Tiffany Ticlo Visits Section 36!

Nicole J Smith

Section 36 had another visitor! Tiffany Ticlo is passionate about STEAM, a talented singer, and the current Miss Arizona. 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 Tiffany Ticlo visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Arizona crown?

Becoming Miss Arizona has been a dream and goal that I’ve been working towards since I won my first local title at 15, so I have just been soaking in every moment since being crowned. To celebrate immediately after, my family went to In N Out for milkshakes!

What is something that Melody Pierce did as Miss Arizona that you would like to emulate or expand upon? 

Melody truly continued the Miss Arizona legacy of dedicating her year to service. One of my favorite events that she organized was a group session at a local food bank as food insecurity is a cause close to my heart. My mom grew up in a small village in Thailand where healthy, warm meals weren't always easily available. Though she was able to come to America to create a better life for herself, she never forgot what it was like to be without. She instilled the importance of giving back in her children, and from a young age I’ve volunteered at various food pantries. I look forward to expanding on what Melody started by hosting monthly sisterhood events at St. Vincent De Paul – preparing and serving meals to our low-income communities in Arizona. 

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

There isn’t anything I am particularly nervous about, but I am on the edge of my seat to find out where the competition will be this year! I am also excited to perform on the national stage! 

How did you select your STEAM social impact initiative?

As someone who grew up riddled with anxiety and insecurities, I found confidence and self-love through theater, dance, piano, and painting. When I later developed a passion for coding, I decided to pursue a Major in Computer Science and Minor in Music so that I’d have access to both outlets. With a newfound STEAM background, I’m steadfast in my belief that both science and the arts should be equally valued to encourage a healthy balance of critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. However, more than 80% of schools experience budget cuts, and STEAM programs are often the first to go. In an effort to provide support to students just like me who could emotionally and mentally benefit from these programs, I’ve dedicated the past seven years to creating outreach programs and partnering with youth centers.

What is your personal fitness routine?

I am thankful to be training with our Miss Arizona fitness sponsor, Scott’s Training Systems. In addition to working out in the gym multiple times a week, I also enjoy exercising at home and going for walks when the weather is below 100 degrees (which is rare during Arizona summers!)

Earlier this year you released your first single, Boxes”. What can you tell me about it?

Jenn Cady

Singing has always been one of my greatest passions. My family says I used to walk around the house singing Elvis songs when I was 2 years old. Last summer, I was able to write and record 3 original songs which are available on all streaming platforms: Boxes, Find Forever, and Elevate. All of my music revolves around mental health, more specifically overcoming anxiety and self-doubt. I share my story of struggling with feeling out of place, but finding comfort in music and performing. I hope that when people listen to my songs they can relate to the lyrics and recognize their self-worth.

You are currently studying Computer Science / Software Engineering at ASU. Where do you see that field taking you?

I fundamentally believe that I would not be who I am today — an engineering student on track to get her master’s degree debt-free — if not for the nearly $200,000 I’ve earned in cash and in-kind scholarships through the Miss Arizona Organization. I aspire to use my STEAM background to become a Spotify Developer. This career combines two of my passions, music and coding. I’ve even leveraged my experiences to build a mobile application for Arizona directors to utilize for recruitment and for businesses to recognize the reach of this organization. 

As a firm believer that our educators shape our next generation, I ultimately plan on becoming an engineering professor in hopes of inspiring more young women to enter this male-dominated field. 

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

I would take my dad! One of my earliest memories is going to a Diamondbacks game with my family when I was 4. And now, we always watch different sports events together when they’re on TV. 

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

I would love to sing the national anthem at a baseball game one day!

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An anthem performance just HAS to happen!

As always, I want to thank Tiffany 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 Tiffany 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. You should also go visit her artist page on Spotify and listen to all of her music! You're sure to really enjoy it!

Thanks again Tiffany, and good luck!

Taylor Yamane Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Taylor Yamane is passionate about STEAM, a talented singer, and the current Miss University Heights. I was so glad that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Taylor Yamane visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss University Heights crown?

I first celebrated by seeing some of my fellow sister titleholders after the competition! Some I have known for a few years and some I was meeting for the first time, and it was so great to feel so welcomed by them. After the competition my mom and I joined Bella (who was crowned Miss San Bernardino County in the same competition), Bella’s family, and my directors at Starbucks, and Bella and I ate desserts and drank coffee in our evening gowns, crowns, and sashes. It was so fun!!  

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

I just have a pretty broad goal of getting to share my social

impact initiative with as many young girls around California as possible! Even now while we can’t really meet in person, I have been sitting on virtual panels to talk to students around northern California, and I just can’t wait to get to meet with our youth in person again. Service is honestly my favorite part of being a titleholder, so I just want to go out and do as much as I can! 

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

The Miss America competition has gone through big changes since the last time I was at Miss CA, so I’m a little nervous to do a new type of competition. BUT ultimately I am way more excited than nervous!! I just can’t wait to see all my sisters and have such a fun time on stage with them!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Full STEAM Ahead”?

I selected my social impact initiative because I basically live out STEAM every day of my life. STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, and my social impact initiative is all about advocating for women in STEAM and showing everyone that the arts are a vital part of STEAM and to the lives of people in general. I am currently studying mechanical engineering at Santa Clara University, but I am also a classically trained pianist and vocalist. I have felt first hand what it feels like to not be taken seriously and to feel inferior by being a women in this field, and I don’t want any other girl to feel that way. I also have seen in my education and in my jobs that creativity and the ability to problem solve and think out of the box are so important to being a successful engineer, and I get that through my artistic outlets. Everyone needs an artistic outlet, and I believe that now one should give them up even if their career choices do not involve them. My SII is so close to my heart, and I’m glad that Miss America gives me a platform to advocate for it. 

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

I honestly love getting lost in the music on stage. Sometimes it feels like the whole world has faded away, and it’s just me creating my own personal sound. I love that feeling because it means that the audience is truly seeing me and my emotions through my singing.

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

Oh that is a great question, but I think I would have to pick Mulan. Mulan is by far my favorite Disney character! She just has so much confidence and toughness and is the most selfless person with more honor than any other Disney character. I would love to live in her shoes for a week because I strive for her tenacity and strength! 

You were able to sing the national anthem before the SCU baseball home opener. What was that experience like?

The experience was so awesome! The weather had been so

gloomy and rainy in Santa Clara, and then on opening day it was clear skies and so many students came out to support. They have so many fun opening day festivities and ceremonies, and I felt so honored that I was a part of those ceremonies. I felt so much community and just such a fun and competitive atmosphere that it would’ve been surreal just being there as a student! But being able to sing the anthem was an honor! 

Growing up, you were able to attend some Mariners games. What do you remember most about your trips to Safeco Field?

I think the most fun part is getting to enjoy the sport with my family! The atmosphere at professional sports games is unlike any other. People cheering, music playing, fireworks sometimes, and everyone just having the best time. But I have fun memories of eating so much food, especially the hotdogs at Safeco field, with my family. My family and I are big sports people, so getting to enjoy Mariners games with them is just the best thing ever.

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

I would definitely bring my dad! My dad is the reason why I

love sports. I was a competitive hurdler and basketball player in high school, and he was the one who coached our t-ball and basketball teams when I was younger. He’s the reason for my really competitive edge, and I think he deserves that ticket more than anyone! 

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That’s so wonderful!

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

As Taylor continues her time as Miss University Heights, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram and Facebook accounts and website. They’re great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

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

Thanks again Taylor, and good luck!

Hannah Roque Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Hannah Roque is passionate about STEAM, a talented singer, and the current Miss Champlain Valley. 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 Hannah Roque visits Section 36!

What made you want to participate in the Miss VT preliminary program as Miss Champlain Valley?

I was already very seriously preparing for the Miss Vermont 2020 competition when we had to postpone because of the pandemic. When the Miss VT preliminary program was rolled out, I jumped at the chance to become more involved in the organization that I love so much! It is such an honor to represent the Champlain Valley in Vermont. I am currently a student at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, VT, which is in the Champlain Valley, as is my hometown of Middlebury, VT! It’s very meaningful to me to be able to represent this beautiful region alongside Lake Champlain! 

 

You finished second runner up at the last Miss Vermont competition. What did you learn from that experience that will help you the next time you compete?

When my name was called as second runner up at the Miss

Vermont 2019 competition, I was in complete shock! It was my first time ever competing so I went in just trying to learn as much as I possibly could; placing in the top 3 had never crossed my mind as I was preparing, so I was incredibly excited when my name was called! This experience really boosted my confidence in myself and as a performer. The most important thing I learned while competing was how to be my most authentic self both on and offstage. I’m still growing and learning as a person, but competing has helped me find who I am! I think all of that personal growth will help me achieve my goal of becoming Miss Vermont, while still staying true to myself! 

 

You were able to represent Vermont at the Miss National Sweetheart pageant. What was that experience like?

Competing at the National Sweetheart Pageant was an experience like no other! Being able to take all that I had learned on the Miss Vermont stage and apply it to a national pageant was an amazing opportunity to grow as a person. I absolutely loved the opportunity to meet 30 other incredible women from across the country, many of whom I still talk to today! Everyone in the town of Hoopeston, IL was so welcoming, and I instantly felt like I was part of the community while I was there. Representing Vermont at the National Sweetheart Pageant reaffirmed my dream of becoming Miss Vermont, and I will forever be thankful for this learning experience! 

 

How did you select your “STEAM Education” social impact initiative?

As a double major in English and Secondary Education with a

minor in Chemistry, I have always seen the overlap between STEM and the Arts. It is something that I am incredibly passionate about incorporating into my future classroom, but as I’ve continued with my education, my social impact initiative has morphed into something larger than STEAM. Through many experiences observing and teaching classes at all different grade levels, I’ve noticed that many students aren’t excited about the content that they’re learning. My new social impact initiative, Building Bridges to Success, is focused on helping students connect and engage with their education in meaningful ways. It is so important to help all students find meaning in their education, and I am excited to go into schools and talk to students of all different age groups. 

 

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

I love getting the chance to show my personality through my song choice and choreography. I’ve performed in many musical theater productions, so getting the chance to showcase my own personality onstage is always exciting!

 

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

I would want to be Ariel! I’ve always loved her songs, and I would love to be a mermaid for a week! The Little Mermaid has always been my favorite Disney movie, so I would love the chance to live out Ariel’s life! 

 

As a fan of Broadway shows, what’s the show you most want to see once the theaters open again?

I actually had tickets to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 

Photo by
Jon Adams

back in May, so I’m really excited to go and see it when theaters reopen! I’m a massive Harry Potter fan, so I’m looking forward to getting to experience the world of magic onstage! 

 

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

I would bring my dad! He is a diehard Red Sox fan, so he’s the reason that I became a fan as well. Once it’s safe to travel and go to sports events again, I hope he and I can make a trip to Fenway and catch a game! 

 

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

As a singer, I would love to sing the National Anthem before a game. It would be such a dream come true to sing for a large audience at an iconic New England venue! 

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I’d love to be there to hear that!

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

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

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

Thanks again Hannah, and good luck!

"Sunflower Science" - A new Section 36 Video Series Submission from Sierra Bonn

The Section 36 Video Series is growing! I'm sure you all remember Emily Mahana's wonderful talk about Engineer's Week and her favorite engineering kids book. This time, we have something a little different.

Sierra Bonn, who you remember from her interview with us, is passionate about STEAM. No, she's not just really into boiling water. That's Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. As a way to combine all of that, she created this video showing off a great science related art project. Of course, you have to love her wardrobe in the video, right?

Enjoy!

Sierra Bonn Visits Section 36

Section 36 has a new visitor! The first visitor from the state of Kansas, Sierra Bonn is a talented violinist, a STEAM advocate, and

the current Miss Augusta. I'm glad we were able to find some time for her visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I hope you enjoy what she had to say!

So, lets see what happens when Sierra Bonn visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Augusta crown?

Immediately after the pageant, I went straight to a restaurant to get some much needed carbs — I love French fries. My mom (aka, my ultimate pageant supporter) and I then pulled out our planners and started getting to work, figuring out exactly how I’d like to spend my time as Miss Augusta!

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

I run an initiative called “Let’s Go Full STEAM Ahead!” which promotes science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education and engagement to empower young women to see their potential to thrive in STEAM careers. One facet of that education is to show young women the incredible and inspiring women who have come before them and paved the way in STEAM fields. I’m very fortunate to have accomplished one of my larger goals just last week — I worked with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and her office to officially proclaim and institute a Women in STEAM week, a celebration to highlight women throughout history, and to provide them as role models for future generations. The next goal is to get funding for teachers across the state to have resources to celebrate this new holiday!

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

This is probably cheesy, but something that has been on my mind throughout my time as Miss Augusta is how much I want to make Augusta proud. This year is Augusta’s 150th birthday, and it has been a huge honor to represent the community for such a monumental anniversary. Being able to learn about the people of Augusta, both of the past and the present, I’ve come to understand how hardworking, kind, resilient, and supportive the community is. It’s a small community, but a strong one. I want to make sure I represent them well on the Miss Kansas stage.

How did you select your platform, “Let’s Go Full STEAM Ahead”?

Women make up around one fifth of the workers employed in science, technology, and engineering jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — and for women of color, that percentage is even smaller. In order to grow the trend of women in STEAM fields, girls must be encouraged at a young age that they are capable of accomplishing incredible engineering feats and scientific discoveries. “Let’s Go Full STEAM Ahead!” was created as a way to impact girls across the country and to empower them to make the world a better place by contributing their skills and talents. I needed a role model when I was younger, and by promoting this program through the Miss America Organization, it gives me the platform to serve as a role model for aspiring scientists, engineers, and artists.

As a talented violinist, what’s your favorite part about performing on stage? 

STEAM education focuses on science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. Without the creativity and passion that the arts bring to the equation, students of STEAM would lack crucial collaboration skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills and empathy. I’ve played the violin for 12 years, and in that time I’ve learned how math and music intersect when counting time, how the science of sound is translated to the audience, how technological advancements in the way a violin is engineered affects the tone and pitch. The Arts and the Sciences should not be seen at odds, pitted against each other — they are infinitely and intrinsically related, which is why I love having the opportunity to not only promote my social impact statement on stage, but also to express myself creatively.

You were recently able to travel to Boston, not far from Fenway. What was the trip like?

Yes! I had never been to Boston before this trip, but I’ve fallen in love and don’t want to leave. I got to walk all over the Back Bay

and saw some neat historical landmarks, and I ate an obnoxious amount of food. I think my favorite part might have been Quincy Marketplace, where I had some delicious clam chowder in a bread bowl (told you, I love carbs), and got to listen to some talented performers while I just chilled out and met some very kind and friendly Bostonians.

I came to attend the ACPA Conference for student affairs and higher education. For the first few years of college, I had worked at Wichita State University’s Office of First-Year Programs, where we focused on orientation, transition, and retention. I had a terrible transition to college, and I know that without the support I received from student affairs professionals, I probably would not have continued with my education -- I am eternally grateful for them. Someday, I’d like to return to higher education as an Engineering Educator, helping future generations of engineering students receive the support and resources they need to be successful.

Which Marvel Character would you say is most like you?

*Black Sabbath plays in the distance* I am Iron Man. As a biomedical engineer, I fangirled so hard when I realized that the Iron Man suits are just advanced prosthesis. I love wearable technologies, one of my career goals is to run a non-profit to provide low-cost medical technologies for underserved areas, and I would love to build the Iron Man suit one day! In fact, my sorority sisters at WSU voted me most likely to become Iron (Wo)Man… two years in a row. My love for wearable technologies and biomedical engineering could provide you a whole separate interview on it’s own!

As a KC Royals fan, who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why?

Mookie Betts is an interesting character, he’s garnered some pretty great accolades, but I think I like him because he’s also a bowler! Wichita State University has an awesome bowling team — a few of my friends make up the bowling squad and I also bowled in high school (very terribly, for the record). I think it’s neat that he has many different interests and talents, especially being skilled in two very different sports. 

If you had two tickets to see the Red Sox play the Royals in Fenway Park, who would you take with you?

My dad, definitely! Last time I went to a Royals game, he wasn’t able to join me because he was undergoing the final stages of cancer treatment. Now that he’s back in “fighting shape,” it would be an honor to hang out, eat hotdogs, and watch our buddy Whit play. 

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That is a wonderful answer!

As usual, I want to thank to Sierra for doing this interview, and for sending along some wonderful pictures.  It was so amazing of her to bring her Section 36 shirt with her on her Boston trip for those great pictures. (and thanks to Rodrigo Larioss for taking those shots!) I also certainly want to wish her the best of luck as she competes for the Miss Kansas. Hopefully she'll be the first Section 36 visitor to wear that crown!

As Sierra continues her time as Miss Augusta, be sure to check out her official Miss Augusta Facebook page to keep up to date. You should also check out her platform's Full STEAM Ahead website. There's a lot of great information there about how STEAM should play an important role in our schools.

Thanks again Sierra, and good luck!

Emily Thomas Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! You may remember that just over a

Photo by Robby Trottier

year ago, Section 36 was lucky enough to get a visit from Alissa Musto just after she was crowned Miss Cambridge. This year, we get to do it again. It's been just over a month since Emily Thomas was crowned Miss Cambridge herself. She was nice enough to visit with us to discuss her title, the Red Sox, and more.

So, let see what happens when Emily Thomas visits Section 36!

Which part of the Miss Boston/Cambridge competition were you most nervous about?

Probably onstage question. It's the most nerve-wracking because it's the phase that you have the least control over. You know exactly what to expect for every other phase of competition, but with onstage question you don't know what question is going to be asked of you. 

Your platform is “From STEM to STEAM adding arts into Science ED”. Why is adding the arts to science so important?

When we traditionally think of the sciences, we think of them as being separate from creativity and artistry. In reality, those things go hand in hand. We need students to be able to develop hands-on creativity skills because they are so valuable in the work force. It's not enough just to know content and information; you have to be able to apply that information to creatively solve problems and think outside the box. How else can we expect people to engineer the next iPhone or design the next drug to fight cancer?

You’re an avid hiker. What is it about hiking that draws you to it?

For me, hiking is an escape. I live a pretty hectic life, but once I hit the trail it's like I can shut all that off for a few hours. It's also a great way to stay in shape. I hardly ever hit the gym in the summer because I'm able to hike so often during the nice weather and can rely on that for my exercise. 

How did you celebrate being crowned Miss Cambridge?

Well, the Miss Boston/Cambridge competition happened to fall on the same day as the Super Bowl, so I celebrated with a group of friends watching the Super Bowl! 

What are you most looking forward to during your time as Miss Cambridge?

This is the last year that I am eligible based on age to compete in the Miss America system, and so I really want to make the most of this year. Aside from prepping for Miss Massachusetts, I really want to take advantage of the many opportunities to volunteer in the city of Cambridge. I particularly

want to work with the youth and promote my platform. There are a few opportunities for that in the works right now, and I am very excited about it. 

Other than Section 36, where do you (or where would you) like to sit in Fenway?

The few Red Sox games that I've been to, I've sat in the bleachers, but I think it would be great to sit in one of the field boxes right behind the catcher. I'm sure that would be a great experience!

What were you doing when the Red Sox won the 2013 World Series?

I remember this so well! I was living in a dorm at Merrimack College, it was my sophomore year. Right outside my building there was an outdoor basketball court, and when the Red Sox won everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, flooded the basketball court in celebration. It was awesome. 

This will be the first Red Sox season in a while without David Ortiz. What's your favorite Ortiz memory?

I used to watch the Red Sox with my dad all the time as a kid. David Ortiz was always the iconic Red Sox player that I remember. A more specific memory was when I was a little bit older, after the Boston Marathon bombing. I remember the short speech David Ortiz gave reminding everyone to stay strong and how proud he was to wear a uniform that said "Boston". 

How do you think the Red Sox will finish the 2017 season?

I'd like to equate this question to pageant life: I find it extremely important to think positively when it comes time to compete, which means that I need to believe whole-heartedly that I have done my best to prepare and that I'm going to take home the crown whenever I step on stage. If you don't have that kind of confidence, then you won't perform the same. So, with that being said, the Red Sox will obviously make it to the World Series this year! 

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She's obviously right! Although, I'd like to take that optimism one step farther!

As always, a huge thank you to Emily for taking the time to visit. She gave some fantastic answers, and I hope you enjoyed them. And, another big thanks for supplying so many great pictures to go along with the interview. They really make the post much better than it would be otherwise.

If you'd like to keep up with Emily during her time as Miss Cambridge, check out her official Facebook and Instagram accounts. You can also check out the Miss Boston/Cambridge website.

And, of course, I'd like to wish Emily luck at the Miss Massachusetts competition this summer. After all, the last Miss Cambridge to visit Section 36 went on to win the Miss Massachusetts crown too! Good Luck!

Thanks again Emily!