Gabrielle Griffiths Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Gabrielle Griffiths is passionate sharing stories, a talented singer, and the current Miss Worcester County. I was thrilled she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Gabrielle Griffiths visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Worcester County crown?

The days leading up to the competition are often filled with lots of preparation and anticipation and the day of the competition itself requires lots of energy, mental preparation and stamina. Having said that, I celebrated my win with a nice long nap :) 

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

I really love interview. It’s the one opportunity to speak with the judges, to express my mission and for them to get to know me and who I represent.  You prepare for the Miss Massachusetts competition with months of hard work and practice, yet there are only 9 precious minutes in the interview to get it right. So that can feel like a lot of pressure at times. 

What is something that Katrina Kincade is doing as Miss Massachusetts that you would want to emulate?

I look up to Katrina in so many ways so it's hard to pick just one! Her goals of sharing stories of representation is incredibly inspiring to me and aligns with my community service initiative of “Changing the World One Story at a Time”. Using video production, I hope to continue to share stories of people who are underrepresented and need a voice. 

How did you select your community service initiative, “Changing the World One Story at a Time”?

I have been doing acts of service my whole life. Throughout that journey and my job as the Director of Media at the Kindness Collaborative, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people who are doing incredible things for their community. I would always leave events wondering why these people had such little exposure. I felt a burning desire to get the word out and share the stories of the people who are making an impact. I found that I could promote them perfectly through video productions. Also when I scroll through my timeline, I notice mostly negative news stories with no solutions. It's become clear to me that we need a platform where the underrepresented can share optimistic stories on social issues we are experiencing now with real resources and ways to help. 

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

I feel the most connected to source when I am performing in front of others. I grew up on stage singing, dancing and acting, and went to school to minor in theater. Through the pandemic all of that stopped for me. There were not many opportunities to perform anymore and I felt a huge part of me was missing. I love that the Miss America organization gives me the chance to perform and feel whole again. 

You graduated Merrimack College with a degree in Communications and Media Studies. Where do you see that field taking you?

I started off freshman year 18 years old with no plan or direction of where I wanted to go, so I went in undecided. Shortly after, I was lucky enough to have my first experience on a real Hollywood film set. After that, I knew it was exactly where I wanted to be.  I declared my major in Communications the very next day.  I see myself working on video productions either in front or behind the camera with the mission of helping others throughout my life.

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

I would have to pick Belle. Growing up she was always my favorite Disney princess for her love of stories and bravery to be herself and not conform to the societal norms. Additionally she was the first Disney princess to selflessly save others around her: her father, the people in the castle and the beast. 

If you had an extra ticket to see a WooSox game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my dad because he used to take me Red Sox games when I was a kid. I have so many fond memories of going into Boston and singing along to sweet Caroline. I’d love to repay the memories and make new ones with my Dad. 

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

I’ve always wanted to sing the National Anthem! If I had a better arm I’d also say to throw the ceremonial first pitch… but I think I’ll just stick my strengths of singing.

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I'm pretty sure lots of first pitches have shown very little aim!

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

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Gabrielle during her journey as Miss Worcester County. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account as well as her personal account. They're all wonderful ways to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Gabrielle, and good luck!

It's Finally Here!

Happy Opening Day everyone!

It's been a while since we've played baseball in these parts, but the 2023 season finally gets underway today. I for one could not be more excited.

This has the makings of a special team. Definitely getting 2013 and 2021 vibes when I look at this roster and can't wait until it all plays out.

Many in the media want you to forget that this is a team that was in the ALCS in 2021 before being completely decimated by injuries last year. It's one thing to have depth to cover an IL stint for a star. It's another to have depth to cover the entire infield and rotation being out at the same time. I mean, Bobby Dalbec started at second base and Josh Winckowski had the fifth most starts in the "rotation". It wasn't supposed to be that way.

Even with all that, they finished just 8 games out of a playoff spot. 

Not counting injuries, the weakness of the team last year was the bullpen. That probably was at least partly because so many members of the pen needed to cover for injured starters innings. But, this year the team vastly improved that area. Instead of a weakness, it's practically a strength. 

A healthy lineup is also going to be fun. Yes, Story is out...again. But there are more pieces in place to keep everything rolling this year. Yoshida looks to be a steal as a free agent and solidifies the outfield, another weakness. 

Put all of that together, and I can't wait for this year's playoff run.

Let's get it started!

Trinity Luttrell Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Trinity Luttrell is passionate about supporting service members, a businesswoman, and the current Miss Heritage Days Teen. 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 Trinity Luttrell visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Heritage Days’ Teen crown?

My parents gave me a huge bouquet of white roses. And my Glammy ( Yes!, that’s what us grandkids call her) & Pappy came along with a few cousins.

What part of the upcoming Miss Maryland’s Teen competition are you most nervous about?

Talent.

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Heritage Days’ Teen?

How I had to take my title earned and use it for the good throughout my year of service. Lastly, the expenses since I’m a festival title holder. There are no sponsors vs competing in a local, meaning my sash and everything else comes out pocket.

How did you select your CSI, “Cards for Heroes”?

My great grandfather was a WW2 navy veteran and I wanted to bring awareness to service members and active duty with some positivity and say thank you. 

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

Belle, because I resemble her and because she doesn’t judge the Beast on his his appearance on the outside but the heart he did have within.

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the Orioles, who would you take with you? Why?

My Dad since he’s a Birds fan. 

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That sounds like fun!

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

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Maryland's Teen! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Trinity during her journey as Miss Heritage Days Teen. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on.

Thanks again Trinity, and good luck!

It's Time To Explore My Fantasy

Baseball team. That’s right. It’s time for your least favorite post of the year. The one where I discuss the fantasy team I drafted for this year! I know. The only thing worse than tweeting about fantasy teams is blogging about them. But, what better way to celebrate the start of the season? Plus, I apparently didn't do this last year, so I gave you a break.

Just as a quick reminder, this is a nine team 5x5 league, with 30 roster spots. So, it's a big league. You have three keepers, and they take the place of your draft pick in whatever round you originally drafted the player. (I love that detail.) I had the seventh pick in a wraparound draft. Got that?

So, who did I get?

C - S. Perez KC

1B - T. Casas BOS

2B - J. Chisholm Jr MIA

3B - R. Devers BOS

SS - B. Bichette TOR

CI - E. Suarez SEA

MI - X. Bogaerts SD

OF - M. Trout LAA

OF - A. Verdugo BOS

OF - J. Meneses WSH

OF - A. Rosario CLE

U - J. Turner BOS

U - R. McMahon

U - C. Belinger CHC

B - A. McCutchen PIT
B - C. Arroyo BOS

B - R. McGuire BOS

SP - M. Fried ATL

SP - Z. Gallen ARI

SP - L. Webb SF

RP - J. Hader SD

RP - J. Duran MIN

P - D. Rasmussen TB

P - S. Alcantara MIA

P - R. Rodriguez PIT

P - S. Alcantara MIA

B - A. Munoz SEA

B - J. Ryan MIN

B - M. Mikolas STL

B - A. Minter ATL

B - B. Bello BOS

B - T. Houck BOS

My three keepers were Rafael Devers (round ten), Sandy Alcantara (round fifteen) and Amed Rosario (round twenty-five). I love using the 133rd pick on the reigning Cy Young Award winner. I grabbed Bichette in the first round. (If you care, Turner was taken #1)

From there, I was able to grab plenty of Red Sox players. I'm always actually surprised with how many I end up with. Obviously, Devers is a legit pick that you don't need to be a Sox fan to grab. Especially with the 84th pick. I was annoyed with my Verdugo 13th round pick. Not that I took him too early, but that Yoshida was available. He must have been ranked really low because he wasn't on the radar, and I frankly forgot to grab him. He was gone before I could. Casas seemed like a good guy to take a chance on in the fourteenth round. If he's the stud he's supposed to be, there's keeper potential there.Turner was the only other Sox I have as a starter, in the utility position. Hopefully he finds some at-bats. I like filling my bench with Sox players. If I'm going to have some lower end roster spots, I figure I'll know more about the playing schedule if they're Sox players. So McGuire and Arroyo were late late round picks to fill out the Roster. I figured Belo and Houck were good late round picks. Who knows? They might turn into steals keepers next year. Hernandez was super late, and I love having someone available at so many positions on my bench.

So, while I know you probably need to see the rest of my league to decide how my team will do, I welcome any comments on any of my selections. 

Think I got any good ones?

Madison Matlock Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Madison Matlock is passionate about preventing drunk driving, a businesswoman, and the current Miss DeWitt County. 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 Madison Matlock visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss DeWitt County crown?

With Mexican food, of course! Nothing better than going to your local Mexican food restaurant in hair, makeup, and crown.

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

My goal is to help MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Texas meet their fundraising goals this year. As a partner with not only MADD Texas, but the National chapter, I've seen how impactful their programming is. I speak at Victim Impact Panels and I'm training to be a volunteer facilitator for the Power of You(th) program. MADD being integrated into our communities is so important to ending drunk driving, but to do that, we have to have the funds. I've got some fun ideas in the works! You'll see.

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

I wouldn't say I'm nervous, but I'm excited for talent. It's my favorite! Once I get through Talent, I'm good the rest of the week! 

How did you select your CSI “Perfectly Preventable: Drunk Driving Prevention”?

Because I lost my friend, Carly, to an underage, drunk driver. Losing her completely changed my life. I had never lost a peer like that before. After losing her, my eyes were opened to the fact that drunk driving occurs everyday and even worse, people die everyday because of it. Drunk driving, and the deaths associated with the most preventable crime, is a public health issue. It might be weird to say, but I found my passion through speaking about Carly, her life, and what it could have been. No matter if I ever become Miss Texas or not, I plan to be a lifelong volunteer of MADD and continue what I do now. 

You’re a graduate of Texas A&M. Where do you see your studies taking you?

Well, my studies have taken me to lots of places! I graduated with a B.S. in Agricultural Leadership and Development and planned to go to law school. Life happened and I ended up moving back to Texas suddenly. I literally decided one day to pack my car and move to Dallas without a job or apartment. (Crazy, right?) I ended up at Vari (formerly Varidesk) and learned that I have a knack for business. Currently, I'm the Business Development Manager for the DFW market and I'm in the application process for my MBA. I see my studies taking me to the C-Suite one day, hopefully within the Commercial Real Estate industry. There's so much opportunity in Dallas and I want to be a part of it!

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

Sleeping Beauty. I would benefit from the rest.

If you had an extra ticket to see a baseball game between the Red Sox and the Astros, who would you take with you? Why?

First of all, Go 'stros (and Royals!). Secondly, I'm bringing my best friend, Rachel. She truly knows how to have fun and to live life to the fullest. I think she could make jury duty fun. I think once you start competing and competing hard, it can be hard for your friends to understand why you're always busy. She's such a huge part of my support system and has always made me feel included, even when she knows I can't go.  I'm so grateful to have her in my life.

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

Is it weird to say the Kiss Cam? I want to be on the Kiss Cam! I'm a hopeless romantic.

Either that or win a lifetime supply of something. I'll take what I can get.

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The Kiss Cam can be a tricky one!

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

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Madison during her journey as Miss DeWitt County. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account as well as her personal account. They're all wonderful ways to keep track of everything she has going on. Also, please consider visiting and donating at the MADD website. Also, check out the website for Carly's Way to help fulfill Carly’s vision for helping unloved animals and to stop intoxicated driving.

Thanks again Madison, and good luck!

Elyssa​ DiRaddo Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Elyssa DiRaddo is passionate about inclusivity, a music therapist, and the current Miss Collegiate Indy. I was flattered that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Elyssa DiRaddo visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Collegiate Indy crown?

I’ll be honest, winning Miss Collegiate Indy was really unexpected. I started competing and held my first title in 2022 and was aging out and was already preparing for the “forever” life, was lined up as a volunteer, and was helping girls prepare for their upcoming locals. About 10 days before Miss Collegiate Indy, Robin Flemming had the meeting where she changed the age to 28. All the sudden I started getting play-by-play commentary of the rest of the meeting and I had my paperwork updated and turned around in under a week, so the minute I got crowned, I had the moment of “wait… I get to do this again” and automatically started hugging and crying with my fellow titleholders, Miss Indiana Volunteers, and was mentally preparing myself to have another year. After the competition, I went out to get Mexican food with my fellow Miss Indiana local titleholders and we hung out- joked, made TikTok, etc. These women and I are already close, but being able to celebrate with them afterward after the chaos that was the past 10 days to get myself ready to compete again was the best celebration I could ask for. 

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

One goal? I have many, some about Miss Indiana, some about my work with disability rights, and some involving specifically being Miss Collegiate Indy. I know as a resident of Indianapolis, I have the opportunity to make connections with each university in the area. I want to have a connection set up with each university by the end of my reign with the hopes to 1. Get on campus and learn about each university and 2. Continue to promote Miss America and show what this organization is and find young women who can benefit from the scholarships and professional opportunities. I also know that at state, I want to make it a point, especially with all the Miss America changes, that I am still a role model as a plus-size woman. I still live a healthy lifestyle, can be confident, and show that I, and so can they, push through the barriers either society or they themselves have created. It took til the 3rd time someone mentioned to me competing before I gave it a chance, and here I am, on my second title, over $1,500 in scholarships, having won 2 nonfinalist awards at state, and knowing that I have already opened people’s eyes. I want to broaden that audience, especially as Fitness is coming back to competition. I want to be the role model that young girls look up to. If I know I made one person feel seen or give them the confidence to do what they are passionate about, I have done my job. 

What is something Elizabeth Hallal is doing as Miss Indiana that you would want to emulate?

Elizabeth has been representing our state so well as Miss Indiana, and the fact that I have the opportunity to possibly be crowned by her is absolutely surreal. Elizabeth from the moment you meet her is authentically herself, genuine, personable, and down to earth. She comes to competitions and backstage is hanging out with us and being silly, relates to the different women, and looks out for the best of all of us competitors. Her ability to connect with people so quickly while being authentically herself is something I strive to have each day of my life, not just as a titleholder. Being able to attend events, work on my social impact initiative, any time I am interacting with the Indiana community, I am being authentic and down to earth so that I can show what Miss America is, this outstanding beautiful young woman who is active in her community but still a real person who is not perfect, doesn’t always know the right words, but someone you feel seen by, can connect with, can look up to in your community. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Inclusivity for All Abilities”?

I love the work I do as a Board Certified Music Therapist and am passionate about working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or are neurodivergent. My job as a Music Therapist is to support them in meeting their life goals and dreams. Through the way I practice, it is important to me to discuss their goals with them regularly, and make sure what we are working on is going to best support what they want to do. Through these conversations, although all unique, I often hear the same topics over and over. We discuss making and maintaining friendships, and relationships, what types of jobs they would like to currently have/would like to have grown up, and to feel accepted and understood by society and their community. This last point then made me realize we often expect people to adapt to how society has been formed and created for neurotypical people. We often expect those with disabilities to adapt to us, underestimate their abilities and what they give to our community, and overlook their voice in conversations. By working to educate the community, we as a whole can be accepting of all around us, if they have a disability or not. 

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

Honestly, it is the vulnerability singing gives you. It is something that is a part of you and you are sharing a part of yourself with the people you are singing to. The vowel placement, what you ate that day, where is the tension in your body, and that all add into this experience that you have with the audience. Singing is extremely personal and is a part of you, and I get to share that story. I have said this and it is one of those moments that only singers can fully understand and often get looked at sideways, but its the moment the song ends, especially with a high note, where the music stops and the room is silent, the room pauses, and you know your voice is finishing it’s last ring in the room and the audience is taking in that last moment, it is one of the most calming silences I have ever experienced. 

You have a degree in Music Therapy. Where do you see that field taking you?

I am fortunate enough to say I do that everyday of my life. I am now a practicing board-certified music therapist. The majority of my caseload is supporting people with developmental and intellectual disabilities to meet the goals that they have for their life, which is the foundation of my love for disability and neurodivergence rights and acceptance. I have now been practicing for over 3 years, worked through a pandemic with my caseload, and have seen them make strides in their goals. This I see as a forever career. I just started working as an internship supervisor, am co-chair for my company’s Diversity Alliance, have advocated yearly for music therapy licensure in the state of Indiana, and am serving on a committee for our upcoming conference. Going forward, I want to take more leadership in the profession, serving in a way to continue education on neuro-affirming care and working on advocacy for the profession. Rather that is as a Music Therapy Director, supervisor, or working outside of my office walls and with music therapy organizations, I want to spread my passion even further than my caseload. 

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

As a theatre kid at heart, I have been in several Disney productions, sang several Disney songs- did Beauty and the Beast twice, as 2 different characters, Mrs. Potts and Madame de la Grande Bouche (the wardrobe), which fun fact- the wardrobe role was split to make Mrs. Potts. Of all the roles, I feel like every day I am The Wardrobe, a large personality, Opera Singer, and “ Madam with the big mouth”. But if I could be someone else, I think Hannah Montana- pop queen, normal girl, and a closet the size of my current apartment. Best of All Worlds.

If you had an extra ticket to see a baseball game between the Fort Wayne TinCaps and the South Bend Cubs, who would you take with you? Why?

There is a woman I know, whom I will keep anonymous, who went to her first baseball game recently in her 30s. We all expected her to be more into the games and such in-between, getting food, etc and would want to leave early but she got extremely into the game, did not want to leave when it was over, and will still talks about the game months later. I would take her. I know she would love the experience and would enjoy each moment. I know it would become one of her favorite days. 

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

So when I was 6 I won the opportunity to be the “featured guests” at a Cubs game, play catch on the field, name on the board, the whole nine yards, which also came with a decent size scholarship for my elementary school, so at a young age I got to experience many of the cool events of a baseball game, which I am so grateful for. At this point, I want to sing the national anthem and throw the first pitch at a professional game. 

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Those would both be great opportunities. That featured guest experience sounds amazing as well! 

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

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Elyssa during her journey as Miss Collegiate Indy. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account as well as her personal account. In fact, check out her entire linktree for more great places to visit. They're all wonderful ways to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Elyssa, and good luck!