Hayley Jarvis Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Hayley Jarvis is passionate about diabetes awareness, a talented singer, and the current Miss Catamount's Teen. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Hayley Jarvis visits Section 36!

What made you decide to compete for the Miss Vermont’s Teen crown as Miss Catamount’s Teen?

I think having a friend who competed helped but the organization and all the amazing women behind it solidified my decision to compete. I have already made so many connections and can't wait to make them into lifelong friends.

What is something that Charlee Royer is doing as Miss Vermont’s Teen that you would like to emulate?

I love how Charlie is  just so real like in person and on her social medias I really hope to emulate the feeling of being a person because everyone is and it's important to realize. 

What do you enjoy about performing your talent on stage?

Feeling like a popstar and being able to show people something I have done my whole life singing is one of my favorite things to do and I can't wait to share it with everyone. 

How did you select your CSI, bringing awareness to people living with diabetes?

I selected my CSI because I have grown up around people living with diabetes and I learned over the years not enough people know how it is or how to help. i want to be able to end people making assumptions about people based on the disease  

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

I would want to be Tiana because she is a cook and I love cooking my mom is a cook so I grew up around it and it is a big part of my life. 

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

I've always wanted to go to a baseball game and get peanuts. I also just really want to go to a game because baseball has also been in my life for a while I played softball  for a few years and I grew up playing baseball in the yard with my dad and brother  all the time in the summer.

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I definitely hope she can make it to a game soon!

As always, I want to thank Hayley 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 her 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. You should also visit the American Diabetes Association website to learn more about people dealing with that disease.

Thanks again Hayley, and good luck at the Miss Vermont's Teen competition!

Alysa Goethe Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Alysa Goethe is passionate about advocating for those with diabetes, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Greater Des Moines. I was thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Alysa Goethe visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Greater Des Moines crown?

I spent lots of time with my family! I was fortunate to have many loved ones attend and watch me get crowned despite my hometown being two and a half hours away. They all traveled over 100 miles to cheer me on, and I wanted to soak up every moment I could before they traveled back. There were lots of tears, laughter, and beautiful memories I can now look back on! 

 

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

I’m honestly most nervous about packing! I always manage to forget to bring one item with me, and since I’m a huge perfectionist, it leaves me quite frustrated. But, I’ve already started my packing list 8 months in advance this time, so hopefully that eases my nerves!

 

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

Now that we are finding ways to safely gather again after being distanced for so long, I plan to take every opportunity to reach out into the community as possible. Being able to connect with people, provide a service, and spark an interest in the Miss Iowa program is truly one of the best parts of this job. Specifically with my social impact initiative, I am going to continue partnering with local businesses and organizations to fundraise and advocate for type one diabetes, as well as visit schools to educate students and teachers about the importance of joining the fight to end T1D.   

 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Not Your Type: Advocating for Type One Diabetes”?

On August 22nd, 2011, my life changed forever. When I was just 11 years old, in my first week of middle school, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. And on August 23rd, 2011, I decided that this was a cause I wanted to be involved in. This initiative has been embedded in my everyday life since the moment I was diagnosed, and I knew right away that this was what I should be promoting during my time in MAO. I have found that diabetes advocacy is often overlooked both in life and in pageantry, which ultimately fuels my fire even more. 

 

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

The times I feel the most at peace and free are when I am sharing my passion for music with others. I have LOVED to sing ever since I could speak because music has provided me an outlet to express myself when I can’t find the right words to say. It’s so fun to share this part of myself with others and connect through music!

 

You’re pursuing a career in arts education. What drew you to that field?

The mentors I had throughout my musical education instilled a confidence in my musical abilities that I didn’t ever think I could attain. It’s because of the teachers I had that my passion for singing has blossomed into what it is today, and I want to bring that love to students as my teachers did to me! 

 

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

Rapunzel is my all-time favorite Disney princess because she’s so adventurous, loves life, and rocks any hairstyle. She’s definitely who I’d want to be! 

 

If you had an extra ticket to an Iowa Cubs game, who would you take with you? Why?

My dad is the biggest baseball fan I know, and as a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, I would love to see the Iowa Cubs with him! I grew up playing softball with my dad as a coach and it’s something we love to bond over. 

 

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

I’d love to get a tour of a stadium. I’ve been fortunate to participate in many fun traditions of baseball games like singing the National Anthem and throwing out the first pitch, but I’d love to see more behind-the-scenes

action!

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I definitely want to take in a stadium tour or two myself!

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

As Alysa continues her time as Miss Greater Des Moines, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on!

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

Thanks again Alysa, and good luck!

Jennifer Schmidt Visits Section 36!

Photo Denise Watrous

Section 36 had another visitor! Jennifer Schmidt is passionate about controlling diabetes, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Wisconsin. 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 Jennifer Schmidt visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Wisconsin crown?

I did a taco tour of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, eating at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants with my friends and family everyday for a week! The months leading up to the Miss Wisconsin competition were so busy with work and preparations that I did not get to spend much time with my loved ones. Aftering winning Miss Wisconsin, I wanted to celebrate by sharing my favorite food with my favorite people. 

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

Of course! My goals are:

• to use my professional nonprofit experience to establish a donor development program to increase the Miss Wisconsin scholarship fund.
• work with my social impact initiative to bring funding, resources, and programs back to Wisconsin that were lost when the American Diabetes Association (ADA) permanently closed their Wisconsin office.
• make Wisconsin proud at the 100 year anniversary Miss America competition.

I am proud to share that I am currently working towards each of these! 

What did you learn about yourself at the miss Wisconsin competition that will help you at Miss America?

Everything happens for a reason. In May of 2020, the Miss Wisconsin competition was postponed and the ADA permanently closed their Wisconsin office in response to the pandemic and a lack of funding. I struggled to find my purpose knowing that the job I pursued for 8 years no longer existed. But then I realized that, while I lost my job, Wisconsin lost a valuable resource. I felt compelled to relentlessly pursue the job of Miss Wisconsin so that I could promote my social impact initiative, “Diabetes, YOU Have the Control” and fill the void left in the Wisconsin diabetes community. I am certain that, if I had not lost my job at the ADA, my name would not have been called as Miss Wisconsin 2021. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Diabetes, YOU Have the Control”?

My entire life I have watched my grandmother struggle with type 2 diabetes. I have watched her struggle with the daily responsibility of monitoring her blood sugar, the financial burden of insulin, and the terrible health complications of the disease. My grandmother inspired, “Diabetes, YOU Have the Control” and my initiative to eliminate risk, unnecessary suffering, and tragic death caused by type 2 diabetes. 

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

Aw! Thank you for saying I am talented! Growing up, I was incredibly shy, however, dancing was a way for me to express myself when I did not have the words to. While I am not too shy anymore, my favorite thing about performing my talent is being vulnerable and sharing a story or message with the audience. 

You have a degree in Rehabilitaion/Psychology. Where would you like to see that degree take you?

At first, after graduating with my bachelors degree in rehabilitation psychology, I wanted to pursue my masters in occupational therapy. However, I had a lot of student loan debt so I decided to take a few years to work and save money. I did not know what I wanted to do but I knew who I wanted to work for. My involvement in the Miss America Organization, work with my social impact initiative, and years of volunteering with the ADA ultimately led to my employment as their Manager of Donor Relations. Realizing my skill and enthusiasm for fundraising, I am now working as a nonprofit professional and pursuing a career in donor relations and fundraising.

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

I would choose Princess Jasmine from Aladdin because I always thought Aladdin was the cutest prince! Haha! ;)

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

I would take my godmother. She is the biggest Brewers fan I know! Also because, when I was a senior in high school, my parents lost their small business and they struggled to find jobs without college degrees. At the same time I learned the value of a college degree, I did not think there was a way for me to pay for one. With the scholarship dollars that I earned competing in the Miss America Organization, I had just enough to pay for my first semester of college. After my first semester, my godmother cosigned my loans and helped finance the rest of my college education. Without her I would not be able to call myself a first generation college graduate so I would take her in a heartbeat!

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

Unlike my godmother, I have to admit, I am not the biggest baseball fan. However, as a former Milwaukee Bucks Dancer, I am definitely a basketball fan! I would love to be invited to attend the Milwaukee Bucks home opener as Miss Wisconsin, show off my Show Us Your Shoes Parade costume and shoes, and celebrate the 2021 NBA world champions as they receive their rings! 

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I love how she found a way to mention the Bucks championship! 

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

As Jennifer continues her time as Miss Wisconsin, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss Wisconsin website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

You can also check out her personal Instagram, and the Facebook page for the Miss WI Org.

And, if you'd like book Jennifer for an appearance, check out how to do that HERE.

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Jennifer, and good luck!

Lily Jeswald Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Lily Jeswald is passionate about stopping the diabetes stigma, a talented singer, and the current Miss Commonwealth. I was thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Lily Jeswald visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Commonwealth crown?
After all the hugs, photos and my mom running onstage WHILE I was being crowned, I threw off my gown and headed straight to the Cheesecake Factory with my mom, Kim and my boyfriend, Jake. During the Fettuccine Alfredo and Chocolate Cake, I discovered our waitress was actually related to Miss Massachusetts, Lynsdsey Littlefield! So funny how worlds collide. 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Commonwealth competition that will help when you compete for Miss Massachusetts? 
I learned how important it is to be my true, genuine self.

Through all the stress of competing, it's hard not to belittle yourself for not being like the girls around you. I am so grateful that as I've grown up, I've been able to hold my own, while still keeping my bubbly personality. 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Commonwealth?
As Miss Commonwealth, my number one goal is to give back to my community. When I was younger, I studied at the Burtwood School of Performing Arts in Middleboro, where many of the Miss America Organization girls studied public speaking, and so as you can imagine, my dream was always to be one of the girls with the 'sparkly hats'. Once I started competing in the Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen program, I realized being a titleholder meant a lot more than wearing gowns and singing onstage. It required the women who competed to be well-rounded, well spoken members of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who continuously gave back to their community. I am so excited to get started - next week I will be singing the national anthem at the Veteran's Day event in Middleboro, MA to kickoff my start of appearances as Miss Commonwealth.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Type 1 Diabetes and Me: Generation Z”?

I live my social impact initiative. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of four, and now seventeen years later, I wear both an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. As a child, there were not many kids like me, so I sought out to find them. Did you know there's over 600,000 people right now in Massachusetts alone who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes? This is an underrepresented group, and as Miss Commonwealth my goal is to be their representative at Miss Massachusetts. I like to say the phrase "Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there". With all chronic illnesses there are two immediate reactions: "Can I catch it?" or "You poor thing". I'm here to stop the stigma and to show children and adults alike that people with T1D can be successful in whatever they wish to do, despite their medical condition.

As a talented singer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?
I was a shy kid, but I always loved singing. My pure love for

Photo by Peter Camyre

Disney movies kickstarted my love of musical theatre. The most thrilling experience of performing onstage is the fact that it is always different. I have performed both onstage and on film, and nothing is more nerve wracking than the idea that something could go wrong - at any time. There will never be this exact show again. People will sing the same lyrics all over the world - but no one will tell the story the same way again. 

How would you finish the sentence, “I get great satisfaction when ___”?
I get great satisfaction when I... eat ice cream? Just kidding. (Not really :) ). I think the most satisfying piece of my education so far has been directing and teaching. I am a current double major in both theatre and english at Dean College in Franklin, MA. Seeing one of my students or performers have a breakthrough is the best moment for me. When a student works hard week after week after week and one day - it just 'clicks'. That makes the hours of teaching worthwhile. 

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

I am the biggest Disney nerd around. I would love to think that Cinderella's castle is my second home! I would have to swap places with Ariel from The Little Mermaid. My childhood dream of being a singing mermaid would finally come true - and having Flounder as my sidekick would be the icing on top of the cake.

If you had an extra ticket to a Red Sox game, who would you take with you? Why?
I have never been to a Red Sox game - so I'd have to take my brother Ricky with me to show me the ropes. He is the sports sibling - I'm the musical sibling. 

Is there a feature or activity at a Red Sox game that you’d especially like to experience?
I want to throw the first pitch as Miss Commonwealth! I would LOVE to sing the national anthem at a Red Sox game and start the game off - I did sing at New York Fashion Week last year - so I'm fully qualified! :) 

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Yup. Most definitely qualified!

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

I encourage you to follow Lily on her title's Facebook and Instagram accounts, as well as her personal Facebook and Instagram, and the Facebook and Instagram accounts for her social impact. So many ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss Massachusetts title. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!
 
Thanks again Lily, and good luck!