Kaylee Wolfensberger Visits Section 36!

Another visitor to Section 36! Kaylee Wolfensberger is passionate about the healing power of music, is dedicated to fitness, and is the current Miss Montana. I was thrilled she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Kaylee Wolfensberger visits Section 36! 

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Montana crown? 
Right after winning I spent time taking pictures and talking with my biggest supporters, my family, friends, and of course my Miss Montana sisters. The moment was so surreal that I didn’t even notice I was one of the last people to leave the theatre! But, the biggest thing I did to celebrate was sleep! Competition week (and honestly the month before) is tiring, I needed a good night's sleep before I hit the ground running as Miss Montana. 

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

I want to give as many children as possible the opportunity to learn, play, or enjoy music. Music has helped me grow, opened doors for my success, and been a healer in my life. I believe every child deserves that opportunity, and I hope I can be the person who gives them that. 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Montana competition that will help you at Miss America? 
I learned that just because I am a younger contestant, does not mean that I am not capable! I am on the younger side of the Miss America age limit, and I struggled with feeling that I have done enough and learned enough to step into this role. Now I know that it doesn’t matter my age, but rather my passion for this program, bringing music to the underfunded, and my determination to take the Miss Montana Organization to new heights. 

How did you select your community service initiative, “Healing Harmonies”? 

At the age of 8 years old, I started learning the piano. And even though I didn’t always enjoy practicing or performing, music was always there for me. I hit some pretty big bumps in the road and I always fell back on music. When I couldn’t express with words how I felt, I was able to sit at the piano and let the notes speak for me. Children living in poverty are more likely to experience traumatic events than their wealthier peers and the effects trauma has on a child’s development can be catastrophic. Music can help regulate emotions and provide positive coping strategies for children. As someone who has experienced the healing benefits of music first hand, I knew I wanted to give children this opportunity as well.

What is your personal fitness routine? 

I am passionate about being physically active for at least 30 minutes each day, while fueling my body with the nutrients it needs to help me thrive. I have discovered that when I prioritize my physical health, I also feel mentally and emotionally balanced. 

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

I grew up on Disney! Every weekend growing up, me and my Dad would watch a Disney movie, so this is a difficult choice! I would have to say Koda from Brother Bear. I’m known to be quite chatty and a singer around the house (not a great one unfortunately). More than that, I like to think that I’m someone who can make a friend wherever I go, just like Koda. 

You are studying business marketing at Montana State University. Where do you see those studies taking you? 
I want to work in the NFL, specializing in athlete representation and promotion. I grew up with two brothers who loved/played football, so as the only girl, I either learned to love what they loved or I got left behind. I love football season and love MSU Bobcat football even more! I hope to turn my passion into a career! 

If you had an extra ticket to a Pioneer League baseball game, who would you take with you? Why? 
One of my best friends, Brooke! Brooke is a HUGE baseball fan and she even convinced me to take a summer job working at a Pioneer League’s stadium after we graduated high school. She can answer all my questions when I’m confused and she’s sure to hit the concession stand with me! 

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

I always liked the 7th inning stretch. Something about everyone standing up and singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” makes me feel that All-American spirit!

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Agreed. That song is always a good time!

As always, I want to thank Kaylee 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 amazing to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

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

Thanks again Kaylee! 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!

Olivia Andrews Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Olivia Andrews is passionate about music therapy, a talented singer, and the current Miss Pride of the Commonwealth. 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 Olivia Andrews visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Pride of the Commonwealth Crown?

The majority of the celebratory events actually happened before the competition! I went swing dancing with friends and celebrated another year of vying for the Miss Kentucky crown the night before. It sent me into the Miss Danville competition with a fresh wave of confidence in the fact that I have an army of dancers behind me who love me no matter what! (Naturally, we all FaceTimed after and spent most of the time jumping up and down in celebration.) 

It’s important to note the competition I entered gives three titles, as well as the corresponding outstanding teen titles: Miss Danville, Miss Heart of Central Kentucky, and Miss Pride of the Commonwealth! I gained four new sisters that night and was able to continue my Miss KY sisterhood with Ashley-Shae Benton! 

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Pride of the Commonwealth?

I was most surprised at how much community support I received from an area of Kentucky I was formerly unfamiliar with. The people of Danville and Stanford Kentucky are so incredible, hardworking, helpful, and kind, and I am proud to be a member of their community as Miss Pride of the Commonwealth! Our director Reuben Harness is heavily involved in philanthropy and the Danville girls (my sister queens) and I are always out and about helping the community!

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

Onstage question threw me through a loop last year, so I’m a bit nervous about that—however—I have full confidence in my director and working with him to prepare stellar onstage Q&A skills! 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Miracle of Music: Music Therapy for All”?

My SII was originally The Miracle of Music: Helping Elderly Communities with the Power of Music. I was inspired by the care my late grandparents received in their nursing home and how my family gathered together to play music with them. Music was the most healing part of their end of life care and I want to make music therapy more accessible to those in need. As I researched music therapy programs and learned from my friends majoring in music therapy at the University of Louisville, I realized how incredible MT is for various communities. 

The Miss America Organization helps me create goals for incorporating music therapy programs into Kentucky’s health legislature and the resources to reach those goals! 

You’re studying Music Education at University of Louisville. Where do you see that field taking you?

My ultimate goal is to achieve a DMA in Choral Conducting and become Dr. Olivia Copland Andrews. I want to work as a professor in a collegiate choral program and take my choral ensembles to perform in a foreign country every year. I also want to create and participate in community outreach programs surrounding fine arts education and build a collaborative educational program with the surrounding middle and high school choir ensembles. 

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

As a performer, I enjoy connecting with audience members the most. Music is a universal language and it’s incredible to see people I love and people I have nothing in common with all be able to think and feel from music. 

I make a point to talk with audiences after performances and find out what they liked and what moved them. Everyone’s connection to the music is so beautiful and incredible. Some people are reminded of lost loved ones, reflecting on fond memories, or simply immersed in the music itself. 

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

This one is a no-brainer for me! I would be Princess Ariel! Fun fact about me: I own and swim in a Fin Fun mermaid tail! Being a mermaid helps me advocate for body positivity and find fun and unique ways to exercise! 

I love Ariel, because she is independent, brave, adventurous, and she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and her interests. I see a lot of myself in her when she isn’t afraid to break the mold to go after her dreams…not to mention she sings along the way! 

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

I’ll be honest…I’m a bit of a romantic and I think baseball games are the perfect date! I’d ask a crush to go with me and spend the day talking, sharing high-calorie baseball field snacks, and riding the merry-go-round! (Bonus points if we wind up on the kiss cam ;)

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

I’d love to sing the National Anthem again! I was asked to sing at a Louisville Bats game a few months and I loved every second! Maybe I could sing the National Anthem for a Red Sox game someday! 

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That would definitely be fantastic! 

As always, I want to thank Olivia 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 Kentucky! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Olivia during her journey as Miss Pride of the Commonwealth. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. You should also check out her linktree! It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Olivia, and good luck!

Melody Hager Visits Section 36!

Photo by Donald Latham

Section 36 has another visitor! Melody Hager is passionate about music therapy, a talented singer, and the current Miss Statesville. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.
 
So, let's see what happens when Melody Hager visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Statesville crown? 

Directly after winning/competing, I always make a pit stop to Cook Out. It's a southern fast food chain and you can get everything imaginable there. I'm usually running on adrenaline during the day, so when I finish the night, I need something fast and preferably greasy! :) The next day after winning Miss Statesville, I visited the local assisted living center that housed my grandfather for years. I thanked them for what they do and payed homage to the man that has inspired me! 

What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself at the Miss Statesville competition? 

I am resilient. In 2018, I had a panic attack on stage while competing for another title. I was so bogged down and burnt out and I didn't listen to my body or my brain. I decided that I needed a comeback, but I needed to be FULLY Melody when I returned. So I reconnected with myself, and lo and behold, I won!

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

My biggest goal is to continue my advocacy work through my

Photo by Donald Latham

SII Music is Medicine: Music Therapy Matters. Ideally, through my advocacy of the practice and the therapists, I'd like to secure music therapy recognition through licensure in our state. That would require legislation, but would better protect clients and music therapists. It's already in the works! :)

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Music is Medicine: Music Therapy Matters”? 

I was inspired by my grandfather, PaLuke. He had a stroke after my grandmother passed in 2012. I come from a deeply musical family, so we played old tunes that we hoped would resonate with him. Amazingly, we watched as his mood, speech, and memory improved while interacting with the music. I delved into research and discovered music therapy! Since then, I've felt a deep love for the practice and the people who make it possible. 

As a talented singer, how do you select the perfect competition song? 

Photo by Donald Latham

First and foremost, it needs to mean something to me. Even the best entertainers can fall flat if the song has no connection to them. I always select pieces that have sentimental value. After that, I choose songs that showcase my range and power. I have a strong belt and want to showcase my years of experience. I also LOVE to bring some Rock 'n Roll to a stage! 

You currently work as a school counselor. What do you like about that field? 

Working in Learning Support at my current school is so rewarding. During such a hectic year due to COVID-19, the kids needed stability and trusted adults. I'm so honored to be that for so many of my students. I love human connection, and have a particular passion for advocating for children. Through this job, I've gotten to know them as people and helped them as they develop into adults. I may or may not have cried when my seniors said goodbye!! 

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

My first job was actually dressing up as Disney princesses for parties and charitable events! I'd have to say Elsa. For one, having ice powers would be a great conversation starter. But knowing the influence she has on young girls would give me the opportunity to promote independence and following your dreams. Elsa and the Frozen franchise was (and continues to be) a cultural phenomenon, and would be one I could use to help nurture the next generation of women leaders.

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

Photo by Donald Latham

My dad! I don't I've ever been to a baseball game with him before. Neither of us know much about the sport, so I can only imagine the laughs we'd have trying to figure out what's going on. Cheer when our section cheers! 

You recently had the opportunity to sing the national anthem before a Charlotte Knights game. What was that experience like? 

Singing the anthem is always nerve wracking. It's the one song you can't mess up. As a Charlotte native, I understand how important Knights games are to our local community and knew I had to bring my A game. Even with my years of experience as a performer, I still get nervous before singing the Anthem! It went off without a hitch though, thankfully. The staff at the ballpark were so hospitable and welcoming. It was an honor. 

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I can imagine that would be stressful!

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

I encourage you to follow Melody on 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 North Carolina title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!
 
Thanks again Melody, and good luck!