Busy Bee!

Holy moley! Time sure flies by when you're having fun! Miss Iowa is quickly approaching, and I couldn't be more thrilled! Although there is only just days until finals night, there is still a lot to do!
I was recently honored to receive my volunteer proclamation that was signed by Governor Branstad to recognize the importance of Iowa Volunteer Week! It is such an honor to know that this proclamation was acknowledged, read, and signed by the governor of our great state!

My Volunteer Proclamation for the State of Iowa

I am also super excited to say that I have some great plans for my platform this month! On Tuesday May 10, I will be performing a baton routine at the halftime of the Alzheimer's Association's Blondes VS. Brunettes RivALZ Game! I absolutely enjoy being able to the two things I love so much- baton twirling and fighting Alzheimer's! On May 23, I will be volunteering at the Alzheimer's Association's "Round to Remember" golf outing! I will also be speaking at this event and describing how my life has been affected by a loved one living with Alzheimer's disease.

Last year's "Round to Remember" Golf Outing

I will try to keep you all updated as Miss Iowa approaches. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Sophia Aguirre

Miss Muscatine's Outstanding Teen 2016

A Learning Experience

Hello, everyone! I have had one busy weekend! I kicked my weekend off by dancing it out at my high school's Mini Dance Marathon! Over $2,000 were raised for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital!

Dance Marathon with the squad

Judging at Special Olympics

Not only did I get a great workout in by dancing for a great cause, but I also had the opportunity to judge at the Mid-Winter Tournament of the Special Olympics! I was able to judge the cheerleading and dance portions of the competition, and I was given the opportunity to hand out awards at the end of the day!

I took many things away from volunteering at the Special Olympics. The first thing that I took away was, nothing is impossible. One of my all-time favorite quotes by Audrey Hepburn states, "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" As I judged many of these kids and adults at Special Olympics, I saw the drive and determination they had in their hearts. I can guarantee you, anyone who possesses these characteristics can succeed in anything they set their mind to! The second thing I took away from this experience was, be grateful for what you receive. While I was handing out awards, there wasn't a single participant that wasn't overjoyed and grateful by their placement. There was one participant that hugged me and began to cry because she was overwhelmed with so much happiness. There were groups that didn't receive first place, but they were still so excited of what they accomplished. I recall one coach telling her team, "Win or lose, your hard work always pays off!"


Personally, I think that other sports teams should go to watch events at the Special Olympics. So much can be taken away and learned from these kids. For me, it was very humbling to see how grateful each and every participant was! Placement didn't matter to these individuals. The fact that they worked hard was more than enough for them. It makes me realize that it's not always about winning. In fact, it has never been about winning! It has always been about doing your very best and realizing that your best is what truly makes you a winner.

 I can't wait to keep you all updated on the rest of my experiences throughout this year! Thank you!

Sincerely,

Sophia Aguirre

Miss Muscatine's Outstanding Teen 2016

Work Hard, Play Hard

Hello, everyone! It has been quite some time since I have last blogged! I have had a crazy couple months since I won Miss Muscatine's Outstanding Teen!

Secretary Madeleine Albright

Governor Martin O'Malley 

To start off my year as Miss Muscatine's Outstanding Teen, I had the chance to meet with some pretty cool public figures! My first appearance was meeting and talking with the accomplished former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright about Alzheimer's disease! I also had the opportunity to personally meet with Janet Huckabee (wife of Governor Mike Huckabee) to specifically discuss the issue Alzheimer's disease has become in our nation. The last public figure I met was Governor Martin O'Malley! I spoke with him at one of his rallies while he was on the Presidential campaign trail!

The lovely Miss Janet Huckabee!

While I am on the topic of politics, I also went to go view my very first Iowa Caucus! It was super cool to see how we select our delegates and too see the process on how one can win a caucus!

Another appearance I have made this year was modeling some dresses for Le Chic at the Gilda's Runway Benefit! Not only was it extremely fun to strut my stuff in some insanely cute dresses, but all the money raised at this event went to cancer support services.

Modeling for Gilda's and Le Chic!

My very favorite event that I have volunteered at so far this year was being a "Buddy" at the Tim Tebow Foundation's Night to Shine Prom! This annual event is a prom for special needs kids. Getting to dance it out with everyone was a blast! Volunteering at this event also made me realize how blessed I truly am to be able to do all of the things I do. Count your blessings and don't take anything for granted! :)

My prom date at Night to Shine!

Just last weekend, I the great privilege of being able to perform at the Miss Johnson County Pageant! I performed a baton twirling routine entitled "Back in Black" to commemorate the Iowa Hawkeyes on having such an awesome year for athletics!

I also traveled to Mt. Pleasant to model for Runway Prom and Pageant last weekend, as well! It was SOOO much fun! I'm going to be honest, though! It's always a great time when you get to wear gorgeous dresses, but it's even better if you can wear them with your best friend!

My best friend and I modeling for Runway Prom and Pageant

I have been quite the busy bee so far, this year! I will be sure to keep you all updated on my upcoming events! Thank you so much!

Sincerely,

Sophia Aguirre

Miss Muscatine's Outstanding Teen 2016

Allow Me To Introduce Myself...

Hello, everyone! I am so thrilled to be blogging for the very first time as your new Miss Muscatine's Outstanding Teen 2016!!! I cannot express how excited and honored I am to have joined the sisterhood of so many successful young ladies of this program! For this being my first blog post, I would like to start by telling you a little bit about myself and my goals for this upcoming year!

For starters, my name is Sophia Aguirre. I am half-Mexican and have four, beautiful sisters. I am 16 years old and attend Clear Creek Amana High School. I am the feature baton twirler and have the amazing opportunity of performing at football halftimes and basketball halftimes. Not only that, but I am also a member of the two-time, Iowa state champion dance team, CCADT! In my free time, I LOVE looking at dresses! My mom would tell you that I am a little obsessive over this hobby! I also enjoy hanging out with kids! If it's babysitting or giving a child a mini baton lesson at the Rec Center, I love being around them! Their energy is contagious! Lastly, my favorite television shows to watch are the "Big Bang Theory" and "Modern Family". Because let's be honest, you can never laugh too much!

Another piece that has become to play a huge part in my life is my platform, Remember Me-Attacking Alzheimer's Disease. This platform is very personal. My great grandmother, Alice Mitchell, was diagnosed with this disease several years ago and she is still battling it today. This disease has taken over her and everything that has made her the one and only Alice. I have teamed up with the Alzheimer's Association and participate in many of their national and local events. I have spoken with a few Presidential candidates about this issue. I do all of this in the hope that one day, a cure for this disease will be found. I am wanting to become the next Miss Iowa's Outstanding Teen so that I can promote and introduce my platform to a larger audience.

The following day after being crowned Miss Muscatine's Outstanding Teen, I met with my awesome directors about what plans they have for me this year! After that, we took a trip to my FAVORITE gown shop to look for my Miss Iowa gown. I love Le Chic Prom and Pageant Boutique! After a couple hours of searching for "the one", we found it...or Stacy and Heather did! I am absolutely head over heels for this gown! I can totally see myself gliding across the Miss Iowa stage with it! Thank you, thank you to Le Chic! I couldn't be more delighted with this gown!

I have LOTS of things planned for this year, and I can't wait for you to be apart of this journey with me! I will be keeping you all updated on this blog about how things are going during my reign! Thank you!

Sincerely,

Sophia Aguirre

Miss Muscatine's Outstanding Teen 2016