Lauren Mroczek Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Lauren Mroczek is a passionate about fruits and vegetables, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Shoreline. I was thrilled she was able to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.
 
So, let's see what happens when Lauren Mroczek visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Shoreline crown?

The first thing I did was embrace my fellow contestants in a giant group hug! These girls have been some of my closest friends for the past three years, so celebrating that moment fresh off of being crowned with them was so special. However, after all the on-stage excitement was over, my family and I decided to go celebrate by eating at Applebee's to pig-out on 1/2 off appetizers...and yes...I wore my crown the whole time, but took the sash off so I didn't get beer cheese and spinach artichoke dip all over it! 

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

I have a goal to connect with 5,000 students over my year of

service! Healthy habits and a love for fruits and veggies start young, so I want to impact as many young Michiganders as possible. I have already been able to connect with about 300 students as Miss Shoreline since my crowning in February! I also have a goal to place in the Top 11 at Miss Michigan! Going to Miss Michigan is an accomplishment in itself, but I always set a goal for myself to work towards! 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Shoreline competition that will help you compete for Miss Michigan?

I learned that when I strive to have a good time, I don't stress as much, I have a really fun time, and have an easier time letting myself shine through. I worked hard on changing my mindset for this past local season, and it made a world of difference from the previous year. I didn't place a single time last season! But after working on my mindset and reflecting, I was able to achieve my goal of earning my first local title! Going into Miss Michigan with this mindset will allow me to enjoy the experience no matter what happens. Win or lose, I want to have the BEST time ever! 

How did you select your community service initiative, “Feeding Ourselves”?

There are multiple reasons why I selected my CSI! I grew up a fruit and vegetable lover thanks to my late Grandma Mroczek who always had fruit sitting out for me when I visited, but I grew a deeper appreciation for them once I began my degree at Grand Valley State University. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical science with an emphasis in nutrition sciences, so I had the opportunity to learn about how their nutrients fuel us and lower our risk of developing chronic diseases. My family has suffered from different chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, and I have even experienced losses in my family due to them. Not only do I care about the well-being of my own family, I also care about the well-being of community members and families all around Michigan and the United States. So, I was inspired by my desire to help my family and community, my passion for fruits and vegetables, and my knowledge of how they affect our health to create "Feeding Ourselves: The Importance of Fruits and Vegetables" and help people live longer, happier, and healthier lives!

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

I have been a dancer for 21 years and was a member of the GVSU Laker Dance Team during my time in college, so dance has been in my blood since I can remember! No matter what the style of dance is, I enjoy relaying emotions the most, and making the audience feel them along with me. Whether the emotion is excitement, joy, sadness, anger, etc., using my talent to tell a story and  express a message has always been the most enjoyable and rewarding part of dancing. My current talent is a Jazz dance to "Let's Get Loud" so hyping the judges and audience using my choreography, body language, and facial expressions is always so much fun!

What can you tell me about “Growing Gardens for Growing Minds”?

"Growing Gardens for Growing Minds" is a not-for-profit community outreach project I began in 2021 to help combat the intense decrease of access to fruits and vegetables during the Covid-19 pandemic, and lack of access in general. I wanted to create something that can directly impact anyone from across the state, and even around the country! I provide free kits with educational materials, seeds, and activities so anyone can have access to a variety of nutritious produce, learn about how they help lower our risk of developing chronic diseases, and give them the opportunity to harvest and store produce that will last them for months. Not only that, gardening is a passion of mine, and I wanted to share this fun and rewarding activity with everyone! I create and gather all the materials myself, and each kit comes with 10 different seed varieties which is one of the coolest things about the kits! To date, I have been able to raise almost $4,000 and donated nearly 600 kits around the state. This year, I have the opportunity to send some all the way to Tennessee! 

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

I would choose to be Belle for a week! Growing up, I loved watching Beauty and the Beast, and was even in the musical my sophomore year of high school! Not only does she look like me, but she taught me that being kind to everyone, no matter who they are and where they come from, is one of the most important things to remember throughout life. She looks past exterior looks and situations, and enjoys people for their true character and genuine souls. Also, in high school, I was on the Miss Mattawan court where I attended an event in a yellow ball gown and was called "Belle" by many community members since I looked like her! 

If you had an extra ticket to see a baseball game between the Red Sox and the Tigers, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my Teen, Elora! Elora and I met before we ever became Miss Shoreline and Miss Shoreline's Teen, and I always enjoyed seeing her at competitions and getting to know her. We had an instant connection when we met, and now that we are Miss and Teen, I am so excited to get to know her more and be a part of the Shoreline sisterhood with her! The teen program is one of the coolest things about the Miss America Organization, and is something I wish I knew about growing up. Having a teen is so special and giving her an extra ticket to hang out with me at a baseball game is a good day in my book. 

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

I would LOVE to throw the first pitch at a baseball game! It is one of the top items on my bucket list. I actually played softball until the age of 13, so I would love to be back out on the field, especially as Miss Shoreline. Throwing first pitches are something many local, state, and Miss America titleholders have done. Their throws are always iconic, and it is a great way to connect with the community! 

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I think that would be a great opportunity!

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Lauren during her journey as Miss Shoreline. 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 Lauren, and good luck!   

Margaret Carpenter-Dove Visits Section 36

Section 36 had another visitor! Margaret Carpenter-Dove is passionate about volunteering, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Shoreline. 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 Margaret Carpenter-Dove visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Shoreline crown?

I didn’t celebrate my win yet because my pageant director awarded me the [at-large] title since I did well last year, although I didn’t win a local. There weren’t too many locals held due to COVID. Shoreline wasn’t one of them so I was awarded that title. Anyway I’m celebrating my win on March 20th when all the at large titleholders get their crowns and sashes. So I’m just celebrating it with everyone else who gets a crown and sash.

What portion of the Miss Connecticut competition are you most excited about?

My favorite portions are talent and social impact! 

What is something that Sapna Raghavan is doing as Miss Connecticut that you would want to emulate? 

What I desire to do that Sapna is doing is to basically help the performing arts through diversity. I desire to help people of all sorts of minorities receive volunteer opportunities!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Volunteer in 5”?

I selected my social impact” volunteer in 5 “ because it only takes 5 moments to decide to volunteer no matter who you are. Your sexuality, disability, gender, race, culture, religion et cetera shouldn't prevent you. Society sets stereotypes for organizations and you shouldn’t allow it to define you! I don’t let my slight disabilities or sexuality define me. I'm more than capable of doing the job! I just say I’m 99% neurotypical 1% disabled, which is the truth. If life were easy we wouldn’t have to deal with putting black and white barriers on any minority. What we  have to offer as far as community service is beyond amazing and I desire to change it so every person is able to and learn to do so! It only takes 5 moments to say yes and if you take advice and actually listen then 5 moments to decide yes will do the trick to do so!

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

What I enjoy most about performing on stage is just being in high energy and feeling my own energy. I don't necessarily pay attention to crowd energy, I just do it for my pure enjoyment !

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

I get great satisfaction when I’m happy and doing my best. 

 

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

I would choose Minnie Mouse because she’s very animated!

If you had an extra ticket to see a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, would you find someone to go with you?

If I got a ticket for the opposite side of the stadium and I was cheering on the Miami Marlins then yes! Sorry to disappoint you, just being honest. Gotta love Miami and Tampa teams!

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

If I were to experience it would be actually getting the chance to volunteer with challenger leagues with IDD.

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I'm sure that would be wonderful!

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

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

Thanks again Margaret, and good luck!

Alyssa Sachs Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has a new visitor! Alyssa Sachs is an Ellen fan, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Shoreline. I was thrilled that she was

Photo by Betsy Sachs

willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So let's see what happens when Alyssa Sachs visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Shoreline crown?

I had talked about competing in the Miss America Organization for forever. For the past few years, I would tell my family and friends, “I’m gonna do it, just wait!”. So when I finally, decided to compete, everyone couldn’t believe that I was finally doing it. Miss Shoreline was the first title I ever won. I had the biggest cheering section filled with my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends! It was only fitting to celebrate with them. After the competition we all went back to my house and reflected on what had happened! The night was filled with FaceTime calls to my friends at school, watching videos, and lots of laughter. Everyone was so excited. It was perfect!

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

Photo by
Shawn Paquette

I decided to compete in the Miss America Organization for the opportunity to have a platform that allows me to share my passions, learn from others, and to inspire individuals to find their passions and share them loudly. My platform is called “Kids are Kids: Fostering Social Engagement and Play for all Children”. I am so excited to spend this year promoting this platform and share it’s importance. “Kids are Kids” is a mission to ensure that all children, despite the many adversities they may face, have the opportunity to experience childhood. As someone working to become a Certified Child Life Specialist, this platform allows me to begin to advocate for a field I am so passionate about.

What part of the upcoming Miss Connecticut competition makes you the most nervous?

This will be my first time competing at Miss Connecticut! Last year,

Photo by
Sassy Mouth Photography

I was watching the competition in the audience so to be a candidate this year is so crazy! More than nervous, I am feeling so excited for the entire experience. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to be with other titleholders, share my passions with the judges and the audience, and ultimately do something I have been dreaming about for so long!!

How did you select your social impact statement?

Photo by Betsy Sachs

The social impact statement is quick but important. It gives you a chance to share one message with the audience. I decided to highlight the fact that every child is not living the “perfect” childhood they should be living. I then go on to explain to the audience that it is our job to ensure that despite those many obstacles, kids are kids and they deserve to be!

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

At Miss Connecticut, I will be performing an original monologue.

Photo By
Steve Smith Photography

As someone who is working to become a Certified Child Life Specialist and plans to work with children in a healthcare setting, incorporating play into the everyday lives of children with illness, is a main focus of mine. By using my talent of communication and my ability to bring magic to the lives of children, I am able to connect with the audience and share my passions. I believe in the power of play and the difference it can make in a child’s life. Providing play as distraction and as a form of coping to children in medical settings is a talent that I am very proud of. It is my goal to share with audiences the role that play can have on a child’s life. Play is powerful, and I can’t wait to show the audience why.

You once had a video appear on the Ellen show. What’s the story behind that?

Yes! Life Goal!! I am a huge Ellen Degeneres fan! Ellen had sent out a request looking for a girlfriend for her production assistant, Ari. Ari, seemed like a perfect bachelor. I told Ellen she should send him to my grandparents house because between my MANY sisters and cousins he was sure to find a perfect match. We sent the video in, and a few weeks later she aired it on the show!! Ellen saying, “Alyssa Sachs” is one of my favorite memories, and that voice recording became my ringtone for months! Although she aired the video Ellen never sent him over for the date….he really missed out!

Who’s your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

Brock Holt! He has the cutest son EVER and I love looking at the pictures he posts of him!

Is there a feature/aspect of a Red Sox game at Fenway you would most like to experience?

Although I am a Connecticut titleholder and live in Connecticut, I

am so lucky that I go to school in Boston and live in the Fenway area! My friends and I get to go Red Sox games all the time. Student Discounts are our favorite! Despite the many games we have been to, we are still trying to make it on the big screen! I’m just going to have to keep dancing through the game in order to get closer to that goal!

What were you doing when the Red Sox won the 2018 World Series?

I am SO lucky to live in the Fenway area. When the Red Sox won, my friends and I were at a restaurant outside of Fenway Park. As soon as the last out was called, the streets flooded with excitement. People were cheering up and down the streets all night. It was so exciting. We then got to celebrate the win a few days later with a championship parade. Championship parades are my favorite!! My friends and I dressed up and cheered as the Red Sox held the World Series Trophies and passed us on duck boats. The entire 2018 World Series was truly one of my favorite memories, and I am so excited I was right there to experience it all!

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I'd definitely say she was in the right place to celebrate!

Photo by Betsy Sachs

As always, I want to thank to Alyssa for doing this interview. I always love learning more about amazing titleholders. I also want to thank her for sending along so many amazing pictures. They are all so much fun.

As Alyssa continues her time as Miss Shoreline, I encourage you to follow her on her official Miss Shoreline Facebook page and Instagram account. You should also check out her personal Instagram account as well, to make sure you don't miss a thing!

Of course, I also want to wish Alyssa luck this spring as she competes for the Miss Connecticut crown! Would love to have another former Section 36 visitor hold that title!

Thanks again Alyssa, and good luck!