Allison Burke Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Allison Burke is passionate about combating childhood hunger, a talented violinist, and the current Miss Oregon. 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 Allison Burke visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Oregon crown?

My family and I went to visit my sister and brother-in-law, who live in Italy, and we spent some time traveling around Eastern Europe together while celebrating this special time in all our lives!

 

What is something that Sophia Takla did as Miss Oregon that you would like to emulate?

Sophia was an exemplary Miss Oregon and she is a dear friend and an inspiration to so many. One of the many impressive parts of her year of service was her ability to forge so many new partnerships with non-profits. Sophia worked tirelessly to create new volunteer and appearance opportunities for the Miss Oregon Scholarship Program and I will continue on her legacy to connect with more Oregonians. 

 

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

Probably the health and fitness competition, because it’s the newest phase, and I have only competed in it once before Miss America. 

 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Hunger-Free Oregon”?

Back in 2011, I served as Tigard’s elected Youth Advisory Council President. In that role, I witnessed a lack of access to nutritious meals for children in my city over their weekends and holiday breaks. For the next three summers in Tigard, I led the council in organizing fundraising events and collected food donations to establish a food pantry known as a “Backpack Program”. 

 

Our inaugural program was at Durham Elementary, the same school I had attended as a child. Its goal was to discreetly provide food staples to children via a backpack that they could take home for the weekend. 

 

As a result of my work as a leader in combating hunger, I was awarded Tigard Volunteer of the Year by our mayor. The subsequent years of success of The Backpack Program propelled me to seek out anti-hunger advocacy as the basis for my education and career in government. It was then a natural fit for me to choose “Hunger-Free Oregon” as my social impact when I first started competing in the Miss America Organization. 

 

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

There’s a quote that says, “Music communicates what is not possible for words to say”. When I can see people’s faces light up and connect with them through performing violin, it’s magical. My favorite performances are of songs that spark joy in folks, like The Beatles and Frank Sinatra, in which people dance in their chair, sing along or clap to the beat!

 

You have a degree in public health from Portland State University. Where do you see those studies taking you?

My studies in public health and activism with Hunger-Free Oregon and America over the last decade fueled my passion for policy and connecting with people from all walks of life and that led me to pursue my work in the United States Congress. 

 

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

I would be Marnie from Halloweentown! I love Halloween and spooky things and it would be fun to have magical powers and live in a Halloween themed city for a week. 

 

If you had an extra ticket to see a Hillsboro Hops baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

My dad. We are both big fans of baseball and we have loved watching the Hops play a few times before. There’s nothing better than enjoying a breezy Oregon summer evening with a hot dog and a great baseball game!

 

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

I’d love to perform the national anthem on violin or throw the first pitch! I haven’t done either before and I would love to experience that as Miss Oregon. 

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I definitely hope she gets to do both!

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Allison during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account, Facebook page, and website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on. You should also follow her CSI's Instagram to see what's going on there. Go ahead and do it all!

Thanks again Allison, and good luck!

Sophia Takla Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Sophia Takla is passionate about bringing joy to hospitals, a talented performer, and the current Miss Oregon. 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 Sophia Takla visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Oregon crown?

Getting right to work! I always promised myself that if I had this opportunity, I wouldn’t waste a moment. I started reaching out and booking appearances and service opportunities immediately, one of which was heading to Pendleton for their Fourth of July parade. This meant so much to me because my mom’s whole side of the family grew up in Eastern, Oregon, and having them there at the parade to celebrate with me was so special.

 

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

I’m dedicated to getting the Miss Oregon Scholarship Program into different parts of the state that we haven’t reached in a long time. There used to be local competitions in Deschutes and Umatilla County, something we’ve been missing- so that is one of my primary goals. I’m currently in the process of securing a new local competition and I can’t wait to share about that when it’s official!

 

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

Since I am a professional performer, I’m more filled with excitement than nerves. I think those things go hand in hand- and nerves just mean you care! I am so ready to meet my new sisters and form friendships, which I have always dreamed of doing as an MAO fan.

 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Operation Joy”?

I lost my cousin Tristan to pediatric Medulloblastoma when we were both 8 years old. It was my first real experience with grief, but volunteering for organizations that helped my own cousin, like Sparrow Clubs and Children’s Cancer Association, warmed my heart and gave me a sense of purpose in Tristan’s honor. I created my own non-profit initiative Operation Joy as an umbrella term for all the service and fundraising I was doing for like minded, local organizations set on bringing joy into hospitals and lifting up kids during their treatments. To date- I’ve served 13 years for this cause and even created my own Podcast & Blog Duo called Joy From Scratch. It’s all about mobilizing young people to volunteer and giving them the tools and inspiration to do so. Check it out at joyfromscratch.blog

 

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

The theater industry has struggled greatly since the pandemic and took away so many of my live theater opportunities. Being back on stage means the world to me and fills a hole in my education as much of my Boston Conservatory training moved to hybrid or online for about 2 years. Having my family and friends in the audience is extremely meaningful as well, because they got me this far and sacrificed so much for my theatrical education! I wouldn’t be graduating with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater, without Miss America scholarships and my family’s support.

 

You currently attend Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music. Where do you see that degree taking you?

I plan on pursuing a Broadway career as well as exploring film

& television. Performing is what I do best, and I’m so grateful Miss America has given me so many new avenues to do so as Miss Oregon.

 

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

I think my personality matches Doug from UP perfectly! I’m just a warm, fun-loving person who wants to help people and make friends. He’s so energetic like myself, and if I could be anyone, we’d be a great match.

 

If you had an extra ticket to see a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, who would you take with you? Why?

I would love to take my dad! He bought my first ever ticket for me to see a game, but wasn’t able to be there with me in person. He was watching on TV back home in Oregon and we texted each other the whole time! He’s particularly obsessed with any time a ball gets hit over the Green Monster, or should I say- Monstah!

 

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

I’d love to get closer seats! They’re pretty spendy so I’ve never been super close to the action, so being up close would be such a treat. I would also love it if I could find a gluten free bun for a Fenway Frank, haha! I search for one every time I go but I’ve only been successful once. Usually I end up running around to every concession stand. 

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Close seats are always fun! 

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

As Sophia continues her time as Miss Oregon, I encourage you to check out her title's website and social media like Facebook or Instagram. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

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

Thanks again Sophia, and good luck!

Karson Fair Visits Section 36!

Photo ING Studios

Section 36 had another visitor! Karson Fair is passionate about self-worth, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Portland-Metro. 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 Karson Fair visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Portland-Metro crown?

I celebrated the best way I know how…with a girls’ night! After the competition, some of my best friends (all of which had never attended a Miss America Organization preliminary) came over to my place. My sweet mom was also in town from North Carolina, so getting to celebrate with so many people I love was a true treat! Then, the next day my mom and I headed up to Mt. Hood Ski Resort and took to the slopes to let out the excitement and adrenaline. Snowboarding has become a huge outlet for me, and it was the best way to round out the eventful weekend. 

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

Oh man. That’s a good one! Truthfully, I’m trying to stay away from the nervous energy. Instead, I’m choosing to truly embrace this experience as a gift that I didn’t think I would have (due to the previous age restrictions). In a sense, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. BUT if we’re being honest, I can be my own worst enemy at times and my mind can play some serious tricks on itself. I’m hoping that I don’t put any unnecessary pressure on my performance so I can just bring my most authentic self to the Miss Oregon competition in June.  

After taking a break from competing with the Miss America Organization, what made you decide to give the Miss Portland-Metro crown a try?

Photo StephanieCarine

Although I’m usually a HUGE planner, I would be lying if I told you that my decision to compete in the Miss Portland-Metro competition was one that I had been mulling over for quite some time. In fact, it all came together in a matter of a few weeks and felt like an absolute whirlwind. At the end of the day, all the stars just perfectly aligned. The age limit had changed; I was (and still am) in desperate need of scholarship money as I’m pursuing a graduate degree; I met with Allison Cook (former Miss Oregon America and Miss Oregon USA) to learn more about the Miss Oregon Program and learned that the only regional competition I was eligible for was just a few weeks away, so the clock started ticking. There was a part of me that was terrified to compete again because although MAO has undoubtedly shaped my life—from being North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen in 2014, to helping pay for out-of-state tuition while attending Auburn University, and all the life skills in between—there was a time I didn’t know who Karson was outside of the program. I spent years figuring out just who I am outside of a “title”, and I was scared to fall back into old patterns while competing. However, the fear of having “what ifs” outweighed it all, and I also knew that my deep appreciation for the program + the life experience and insight I’ve gained while taking a step back would make this experience unique and worthwhile. The program has changed since I first competed as a teen in 2014, and so have I. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Know Your Worth”?

I naturally, yet strategically, selected my social impact initiative based on a few goals that I had: 1) I wanted my social impact to be an extension of something that I was already passionate about spreading and promoting in my daily life. 2) I wanted to be sure the message I was sharing would be relevant to anyone I meet regardless of age, socioeconomic background, race/ethnicity, or stage of life. 3) I wanted to meet a need that I noticed in my local community and the world around me. Starting critical conversations about unconditional self-worth and recognizing our own inherent value has always been important to me and is something I’ve noticed that we all need to be reminded of. I love being a human connector, and this message gives me the opportunity to have meaningful and intentional conversations with people in my community, profession, and daily life.  

What do you enjoy about performing your talent on stage?

Photo Lenn Long

Everything! But for me, it all starts with the song choice. I intentionally select a piece that will allow me to HAVE FUN and let go on stage! When it comes to the competition, all the practice and prep is complete, and it is my goal for the audience to have just as much fun watching my performance as I am having actually doing it.  

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

…I find a great new Gluten-Free restaurant in town. HA! Kidding. Well, not really…I love food! But beyond a physical sense, I get great satisfaction when I meaningful interactions with other people. 

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

Oof. Admittedly, I am not a huge Disney gal. However, I have always been obsessed with Belle. As a kid, it was her beautiful yellow ball gown and kindness that I loved. I mean, I did BEG my mom for a “Belle Dress” when visiting Disney as a child (sadly, we couldn’t afford one so that dream never came to fruition). But now, I think it’s her open mindedness, free spirit. appetite for adventure, compassion, and, you can’t forget, her stubbornness that draw me to her. 

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

I’d probably bring my friend Abby. Not only is she always down for a fun, spur of the moment adventure, but she always brings a cheery attitude to anything she does. We would have the best time! Plus, it’s one of the few local sporting events that neither of us have attended (yet) so we could both cross that off our list. 

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

I have always wanted to throw the first pitch at a baseball game, and I just might be getting that opportunity in a few months with the Portland Pickles! I am SO stoked! Fun fact: I played softball for roughly 4-5 years, but it has been a hot minute since I’ve stepped foot on a mound so I should probably start practicing soon! 

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I'm sure she'll be amazing! 

As usual, I want to thank Karson 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 Oregon! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Karson during her journey as Miss Portland-Metro. 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 Karson, and good luck!

Danielle Cormier Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Danielle Cormier is passionate about mental health, a talented twirler, and the current Miss Tri-Valley. 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 Danielle Cormier visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Tri-Valley crown?

I have the most supportive friends who helped me celebrate with a fun dinner after winning the Tri-Valley crown. A lot of people don't know this, but because I moved to Oregon when I was 18, I don't have any family around. My friends are a huge part of my support system and I couldn't do it without them. They are even great enough to join me and my parents (who are flying in) in Seaside while I compete for Miss Oregon, despite there being a cap on attendee's due to social distancing.

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

To a lot of people's surprise, I always say talent. I have been competitively twirling since I was 3 years old and have always had a passion for it- but with that being said, there is also a lot of pressure that comes along with a history like mine. To be extremely candid, I have never grown out of performance anxiety. This year, however, my song is something so inspiring to me. It's Sia's Unstoppable (covered by Brynn Cartelli). I listen to the song any time I feel nervous or like I need some motivation. The lyrics make me feel powerful when I perform and that really helps me turn my nerves into energy.

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

Unfortunately, if I do not win the title of Miss Oregon, my contract will be over the day after crowning- so I have one month to fit in as many appearances as I can. My first goal is, of course, spreading more awareness about mental illness. There is still a lot of bias in the healthcare system and it is time we start thinking more inclusively about our mental health care system. Therapy works, and everyone deserves access. The next goal is to become the best version of myself, because it is no secret that my dream is to be Miss Oregon. I have been working hard on myself in the last year- doing a lot of introspective time and going to therapy. I am not the same person as last year, or even just a few months ago. I am healthy and confident, and ready to take the job as Miss Oregon.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Healthy Crowns Matter”?

Mental health, specifically equitable mental health care, is something I find extremely important- especially after the last year. I was diagnosed with anxiety (GAD and Social Anxiety) when I was extremely young and when I got to college I was diagnosed with depression. Both made it hard to complete basic functions- everything felt like a chore: Brushing teeth, cleaning my room, making dinner, etc. The hardest part of it, and what has always been the hardest part, is the lonliness. The more I can speak about my experiences and the more I can speak up about the importance of therapy, the less lonely others will feel and the more likely they are to get help. But when I talk about therapy I also have to keep in mind those who simply cannot afford it. The cost of help is outrageous and the way I can take action is taking it to our legislators. Those who are unemployed, uninsured, and racially marginalized groups are put in a position where they are more likely to be challenged with a mental illness, yet less likely to be able to afford help. Healthy Crowns Matter is all about treating every brain like a crown, because they are very similar- beautiful, unique, and fragile. I don't just want awareness, I want acceptance and I want accessibility- for everyone.

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

The rush! Once the nerves melt away, I love the feeling of performing. This Christmas, while I was at home, I watched some old home-videos and found a lot of twirling performances of mine. Let me say, I was a HAM! My dream growing up, even in those old home-video moments, was to perform for a D1 college during halftime, and I was lucky enough to fulfill that dream. Miss America gives me a chance to perform again and I love every second of it- even when it makes me nervous.

What is your personal fitness routine?

My social anxiety peaks when I go to the gym, so I have a bad habit of avoiding it. I fought this by coming up with better ways to work out at home, so I feel more comfortable while doing more core, leg, and arm workouts. For the other things, I can't usually avoid the gym. When it's rainy I get my cardio in by getting on the elliptical or the treadmill. The greatest part of my talent is that it has been my source of exercise for 20 years, and when in doubt I do a LOT of talent practice. It's definitely a perk!

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

I love this question, but it's so hard to answer! I would have to say Sadness from Inside Out. I know that sounds so depressing- but sadness is the most empathetic character in all of Disney. She not only thinks about Riley's feelings but takes them into consideration. One of the traits I take the most pride in is my empathy, and most days I feel so similar to Sadness. She would be Miss America in my mind- she's caring, thoughtful, and puts others above herself. Plus, it's my favorite movie!

As a longtime Red Sox fan, who is your favorite all-time Sox player? Why?

Bogey. He's a tenured player for good reason, leading the league in multiple offensive categories, and a natural leader. Added bonus is that he's bilingual! He's great on and off the field.

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

A BASEBALL GAME IN PORTLAND! I know that's not an activity at a baseball game, but it's a game I would love to experience. The Portland Diamond project is a movement to bring major league baseball to Portland that I follow closely. There are so many economical perks to building a stadium in PDX, and it would be so fun to have another local team to cheer for. I am optimistic that we will be able to make it happen- and when it does you can definitely catch me at opening day!

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I'd say a team in Portland would make a lot of sense! 

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

I encourage you to follow Danielle her Instagram account. It's a great way 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 Oregon title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!
 
Thanks again Danielle, and good luck!

Stephanie Magee visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Stephanie Magee is passionate

about helping the arts, a talented cellist, and Miss Meadowlark 2019. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more! I’m just as excited that she is the first visitor from the state of Oregon!

So, let's see what happens when Stephanie Magee visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Meadowlark crown?

My family and I have a tradition of going to our favorite late night diner for stuffed hash browns and strawberry waffles.

What surprised you the most about your time as Miss Meadowlark?

How different my experience at state would be. Because I was on my own, without a local board, I had more time for myself and time to get to know more of the other candidates.

You finished in the top five at this year’s Miss Oregon competition. What do you remember most from that experience?

I remember feeling very calm due to the fact that I felt surrounded by my friends. I felt supported and proud of my performance, I was proud to be myself.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Art at the Heart”?

I grew up being told that the arts were trivial and more of a hobby however, art class was why I went to class. I knew others had to feel the same way so I chose to advocate for myself and students everywhere.

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

I enjoy being able to show people how groovy the cello is. I

play an electric cello, her name is Roxanne, as well as acoustic named Templeton. Whenever I show up with my electric, I immediately get questions and comments of excitement. It makes me proud to play such a classical instrument in a modern way. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

Yoga

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

I would be the genie from Aladdin, I think it'd be a hoot to grant wishes. Not forever, just a week. 

How difficult is it to follow the Red Sox from the other side of the country?

Thankfully there are several ways to watch the games with a subscription. I do miss going to games in person when I lived on the east coast. I plan to move to Europe someday and I recently found out I'll have to wake up at 4 am to watch live games...

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

Throwing the first pitch at Fenway Park would be my dream come true. Sitting behind the Green Monster would be a close second.

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I’ve always wanted to do those things too!

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

As you attempt to keep up with everything Stephanie has going on, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track! 

You should also be sure to check out the website and Instagram account for her social impact, Art at the Heart.

Thanks again Stephanie!