NY Daily News Top 100 Photos of 2011

I just discovered that New York Daily News named this picture one of the 100 Most Iconic Photos of 2011! This list includes everything...Occupy Wall Street, Hurricane Irene, and the Miss New York Organization? Amazing!

Making Staten Island the official home for the Miss New York Organization has been beyond a wonderful choice. The community has put us on the map again, bringing us into the limelight of New York City with the backing of its largest borough and the incredible support of the local community across the island. The stunning beauty and history of the St. George Theater ties perfectly into the beauty and history of this organization. Thank you to all our friends on Staten Island for making this year such a thrill for the Miss New York Organization!

I love that this picture is considered iconic, because this organization is iconic. The Miss New York Organization has been helping women pursue their education and careers for decades. The journey of women's rights and equality has been a long one, and this program has continuously played a part in helping young ladies maximize their potential.

Webster Schroeder High School

I finished up my 2011 school bullying tour on a high note. Thank you a million times to Webster Schroeder High School's staff and students for welcoming me and for being so engaged in the fight against bullying.

After meeting staff I got involved right away in a meeting with three 12th grade boys who have chosen bullying prevention as their civic advocacy project. Webster Schroeder requires all 12th grade students to engage in community advocacy so they can begin to think about the impact they wish to make in the world. Obviously this is right up my alley, as this is exactly what we do with Project Empower's OUTREACH program. We had a discussion about the countless ways they could pursue bullying awareness. Some of my favorite ideas included asking the athletic department to require athletes to sign a Behavioral Contract which would ban bullying and require positive bystander support, starting a bystander awareness campaign, and raising awareness about the anonymous tips hotline at the school.

I then made stops into several classrooms before joining 1,000 students in the auditorium for a one hour conversation about bullying. I shared my stories and work, and then answered questions from the group. There were some questions that were so good, I wanted to expand upon them here in hopes that those students will find their way to my blog (if my responses seem incomplete, know that it is simply because I do not have time to retell my original answers and that these are only supplemental comments to my initial conversation):

To the young woman in the back who asked how I learned to feel beautiful...I could not see you because of the bright stage lights, but just asking that question is what makes you beautiful. You said that some girls just cannot believe that they have beauty within them but clearly you believe you do because you asked to learn how to let that beautiful person out. Please know that I still sometimes struggle with the concept that this title I have was contingent in some part upon the loads of makeup and fancy clothes that I put on this summer at the Miss New York pageant. Someday I want to write a book and spill all the secrets to the external beautification process I have learned. I'll tell you exactly what mascara, bra, hair color, posture tricks, etc it took to get the look of a "beauty queen." But, remember that you can buy fancy clothes, makeup, surgery to get a perfect body...but you cannot buy a beautiful mind. Even the best college in the world cannot make you smart if you do not already have your mind opened and engaged. Continue to beautify your mind; learn, think, experience things, explore. Get to know yourself and find the aspects of you internally that make you valuable. We all have skills, personality traits, etc that make us shine. I firmly believe that it is my mind that is the most beautiful thing I have. That's why I talk so much, and why I seek people and experiences that allow me to flex my brain. When I am leading my non-profit group through a strategy break-through, or explaining the concept of leadership to students, or having an intellectual conversation about world finance...that is when I feel truly beautiful. We are all a Light Bright; you can color us any sort of beautiful you want, but the beauty doesn't happen without the internal light.

To the young man who spoke with me after about also being the "quirky" one...I cannot tell you how happy I am that I helped you know you're not alone. There are more of us than you think. Just because the people around us cannot understand the value or reason behind our differences does not mean that those differences do not have both value and reason. Our job is to shut out the noise from others and focus on finding that place where we are meant to be. When you finally get to that place, the journey will make sense to both you and those who you met along the way. I hope you will always look for ways to make people question their pre-conceived notions of the world, and that you too will speak out someday and help others like us know that they are not alone. That moment with you is still replaying in my brain. So incredibly happy that we met.

After the assembly I went for a private meeting with another group of seniors focused on bullying prevention for their project. Their teacher had tweeted me asking to talk to them separately. One student's story was beyond anything I have heard all year. I am excited to be in a position to try and help, and expect I will be back in Webster again to follow up.

Thank you to the students for being so engaged in the assembly, to the staff of Webster Schroeder for welcoming me into your school, and to County Executive Maggie Brooks for hosting me for today's event!!! What a stunning end to my 2011 year.

Rochester "Girls Coalition"

Thank you to the young ladies at Rochester Youth Bureau's "Girls Coalition" for having me at your holiday event today! I got to speak about bullying and my work to bring change, and got to meet young ladies who are making changes in their own lives every day.

The "Girls Coalition" program is an after-school place for young women across the city of Rochester to come and connect. The staff serve as mentors to help the girls navigate the world and begin to build strong futures for themselves. According to the girls, it is like having a second family; they share secrets, give each other advice, and support one another's lives. It is so vital that everyone have a place they can go where they feel connected and valued. Thank you to County Executive Maggie Brooks and the Monroe County Youth Bureau for letting me visit and for facilitating such a vital program for my home community!

Penn Yan Middle School

Thank you to the students at Penn Yan Middle School for a great talk about bullying today! I sat down with three different groups of students over lunch to discuss our ideas on how to change bullying.

One student, a beautiful young lady from the local high school, had come over to help host my visit. Allie had moved to Penn Yan from down south and I found out she was bullied for years once she arrived. She eventually founded the H.E.R.O.S. program: a pledge taken by students across her district to stand up and by an ally to those who face bullying and harassment. This one individual has changed the entire social fabric of that school district, and the success of her effort was apparent from the number of students in the audience wearing bright green "H.E.R.O.S" t-shirts. Allie and I spoke for a long time. She is already planning her first retreat event for participants in her program. The best part was, when I asked the other students about Allie's work, they all lit up with excitement at how they loved her. You know how serious I am about youth leadership, and this girl is a shining example of it's power. So I put my John Hancock on a green pledge sticker and will be keeping up with Allie to hear all about her program as it grows.

"Click, Comment, Create Change" Tour with Senator Klein

Today, Senator Klein and I were off on our "Click, Comment, Create Change" tour.We made stops at charter schools across New York City to talk with students about cyberbullying and get them online to participate. Today, through a new partnership with the New York City Charter Schools, all students at charter schools across the area will log on and participate in the census!

For those who don't know, here's a recap of our Cyberbully Census: students across New York State can log on at www.nycyberbullycensus.com and fill out a 20 question survey about cyberbullying. They will get to share ideas on how to create a law and help us to build data and statistics that will assist in pushing our new bill through the Senate. Senator Klein will be using the actual results and suggestions from this survey to craft the legislation

We spent all day speaking with students. My dear friend Parry Aftab was there to show everyone just how much students know about the issue. With one exercise, it took only two minutes in each school for students to generate a list of ten ways to cyberbully someone with a cellphone. Parry had students share why they don't look to adults for help. After sharing my story of being cyberbullied by an ex-boyfriend for almost two years by way of cellphone, we explained just how this census is going to change the way we handle this issue.

At each school we were joined by local elected officials who have signed on to support this effort. They each shared their own stories of bullying, and some talked about handling cyberbullying with their own children.

We are asking students to take the lead in ending this epidemic. We in New York hope to change the way lawmakers across the country handle issues of cyberbullying and bullying by directly including students in the conversation. Because, hey...as much as Senator Klein or any lawmakers wants to help, they did not grow up in the digital age. No one knows this issue like those who live with it every day.

You have got to watch this clip where Senator Adams asks a room full of fourth and third graders if they have Facebook. Note that half (yes, half!) the students raised their hand. Listen to the reaction from the parents and staff: Miss NY, State Senators Visit Bed-Stuy Carter to Take on Cyber Bullying

As important as it is to bring awareness to the issue of bullying and cyberbullying, and even share our own stories and experiences as offerings of hope...the thing that matters most now is doing something about it. Our team is committed to doing more than just repeat the rhetoric of the issue. This census has allowed me to partner every single bullying presentation I've done this year with an opportunity for students to take the lead and become part of the answer.

Because youth leadership is what Miss New York is all about.

Thank you to the teachers, administrators, local officials, and especially the students from today's tour!! Your participation and support is going to help individuals all over our state, and perhaps help us build a model that will save lives nation-wide!

As always, thank you to Senator Klein and Parry. I couldn't have asked for a better team to make my platform a reality.

Honored by Queens Republican Party

What a surprise I got tonight when I responded to an email requesting me to attend a holiday party. Turns out I was there to be honored by the Queens Republican Party as their civil honoree!

Some of the party leaders had heard my story in local news. They had taken note of advocacy work as Miss New York against bullying, my support of our military through USO, and my work with disability awareness in honor of my siblings. Also honored at tonight's event was U.S. House Representative Bob Turner. I just don't know if I ever excepted to be honored alongside a federal representative in my early twenties.

Tonight's guests included Judicial candidates Kate Christoforatos, Robert Beltrani, Gabe Tapalaga, John Casey, Milton Flores and Joseph Kasper. Chairman for the New York Republican Party, Ed Cox, also joined, as did Council Member Dan Halloran and community members from across Queens. Keynote address was delivered by Rich Lowry (Editor, National Review) who after my speech told me that he too has siblings living with disabilities!

What made tonight so special to me was that it was not my political affiliations that earned me this award, but my work and service. We live in a time when political polarization is causing gridlock on vital and timely issues. I am so glad to know that there are still groups who, while standing strong in their political beliefs, give such impassioned support to individuals working to make the world better! Making our communities safer and stronger is something everyone can agree upon.

Thank you to Phil Ragusa and the Queens Republican Party for this esteemed honor. It is such a privilege to have your support in my continued efforts to improve and support our community!

VOTING IS HERE!

It's time for America to pick their favorite contestant!!!!!!

I need your votes to lock in a spot in the top 15 at Miss America in January!!

WATCH MY VIDEO AND VOTE!!

Last year, Miss New York 2010 Claire Buffie won America's Choice. New Yorkers know how to show the love, so thank you to every single one of you who gives me the vote so I can take my work to end bullying to the big stage. Let's DO THIS!

TransCanada Holiday Party

During the summer I attended the Children of the City Benefit, where amid the evenings auction event I jumped in to offer a free evening with the highest bidding organization. The ensuing bid-off resulted in an additional $700 for the charity, as well as a second bidder asking if they too could have the prize package if they matched the winning bid. So, $1,400 went to Children of the City and tonight, to cash in on their prize, TransCanada Ravenswood invited me to their holiday party

Had a wonderful time meeting everyone. This division of the Canadian based energy company happens to be Long Island City based, which means we are all literal neighbors. This organization has a passion for community development. They've provided funding to renovate and resurrect parks in Queens, support dozens of community charities, and even included one of their favorite organizations as part of tonight's entertainment. Young artists from Creative Outlet gave a knock-out performance that has left me with John Mayer's "Gravity" on repeat since I got home.

Thank you to TransCanada Ravenswood not only for tonight's invitation, but for continuously seeking ways to engage within your community. You are such wonderful proof of how a corporation can use it's strengths to make an impact.

If You're Not Part Of the Solution...

Check out this school in Sanborn, NY. I completely love this video.

Bystanders have a responsibility. Making a negative choice makes you a bully, making no choice still makes you part of the problem. Making a positive choice is being a leader...help out and be part of the solution.

Touche, Edward Town Middle School. So proud of fellow New Yorker's taking the lead.

I signed the pledge...now it's your turn!

USO Gold Medal Dinner

A special shout out to all of tonight's honorees at the USO 50th Annual Gold Medal Dinner. I joined the Liberty Bells for a performance as part of tonight's gala where outstanding individuals from each member of our armed forces were honored. Also honored was my number one USO volunteer, Joan!! Joan volunteers full-time at the USO office in Port Authority and gives more than anyone could ever ask of an individual. She is like an aunt to us, and to every military member and family that walks in that door. Congratulations to Joan and the incredible honorees from our national service branches!

Of course, today is the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. My brother Peter has memorized FDR's Pearl Harbor Address down to every vocal intonation, and it has become tradition that I hear it recited each year. Since Pete isn't here to give me the live version, I believe youtube will have to suffice. Let us all spend this day remembering the individuals who gave their lives in defense of our freedom. Let us also honor the families who sacrificed for the sake of their neighbors and nation. God bless our military, and God bless America.

Board of Directors Good Luck Dinner

After a long day of wardrobe selection (yes, I finally have everything picked out,) my lovely board took me out for dinner for our official good-bye before Miss America. Over Italian goodness, we got to relax and take a look back at the year thus far.

Let me tell you...I cannot thank them enough. Last year's Miss New York said this year is like driving a car and that makes sense now. When I won the title this organization handed me the keys and told me to enjoy the ride. I was not placed in the back seat for a predetermined route. This was all about where I wanted to take this title. Of course it was scary; it's not like I've ever driven a car like this before. But, when I was petrified by fear they pushed me through. When I was overly ambitious they gave me nothing but thumbs up. They even stepped in at those moments when I was teetering on the brink of exhaustion and helped pull me back onto my feet (sometimes literally!). This entire year has been a beautiful whirlwind invented by my own desires. What makes them so amazing is that they are volunteers. I cannot thank them enough for the time, resources, skills and emotions they have offered to make my journey so strong.

When I look back at the last five months I am overjoyed: I've launching a petition that garnered over 3,000 signatures internationally. I'm on the forefront of anti-bullying legislation. I've launched state-wide cyberbullying initiatives with legislators. I formed my own legislative outreach team. I've partnered with anti-bullying organizations, Dignity For All Students Act, Monroe County Youth Department, professional sports teams and youth programs across the state. I've given keynote addresses at top Universities. I've spoken to students across the state. I've visited nearly every Children's Miracle Network hospital in NY and raised over $4,000 to support their work. I've walked on red carpets across Manhattan. I helped an Anti-Bullying Album get a Grammy nomination. I've supported charity causes throughout the state. I've become pen pals with dozens of students dealing with bullying. I even launched and became a leader for a global non-profit education model that is growing faster each day. The next six months are going to be even bigger and will happen regardless of whether I become Miss America. And it all began as a broke 22 year old girl looking for a chance to show my stuff. Hey...everyone's a no one until they become someone. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to the Miss New York Organization!! I am in love with you all, you do incredible things for women in this state!!!!!

"Day In the Life" on NY1

One brave reporter from NY1 chose to follow me through my daily life as Miss New York leading up to Miss America.

She braved workouts, board meetings, interview prep sessions, press conferences, voice lessons, school visits, and a true NYC dinner...at a street cart.

Thanks to Angela for coming along to playing for a few days!

The Boy Who Shook my World

WE MUST FIGHT FOR EVERY CHILD.

THIS EPIDEMIC MUST STOP RIGHT NOW.

I am at a loss for words. This is the bravest thing I have ever seen.

We love you, Jonah.

Watch his response video three months later.

Toys for Tots Annual Party

What started as a small gathering in the basement of churches has grown into one of New York's hottest parties of the year. This year, the 2,000 tickets sold out in under 13 minutes! Tonight I rocked the holiday spirit at Toys Party NYC, an annual event for Toys for Tots!

The thousands of guests attending tonight's event at Chelsea Pier were each required to donate one toy upon arrival. This simple concept has grown into one of the most impactful holiday efforts in the state, with a literal mountain of said toys greeted us at the door. Hosts Robby Brown, David Tufts and Chris Kann welcomed me for what I knew would be a fantastic night. Holiday cheer - and fashion - was thick in the air as I mixed and mingled with some of New York's finest.

Tonight will benefit SAGE and the toys will be distributed to over a half dozen organizations throughout New York City. At one point I had the privilege of stepping up to the mic to greet the guests and share my mission of ending bullying in America. Tonight, every participant helped in this effort. Acts of kindness can change someone's day, or even year. The children who receive these gifts will know that someone out there was thinking of them. It's this kind of holiday spirit that I hope to inspire all year round, but tonight was a stunning example of communities coming together for one another!

Thank you to all my new friends for a great night, and to everyone who made Toys Party such a success! Special thanks to Robbie, Chris and David for having me, and for all you do each year for the children and senior LGBT residents of New York City!

And good luck to poor Santa...he's got his work cut out for him delivering all 2,000 of these presents after tonight!

Town Hall on "Bullying In America"

Queens Public Television's Queens Update chose to do a special one hour segment on "Bullying In America". So I was invited to join the panel for this town hall discussion on bullying.

I joined fellow panelists Janet Susin (retired teacher, Regional President of National Alliance on Mental Illness), Officer John Groshans (Floral Park Police Department), Kateri Gasper (Queens County Senior District Attorney), Brett A Schudder (President/Chairman SISFI), and Victor Fronari (Director of Division of Child and Addolescent Psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital).

With our on-stage audience and callers from across Queens, we discussed everything from the psychological affects to internet protection strategies. As you might imagine, much of the conversation centered on cyberbullying. Here are a few hightlights:

Trust. For example, if you install parental control software on your child's computer, tell them that you are doing so and explain that it is for their safety should anything happen. By letting them know it is there, they will feel both respected and safe. Sure, they might get upset, but it's much better than them finding out later and starting to wonder what else you aren't telling them.

Build structure. Guidelines help children identify the right choice in a stressful or negative situation. More importantly, setting guidelines helps children build their own inner discipline and take pride in having made the right choice, rather than being forced to do so. Again, it's that respect coming into play. This is pivotal during years when children are starting to formulate their sense of worth.

If you close a door, they climb out the window. You cannot take away technology from this generation. We are in a new age and they feel naked and outcast without the right tools. One child I met recently admitted to buying her own pre-paid cell phone because her parents took hers away. Don't deny access. Set expectations and learn the technology for yourself so you can speak their language.

The list could go forever when it comes to great things discussed. I think the through-line was that we often forget that we are the ones who control technology. There was a time when people lived just fine without this stuff, so it's up to you to decide how much of a role you want it to play in your life. I'll leave you with this: have family dinner. I know, I know, none of us have the time. Don't underestimate what it can do. In this digital age, insist on personal interaction and communication.

QPTV is a non-profit that reaches over 440,000 viewers in the Queens area. They dedicate themselves to providing diverse programming that relates to the interests, concerns and needs of their community. The staff was incredible...thanks to QPTV, my fellow panelists, and all the guests who contributed to our conversation today!! It was an honor to take part!!

Ave Maria Catholic Academy

After my morning at Our Lady of Trust, I went across town to Ave Maria Catholic Academy for another conversation on bullying. These students also designed anti-bullying campaigns, and I want to congratulate all of them on incredible work!

And yes, just like this morning, I kicked off another OUTREACH competition! Ave Maria is our third school to take on the project and we are thrilled to see where they take things in their community! Check out the school's letter to parents about my visit, and the article on The Forum!

Learn more about Project Empower and Outreach.

Our Lady of Trust Middle School

Thank you to the students at Our Lady of Trust Middle School for incredible work designing anti-bullying campaigns today! Students designed posters with unique ideas on how to end bullying in their school. These ideas have been adapted as the schools official policy!

One student asked me how to handle a bully if they don't stop even when you ask a million times. When a bully goes that far to make you uncomfortable, that's when you need to block them from reaching you. Walk different halls to class, pull out the buddy system so you are never alone, and insist that a teacher move you to a different seat (or even different classroom) if they are distracting you. If it's rumor-spreading, ask your friends to make sure no one tells you what the bully is saying. If it's rude messages online, put a block or mark them as spam. Bullies will only bully when they know their actions will reach the victim. If you let them see that they can't get to you anymore, they will eventually give it up.

At the end I had a surprise. Our Lady of Trust is the second school to launch the Project Empower OUTREACH competition!! Good luck to the students!! Can't wait to see your results!! Thanks for a great day!

Learn more about Project Empower and Outreach.

Talent Show Judge

Today I answered a big question: am I a Simon, Randy or Paula? Answer: Paula. I was hoping my usual consistent use of the word "dude" would place me as a Randy but my constant grin gave me away as I joined the judging panel for Break-Through Talent's 2011 Industry Showcase.

By my side were Barry Shapiro (casting director for Hermon and Lipson) and Heather Finn (agent at Frontier Booking International.) We watched as performers of all ages and styles showed their best skills and after casting our votes we called back several and gave notes before having them give an encore performance. The goal was to model this experience after a true NYC audition.

After locking in our scores we went onstage for a talk-back session where the participants and their parents could ask us questions about the professional industry and our experiences within it.

Break-Through Talent is an agency and training center in Poughkeepsie, NY. The founder, Pat Gallio, helped guide her own daughters through the world of competitive dance and saw a need for quality training that helps connect young talent into the professional world while helping prepare them for the big move to New York or Los Angelos. Pat and I shared horror stories of scam agencies and the many dangers of being a young artist breaking into the big leagues. Growing up in Rochester, I had very few connections to the mainstream performance industry of New York or Los Angelos. A resource like this is going to be such a dream for young performers in this area who want to start working towards the next level.

More importantly, I love that Pat allowed us to give each performer our feedback. Having been through hundreds of auditions I know how much it stinks to never know what the panel was left thinking after seeing you. Any chance to get feedback is going to give the artist a huge push to improve, as knowing what you can fix means knowing what went right. We all know how easy it is to rip oneself apart after not getting the job. I'm glad we were able to leave each artist with something to love about what they did, and ideas about how to move forward.

Thanks to Pat, my fellow judges, and all the incredible young artists for sharing their talent with us today!!! Hope to see many of these stellar young ladies in the Miss New York system someday.

Albany Medical Center

The eighth and final stop on my Albany tour was to visit patients at The Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center! This is the eighth Children's Miracle Network Hospital I have gotten to visit so far this year.

I was joined again by Miss Empire Star 2011 Jenn Pollard, who has spent many hours volunteering at this location. Amy and Brenna, two of the hospital's Child Life Specialists, lead us through our visit to the pediatric unit. We stopped by rooms where patients sat comfortably relaxing with family members by their side. In one room we found a young man engaged in a heated race on his Wii as his mother gently put finishing paint strokes on a small bird house. In another, a girl's walls were plastered with hand painted signs from friends and a mountain of stuffed animals sat smiling from her bedside. Each time we left a room the staff adjusted the lights or sent for any additional comforts the patient seemed to want. So proactively supportive of each patient! From those who had been there for meer hours to those patients who'd been around for weeks, staff knew the needs and - more impressively - likes of each child.

Every few minutes we would pass a room full of games or books, with no patient's room more than fifteen feet from a place to play. At one point we stopped by the main play room. A large tree with a grinning face stood tall in one corner, towering amiably over half the room. A tiny stuffed bear was swinging, literally, from his branches. A glass paneled wall curved up and over our heads to give the room a panoramic view of the sunset. From Barbie Dream Car to Hess Trucks, every classic toy lined the floor as parents sat calmly watching little ones play. We got down to do just the same.

Albany Med brings in patients from across the region and even neighboring states. I met one doctor on the way out who performs surgery on hearts the size of coffee beans. This is also the first hospital to perform an EXIT procedure in the Capitol region. Partnered with Albany Medical College, they have the best new doctors coming to them each year. Children's Miracle Network helps them maintain equipment that maximizes this staff's skills. All day I had been told how lucky I was to be visiting here, so clearly the community knows just how good this center is.

Thank you to Amy, Brenna, and all of the staff for showing Jenn and me around!! And thanks to all our new friends! We'll be back again soon!

You can help me support this hospital. New Yorker's have helped me raise nearly $4,000 for Children's Miracle Network to benefit their New York State hospitals, just like this one. Learn how here!

Talking with the NYS School Boards Association about Dignity for All Students

Sat down today at the headquarters for the New York State School Boards Association to discuss the Dignity for All Students Act in New York. This new policy will require schools to implement bullying training for staff by this coming June. I have had almost all of the schools I've worked with reach out to me for recommendations on programs to utilize in response to this new requirement. Since the specifics of the requirements are still up in the air, I reached out to some of the policies leaders to get the scoop. I'm excited to say that I've reached out to my friends at many of the nation's top anti-bullying organizations to ask if they would be interested in custom fitting some of their curriculum to meet the needs of this new policy. Every one of them has expressed interest.

I will be working in partnership with these organizations and the NYSSBA to make the transition into the new Dignity For All Students Act policy easy and effective for schools across New York. Stay tuned for updates!

Park Terrace Elementary School

This morning I joined parents, staff, students and Miss Empire Rose 2011 herself, Colleen Gagne, at Park Terrace Elementary to talk about bullying and help present the school's leadership awards!

After chatting with Principal Steve Pavone I learned that this school is not just about stopping bullies, it's about building futures. They are developing partnerships with local colleges to help students start on the path to success from an early age. I had sensed something was special about this school when we walked by a boulder with "bullying...just stop it" painted across the front.

My usual talk about how to be a leader was a breeze with this crowd, and after our discussion I helped award nearly 80 students for their excellence in leadership and outstanding character in the month of November. An audience of parents cheered. Each month teachers at Park Terrace have this chance to highlight and reward exceptional behavior in their students. Bullying research has shown that punishing or criminalizing a bully is far less effective than rewarding positive behavior.

What I love about this model of rewards is that not only do the good students get attention, but every student has a chance each month to turn their behavior around. It's not a once a year shot, it's a constant open door and regular opportunity that any student can take up. Life is not about getting it perfect from the start, or even about where you have been along the way...it's about where you are going right now. It's about the steps you choose today and how you handle the opportunities right in front of you. One can always learn from their past, but I don't believe in defining people entirely by their history. Every morning is a new chance and could be the day you start fresh. Even if you've been the bully for years on end, or slacked on your school work, or failed to keep in touch with friends, or waiting to start up that new business idea...your path can change on a dime if YOU make that choice. This is America, the land of opportunity, and Park Terrace is doing an incredible job of making those opportunities clear for their students!

Click to see a great news clip from my visit! Thanks to all the students and staff for a great time, and to all the parents for showing such incredible support for their little ones!!

P.S. Yes, of COURSE I signed the rock.

Visiting Children at Emmaus Refugee Program

After a long day at schools and visiting with Mayor Jennings, we made one last stop before dinner: Emmaus United Methodist Church. In the back building of this church was an entire school and play center where I made a surprise visit to meet refugee children from across Albany. Emmaus has an exceptional Refugee and Immigration Support Services program.

When I arrived, little ones were busy coloring holiday decorations as cartoons danced across a nearby TV and older students carefully sketched a still-life setup on their art pads. Piles of books, games and craft supplies filled shelves that lined the walls. Downstairs were brightly colored classrooms where learning continues long after school hours and a lunch hall where children receive meals each day. As we toured, giggling faces kept popping up in the windows followed by the patter of little feet racing around the halls. So I went out and met the children, soon snatching up crayons to join the evenings artistic activities. Finally the bus came to take them all home, so we said our goodbyes as they raced out the door covered in smiles.

Thank you to Pastor Holly Nye and Program Director Rifat Filkins for showing me the wonderful work you are doing for the Albany area. I had already taken a liking to this church when my host's daughter, Rachel, explained that she started wearing mismatched socks after her church group chose to use it as a sign of diversity and acceptance. These children were treated with such respect, and I can see how their personalities are flourishing in this environment of acceptance and support. The program I saw tonight was such a gorgeous model of what a community can do for it's neighbors. Making an impact does not have to be a big money operation; it's all about the right skills, the right people, and the right passion coming together.

All my love to my new little friends! I will wink to you from the Miss America stage!

Albany Tree Lightning Ceremony

During my meeting with Mayor Jennings, he turned and asked if I was free to come across town after and help him light up the city for the holidays. How could I say no? So we were off to take part in the Hannaford Capitol Holiday Lights Ceremony at Washington Park.

For the past 15 years, Hannaford Supermarkets has been filling the park with over 125 light displays and welcoming community members to drive through for some holiday cheer. Their ride brings them to the Washington Park Lake House where Santa and his friends will greet guests for refreshments, crafts and holiday wishes. All proceeds from this event go towards the Albany Police Athletic League, which creates juvenile prevention programs throughout the area.

A crowd gathered and Santa made a grand entrance on his sleigh. Two little helpers, Sarah and Lindsey, were on hand to assist Santa in pulling the lever. Living in NYC I'm always hearing about parades getting shut down or permits keeping people from celebrating in their area...while I know there is always a good reason, it saddens me anytime people are kept from coming together to celebrate. Tonight's community spirit reminded me of my hometown. At the end of the day we are still a tribal species, and there's nothing like the holidays to bring everyone together.

Meeting with Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings

After a long day at schools, my crew went downtown in the midst of Albany's breathtakingly historical buildings for a meeting with the big cheese of this city. I sat down with Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings to talk about my work to end bullying through leadership development in schools. Joining me was Albany H.S. teacher Ellen Mall-John, her husband and gorgeous daughter (my sidekick for the week,) Miss Empire Star Jennifer Pollard, Albany's Outstanding Teen Brittany Rose Egnot, and local director of the Miss Empire Rose/Empire Star competition Janet Murphy.

Jerry worked at Albany High School for 21 years. This is a man who has been known to stop and pick up students off the street to drive them to school. We talked about his perspective on the education system's development over the past years and where we felt there were still some major needs. He quickly jumped on board as I told him how Project Empower is working to prep students for life beyond the classroom and enrich them with the social and professional skills that enhance classroom learning. Jerry and I look forward to bringing Project Empower to schools in Albany, aiming to reduce bullying and social struggles through positive leadership training. Thank you to Mr. Jennings for taking the time to talk with us this afternoon! He's a hoot!

Eagle Elementary School

Thank you to my friends at Eagle Elementary for a great discussion on bullying! I got an all-star welcome and joined the students for a conversation on what to do when you see bullying in your school.

At one point, as I stood in the center of 500 elementary students, I walked around asking how they can be a leader in their life. You would be amazed at all the ideas they came up with; helping your parents with chores at home, inviting a new friend to sit with you at lunch, helping a peer with their homework, giving someone a compliment...they had a million ideas. The more we talked, the more hands shot into the air. We decided that you are never too young to start engaging in leadership. It can begin in Kindergarten and become a habit that helps you grow stronger every day. Once someone knows the power of their positive actions, they are sure to become a key player in improving the world around them. And, when you build a positive world, the negativity of bullies will have no place.

Thank you to all my friends and the incredible staff for a great conversation, and for the beautiful flowers! So proud of the work this school is doing to create a safe and supportive community for all students! Such leaders!!