Megan Price Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has a new visitor! Megan Price is an advocate for organ donation, a former sports reporter, and the current Miss Lakeland. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So let's see what happens when Megan Price visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Lakeland crown?
Honestly the first thing I did was go eat chicken tacos at Chilis and drank a big Dr. Pepper. Haha. I was lucky to have my family members supporting me at the competition, so we all went out to dinner and then I went to the hotel, took a hot shower and went straight to bed. 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Lakeland competition that will help you at Miss Florida?

Miss Lakeland was honestly the first time in my years of competing that I felt like I was 100% myself. I truly was authentically Megan and kind of let myself go. My motto when I do pageants is “do your best and let God have the rest” and this was the first time that I felt like I really took that advice and just enjoyed and soaked in every moment of the competition. That is definitely something that I am going to try and take with me to Miss Florida. 

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

Of course, I have several goals in place with my social impact

initiative but the city of Lakeland will always hold a very special place in my heart because it is where I went to college. That being said, my biggest goal this year is to create relationships and memories with the businesses and community in Lakeland. It is an up and coming city and has an incredible downtown district so being able to get into that circle and really serve those people is my main priority this year. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, Organ Donation - Be a Lifesaver?

When I was a sophomore in high school my best friends little brother contracted a brain-eating amoeba and after 16 days of fighting, he succumbed to his injuries. Although I was not competing in the Miss America Organization at that point, the selflessness that his parents and family showed by choosing to donate his organs in such a time of grief made such an impact on me. I knew when I began competing in the MAO that I wanted to honor my friend’s legacy and my platform of organ donation does that. Witnessing the kindness that it takes to give someone else a second chance at life when you are facing one of the hardest moments of yours really is incredible and impactful. 

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

Dancing is a special form of expression. For me, it represents dedication, hard-work and perseverance. Every time I get to step on stage and dance, it is another opportunity to prove that you can do anything if you have the grit and will to do it. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

Being a dancer, I spend lots of time in the dance studio, that includes lots of stretching and working on technique. Besides that, I got to the gym 3-4 times a week to work on strength and endurance training. Of course, staying hydrated is super important and cucumber water is my absolute favorite. 

While in college, you were able to work as a sports reporter covering FSC athletics. What did you enjoy most about that position?

Some of my greatest memories from my time at Florida Southern College send me back to when I was standing on the sidelines reporting for FSC Athletics. I really enjoyed the fast-paced environment and thrill of each game being different. It was never a job where I came to work knowing what my day was going to really consist of and I loved that each day there was something new. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that I was given at FSC and who knows … maybe pursuing a career in sports reporting is going to be in my future soon. Either way, I will carry the experiences I got at FSC with my forever.

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

Although I am a die-hard Yankees fan, I will acknowledge a great athlete when I see one. My all-time favorite has to be Babe Ruth. I know he was a super-famous Yankee, but he pitched for the Red Sox before he played in New York. I always wish I could go back and time and watch him play ball. Currently my favorite is probably David Ortiz, better known as Big Papi, not only because of his athletic abilities which are insane, but I have a friend who he very selflessly helped during a hard moment in her life, and he didn’t even mention his name. She had no idea who he was until after he left when he was done helping her. I have the upmost respect for someone who is so famous and talented and still knows how to be a great human being and lend a helping hand when it is needed. 

You had the opportunity to see a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium. What was that experience like?

This might have been the best day of my life. Seriously. It was INCREDIBLE. Growing up, my younger brother and I had always begged to watch the Yankees play in the Bronx. My stepdad’s family is from Long Island, NY so as kids were traveled there pretty often but we never caught a game. It wasn’t until 2017 that I stepped foot in Yankee Stadium and I’ve never seen anything like it. We sat in right field in the “Judge’s Chamber”, we are big Aaron Judge fans, and the atmosphere was electric. It actually rained during the game that I went to, but I didn’t care, we sat out in the pouring rain the whole time and marveled at the sights around us. My favorite part of the whole game was at the very end, after the Yankees won, they played “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra and the entire stadium stood up and sang it. It was definitely an item checked off my bucket list and I can’t wait to go back. 

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I hope she gets to go back! It would probably be good to see a Yankee loss...just to compare.

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

As Megan continues her time as Miss Lakeland, I encourage you to follow her on her official Facebook page. You can also check out her official and personal instagram accounts. They're great ways to see what she’s up to during her time with the crown. And, of course I want to wish Megan luck when she competes for Miss Florida. There's quite a group of Section 36 visitors forming who will be on stage for that event. It would be wonderful for one to come home with the crown.

Thanks again Megan, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 4 (28-36)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 4?

Red Sox Cards on the Page: 1. I think the photo on this Reggie Cleveland card just may have been taken during Spring Training. 

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: I’ve said before that some of the fun cards in this set are the early hall of famers I only knew as grizzled vets, and cards of current managers from their playing days. This page has both, and then some. Bert Blyleven would end up making quite a career for himself after this card came out, and Dusty Baker is definitely better known by me as a manager. The added bonus of Ron Santo illustrates the other great thing about the set, the wide spread of player years. Here’s a guy who played in 1960 having a card in the set. Another hall of famer even. 

My favorite card on the page: I love the picture on the Dave Parker card...another star I remember only as an older player. It’s a posed shot, obviously, but his eyes are still following the flight of an imaginary ball. I would also be remiss if during “Photography Month” I didn’t mention the shot of a pensive Dave Rader. I assume this wasn’t posed, but it’s the sort of shot I’d expect from Donruss Studio.  

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Section 36 Photography Month: Section 36 Pics

We're trying something a little different here at Section 36. This month, we're going to celebrate "Photography"! What does that mean? That means that every Monday during the month I will post something having to do with photography. Sound like fun? I hope so. Today I want to talk about some of my favorite pictures, the ones readers have submitted.

Section 36 Pics

I'm always flattered when readers send in pictures for me to share on the blog and Section 36 social media. Especially the ones that take a little extra effort to take. So, I'm so excited to see the collections of pictures in each of the categories grow and grow.

As you hopefully know, people have been submitting pictures of themselves that fall into four different categories. Don't remember what they are? Here's a rundown.

Pictures With Section 36. These are the easiest, if you happen to be at Fenway...or any park that has a Section 36. Wherever you are, take a picture of yourself with Section 36 behind you. It's fun to see all the different ways people have been able to accomplish this.

Pictures In Section 36. This is that next step more difficult. For these you need to actually get to Section 36 and take your picture there. 

"I'd Rather Be in Section 36" pics. If you're not at a game, this is the easiest. Make a sign that says "I'd Rather be in Section 36". That can be a pencil and paper, written in sand at the beach, with chalk on a driveway, however you can do it. Then, just take your picture holding the sign, or posing with it somehow.

Pics with 36 Gear. These, obviously, require you to have Section 36 gear. But, once you do the possibilities are endless. You can snap off a dozen selfies in one sitting, or take pictures wherever you happen to be when you're with your gear. These are usually a lot of fun.

You actually got to see a couple of these pictures in last week's post about K. Garcia Productions. But, here's a good chance to check out a few more of my favorites. Other than Kelsey, there have been a few other people who have contributed several pictures to several categories. Let's see what some of them had to share!

Submitted by Lily the Ferret

Lily the Ferret has done an amazing job of submitting pictures with her friends and Section 36 gear. I thought with Miss Universe being held this weekend it made sense to lead with this sot of Lily posing with friends Olivia and Malia.

Submitted by Bryanne

Submitted by Bryanne

 Bryanne has done an amazing job of constantly sending in pics. Whether she's holding an "I'd Rather Be in Section 36" sign at the highest point in the Eastern United States, or showing her support during a race she tends to go above and beyond. She's contributed pictures to every category, and then some!

Submitted by Dione

Submitted by Dione

 Dione is another person who has submitted almost every type of picture. Pictures in Section 36, or with Section 36, or Rather being in Section 36...even when in Section 36. It's been fun to see all the pictures come in.

Submitted by Lauren

Submitted by Lauren

 In Section 36, with Section 36, Rather Be in Section 36, with Section 36 gear...Lauren does it all. He pictures are always fantastic, and I always love getting a new submission from her!

Submitted by Serena of the Traveling Baseball Babes

Submitted by Serena of the Traveling Baseball Babes

Serena is another person who has been a regular contributor. Again, any type of picture is likely to come from one of her submissions, and I love them every time.

Submitted by Bernadette

Submitted by Bernadette

Bernadette has been nice enough to think of Section 36 during her travels around the world. Whether it's writing "Rather be in Section 36" on a tropic beach, or wearing her gear in Fiji it's always flattering to know Section 36 is on her mind.

As you can see, pictures play a huge role here at Section 36. It's one of the best ways for you readers to contribute to the Section 36 experience, and it makes it a lot more fun for everyone.

I can't see what comes in next!

Kylie Blakely Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has a new visitor! Kylie Blakely is an advocate for preventing soldier suicide, a talented pianist, and the current Miss Osceola. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So let's see what happens when Kylie Blakely visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Osceola crown? 

Previous to Miss Osceola I had never competed in a pageant, let alone seen one from start to finish including Miss America. I remember the month prior to the pageant I was struggling getting hours at my job in Lake Nona and I remember praying and asking the Lord to help me find a way to make ends meet for my tuition that was coming up. I was told about the pageant around 6 days prior at a charity event I was attending and I knew God had put me in the right place at the right time. With less than five days to prepare for my first pageant ever it was a whirlwind, the day of even seems like a blur now. I remember being genuinely shocked I had won and simultaneously bursting into tears with sheer joy. That night I was so exhausted I didn’t get to celebrate properly however the next day the Osceola County Fair helped me celebrate by walking the fairgrounds, meeting the amazing men and women who made our scholarship pageant possible and awarding ribbons to the phenomenal FFA kids! 

What is your favorite memory from this summer’s Miss Florida Competition? 

My favorite memory from Miss Florida has to be orientation, it was a wonderful experience meeting so many empowering women. I remember vividly, sitting by Rachel Barcelona, Amanda Shoopman and the Zavitz sisters and taking it all in. Every woman in the room had a crown and walked with her head high, every woman would leave this competition with a crown and continue doing amazing things in their communities, and every woman in that room was going places. I felt so empowered to sit by future Educators, Scientists, Doctors, Farmers, Reporters, Nurses, Performers, and Engineers. That moment of realization has to be my favorite from the entire Miss Florida 2019 experience. 

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

My social impact has been and will remain my biggest goal. It’s not one that ever stops and something we as a nation should all push for. The suicide rates for first responders and veterans are at an all time high and I know there’s ways to combat the unfortunate statistic. Being an advocate for veteran suicide will continue long after I remove the Miss Osceola crown from my head. I hope to continue being an advocate in the 2020 pageant season, using my platform to promote the fact that you’re no less of a hero for seeking help. 

How did you select your social impact initiative? 

My father is a retired LEO and most of my family is either a first responder of some sort, a nurse or a veteran. I knew growing up I wanted to serve in the Army, I was placed on a waiting list and was told the best thing to do was to finish my degree then join as an officer. In the meantime most of my friends I grew up with were enlisted in various branches and deployed. When some of them came back they struggled with the transition from military to civilian life and suffered from PTSD, depression and the physical toll combat had given them. Veteran suicide rates are something that hits close to home for my family, and after losing someone I know to suicide last December at the Lake Nona VA I knew there was more we could be doing as a community. It began as “Suicide awareness and prevention for first responders and veterans.” After Miss America changed the pitch rules I shortened it to “ Prevent Soldier Suicide” and got to work on promoting and helping where I could. I volunteered at the VFW for several dinners, got in touch with the American Legion who placed an ad in the Miss Florida program book, I helped promote Homes for Heroes and my outreach went as far as Texas, Kandahar Afghanistan, Alabama, Norfolk Naval Base, Fort Leonard Wood Missouri, and Kuwait. My only wish is to gain the title of Miss Florida to promote Prevent Soldier Suicide on national television to create more awareness and bring national attention to a very preventable issue. 

As a talented pianist, what are your favorite types of songs to play? 

I absolutely love Hayden, Litzt, and the carnival of the animals. My favorite pieces to play are ones that incorporate crossing my hands. Due to a soccer related head injury I have damage that makes it difficult for me to play and I was told I could never play again at the level I was on. However, with many many many hours on the bench and an AMAZING instructor I was able to regain some of what I lost. Crossing my arms in a piano piece is me saying YES I CAN to those who told me I'd never be able to play again as it incorporates the part of my brain that sustained the damage. 

You have been able to run in the RunDisney Princess half marathon. What do you remember most from that event? 

I remember the elation and relief I felt crossing the finish line! I was blessed to represent Childrens Miracle Network the philanthropy of Miss America while running alongside my mentor and former Miss Osceola Jessica Hargrave. 

This summer you were able to attend “SI Swimsuit on Location”. What was that experience like? 

I’m incredibly thankful for my time participating in the 2019 SI Swimsearch and being VIP at the SI Swimsuit on Location, it was a wonderful event and incredibly empowering. I completely stand behind MJ Day and her choices for the brand, to expand from focusing on the male gaze to what the brand is really about. Sports Illustrated has always taken political stands, featuring Tyra Banks when they

did and doing shoots in Africa during time of conflict to promote awareness. Now in the age of photoshop, negative body image and internalized body dysphoria Sports Illustrated has taken a stand. When you think of the magazine and it’s brand in popular culture most people think “Oh beautiful women in swimsuits” MJ Day has taken the brand to new heights by being inclusive. I had the pleasure of meeting plus sized models, mothers who had become models, models over 40, models with vitiligo and limb differences. MJ Day has given the brand new life by making it more inclusive and body positive, giving women who aren’t supermodels the opportunity to look at SI and say, “This woman is in SI, she’s beautiful and she’s like me! I’m beautiful too!” It’s an incredible environment to be around and I’d love to have the opportunity to do it again! 

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

If I had an extra ticket I'd give it to Bella my Sunshine Princess or Maverick my Sunshine Prince from the Miss Florida Sunshine Program. I absolutely love those kids to bits and I’m so excited to be their mentor. 

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

As Miss Osceola I was supposed to throw the opening pitch for the Firefrogs however due to a scheduling conflict I wasn’t able to make it. I would love to have the opportunity to throw the opening pitch perhaps sometime in the near future! 

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I hope she gets to make that happen!

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

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

Thanks again Kylie!

Section 36 Photography Month: K. Garcia Productions

We're trying something a little different here at Section 36. This month, we're going to celebrate "Photography"! What does that mean? That means that every Monday during the month I will post something having to do with photography. Sound like fun? I hope so. Let's start it off by talking about a photographer who has contributed so very much to the success of Section 36.

Kelsey, of K. Garcia Productions.

Kelsey has been amazing about contributing photographs to help improve posts all across the suite of Section 36 blogs. For this blog, she's taken photographs of visitors that were included in interviews. She's also taken pictures of people wearing Section 36 gear to help show people how amazing it looks. Of course, the pictures on this blog are really a small sample of the amazing work done by  K. Garcia Productions. She's great at taking pageant photos,   weddings and engagements, portraits, fashion shots, and even shots for your business. 

As a way to remind you just how much she has done, I thought it would be fun to see some of the pictures taken by K. Garcia Productions that have really improved Section 36. Starting with one of my favorites.

This picture was taken during a photo shoot K. Garcia Productions had with Bridget Oei. You probably remember Bridget from her visit with Section 36, and the fact that she finished first runner up to Miss America 2019. Bridget has this Section 36 sweatshirt and she and Kelsey surprised me by including the outfit in the shoot. It's just absolute perfection.

As I mentioned, K. Garcia Productions photos have also been featured in interviews here on Section 36. The first one was this shot.

This amazing picture was included with my interview with Alexis Ferreira. Alexis has done a lot of work with K. Garcia Productions, and I'm glad I was able to feature this beauty.

Another example?

This gorgeous photo graced my interview with Allie Curtis. It's a wonderful example of using an on-location photo shoot to get a fantastic head shot. 

That same interview also included this shot...

I mean, pictures don't get much more fun (or better) than that!

Another great example is this one from another interview.

This shot was one of the highlights of my interview post with Jackie O'Keefe. It's part of a whole Patriots themed shoot K. Garcia Productions did with several titleholders, and shows the kind of fun you can have in the studio. Kelsey did a similar Bruins themed shoot as well. I wonder when she will turn to a Red Sox theme?

Finally, here are two photos that I'm almost positive Kelsey didn't take. But, they are wonderful examples of how she has made this blog a better place.

That's right. When Kelsey herself was at Fenway, she remembered to take a picture with Section 36 behind her. That's always appreciated.

On a recent vacation trip to Hawaii, Kelsey wore her very own Section 36 shirt while out sightseeing. Several pictures of her wearing the shirt is this exotic location have (or will have) graced the world of Section 36. They're all very appreciated.

As you can see, K. Garcia Productions has played a big part in making Section 36 a lot more attractive. You'll find that's the case with the other blogs in the suite, as well as all the social media accounts associated with them. For the Pageants blog, she's provided countless photos of visitors that have been posted on their profile pages or elsewhere. She was also nice enough to visit with Section 36 Pageants, in an interview posted on that blog. (In fact, to help emphasize how much she has meant to the Pageants blog, Section 36 Pageants will be celebrating "K. Garcia Productions Week" this week.) I encourage you to check them all out.

And don't forget K. Garcia Productions the next time you need a photographer!