Lila Szyryj Visits Section 36!

Magic Dreams Productions

Section 36 had another visitor! Lila Szyryj is passionate about the news, an associate producer, and the current Miss Wisconsin. 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 Lila Szyryj visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Wisconsin crown?

One of the first things I remember saying after the commotion of crowning was, ‘where’s my family?’ All I wanted to do was to spend time with them. My idea of celebrating meant spending time with the people who had helped me get to this point in the first place. Naturally, we ordered a pizza and stayed up all night chatting. It was exactly what I needed after a week of competition. 

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

Education. Not only do I hope every person learns something new in every conversation they have with me, I would like to implement journalism education into elementary and secondary education. Our children are lacking media education and it’s time to empower them with knowledge. 

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

I wouldn’t say I’m nervous about anything –  I think the word would be excited. Competing at Miss America has been a goal long in the making so I’m eager and excited to have that opportunity. As a competitor, you never truly know if you’ll get this opportunity until it happens. I’m setting any nerves aside to take it all in and enjoy it. 

How did you select your Community Service Initiative, “Breaking Down Breaking News”?

My mother immigrated to the United States when she was nearly 30, leaving her entire family and friends behind to build the life she wanted. She left a home that doesn’t offer freedom of speech, public libraries, or even Google search. Watching local news was her way of learning and integrating into her new life and culture. Studying and becoming a journalist is an ode to my mother and my way of serving my community.

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

Music is a universal language. Playing for an audience means everyone can feel what I’m feeling in a shared moment. It’s a different level of relating to someone – something that may even be difficult to share with words can be spoken through music. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I used to be big into cardio until I was introduced to the importance of weight-lifting. I even talked with one of the girls backstage of how any body can start and feel the benefits of lifting. My routine involves a combination of both! 

You graduated last year with a degree in journalism. Where do you see that field taking you?

Right now, I continue my work at NBC15 in Madison as an Associate Producer. I look forward to working my way on air after my year as Miss Wisconsin, and even one day working as a national news correspondent. 

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

My mom! She’s never been to a professional sports game and what a treat it would be to take her! Growing up, she was a pretty big sports fan, so getting to spend time at a game with her would be awesome. 

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 and was actually able to do just that at the Timber Rattlers game recently. Now that that’s crossed off my bucket list, maybe my next goal will be the first pitch at an MLB game! 

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Hope she gets that opportunity!

As always, I want to thank Lila 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 America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Lila during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account and website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Lila, and good luck!

2023 Bowman Blaster

OK. I'm almost done. And, yes, I did get an Elly or two out of all of this. So, it's all good. Hopefully you think so too!

Let's see how it went!

I know you're probably bored of this pic by now. But, I need it as the cover shot. I promise you, I take a new pic with every box. I play fair.

This pic too. If I'm making you look at one with every post, the least I can do is take one for every post. 

A nice first Bowman Chrome of Juan Chacon here. He's a top 50 or so Sox prospect. Although, I don't really know what that means for the future. Ranking prospects is still completely foreign to me.

Bowman base Bleis. That's fun to say.

I always enjoy stocking up on Bello rookies. After a weird blip in his last start...which I'm sure was only coincidentally like a day before going on paternity leave...he was right back at it last night.

 

Another top 100 prospect, although this time one of those weird Bowman Chrome cards that isn't a "first" but isn't late enough to be a rookie. Not sure the future of cards like this.

And there you have it. A nice selection of the future, and the future future. Hopefully all of these players become mega stars.

How have your blasters gone?

Mackenzie Kern Visits Section 36!

Carlos Velez

Section 36 had another visitor! Mackenzie Kern is passionate about mental health, a business owner, and the current Miss Wyoming. 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 Mackenzie Kern visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Wyoming crown?

My family was there and I am very big on being able to go to dinner to celebrate after winning. I love being surrounded by the people I love and who have truly supported me in my journey with a good meal! 

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

My main goal during this reign is to serve my state to the highest standard while utilizing my passions. I am a female business owner and started my first online boutique at the age of 19, so I am on a mission to encourage other young girls in my state to dream big and chase their dreams, even if they are unconventional. 

As a former two time state titleholder in the MUSA system, do you think that national competition experience will help you at Miss America?

Carlos Velez

I do. Having that unique experience under my belt truly has prepared me for anything, especially when it comes to obstacles and the unexpected. 

How did you select your Community Service Initiative?

As someone who has personally experienced mental health struggles, it is my priority to share my story and make sure other women know they are not alone. I realize how social media can paint a different reality of what someone is actually going through, so to be a voice for my community and state. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I really enjoy long walks, I don't like abiding by any routine. Something that brings me peace is honoring my body, I naturally am very active so when I am working out my favorite thing to do is go for a walk outside and finish with bodyweight exercises for my core and arms!

You started your own clothing business. What can you tell me about Loveleigh?

At 19 years old I was taking a break from pageantry and also unknowingly walking into a pandemic. I enjoy staying busy and was very inspired by other women I saw dominating the online boutique career. Being from Wyoming, there was a huge gap in the market for girls my age with what was available IN Wyoming, so bringing in trendy items seemed like a solution we could all benefit from. A lot of my customers would come straight to my house to try items on and pick them up. From there I have stuck with the vision and it will always be something I am passionate about. I feel like by creating Shop Loveleigh, I gave myself the biggest gift, which is to have a career I am forever passionate about and constantly growing with. I am completely self taught and I now am able to help other female entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses with Kern Media. 

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

Carlos Velez

I would be Rapunzel from Tangled. I have always loved that movie because she is the one princess I relate to in every way! My favorite song from that movie is "Something that I want."

If you had an extra ticket to see a Casper Horse Heads baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

It would only be right to go with my dad! I met my first ever pageant titleholder at a Casper baseball game, probably in 2008... I had no idea what pageantry was until about 14 years old, but I had her autograph on my wall for much longer, so this would be beyond special for both myself and my dad!

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! That is something I have always wanted to do as a titleholder and would be extremely excited about!

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Hope she gets the chance for that first pitch!

As always, I want to thank Mackenzie 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 America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Mackenzie during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account and website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. You should also check out the websites for Shop Loveleigh Kern Media's Instagram to learn more about those endeavors.

Thanks again Mackenzie, and good luck!

2023 Bowman Blaster!

Yes. I did, in fact, open more 2023 Bowman. When is too much too much? Five boxes ago? What can I say. It's still fun to open. You still never know what card will come out of a pack next.

Let's see how it went!

Remember these two guys?

They're hard to forget!

Always nice to get a first Bowman card of a Sox prospect to put away and hope.

The later year Bowman cards are less cool. It's always better being the "first", isn't it?

Although, apparently Bleis here is on a mission! So we should see more of him soon.

Hopefully Bello can bounce back and return to being the ace he looked like he was becoming.

This guy just got a promotion, and seems to be doing well.

And Casas here also seems to be finding his groove. Definitely adjusting to life and Boston. Hopefully we keep seeing that growth.

And there you have it. Quite a few Red Sox cards in just one blaster. Two of the hot current rookies, and a fun collection of prospects. Even if you open a blaster of this every day, there are great things to find.

How have yours gone?

Nikki Behjat Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Nikki Behjat is passionate about representation, an animator, and the current Miss Red Rock. 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 Nikki Behjat visits Section 36!

Why did you decide to try for a local title?

My friend Naree was a part of the competition last year, and I thought it was amazing to see someone of a similar cultural background as me be a part of a pageant! I also wanted to do something out of my comfort zone and find a new way to spread a message I’ve always been passionate about!

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Red Rock?

The biggest surprise I’ve had are the friendships I’ve made in the Miss Nevada Organization! I was very fortunate to have felt very welcomed by the other titleholders, and have now made some of my closest friends! 

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

I hope to have a chance to visit some schools and share some books with diverse stories!  

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Representation Matters”?

Growing up as the daughter of Iranian immigrants and also being a practicing Muslim, I had little to no representation in tv shows or movies. That’s why I started “Representation Matters”, to help educate others on underrepresented communities because sharing diverse stories can help marginalized groups feel seen, heard, and validated, and also help combat negative stereotypes!

You’re currently studying animation at The School of Visual Arts. Where do you see that field taking you?

My goals are to become a director for an animated movie or tv show in the future! I’ve always enjoyed directing different aspects of my short films and collaborating with so many talented people! 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I absolutely love walking! I usually go for a walk in the evening with my dog since the heat in Vegas can sometimes be brutal, and I also enjoy the view!

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

I would have to choose Belle! She’s always been my favorite Disney Princess since I was 3, and I love how she is confident and comfortable being herself and never judges a book by its cover. I also think it would be fun to explore an enchanted castle with animated objects!

If you had an extra ticket to a Las Vegas Aviators baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would have to take one of my good friends Alexandra! She’s been one of my closest friends since we were in middle school, and whenever we’re in town back from college we often watch movies or try new activities together, so I would definitely have to take her!

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

I think it would be fun to throw the opening pitch or be a part of the field in some way! I’ve heard of many title holders and celebrities throwing the first pitch in a baseball game, so I think that would be a fun thing to try it out in the future!

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So many great on-field opportunities out there

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Nikki during the rest of her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Nikki, and good luck!

2023 Topps Series Two Blaster!

I'd say it's time for a quick Bowman break, wouldn't you? Let's go back to flagship and see how series two checks out. We've seen series one before, so this will be the same look. I wonder who we'll get. 

How did this box go? Let's find out!

Do they have to put a Yankee on the box?

And all the packs too? Gag me with a spoon.

Nice Yoshida rookie here. Even if it's part of that abomination of an insert set "Stars of MLB". It's bad enough that the set has no theme or imagination. But, even as a Red Sox fan, I have trouble calling Yoshida a "star". Yet, of course. 

Now here's an actual star, and a way to make the stars still something interesting. With so much history, I don't mind if every insert in flagship is a throwback of some kind. As long as they mis up the throwbacks a bit.

Because, this is ridiculous. In what planet is Casas a "star"? At least for the rookies, can the add "future" in there somewhere? Otherwise it's just a bit pathetic.

And there you have it. All three Red Sox cards are inserts. But, two of them a rookies of future Red Sox stars. So, I guess that's a pretty good haul.

How did your blasters go?

Vivian O'Neal Visits Section 36!

Photo: Frank Carnaggio

Section 36 had another visitor! Vivian O'Neal is passionate about inclusion in education, an author, and the current Miss Mississippi. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I was especially excited that Vivian is the first visitor to Section 36 with a title from the state of Mississippi! So excited to fill in that portion of the map.

So, let's see what happens when Vivian O'Neal visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Mississippi crown?

There is always an after-party following the final night of the competition to celebrate the show and the new winner. For me, the after party was my first opportunity after being crowned to see all my friends, family, and the Miss Mississippi delegates! It truly takes a village to prepare for a competition like this, so the best way to celebrate for me was getting to hug all of those people and thank them for helping make this dream a reality! 

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

I have several, but my top two goals center around expansion. The first is to expand the Miss Mississippi Corporation through recruitment and retention efforts to grow the program and the number of women involved. The second is to expand the efforts and reach of my community service initiative, CapABLE. So far, CapABLE has reached over 20,000 students across five states and my goal is for it to be a nationally recognized nonprofit and double the number of students reached. 

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

I don’t really have any nerves! I’m sure that may change as the national competition grows closer, but I’ve truly dreamed of competing at Miss America for so long that any nerves have been overpowered by joy, excitement, and gratitude! 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “CapABLE”?

Honestly, my social impact initiative chose me. I am the daughter of educators and the sister to a child with a disability, so growing up, I was very aware of how students with disabilities were perceived and treated in the classroom. I realized that there are not any programs or curricula in place that are dedicated to actually teaching inclusivity when it comes to disability inclusion, so I worked with educators to develop a five-day character education curriculum for Kindergarten-3rd grade students. It harnessed such incredible success and impact, that I was contacted by someone from the University of Southern Mississippi to create a STEM version of the curriculum for 4th-6th graders. I wrote a companion children’s book called “Josiah’s Big Day!” and plan to expand it into a series! Additionally, I combined my passion for inclusion and higher education by partnering with the Mississippi Community College Board to create a disability inclusion training for college-age students. I had no idea when I first started CapABLE that it would grow into what it is today. Still, I’m grateful for the opportunity to elevate such a necessary conversation and mission as Miss Mississippi. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

These days, my fitness routine is any workout I can do in a hotel room or hotel gym! I can get bored easily with fitness routines, so I love changing things up and trying different classes when I can, such as pilates, yoga, cycling, etc.! I’m also a dancer, so my Miss America talent practice can double as a cardio workout!  

You received your MEd from the University of Southern Mississippi. Where do you see those studies taking you?

After my year as Miss Mississippi, I plan to trade in that title for the title of Dr. O’Neal by earning a Ph.D. in Education! I hope to be a public speaker, or “mobile educator” as I call it, within the realm of disability inclusion and my nonprofit, CapABLE.

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

Princess Jasmine - she was my favorite Disney princess growing up! I always loved her fiery personality and independence. Her pet tiger reminds me of how protective my dog is of me! 

If you had an extra ticket to see a Mississippi Braves baseball game against the Biloxi Shuckers, who would you take with you? Why?

I would probably take my friends Katelyn and Tyler. Katelyn is from Biloxi, so I know she would enjoy cheering for her hometown team! I’m more of a football game girl, but Tyler loved baseball games in college, so she could probably explain everything to me throughout the game, ha! 

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

I’ve always loved the general culture of sporting events! I was on the dance team in college, and one of my favorite things about the gameday experience besides performing was the energy and simply being in that environment with everyone excited to watch the game! 

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True. Nothing really competes with the gameday experience!

As always, I want to thank Vivian 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 America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Vivian during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account and website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. You should also check out the instagram and website for her CSI CapABLE to learn more about that initiative.

Thanks again Vivian, and good luck!