Shailey Ringenbach Visits Section 36!

A new visitor to Section 36! Shailey Ringenbach is passionate about improving mental health, has a love of marketing, and is the current Miss Arizona. I was thrilled she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Shailey Ringenbach visits Section 36! 

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Arizona crown?

Becoming Miss Arizona has been a dream of mine since I was 9 years old. I had countless supporters, family members, co-workers, and friends that came to watch me. We celebrated with some Papa John’s pizza and shared many fun stories from the week. 

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

I am ecstatic to compete at Miss America with incredible women from all over our nation! If the competition is held in Florida like the previous year, I am most nervous for the humidity, LOL! My hair never holds well when it’s humid outside; hence why I love Arizona.

What is something Tiffany Ticlo did as Miss Arizona that you would like to emulate?

Tiffany represented the state of Arizona incredibly well and she truly inspired me to compete this year. I would love to emulate her genuine love for the organization and sisterhood as she held multiple events for the titleholders to bond throughout the year. Tiffany will always been one of my biggest inspirations.

How did you select your community Service Initiative, “Share the Love: Improving Mental Health Through Pet Therapy”?

My community service initiative is very near and dear to my heart because I have always battled with anxiety. When I received my dog, Sparkles, she absolutely changed my life and I wanted to use her to help others. This led to us getting Nationally Certified as a Pet Therapy Team through Pet Partners. For years, we have been volunteering at events in the community and we even volunteer our time at Banner Hospice. 1 in 4 Arizona residents are struggling with anxiety and research shows that a 12 minute visit with a dog, lowers blood pressure and decreases anxiety more than being with another person or alone. Pet therapy proves to be extremely healing and I strive to share that message everyday.

You are currently studying digital marketing at ASU. What drew you to that field?

I am heading into my junior year at the Arizona State University and I am also a member of Barrett the Honors College. I was inspired to learn more about digital marketing because it is very relevant to our society and I love marketing. The Miss America Opportunity has taught me how to market myself and our program as a brand ambassador, this is valuable and I am ready to apply this to my future career.

What is your personal fitness routine?

The Miss Arizona Organization has an amazing fitness sponsor, Scott’s Training Systems. He has helped me create a nutrition plan and provides me with multiple personal training sessions throughout the week. I am beyond grateful for his mentorship and helping me look and feel my personal best!

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

I would be Snow White of course! I have such a love for animals and she does as well.

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

My family and I are huge fans of the Diamondbacks so this would be a tough choice. I would probably bring my Dad because he always supports me at my competitions and he absolutely loves sports. 

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

Every time I am at a sporting event I love to watch the Jumbotron. I think it would be hilarious to see my face up on that screen!

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That's definitely always my goal too!

As always, I want to thank Shailey 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 Shailey 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 Shailey! And, good luck!

Charlee Royer Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Charlee Royer is passionate about kid's mental health, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Maple Grove's Teen. 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 Charlee Royer visits Section 36!

What made you decide to compete for the Miss Vermont’s Teen crown as Miss Maple Grove’s Teen? 
My first impression of the Miss America Scholarship Organization was from a TikTok. It was a local titleholder who was explaining how she was earning scholarships through Miss America. I sent the video to my mom and told her I wanted to look into it. A little research and a few phone calls later, I was a delegate for Miss Vermont’s Teen 2023. After winning over $1500 in scholarship money as first runner-up, I knew I would continue competing for Miss Vermont’s Teen. Although I originally started to compete for the Scholarships, I have grown to love representing the beautiful state of Vermont where I grew up. I strive to do so on a bigger platform. That’s why I’m competing again this year as Miss Maple Grove’s Teen. 

What is something that Ginger Ragaishis is doing as Miss Vermont’s Teen that you would like to emulate? 
Ginger is a big inspiration for me, especially with her social media presence. She does a fantastic job of creating quality posts that are both relevant and frequent. As a girl who grew up off of social media, posting regularly is something I continue to work on. I look at Miss Vermont’s Teen Instagram pretty regularly to see what Ginger is posting about and use it as inspiration for my posts. 

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy about performing on stage? 
As a dancer, I have been performing for over 10 years of my life. Ever since I was young, I loved to make the audience feel something. Whether it was a smile on their faces, or occasionally tears, getting to influence the observer’s emotions had always been something I love. A fun fact, I wear my Red Sox Kid Nation Jersey, Pedroia #15 from 2013 to every dance recital! 

How did you select your CSI, “Beyond the Ribbon”? 
Beyond the Ribbon is a non-profit that works to support the

mental well-being of children affected by cancer. When I was 12 my mom was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer. I found it extremely taxing to see her so sick, and having to take on new responsibilities to keep our household running was difficult. Whenever I could, I found ways to spend time with her that were not strenuous, such as playing cards or coloring. When I started Beyond the Ribbon, it was a way to show other kids that they aren’t alone and that even though having a family member with cancer is scary, there are people to support you. So, in each of the Beyond the Ribbon care boxes, there is a letter with my contact information and some quiet activities to do with your family.

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

If I were to be a Disney character for a week, I would be Marie from the Aristocats. Getting to be pampered and live the luxurious life of a cat sounds like a dream. Not to mention the adventures she goes on with her siblings and the alley cats. 

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

I have been going to Red Sox games with my family my whole life. My favorite part is getting to sing “Sweet Caroline” with the crowd. I think it is a great time, and always makes my family laugh. I’ve even been lucky enough to sit in Section 36 before!

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How lucky is she to have been able to sit in Section 36?!?.

As always, I want to thank Charlee 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 Charlee during the time left in her 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.  You should also check out her CSI's Amazon wishlist if you'd like to help your cause.

Thanks again Charlee, and good luck in the future!

Mackenzie Kern Visits Section 36!

Carlos Velez

Section 36 had another visitor! Mackenzie Kern is passionate about mental health, a business owner, and the current Miss Wyoming. 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 Mackenzie Kern visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Wyoming crown?

My family was there and I am very big on being able to go to dinner to celebrate after winning. I love being surrounded by the people I love and who have truly supported me in my journey with a good meal! 

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

My main goal during this reign is to serve my state to the highest standard while utilizing my passions. I am a female business owner and started my first online boutique at the age of 19, so I am on a mission to encourage other young girls in my state to dream big and chase their dreams, even if they are unconventional. 

As a former two time state titleholder in the MUSA system, do you think that national competition experience will help you at Miss America?

Carlos Velez

I do. Having that unique experience under my belt truly has prepared me for anything, especially when it comes to obstacles and the unexpected. 

How did you select your Community Service Initiative?

As someone who has personally experienced mental health struggles, it is my priority to share my story and make sure other women know they are not alone. I realize how social media can paint a different reality of what someone is actually going through, so to be a voice for my community and state. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I really enjoy long walks, I don't like abiding by any routine. Something that brings me peace is honoring my body, I naturally am very active so when I am working out my favorite thing to do is go for a walk outside and finish with bodyweight exercises for my core and arms!

You started your own clothing business. What can you tell me about Loveleigh?

At 19 years old I was taking a break from pageantry and also unknowingly walking into a pandemic. I enjoy staying busy and was very inspired by other women I saw dominating the online boutique career. Being from Wyoming, there was a huge gap in the market for girls my age with what was available IN Wyoming, so bringing in trendy items seemed like a solution we could all benefit from. A lot of my customers would come straight to my house to try items on and pick them up. From there I have stuck with the vision and it will always be something I am passionate about. I feel like by creating Shop Loveleigh, I gave myself the biggest gift, which is to have a career I am forever passionate about and constantly growing with. I am completely self taught and I now am able to help other female entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses with Kern Media. 

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

Carlos Velez

I would be Rapunzel from Tangled. I have always loved that movie because she is the one princess I relate to in every way! My favorite song from that movie is "Something that I want."

If you had an extra ticket to see a Casper Horse Heads baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

It would only be right to go with my dad! I met my first ever pageant titleholder at a Casper baseball game, probably in 2008... I had no idea what pageantry was until about 14 years old, but I had her autograph on my wall for much longer, so this would be beyond special for both myself and my dad!

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

I would love to throw the first pitch! That is something I have always wanted to do as a titleholder and would be extremely excited about!

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Hope she gets the chance for that first pitch!

As always, I want to thank Mackenzie 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 Mackenzie 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 check out the websites for Shop Loveleigh Kern Media's Instagram to learn more about those endeavors.

Thanks again Mackenzie, and good luck!

Haley Passione Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Haley Passione is passionate about mental health, an event planner, and the current Miss Iron City. I was so flattered she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Haley Passione visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Iron City crown?

I immediately called my mom! I didn’t have a typical crowning because I competed in a digital sweeps. After my interview in the morning, I had to wait all day for a phone call from Miss Pennsylvania, Alysa Bainbridge, so there was a lot of excitement and relief when it finally came! I’m super excited to be coming out of pageant retirement to compete this summer.

 

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

I’d like to work with local organizations, such as Prevention Point and the Allegheny County Health Department, to provide naxolone (Narcan) and training on identifying the signs of an overdose to as many bars and restaurants as possible in the Pittsburgh area. Not only is substance use (and abuse) prevalent in the food and beverage industry but servers and bartenders constantly encounter customers who are mixing substances without our knowledge. Having the skillset to identify that someone is overdosing and access to Narcan can be lifesaving.

 

What did you learn about yourself at the Iron City competition that will help you at Miss Pennsylvania?

Competing in a “digital sweeps” was a brand new experience forme. I competed for the title of Miss Nevada several times in college, so on-stage competition is comfortable for me at this point. I’m also a former theatre kid and I love being in front of a crowd. Having to compete digitally was way more nerve-wracking than I expected! But it really showed me how adaptable I can be to new situations, which makes me feel at ease going into Miss Pennsylvania because I’m new to this state organization.

 

How did you select your “mental health and harm reduction” community service initiative?

I chose mental health as part of my CSI because I’ve had my own struggles with depression and anxiety in recent years, and I know I’m far from alone. It can be hard to take the first step toward seeking help and I know how easy it is to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. I’m lucky that I have a really wonderful support system and access to mental health care. But millions of Americans are struggling with these conditions, and others, every single day and most of them aren’t receiving any meaningful care. I want to use my platform to share my story and encourage people to seek help when they’re struggling. The reason I decided to focus on harm reduction in addition to mental health is because they often go hand in hand. I worked full-time in the service industry for nearly 5 years, and I’ve seen the intersection of mental health and substance abuse many times. Harm reduction seriously can be as simple as taking car keys away from someone who’s had too much to drink and it makes a world of difference.

You’re working on a master’s degree in higher education. Where do you see that journey taking you?

College was such a transformative experience for me, and a lot of that was thanks to the Student Affairs staff at my school. They really played a role in teaching me how to be a real, functional adult once I graduated and inspired me to pursue this degree. The program I’m in at the University of Pittsburgh is heavily focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, so I hope to always be an advocate for students. My dream role is to be a director or vice president of Title IX/Compliance.

 

You currently work as an event planner. What do you enjoy about that experience?

I find that I’m naturally drawn to jobs where I get to work with people, which is probably why I was a bartender for so long. As an event coordinator, I love helping people turn their vision for their event into a reality! It’s really rewarding to see your work pay off as a successful event.

 

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

I have to go with Mary Poppins. The bottomless bag would be so helpful in my daily life. Especially on the days that I'm going straight from the gym to work to class!

 

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

I would absolutely take my best friend, Macie Tuell (some of you might know her as Miss Nevada 2021!) Sadly, I don’t get to see her often while she’s jet-setting around the world as a personal assistant. But we truly never have a bad time together and PNC Park is a stadium everyone should get to experience in their lifetime. Plus, the Pierogi Race is a can’t miss event.

 

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

My talent is singing, so I would love to perform the National Anthem at a Buccos game!

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I bet that would be wonderful.

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

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

Natalie Demos Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Natalie Demos is passionate about advocating for mental health, a nursing student, and the current Miss River Valley. I was so glad she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Natalie Demos visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss River Valley crown?

I celebrated in so many ways! First though, I hugged my friends/sister queens that came from all over to support me. After crowning I called my family! Unfortunately my family couldn’t make it to see the competition so they were all waiting by the phone. I FaceTimed my parents and my sisters to share the exciting news. However, the biggest call was to my brother who is in the military. I haven’t seen him in almost 2.5 years so I wanted to share this moment with him. Following the competition I celebrated with my friends at dinner and a big sleepover!

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss River Valley?

Personally, it was the announcement of the organization changes for the Miss America Organization. I think when the changes were announced many of us were worried how it would impact state competitions and moving forward. But these changes make me excited for the future of the organization, the more opportunities the organization will be able to provide and the further impact we will make as an organization.

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

With any big event I think there will always be some jitters but

I’m honestly not nervous. I’ve learned through my journey that there’s a reason I’m here and it’s to make an impact. So with every phase of competition I’m excited to be able to make that impact whether that be through a fellow contestant, a judge or someone in the crowd.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Let’s Talk About It”?

I’ve been battling Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression my whole life. In 2018 I was institutionalized for my mental health and received treatment that saved my life. However growing up, mental health wasn’t spoken about and I wasn’t educated on it. Therefore I went untreated for the first 18 years of my life. When I started competing in this program, I wanted to advocate for something that was something I advocated for without a crown on. I created Let’s Talk About It before I won my first title and it’s a movement that removes the stigma around mental health my starting that conversation. My hope is to provide the education and awareness the mental health community deserves so that others don’t have to get to a life threatening moment before they get their help they need, just like I did.

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

I grew up in a home built on music where my dad always taught us that music is a way for us to express ourselves, to tell a story. I love every part of performing my talent because I get to put music in the audiences hearts, tell my story and give them a break from reality for a moment. Even if it is only 90 seconds.

You are currently studying nursing at Rasmussen University. What drew you to that field?

Nursing has been my dream for quite sometime but I went through MANY career ideas before taking that leap of faith. I always have had a passion for serving others. As a child going to the doctor, and even into adulthood, I always felt more comfortable with the nurses that treated me. They made me feel seen and I want to be that for someone else. My ultimate goal is to obtain my Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) so I can become a certified nurse practitioner to treat patients and leave that impact on a provider level.

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

The goofy side kicks/supporting characters have always been

my favorite in Disney movies. My favorite goofy supporting character is Timon from the Lion King so I would probably be him! Plus, who wouldn’t want to be besties with Pumba?

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

I would give my ticket to my mom and the extra ticket to my dad! Growing up my parents always worked and we unfortunately didn’t have the funds to go on family vacations or big events like an MLB game. So I would give them the tickets so they could experience that together like a day date for them! 

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

It would be SO cool to throw the first pitch or even catch a ball! Or even sing the national anthem! Any opportunity would just be such a joy!

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I hope she gets that opportunity! 

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

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Natalie during her journey as Miss River Valley. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account as well as the one for Let's Talk About It. You can also follow her personal Instagram account. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Natalie, and good luck!