Hannah Hilyard Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Hannah Hilyard is an advocate for childhood mental health, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Woodland Hills. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Hannah Hilyard visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Woodland Hills crown?
I celebrated with a never ending stream of FaceTime calls from my Miss California sisters! It was so much fun answering those calls with my crown in hand. I competed for 5 years and in 16 local competitions before I won Miss Woodland Hills, so I had met so many amazing girls along the way that were just as ecstatic as I was that night! As my mom was driving us home from the competition, our 3 1/2 hour drive was filled with all the love from several fabulous formers, friends, and much of the Miss California Class of 2020.

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Woodland Hills? 
I really am amazed at the power of the crown. I love how my title connects with all age groups across California, and gives me a voice that for so long I fought to have. My personal platform means the world to me, and this title is an incredible way to promote it. The networking and opportunities to serve the community have been priceless, and it has been such a positive in my life and so many others. 

What part of the upcoming Miss California competition are you most nervous about? 

Genuinely, I'm really not nervous for Miss California, and not in a cocky way at all. The Miss American Organization has empowered me to fully embrace who I am, and I feel that exudes in my ability to connect to others. When you are yourself, it attracts people to you! I have dreamt of my time in Fresno for so long, and competed for so many years in order to achieve that dream, that I know I’m ready. Of course there is a lot of preparation going on in every area of competition, but my excitement far outweighs my nerves when it comes to Miss California. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Speak Up for Kids: Childhood Mental Health and Learning Disorders”?

My social impact initiative is deeply personal. I grew up with an undiagnosed mental health disorder. I began showing signs of anxiety by early elementary school, but was brushed off by teachers for years. I did not receive a proper diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder until I was 16. Even then, I did not receive a full diagnosis of anxiety, OCD, and a panic disorder until I was 19. As someone who went through all of that, I have seen how there is a huge lack of pediatric mental health resources. As a teacher, I get to be that advocate every day for my students. My goal is to empower all communities to utilize the mental health resources that we do have, and tailor them the needs of children. The statistic is that 1 in 5 children have or will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. Additionally, 75% of adult mental illness cases begin developing before the age of 13. As a teacher, I am able to implement measures daily that help identify the signs of early onset mental illnesses, and also help to give those students the support that they need and be their advocate. It is my goal to empower communities to take similar action when it comes to our youth. 

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

I dance to express my feelings. I enjoy standing in the middle of a big empty dance floor showing an audience what I have to express. I take a lot of pride in choosing pieces that allow me to convey a story to my audience. I actually began competing in the Miss American Organization because of the talent portion! I grew up dancing, and loved the idea of getting to perform in a different type of scenario. I’m really excited to share my heart on the Miss California stage.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

Personally, I would love to be Rapunzel! It seems like she has SO much to do in her tower, and I feel like right now while our entire state is social distancing, I could really benefit from picking up some new hobbies. I really resonate with Rapunzel’s tenacity and desire to make others happy, she is by far one of my favorite princesses.

Coming from a family of Giants fans, who is your all-time favorite Giants player?

Buster Posey! Not only is he by far my family’s favorite player, but I really admire his Posey Family Foundation which raises money for pediatric cancer. Fun fact, at one point my family had 4 guinea pigs that were all named after Giants players!

If you had an extra ticket to a Giants-Red Sox game, who would you bring? Why?

I would bring my 13 year old brother, David! He is an amazing baseball player. He pretty much plays baseball 24/7, playing league, fall ball, and on his school’s team. During the summers, you can catch my family and I being his biggest fans in the stands of whatever field he is playing on. He is one of the biggest Giants fans I know! 

Is there a feature or activity at a Giants game that you’d especially like to experience?

I’m always down for a Giants vs. Dodgers game! Anytime I can watch the Giants #BeatLA, I’m here for it. I would love to go to a rivalry game in person at ATT Park.

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A “rivalry” game would definitely be so much fun!

As usual, I want to thank Hannah for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures.

As Hannah continues her time as Miss Woodland Hills, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram Page. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on.

I also want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss California title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Hannah, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 19 (163-171)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 19?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  0. I'd say nothing even close...but I'm not sure what "close" would mean.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: This page honestly doesn't have a lot going for it. But, the fun "star" all-star logo on the Bert Campaneris is pretty cool. Plus, it gave my a chance to research Campaneris and realize he was a darn good player...probably someone I should have known more about all along.

My favorite card on the page: Lots of headshots and pretty basic posed shots on this page. Nothing is really jumping out at me. But, I do like the Padres uniform on Bill Greif. And, combining it with the jacket he's wearing under it just calls to me for some reason. So, I'll go with that!

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Aaliyah Manning Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Aaliyah Manning is a proponent of autism awareness, a talented pianist, and the current Miss City Beautiful. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Aaliyah Manning visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss City Beautiful crown?

Believe it or not, one of my favorite things to eat is a double bacon cheeseburger. Per tradition after just about any pageant, my family and I took a trip to the notorious and glamorous: Steak ‘N Shake! After winning we drove straight there and although I took my crown and sash off before walking in, we were the most dressed up people in the building and people were asking where we came from!

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss City Beautiful?

The never ending support, generosity and family oriented atmosphere of Team Orlando. It’s incredible! Our directors, my sister queens, our teens and parents within our group are just incredible. The surprises just keep coming! We’ve had mock interviews, photoshoots and planned appearances that are organized without us lifting a finger – all done with love the Miss Orlando board has a reel of various events set up for us to succeed in the journey to Miss Florida.

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss City Beautiful?

So far this year I’ve assisted in training over 50 first responders spanning all the way from Kissimmee, Universal Studios Security and Orange County! I want to see that number skyrocket and as Miss City Beautiful I can make that happen.

I will continue increasing the number of trained first responders and sworn workforce in Orlando to recognize the behavioral symptoms and characteristics of an individual with autism! The second leading cause of death for children with special needs is police interaction, and it’s often

because basic response techniques and ability to deescalate emergency scenarios aren’t practiced first. Orlando is a city that has millions of visitors traveling through to see our theme parks, attractions and resorts. With people from all walks of life and neurological backgrounds, our first responders should be aware of the fastest growing developmental disorder in America, and how to identify these unique civilians in their communities.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Autism Alliance”?

My nephew, Xahir (Zye-ir) is five years old, and I have a young boy that I mentor through the Miss Florida Program as my protégé, Liam who is seven years old – both of my boys have autism and I’ve recently connected with one of Orlando’s oldest and most active advocacy platforms for children with ASD: The Autism Society of Greater Orlando. Our first responders are everyone’s first line of defense, and it breaks my heart that yet the second leading C.O.D. for

children with autism fall under scenarios with first responders. Our first responders and our community fit together and it’s a synergistic connection and combination! This relationship is vital and should work together more smoothly, and that’s why the Autism Alliance is one of the

strongest forces our communities will see!

As a talented pianist, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

The feeling of hearing your name called, along with the title of you piece is a subtle reminder before you begin preforming of the time, dedication and passion poured into what you present. I’ve played the piano ever since I was 5 as I grew up in Seoul, Korea on behalf of my mother being in the U.S. Army. Each time I play, I remember the very first time little me touched the keys and I just love sharing my love for music with the state of Florida!

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why? 

Oh my goodness. Princess Tiana without a doubt! Although, Moana is definitely my next in line also. Both characters send such a loud, powerful message to young girls that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. Tiana and Moana knew what they wanted in their future and with a servant’s heart, kind spirit and determined mindset they worked their way to achieve their dreams! Not to mention, beignets are so delicious and I’d love to live in paradise!

How would you complete the sentence “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

I’m surrounded by people. I’m an extrovert, and I live for my people and human connection. Serving my community, being at work, talking with classmates at school or even meeting new people is what I live for! I am a social butterfly and seeing my people succeed, connect and grow

in friendship is what keeps me going. (I also get great satisfaction when I’m eating cookies and ice-cream, but that’s another story!)

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I’ve always wanted to throw the first pitch at a baseball game! I think it’d be an awesome experience to have. I’m not sure how good my throw would be, but it’d be worth a shot!

If you had an extra ticket to a Marlins-Rays game, who would you bring with you? Why?

Without a doubt, my close friend and pageant sister: Mariluz! She’s actually visited Section 36 before and my girl knows her baseball and crowns, just like you Ron! Mariluz is my queen of sports broadcasting and we have so much fun when we’re together. She’d be able to tell me what’s going on each play at the game, so I’d definitely need her there!

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That sounds like it would be so much fun!

As usual, I want to thank Aaliyah for visiting with us, and for sending along the fantastic picture.

As Aaliyah continues her time as Miss City Beautiful, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram Page. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on.

I also want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Florida title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Aaliyah, and good luck!

Abigail Bachman Visits Section 36!

Photo by Jessielyn Palumbo Photography

Section 36 has another visitor! Abigail Bachman is a proponent of early autism awareness, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Juniata Valley. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Abigail Bachman visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Greater Juniata Valley crown?

Usually my family and cheering section go out to a nice restaurant and celebrate but we had close to six inches of snow and ice so not a lot was open! We ended up going to a Pizza Hut.

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Greater Juniata Valley?

Photo by
Eire Ann Photography

I’ve been involved in the Miss America Organization for five years. During that time, I have been surprised by the community and their acceptance of the program. Something that I’m sure none of us saw coming was the Corona virus. Unfortunately, a lot of my appearances have been canceled, so I am doing as much as I can to serve my community from home.

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Greater Juniata Valley?

I’d love to continue spreading the message of Early Autism Awareness and inform parents and child care providers of some of the early signs of autism.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Early Autism Awareness”?

My cousin Jake was diagnosed at a young age with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a form of Autism. Because he was able to get an early diagnosis, he was able to receive early intervention and now he is able to work semi-independently and do some of the things he might not have been able to do if he didn’t receive that intervention at a young age.

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

Thank you! I have been dancing since the age of three and

Photo by
Holly Mead Photography

have studied many different styles of dance including ballet, jazz, lyrical, pointe, hula and hip hop. I’m in college right now so I don’t get the opportunity to go on the stage as much as I did when I was younger. I love being able to hear a song and interpret it through dance.  I love hearing my family cheer in the audience and I enjoying being in the moment.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

That’s a tough one! I love Olaf. He is always so positive and has a great sense of humor. He is also always craving the summertime, something I am doing right now!

You were able to make an appearance at a York Revolution game that included performing on the dugout. What was that experience like?

It was so much fun! I was able to attend two games at the York Revolution. The first time I was there, I was able to throw the first pitch, speak to attendees and dance on the dugout. It was a blast! They are so welcoming and have music going to get the crowd excited to cheer on the team. Then, I was able to go again during Miss Pennsylvania week 2019. All of the contestants went to watch the game from a club box. We were able to bond and watch a great game. My favorite part is when the cannon goes off!

Your local minor league team, the Altoona Curve, is a rare team named after a roadway feature. Have you ever driven the Altoona curve?

Some of my family lives in Altoona, so I am able to go visit a lot and, yes, I have driven the Altoona curve. I was scheduled to throw the first pitch at a Curve game on April 28th but this was postponed to a later date.

If you had an extra ticket to a Pirates game, who would you bring with you? Why?

Definitely my older brother. He lives in Pittsburgh and is a fan of all Pittsburgh sports. We talked about going to a game this summer, so hopefully we still can!

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That would be so much fun!

As usual, I want to thank Abigail for visiting with us, and for sending along the fantastic picture.

As Abigail continues her time as Miss Greater Juniata Valley, I encourage you to check out her official Facebook Page. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on.

You should also check out the website for her SII Early Autism Awareness. It’s a great resource for anyone looking for more information.

I also want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Pennsylvania title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Abigail, and good luck!

Another Sale Opportunity! What Will You Get?

Are you tired of shopping online yet? I hope not because, you guessed it, the Section 36 Store is having another sale! What a great opportunity to get the gear you've been seeing everyone else wear at a lower price! But, like any great thing, this is only available for a short time. In fact, only through Friday! So hurry on over.

Don't miss this opportunity! 

So, head over right now and select something that you like. But, don't delay. The sale only runs through Friday! Only a few days before prices go back to their regular levels.

Click Here Now!

And, as always, when you do get an item, send me a picture wearing it for me to share with the world! The blog, Facebook, and even Instagram! Not only would it be a great way to show the world your amazing outfit, but if you have a business or cause that needs promotion, it's an easy way to get a mention on Section 36!

Like the amazing singer Sabrina did!

This Tank Top is on Sale!

Or like the talented photographer Kelsey did!

This Tee is on sale!

Or like another wonderful singer, Lyssa, did!

This tank top is on sale!

Or like Lauren did!

This Tank Top is on Sale!

Like Bridget did! (With some help from K. Garcia Productions)

This sweatshirt is on sale!

Or, like travel agent Bernadette did to show off how amazing this tank top looks on her in Fiji.

This tank top is on sale!

Or Phil did

This tank is also on sale!

Or Holly did with her cozy new hoodie.

This hoodie is on sale!

Or Nicolette did with her great t-shirt!

This t-shirt is on sale!

Or like Allison did!

This t-shirt is on sale!

Or, like Sierra did!

This t-shirt is on sale!

But, first you need to buy something you like. There's a lot to choose from. There are even a couple new designs to choose from!

What will you get?