Caroline Trennepohl Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Caroline Trennepohl is passionate about inspiring young women, a talented singer, and the current Miss Apple Valley. 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 Caroline Trennepohl visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Apple Valley crown?

Honestly, It was my first pageant ever. I totally did not expect to win. I didn’t really celebrate all too much just because I was  totally not expecting a win. 

I remember calling my mom and telling her I won, she said “What’s an Apple Valley?” 

The next day I volunteered, worked, and then got to work on planning my upcoming year. I think the heightened platform I have now with the crown is a celebration in and of itself to be able to continue and increase my volunteering to an even larger platform. 

I can’t wait to see all the experiences I have over the year!

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

Oh gosh, I think it is all so new to me that I am much more excited than I am nervous.

I really have trained my brain to try to look at experiences (as long as they are positive and not harmful) as instead of being nervous instead change that emotion to excitement. 

I know that I am doing something that so many others don’t have the opportunity to do and am so incredibly blessed. I look at the outcome of Miss Washington as not a win or loss, but instead a learning experience. 

When I think about it that way I don’t think I am nervous, but instead just super excited to prepare to do the best I can and meet so many amazing new friends. 

As a first time titleholder, what has been the most pleasant surprise about your short time as Miss Apple Valley?

I really mean it that when people say the sisterhood is real, it really is. It has been amazing to meet so many young women from all over in my short time as Miss Apple Valley. 

It is amazing to hear about all the great things women are doing in the Miss America Organization and feeling inspired myself as well and knowing that I am a part of something much greater than just me and my title. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Girls C.A.N.”?

I like to say that even though I have graduated college and am going back to school in the Spring, I STILL don’t know what I am going to do forever. So many young men and women do not know the potential career options that are out there for them. I want young women to be inspired to hear about a variety of careers at a young age so that they can find passion and purpose in whatever they decide to pursue long term. It is okay for this to change with time, but every child deserves to know options that they have that they can be inspired about and strive for. I want to provide girls with relatable mentors to learn about potential careers that they could have someday. 

What is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?

I love to preform. It is a sense of home when I am away from home. At the end of the day I have learned that no matter where you go you have yourself, your mind, and your talents. I am always at ease when I sing. Musical theatre was a big part of my youth so being able to continue to do that on stage just makes me smile. 

As an avid traveler, what is your favorite place you’ve visited?

I love to travel so this is hard. I do love the Boston area (so excited to come this Summer for a wedding), I also love Disney Wold, Seattle where I live now is beautiful, Cincy will always be home……ugh so hard so many options. 

I would probably have to go with Malibu. Such a stunning part of Cali,  I also love the Grand canyons, but hen scottsdale is amazing too.. simply too hard to choose just one.

 It really just depends on what the mood of the trip is, travel, work, leisure, hiking. So many amazing places to see in the United States and all over the world. 

Adventure really is out there. Traveling is such a gift and provides you an incredible amount of perspective. 

The sheer action on moving across the country last year was such an eye opener to see how even within the United States how vastly different things are from one region to another both geographically and culturally. It is really a cool experience.

 My long term travel goals would be to live out of the country at some point and really get depth and perspective on a new area. I will channel my inner “Emily in Paris” (it may be a cheesy show, but I still love it)!

I really do believe that personally I can be happy anywhere, it is just your perspective. 

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

Tinkerbell! I remember I got this idea as a girl that I would be a Disney princess at Disney one day.

 My parents wanted to try to get that idea out of my head so they told me that the princesses all had to be a certain height! Anddd… I am only 4”11 so I was like super upset. So, I clearly didn’t believe my parents and decided to look up the qualifications myself. To my disappointment it was true about the height requirement, but I saw that I was a PERFECT height for Tinkerbell. Since then I have had my heart set on Tink. 

Who knows, I might still go after it one day :) 

You used to work for the Cincinnati Reds. What did you enjoy about that experience?

Wow, what a fun organization. The Reds gave me my first internship in college and I just kept coming back. 

I really think I learned what working in sports was like and was exposed to a type of career I had never heard of before. 

I never was introduced to working in sports prior or even thought of that as a possible career. 

The Reds I attribute to my sports career thus far, which has been fun. I am extremely thankful for them. I worked long days, long weeks, met so many new people, found mentors, and most importantly found career aspirations.

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

I would love to sing the national anthem! Singing is my talent and I have always loved to listen to the national anthem. 

Additionally, I do love the experience at the Red Sox when they play Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”. That is always a fun one for me, I have fond memories of attending my first Red Sox game and being surprised with hearing “my” song. 

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That must have been quite a surprise!

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

As Caroline continues her time as Miss Apple Valley, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish Caroline luck when she competes for Miss Washington! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Caroline, and good luck!

Julia Zimney Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Julia Zimney is eager to promote healthy relationships, a talented pianist, and the current Miss West Sound. 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 Julia Zimney visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss West Sound crown?

After I won the title, there was a banquet at The Cloverleaf in Bremerton, WA. All of the candidates were celebrated with pizza, scholarship awards and the company of family and friends.

When you were crowned, you chose the word “transparency” to define your year. What has this meant for you?

A lot of my accomplishments come from the trials and tribulations I have overcome in the past. It would be doing the Miss West Sound following a disservice if I was not honest about the growing pains that encouraged me to have the character development that led to my successes and ambitions. Our hardest times can be some of the most transformative, and it reminds us that we are human. I want those that watch my year to not only see me as a role model, but the friend that understands.

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss West Sound competition that will help you at Miss Washington?

I learned that I am already Miss Washington in my own way , just as I was Miss West Sound in my own way before I had the actual title. I know that I have touched the lives of so many people across Washington state whether it was through working at a suicide and mental health hotline, responding with police officers to victims of domestic violence, or even working in my career in emergency response and preparedness to end COVID-19 in our country. I have the qualities of Miss Washington, and I do not need a crown to feel like her. As long as I remember that, I will have a blast at Miss Washington week with the stress free, open minded, gracious attitude that my parents raised me to have.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Red LIPS Project”?

The Red LIPS Project stands for Redefining Love in Partnerships. It is all about ending and preventing gender based violence through the positive representations of healthy relationships. Hollywood and the media often project certain relationships as passionate and fun, when they are really toxic and obsessive. By highlighting the healthy relationships in our community, we can better encourage each other to see the red flags of a violent one.

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

My talent song is "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King. With everything that is going on in the world, it not only holds an important reminder but it also expresses great joy. I love interacting with my audience, and I use this song to really help them feel a certain energy.

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

Pumba from The Lion King. Who wouldn't want to live freely in a jungle where you get to sing, eat bugs and live free of worry?

You’ve been able to do quite a bit of traveling. What’s your favorite place you’ve visited?

Florence will always have my heart. I was able to study abroad in the city for four months through a program with Gonzaga University. The people had a beautiful way of interacting with one another, and it is their human connection that truly makes the culture worth immersing in.

If you had an extra ticket to a Mariners game, who would you bring with you? Why?

I would bring my brother! When we were younger, he would collect the bobble heads from bobble head nights. I even gifted him an Edgar Martinez one!

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

I, of course, would love to throw out the first pitch! Still waiting on the call from @mariners, though ;)

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That would be a wonderful experience!

As usual, I want to thank Julia for visiting with us, and for sending along the fantastic picture.

As Julia continues her time as Miss West Sound, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram and Facebook Pages. It’s the best 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 when she competes for the Miss Washington title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Julia, and good luck!

Jaylah Young Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Jaylah Young is passionate about helping young adults, a comedian, and the current Miss East Cascades. I was excited she was willing to talk with us and discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let’s see what happens when Jaylah Young visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss East Cascades crown?

Well, In work at Dutch Bros Coffee and all of my coworkers had been listening to me talk about Miss East Cascades coming up, so the first thing I did was stop by my stand in my crown and sash so show them that it actually happened! Then I went home and hung out with my family, played some board games, and enjoyed a cherry Pepsi!

What did you find most surprising about your time as Miss East Cascades?

Photo by
Lynette Smith Photography

I found the lack of knowledge about the organization in my community to be most surprising. Most people that I would meet during appearances didn't know much about the Miss America Organization or that they have local representation! So, it was really awesome to be able to explain all the cool details of the organization to them and how it has changed my life.

What is your fondest memory of the Miss Washington competition?

I have two of my fondest memory of the Miss Washington competition that come to mind: One was celebrating my 21st birthday on the preliminary night and having cake and having the whole crowd at the visitation afterwards sing happy birthday to me. The other is from the Miss Washington spring forum where our main children's miracle network fundraiser was a lip sync battle that my family agreed to be a part of with me. I will always cherish the memory of them being my band-mates and performing one of my favorite songs, "Photograph" by Def Leppard. And we also won the lip sync battle!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Adult(ish): The survival guide”?

My social impact initiative came to be because I had struggled personally with my transition into adult life and ended up finding myself living in my car because I had no idea how to budget to afford an apartment or even how to get the process started of finding and applying for one, let alone the thousands of other responsibilities we're just expected to know how to handle when we turn 18. I also knew that I definitely wasn't the only one who was having a rough time so I wanted to be part of the movement to help end the "lost" feeling people get after graduating from high school by teaching them life skills early on. 

As a comedian, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?

As a comedian, I love that my talent is "out of the box" and I love the compliments I receive from others about how cool it is that I didn't let not having a "traditional" talent stop me from competing in the Miss America Organization. I also love that it is a creative outlet for me to express my emotions and life experiences.

What is your personal fitness routine? 

I'll be honest, my personal fitness routine is nothing crazy or special, I just allow myself to workout when I feel like it and try to make healthier diet choices without restricting myself. I have worked really hard to accept that in the past I had set unrealistic expectations for myself and my body, that I am beautiful whether I weigh 120lbs or 150lbs, and that my worth and ability to be a good person isn't defined by a number on a scale or tape measure. My routine mainly consists of working out at home or at Worx (a wonderful Miss East Cascades sponsor) and trying to avoid foods that are high in sugar, fried, and dairy (fun fact I'm lactose intolerant).

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

Well, Belle is my favorite Disney princess but I would want to be Elsa, because I see a lot of myself in her. She is strong, independent, reliable, and has such an amazing support system. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Red Sox vs Mariners game, who would you take with you? Why? 

I would definitely take my dad because he is a big Mariners fan and we always enjoy sports games together!

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

I have ALWAYS dreamed of throwing out the first pitch at a Mariner's game!

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That would be a lot of fun!

As usual, I want to thank Jaylah for visiting and for sending along the great pictures that accompany the interview. They always make posts so much more fun!

As Jaylah wraps up her time as Miss East Cascades, I encourage you to check out her official instagram account, Facebook page, and website. (Especially check out the website if you think you might want to be the next Miss East Cascades!) It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on everything she’ll have going on.

Thanks again Jaylah!

Tamara Allard Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has a new visitor! Tamara Allard is a higher education advocate, a talented gymnast, and the current Miss Sunfair. 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 Tamara Allard visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Sunfair crown?

In Yakima, there is this famous little drive through called Minor Burger, although the burgers are anything but minor (think so big you can’t fit them in your mouth). Immediately after the pageant I headed there to enjoy a giant batch of onion rings!

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Sunfair competition that will help you at Miss Washington?

I learned how important it is for me to represent my hometown (Yakima) and be competing in my home state. When you have dual eligibility like me (I’m eligible in Maryland and Washington due to graduate school), it can be difficult to decide where you should compete. Especially, when there is such a huge stigma surrounding “state hopping”. However, I knew when I signed up for Miss Sunfair (a title in the Miss Yakima County Organization) that I belong in Yakima. That is where I grew up and spent most of my life, that’s where my entire family is. My belief was only confirmed at the competition! It felt amazing to be surrounded by familiar faces and I am so grateful that I’m the hometown girl once more. My advice to other girls with dual eligibility is to compete in the place that feels most like home with the people who feel most like family! If you follow your heart, the judges at your local and state competition will be able to see your passion for those organizations and that’s worth everything to Miss America!

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Sunfair?

Yes! In the last couple of years, I have educated over 2,300 K-12 students about evidence-based practices that will help them prepare for Higher Education! This year, I want to double that number! So, if you are a teacher and you won’t me to speak in your classroom, please reach out!

How did you select your social impact initiative: “Preparation for Higher Education”?

When I was seven, I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and deficits in executive functions. Commonly, these symptoms cause extreme difficulty in the classroom. For me this meant that I was slow to read, slow to learn math, and slow to make friends. Overall, these experiences made my early education a difficult time for me and I dreaded going to school. Who would have guessed that I would graduate, let alone go to college and eventually earn a Ph.D.? It was only because of the teachers and mentors in my life that I was able to overcome these challenges. These experiences inspired me to help other students who are struggling from academic and financial barriers on their way to higher education.

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

In every routine I have ever performed, I always walk on my hands. It’s never quite the same, sometimes I spin in circles or do a flip out of it, but hand walking is always staple of my talent. What make it my favorite part is that, without fail, the audience goes crazy! I mean full on hooping and hollering! I live for that moment! But here’s a little secret between your readers and me, it’s one of the easiest skills in my current routine. In fact, sometimes I choreograph hand walking in so that I can catch my breath after a tumbling pass.

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

Lilo! Who wouldn’t want a vacation to Hawaii?

What is your personal fitness routine?

As you mentioned, I’m a gymnast, so I stay fit by dancing several times a week! While, I also enjoy lifting weights and doing cardio, there is a lot of value in sport specific/functional fitness. If you can’t motivate yourself to workout in a gym, then join a dance class or take karate. Fitness doesn’t need to be one size fits all.

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

Once upon a time, I threw out the first pitch at a Yakima Pippins game. Let me tell you, it was NOT good! Therefore, I feel I must redeem myself! For this reason, it is my dream to throw out the first pitch at a Mariners game, but this time actually make it to the catcher!

You had the chance to attend a game at Camden Yards. What was that experience like?

Amazing! Camden Yards is beautiful, clean, and bursting with

O’s pride. The best part was we sat right over the dugout! Apparently, every time every time the camera took a close up of the batter you could see us in the background. I highly recommend you visit the park if you’re ever in Baltimore.

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I definitely plan to make it there as soon as I can!

As always, I want to thank Tamara for doing this interview, and for sending along the wonderful pictures. They really make the post a lot more fun.

As Tamara continues her time as Miss Sunfair, I encourage you to follow her on her official Facebook page. It’s great way to see what she’s up to during her time with the crown.

I also want to wish Tamara luck when she competes for the Miss Washington crown. It would be amazing to have a former Section 36 visitor take home that title!

Thanks again Tamara, and good luck!

Kailee Dunn Visits Section 36!

Section 36 is lucky enough to have another visitor! Kailee Dunn is many things. She's an enormous baseball fan, especially of her beloved Mariners. She's a Fenway Ambassador. She's a former Miss Washington. So, with the Mariners coming into town this weekend, I thought it was the perfect time for Kailee to visit and answer some questions for the blog covering all those topics, and then some. Thankfully she agreed. So let's see what happens when Kailee Dunn visits Section 36! 

If you can’t sit in Section 36 to watch the Red Sox, where do you (or where would you) like to sit?

If you have the opportunity, sit on the monster! There is quite simply nothing else like it in Major League Baseball. However, one of the things I love most about Fenway is that there isn't really a bad seat. On a beautiful day, I wouldn't mind sitting on the Pavilion level on the third base side. You get an excellent overview of the field and monster with the added bonus of the Boston skyline.

What do you usually eat/drink when you’re at a baseball game?

I swear I have the World's biggest sweet tooth, so for me I am all about the fried dough and ice cream. At Fenway, there is something called the fried dough sundae, which is fried dough with a scoop of ice cream on top of it. I haven't tried it yet, but I assure you it will be my favorite thing in the park.

Which Mariner should I pay the most attention to when they come to Fenway?

Everyone knows the big names like Felix, Cano and Cruz, but I think there are some underdog players that really step up to plate. Literally. My buddy Shawn O'Malley plays for the Mariners and think he's definitely one to watch. I grew up watching he and my brother play baseball together and it's really incredible to see how far he has come and how he is able to stay calm, cool and collected under pressure.

Which Mariner would Sox fans adore if he was wearing a Boston uniform?

I’m a little new to the Sox v. Yankee rivalry so correct me if I am wrong, but I am sure the Sox would love to see Cano in a Sox jersey. I mean who wouldn’t love have another league leader in home runs on their team? But for now, I think we will keep him in Seattle.

Is there a feature of Safeco Field that would work well in Fenway Park?

On a rainy day, I sure do miss our roof.

In the year since handing over your crown, what do you miss most about being Miss Washington? 

I miss the children that I was able to work with. I loved nothing more than going into a school and speaking to kids or visiting the kiddos in the hospital. I feel like the point in me doing so was to help make their day better, when really it made my day immensely better.

You’ve recently become a Fenway Ambassador. What’s the best part of that job?

I’m basically in the business of making people happy, so my goal is to make everyone who I encounter at the field feel very special. I love that we have the ability to make someone’s first visit to Fenway even more remarkable.

How do you see the Red Sox finishing in 2016?

Really anything is possible and everyone has a reason to feel hopeful at this point in the season. As long as we can sustain our hitting and step up our pitching we will be golden!

It’s second and goal from the one yard line. Do you run or pass?

I feel like this is an obvious answer, kind of like if you deflate footballs you should be suspended for 4 games, right? 

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Definitely have to agree with Kailee on at least a couple of those. I love the Safeco roof, and how it's really just a roof. I imagine that it doesn't give the enclosed feeling of a true dome. I also have to agree that the fried dough sundae sounds amazing. Going to have to check that out myself. As for Cano, I think that by jilting the Yankees to go to Seattle, he's managed to wash the pinstripes off himself in my eyes. I think I could handle seeing him on the Sox. What do you think?

I want to give Kailee a huge thank you for visiting. It's always humbling when people take the time and effort, especially when they do a great a job like Kailee did. If you'd like to see more of what she has to say, follow Kailee on Twitter and Instagram. You should also check out her blog: It's a Double Play. (Told you she was a baseball fan!) I'd especially recommend her Super Bowl Post.

Once again, thanks to Kailee!