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!

Taylor Blatchford Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Taylor Blatchford is passionate about online safety, a talented violinist, and the current Miss Nevada. 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 Taylor Blatchford visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Nevada crown?

I enjoyed the big win by celebrating with my Miss Nevada family at a reception after the show. Everyone that has been part of my journey to Miss Nevada was present. Volunteers that I have known for as long as I can remember were there and it was wonderful celebrating with them. I also had the opportunity to interact with the amazing sponsors of the Miss Nevada Organization and recognize the contributions they make to our program. It was a whirlwind of a night and I did not make it to bed until 3 a.m., but it was unforgettable in every way! 

What is something Heather Renner did as Miss Nevada that you would like to emulate?

Heather facilitated an incredible amount of change. She led change on social media, positively engaged with everyone she met, and brought attention to the Miss Nevada Organization in a way that no other titleholder has. I can confidently say that Heather changed the trajectory of the Miss America Opportunity as a whole and I am honored to follow her legacy. More than anything, Heather left a legacy of joy for everyone around her. I plan to do the same! 

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

I am most nervous about how fast the next six months ofpreparation are going to fly by! Six months seems like it is such a long time, but I know that it will pass in the blink of an eye. My goal is to enjoy every moment of Miss America preparation. After all, I only get to be Miss Nevada once. I will only have one opportunity to compete at Miss America. I do not want to waste a single second!

How did you select your Community Service Initiative, “Text 2 Regret”?

I remember when my friend JoJo and I were freshmen in high school and new to the world of social media. My favorite app at the time was Instagram and JoJo’s was Snapchat. One day at lunch JoJo told me that a complete stranger added her on Snapchat and asked her to send explicit photos of herself, which she did. I was concerned, and told myself that something like that would never happen to me. Three years later, I found myself in a situation that was equally uncomfortable. My boyfriend was trying to pressure me into sending explicit photos of myself. Reminded of what happened to JoJo, I did not send them. I broke up with him instead. It confused me when I confided in my friends about the situation and most of them agreed that sexting was completely safe. The reality is that online safety is at the core of many social issues including human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and mental illness. That’s when I realized online safety education is severely lacking.  

This story ultimately inspired me to take a stance on online safety education and create Text 2 Regret into a nonprofit organization with the mission to fundraise, educate, and advocate for online responsibility and implement internet safety curriculum. I lead this initiative through a partnership with a national organization named Cyber Civics, which provides online safety curricula to middle schools around the world. I am proud to be an ambassador for their mission and have successfully fundraised for 44 Cyber Civics workshops by speaking about Text 2 Regret at various civic organizations.

I am also proud to have worked with other internet safety nonprofits, such as the Family Online Safety Institute, and lobby for digital safety legislation on Capitol Hill. 

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

My favorite moment on stage will always be taking my final bow! That is always the moment I feel most proud of the work I poured into my talent piece. I have been playing violin since I was four years old and owe so much of the opportunity I have received in my life to that talent. I graduated from one of the most prestigious performing arts high schools in the nation and am proud to have maintained the skill through college. I cannot believe that I will be playing violin on the Miss America stage in just a few short months! 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I love a good Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) class! Every day at OTF is a one-hour, full-body workout with half of the class spent on weight training and the other on endurance cardio. The reason I love OTF so much is because of how well balanced it is. It is not solely cardio or strength based. It allows members to focus on what benefits their personal health goals. This aligns perfectly with the new era of #MissAmericaFit. Fitness does not have to look any particular way. It is up to the individual and what kind of fitness appeals to their lifestyle.

As a frequent traveler, what’s your favorite place you’ve visited?

My favorite city in the world is Paris. I simply cannot explain how beautiful it is. Of course, it does not hurt that I am a huge history nerd and Paris is filled with enough history to last a lifetime. My family and I had the amazing opportunity to take a walking tour of the city and hear from an actual Parisian about the landmarks we visited. I am also a huge fan of Washington D.C. This past November, I lobbied the policy teams of Senator Cortez-Masto and Senator  Rosen about pertinent internet safety legislation. That opportunity allowed me to understand what it will really take to protect children online. 

If you had an extra ticket to Reno Aces baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would bring Miss America 2007, Lauren Nelson. She is the only Miss America to have a community service initiative dedicated to protecting children online. I have already spoken to her on the phone once about her experience in that position but I would jump at the opportunity to meet her in person and learn even more about her thoughts about online safety for children. It is an issue that has evolved so much over the last sixteen years and there needs to be more role models facing the issue head on. If taking Lauren Nelson to a baseball game would offer the opportunity to discuss all of these subjects, it would be wonderful! 

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

I have always wanted to throw the first pitch at a baseball game! I cannot promise that it would be a great throw, but I will do my best! One of the coolest opportunities about being Miss Nevada is that you get the chance to experience things that you would never have the chance to do otherwise. I have heard from my directors that a first pitch might be in the works, so stay tuned!

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Throwing out the first pitch is definitely something I want to try!

As always, I want to thank Taylor 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 Taylor 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 Taylor, and good luck!

Brianna Cross Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Brianna Cross is passionate about second chances, a future investigator, and the current Miss Carson City. 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 Brianna Cross visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Carson City crown?

Nevada is an open competition state meaning I did not have to compete for my local title! I met the requirements and was graced with this platform. Definitely cried happy tears when I received my first ever title as my hometown!

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

During my reign as Miss Carson City the biggest thing I’ve worked toward accomplishing is turning my project into a non profit to benefit recovering addicts. “The B.A.R.R. Foundation” will take off and work towards a cleaner and healthier state.

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Carson City? 

Going into this I didn’t know what to expect, by far the most pleasant surprise has been becoming best friends with all of the other local titleholders. We’re such a close group of friends I wouldn’t want it any other way. 

How did you select your community service initiative, “Raise the B.A.R.R.”?

Before I was born both of my parents were drug addicts and dealers. If they didn’t receive help I would not be here. Everyone deserves a second and better chance at life, and I want to be someone to assist with that process. 

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

“I get great satisfaction when I am able to spend quality time with my friends and family outside of my community service.”

You’re working towards a career in law. What drew you to that field?

Criminal justice is something that I’ve always been passionate about. Being a victim of a few crimes myself and never receiving justice, I want to make sure that doesn’t happen to anyone else. Every person deserves justice in some form. My ultimate goal is to work for the Nevada Department of Investigation, where I’d be gifted the opportunity to catch crimes before they are committed. 

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

I’d have to choose Rapunzel from Tangled. Despite her being held in captivity almost her whole life, when she gets out she has this stunning outlook on the world. Even though she was met by consistent negativity in her situation she only saw the good and the beautiful in the world when she escaped. 

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

The extra ticket would go to my sister. Nicole is my best friend and my true inspiration, I take her everywhere I can. She’s done nothing but love and support me in all of my endeavors, the least I can do is take her to a game. 

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

Recently at an Aces game I was pulled to play one of the games that happen between innings. I’d love to be able to do that again. 

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Those games do always look like a lot of fun!

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Brianna during 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 Brianna, and good luck!  

Karrina Ferris Visits Section 36!

Ferell Ann Photo

Section 36 had another visitor! Karrina Ferris is passionate about youth voting, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Silver State. 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 Karrina Ferris visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Silver State Crown?

Nevada is currently an open state, meaning that we do not have local competitions anymore, so I've actually never competed for a local crown as a Miss candidate. I did compete all four years as a Teen candidate though. Everytime after I won a Teen crown, I would always go out to dinner afterwards with my family, usually to BJ's. BJ's has the best pizookie desserts, so it was and still is my preferred way to celebrate after a big event!

What is something Heather Renner is doing as Miss Nevada that you would want to emulate?

One thing that I really admire about Heather is how open and real she is. She's not afraid to share her opinions and tell her story, which I think is very inspiring. With the shift that our program has gone through, I think it's now much more acceptable for titleholders to share their opinions and feelings on certain issues, which I love. We are no longer just pretty faces, we are intelligent and opinionated women, and I think Heather is a great example of that. I would like to emulate how open and honest she is, because I think it's inspiring for young girls to see women in a position like ours being unapologetically ourselves. 

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

Christina Martinez Photography

I wouldn't say that there is one phase of competition that I'm particularly nervous about, but I'm rather more nervous about the pressure that comes with being 1st Runner Up. I was 1st Runner Up twice in a row as a teen, and what made that second time more difficult was the fact that I felt as though I didn't live up to the standards that everyone had set for me. I felt like I had let so many people down, and that was a hard feeling for me to overcome. Because of that experience, I am a bit nervous about dealing with that pressure again this year. I am trying my best to not let myself slip into that mindset, and I'm reminding myself that everything happens for a reason, but the pressure can be nerve-racking for sure. I just keep reminding myself that timing is everything and that whatever happens was meant to happen. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Inform to Reform”?

My Social Impact Initiative, Inform To Reform is definitely what I am most proud of as a titleholder. It really does mean the world to me. I originally created this program and chose it to be my SII because it directly correlates with what I want to do in my future. I'm hoping to attend law school and eventually run for office someday, so I thought it would be fun to have a platform that connects with my long-term goals. But, it turned into much more than that. When I first started thinking about Inform To Reform, I was a senior in high school taking my first government class, and we were learning about voter statistics. I had learned that my generation was the age group that is the least likely to vote. Hearing this really saddened me because I know that my generation has so many great ideas for the future, but most of these ideas were going unheard because they weren't voting. So, Inform To Reform was originally focused on helping people register to vote and helping them get involved in politics through voting. This past year, my focus with Inform To Reform has shifted though. Now, I work with elementary school children and advocate for an increase in constitutional education in elementary schools. I have spoken to over 600 children about the Constitution and have created lesson plans for teachers to integrate into their classrooms. I believe that if students are taught about the Constitution and voting at a younger age, they will grow up to be informed and active voters. Teaching them this information as seniors in high school, when they are already at or near voting age is not enough to get them excited to vote. My goal with Inform To Reform is to create a nation where people are growing up being taught the importance of voting, so as soon as they turn 18, they become registered voters and are excited to vote in their first elections.

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

My favorite part about performing onstage is the energy that is created between you, as the performer, and the audience. Performing allows you to create connections with everyone in the audience because you truly are laying out so many emotions for them to see. The support from the audience while you are telling your story creates such a beautiful energy that is like nothing else. Being able to share your passion and your story, and to receive support from the audience while doing that is such a special experience that I will always adore. 

You’re a member of the Spirit Team at University of Nevada. What is that experience like?

I was a member of the Nevada Pom Team for two years, but I am not anymore. The experience of being a college cheerleader is something that I do hold so close to my heart. I had such a great time getting to perform halftime dances, getting to cheer for our amazing players at UNR, and forming close connections with the girls on the team. I did decide to take a different path though and return back to my roots as a ballet dancer. I am now a company dancer at Sierra Nevada Ballet, and I truly love it. I've been a ballet dancer since I was four, so finding my way back to ballet was a very special journey. 

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

If I could be a Disney character for a week, I would want to be Moana. Since the movie came out, she has been my favorite Disney character, because of how determined and resilient she is. I also loved how her story didn't revolve around a love interest, but was rather focused on her as an individual. Plus, who wouldn't want to spend a week on a beautiful island, and swim in the ocean everyday?!

If you had an extra ticket to Reno Aces baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to a Reno Aces game, I would bring my younger brother, Keagan. He's played baseball since he was four, and is now still playing as a senior in highschool. He loves baseball, and would be very excited to watch a Reno Aces game.

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

At the Reno Aces games, they have an event at the end of the night where children get to run the bases. I also have a three year old brother, named Colt, who I was able to take to run the bases last summer. It was so much fun getting to do this activity with him and to see how excited he was. I would love to experience this again. 

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Oh yeah, running the bases is definitely something I would want to do! 

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Karrina during her journey as Miss Silver State. 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 Karrina, and good luck!

Heather Renner Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Heather Renner is passionate about breaking the fourth wall, a talented singer, and the current Miss Nevada. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Heather Renner visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Nevada crown?

After the stage portion of competition had concluded (and after we had wrapped up taking pictures with all my favorite people), the Miss Nevada board threw myself and my darling teen, Megan, an amazing party. Many of the Forever Miss Nevadas were in attendance, and I was overjoyed to start asking them all about their Miss America experiences so I know what to expect! 

The next morning, we had breakfast with the judges where I had the opportunity to thank them for changing my life. I then probably went home and ate ice cream with my mom! 

What is something that Macie Tuell did as Miss Nevada that you would like to emulate or expand upon?

I have looked up to Macie since the very beginning of my journey in the Miss America Organization. I had the pleasure of competing with her my very first year at state competition, in 2014. Macie has been an incredible advocate for those with Alzheimer’s and an role model to all Nevadans for her tenacity and humor. 

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

I can’t wait for the talent event! Being able to showcase my opera artistry is always a pleasure. Through my work with my performing arts-based Social Impact Initiative, I have learned that kids secretly love opera! It’s so important to make classical singing accessible through a high-energy performance, as well as offering translations into English so American audiences can actually connect to the material. I believe that most people who don’t like classical vocal music just haven’t found the right performer yet!! And it is so exciting to think that I could be that performer for the Miss America audience. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Breaking the Fourth Wall”?

When I started my journey in theater, I was incredibly shy. I didn’t know if I had anything valuable to say, so I mostly kept quiet. Theater gave me an accepting environment where I could start to break out of my shell. Speaking in front of large groups became easier, I found a strengthened sense of self-worth, and I began to live more positively and consciously. Teaching kids to tap into their creativity helps them understand that they can be anything they want to be: if they want to be more confident, well-spoken, or kind, they can make up a character with those qualities and “act” as that character until those qualities become second-nature. Our kids need these skills now more than ever because of the social isolation they experienced during virtual learning; I am so happy to help young Nevadans break out of their shells. That’s the power of performing! 

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

The aria I will be performing, “Mein Herr Marquis” is very comedic. Most of the trills and runs in the song are written as laughter, so I can really ham it up. I want the audience to laugh along with me, and they usually do!! 

Which role in a Broadway musical would you most want to play?

Carlotta from “Phantom of the Opera” is a dream role of mine. She has these fabulous coloratura songs that fit my voice perfectly, has to do minimal amounts of dancing, and gets to wear ornate gowns the whole show. What else could you ask for?! 

“Phantom” was the musical that made me realize I loved musical theater. It was also the reason I started classical vocal training! 

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

…when I am at the gym. I can now do three consecutive pull-ups, which might not sound like much, but that would have been unfathomable a year ago. Seeing the improvement in my muscles has made me feel so powerful and confident! 

If you had an extra ticket to Reno Aces baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would definitely choose my best friend, Ethan! We grew up together in Reno, so I always see him when I am in town. There’s no one I would rather spend the game with than him. Although… I think both of us would be more interested in the snacks than the game itself! 

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

Hmm… well I have been very lucky to sing the national anthem at games in the past, so I don’t know what new experiences I’m missing out on! Perhaps a cotton candy eating contest would be up my alley… I would definitely win!

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That would be a fun contest! 

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

As Heather continues her time as Miss Nevada, I encourage you to check out her title's website and Instagram. You can also be sure to follow her personal Instagram! They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Heather, and good luck!