Morgan Mohler Visits Section 36!

K. Stewart Photography

Section 36 had another visitor! Morgan Mohler is passionate about overcoming adversity, a clinical researcher, and the current Miss St. Croix Valley. I was so glad she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Morgan Mohler visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss St. Croix Valley crown?

I was in shock for a few days. I had been competing for the past two years, and it had been a long road of failure/growth, rejection, and self-reflection. All I wanted to do that day was my very best. At the end of the competition, I knew I had left it all on the table and what was meant to be, would be. 

When my name was called, I felt an immediate wave of relief. I had actually won. I felt validated having put in hours upon hours of work, thought, and dedication to earn this position within the Miss America Organization (MAO). My dream had come true. 

That night, only my boyfriend (Zach) and his father (Mark) were able to make it to the competition to witness my crowning moment in-person, so I spent most of the car ride home calling those who couldn’t make it the good news. I laid in my bed that night in disbelief of what had happened just hours before; so much so that I kept sitting up in my bed making sure the crown box was still there. It was finally setting in that this was the beginning of a beautiful, revealing, long-anticipated journey. 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss St. Croix Valley?

I have been pleasantly surprised with how engaged people are when talking about MAO and Miss Minnesota. I am unbelievably proud to have been trusted with the ability to facilitate interest in what MAO is. I can feel the instantaneous respect and support from everyone. It’s nothing I have ever experienced before. 

What did you learn about yourself at the St. Croix Valley competition that will help you at Miss Minnesota?

I’ve learned so much about myself competing in the Miss America Organization. One of those lessons I am continuously working on going to Miss Minnesota is focusing on the right “lead indicators”. At my last local competition, I wasn’t attached to winning per say - my goal was to do my very best in all aspects of competition: interview, talent, onstage pitch/question, evening gown. This, I believe, was the golden ticket for my success. 

It happens so often in life, not just MAO competition, that we get caught up in the goal at the end of the road instead of focusing on what we need to do along the road to earn the goal. For example, you can’t catch a big fish when you don’t know how to bait a hook. To earn success, we have to put our energy where it needs to go (into the intermediate steps) for the result to fall in our favor. 

How did you select your community service initiative, “Living L.I.F.E. Limitless”?

Everyone says that college is supposed to contain the best four years of your life… but within the first year of my college career, I endured close family losses, physical setbacks, and severe anxiety. Eventually, I sought the help I needed to now be anxiety-managed as I like to call it.  

After being able to find success despite these adverse situations, I found my purpose in teaching others how to overcome adversity and choose success. I began my pursuit of a title within MAO and created Living LIFE Limitless. My efforts encourage others who are feeling lost to flip the script and decide they were made for more and can accomplish all they set out to. As Miss St. Croix Valley, my mission is to teach others how to achieve their dreams and goals no matter the circumstance(s).

You are currently working as an associate clinical research coordinator at Mayo Clinic Rochester. What drew you to that field?

I have always loved solving problems and grasping at straws to make something more efficient. When looking at careers, I discovered research coordination - something I didn’t know existed. As soon as I started, I was astounded with how perfectly my new job fit into my natural skills of leadership, adaptation, and communication. Being a coordinator has given me the opportunity to offer my patients, real humans vs samples, a glimmer of hope moving forward in life while navigating their diagnoses which is exactly where I am meant to be. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

Lifting weights is my bread and butter! I cannot keep up with cardio/dance to save my life, but I love a good muscle workout. I also love to mix in walking, traveling, playing beach volleyball, fishing, hitting softballs in the park, and swimming for fun. 

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

Sven from Frozen, 100%. I cannot describe the sheer accuracy this character has when comparing the way he lives to how I live. We both express all of our emotions fully on our faces - seriously, I wasn’t upset wearing a mask because I saved myself a lot of trouble. We both also get pulled into crazy adventures, but we love every minute of spending time with our friends. 

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

I would take one of my little cousins because they are being raised as Cubs fans which is unacceptable in this land. 

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

I would love to sit in the dugout during the game! I played softball for 11 years, and my favorite part was running back into the dugout to high five my teammates after a quick 3 up, 3 down inning. It is such an unmatched environment living through literally all the emotions in a few short hours, & I would love to experience that in the big leagues. 

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Yup. That would be a pretty amazing experience.

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

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Morgan during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. You should also visit her milkshake. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything.

Thanks again Morgan, and good luck!  

Mikaela Mohr Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Mikaela Mohr is passionate about breast cancer care, a top saleswoman, and the current Miss Winona. I was flattered she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Mikaela Mohr visits Section 36!

How did you react to being crowned Miss Winona? 

With Winona being my hometown - being Miss Winona was a dream of mine given I had looked up to her since I was a little girl. I remember feeling quite literally shocked that the crown was actually being placed on my head...not to mention I was crowned by Miss Minnesota, Rachel Evangelisto (the former Miss Winona), and MISS AMERICA (at the time), Emma Broyles. There was honestly this feeling of meant-to-be, like "I did it. I finally did it." Then after the competition, there was a reception in which it hit me...I get to continue my journey within the Miss America Organization and represent my hometown while I compete for the role of Miss Minnesota 2023. 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Winona? 

The abundance of support. I have so many people in my corner cheering for me, coaching me, and simply joining me on this next step of my journey: Miss Minnesota.

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

To wear this crown for the right reason. I get asked often, "Why did you start competing?" and the answer is simple; for others who may not recognize that their story matters too. I grew up as the daughter (and caregiver) of a two-time Breast Cancer Survivor; my mom. She was first diagnosed when I was in 5^th grade so the majority of my developmental years were centric on caring for others, which I'm grateful for as it shaped me into who I am today. Now, was there some part of me that was saddened, angry, and even resentful at times? Absolutely! However, I NEVER felt this way towards my mother...more so at the fact that there was nobody to really "blame." This was just the way life was meant to be - and it was difficult to accept, yet as I grew through the experience I can now look back and realize what life skills, experiences, and even lessons I had learned and chose to see the positive. This is my goal during my time as Miss Winona - to bring visibility to the loved ones of someone diagnosed with cancer, and to support the supporters. The Miss America Organization provides the opportunity to share passions through a "Community Service Initiative" to dedicate your year to a specific cause. I chose to use this avenue to share my experiences and I call this,

More Than a Diagnosis. 

How did you select your community service initiative? 

It started before even being given the crown. I partnered with a local hospital and we started a now-annual Color Fun Run to benefit Breast Cancer patients/survivors called, ThinkPINK Winona. We started with no template or quite frankly much of a budget. In only a few months we pulled together a community event with several sponsors and over 150 people in attendance. I remember as everyone gathered at the starting line and the pink powder started flying my mother and I counted down from 3..2...1 and just seeing this moment come to fruition; all of the smiles, laughter, color, and even tears....my mother looked over at me and said, "I never realized how much my diagnosis effected you too." This hit me HARD. We were both so focused on her surviving such a difficult pathway that even I never looked at my experience and all that had come from it. 8 Months later I competed for Miss Winona, was given this amazing year, and realized that I'm not the only one. Over 1.9 Million Americans were diagnosed with cancer in 2022, meaning there are going to be children, spouses, siblings, grandparents, neighbors, and friends who are going to step into the supportive role and help their loved one survive. It takes a lot to care for someone and it's pivotal that we rely on one another as it truly takes a village.

You currently work in sales. What is that experience like for you? 

Oh, absolutely amazing! I work for a Fortune 500 global company based in Minnesota. I started my career after graduating from the AACSB-Accredited Winona State College of Business in December 2022. Now, taking on this role in an already male-dominated vertical is one thing...but I'm in SUPPLY CHAIN Sales, which only took that to a whole new level. In the past few months I have been honored to be recognized as a top performer, but I truly believe it's all centric on the mindset. I love my job and have felt nothing but support (especially towards my journey in the Miss America Organization), but the most experiential piece of it all is being able to work in a place that values my strong work ethic and encourages me to improve continuously. One thing I love is the atmosphere of being "remote first", even though I go into the headquarters by choice several times a week. I've chosen to use this step in my career to network with others within my industry and influential C-suite leaders to build my professional and personal network.

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

…passion drives positive change. One thing I made clear from the start of this crazy journey within the MAO was that I don't want to just show up to an event, take photos, and leave...I'm here to make a difference. I choose to get involved with an appearance from the beginning; sitting on committee boards, helping plan or outsource fundraising, connecting with sponsors, or simply helping elevate the marketing efforts of an organization; I'm all about using my talents and profession to make a difference not only on stage but behind the scenes.

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

Dory from Finding Nemo. Even though she has short-term memory loss, she continually chooses to live life to the fullest and with a positive outlook. Also, just imagine how exciting and adventurous your every day would be to re-experience as if it had never happened before. And yes, there are definitely negative aspects of having memory loss of any kind, which many people face in their everyday lives, but I also believe that being able to actually live in their shoes for a week would be truly eye-opening - to actually physically and emotionally understand what someone is going through so you can best support them.

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

I'm actually going to a Twins game at the end of April (for an American Cancer Society MN event), and I'm bringing my mom! We never got to experience things like that given we were focused on "other" things during my childhood [aka her surviving cancer of course] so it'll be fun to make those memories now that she's healthy and we still have the opportunity to do so.

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

Singing the national anthem. (Which might just be something in the works if I'm blessed with the title of Miss Minnesota 2023 )

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I definitely hope she gets to do that!

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

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Mikaela during her journey. You should be sure to check out her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. In fact, check out her whole linktree! That way you'll be sure not to miss anything.

Thanks again Mikaela, and good luck!   

Sage Hovet Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Sage Hovet is passionate about Make-A-Wish, a talented performer, and the current Miss Mankato. 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 Sage Hovet visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Mankato crown? 

The same way I celebrate all my big accomplishments - by telling my mom! She is my biggest cheerleader and my favorite person to share good news with.

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

I don't know if "nervous" is the right word so much as "curious" - fitness is coming back, and I am eager to see what that looks like! I have a feeling it will be totally new from swimsuit. It is currently a mystery, but I love rebel athletic wear and I prioritize my health now more than ever, so I am excited to see!

Is there a specific goal you'd like to reach during your time as Miss Mankato? I am hoping to raise another $1000 for Make-a-Wish Minnesota this year. The money stays right here in our community and goes back into making the wishes of critically ill children come true.

How did you select your CSI? 

My CSI is based around the Make-a-Wish foundation. I am a former Walt Disney World cast member, which is where I experienced the magic and joy of seeing so many wishes come true - in fact, over half of all Make-a-Wish wishes are to Disney World! After being a part of the magic with Wish families, when I returned to MN I became involved with the Make-a-Wish MN chapter and I have been volunteering with them ever since. I even had the opportunity to be a part of a wish right here in Minneapolis last year! I have worked as a childrens performer for 6 years, performing as various princesses for different parties/events. I was able to give a visit with Cinderella to a 4 year old battling Leukemia, as a part of her Wish for a magical day as a princess hosting a high tea party. 

As a talented performer, what do you enjoy most about being on stage? 

This is such a great question! My relationship with performing has changed so much throughout the years. Prior to college, I would have probably told you that I just really love singing and dancing. Now with a BFA in musical theatre under my belt, my passion for theatre has really come back to my love of storytelling. Theatre is about conveying universal human experiences for an audience. It is my favorite art form and something I am really lucky to do at a professional level!

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

Funny you mention that... I am a former Disney Entertainment Cast Member! As part of the college program I had the chance to "hang out" with a lot of great characters - if I could choose a new one I think I would go with Olaf. Why? He’s a total goofball (like me), loves warm hugs (also like me), and reminds us that some people are worth melting for.

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

Definitely my dad. He is a huge Minnesota twins fan - now that I live near Target Field I hope to catch a game there with him this season!

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

As a performer, I am always ready to sing the national anthem! Otherwise, my favorite part of a baseball game is definitely the stadium snacks. Bring on the popcorn and hot dogs!

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Snacks are definitely key!

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

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Sage during her journey as Miss Mankato. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. In fact, check out her whole linktree. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Sage, and good luck!   

Natalie Demos Visits Section 36!

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

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

How did you celebrate winning the Miss River Valley crown?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The goofy side kicks/supporting characters have always been

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

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

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

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

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

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I hope she gets that opportunity! 

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

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

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

Thanks again Natalie, and good luck!

Elle Mark Visits Section 36!

Photo by
Makayla Rae Photography

Section 36 has another visitor! Elle Mark is passionate about mental health, a talented singer, and the current Miss St. Croix Valley Festival. I was excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Elle Mark visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss St. Croix Valley Festival crown?
The first thing I did was cry a little - I was truly shocked! Then, my family and I went to the local pub and ordered pizza while debriefing the whole day. I had been preparing diligently for a month prior for just one big day - there was a lot to discuss!

What has surprised you about your time as Miss St. Croix Valley Festival?
I was crowned on February 29th, so the pandemic hadn't quite hit yet. Once it did and quarantine began, I thought I would be lacking engagement and volunteer opportunities - which is my favorite part of being a titleholder. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has instead encouraged me to become creative in how I reach the people in the communities I serve and beyond! I found ways to volunteer while practicing CDC guidelines, upped my social media game, and somehow still managed to "meet" new people despite our far distances thanks to Zoom! Though it isn't what I expected, it has truly been a lot of fun.

 
What part of the upcoming Miss Minnesota competition are you most nervous about?
The competition has been postponed to June of 2021, which

has been a blessing in terms of the extra time to prepare. However, I have to admit that I am nervous it may be postponed again! I have been ready to interview for the job of Miss Minnesota since this last May and I am eager to prove to the judges that I would be a phenomenal representative for the organization. I am counting down the days!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Campaign to Change Direction”?

I LOVE this question! I was diagnosed with a mental health disorder while in college and I felt very alone. I didn't really want to tell anyone and was ashamed to ask for the help that I desperately needed. I stumbled upon the Campaign to Change Direction as a resource for those who are struggling and for those who love someone that is struggling. As a global non-profit, they are passionate about helping all who are battling a mental health disorder by reminding them that they are not alone and connecting them with local resources to help them heal. 

When I found healing, I got involved with a local Change Direction Steering Committee. I learned they do so much more than just help to treat mental illness, they also work to prevent it through the "5 Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being"! At the time, I was in school for Public Health and pursuing the title of Certified Prevention Professional. My passion for preventing mental illness and promoting mental wellness came naturally after that! 

I continue to share the "5 Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being" across the state as a titleholder and I am working to get a local steering committee started in Minnesota. I am eager to continue this work as  Miss Minnesota! 

How would you complete the sentence, “I get great satisfaction when…”?
I am making others happy!

Photo by 
Makayla Rae Photography

As a talented singer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?
I love taking on a persona of someone else when I am performing! Even better is when I can personally relate to the lyrics and / or character and I can find moments of healing through performing. 

If you could play a role in a Disney musical, who would you choose? Why?
Cinderella! Growing up, my favorite movie was the musical version of Cinderella starring Brandy. I have dreamt of playing her ever since! 

If you had an extra ticket to a Twins game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would definitely take my dad to a Twins game. He is the one who introduced me to baseball at the young age of 6. He was even my T-ball coach! While I wasn't great at playing the sport (I got hit in the eye while playing first base and decided I should stick to performing arts), I always enjoyed watching baseball on our big TV on our porch with him. We still bond over our shared love for the team today! 

Is there a feature or activity at a Twins game that you’d especially like to experience?
The list is LONG for this question, so I'll try my best to narrow it down. I've always wanted to join the "mascot race" they have every game, even though I would definitely lose! I'm sure it is harder than it looks! I also dream of singing the national anthem for the Twins someday... Maybe as Miss Minnesota 2021, eh? 

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Those would all be wonderful to try!

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

As Elle continues her time as Miss St. Croix Valley Festival, I encourage you to check out her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! You should also check out her website for more help in promoting mental wellness!

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

 
Thanks again Elle, and good luck!