Summer 2014

Hello everyone,

It's been a while since I've uploaded a blog post about my life as Miss Muscatine's Outstanding Teen, so my apologies! My summer has been so great and coming to and end on a high note. After Miss Iowa Week, I took a little time off and went to the east coast for some fun exploring and college searches! I went to Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston and I gotta say, I've fallen in love with all of the cities. I got to see 2 broadway shows, walked in Central Park, ate at Georgetown Cupcakes (the cupcake shop on TLC's D.C. Cupcakes), and did quite a bit of shopping on 5th ave, oops?

Times Square

After my mini vacation, I dove right into my internship at Diversity Focus. What an amazing new experience! They put me in charge of a new project called the Youth Leadership Program. This program was created to bring diversity awareness to our high schools. I've gathered a group of student representatives and leaders from each of the 7 Cedar Rapids Corridor Area high schools and we meet to discuss the different topics and speakers we would like to bring to our high schools. We have finalized our plan and organized for 5 speakers to come to every high school each month to talk about 5 different themes. This year's topics are Diversity Awareness, Breaking Stereotypes, Equality of Genders, Teen's Perspective, and Leadership. I'm very excited to bring this to our school board to get this action approved. This program can really help bring the importance of diversity and acceptance to our schools and classmates and I am so honored to be able to lead this wonderful team!

Students in the Youth Leadership Program

As for appearances, I was honored to perform my piano pieces for Miss Iowa's Outstanding Teen's Send Off, Miss Iowa's Variety Fundraising Show, Save the Children, and my favorite, at 2 nursing homes with my sister queens, Leah and Serica where I not only played 1 song, but played some music I've never performed in front of an audience and even sang for a bit! I was honored to play at all of these events and had such a great time. I love sharing my talent with others and playing piano is one of my favorite talents to share.

With Anna at her send off!

At Aly's Variety Show Funraiser

Talking to some elders at Lutheran Nursing Home

Posing with Leah, Serica, and our new friend!

 As for other events, I am pleased to say I am an official member of the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council or SIYAC, where I will work with other students in the state of Iowa to provide issues we feel important to address to our government of Iowa. I'm very excited to hopefully get something address about diversity awareness on a state level and maybe even written in our law! I'm very excited to see what is in store. I also had a great time at Happiness Choreography Camp and being an official Happiness member (Yellow jacket and all). I'm pleased to say this year's Happiness Inc. is gonna rock! I've also enjoyed catching up on some Netflix shows, having bonfires with friends, and enjoying our Iowa summer nights.

Happiness Inc. 2014-2015

Tomorrow, I start back in school and I can't say I'm too happy to leave this wonderful summer behind. But junior year, here I come!

Until next time,

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen,
Nina Yu

Miss Iowa Week Finish

Hello Everyone!

I can't believe Miss Iowa Week has ended, it feels like just yesterday I was just packing up. The final days of Miss Iowa Week were an absolute blast! On the first night of prelims, I was very honored to win the preliminary talent award with my piano. On the second night, I performed my evening wear/onstage question and fitness. The final night of Miss Iowa, I was very honored to receive the academic excellence award and get 2nd runner up to Miss Iowa Outstanding Teen! I would like to take this moment and thank everyone who has helped get me to where I am today. My Muscatine directors, Elaine, Ashley, and Kindra, you guys have been so wonderful in helping me prepared for this crazy eventful week. Elaine, you are such an amazing teen director and a great supporter for me this week, thanks for being such a great room mate, we must stay in touch! Legacy Group Pageant Consulting, Michelle and Jess, thank you for helping me with interview, I have grown so much from your help and advice, it has truly been a pleasure working with you guys. Halie (Miss Kossuth-Winnebago OT) and Anna (Miss Scott County OT and NEW Miss Iowa OT), you guys made my week so fun from the laughs before the curtain opened, to the craziness in the dressing rooms, and the fun times in every community service project, I am so glad to have met you both! I am seriously going to have major withdrawals. Another huge congratulations to our new Miss Iowa Outstanding Teen, Anna Masengarb! Congratulations girl, you deserve it! I am so very proud of you!

Halie, Anna, and I on night one of prelims

Your first night prelim winners, Aly, me, Molly, and Kennedy

My lovely directors!

Sarah and I

My girls and I on night two of prelims

My lovely teen director Elaine and Halie on the final day of Miss Iowa Week

Thank you again to everyone who made this week possible, I had such a wonderful experience!

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen,

Nina Yu

Miss Iowa Week Day 4

Hi everyone!

Today was the first phase of the Miss Iowa OT competition, interview! I started out my day by going to the Adler theatre and rehearsed for tech talent. I'm so excited to be performing for an audience tomorrow! After that I got ready for interview. My interview went smoothly and I did the best I could. Right after interview we headed to the Fairytale Fashion Show where I was able to meet the junior and little Miss Iowa contestants! Can't wait for them to rock the stage on Saturday! To finish off the night, we drove back to the Adler theatre for one final dress rehearsal before the show tomorrow. Very, very, excited for prelims tomorrow. Let's rock it girls!

Interview

Fairytale Fashion Show

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen,

Nina Yu

Miss Iowa Week Day 3

Hello,

Miss Iowa Week Day 3 is officially done! I had a great time going to the B100 radio station and introducing myself and the other teen contestants on live radio. We were able to talk about the Miss Iowa Organization and the preparation that goes into the pageant weekend. I was proud to represent Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen!

At the B100 radio station

All the Teen contestants

After that we headed to the Children's Museum and helped out (mostly played) with all the children there. It was so fun seeing the exhibits and all the different activities you can do there. It seemed like the 2 hours we were there went by in 5 minutes, time flies when you're having fun!

At the Children's Museum

Getting some "ice cream" at one of the exhibits 

After the Children's Museum, we had a free afternoon (WHAT?) and I went on a quick shopping trip with my director and Halie and her mom. Tonight, we had dinner at Golden Chorral and I had som one on one time with the teen and miss contestants. Then we headed back to the hotel and finished off our busy day with a rehearsal! 

Very excited for Interview tomorrow! I will keep you all posted.

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen,

Nina Yu

Miss Iowa Week Day 2

Hello,

Wow, what a busy busy day! My first day of Miss Iowa Week is over and I can't believe I still have a whole week left. Today felt like an entire week of activities already. I woke up bright and early to package meals for the Kids Against Hunger Organization. We managed to package hundreds of meals for children in Africa and make sure they can life a healthy long life. After we finished packing, we headed to Panchero's to have lunch! A special thank you to Panchero's for being a Miss Iowa Organization sponsor and providing us with free meals! We then headed to Ridgecrest Village to visit the residents at the nursing home. I was so happy to meet all the elders and listen to their stories. I was also honored to play my talent piano piece for the residents as well. After Ridgecrest, we had a rehearsal to learn our opening number dance. Then the Outstanding Teen and Miss contestants went to the Davenport Bandits game and watched the game and made a small appearance! Finally, we went back home and had another rehearsal.

Today was defiantly a whirlwind of activities, but I had fun at each and every one of the service projects! Can't wait for what's coming up. Stay tuned!

Packing food for Kids Against Hunger

All the Teen contestants at Pancheros

Halie, me, and Emma-kate meeting Milo at Ridgecrest

At the Bandits game!

Selfie with the girls!

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen,

Nina Yu

Miss Iowa Week Day 1

Hello everyone!

I am very excited to say that Miss Iowa Week has officially begun! Today was an absolute whirlwind of activity, but I enjoyed every part of it. I checked into the Clarion Hotel at around 1 and started to get ready for the Show Us Your Shoes kick off event! I had a wonderful time meeting the contestants again and seeing all the sponsors of the Miss Iowa organization.

Leah, Serica, and I

With the Miss Iowa and the Miss Iowa Outstanding Teen 

After the Show Us Your Shoes Event, I quickly went to a dinner and meeting for the Miss Iowa Outstanding Teen contestants to get more information about our week. After that, I headed down to rehearsals to learn our new opening number dances and walk formations for our evening gown and fitness! 

Today started out great and I cannot wait for whats to come this week! I'll be sure to keep you all updated!

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen,

Nina Yu

It's Almost Here!

Hello Everyone,

Can you believe it's almost Miss Iowa Week? These past few months have flown by and yet I can't be more prepared for the competition next week. This past month has been crazy with mock interviews, shopping trips, and piano playing. Earlier this month I was able to go to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Orientation and meet all the veterans heading to Washington D.C. to see the WWII and Vietnam memorials. It was an absolute honor to meet these veterans and thank them for all their years of service.

This month was also filled with fun shopping trips with Ashley and Leah, weekly consultations with Legacy Group Pageant Consulting, and playing piano over, and over, and over again. Needless to say,  I'm ready!

Before I head off to Davenport and begin competing for Miss Iowa Outstanding Teen, I would like to thank everyone who has supported and helped me through this new experience. After winning Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen, I had no clue my life was going to be turned around like this and I am so blessed. I would first like to thank my directors Elaine, Ashley, and Kindra for being the best so wonderful in every aspect of prepping me. You guys have taught me so much and gave me so much support and encouragement, all I can say is thank you thank you thank you! I would also like to thank Legacy Group Pageant Consulting, especially Michelle and Jessica. I always got so nervous before interview and now, thanks to you, I know I'm prepped and polished. I have learned so much from you guys and I don't think I would be even close to ready if I didn't have those weekly conference calls. Another big shoutout to all the Miss Muscatine sponsors, without you all, I wouldn't be where I am today, and for that I am truly grateful. Le Chic Pageant Boutique, Workout with Ray, Shrik Photography, and just some specific sponsors who have really helped me throughout this journey. A huge thank you to my parents and friends who have supported me every step of the way. I can't thank you enough.

Just typing this blog has got me excited about Miss Iowa week. This moment has finally come and I will cherish every moment! I will make sure I keep you all updated with everything I am doing during Miss Iowa Week so make sure to check back!

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen,

Nina Yu

What a Weekend

Hello!

This last weekend has been crazy busy, but crazy fun! Last Thursday through Saturday, Kennedy High School's production of Jekyll and Hyde was premiered and I had the honor of being a part of such a great show. I had an absolute blast performing with my friends and being onstage. This is a show I won't forget!

Lucy (played by Mary Mathis) and I

All the Red Rat Girls!

On Saturday, I headed over to Davenport to attend Miss Iowa Orientation! Crazy to think that the Miss Iowa pageant is just around the corner. I had a great time with the Muscatine queens and met some of new faces as well. I can't wait to get to know the Outstanding teen contestants more at Miss Iowa week! 

Serica, Leah, and I 

Your Miss Iowa Class of 2014

On Monday, I then headed over to Des Moines to compete in my National History Day competition. My partner Sweta and I delivered a performance based off of William Shirer, a journalist reporting during the Nazi Reign. We were honored to received the Literature in History Award and place as an alternate for nationals!

Sweta and I standing behind the capitol

Receiving our award with the Lieutenant Governor Reynolds 

Until next time,

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen
Nina Yu

Photo Shoot with Shirk Photography

Hello Everyone!

Last Wednesday I had an amazing time in Muscatine to get prepped for Miss Iowa. Crazy to think in 2 months I'll be on the Adler stage competing for Miss Iowa's Outstanding Teen! First I stopped by Anew Salon and Spa to get my hair done by Heather. She taught me some great hair tricks to do on the week of Miss Iowa and my hair looked great for the photo shoot!

Heather and I

 After getting my hair done, I headed over to Shirk's Photography get my head shots done. Ben was an amazing photography and I had a blast taking pictures! Ashley and Kindra were there helping with my hair and makeup, I felt like a million bucks! 

Once we finished the photo shoot, I headed over to Davenport to meet up with Ray Porter and get started training for Miss Iowa. Ray taught me the many exercises I will have to do at home to make sure I look amazing on the Miss Iowa stage. I had a great time, a little tired afterwards, but no pain no gain! 

Until next time,

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen,
Nina Yu

Miss Liberty Pageant

Hello everyone!

Spring Break flew by in seconds! Proud to say I didn't sit on my couch all day and watch movies (though it was very tempting), but instead got to attend several events and prep for Miss Iowa! Last Thursday, I was able to attend to Professional Women's Network luncheon with Diversity Focus and learn about the millions of opportunities for women in the work force and the increasing amount of new women entrepreneurs in todays society. Chuck Peters, the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Gazette Company, and his wife talked about Iowa's Creative Corridor and it's future and current progress. I had a great time and learned a lot about our city and the role women play in it.

On Saturday, my directors Ashley and Elaine were able to stop by to pick out some outfits for my photoshoot with Shrik Photography and lay out possible outfits for Miss Iowa. I had a great time "modeling" for them and got even more excited for Miss Iowa this June! The next day I attended the Miss Liberty Pageant in Dewitt and had a wonderful time watching the pageant. I got to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones as well. 

My lovely director, Elaine

All of our local titleholders at the pageant

Until next time,

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen,
Nina Yu

Happy Spring!

Hello everyone,

What a busy, yet successful few weeks! Since my last blog post, I competed in my last show choir competition of the season and Protege ended it with a bang. We made a clean sweep and won Grand Champions, best vocals, and best male soloist, way to go Protege!

At night, I left the show choir competition and headed to the Cedar Rapids Public Library to watch the Miss Cedar Valley Pageant. I had a great time meeting new local titleholders and watching the pageant, the girls competing were all great. Congratulations to our new Miss Cedar Valley, Amanda Manning!

The week flew by and I prepared for a National History Day competition for Friday. National History Day is a nation wide competition that engages students to create history through various forms. My partner, Sweta, and I have been doing a performance for 5 years now! In the last 2 years, we were even blessed to win the state performance winner and head to Washington D.C. to compete in nationals. This year, Sweta and I performed a 10 minute skit about the rights and responsibilities of a journalist during the Nazi Reign and received the senior performance district winner and will be heading to state April 28th!

Now that it's Spring Break, I'll be kicking back my feet and finding a new book to read. I am excited to meet up with Ashley and Elaine this weekend to figure out my outfits for Miss Iowa week and my photoshoot with Shirk Photography! 

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen,

Nina Yu

National Pancake Day at IHOP

Last Tuesday, I was able to volunteer at my local IHOP and fundraise for the Children's Miracle Network at the University of Iowa. I had such a great time and raised over $200! I was able to see some of my friends who stopped by to donate and meet new people to talk about the Miss America Organization and my Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen title. Oh, I also got free pancakes. Score!

 

Your Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen,

Nina Yu