Caroline Trennepohl Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Caroline Trennepohl is passionate about inspiring young women, a talented singer, and the current Miss Apple Valley. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Caroline Trennepohl visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Apple Valley crown?

Honestly, It was my first pageant ever. I totally did not expect to win. I didn’t really celebrate all too much just because I was  totally not expecting a win. 

I remember calling my mom and telling her I won, she said “What’s an Apple Valley?” 

The next day I volunteered, worked, and then got to work on planning my upcoming year. I think the heightened platform I have now with the crown is a celebration in and of itself to be able to continue and increase my volunteering to an even larger platform. 

I can’t wait to see all the experiences I have over the year!

What portion of the Miss Washington competition are you most nervous about?

Oh gosh, I think it is all so new to me that I am much more excited than I am nervous.

I really have trained my brain to try to look at experiences (as long as they are positive and not harmful) as instead of being nervous instead change that emotion to excitement. 

I know that I am doing something that so many others don’t have the opportunity to do and am so incredibly blessed. I look at the outcome of Miss Washington as not a win or loss, but instead a learning experience. 

When I think about it that way I don’t think I am nervous, but instead just super excited to prepare to do the best I can and meet so many amazing new friends. 

As a first time titleholder, what has been the most pleasant surprise about your short time as Miss Apple Valley?

I really mean it that when people say the sisterhood is real, it really is. It has been amazing to meet so many young women from all over in my short time as Miss Apple Valley. 

It is amazing to hear about all the great things women are doing in the Miss America Organization and feeling inspired myself as well and knowing that I am a part of something much greater than just me and my title. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Girls C.A.N.”?

I like to say that even though I have graduated college and am going back to school in the Spring, I STILL don’t know what I am going to do forever. So many young men and women do not know the potential career options that are out there for them. I want young women to be inspired to hear about a variety of careers at a young age so that they can find passion and purpose in whatever they decide to pursue long term. It is okay for this to change with time, but every child deserves to know options that they have that they can be inspired about and strive for. I want to provide girls with relatable mentors to learn about potential careers that they could have someday. 

What is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?

I love to preform. It is a sense of home when I am away from home. At the end of the day I have learned that no matter where you go you have yourself, your mind, and your talents. I am always at ease when I sing. Musical theatre was a big part of my youth so being able to continue to do that on stage just makes me smile. 

As an avid traveler, what is your favorite place you’ve visited?

I love to travel so this is hard. I do love the Boston area (so excited to come this Summer for a wedding), I also love Disney Wold, Seattle where I live now is beautiful, Cincy will always be home……ugh so hard so many options. 

I would probably have to go with Malibu. Such a stunning part of Cali,  I also love the Grand canyons, but hen scottsdale is amazing too.. simply too hard to choose just one.

 It really just depends on what the mood of the trip is, travel, work, leisure, hiking. So many amazing places to see in the United States and all over the world. 

Adventure really is out there. Traveling is such a gift and provides you an incredible amount of perspective. 

The sheer action on moving across the country last year was such an eye opener to see how even within the United States how vastly different things are from one region to another both geographically and culturally. It is really a cool experience.

 My long term travel goals would be to live out of the country at some point and really get depth and perspective on a new area. I will channel my inner “Emily in Paris” (it may be a cheesy show, but I still love it)!

I really do believe that personally I can be happy anywhere, it is just your perspective. 

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

Tinkerbell! I remember I got this idea as a girl that I would be a Disney princess at Disney one day.

 My parents wanted to try to get that idea out of my head so they told me that the princesses all had to be a certain height! Anddd… I am only 4”11 so I was like super upset. So, I clearly didn’t believe my parents and decided to look up the qualifications myself. To my disappointment it was true about the height requirement, but I saw that I was a PERFECT height for Tinkerbell. Since then I have had my heart set on Tink. 

Who knows, I might still go after it one day :) 

You used to work for the Cincinnati Reds. What did you enjoy about that experience?

Wow, what a fun organization. The Reds gave me my first internship in college and I just kept coming back. 

I really think I learned what working in sports was like and was exposed to a type of career I had never heard of before. 

I never was introduced to working in sports prior or even thought of that as a possible career. 

The Reds I attribute to my sports career thus far, which has been fun. I am extremely thankful for them. I worked long days, long weeks, met so many new people, found mentors, and most importantly found career aspirations.

Is there a feature or activity at a Red Sox - Mariners game that you’d especially like to experience?

I would love to sing the national anthem! Singing is my talent and I have always loved to listen to the national anthem. 

Additionally, I do love the experience at the Red Sox when they play Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”. That is always a fun one for me, I have fond memories of attending my first Red Sox game and being surprised with hearing “my” song. 

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That must have been quite a surprise!

As usual, I want to thank Caroline for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Caroline continues her time as Miss Apple Valley, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish Caroline luck when she competes for Miss Washington! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Caroline, and good luck!

2021 Topps Heritage Blaster!

Looks like it's been a while since I've opened one of these. They're always a lot of fun. Do you enjoy these as well?

How'd I do?

Let's find out!

Here's the box, including the fun throwback design. I wonder how they came up with the "6+" age restriction. What about cardboard makes is inappropriate for kids under six? Are the wrappers choking hazards or something?

Here are all those choking hazards all spread out. Not exactly a ton of packs in this one. Or, any one I suppose. I do like the design, though.

And here's the card design we were all expecting. Everyone knows what the design looks like, and has for the last 50 years. We also already know what the Red Sox hedge looks like. I really need to figure out how to get there someday.

And that's it. An entire blaster, five whole packs, and one Red Sox cards. I know that's not exactly odds busting. But, it's a bummer anyway.

How did your blaster go?

Kayla Wright Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kayla Wright is passionate about talking about sexual abuse, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Statesville. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Kayla Wright visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Statesville crown?

In the moment I won Miss Statesville, I immediately started crying. Miss Statesville has been a dream of mine since I was 8 years old and the people within the organization have always been like family to me. Winning the title was more than just receiving a crown and sash, it was culmination of hard work. Statesville is my hometown, and I knew that if I ever got the chance to compete at Miss North Carolina it was the only place I wanted to wear across my chest. After winning, I took lots of pictures, cried with family and friends, and then went to eat a huge burger! 

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

While I have many goals, my biggest is to make Statesville proud. That may sound cliche, but if I make the people of my town proud to have me as representative then I have done my job. I hope to make them proud in many capacities so keep up with me to see just how I do it! 

What is something you learned about yourself at Miss Statesville that will help you when you compete for Miss North Carolina?

Well for one, I cannot wear a strapless evening gown! I was pulling it up all night so I don’t think that would be the best decision for Miss North Carolina. More seriously, I learned that the people that were also competing for the title didn’t view it as a competition between each other. By this I mean that we did not view each other as competitors but as friends. I still talk to the girls I competed with and I hope that our friendships continue for a long time. The committee of Miss Statesville mentioned that we were the closest group of contestants, Miss and Teen, that they had seen. It was truly a women supporting women moment. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “L.I.A.R.”?

Four years ago, I was sexually assaulted by my boyfriend. For a long time I didn’t believe myself to be a sexual assault survivor because it was my boyfriend that did it and not a stranger or acquaintance. When I finally felt comfortable to tell my story to close friends, they provided me with comfort, telling me that it didn’t matter if he was my boyfriend when it occurred. I believe there are thousands of men and women that haven’t told their stories because they felt the same way I did. I want to empower these people and teach others that sexual assault does not only happen with strangers or acquaintances and it does not only happen at social gatherings or in alley ways. It can happen with someone you thought you loved in a place you once found comforting.  

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

As a dancer of 19 years, the stage is my home. Dance provides with a place to be free and express myself with movement. I love telling stories through my dances, and I hope that my Miss North Carolina talent is one that resonates with everyone. 

At Clemson, you’ve been a member of the Tiger Strut dance team. What was that experience like?

I was a member of Tiger Strut for my Freshman, Sophomores and Junior year. I am now a co-captain and team member with two other amazing ladies in my last year on the team. This team has provided me with a family at school and has allowed me to continue dancing in college. Not everybody gets the chance I’ve been afforded and I’ll forever be grateful for what Tiger Strut has given me. 

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

I would love to be in “Inside Out” as one of the emotions. When I watch that movie I like to think that’s how my feelings work. It’s a feel good movie with the perfect mix of comedic relief. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Charlotte Knights baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I were able to pick anyone it would be my papa. Although that is a chance I’ll won’t get because he is no longer with us, he would be the perfect baseball game companion. He was a huge Atlanta Braves fan and was definitely cheering them on when they won the World Series. 

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

I would love to throw the first pitch or sit inside the producing room. Two very different things but both amazing experiences. Throwing the first pitch would be a moment I would never forget, but being in the production room would give me an inside look into how games are called and how producers choose what is played to fans on television. I have put emphasis on sports in my time at Clemson in hopes that one day I could work for a professional sports team so any feature or activity in sports is an amazing experience and opportunity!

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Thise are two very different goals, and I love them both.

As usual, I want to thank Kayla for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Kayla continues her time as Miss Statesville, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish Kayla luck when she competes for Miss North Carolina! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Kayla, and good luck!

Go Red! 2013 Topps Target Red Shane Victorino

February is American Heart Month. As a nod to the Go Red for Women activities going on this month to help raise awareness, I thought I'd contribute several "red" themed posts sprinkled throughout the month. Here's the next one.

Let's talk about this card...

2013 was certainly a big year for this guy and the Red Sox. Victorino was one of the many smaller signings that were big contributions to that team. Whether it was the season long fascination with his Three Little Birds walk up song, or his heroics during the playoffs, it's hard to picture the 2013 season without Victorino. As someone who was in the park for both his game (and series) clinching grand slam in the ALCS and his bases clearing double in the World Series, I know he's permanently etched in my memories.

The card itself isn't has a nice feel to it. The slight scowl on Victorino's face really sets the mood. Although, for a red card, I'd prefer he was wearing the home whites. It's also a little unsettling to see the three shades of red on the card. Possibly the first time a red card doesn't work for the Red Sox.

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If you are able, I highly recommend you support the American Heart Association's efforts with a donation. You can find the link here.

Support the efforts to Go Red for Women!

Anna Spaulding Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Anna Spaulding is passionate about helping children in crisis, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Thousand Islands. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Anna Spaulding visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Thousand Islands crown?

Winning the title of Miss Thousand Islands was more than just winning the title itself. I was able to win with my best friend Ashlyn Hilts who is the current Miss Adirondack. Ashlyn and I met through the Miss Adirondack/ Miss Thousand Islands Organization and we’ve held titles together for almost 3 years. Being able to celebrate with my best friend was such an amazing experience. Additionally, I was not only celebrating my win that night but my family was also celebrating my sister Emma Spaulding who was Miss Adirondack 2020. Emma gave up her crown that day so my family had a lot to be thankful for. The next day we went out to eat at my favorite restaurant which is the Chinese Buffet in Watertown, NY. I’ve been eating at that restaurant for as long as I can remember so I love going there and creating more memories with my family. I also celebrated by visiting my favorite place in the Thousand Islands, Cape Vincent. 

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Thousand Islands?

The Thousand Islands region has a special place in my heart. I grew up there and my favorite memories as a child were on the lake or river in the Thousand Islands. My personal goal is to highlight small businesses in the Thousand Islands but I also want to show people how beautiful and interesting the Thousand Islands region is. I encourage everyone to visit the Thousand Islands because the scenery, food and people are amazing. Please check out my social media where I will highlight areas of the Thousand Islands and suggest places to visit. 

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

This is my first title as a “Miss'' candidate and I’m very excited to compete in the newer phases of competition. I am nervous about the Social Impact Pitch because I’ve never done that phase of competition at the state level. However, I have been working hard on preparation for the Miss New York Competition and I’m sure my confidence about Social Impact Pitch will get stronger with some practice. 

How did you select your social impact initiative?

About five years ago, I found the Pajama Program nonprofit organization while scrolling through social media. I instantly connected with The Pajama Program’s mission of providing new books and new pajamas to children in a crisis like foster children, orphans, and children in shelters. As an adoptee and a former foster child, I can relate to these children on a deeper level. Additionally, my entire family is built by foster care and adoption, which is why I am so driven to always put the most effort I can for these children.  I collect, count, and distribute every single book and pair of pajamas. Over the past five years, I’ve collected over 1400 new books and 1200 new pajamas. These items have been donated to three local foster care systems(Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence)  and 2 local shelters. The goal of providing books and pajamas to children is to promote good bedtime routines by making children feel more secure and comforted. Hopefully, a good bedtime routine will help a child to feel more confident and positive throughout the day, despite going through a challenging time. 

My goal now is to expand the impact of the Pajama Program across New York.

What is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?

I’ve always loved performing since I first stepped on the cheer mat 15 years ago. My love for performing has only grown as I’ve been able to become more creative on stage. I love portraying my story and expressing my creativity through my dancing and fan work. My most recent performance was a Fan Veil Fusion Dance to the song “Live Your Story” with rainbow fans. This performance was represented my journey of coming out as pansexual and becoming more comfortable in who I truly am. I also can represent my Chinese heritage through the gorgeous silk fan veils. I find dancing therapeutic because I can portray my feelings through my movements. When I perform on stage, it’s the best feeling ever because all the hard work comes together and there’s a sense of accomplishment when I hit all my skills. 

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

I get great satisfaction when accomplishing a long term goal especially if that goal regards my service or scholastic aspirations. Recently, my parents bought me an organizing unit for the Pajama Program and I was able to redo my counting system for the Pajama Program. I honestly felt so amazing after filling the unit with pajamas because I’ve been doing this for 5 years and it felt like the right time for an upgrade. Moments like that where everything feels improved is always nice because then I can make new goals for myself and the Pajama Program. 

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

I always connected with Mulan because I admired her strength and courage but also because she was one of the first Chinese characters I saw in an animated film. As a child, Mulan was the first character I saw that looked like me and that representation helped me be comfortable in my own skin. 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Buffalo Bisons play the Syracuse Mets, who would you take with you? Why?

I feel like my Dad would enjoy this game and I love spending time with my Dad as much as possible. I’m currently living in Ohio during the school year therefore, moments where I can bond with my Dad are extra special since I don’t see him as often.  I remember when I was younger and my Dad coached me in Tee-Ball. I think it would be awesome to bond over baseball again. 

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

I would love to throw out the first pitch of one of the minor league teams in my area. I know my pitch would not be in the strike zone however, I definitely would try my best. 

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I'd definitely love to give that a try!

As usual, I want to thank Anna for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Anna continues her time as Miss Thousand Islands, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish Anna luck when she competes for Miss New York! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Anna, and good luck!