. Like me, he comes from a dental family.

I was also able to meet many of the past and present leaders of the American Dental Association. I came away with dozens of contacts and new friends who are willing and excited to help me promote dentistry in Iowa and across our nation.


With Dr. Matthew Neary, the Chair on the Council on Government Affairs for the American Dental Association.


WithDr. Raymond Gist, the President of the American Dental Association.

After the conclusion of the conference, my mom, dad, and I enjoyed a couple of extra days in Washington, D.C. We toured the Capital with a member of Senator Gassley’s staff, visited the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court building, Arlington Cemetery, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the various memorials, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the National Archives, and several other sites. I hadn’t been to D.C. since I was five years old, so it was wonderful to experience our nation’s capital while I can appreciate it. In addition, meeting several legislators and witnessing proceeding in the House and Senate was especially fascinating after having taking The Legislative Process last semester at the University of Iowa. I will be sad to leave D.C., but I have had so many wonderful experiences that will further my life and especially help further my platform of “Making Smiles Happen: Children’s Dental Health Advocacy”.


I met soldiers from all over the world! From left: U.S., Argentina, India, Italy, Philippines, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. Doesn't have much to do with my platform, but I thought this was too cool to not include.