Online Voting--Vote Now!

Have you been to www.missmass.org to vote for your favorite contestant?  Below, you'll find more of the amazing women competing for Miss Massachusetts and the photos and memories they have shared to highlight their love for the areas they represent!

Miss Bristol County 2015--Molly Caron

"My favorite spot in Bristol County is the Children’s Advocacy Center in Fall River! The center works hard to provide a multi-disciplinary team response to disclosures and allegations of child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and witness to violence.  They aim to empower children and families to heal from the trauma of abuse and violence though the community and education.  It is such a wonderful place filled with amazing people that do so much for so many people."

Miss Cambridge 2015--Samantha Hawkins

"One of my most frequented places in Cambridge is my second home, Harvard's Tozzer Anthropology Building. Tozzer is the oldest library in the United States devoted to the study of ethnography, archaeology, and other related fields. Also located in Tozzer is the beautiful Peabody Ethnology Museum which is open to the public, and is free to Massachusetts residents on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings! Tozzer adds a rich addition of cultural history to Cambridge."

Miss Commonwealth 2015--Stephanie Deltor

Lulu's Allston, located in Allston, MA, made its debut on the list of my top dining places.  I recently discovered this gem of a diner this year on my search for the perfect birthday brunch venue. It is described as a "charming eatery with midcentury-modern decor specializing in comfort foods with a unique twist." The place is unique for sure, as it offers fun meals such as the "Sexy Strawberry Salad" and the "Rice Krispie French Toast."  Although I wasn't as daring in my personal food selection that day, I was very pleased with the authentic touch of a tasty meal.  I wanted to bring in another birthday with style and grace and this venue offered the exact atmosphere I was looking for.  My guests and I were able to enjoy engaging music, diverse customers, great service, and a cozy, catering space encouraging to all forms of much needed girl-talk!  I couldn't have asked for a restaurant more befitting for the occasion. Thanks Lulu's Allston! I truly felt cherished and I would recommend it to anyone seeking true quality dining for reasonable costs. 

http://lulusallston.com

Miss Fall River 2015--Marlena Johnson

I wanted to highlight "the Memorial Day Parade in the heart of Fall River, right by city hall!"

Miss Lakeville 2015--Kira Kopacz

"My favorite spot in Lakeville is Long Pond. Spending my summers on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, I've always been a water lover. Long Pond is the perfect place to take a breath and reflect on the beauty of Lakeville."

Miss Middleboro 2015--Jillian Zucco

"My favorite place in Middleboro is Oliver Mill Park for its beautiful landscape, rich history, and its location on the Nemasket River. Native Americans came here to fish in the river and named it accordingly, as "Nemasket" is said to mean "place where the fish are" in the Wompanoag language. In the mid-1700s, the park was the location for an ironworks, which was the backbone of Middleboro's economy at the time. Remains of the forge and water-powered mills are part of the gorgeous scenery there today. I love kayaking the Nemasket River, paddling under the historic bridges, battling the mini-rapids, and hopping out at Oliver Mill Park to walk around and have a picnic!"

Miss Middlesex County 2015--Gina Brazao

"An integral part of Middlesex County is the city of Cambridge. I love spending my afternoons in Harvard Square discovering new coffee shops, and arttractions all while enjoying the view of the Charles River. Cambridge is also home to several museums and foodie destinations. My personal favorite, Casa Portugal!"

Miss Somerset 2015--Kristen Rose

"Pierce's Beach is Somerset's most popular waterfront area that many gather at in the summer!  Pierce's beach also hosts many town events throughout the year and has a newly renovated playground right along side. I remember being a little girl and going down the slide that is located on top of a hill, which you have to climb quite a bit of stairs to get to the top.  Here I am pictured with a little boy named Evan who attended the Somerset Pumpkin carving contest that was hosted at Pierce's Beach!"

Miss Tri-County 2015--Alissa Musto

"One of my favorite things about Massachusetts is how rich the state is in history and culture.  Boston in particular has several landmarks that have shaped Massachusetts’ history; one of my favorites is the “new” State House. I can remember taking several field trips to the State House throughout school and expanding my knowledge of government, history, architecture and my state with each visit. As the meeting place for all members of the Massachusetts legislature and governor, the State House is a place where the voices of all Massachusetts citizens are heard and represented."

Best wishes to this year's amazing contestants!

Lauren Kuhn
Miss Massachusetts 

People's Choice Voting is Up!

        Did you know that a new Miss Massachusetts will be crowned in l8 days?  You have the opportunity to support the contestants and vote for a titleholder (or multiple) to be in the Top 11!  Visit missmass.org to donate and engage in ONLINE VOTING!  Now, let's get to know a few of the contestants and places they represent.  In alphabetical order, here is a sampling of EIGHT of our amazing contestants.  More will follow!

Miss Baystate 2015--Anastasia Lusnia

As you know, talent makes up the largest portion of the Miss America Organization's local, state, and national competitions: "The Massachusetts Academy of Ballet has become a second home for me. Each day I look forward to going to the studio, and working hard to grow as a dancer and as an artist."


Miss Berkshire County 2015--Amanda Morton

"The incredible views in Berkshire County are many but the really breathtaking views are high above the tree lines and require hiking boots. Hiking the mountains of Berkshire County has always been one of my favorite outdoor activities. Monument Mountain is my favorite mountain to hike because it offers a 360 degree view of Berkshire County at its peak. My high school, Monument Mountain Regional High School, was named after the landmark and can be seen at the top of the mountain as well. In many ways Monument Mountain stands as a friendly reminder of where I was four years ago and what I have accomplished since."


Miss Boston 2015--Sabrina Ponte

"The Boston Garden has always been one of my favorite places as it was a place my father exposed me to very young. The Boston Garden is home to the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, both excellent teams. Being a season ticket holder for the Bruins I am at the garden often in the winter and am able to appreciate Boston's enthusiastic sports culture. If you haven't attended a game at the Boston Garden or any of event I highly recommend it, as it is one of my favorite places!"

Miss Collegiate Area 2015--Meagan Fuller

Meagan Fuller hails from Attleboro and she says: "I wouldn't be a true Attleboro "townie" if I didn't talk about Morin's Diner. Morin's has been a staple in the Attleboro community since 1911! Just a few years ago, Morin's was featured on Food Network's show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. It is a traditional diner famous for its breakfast: omelets, pancakes, you name it! My usual order is the "JB Morin Special" or "The Patriot" with coffee milk (of course!) It is a true piece of American nostalgia. Since I was a little girl I remember going to have breakfast there with my grandparents after Sunday mass. Here's the link to their website: http://www.morins1911.com/ordereze/1003/Page.aspx"


Miss Greater Worcester 2015--Samantha McGraw

"I discovered the Miss Worcester Diner! The Miss Worcester Diner is a small little diner on the side of the road that serves a variety of lunch and dinner foods! They also had many deserts! The owner was so welcoming and told me to come right in! This diner really captures what Worcester was like in the 60's. Overall, it's defiantly one of the best places in Worcester!"


Miss Mayflower 2015--Lyndsey Littlefield

"One of my favorite places growing up was always Plymouth's waterfront! I remember always looking forward to going to Plymouth every Fridays as kid! It has everything to fill any type of day! From the classic lawn Led Zeppelin cover band concerts on the lawn by the ever famous Plymouth Rock, to the best seafood you will ever have at the Cabby Shack! ( As a kid, I always enjoyed painting pottery at ClayChicks! ) I have always loved exploring Plymouths endless amount of things to do, as well as its history! The MayFlower II is one of the most fascinating things! (And if your like me, and love more of the spooky/ thriller things, right outside of the Mayflower II is nighty ghost tours! HOW COOL?!) I would highly suggest making a day trip! Don't forget the cameras moms!"



Miss New Bedford 2015--Joclyne Nunes

"New Bedford High School is still a place that holds so much pride in my heart. There is so much greatness, intelligence, and talent that thrives within the school. It is where I spent 4 years of my life, where I really "grew up," and where I learned what it meant to be a whaler: once a NBHS Whaler, always a NBHS Whaler! I love my city and my high school!"


Miss Taunton 2015--Devon Williams

"Downtown Taunton is truly a special place - specifically The Taunton Green Historic District. Located in the center of the city, this piece of land was crafted in 1830 and named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. 'Taunton Green was historically a gathering place for troops headed to war. Since 1914 it has hosted the city's annual holiday light display which attracts visitors from throughout the area, giving Taunton the nickname of "The Christmas City".'

I've visited the Green in many capacities - from picnicking, going downtown to watch Lights On, or just strolling through for some shopping. There's never a dull moment on the Taunton Green. A variety of events are hosted here and you can always find something to do. Whether it be a fantastic public arts festival like Taunton Creates or grabbing food at one of the surrounding restaurants (El Mariachis - for sure!) and eating outside on the benches - the Green is the place to be in Taunton."

SEE YOU ON JUNE 26th (Preliminaries) and 28th (Finals) at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA where the 76th Miss Massachusetts will be selected!

Yours truly,

Lauren Kuhn
Miss Massachusetts

How do you do it ALL?

Hello Bay Staters!

The past couple of months have been hectic, but on this fine Friday night, I wanted to take the time to answer a question I'm frequently asked: "How do you do it all?"

Well, I don't have a cat, but you get the idea.  I think we can all relate...

First, let me tell you that I certainly do not do it all.  Life is a balancing act regardless of your educational enrollment or your extracurricular responsibilities and there is definitely sacrifice involved.  This year, I needed to pour my energy into being a full-time student at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where I am required to meet the standards of both schools simultaneously (and yes, that means a lot of stressful exams).  I've also wanted to make the most of every moment of my year as Miss Massachusetts and spread the word to young people that they have value and can achieve any goal they hope to accomplish.  To accomplish all of this has been difficult, to say the least.

I have to admit that I'm a people pleaser and it pleases me to accept every appearance request and take on every leadership role I'm offered in school.  This year I've learned that although I wish I could teleport, I cannot and therefore, saying no has been one of my greatest challenges.  Having regrets is never fun. How have I managed?  I've found that I can download mp3 files for my classes at Harvard Medical School and on the way to and from almost all of my Miss Massachusetts appearances, I listen to them in my car.  Cell phone flashcards are also my best friend and I sometimes use them when walking down a long hallway or waiting for a friend to meet me for lunch.  Every moment is precious, but using all of that spare time can be taxing.  SO, to answer the question, I do not say yes to everything, even when I want to and I've found a few helpful coping strategies for when I wish I could do more OR on the flip side, feel I have too much on my plate.   I think most people can relate to this feeling, so here they are:

1)  Be grateful for everything.  Yes, it's cliche.  But if you stop to look back, it's pretty amazing what can be accomplished with hard work.  Reflection is very calming.

2)  Think: What is the worst thing that could happen?  There have been times this year when I wasn't sure if I could handle all of my course work and I thought to myself, the WORST thing that could happen would be to re-take an exam or to take a year off of school. Worst. Case. Scenario.  In the grand scheme of life, is that really so bad?  Probably not.  Is sanity important?  Absolutely.  I hope this can soothe the mind of anyone feeling stress in sports, work, school, etc. because in all honesty, it's really not that bad.

3)  Take time to be alone and unplug.  There have been times when I've not kept up with social media or even texted my family for a couple days (which is unusual for me), but sometimes taking time for myself has been important.  Taking a VERY long shower and taking advantage of the endless hot water in my dorm has been a life saver... relaxing to Pandora... staring mindlessly at funny photos online.  Anything to zone-out can be helpful to recharge and feel like the go-go-go lifestyle is being paused.  I can't feel guilty for this and I hope you won't either!

4) DO. NOT. EXPECT. PERFECTION.  Please repeat after me.  Being hard on myself is the worst mistake I make and anyone guilty of this will understand.  Being human means being imperfect by nature and it makes us all more fun, relatable, and interesting.  What good would it be if I couldn't tell embarrassing stories once in a while, right?  My advice to myself and others is to remember for everything you do wrong, you probably did one hundred things right.

When it's all said and done, I don't do it all but I try to be realistic.  I hope this reflection on the stress involved with juggling many responsibilities can be helpful for anyone feeling overwhelmed.  And I hope you remember, God never gives you more than you can handle.  You've got this.

Something's got to give, right?  

Enjoying the lack of snow,

Lauren

America's Toothfairy

February is for love, right?

While we look forward to 2015 and keeping our New Year's Resolutions, we also look forward to February, which is a time of caring for loved ones and finding that special valentine whether it be a friend, spouse, or otherwise. This year, however, I want to challenge you to think differently. Your inner circle undoubtedly knows of your love, but what about the children in your community (yes, you) who are in need of the simplest of necessities, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste. Children aren't just miniature adults--they are being taught habits for the rest of their lives and are building a foundation, both physically and mentally, that will impact them and those around them for generations to come.  With love at heart, I want to give you three reasons to host a Smile Drive in partnership with America's Toothfairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation this February in honor of National Children's Dental Health Month:

1) Feel the holiday cheer all the way into February: Are you inspired by the enhanced cycle of giving? It isn't too late to go all in! By giving, you receive so much more. Imagine the feeling of collecting toothbrushes and toothpaste for children in need and then the smiles and happiness when you distribute them. Wow! I know that I am very excited for these moments. In giving, you receive so much more in the form of joy and feeling that there is good in this world. We are all experiencing tough times in a variety of forms, yet we can reignite excitement in the lives of ourselves and others by an act as simple as a Smile Drive through America’s ToothFairy!

2) Show children you care and be a mentor:  It only takes one moment to make an impression on someone, which is a fact we all know too well from embarrassing situations or accidental mix ups. Well, here is a chance to make an amazing first impression and impact a life! For a child who doesn't have a role-model or doesn't know how to make her smile shine brightly, your encounter can be enough to leave a lasting impression! Every child's situation is different, but especially for a child whose parents are struggling to work long hours and support a family, your time and care might be the needed attention and boost needed to encourage self care.  This is an impact waiting to happen!

3) Be a trend setter: Don't you just love starting a chain reaction and being in vogue? There is no better way to get this feeling than to encourage people to help others through leading by example. Do you want to see all children have access to the resources for a smile that helps them function in a healthy, confident manner? Ding ding ding! I have the answer for you. Try an option that will inspire those of all ages to follow in your footsteps by taking a few hours of your time to make a ripple that will help children grow into adults with strong teeth and people of all ages feel motivated to do the same--make a difference.

In a nation where we shouldn't have to worry about dental health resources, we do.

In a world with an immense capacity to love, we have the opportunity to show more.

It's true!

This year, join me in hosting a Smile Drive and help a child smile for a lifetime--be a catalyst for change.

Lauren Kuhn
Harvard School of Dental Medicine DMD Class of 2017
Miss Massachusetts, Top 5 Finalist at Miss America 2015

PS: If you needed more motivation to make an impact, check out America’s ToothFairy's incentives to host a Smile Drive, including letters of commendation and scholarships for those who make a big impact!



Test out this snack to ignite excitement for oral health!
  All you need are apples, peanut butter, and mini marshmallows! 
Of course, marshmallow fluff was invented in Massachusetts, so you could
use that too for a very smooth white smile between the red apple lips.



Why Compete?

Hello Fellow Bay Staters!

Have you ever asked yourself, "What would possess someone to compete in Miss Massachusetts?" If so, you are in luck! The next Miss Massachusetts will be crowned in exactly SIX MONTHS and I wanted to give three quick reasons to consider competing and sharing the program with a friend!  With brevity in mind, here they are:

#1: Personal Growth: The maturity, interview skills, and self confidence gained through the Miss America Organization are unparalleled. Imagine performing a solo talent with all eyes on you and being asked controversial questions in front of a crowd. Was I nervous my first time competing? I don't deny it. However, the confidence I have gained has shaped my life in ways that those close to me are stunned by each day. When I walked into all of my dental school interviews, I came armed with a mentality that I could handle any question they asked and that I didn't need to know all the answers. Yes, that was calming. The Miss America Organization equips young women to handle any situation they find themselves in!

#2:  Scholarships: Yes, this is a clear perk. However, many people don't know that there are never any entry fees to compete for Miss America at the local, state, and national levels! Just this year, I earned $28,600 in scholarships to apply to my education at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. I think a hashtag is fitting: #Grateful

#3:  Friendships and Networking:  We have all heard that friends and connections are worth their weight in gold. It is true! After competing for Miss America, I received an email and a phone call from a former Miss America, which culminated in her connecting me to America's Toothfairy: The National Children's Oral Health Foundation for which I am now a spokesperson. Do you want to make an impact in your chosen field? Consider competing in the Miss America Organization--you might just be astonished by the caring and intelligent women that the program can connect you to!

I am fortunate to now have a friend in every state and to have friends studying abroad (with whom I might have slept on a couch or two while traveling).

Do you want to start your journey? Visit missmass.org for more information!

Warm wishes during this chilly weather,

Lauren Kuhn
Miss Massachusetts 2014, 4th Runner-up to Miss America 2015
Harvard School of Dental Medicine DMD Class of 2017