Natalie Ehrensbeck Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Natalie Ehrensbeck is a passionate about helping children, a talented singer, and the current Miss Blackstone Valley. I was thrilled she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.
 
So, let's see what happens when Natalie Ehrensbeck visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Blackstone Valley crown?

The moment it was announced that I won, I’m pretty sure I squealed because I was so excited! Afterwards, I went out for a celebratory dinner with my dad and my friends who were there, and I called my mom to tell her the good news.

What did you learn about yourself while competing for Miss Blackstone Valley that will help you when you compete for Miss Massachusetts?

Throughout the entire day, I kept telling myself “be the best Natalie you can be”. Sometimes I think I can get caught up in the competition aspect and lose sight of the reason I started this journey in the first place: to increase my self-confidence. The Miss Blackstone Valley competition taught me to own who I am and focus on giving a performance that I would be proud of.

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

Katrina is so genuine in the media and in person. She is unapologetically herself, and I find that so admirable. I want to be a titleholder that people feel comfortable approaching in public. Katrina stops and talks to everyone and cares about each person she speaks with, and that is the kind of titleholder I want to be.

How did you select your community service initiative, “Serving the Underserved”?

I have always loved working with children. Helping the next generation learn valuable life skills and become leaders has quickly become my life’s mission. Early on, I realized that not every child is set up for success depending on their background and upbringing. “Serving the Underserved” aims to partner with youth empowerment programs to help all children learn the skills they need to be successful adults, regardless of their economic status.

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

I love portraying a character onstage! Because my talent is a comedic aria, I get to be incredibly dramatic and silly. It brings me a lot of joy to hear the audience laugh and realize that opera can be funny too!

You’re studying Musical Theatre Vocal Pedagogy at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Where do you see those studies taking you?

My goal is to be a voice professor on the collegiate level. I am interested in cross-training vocalists in both classical music and musical theater. Both styles can aid each other in creating a well-rounded singer, and I want to see more professors teaching opera singers to be musical theater singers and vice versa.

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

I would choose to be Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Belle is intelligent, brave, and compassionate and I try to emulate her everyday. Plus, I am an avid reader and the library in Beast’s Castle is my dream library!

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

I would bring my brother, Nick! Growing up, we would go to minor league baseball games all the time during the summer. I have so many great memories from those games, and I would love to make more with the WooSox!

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

I’d like to throw the first pitch at a game, but I can’t promise that it would be a strike!

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I don't think many first pitches are strikes. So, I bet she's all set there!

As always, I want to thank Natalie 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 Natalie during her journey as Miss Blackstone Valley. 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 Natalie, and good luck!   

Violet Joy Hansen Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Violet Joy Hansen is a proponent of American Sign Language, a talented singer, and the current Miss Freetown. I was thrilled she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

 
So, let's see what happens when Violet Joy Hansen visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Freetown crown?

I celebrated right after I won with some of my favorite people, who also came to support me. After that, I hopped on the commuter rail for a train ride home and packed my backpack for another week as a grad student. 

What is something you learned about yourself at the Miss Freetown that will help you compete at Miss Massachusetts?

I learned that I don’t need to TRY super hard in interview. I need to be myself and let my resume speak for itself. 

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

I appreciate how down to earth Katrina is. She knew almost everyone that walked in the door, because she has taken the time to get to know everyone. 

How did you select your community service initiative, “ASL for All” ?

When I decided to compete as a Miss, I knew immediately that I wanted my platform to be something having to do with American Sign Language. So I began to brainstorm what I could do to help the deaf community and one of the main issues I saw, was the fact that first responders aren’t able to communicate with the deaf community in emergency situations. Which is why, I started Bill 1196 with Senator William Brownsberger that will require all first responders to learn basic ASL. 

You are currently attending Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Where do you see your studies taking you?

I am a first year graduate student, studying for my MFA in Musical Theatre Pedagogy. When I graduate from this program I plan on applying for DMA (Doctorate of Musical Arts) degrees, and applying for professorship positions and see what sticks. 

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

I love being able to take on a character that is larger than life, and breaking the fourth wall to interact with the audience. Seeing the enjoyment of the audience makes me lean into the drama of the character even more. 

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

My favorite Disney princess is Aurora, because who doesn’t want a magical, color changing dress?! However if I was to be here for a week, I would take full advantage of being able to talk to animals. I have a pet hedgehog named Honey, and I want to know what she would have to say. 

If you had an extra ticket to see a Red Sox game at Fenway, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my cohort member, roommate, and now sister title holder, Natalie Ehrensbeck who is Miss Blackstone Valley 2023. Being able to walk around with her, meeting Bostonians would be a blast 

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

I would love to sing the National Anthem at a Red Sox game!

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That would certainly be a wonderful experience!

As always, I want to thank Violet 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 Violet during her journey as Miss Freetown. 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 Violet, and good luck!   

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!

Cassandra Pinataro Visits Section 36!

Photo: K. Garcia Productions

Section 36 had another visitor! Cassandra Pinataro is passionate about fearless authenticity, a talented singer, and the current Miss Boston. 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 Cassandra Pinataro visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Boston crown?

My parents, cousin, and cousin-in-law went to a delicious dinner at Posto in Sommerville. Shortly after that, my parents took me and eleven of my wonderful friends who had attended the pageant to Earl’s in the Prudential Tower to celebrate even more! I was so overwhelmed with happiness that I could hardly stop smiling long enough to take in the wonderful celebrations around me, but my lasting impression from the night is that I’ve been surrounded with so much love and support that I truly believe I’m the luckiest girl in the world!

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

I am most nervous for the time in between stage appearances. Changing hair, makeup, and wardrobe in the dressing rooms in such a short period of time can be very stressful!

What is something that Elizabeth Pierre is doing as Miss Massachusetts that you would want to emulate?

Photo: V2 Productions

Elizabeth’s ability to use social media to advocate for change and to break down stigmas on a global scale is something that I admire and have been actively working to do in my own social media as I strive to help others build self-love, self-confidence, and find healthy relationships. 

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

I have already been living my social impact initiative in my own journey of creating, releasing, and promoting my original pop songs. The title, “Fearless Authenticity” stems from a conversation I had with a friend. I told them I wanted to promote a message to help others become fearlessly authentic so that young girls could be unencumbered by outside judgement. My friend looked at me and said, “Thank goodness you’re the one advocating for this. You’re authentically fearless”. I don’t know if they ever realized how much that meant to me, but their comment remains in my mind as a constant reminder that my strength and confidence can be used to help others find that same strength and confidence within themselves. 

As a talented singer, what is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?

I adore the character of Adele from Die Fledermaus. She’s smart, witty, fun, and bold. I believe I resonate with her qualities! I thoroughly enjoy creating the character delivered in this piece and the laughter that results throughout the performance. It’s also a joy to share classical music in new spaces. The world always needs more music! 

You’re also a wonderful recording artist. What can you tell me about your recent single, “Meanwhile in My Head”?

Meanwhile in My Head highlights the idea that vulnerability is real and can empower us if accepted. Acknowledging an insecurity is the best way to begin eliminating it. In this song, infidelity is feared in the relationship, and I take the listener through the mental battle of worrying that your significant other is being unfaithful while being in love and not wanting to speak up about your concerns. Though the song lives in this space, my promotional content revolves around the idea that this type of relationship is NOT healthy! If someone finds themselves unable to trust their partner, it is best to walk away from that relationship. Being unable to walk away from a relationship like this shows an insecurity that must be tackled to have a healthy relationship in the future, and if someone’s actions lead you to believe they are being unfaithful, they too are not ready for a healthy relationship. It’s a two-way street when it comes to communication and vulnerability, and I hope this song can help someone feel less alone as they handle this type of breakup or turmoil. Stay tuned for my new song releasing on April 29th titled, “Free Woman,” talking about how it feels to be in a healthy relationship!  

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

I would absolutely be Jasmine! She lives by the idea that life is too short to settle and as someone who is always searching for the next way to reach a higher goal, I resonate with this. Also, how cool would it be to ride a magic carpet? It definitely would beat waiting to take the T. 

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

Photo: Steve Smith

I would take my brother! He played baseball since he was a young boy and was a catcher at Vassar College. I have so many memories of watching him play baseball games when we were younger and now, I love going to games with him, cheering together, finding yummy snacks around the stadium, and catching up on the exciting things we’re both doing as adults! We have the best sibling bond I’ve ever seen so I always love getting to see him. 

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

I have dreamed of singing the National Anthem at a Red Sox game for years! I remember being a senior in high school and seeing the stadium in person for the first time. I told my mom that I wanted to sing the National Anthem there one day. I haven’t gotten to do this quite yet, but I hope I am able to as Miss Boston!

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That would obviously be incredible!

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

I also want to wish Cassandra luck when she competes for Miss Massachusetts! 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 Boston. 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. You should also check out her personal Instagram and website to follow her amazing singing career. And, as luck would have it, Cassandra is performing her New England Conservatory senior recital tomorrow (April 23, 2022). If you'd like to attend, or watch via livestream, check out this link: NEC Senior Concert

Thanks again Cassandra, and good luck!

Deolinda Mendes Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Deolinda Mendes is passionate about helping youth find their confidence, future nurse, and the current Miss Worcester 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 Deolinda Mendes visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Worcester County crown?

Leading up to pageants I always try to be very focused on my health. Eating healthy and fueling my body the best way I can so I am the best version of myself on pageant day. After packing up all my things after crowing, my best friend Miss Lakeville’s Outstanding Teen and I celebrated by getting McDonald’s happy meals and Mcflurry’s. This was just icing on the cake after winning, I was so excited that all my hard work and effort paid off and I just couldn’t wait to start doing volunteer work and getting to wear my new shiny hat! 

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

Personally, when it comes to every pageant, I get very nervous about my onstage question, because it is in front of not only the judges but in front of the audience. During this phase of the competition, you can get asked basically anything, and being up on stage just makes it a little bit more nerve-racking than normal questions during an interview. This being my first ever states competition I really don’t know what to expect so I am nervous about everything but my onstage question in particular.  

What is something that Elizabeth Pierre is doing as Miss Massachusetts that you would want to emulate?

When I was about 16 years old, I decided to compete in my first local title, at the time I was only a teen, and walking into my first ever pageant I was already a bit shy and felt like the underdog because I have no experience. Being the only woman of color competing that day made me feel as though there wasn’t a space for me in this community. A few weeks after that pageant was Miss Boston/Cambridge 2020 pageant, I watched Liz become Miss Cambridge and it instantly changed me. I did not know her at the time, and I became a complete fan of hers. She changed my confidence, my view on pageants, and my stage presence, and she never even knew that. Due to the pandemic, Liz competed for Miss Massachusetts in 2021 instead of 2020, and later that night she became Miss Massachusetts 2021. Liz changed not only me but so many other women of color in this system. Through her acts of service, acts of kindness, promotion of her social impact incitive, and her words of encouragement for the black community she has become such a positive role model for not only me but for the younger generation. She has changed who I am today, and she is whom I strive to be like. Liz is a role model to all; I strive to become not only a better version of myself but a positive role model to young women of color who once felt as though there was not a space in the Miss America Organization. Just like Liz did for me. 

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

When I was younger, I was bullied a lot because I was smaller than the other kids in my grades. These actions truly stuck with me throughout elementary, middle, and even high school. I remember the feelings I would get when I felt like I was not enough at such a young age, this truly made me ashamed in my body and in the way I always looked. When I started competing in pageants this is when I watched my self-confidence flourish into something I never knew was possible. I developed a social impact that I can connect with and encouraging, reminding, and helping people believe that they are beautiful is a passion of mine. I know how it feels to not love the way you look, and love who you are, and I developed this social impact because I want to help the youth to find their confidence and learn to embrace their imperfections because imperfections live in everyone, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. 

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

I have been a dancer for 15 years and I have always loved entertaining people. Being able to showcase my talent and continue to entertain the audience and the judges is the best part.

You’re studying nursing at Rhode Island College. What got you interested in that field?  

I have always loved the hard work and dedication that anyone in the medical field had, but the level that nurses have for their patients is heart-warming. I attended a vocational high school where I was in the Nursing Assistant technical field. Having this four-year opportunity gave me a glimpse into this field that I have always had a dream of working in, and I am so excited to one day become a nurse. I love that nurses are the workers giving the patient’s bedside care, and I love helping people, and being there for someone during their worst, and best times in life is heart-warming. Although I am only in my first year of school, I know that my hard work and dedication will pay off and I cannot wait to work my dream job!! 

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

I would want to be princess Moana because chosen by the sea, and she has an ocean connection. Although I do have this fear of being in the ocean when I can’t see anything below me, I love being on the beach and being in the sun! 

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

My uncle Artie and I have always been extremely close growing up, and he was the person to teach me how to play T-ball. I think going to a baseball game would be so much fun with him because we have always had a very strong bond, so being able to hang out and eat some hotdogs and popcorn would be such a great experience together. 

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

I have never been one of the lucky people who catch the t-

shirts being thrown. So, I think I would have a lot of fun throwing t-shirts into the crowd and hopefully making someone’s day!! 

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What a fun time that would be!

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

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

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

Thanks again Deolinda, and good luck!