Arianna Shanks Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Arianna Shanks is passionate about domestic violence prevention, a budding physical therapist, and the current Miss Banks of the Wabash. 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 Arianna Shanks visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Banks of the Wabash crown?

When I decided I was competing, I told my family not to worry about attending the competition. It was my first time ever competing and I didn’t expect much. Lucky for me my parents disregarded my wishes and came anyway. They brought me flowers and were very supportive, but since it was so late they had to head home. I went back to college and found my whole friend group in my dorm ready to throw me a congratulations party, which was so special! 

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Banks of the Wabash?

For me it’s been the doors that have been opened! I’ve been trying to volunteer in my community for years, but I’ve found that opportunities present themselves much more frequently when you have a title. I’ve gotten some really amazing opportunities for advocacy and service and I hope to continue my work for a long time. 

This summer you competed at your first Miss Indiana competition. What was your favorite memory from that experience?

I loved every single second of competing for Miss Indiana, but the memory that really stands out is from the first preliminary night, where I answered my on-stage question. In my answer about supporting survivors I gave a few statistics about domestic violence. At one point I could literally hear the reaction to the statistics ripple through the audience; when I came off the stage after answering my on stage question, I had someone thank me. They said they were grateful for my bravery, and that I made them tear up while I was talking. They told me to keep going, and keep sharing my story, because they too were a survivor who never got the chance to do what I was doing. You can see it in someone’s eyes when they’ve lived the same experience as you, and most of the women i interacted with post-competition didn’t have to say a word. We shared a knowing glance and their appreciation (and my admiration for them) was obvious. I will never forget that. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Gabby Project”?

“The Gabby Project” itself is a project that uses education to attempt to prevent domestic violence and uses every resource possible to support survivors. I know for some people it can be hard to pick an initiative, but for me I could feel it in my gut the minute I realized I needed to pick something to advocate for. Since I was so new to MAO, I didn’t have years to think about what was important to me; instead I had about a month to pick and perfect my platform. I had been personally affected by domestic violence, which is what fueled my passion to protect other girls like me. 

I was 15 when I got into my relationship with my abuser. Too young to have enough dating experience to spot red flags, and too young to understand that the way I was being treated was completely unacceptable. 

I strongly believe that if someone then had been doing what I’m doing now, my abuse could’ve been prevented. If I had someone looking out for me and educating me on what abuse looks like, I would never have ended up in that position in the first place. 

My initiative is called “The Gabby Project” as a testament to how young I was when my abuse started. Many people don’t know this, but “Gabby” is me. My grandfather called me “Gabby” as a child as a nickname for me, because my full name is Arianna Gabrielle. He called me that for YEARS, and hearing that name reminds me of being a child: which is exactly what I was at 15. All I have ever wanted is simultaneously use my story as a warning against abuse, and as proof that you are not what happens to you. 

You’re currently studying kinesiology at the University of Indianapolis. Where do you see that field taking you?

My hope is that I’ll attend Uindy’s school of physical therapy and graduate with my DPT. Our current Miss Indiana works at Riley Children’s Hospital as a registered nurse, and my dream is to work there as a pediatric physical therapist. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I pretty much live in the gym. Strength training helps me feel a sense of control, and it’s nice to see the amazing things that my body is capable of. My typical week consists of 6 heavy lifting days, 3-4 cardio days, and 2-3 yoga classes. I like to incorporate all of these things to keep myself well rounded. 

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

If we’re counting Marvel as disney, I would say Shuri from Black Panther. She is incredibly cool, and has access to amazing technology. I also love her fiery personality and her fashion sense. As a science nerd, I would love to have access to her labs and research even if it was just for a week! 

If you had an extra ticket to a Fort Wayne Tincaps baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my Dad with me! He loves the atmosphere of sports games, and he’s usually the person I go to baseball or basketball games with. Mostly though, I would take him with me because he deserves a day off. He works so hard all day every day to support me and my siblings, and I’ve never heard him complain, even once. he is so focused on serving others he forgets to find time for himself. I love getting to spend time with him and it would be a lot of fun to take a trip with just him. 

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! My hometown actually has their own minor league, called the Jackrabbits. I think it would be super special to get to throw the first pitch, especially because I’m currently the only pageant queen in/from my hometown! 

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A first pitch would be a great opportunity, especially in her hometown!.

As always, I want to thank Arianna 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 Emma during the rest of 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 Arianna, and good luck !

Elyssa​ DiRaddo Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Elyssa DiRaddo is passionate about inclusivity, a music therapist, and the current Miss Collegiate Indy. I was flattered that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Elyssa DiRaddo visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Collegiate Indy crown?

I’ll be honest, winning Miss Collegiate Indy was really unexpected. I started competing and held my first title in 2022 and was aging out and was already preparing for the “forever” life, was lined up as a volunteer, and was helping girls prepare for their upcoming locals. About 10 days before Miss Collegiate Indy, Robin Flemming had the meeting where she changed the age to 28. All the sudden I started getting play-by-play commentary of the rest of the meeting and I had my paperwork updated and turned around in under a week, so the minute I got crowned, I had the moment of “wait… I get to do this again” and automatically started hugging and crying with my fellow titleholders, Miss Indiana Volunteers, and was mentally preparing myself to have another year. After the competition, I went out to get Mexican food with my fellow Miss Indiana local titleholders and we hung out- joked, made TikTok, etc. These women and I are already close, but being able to celebrate with them afterward after the chaos that was the past 10 days to get myself ready to compete again was the best celebration I could ask for. 

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

One goal? I have many, some about Miss Indiana, some about my work with disability rights, and some involving specifically being Miss Collegiate Indy. I know as a resident of Indianapolis, I have the opportunity to make connections with each university in the area. I want to have a connection set up with each university by the end of my reign with the hopes to 1. Get on campus and learn about each university and 2. Continue to promote Miss America and show what this organization is and find young women who can benefit from the scholarships and professional opportunities. I also know that at state, I want to make it a point, especially with all the Miss America changes, that I am still a role model as a plus-size woman. I still live a healthy lifestyle, can be confident, and show that I, and so can they, push through the barriers either society or they themselves have created. It took til the 3rd time someone mentioned to me competing before I gave it a chance, and here I am, on my second title, over $1,500 in scholarships, having won 2 nonfinalist awards at state, and knowing that I have already opened people’s eyes. I want to broaden that audience, especially as Fitness is coming back to competition. I want to be the role model that young girls look up to. If I know I made one person feel seen or give them the confidence to do what they are passionate about, I have done my job. 

What is something Elizabeth Hallal is doing as Miss Indiana that you would want to emulate?

Elizabeth has been representing our state so well as Miss Indiana, and the fact that I have the opportunity to possibly be crowned by her is absolutely surreal. Elizabeth from the moment you meet her is authentically herself, genuine, personable, and down to earth. She comes to competitions and backstage is hanging out with us and being silly, relates to the different women, and looks out for the best of all of us competitors. Her ability to connect with people so quickly while being authentically herself is something I strive to have each day of my life, not just as a titleholder. Being able to attend events, work on my social impact initiative, any time I am interacting with the Indiana community, I am being authentic and down to earth so that I can show what Miss America is, this outstanding beautiful young woman who is active in her community but still a real person who is not perfect, doesn’t always know the right words, but someone you feel seen by, can connect with, can look up to in your community. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Inclusivity for All Abilities”?

I love the work I do as a Board Certified Music Therapist and am passionate about working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or are neurodivergent. My job as a Music Therapist is to support them in meeting their life goals and dreams. Through the way I practice, it is important to me to discuss their goals with them regularly, and make sure what we are working on is going to best support what they want to do. Through these conversations, although all unique, I often hear the same topics over and over. We discuss making and maintaining friendships, and relationships, what types of jobs they would like to currently have/would like to have grown up, and to feel accepted and understood by society and their community. This last point then made me realize we often expect people to adapt to how society has been formed and created for neurotypical people. We often expect those with disabilities to adapt to us, underestimate their abilities and what they give to our community, and overlook their voice in conversations. By working to educate the community, we as a whole can be accepting of all around us, if they have a disability or not. 

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

Honestly, it is the vulnerability singing gives you. It is something that is a part of you and you are sharing a part of yourself with the people you are singing to. The vowel placement, what you ate that day, where is the tension in your body, and that all add into this experience that you have with the audience. Singing is extremely personal and is a part of you, and I get to share that story. I have said this and it is one of those moments that only singers can fully understand and often get looked at sideways, but its the moment the song ends, especially with a high note, where the music stops and the room is silent, the room pauses, and you know your voice is finishing it’s last ring in the room and the audience is taking in that last moment, it is one of the most calming silences I have ever experienced. 

You have a degree in Music Therapy. Where do you see that field taking you?

I am fortunate enough to say I do that everyday of my life. I am now a practicing board-certified music therapist. The majority of my caseload is supporting people with developmental and intellectual disabilities to meet the goals that they have for their life, which is the foundation of my love for disability and neurodivergence rights and acceptance. I have now been practicing for over 3 years, worked through a pandemic with my caseload, and have seen them make strides in their goals. This I see as a forever career. I just started working as an internship supervisor, am co-chair for my company’s Diversity Alliance, have advocated yearly for music therapy licensure in the state of Indiana, and am serving on a committee for our upcoming conference. Going forward, I want to take more leadership in the profession, serving in a way to continue education on neuro-affirming care and working on advocacy for the profession. Rather that is as a Music Therapy Director, supervisor, or working outside of my office walls and with music therapy organizations, I want to spread my passion even further than my caseload. 

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

As a theatre kid at heart, I have been in several Disney productions, sang several Disney songs- did Beauty and the Beast twice, as 2 different characters, Mrs. Potts and Madame de la Grande Bouche (the wardrobe), which fun fact- the wardrobe role was split to make Mrs. Potts. Of all the roles, I feel like every day I am The Wardrobe, a large personality, Opera Singer, and “ Madam with the big mouth”. But if I could be someone else, I think Hannah Montana- pop queen, normal girl, and a closet the size of my current apartment. Best of All Worlds.

If you had an extra ticket to see a baseball game between the Fort Wayne TinCaps and the South Bend Cubs, who would you take with you? Why?

There is a woman I know, whom I will keep anonymous, who went to her first baseball game recently in her 30s. We all expected her to be more into the games and such in-between, getting food, etc and would want to leave early but she got extremely into the game, did not want to leave when it was over, and will still talks about the game months later. I would take her. I know she would love the experience and would enjoy each moment. I know it would become one of her favorite days. 

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

So when I was 6 I won the opportunity to be the “featured guests” at a Cubs game, play catch on the field, name on the board, the whole nine yards, which also came with a decent size scholarship for my elementary school, so at a young age I got to experience many of the cool events of a baseball game, which I am so grateful for. At this point, I want to sing the national anthem and throw the first pitch at a professional game. 

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Those would both be great opportunities. That featured guest experience sounds amazing as well! 

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Elyssa during her journey as Miss Collegiate Indy. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account as well as her personal account. In fact, check out her entire linktree for more great places to visit. They're all wonderful ways to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Elyssa, and good luck!

Lacee Freeman Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Lacee Freeman is passionate about equal sports access, a neurobiology major, and the current Miss Tippecanoe. I was so flattered that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Lacee Freeman visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Tippecanoe crown?

Thankfully, both of my parents were able to come watch me compete so I was able to go out to dinner with them, as well as many of the other contestants, directors, and local titleholders that were there. Once I got back to Purdue, I stayed up most of the night chatting with my friends and family who saw the announcement!

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

I have a few goals in mind! I’d like to further expand my platform and outreach within the Tippecanoe community. I’d also like to learn more about the Tippecanoe community and how I can be a proper representative and role model. I’d like to utilize my platform to represent Purdue at university events and events for the general public to share my love for my school! Overall, I aim to make a positive impact on those around me and make Tippecanoe proud when I represent at the state competition. 

What is something Elizabeth Hallal is doing as Miss Indiana that you would want to emulate?

Elizabeth does an amazing job of making everyone feel so welcome. She is also always her authentic self, and isn’t afraid to share the goofy or weird side of her. She actually got ready in the same room as all of us that were competing at Miss Tippecanoe even though she was given her own room to get ready in. It’s truly hard to find someone with such a large platform that is so down to Earth, so I would love to continue to emulate those things through my current title and potentially as the next Miss Indiana. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Play Like a Girl”?

I’ve played sports my entire life, and I owe much of the life lessons, healthy habits I’ve formed, and my overall success to sports. So because of that, I wanted to give back to the sports that helped shape me. I quickly realized that many youth sports programs, especially girl’s sports, are extremely underfunded. Along with this, realizing this is not only an issue at the level of youth sports but becomes an issue later on where even at the college and professional level, women are not treated equally or given equitable resources. I’ve dealt with the social stigmas, double standards, and societal pressures related to being a woman in sports, so breaking these stereotypes and raising awareness for these issues in youth sports and female athletics became something I am very passionate about. 

You are currently studying Neurobiology and Physiology at Purdue. Where do you see those fields taking you?

With this degree, I see myself becoming a healthcare provider. Whether this is to become a physician assistant or a medical doctor, I’m not quite sure yet. There are aspects of both jobs that I align with so knowing me I will most likely end up applying for both, and seeing what happens! I’ve always wanted to go into the sports medicine field, and ideally would love to work with college or professional teams. However, I also love pediatrics so working in a sports medicine clinic with youth athletes would also be fulfilling! Recently I’ve piqued an interest in sports neurology and the studies being conducted regarding concussions and spinal cord injuries. Cheerleading, a sport I’ve done since I was five years old,  is actually the number one sport for women to get concussions, so seeing these effects and how current researchers are looking for ways to minimize them by bettering concussion prevention and protocols has brought my attention to this field. 

You’re also a member of the Purdue University Spirit Squad. What is that experience like?

It is so amazing! I am on the all girl team, and it has become my second family. The opportunity to represent Purdue not only in Ross-Ade Stadium and Mackey Arena but also out in the community is truly a blessing. My favorite part is definitely seeing all of the kids, and the way their faces light up seeing the cheerleaders. I love the joy that we’re able to bring others, and the ability to add to the gameday atmosphere while highlighting our skills. There is truly nothing like a game day at Purdue! Sometimes it is hard to find a school that treats their cheerleaders as athletes, but Purdue does a very good job of making sure we are treated as such. We are fortunate to be given a wide range of resources not only in terms of athletics but also in terms of professional development and networking. We also just recently made our return to UCA College Nationals, which was very fun and something I always dreamed about being able to experience. I am excited to see the trajectory of our program and the growth we’ll experience under our great coaching staff and the support of Purdue!

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

I would choose Rapunzel! Beyond the blond hair, I think that she and I share a lot of the same qualities and she has always been one of my favorite princesses. I also love the idea of having a little chameleon friend! 

If you had an extra ticket to see a baseball game between the Fort Wayne TinCaps and the South Bend Cubs, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my nephew, Brayden! He is a huge sports fan and probably knows way more about baseball than I do despite him being only 9. I just know he would have a great time and he always loves concession stand snacks. He is a major goofball, and I’m very blessed I get to be a part of his life and watch him grow up! 

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

I’ve always wanted to throw a first pitch! Especially as a cheerleader, doing a back tuck (or backflip as many say) before the pitch would just be so fun. I’m hoping to possibly get the chance through the local baseball team, Lafayette Aviators, or through Purdue baseball. I would say other than that, any chance to get on the jumbotron with my dance would also be a fun experience!

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Now, that's a first pitch I'd want to see! 

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Lacee during her journey as Miss Tippecanoe. You should be sure to check out her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Lacee, and good luck!

Chloee Kline Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Chloee Kline is passionate about mental health, a talented performer, and the current Miss Collegiate North. 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 Chloee Kline visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Collegiate North crown?

My family and friends couldn’t make it to watch the pageant, and I didn’t expect to win! I went home with my crown on and surprised my family after the pageant. They were very excited, to say the least. I always get Taco Bell after pageants to my mom bought a taco for me to celebrate.

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

My biggest goal is to connect with as many Indiana colleges and universities as possible to share my social impact initiative, implement The Bandana Project and get college students mental health resources they may need but not know about. 

What is something Elizabeth Hallal is doing as Miss Indiana that you would want to emulate?

Eliza is a full-time college student but also attends a ton of events and appearances. I want to make sure I attend as many events as possible, like Eliza and soak up my time as Miss Collegiate North. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Bandana Project”?

While a student at Purdue University, I was heavily involved in Student Government (PSG). PSG organizes a Mental Health Awareness Week each year. In my senior year, we decided to implement The Bandana Project on campus. We distributed over 30,000 bandanas and resource cards on campus. This project was very successful and truly impacted my life and my mental health journey. I knew I wanted to use this as my SII to give students the resources I didn’t have as a college student.

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

I grew up in theatre and show choir and miss performing on stage. I truly enjoy the talent portion of the competition as it takes me back to my performing days. I feel so at peace on stage, sharing a song that has touched my heart so much I feel compelled to perform it on stage.

You’re a proud graduate of Purdue University. Where do you see your degree taking you?

With the scholarships I’ve earned in this organization, I hope to attend law school and further my education in legal writing. I feel very prepared from my time at Purdue! I have a Bachelor of Arts in English and Professional Writing. I’ve made many connections with other Purdue alumni inside and outside of the Miss America Organization. I am most thankful for the Purdue Community and how I’ve learned to network with them. 

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

One of my all-time favorite movies is Ratatouille. I would love to be Remy for a week, not only to cook and eat some delicious food but to also experience Paris and French culture. 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Fort Wayne TinCaps play the South Bend Cubs, who would you take with you? Why?

I would definitely take my sister and my nephew to a Tin Caps game. I grew up in the Fort Wayne area and went to a few baseball games as a kid when the team was the Wizards. I would love to take my nephew to do things that I did as a child in northeast Indiana. 

 

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

Last summer, I attended an Indianapolis Indians game and had a blast! I’m excited to attend more games next season and I aspire to sing the National Anthem at a game as a titleholder. 

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Singing the anthem would be an incredible experience! 

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Chloee during her journey as Miss Collegiate North. 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. 

Thanks again Chloee, and good luck!