Life has been busy! I have had quite the schedule, attending red carpet events, work outs, and fund raisers.

On September 19, I attended the IVEY Awards at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis. I walked the red carpet and enjoyed a night of entertainment, honoring notable actors from the Twin Cities. Congratulations to everyone who received an award that evening, including several Oles! Thank you to Scott Mayer for inviting me. Following the big event, I headed to the after party at Crave, which is also a much loved Miss Minnesota sponsor, where I enjoyed a surprisingly delicious peanut butter and jelly burger! Yes, you read correctly! Don't judge. It was yummy! Thank you to my cousin, Millie, for enjoying the evening with me!

On Tuesday, I had a work out with my personal trainer, Jason Young of YoungQuest Fitness. I am so excited to work with him once again! He knows his stuff! In fact, he was Mr. Minnesota in 1998! If you want to win swimsuit, he's your man! Thank you for being such a wonderful sponsor of the Miss Minnesota Organization!

I also had my first mock interview. Thank you to the Miss Minnesota board for taking the time to come and help me improve my communication skills.

On Wednesday, I went to the premier of Cavalia with my good friend, Liz Scipioni, who competed with me at Miss Minnesota. It was a beautiful show, and we were truly treated like royalty! We spent time eating h'orderves in the Rendezvous Tent before being whisked off to the big event. Thank you so much to Cavalia for letting me come see this incredible show! It truly was a work of art!

Thank you to these two Rotary Clubs for inviting me to share my message with your members!

I was so pleased to meet Heinz Shwarzl from Austria at the St. Louis Park Sunrise Rotary, who subsequently invited me to his home country to visit his chemistry lab and speak at his Rotary. I wish I could have accepted his offer! If I ever make it to Austria, I'll have to look him up!

I jumped five feet in the air when I received the email requesting that I judge the Mr. St. Olaf pageant during Homecoming Week! I was SO excited! Congratulations to Joel Money, the newly crowned King of the Hill. I was so impressed by all the guys who competed that night! I know how much moxie it takes to strut on a stage in a swimsuit, though I can't say that I've ever competed for "best pick up line." And the audience turnout at the competition was incredible! Over 1,500 students came to watch Mr. St. Olaf! It was a hit! Thank you so much to the Student Activities Committee for inviting me to judge. I had a blast!

The number of people who showed their support at Walk Now for Autism Speaks at the Mall of America on Saturday was incredible! I always enjoy the opportunity to hear about others' connections to autism and how it has impacted their life. Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Thank you, Autism Speaks, for supporting families like mine and for inviting me to perform the national anthem and sign autographs at this event.

On Sunday morning, I went to the Mall of America again for the Walk and Roll fund raising event for Midwest Special Services, which provides vocational training and employment services for individuals with disabilities. Miss Wheelchair Minnesota, Jenny, Miss Minnesota Collegiate, Hailey, and I took photos with the walkers. (As soon as I locate them online, I will post them!) Thank you, Midwest Special Services, for inviting me to participate in your event!

(283 miles)

On Saturday morning, I went to a 5K and 10K race hosted by KDWB's Dave Ryan, Minnesota's most prized radio show host (he just received a Marconi Award!). All proceeds from the races went to Special Olympics Minnesota. As I was reading more about Special Olympics Minnesota on its website, I was struck by its mission statement: Through Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world. I believe strongly that everyone, regardless of whether or not they have a disability, has something to contribute. They each have their own gifts to offer the world and we must pay attention. But, the way Special Olympics Minnesota puts it is far more profound; it says that people with disabilities can TRANSFORM our communities and the world. This gives me such tremendous hope that my brother Trevor, despite his Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis, will find success and make a positive impact on others. I am so thankful to the Special Olympics for recognizing the potential these individuals have to lead successful, productive, happy, fulfilling lives.

Later that day, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Girl Scouts about confidence, making good decisions, and being true to yourself. It was also a great opportunity to start recruiting for Miss Minnesota contestants early on! After all, just like Girl Scouts is about much more than cookies (you're welcome, Miss Idaho!), we all know that Miss America is much more than a beauty pageant. I am confident that I will see some of these young ladies at Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen or Miss Minnesota when they become of age!

This afternoon, I sang "God Bless America" in honor of our veterans at the Minnesota Twins game. Thank you to the Twins for inviting me to do this!

(270 miles)

I performed the national anthem at the Taste of Greece 5K benefitting CADE, Children with Autism Deserve Education. Thank you to the people at CADE and the Holland Center for including me in your event! Also thank you for the coupons for the delicious Greek food I got to eat after the race. (No, I did not run in the race. I burned my calories hitting the high note in the Star Spangled Banner.)

Thank you to John Hoffacker, Manny Laureano, and Bob Bayers for including me in the 10th annual 9/11 Tribute Concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. I performed a solo in "Make Our Garden Grow" by Leonard Bernstein. Thank you to the many servicemen who continually put their lives on the line to keep our country safe. We can never forget what happened on 9/11/2001. God bless America!

Thank you to Burnsville Breakfast Rotary and Chaska Rotary for letting me speak at your club meetings. Thank you for being so receptive to my message of helping children overcome challenges.

(890 miles)

Wow! I had an incredible time back home in Dassel over Red Rooster Day/Labor Day weekend. I cannot express how nice it was to have appearances within 2 miles of my home! I sure saved on gas money that weekend!

On Saturday, September 3, I rode through town in Dassel's parade. Thank you to John, for graciously donating his car and his time! Also thanks to Sheryl Faust and Susan Marco for helping to arrange a Miss Minnesota float in the parade.

Later that day, I attended the Queen's banquet at my very own church in Dassel, then I headed to watch the Dassel Ambassador coronation at the D-C Performing Arts Center. Congratulations to Courtney Helmin and Colee Jennissen for being honored as the new Dassel Ambassadors! I am so impressed with these young ladies! They are well spoken and highly involved in their academics, activities, and communities. Best of luck to them during their year of service to Dassel. Also a huge congratulations to all of the Dassel Ambassador candidates. They obviously grew so much through their involvement in the Dassel Ambassador program throughout the summer, and I hope to see them flourish as representatives of their town in other ways as they move onto their next chapters in life. Thank you to the Dassel Ambassador committee for including me in their queen festivities that weekend!

On Sunday, I performed "God of Grace" with the Dassel Community Choir at the community church service. Thank you so much to Barb Kay for including me in this event. The music you chose was just beautiful! Also thank you to Barb for accompanying me on the piano later that day at the piano recital commemorating Louis Guhl. Thank you to Carolyn Holje for including me in the program.

On Monday, I was invited to a homecoming reception planned just for me by Carolyn Holje and Sheryl Faust at the Dassel History Center. Thank you so much for giving me such a warm welcome home to Dassel! As Miss Minnesota, I get asked where I am from all the time. I am so proud to call Dassel my home. I will never forget where I come from.

This reception was also the debue of my new CD, Sweet Dreams. Thank you to everyone who purchased a copy. All proceeds go to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the Miss America Scholarship Fund. If you would like to purchase a copy, you can do so online! Just click the CMN Hospitals tab at the top of this page!

Before I sign off, I have to say one gigantic, heartfelt thank you to my parents. I wouldn't be the person I am today without each of your 23 chromosomes...oh yeah, and your parenting and unconditional love. :) I love you, Mom and Dad! Thank you for everything you do to support me!

(20 miles)

Preorder your copy of my new lullaby CD, Sweet Dreams! Sweet Dreams is for sale at $15.00 per CD, plus $4.00 S&H. You can also purchase the Lullaby Special of two CDs for $20.00, plus $4.00 S&H. All proceeds support the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the Miss America Scholarship Fund.

Click here to order your copy today! 

A huge thank you to Vicki Plaster Kueppers, Miss Minnesota 1983, for all of her help on this project. Also thanks to John Chase of Masterchase, Steven C Anderson, Martin Sicam, and Paula Preston Photographer. 

 (500 miles)

I had a wonderful and productive day at the State Fair on Tuesday, but I knew that I just had to come back! There is far to much to see and do at the State Fair in just one day! My cousin Millie graciously agreed to be my chaperone again, and I must say: she is incredible! She even thought to bring me dental floss and moroccan oil for my hair in case it got frizzy! You rock! 

It was a productive two days at the State Fair (Tuesday and Friday). I connected with 14 media outlets and countless other organizations and businesses! And of course, I couldn't help but get some more Sweet Martha's cookies!

Thank you to KSTP Twin Cities Live, WCCO News, WCCO Radio, KFAN, 96.3 NOW, 1500 ESPN, AM 980 KKMS, KOOL 108, KDWB, KARE 11, and My Talk107.1 for taking the time to interview me on the air. Also thank you to K102, 102.9 LiteFM, and 89.3 The Current for the shout outs to the Miss Minnesota Organization!

(130 miles)

I sang the national anthem at the Minnesota Vikings vs. Houston Texans football game! What an incredible experience! Over 52,000 people were in attendance. Thank you to Ren Rutkus from the Minnesota Vikings for arranging this singing opportunity for me and for giving me tickets to share with friends and family. I am so glad that my dad, David Shepardson, Rod Simonson, and Bonnie, Cliff, and Andy Eng could come enjoy the game with me in our suite!

(150 miles)