Miss Missouri 2007 Lindsay Casmaer

Tonight was certainly a treat! I drove to the Lake of the Ozarks for a night at the Lodge of the Four Seasons. Thank you to 101.9 The Wave for sponsoring my night at The Lodge, it was fabulous! Though the weather was too chilly for a swim in the lake - I had a beautiful view in the morning - see the photo.

Friday morning I headed to Eldon for a special assembly at the South Elementary School. The guest of honor today was the 3rd grade class! In preparation for next week's MAP testing, the school held a "Do Your Best" assembly to get everyone excited for the tests. The 3rd graders were able to enter the gym through a line of pom-pom wielding teachers, enjoyed performances from the "Super Specials", and showed off a class dance they learned earlier that month. I was able to visit individually with each 3rd grade class and give them some advice for the upcoming tests. Though it was important to get sleep, eat breakfast, and be on time for the tests, I challenged the students to continue those 3 tasks each and every day! Heaven knows I need to get sleep, eat breakfast, and be on time as Miss Missouri, so those are good habits to get into while you are in third grade as well! Thanks to the students and teachers at Eldon for welcoming me during my stay. Here I am, pictured with the "Super Special Superheros", and the students of Eldon.

	May 6 This is just a quick note to say that one month from today - there will be 24 nervous ladies, anxiously awaiting what the next 24 hours will hold! That next day - we will crown a NEW Miss Missouri. As I wrap up my year, I have absolutely no regrets. My year has been filled with so many moments of laughter, joy, and priceless memories of a year of service I will not soon forget. Thank you to all who have jumped on this crazy ride and held on tight - it has been truly amazing. Good luck to the girls competing - you have a wonderful job, an amazing year, and countless volunteers to help you along the way should you win the title!
	May 5 Well, first of all, I have to take this moment to wish my mother a Happy Birthday!!! I won't have this venue next year, so I need to use it just once! This morning I spent time in Shelbina, visiting schools and making appearances. I spent time with the students at Shelbina Elementary in the morning, and read a story to the 2nd grade students. We also had a "Right Decisions, Right Now" program with the 5th grade classes. That afternoon I spent time at South Shelby Middle School, and presented my "Right Decisions, Right Now" program to the 8th grade students. Thank you to all of Shelbina for welcoming me during my day-long visit!
May 4 This afternoon I was back on the road to Mexico to spend some time with my Miss Missouri board members. Thank you for some much-needed R&R! We had fun cooking dinner and enjoying the first of many spring nights.
	May 3 This morning was full of rehearsals and set-up for "A Night of Remembrance." This evening I performed in a talent review to remember Abby Scott, who tragically lost her life this past fall. Abby competed at Miss Missouri last year, and will always be a part of the Miss Missouri family of contestants. A special thank you to the contestants who made the trip up to perform in the show - MeLisa, Jenna, Amanda, Tara, Charlie, and Sydney. I was a co-emcee of the evening, along with Stacie Cooley-Harkin (Miss Missouri 2005), and Mary Bauer, Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen. Proceeds from the event sponsored a scholarship at Abby's high school in her name, as well as a scholarship for "Newcomer of the Year Award" at the Miss Missouri program this June.
May 2 I cannot believe it is May. I flipped my calendar over today and realized it is the start of May, and was completely in awe of how fast this year has flown by! Today I ventured to Kahoka, Missouri for a "Right Decisions, Right Now" program with the students of Clark County Middle School.
	April 29 Today might have been my favorite day this week, for I was able to visit my Miss Missouri Little Sister, Madolyn, at her school today! I held a "Right Decisions, Right Now" program with the 5th grade at McKelvey Elementary, and then popped in to surprise Madolyn in her 1st grade classroom. We read Dr. Seuss "Oh the Places You'll Go!" - and had a fun q&a session with the students. Thank you Dr. Bruce Knight for hosting me at McKelvey!
	April 25 Today began my journey to Southwest Missouri. This afternoon I held a "Right Decisions, Right Now" program with the students of West Plains Middle School. Thanks to Kelbey for being such a wonderful hostess during my visit! Saturday morning I was en route to Washburn for the annual "Southwest Little Theatre Awards Night". I performed during the dinner theatre portion of the evening, and then hosted an "Oscar-style" awards night that followed. This was a chance to honor the many students that make the Little Theatre a success. Congratulations to all who participated - and thank you so much for my own "Angel" award! A special thank you to Wyatt Hester for inviting me to Washburn, I had a great time!
April 23 Columbia was my destination this morning! I had an appointment with The Villager on Broadway, a sponsor of the Miss Missouri Program. The Villager donates a gown each year, and I am very thankful to Verne for his generosity to the program! That afternoon I spent some time at Lange School for Internet Safety Day. Last fall, I participated in a video-conference program with multiple states as part of the MOREnet program in Missouri, and so I returned for the spring program. We had a very productive day, answering questions from students in attendance, and those schools who were interacting via live video feed! For more information on Internet Safety, visit www.more.net .
	April 19 This morning I was a guest in the Variety Club Parade here in St. Louis. Though the weather was chilly - we had a good turnout, and everyone enjoyed themselves. After the parade, I was a model for the 2007 Variety Club "Runway Lights" Fashion Show. It was a beach-themed show, so it only made me yearn for warmer weather! Founded in 1932, The Variety Club of St. Louis has spent over 75 years supporting local children with physical and mental disabilities. Annually, the organization raises over 3.2 million dollars to support the Greater St. Louis Region. I had a wonderful day, and was thrilled to be a part of such a worthy cause right here in St. Louis. www.varietystl.org
April 18 If you were in St. Louis this morning - you sure felt a rumble! Did you feel the earthquake? It woke me up at 4:30am - I thought it was a strong storm! Little did we realize we could have a tremor or two here in St. Louis. I'm glad that no one was injured - it sure was surreal! Tomorrow I will be appearing in the Variety Club Runway Lights Fashion Show. They are a fabulous organization, and work to support children suffering from physical or mental disease in the Greater St. Louis area. For more information check out www.varietystl.org
	April 11-14 As soon as I was done with my program at Higginsville, I got right back on the road, headed to St. Louis. Believe it or not, I had an evening flight to catch to Dallas! I spent a wonderful weekend with Mia Davis, my choreographer, and her family in Dallas. It was a great trip, and I fully enjoyed the beautiful weather. Thank you so much to Mia, Rob, Gracie, and Mary Catherine for hosting me in Dallas. www.miadavisdance.com
	April 10-11 Western Missouri here I come! This morning I hopped on the road to Platte City - which is about 30 miles north of Kansas City, and also home to the Miss Greater Kansas City pageant (just a side note). I had a great afternoon with the 6th graders at Platte City Middle School - thank you for taking part in our forum! I led a "Right Decisions, Right Now" program, and then was treated to a tour of the school. Platte City has a fabulous new school, and it was a joy to pop my head into all of the classrooms and say hello! Thursday night Angie and Wayne Triplett hosted me for dinner - thank you so much! Friday morning I headed to Higginsville for another "Right Decisions, Right Now" session with the 6, 7, and 8th grades. Everyone had a break from MAP testing, so it was the perfect way to wrap up the week. Thank you to everyone at Higginsville for welcoming me to the city. I had a blast!
	April 3-4 Tonight was certainly a treat! I drove to the Lake of the Ozarks for a night at the Lodge of the Four Seasons. Thank you to 101.9 The Wave for sponsoring my night at The Lodge, it was fabulous! Though the weather was too chilly for a swim in the lake - I had a beautiful view in the morning - see the photo. Friday morning I headed to Eldon for a special assembly at the South Elementary School. The guest of honor today was the 3rd grade class! In preparation for next week's MAP testing, the school held a "Do Your Best" assembly to get everyone excited for the tests. The 3rd graders were able to enter the gym through a line of pom-pom wielding teachers, enjoyed performances from the "Super Specials", and showed off a class dance they learned earlier that month. I was able to visit individually with each 3rd grade class and give them some advice for the upcoming tests. Though it was important to get sleep, eat breakfast, and be on time for the tests, I challenged the students to continue those 3 tasks each and every day! Heaven knows I need to get sleep, eat breakfast, and be on time as Miss Missouri, so those are good habits to get into while you are in third grade as well! Thanks to the students and teachers at Eldon for welcoming me during my stay. Here I am, pictured with the "Super Special Superheros", and the students of Eldon.
March 29 Today is orientation! I can't believe it is already here! Just one year ago I was driving to Mexico as a contestant, and now I am arriving to speak as Miss Missouri! Even though I have held the title for the last ten months, there are still surreal moments where I pinch myself! We had a VERY productive day today, and thank you to all who attended. I was able to meet all 24 contestants, as well as have a break-out session with the first-time contestants. I know last year, as a first-timer, I had my own share of questions! I am excited for the 2008 Miss Missouri competition! See everyone in Mexico this June!
March 28 This morning, bright and early, I joined the 6th graders at Mexico Middle School. We had 4 sessions for the "Right Decisions, Right Now" program, and every group of students was fantastic to work with! Thank you so much to the students at Mexico Middle School - you made my visit one to remember. That afternoon I had lunch with Mr. and Mrs. Mackey, who are long-time supporters of the Miss Missouri scholarship program. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and conversation, it was great to get to know them! Thank you to the Mackey Family for your generous donation and support. Also, a special thanks to Sterling Oliver for hosting the lunch. Tonight we had a contestant recruitment session with Rick Brinkley, the Miss America Judges' Chairman. Contestants, local directors, and members of the Miss Missouri Board were in attendance. We had a great time listening to Rick's insight as to the direction of Miss America, and how this translates to the state level. We discussed ideas for contestant recruitment and retention, and I am thrilled to know there is motivation in Missouri to keep our program strong.
March 27 Today I am off to Mexico to stay for a few days. This morning I met with the 5th graders at Hawthorne Elementary. We had a great time talking about choices, and I presented my "Right Decisions, Right Now" program. That afternoon, I traveled across town to Eugene Field Elementary School, where I met with the 5th grade students. We had another "Right Decisions, Right Now" program. Thank you to all of the classes for welcoming me, it was a great way to end the school day.
March 23 Happy Easter! I have been so fortunate to have this week off to rest. We have a busy two months ahead - so I need all the rest I can get! I had a wonderful day with family and friends, and a Blessed Easter. Though we had SNOW this morning - the Easter Bunny still came and left some chocolate.
	March 10 Bright and early, I headed out to Eldon! (Did everyone remember to turn the clock forward this weekend?) Though it was dark when we left, I knew the kids were still headed to class at Eldon Middle School. I had a great morning working with the 6,7, and 8th grade physical education classes. I presented my “Right Decisions, Right Now” program, as well as answered the normal miscellaneous Miss Missouri-related questions. The Eldon student body had some great questions for me: Who is your favorite NCAA team? (It’s a tie between MU and the UPenn Quakers – my alma mater – even though they aren’t very good this year…) Is your crown real diamonds? (No – rhinestones, wouldn’t that many diamonds make you nervous??) Do I ride in a limo? (No, I ride in an even-better Hyundai SUV!), Do I practice my wave? (Parades are my practice). Thank you to all of the Eldon student body for being so inquisitive and welcoming me to your school!
March 9 Whew – I’ll keep this post short since the last was so lengthy. Today I had a free day in Lake of the Ozarks to rest and relax, courtesy of my host mom, Judy Dye. I was able to stay at the Dye’s lake home and prepare for my visit to Eldon on Monday! Thanks for the always-wonderful hospitality Judy! Next year’s Miss Missouri is surely in for a treat!
	March 8 Today marked the beginning of a busy weekend! This morning I led a workshop for the Fred Saigh Leadership program here in St. Louis. We had a great morning discussing the Internet and bullying, as well as how we define ourselves as leaders. This was my second year to present – and it just keeps getting better and better! I look forward to the students’ graduation from the program in May! As soon as the workshop ended, I went home, packed up my car, and headed out on the road! Just a side note – an enormous thank you to the staff at Mungenast Hyundai – not only did they change my oil before I headed out, but they washed my car! They Mungenast dealership is an incredible sponsor of the Miss Missouri program, and I have been so thankful to have such a safe car to drive during all of this inclement weather! My destination tonight was the Miss Lake of the Ozarks Pageant! I was thrilled to be a part of a new local in the Lake of the Ozarks area. I hosted the event, along with John Caran of 101.9 “The Wave.” The best part was on the drive down, I heard the promotions on the radio for the pageant that night! The Miss Missouri Program was one of the most talked-about programs on the airwaves on Saturday – thanks to John and Wendy at The Wave! A special thanks to Outback Steakhouse for providing the judges dinner – well fed judges are happy judges. Your new Miss Lake of the Ozarks Outstanding Teen is Madison Burke, and your new Miss Lake of the Ozarks is Charlie Runnels. Congratulations to the new titleholders and to the Miss Lake of the Ozarks program on a fabulous inaugural year. Welcome to the Miss Missouri family.
March 5 Today I had a wonderful visit to the Philip Johnson Salon and Spa. If you are in the St. Louis area and in need of a fabulous salon – please check out http://www.philipjohnsonsalon.com/index.html for more information.
March 4 Snow? Today I am spending some time in the office here at Washington University - and it is snowing like crazy outside! I cannot believe that this past weekend we were in flip flops and now we need our snow boots! Oh well - here's to March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb! I hope everyone is staying safe in this weather....
March 3 After a very hectic few weeks, I made some time to schedule a workout at Wellbridge Athletic Club here in St. Louis. They are still sponsoring my gym membership through my year as Miss Missouri! Thanks to Van, Rebecca, and John at Wellbridge - it is pretty clear why Wellbridge is voted "Best Gym in St. Louis" year after year!
	March 1 I cannot believe it is March already! This weekend I traveled to Columbia for the 20th annual Missouri Deer Classic. I attended an autograph session at the Missouri Trappers Booth, and was able to tour the facility to view the other vendors in attendance. Thanks so much to Kevin Whitworth for hosting me during the event!

Miss Missouri 2007 Lindsay Casmaer		Travelogue
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