Prom Queen, Math Geek, and Politician...

As a state titleholder, one wears many hats... not always just a sparkly crown. The past few weeks have been a shining example of that fact.

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On April 28th, I went to Prom in Foley, MN... and it was my first prom ever! (Nope, I never went in High School.) Needless to say, I was ridiculously excited. The theme of the event was "A Red Carpet Affair", and the Prom Committee did a fantastic job of decorating!

In the school's lobby, a red carpet (complete with backdrop and velvet rope) was arranged for picture-taking, and it felt very reminscent of my experience in Vegas at the Rocky Balboa premiere! I'm pictured here with my boyfriend Matt, and the emcees Jesse Godzala and his girlfriend Nina.




In the gymnasium, a limousine had been constructed, and each couple came through the limo and walked the red carpet as Jesse and Nina announced them. Brilliant!


In keeping with the evening's theme, I played selections from various movies - Titanic, Phantom of the Opera, The Bodyguard, West Side Story, and others. At the end of Grand March, I performed Praeludium & Allegro by Fritz Kreisler (my Miss Minnesota Talent selection).

Many thanks to Jesse and "the Jens" at Foley High School for inviting me to be a part of their event!

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Two days later, on April 30th, I performed at the Employer's Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognition dinner. The purpose of this event was to recognize and reward certain companies and individual employers who have generously supported their employees who have been called to active duty. Dorothy Benham sang the national anthem, I played a medley of Ashokan Farewell and Amazing Grace, and we performed God Bless America as a duet.

We also met Governor Tim Pawlenty...

...and The Crusher! (WWII veteran Stan Kowalski)

Dorothy and me with Brigadier General Dennis Schulstad, his wife Pam, and former Queen of the Lakes titleholders

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On Wednesday, May 2nd, I had the amazing opportunity to speak at the graduation ceremony for UMTYMP (University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program - it's pronounced um-tee-ump). This program allows junior high and high school students to enroll in college-level mathematics courses. I was an UMTYMP student from 7th-10th grade, and though I may not remember all the multivariable calculus I learned, it was a great program that taught me more than just math. So I shared with the graduating students and their parents three life lessons I learned through UMTYMP:

1. Show your work. Life isn't just in the destination; it's in the journey. Plus, showing your work keeps you accountable!

2. Read the reading. Math problems won't make sense unless you understand the underlying principles; research and knowledge are important in every area of life.

3. Time management. You can't wait until the day your homework is due to finish it. You know how this applies to real life :)

This is Professor Harvey Keynes, the director of UMTYMP. He's an amazing man with an incredible passion for mathematics and education.

Me and Scott Gilbert, who directs the Institute of Technology Center for Educational Programs at the U.

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The next morning, I headed up to the State Capitol to perform at the House of Representatives. I played the National Anthem at the beginning of the session and sat through the next two hours of debate. The political process is simultaneously fascinating and frustrating, but it's always neat to see policy being made and debated before my own eyes. Many thanks to Mary Liz Holberg, my representative, for arranging my visit!

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I know this is getting to be an uber-long post, but there are a few more tidbits of exciting information I want to share with you all... On Thursday night (May 3), Matt proposed to me! I now join the ranks of other Miss America 2007 contestants who are engaged - at last count, that included Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, and Utah. It'll be a busy summer of crownings and weddings for all of us who will be taking on a new role: wife! Matt & I are planning an August wedding followed by a move out to California where I'll become a student once more at the Colburn Conservatory in Los Angeles.

I feel incredibly blessed to have had all of these opportunities as Miss Minnesota 2006, and I look forward to what the next 5 weeks will bring... and I'm so excited for whoever will be crowned Miss Minnesota 2007!

Stay tuned...

Love,

Nicole