Tamara Statman Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Tamara Statman is an

Photo by Elijah Bia

advocate for skin cancer prevention, a talented softball player, and the current Miss Tucson Del Sol. 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 Tamara Statman visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Tucson Del Sol crown?

I celebrated how you should celebrate all wins, pizza with my family and friends afterwards. I was extremely grateful for all the support from my friends in family because competing was definitely out of my element.

What has surprised you about your time as Miss Tucson Del Sol?

I have been most surprised about how welcoming the whole Miss America community is. I thought it was going to be fairly superficial based of stereotypes, but the girls are really genuine and amazing women. Another thing that has surprised me is how the community really wants to be able to use the Miss America Organization to their advantage which has been amazing to see. 

Why did you decide to compete for the Miss Tucson Del Sol crown?

Competing in a competition like this has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. When I was in middle school, I received an ad in the mail for a pageant with a little ribbon in it and I tried to beg my mom to let me compete. Needless to say, I was busy with softball and my mom did not let me compete. After I finished playing college ball, I wanted to participate in things that I was not able to do when I was in college. After seeing the different scholarship competition systems in Tucson, I decided to select the Miss America Organization to compete for the title of Miss Tucson Del Sol. I was extremely grateful that I selected this system because of the people that I have met and the skills I have been able to grow.  

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Skin Cancer Prevention: Educate, Facilitate, and Legislate”?

As a kid, I was a frequent flyer at the dermatologist's office. My dad has had various skin cancer surgeries, and he wanted to make sure that my sister and I would always get checked. Especially since I had light eyes, coloring, and hair. When I was in high school, I had an atypical mole removed through a Moh's Surgery. From there, I became a skin cancer prevention advocate with developing a program called T's K's for Skin Cancer in conjunction with the Arizona Skin Cancer Foundation. Individuals would be able to pledge money per strikeout I got pitching or just straight donate to AZSCF. All in all, I did help raise awareness of skin cancer during that time.

With continuing to live my life through college with the non stop application of sunscreen for practice and game-days, along with the wearing of long-sleeves, the choice to make skin cancer my initiative was a no brainer. 

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

So, actually, performing at Miss Tucson was the first time I have ever danced on stage alone. While I do dance improv west coast swing (the modern version of 50's swing that is danced in a linear slot and to modern music, you should Google it) competitively, typically that is done with anywhere from 10-30 couples on the floor. There has been a few opportunities to do a spotlight dance with a partner, but other than that I am dancing with others on the floor. 

I loved being able to showcase a dance, vernacular jazz, that is not often seen today. My dance is comprised of various 20's and 30's Charleston moves. While it may seem like a novelty, it is something that people certainly do still dance and I was excited to bring it to life. I cannot wait to do it on stage at state. 

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

I would definitely pick Mulan. She is one of the most B.A. characters of the Disney brand. Mulan is able to make the tough decisions and does not always take the easy way out. I would love to be able to learn and grow with that mindset. There is also nothing better than having Mushu as a companion. 

You were a four-year letter winner for the University of Arizona softball team. What do you remember most from that experience

Playing PAC-12 softball will certainly be one of the most challenging experiences of my life. There are a few moments. 1: Getting the game winning hit in extra innings AT Tennessee to move on to Super Regionals. It was great to upset a regional host. 2: Winning the PAC-12 season championships on UCLA's field in 2017. 3: Going to the World Series my senior year. It was a wild experience because we had plane issues on the way there and on the way back with birds flying into the engines before we were set to leave twice.

There are a lot of favorite moments, but those are the ones that are the least complicated to explain in a short period of time. 

You were also a member of the Israeli National softball team. How did that opportunity play out?

Playing for the Israeli National Softball Team is a very humbling experience. I went and made Aliyah to Israel and stayed and trained there with my teammates. We got to stay on a Kibbutz that had a field which was convenient. We never knew what was happening until five minutes before, but it was apart of the Israeli charm. It was crazy to see the quality of fields and just how lucky we are in the United States with the facilities that we have. 

After training in Israel, we traveled to the Czech Republic. The whole thing was just funny because of how wrong things went. Our 3 hour drive from the airport to Ostrava turned into 8 hours because we hit morning and afternoon traffic. The town of Ostrava was very cute and I loved the culture of the city. We wound up shocking a lot of people and got 9th place out of 23 teams. In years prior, Israel was second to last, so that was fantastic. Unfortunately, we did not place high enough in pool play to be able to compete for a spot for the European/Africa Olympic qualifier. 

It was a great experience. They play the national anthem before every game and there is just so much more pride than playing college softball. It's hard to describe, but there just is. 

Oh and by the way, we also had security guards with our delegation. They were funny.

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

So, while I'm not a Boston fan, I grew up in the nose bleeds of Qualcomm Stadium and Petco park as a child for Padres games. I have been around a few stadiums over the years due to travel for softball from there to Petco park, Wrigley Field, Guaranteed Rate Field, to T-Mobile Park. However, at Chase Field, I would love to be able to experience the pool out in right centerfield with a Churro Dog as a snack. So if you know anyone has the hookup, ask them to help a girl out. 

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So if anyone ever has an extra pool ticket, you'll let me know?

As usual, I want to thank Tamara for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures.

As Tamara continues her time as Miss Tucson Del Sol, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram Page. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on. You should also frequent her personal Instagram and website. They both have lots of great information and ways you can keep track of her.

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

Thanks again Tamara, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 20 (172-180)

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 20?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  1. One card, lots of Red Sox. The team card of the team that would go on to the 1975 World Series is pretty awesome.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: Participants in the 1975 World Series are cool. Cards of young Hall of Famers are cool. In this case, we have both on one card. Joe Morgan is listed on an All-Star in this card, but would go on to win the MVP in 1975 (and 1975). He would also drive in the winning run in the 1975 Series. As a Sox fan, that would be the worst thing he could do...until he took up broadcasting.

My favorite card on the page: I'll have to go with the Red Sox team card. But, that's actually a pretty sweet top row. The Sox team card, Captain America, and a great old rookie cup card. Hard to beat that.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Hannah Hilyard Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Hannah Hilyard is an advocate for childhood mental health, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Woodland Hills. 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 Hannah Hilyard visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Woodland Hills crown?
I celebrated with a never ending stream of FaceTime calls from my Miss California sisters! It was so much fun answering those calls with my crown in hand. I competed for 5 years and in 16 local competitions before I won Miss Woodland Hills, so I had met so many amazing girls along the way that were just as ecstatic as I was that night! As my mom was driving us home from the competition, our 3 1/2 hour drive was filled with all the love from several fabulous formers, friends, and much of the Miss California Class of 2020.

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Woodland Hills? 
I really am amazed at the power of the crown. I love how my title connects with all age groups across California, and gives me a voice that for so long I fought to have. My personal platform means the world to me, and this title is an incredible way to promote it. The networking and opportunities to serve the community have been priceless, and it has been such a positive in my life and so many others. 

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

Genuinely, I'm really not nervous for Miss California, and not in a cocky way at all. The Miss American Organization has empowered me to fully embrace who I am, and I feel that exudes in my ability to connect to others. When you are yourself, it attracts people to you! I have dreamt of my time in Fresno for so long, and competed for so many years in order to achieve that dream, that I know I’m ready. Of course there is a lot of preparation going on in every area of competition, but my excitement far outweighs my nerves when it comes to Miss California. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Speak Up for Kids: Childhood Mental Health and Learning Disorders”?

My social impact initiative is deeply personal. I grew up with an undiagnosed mental health disorder. I began showing signs of anxiety by early elementary school, but was brushed off by teachers for years. I did not receive a proper diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder until I was 16. Even then, I did not receive a full diagnosis of anxiety, OCD, and a panic disorder until I was 19. As someone who went through all of that, I have seen how there is a huge lack of pediatric mental health resources. As a teacher, I get to be that advocate every day for my students. My goal is to empower all communities to utilize the mental health resources that we do have, and tailor them the needs of children. The statistic is that 1 in 5 children have or will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. Additionally, 75% of adult mental illness cases begin developing before the age of 13. As a teacher, I am able to implement measures daily that help identify the signs of early onset mental illnesses, and also help to give those students the support that they need and be their advocate. It is my goal to empower communities to take similar action when it comes to our youth. 

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

I dance to express my feelings. I enjoy standing in the middle of a big empty dance floor showing an audience what I have to express. I take a lot of pride in choosing pieces that allow me to convey a story to my audience. I actually began competing in the Miss American Organization because of the talent portion! I grew up dancing, and loved the idea of getting to perform in a different type of scenario. I’m really excited to share my heart on the Miss California stage.

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

Personally, I would love to be Rapunzel! It seems like she has SO much to do in her tower, and I feel like right now while our entire state is social distancing, I could really benefit from picking up some new hobbies. I really resonate with Rapunzel’s tenacity and desire to make others happy, she is by far one of my favorite princesses.

Coming from a family of Giants fans, who is your all-time favorite Giants player?

Buster Posey! Not only is he by far my family’s favorite player, but I really admire his Posey Family Foundation which raises money for pediatric cancer. Fun fact, at one point my family had 4 guinea pigs that were all named after Giants players!

If you had an extra ticket to a Giants-Red Sox game, who would you bring? Why?

I would bring my 13 year old brother, David! He is an amazing baseball player. He pretty much plays baseball 24/7, playing league, fall ball, and on his school’s team. During the summers, you can catch my family and I being his biggest fans in the stands of whatever field he is playing on. He is one of the biggest Giants fans I know! 

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

I’m always down for a Giants vs. Dodgers game! Anytime I can watch the Giants #BeatLA, I’m here for it. I would love to go to a rivalry game in person at ATT Park.

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A “rivalry” game would definitely be so much fun!

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

As Hannah continues her time as Miss Woodland Hills, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram Page. It’s a great 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 whenever she competes for the Miss California title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Hannah, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 19 (163-171)

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 19?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  0. I'd say nothing even close...but I'm not sure what "close" would mean.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: This page honestly doesn't have a lot going for it. But, the fun "star" all-star logo on the Bert Campaneris is pretty cool. Plus, it gave my a chance to research Campaneris and realize he was a darn good player...probably someone I should have known more about all along.

My favorite card on the page: Lots of headshots and pretty basic posed shots on this page. Nothing is really jumping out at me. But, I do like the Padres uniform on Bill Greif. And, combining it with the jacket he's wearing under it just calls to me for some reason. So, I'll go with that!

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Aaliyah Manning Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Aaliyah Manning is a proponent of autism awareness, a talented pianist, and the current Miss City Beautiful. 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 Aaliyah Manning visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss City Beautiful crown?

Believe it or not, one of my favorite things to eat is a double bacon cheeseburger. Per tradition after just about any pageant, my family and I took a trip to the notorious and glamorous: Steak ‘N Shake! After winning we drove straight there and although I took my crown and sash off before walking in, we were the most dressed up people in the building and people were asking where we came from!

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss City Beautiful?

The never ending support, generosity and family oriented atmosphere of Team Orlando. It’s incredible! Our directors, my sister queens, our teens and parents within our group are just incredible. The surprises just keep coming! We’ve had mock interviews, photoshoots and planned appearances that are organized without us lifting a finger – all done with love the Miss Orlando board has a reel of various events set up for us to succeed in the journey to Miss Florida.

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

So far this year I’ve assisted in training over 50 first responders spanning all the way from Kissimmee, Universal Studios Security and Orange County! I want to see that number skyrocket and as Miss City Beautiful I can make that happen.

I will continue increasing the number of trained first responders and sworn workforce in Orlando to recognize the behavioral symptoms and characteristics of an individual with autism! The second leading cause of death for children with special needs is police interaction, and it’s often

because basic response techniques and ability to deescalate emergency scenarios aren’t practiced first. Orlando is a city that has millions of visitors traveling through to see our theme parks, attractions and resorts. With people from all walks of life and neurological backgrounds, our first responders should be aware of the fastest growing developmental disorder in America, and how to identify these unique civilians in their communities.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Autism Alliance”?

My nephew, Xahir (Zye-ir) is five years old, and I have a young boy that I mentor through the Miss Florida Program as my protégé, Liam who is seven years old – both of my boys have autism and I’ve recently connected with one of Orlando’s oldest and most active advocacy platforms for children with ASD: The Autism Society of Greater Orlando. Our first responders are everyone’s first line of defense, and it breaks my heart that yet the second leading C.O.D. for

children with autism fall under scenarios with first responders. Our first responders and our community fit together and it’s a synergistic connection and combination! This relationship is vital and should work together more smoothly, and that’s why the Autism Alliance is one of the

strongest forces our communities will see!

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

The feeling of hearing your name called, along with the title of you piece is a subtle reminder before you begin preforming of the time, dedication and passion poured into what you present. I’ve played the piano ever since I was 5 as I grew up in Seoul, Korea on behalf of my mother being in the U.S. Army. Each time I play, I remember the very first time little me touched the keys and I just love sharing my love for music with the state of Florida!

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

Oh my goodness. Princess Tiana without a doubt! Although, Moana is definitely my next in line also. Both characters send such a loud, powerful message to young girls that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. Tiana and Moana knew what they wanted in their future and with a servant’s heart, kind spirit and determined mindset they worked their way to achieve their dreams! Not to mention, beignets are so delicious and I’d love to live in paradise!

How would you complete the sentence “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

I’m surrounded by people. I’m an extrovert, and I live for my people and human connection. Serving my community, being at work, talking with classmates at school or even meeting new people is what I live for! I am a social butterfly and seeing my people succeed, connect and grow

in friendship is what keeps me going. (I also get great satisfaction when I’m eating cookies and ice-cream, but that’s another story!)

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

I’ve always wanted to throw the first pitch at a baseball game! I think it’d be an awesome experience to have. I’m not sure how good my throw would be, but it’d be worth a shot!

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

Without a doubt, my close friend and pageant sister: Mariluz! She’s actually visited Section 36 before and my girl knows her baseball and crowns, just like you Ron! Mariluz is my queen of sports broadcasting and we have so much fun when we’re together. She’d be able to tell me what’s going on each play at the game, so I’d definitely need her there!

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That sounds like it would be so much fun!

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

As Aaliyah continues her time as Miss City Beautiful, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram Page. It’s a great 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 whenever she competes for the Miss Florida title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Aaliyah, and good luck!