Brooklyn Toli Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Brooklyn Toli is passionate about the arts, a talented dancer, and the current Miss South Coast. 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 Brooklyn Toli visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss South Coast crown?

I got dinner at Barrett’s with my family.  The pageant day was a total of 12 hours, so I was very excited to sit down, relax and eat a burger!  I was also very eager to discuss my gratitude and plans for the year as Miss South Coast. 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss South Coast competition that will help you whenever you get to compete for Miss Massachusetts?

I learned that I like to keep busy and moving during the day. There is always help needed on a pageant day.  Whether it is last minute decorations in the lobby, gathering tables for everyone to use, or setting up for a princess tea party, I like to keep myself occupied.  It’s nice when there are a lot of girls competing because there is always someone that could use an extra hand.  

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

I would love to reach a large audience to encourage girls and young women to become involved in the Miss America Organization.  I will speak on the benefits of involvement and how anyone with the desire to pursue this journey, should reach out and do it!  As the recent founder of the Pageant Vault, I am hoping that girls and women who never thought they would have the opportunity to compete, become aware of the different resources they have to support them.  I know that many jobs and experiences I have had are because of my involvement with the Miss America Organization.  Even from my very first pageant at 14, where I walked away with no awards, I met amazing people and got my first job as a tap teacher.  (Thank you, Lauren and Kevin of Illusion’s Academy of Dance!)

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Building Confidence Through Performing Arts”?

When I was 14, I began to realize that the performing arts can be a luxury, while really, they should be integrated into all educational institutions.  I developed important life skills growing up in dance classes.  I learned to be adaptable, creative, reliable, and built confidence in myself.  The support system you have from fellow performing artists while growing up is like no other.  I felt compelled to make sure others had the opportunity to build confidence through performing arts just as I did, so I began by volunteering and teaching free tap classes at Girls Inc. of Taunton.  I am very thankful to Girls Inc, as they allowed me to come into their after-school program to work with girls and teach them a new skill that would build their confidence while incidentally, this helped build my own confidence through my teen years.  I encourage all teenagers to use their talents to give back to younger students.  The impact works both ways.  

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

First off, thank you very much! When I am performing, I am able to fully live in the moment.  Maybe it sounds cliché, but nothing else matters in that moment on stage.  Performing brings me sincere joy and tap dancing has always been my favorite dance style to perform.  As a tap dancer, you are able to convey your message through movement and sound.  The rhythms I play truly come from my soul, and I know that my love for tap dance is fueled by my love for music.  I feel and hear what I want to say before I choreograph my routines.  I will say, I have the most fun performing with my friends on stage, as we’re able to communicate through performance and it is a feeling like no other.  The opening number is one of my favorite parts of the competition. I have vivid memories of the smiles I have shared with my fellow candidates. 

You started “The Pageant Vault”. What can you tell me about that?

The Pageant Vault was created to ensure individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds have the resources necessary to participate in pageants and scholarship competitions.  Anybody interested is able to take pageant wear at no charge.  Nobody should be excluded from organizations working to support strong, talented, smart leaders. The Pageant Vault works to support individuals by providing the resources that will help them build a wardrobe for the competition.  This may be the very thing holding someone back from participating. 

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

I would be Esmeralda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.  When I was younger, I was drawn to her because she is a dancer, but I am now drawn to her as she is a fun and sassy character who has no problem using her voice to stand up for what she believes in.

   

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

I would bring my sister, Presley.  She is the reason I enjoy watching baseball!  I grew up watching her play softball and it is definitely my favorite sport to watch.  

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

No matter the occasion, I always look forward to the food that comes along. (Anyone that knows me knows this, lol.)  I am not even a huge hotdog fan, but I feel that you must get a Fenway Frank when you visit Fenway Park!  Of course, I enjoy the pump-up music, and the feeling of being in a Boston crowd as well.

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I sure miss being in that crowd!

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

As Brooklyn continues her time as Miss South Coast, I encourage you to check out her official Facebook page and Instagram account. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on. 

You should also follow the instagram account for The Pageant Vault and help support this great cause.

I definitely want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Massachusetts title. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Brooklyn, and good luck!

Megan Sylvia Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Megan Sylvia is a lacrosse player, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss South Coast. Right now she's in

the home stretch as we get closer to the Miss Massachusetts competition. I’m so excited that she was willing to take the time out of her schedule to talk about those topics, and a few more. I bet you’ll enjoy reading everything she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Megan Sylvia visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate being crowned Miss South Coast?

After the competition my heart was completely filled with gratitude and humility! I was so honored, I still am so honored, to represent the South Coast. That feeling of excitement and electric energy right after the crown was placed on my head still hasn’t worn off. I celebrated by heading out to dinner with my closest friends and family. And I chowed down on a huge dish of cheese ravioli!

What aspect of the upcoming Miss Massachusetts pageant are you most nervous about?

As an athlete I focus a lot on what my body can do, and not so much what it looks like. I push myself daily in the gym to to gain skills that will help me be the best person and lacrosse player I can be, and I’m confident in skills pertaining to strength and agility. But, showcasing my fitness by strutting confidently in a swimsuit is something I haven’t quite mastered just yet! The swim category of competition scares me the most! However, after it’s over I feel fantastic and super confident, it gives me such a rush of adrenaline. But, the nerves leading up to that moment are real!

You’re a member of the Bridgewater State lacrosse team. What is that experience like, especially balancing it with your duties as Miss South Coast?

I love lacrosse, and I feel truly blessed to call myself a Bridgewater

State Bear. I definitely feel most at home and most confident on the field, it’s my favorite place to be. Lacrosse is truly apart of me, and I plan on coaching after I graduate college and continuing my love affair with this game for as long as I am able to do so. My teammates are so supportive of my endeavors on and off of the field. I feel so blessed to be apart of a program where we truly are a family. And I’m so lucky to play the game I love with people I love just as much. My Balancing school work with my duties as and athlete and title holder gets a little hectic at times, but it’s worth every second to be able to partake in two things I’m so passionate about while I obtain an education.

How did you select your platform, “Learning Begins with Literacy”?

My mother is a brilliant educator. She taught for about 20 years before making the transition into administration. She works in an urban school where 80% of her students are living in poverty. She’s very passionate about education, and literacy. And she’s always made sure I know just how valuable my education is. By volunteering at her school, I have seen first hand that the students entering pre-school or Kindergarten are behind the eight ball. It’s important to get them exposed to as much text as possible.  I felt that if I focused on literacy I could help give them a push in the right direction.

As a talented singer, which types of songs are your favorite to perform on stage?

As a performer I really feed off of the audience. I like to sing Pop

Music because its usually really well known. By singing Pop songs I increase my chances of getting the audience to join in, and everyone loves a sing along!

You’re currently majoring in criminal justice. Where do you see that degree taking you?

I’d like to attend Police Academy after graduation, and I hope to eventually find my way into a K-9 department as a K-9 officer. It’ll be a lot of hard work, but so worth it.

Which feature/aspect of Fenway Park would you most like to experience?

I’ve always wanted to sing the National Anthem before a Red Sox game. I LOVE baseball, and I’ve always loved the Sox. It would be such an amazing experience!

Which young Red Sox player are you most excited about? Why?

The young Red Sox player I am most excited about at the moment is Mookie Betts. He has all the makings of a true superstar both on and off the field. Right now he’s one of the best hitters in the game and he’s only getting better. He has already been an MVP candidate and I’m confident he’ll continue to perform at this high level and make Boston proud! He’s a great hitter, a gold glove fielder, and he has some of the best cleats in the game haha

How do you think the Red Sox will finish the 2018 season?

I really feel that the Red Sox have all the makings of a

championship contender. Their pitching is top notch and their roster is filled with a great mix of winning veterans and fresh young talent. If their pitching holds up they have a great shot at winning the Pennant and maybe even the World Series. If Sale, Porcello, and Price can all find their groove and pitch to their full potential at the same time the World Series could be over very quickly!

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That makes sense to me!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Megan for doing this interview, especially as we get closer to Miss MA. I also want to thank her for providing so many amazing pictures to accompany the interview. The went along perfectly with the interview.

As Megan continues her time as Miss South Coast, I encourage you to follow her on the official Miss South Coast Facebook page. 

I also want to wish Megan luck this month as she competes for the Miss Massachusetts crown! I'm so flattered by the number of visitors to Section 36 who will be joining her on stage for the competition. It’d be fantastic to once again have a prior visitor to Section 36 take home that title! 

Thanks again Megan, and good luck!

Lyndsey Littlefield Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Lyndsey Littlefield is a dancer, Spartan race champion, Red Sox fan, and the current Miss South

Coast. She's busily preparing to compete for the Miss Massachusetts crown in a month or so. But, she was still willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I’m really glad she did.

So, let’s see what happens when Lyndsey Littlefield visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate being crowned Miss South Coast?

Being crowned Miss South Coast was surely an amazing night. After winning, on my drive home from the theater,  my celebration included eating a HUGE spaghetti dinner in preparation for the Spartan Sprint I was about to run in less than twelve hours. Needless to say, that weekend I earned my two most prized possessions. The ability to represent the South Coast, and the accomplishment of finishing a Spartan.

What lessons can you bring from the Miss South Coast competition to Miss Massachusetts?

Representing this diverse area, and having an amazing business manager, I have learned so much since being crowned, However, as a titleholder, and a potential Miss Massachusetts I feel it is most important to be prepared for anything.  You have to roll with the punches and make the appearance, fundraiser, or event an enjoyable experience for the attendees.

You’re a frequent competitor in Spartan Races, including at Fenway Park. What draws you to those races?

I love being motivated and enjoy pushing myself to new limits, physically and mentally. Signing up for a difficult physical endeavor like the Spartan Races, gave me a new sense of motivation at the gym. It changed the way I thought, it was no longer "ugh, I have to run", it was "Alright if I ran at a 7mph sprint today, I'll be able to conquer that course later". That sense of motivation and confidence helped me branch into other activities too. Specifically, the Fenway Sprint is my favorite! It is not often you hear that someone got to climb over an eight-foot wall at the concession stands, and do burpees in the locker room. It was like a unique (and sweaty) tour of Fenway.

You’ve been dancing for a long time. Does having that confidence in the talent portion help in other areas of the competition?

Absolutely. Being a dancer, I have performed on over hundreds of

stages across Massachusetts. Feeling comfortable onstage gives me the confidence to exceed in the other phases of competition as well as in everyday life. Like being confident in a class or a lab to ask questions, or work with new individuals on projects. I feel dancing is a unique avenue that helps an individual find a sense of self. This sense of confidence is why I volunteer at my platform of Girls Inc.  Experiencing and performing something you are passionate about, like dance, is the essential tool to tap, and build one's confidence!

How did you come up with your platform, Girls Inc?

At the age of thirteen, I was hired as a Semi-Professional ballet dancer. My dancing career was underway. Through my years as a dancer, I learned to fuel my body with the needed food and nutrients to be able to perform all the demanding hours spent in Pointe shoes. However, other company members did not seem as courteous to their bodies as athletes should be. Seeing this happen in action to the people I spent hours with dancing and stretching, made me think about our social standards, and how we portray women in society. I then decided I wanted to do more than just dance, but support and promote healthy lifestyles and body positivity. The next year I decided that alongside dance I need to

support and promote a healthy lifestyle and body positivity. Coming across the Girls Inc.’s motto “Be Strong, Be Smart, and Be Bold”, I immediately fell in love with the program and all of its features. Not only did Girls Inc. believe in the same body positive society as I did, but Girls Inc. goes above and beyond in ensuring that girls in their after-school program are learning life skills and leadership through confidence building activities.

What has it been like to watch Chris Sale pitch this season? 

Exciting, He is the Big Papi in training. Despite his need of support in runs, I think he will be awarded, and deserves the Cy Young Award. 

Other than Section 36, where would you like to try sitting to watch a game at Fenway Park?

On the fair side of the pesky pole, lots of opportunities to catch a Red Sox home run!

Which young Red Sox star are you most excited about?

Benintendi, looking at him you see a prospect with a very high ceiling. Big things are coming his way! He’s a rookie hitting in the clean-up spot, which is rare!

As we go through the first Red Sox season in a long time without David Ortiz, what is your favorite Ortiz memory?

Last year, David Ortiz met one of his huge fans Maverick, a six-year-old boy who aspired to be Ortiz. Ortiz not only mentored the young boy, becoming best friends, Ortiz brought the boy to practice and one game. Where he promised and delivered Maverick that he would hit a homer against the Yankees, of which he did in the most intense eighth inning that I’ve witnessed.

How will the Red Sox finish the 2017 season?

As American League Champions and winners of our ninth World Series

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I'll have to agree. If I ever do a Spartan race, Fenway would be the perfect place to give it a try!

As usual, I want to give huge thanks to Lyndsey for doing this interview. I neverget tired of these visits, they're just so much fun. I also want to thank her for providing the pictures to go along with the interview. They were a great addition, and really worked well with her answers.

As Lyndsey continues her time as Miss South Coast, I encourage you to follow her on the official Facebook page. 

And, of course, I want to wish Lyndsey luck in the end of June as she competes for the Miss Massachusetts crown. How amazing would it be for another Section 36 visitor to claim that title?

Thanks again Lyndsey, and good luck!