Beauty and the Beast Cast Party!

Last Saturday, May 23rd, we had our Beauty and the Beast Cast Party.  After every show at St. Thomas Aquinas School, the director hosts a party to celebrate the cast and crew for all of their hard work throughout the rehearsals and shows.  The director and I awarded every single member of the cast with medals.  The kids felt so proud of their accomplishment!  After awarding everyone with a medal and a disc filled with pictures from the show, special awards were handed out.  Six trophies were awarded to six members of the cast, chosen by the director and I, who showcased outstanding work ethic and showmanship.  Congratulations to Alexa Critchfield, Maria Grace, Sasha Daily, Cortney Taylor, Olivia Pardesi, and Nick Askey!

As for other aspects of my life...I am busy with summer school and preparations for Miss Florida Week.  There are only 38 days left till I leave for St. Petersburg!  I can hardly wait!

Stay tuned for updates!

Love,

Kristina

Joey Fatone Fundraiser

Last night, May 17, 2009, my director, Angela, her best friend, Lori, Miss Lakeland, and I attended the Joey Fatone fundraiser for the Fatone Family Music Therapy Program from Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando.  Joey is working to raise money to start this Music Therapy Program.

"Studies have shown that music therapy can reduce nausea and vomiting from cancer treatments, aid in relaxation, decrease pain and help both patients and families adjust to the cancer experience."  

It was very heartwarming to see how many people supported Joey and his cause.

Graduation and Orientation Oh My!

What a busy weekend this past weekend was!  Not only was it was the Miss Florida Orientation but it was also my brother's graduation from high school.  

Saturday morning I was up at 5:00 to get ready for my brother's Baccalaureate Mass at the Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine.  The service was absolutely beautiful.  The Bishop of Orlando, Thomas Wenski, officiated the mass and his words of wisdom to the graduates during his sermon were truly inspiring.  Below is a photo of my brother, sister and I after the mass.  

 After pictures were taken, my family and I drove home to pick up all of our luggage for my sister and my big weekend in St. Petersburg for the Miss Florida and Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen orientation.  Oh, did I mention that my little sister, Samantha, is Miss City Beautiful's Outstanding Teen?  This is her first pageant experience and I am so excited that I am going to share my Miss Florida pageant week experience with her!

Once our luggage was loaded into our big red Excursion, we went on our way to the University of Central Florida Arena for my brother's Commencement Ceremony.  Once Pomp and Circumstance began to play, my eyes began to well up with tears.  I am so proud of my brother and I was so glad that most of my family was able to attend the ceremony as well!

Right after the ceremony, my mom, sister, best friend, Heather, and I hopped into our car and headed on our way to St. Petersburg.  We arrived just in time for the Miss Florida and Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Salute Dinner.  The theme was "Dancing with the Stars" (One of my favorite shows).  Too bad Mark Ballas (One of the professional dancers from the show) wasn't there to escort me to dinner.  Hehe. 

All 46 Miss Florida Contestants

With Courtney Sexton (Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen 2008) and Samantha

The next day was filled with seminars and meetings.  We had our official lottery for our placement in the Miss Florida competition line up.  I chose number 11 and my sister chose number 9 in the teen line up.  

So paperwork is in and placement has been chosen...only 7 more weeks to go!   I cannot wait till Miss Florida week is finally here!

Much Love,

Kristina

Beauty and the Beast

This past weekend flew by so quickly!  Beauty and the Beast opened last friday, May 1st and today we had our last performance.  We sold out of tickets every single night.  The kids had an absolute blast while performing for the large audiences and when they saw the standing ovation they received every single night, you could tell they felt so proud!  Many people enjoyed the play so much that they came all three nights!

With Nick Askey (The Beast)

With Marisa Chanin (Lumiere)

With my little sister, Samantha (Belle)

My four-year-old cousin, Danielle (youngest member of the cast) with Samantha

Putting makeup on before the show!

Sunday night, the cast presented me with flowers and gifts.  I was brought to tears when a letter was read to me expressing their gratitude for all of my hard work and dedication.  Gifts were also presented to my mom (The Director) and Mrs. Chanin (Stage Manager).  I have always believed that life is not about what it holds for you, but rather what you bring to it.  Working as assistant director and choreographer was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  Every single member of the cast and every volunteer has truly touched my heart.  I sincerely hope that everyone learned a lot from this experience and that they will carry with them the memories they have made for the rest of their lives.

Much Love,

Kristina