Kelsey Hollis Visits Section 36!

Photo Matt Boyd

Section 36 had another visitor! Kelsey Hollis is passionate about autism acceptance and awareness, a talented singer, and the current Miss Capital City. 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 Kelsey Hollis visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Capital City crown?

As cliche as it may sound, I gave a huge thank you to God (right before I ate my celebratory Waffle House All-Star breakfast). When I competed for Miss Capital City I was coming off a rather tough loss at Miss Tennessee where I placed 3rd runner-up. I was proud of myself, but inevitably still defeated. Coming back home to Georgia gave me a little bit of nerves, so I prayed a lot leading up to the pageant that God would just send me a sign that I'm on the right track and still walking in my purpose. Winning Miss Capital City itself meant so much, but I also won all of the overall awards which gave me the confidence I needed at that time to keep going.  

You were previously Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen. Do you think that past experience helps as you compete for Miss Georgia?

For sure! During my reign, I did tons of speaking and singing engagements; sometimes in high stress situations. I believe to some extent a lot of being able to handle that from a mental standpoint eventually becomes second nature. Being Miss Georgia's OTeen helped me to feel comfortable as being MYSELF as I transitioned to being a Miss candidate. I always tell people the experience was so surreal for me because I was able to fit the title to my life, rather than fitting my life to the title. Everything about my reign was genuine. 

What is something that Karson Pennington is doing as Miss Georgia that you would want to emulate? 

Karson is truly doing so many amazing things for our state, it's hard to choose! I personally believe one of the most special things that Karson has focused on is showing how important it is to bring awareness and resources to communities in Georgia that don't all receive the same opportunities in literacy. Aiding equity within our state is something I don't believe too many people before Karson gave attention to. I'd love to keep that same priority in terms of literacy, but also in terms of those who are diagnosed with a disability within our state as well. 

How did you select your social impact initiative?

My older brother, Jeremy, was diagnosed with Autism at a very young age. My mom also is a special education teacher. I believe these two components of my life gave me the perception that everyone in the world was use to, and comfortable with the idea of being around someone with a disability. It wasn't until I got older, and started noticing the differences in my life and my brother's life that I truly realized the dire need for awareness, acceptance, and advocacy on behalf of the (what I like to call) DIFFERENTLY-abled community. 

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

Photo Rob Metzger

I tell people all the time that for me, it's such an out of body experience. As a child I was extremely shy in terms of large crowds. The first time I ever preformed by myself it was on my 4th birthday in church. I made my mom stand on stage with me, and I sang with my back to the crowd. I truly can say that years later, I now know that singing and preforming is part of my God-given purpose. I love knowing that I have the ability to touch the lives of people simply by doing what I love for Christ. Every time I go on stage I challenge myself to find at least one person in the crowd and talk to them through song. As I'm preforming I make eye contact with whoever God leads that person to be in my heart. I always try to pick songs that I can connect and resonate with, so that hopefully that same conviction and inspiration is able to transpire into the lives of those watching and listening; even if it's just one person. 

You are thinking of a career in sports journalism/sports psychology. What interests you about those fields?

I've always loved sports! The Miami Heat, Big 3 era was really what gave me the desire to formulate a career somewhere in the sports industry. I think in order to help athletes from a mental standpoint, you have to be able to understand their world and the validity of the things that they go through. The communicative aspect of journalism I believe, will give me the proper stepping stones to be successful in furthering my sports psychology aspirations. I would love to ultimately open a practice of traveling sports psychologists that use skill-based techniques such as music therapy and psychodynamic therapy, to aid athletes in their daily struggles.  

What is your personal fitness routine?

Firstly, a huge part of staying in shape for me has been my diet. I'm very careful about my proportions and pretty much only drink water except for the occasional sweet tea or fruit punch on my good days, lol. As far as exercise, try to go to the gym at least once every other day and I LOVE lifting. When you work legs, arms, back, and core often; your body naturally starts to slim down and tone up. Truly, I hate cardio in terms of running; so I use the rowing machine a lot and do things that warrant a lot of movement like jump squats and burpees. 

You had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem game at Fenway Park before a Red Sox Yankees game. What was that experience like?

INCREDIBLE! We lucked up and got to sing for the Red Sox vs Yankees rivalry game, so it was packed! That definitely is the largest crowd I've ever preformed in front of. The atmosphere in Fenway Park is crazyyyy, but in such a beautiful and exciting way. The crowd also was super responsive and supportive after our performance which made it even better! 

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

I'd love to throw the first pitch!! I've never had the chance to do so, but I played softball for a little while when I was younger, and I was the quarterback in high school for our powderpuff team... needless to say, I've got a pretty good arm! I really would love to see how well I can throw it under pressure! 

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That would be so wonderful!

As usual, I want to thank Kelsey 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 Georgia! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Cassandra during her journey as Miss Capital City. 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. 

Thanks again Kelsey, and good luck!

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!