Winter Gardens Aglow

Last weekend, Miss Idaho and I went caroling at the Idaho Botanical Gardens in Boise during Winter Gardens Aglow! I had never been to the Botanical Gardens but have always wanted to go, so it was very special to go for the first time as an appearance. It ended up being the only day of the week that it snowed, which added an even more special touch to the evening:) Kylie and I sang several Christmas carols requested by our audience and even sang a few with the children in the crowd!

Seeing the happiness of the kids that sang with us is what made the night the most special. Even though Kylie and I couldn't remember the words of Frosty The Snowman to save our lives (ha!), we had lots of fun!

I can't wait to go and enjoy Winter Gardens Aglow next year!

Merry Christmas

Your Friend,

Katy

MIOT 2010

The Christmas Parade: Marsing Style ;)

On Saturday the 11th, I was given the honor of being in my home town of Marsing's Annual Christmas Parade!! I was put in the cutest sleigh with two little girls who were so much fun! the sleigh was put together for me by City Hall and Mayor Keith Green.

There was a fantastic showing for the parade. We were lucky to have extra candy to throw out to the crowd!

The parade was definitely one of the highlights of my year thus far. It is always so exciting for me to make an appearance in my home town and it means a lot to me to represent the people of Marsing:)

Thank you to everyone who made our Christmas Parade possible this year!

Your Friend,

Katy Lootens

The 2010 Boise Holiday Parade

This last Saturday, I got to be in the Boise Holiday Parade! The parade went right through the heart of downtown Boise and was televised by News Channel 7. The snow was really coming down the entire time the parade was happening, which added to the Christmas spirit! Although I was not able to use the convertible top of the gorgeous red car that was rented to me by Image Auto Rent and Sales, I still got to wave out of the front seat of the car window.

The parade was all great fun and really got me into the Christmas spirit! I enjoyed being a part of this beautiful Idaho tradition and meeting new people.

Thank you to those who worked so hard for months to make this parade a success!

Your friend,

Katy Lootens

MIOT 2010

The Boise Festival of Trees

Tuesday, I spent the evening at the Festival of Trees Gala at the Center on the Grove in Boise. Seven titleholders and myself went around selling raffle tickets for the event to benefit the mental health department of Saint Alphonsus Medical Center. At this event were the leaders of our state, including Governor Butch Otter. They came for a fantastic meal, entertainment, and auction of the beautiful Christmas Trees, decorated and donated by several organizations, businesses, and schools. This was a lovely benefit auction for a great cause. It was the kick-off of the annual Festival of Trees!

Come out and support saint Alphonsus and the Boise Festival of Trees this Wednesday through Sunday!

The Miss Boise Pageant

This last week I was a guest at the Miss Boise Pageant at BSU. A year before this, I came to the Miss Boise Pageant to support my friend Amanda Richey who happened to win the title of Miss Boise 2010 that evening. Last year I came as an audience member who was in awe of the courage of the Miss Boise contestants and the performers, MIOT 2009, Carley Campbell and Miss Idaho 2009, Kara Jackson. This year I came as a performer and the new MIOT 2010, so this event was very special to me! Unfortunately, Amanda was not able to be there this year to give up her crown because she had duties at law school; she was very missed. However, three titles were given out that evening: Miss Boise, Miss Treasure Valley, and Miss Southern Idaho because there were so much interest in the program! After intermission, Miss Idaho and I performed. Since it was the holiday season, I sang Ave Maria and my wonderful voice teacher Margie Koenig accompanied me on the piano. I was so glad to have her there with me. My favorite part of the pageant was that I got to crown the new Miss Boise Princess!

The pageant was great fun and in the end, the title of Miss Southern Idaho went to Tabatha Damill (I used to dance with her!), Miss Treasure Valley went to Kristen Titillian, and the title of Miss Boise 2011 went to Meg Rowe.

Congratulations to all of the winners and participants, I am positive you will all do fabulously at Miss Idaho in the Summer :)

Your Friend,

Katy Lootens

Kids' Fitness Expo

The Kids' Fitness Expo took place at Expo Idaho on October 10th.

It showcased a variety of healthy activities and medical care for kids and their parents. I was very excited to be there supporting healthy living in our youth and greeting the public at this event!

Presentation for Girls on the Run

Working with my platform has been a ton of fun, especially when working with the Girls on the Run program at my school! I am the junior coach at the Idaho Arts Charter School and have been using my platform to teach girls the importance of healthy eating for a positive self-image. Girls on the Run is a group of elementary-aged girls that are taught how to live healthy and feel good about themselves by treating themselves and others with respect.

I taught the girls how to read food labels so they can choose foods that are best for their bodies. I came up with a grocery shopping activity that split the girls into groups and had them compare two of the same types of foods from different brand names and choose which one to potentially “buy”.

Those girls were so sharp and I could tell they really enjoyed the activity! I based my research and presentation board off of one of my favorite books, Eat This, Not That for Kids.

Later on in the GOTR season, I ran the girls and I ran at the 5k Barber to Barbra Race and my group finished in 30 minutes! Way to go girls!

Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011 :)

My goodness, I don’t even know where to begin! After talking to previous title holders about what nationals is like, they all told me the same: “it’s an incredible experience that can only be explained by actually living it yourself”, they were very right. Going to Orlando, Florida and being a part of the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageant was a dream to say the least. When I arrived there I knew it would be intense hard work but I still wasn’t completely sure what it would be like. At my arrival, I was filmed for introductions and fitted for a fabulous custom-made Tony Bowls dress for opening number! Another very fun part of arrival was the Tony Bowls Photo shoot, where the theme this year was Lady Gaga.

After getting all registered, I was able to meet my roommate for the very first time! Miss Tennessee Outstanding Teen, Maggie Belew, was my roommate, and it was so meant to be! We had such a blast together over that week and she became one of my best friends! The first three days we had intense rehearsals all day with our instructor Pam and her two assistants that were so much fun and loved to goof off and show us their dance skills and lifts! Haha! In rehearsals we learned everything we needed to know before going on stage the next week. In the evenings we were able to go on outings in Orlando. The first night we went to Medieval Times, where we walked out with our state flags, watched jousting, and ate great food. MAOT 2010, Janette Morelan, was the honored princess of the nightJ Jeanette is truly the most inspiring young woman I have ever met in my life and I feel so honored to know her and have her as a friend. She was a fantastic Miss America Outstanding Teen. I look forward to having her as my nation’s President in 2040!

The next outing we had was to Planet Hollywood at Disney World, where we took pictures on the Red Carpet, received many gifts, and ate a good meal. During these outings is when the contestants would get to know one another better. I made so many amazing friends who I could really relate with. I was in awe of how outstanding these young women were and I had to keep reminding myself that I was one of them! I would have never guessed the bond that we would share by the end of those two weeks, and I am so grateful for it. Now, wherever I travel in the U.S., I will know at least one person from every state!

During our stay we received so many gifts from our sponsors that I had to dedicate my largest suitcase to gifts for the travel home!After all of our preparation, the competition began on Monday with personal interviews. They did not turn out nearly as scary as I thought and ended up being very fun because my directors had prepared me so well. On Tuesday, I competed in Talent and was so happy with my performance. Every contestant’s talent was seriously phenomenal! The next night was evening gown, where I got to wear my beautiful white gown sponsored by Regalia in Florida! Love that dress:) The next night was fitness, my favorite portion of the competition. It was so fun! Backstage I had the best hostess in the world helping me, her name was Barbara and I do not know what I would have done without her. During the week I was only able to see the people who came to support me during visitation after each night’s competition; it was certainly wonderful to see them! I was so happy to have Miss Idaho, Kylie Koefed there as well to cheer me on. I can’t wait to go cheer her on at Miss America in January and see all of the Outstanding Teens again!

Finals night was Saturday, where the new

Miss America Outstanding Teen 2011, Lacey Russ of Oklahoma was crowned!!!! I was so incredibly happy for her and I know she will represent America’s teens very well this year with her platform P.U.R.E, promoting teen abstinence. Congratulations Lacey!

Following the final competition was the awards ceremony where six college scholarships were awarded to certain contestants and I received one of them! I was awarded the Nova Southeastern University Razor’s Edge Leadership Scholarship because of my phone interview, essay, and leadership application! It was so exciting! Other awards like Miss Congeniality, and Most Photogenic were awarded and during those awards, I received the Scholastic Achievementin Academic Life Award, which I am extremely proud of! This award was based on highest GPA and best scored resume. Taylor Fitch, MAOT 2009 was given this award the year that she won, so she presented the award to me! At the end of the night, I officially gained over $42,000 in college scholarships from the Miss America Scholarship Organization. I was so shocked but so grateful.

The entire experience was without a doubt the biggest and most challenging adventure I had ever gone on. I still can’t believe that I got to hang out with Miss America and actually be a part of what I had been dreaming about for years. I loved every minute of representing Idaho in this extraordinary event.

Thank you so much to everyone who prepared me and made it possible for all of us Outstanding Teens to live our dreams.

Your friend,

Katy Lootens - MIOT 2010

Katy's Send-Off Party

On Tuesday, August 17th, my directors hosted a send-off party for me before I left for nationals in Florida on Friday! Some of my closest family and friends came to wish me farewell, along with the Miss Idaho Board of Directors. During the party, I tried on my nationals wardrobe for the guests to preview! I was so thankful to be in such wonderful company, supporting me and wishing me luck for the coming adventure :)

Thank you to all who came. I love you!

Your Friend,

Katy

This was also a very special day because my CD was released nation-wide :)

You can purchase this album at amazon.com or iTunes!

Run for Your Life

New York Life in downtown Boise put on a very special event for Idaho's Wednesday's Child Program called Run for your Life. This was a run/walk for adults and children, all proceeds going towards Wednesday's Child. This was a very special event to me because of my platform that promotes healthy living.

In the race I handed out water at a station in the park with a lovely family I had met that morning! They had a daughter named Audrey, which is my very favorite name on Earth!

I was also asked to sing the National Anthem at the conclusion of the race. My favorite part of all though, was handing out the awards to the winners of the

races and taking pictures with the kids that were there.

After the event, there was a carnival set up in the parking lot of New York Life, where I played games and made crafts with people from around the valley.

This was a fantastic function and I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of it!

Thank you to New York Life for making Run for Your Life possible and helping out disadvantaged children in Idaho.

Your Friend,

Katy Lootens

The Children's Miracle Network!

The Miss America and Miss America Outstanding Teen national platform is the Children's Miracle Network aka CMN!

CMN is a foundation started by Marie Osmond and her family and has spread nation-wide making tremendous donations to children's hospitals all around America. The proceeds that go to CMN directly impact your local children's hospital to help pay for medical research, equipment, healthcare costs, medications, and so much more! I am raising money for our local St. Lukes children's hospital.

I have been at Snake River Mart in Marsing, the Idaho Falls Dairy Queen, and also online on the MAOT website!

Please log onto: www.maoteen4kids.org and search for Katy Lootens to donate!

Miss Idaho and I at Dairy Queen for Miracle Treat Day!!

Miss Idaho Falls

This weekend Jaylee and I went to the Miss Idaho Falls pageant. It was a lot of fun to watch and perform in the pageant. As you may know, Miss Idaho Falls 2009 was Ali Christiansen and also a contestant on the hit television competition America's Got Talent! Ali and her younger sister Christina have performed twice on the show so far and are headed back to Hollywood shortly to continue their journey. Both of them also happen to have been former MIOT contestants and I am hoping that Christina will continue in the program! They both have tremendous talent and well as an inspiring story to share about their struggles with Cystic Fibrosis. These are two girls who I strongly admire for their incredible character and will to just keep following their dreams no matter what. There were many happy and special moments reflecting on Ali's journey through the year as Miss Idaho Falls. She truly made the most out of her year and was thankful for every moment. She and her sister represent Idaho very well on national television:) Good luck to the both of them!

There were seven contestants in the pageant and one of them happened to be Cassidy Bronson, a former MIOT!

All of the contestants were AMAZING

and I thoroughly enjoyed watching and performing in this great production. My friend from the MIOT pageant, Miss Rexburg's Outstanding Teen, Bailey Barton got to perform a country song as well as Rigby's Jr.Miss, Cree Philips, who rocked it out w/ Aretha Franklin's "Respect!" In the end, Kelsie Roper was crowned Miss Idaho Falls 2010 with her platform of Childhood Obesity- Weigh the Consequences and her piano talent!

Congratulations Kelsie!!

On the way home, Jaylee and I took the more scenic route, where we took a small tour of the Craters of the Moon! It is extremely interesting that cool that Idaho has such a historic landmark! The craters are made out of the dried lava flow that happened hundreds, if not thousands of years ago and is able to be seen from outer space! Well that's just one of the awesome and unique things that Idaho has to offer, but there are sooo many more!

Your Friend,

Katy Lootens

MIOT 2010

P.S. Look online at maoteen.org to see all of the new MAOT contestant photos!!!!! Only 2 weeks from today until competition!!!!!!!!!!!

A Weekend at Fred Meyers!

This weekend, Kylie and I got to promote the Fred Meyers' Sidewalk Sale and raffle in Garden City. We also promoted the Miss Idaho Organization while greeting people and signing autographs. It was very enjoyable to talk to the public in a very informal and everyday setting. I believe that you can learn something from every person you meet. This is the perfect year to take advantage of the surplus amounts of different people with much wisdom that God is putting before me to learn from.

There were many activities going on at Fred Meyers this weekend. We had the fun opportunity to be interviewed on live radio on 94.9 The River!

There was a small Corvette happening in the parking lot with some absolutely gorgeous cars!!

I am definitely a Fred Meyers fan, so spending two days at one was no hardship for me! Being gluten-free, they have a large health foods selection loaded with all sorts gluten-free goodies!

Miss Western Idaho

On the 15th of July, the Miss Western Idaho and Miss West River Valley Pageant took place in Weiser. I was really looking forward to coming to this pageant becausethis would be my first performance at a local pageant. I was very pleased with how accommodating and friendly the people were who ran the Western Idaho program. Whenever I see these volunteer board members for Miss Idaho, I am just in awe of their unending work and how much they sacrifice for the young women in the program. They put in their time and efforts because they genuinely care about us and believe in everything that the Miss America Organization does, as do those of us who participate and support it. These are remarkable people that we can trust to help guide and encourage us, not only throughout our year of service, but also throughout the rest of our lives. My year is still only in its beginning stages and I can already tell you that I am and always will be grateful for my directors and the warm and welcoming hearts on the Miss Idaho Board of Directors.

Miss Western Idaho 2010, Carley Campo crowned

Elizabeth Richins

of Weiser with the new 2011 title. She performed a fantastic piano piece and her platform is "Music Matters." Chelacie Fife of Fruitland was crowned Miss West River Valley by Jessica Richardson. Chelacie did an amazing contemporary dance that she choreographed herself! She happens to be one of my friends that I used to dance with, so when she won I was extremely excited! Both of the girls who won are very talented and deserving of their titles. It is espeacially neat to me that when two titles are given at a pageant, the bond that the two

titleholders have becomes a very strong friendship and makes the whole experience even more special. I can't wait to see the growth of their friendship by the time for Miss Idaho next year!

I also got to see one of my friends from the 2010 Miss Idaho Outstanding Teen Pageant! Ashley Shultz is one of the most humble and kind spirited girls I know. Honestly, if there was a definition for "beautiful inside and out" in the dictionary,

I'm pretty sure Ashley's picture would be right beside it. She is now the very first Miss Western Idaho Outstanding Teen!

Your Friend,

Katy Lootens

MIOT 2010

If you or someone you know is between the ages of 13-17 and is interested in being an outstanding teen for your area, log onto www.idahooutstandingteen.com for more information!

The Miss America Outstanding Teen Lottery!!

On Tuesday, July 13th, at three o'clock PM mountain time, it was time for one of the most exciting, yet somewhat stressful parts of pageantry to begin.....choosing my contestant number! Tami, Jaylee, my mom, my cousin Terry, and I met up at the Moxie Java in Boise and got ready for the games to begin. Creating the contestant order for nationals is a whole lot different than it is at state! We sat with my laptop on the Miss America OT website and waited patiently for the screen to change into a chart. After that, certain state names would pop up and that sate's representative/contestant would have 5 minutes to call and say what spot they would like to be in. There is 3 groups to choose from, the red, white, and blue groups, and each has a different schedule of competition during pageant week in Orlando. Before the lottery, I had been thinking for several weeks about what spot would be my ideal position. I preferred the competition order of the white group, and also really like the color white. As the lottery began, we expected to be called pretty early, but as time rolled on, we started to get a little antsy. An hour passed...then two....and finally, at around 5:30 my mom's cell phone rang. Only a few spots remained, but one of them was surprisingly close to my ideal number in the white group. I answered it and was asked my name. After I answered my name, I was stunned out of my mind to hear "Hi Katy, this is Caressa Cameron, MISS AMERICA "!!!!! I was so excited and did't quite know what to say at the time, but I managed to pull myself together and say what spot I would like. Then I got to talk to Miss America's Outstanding Teen, Jeanette Morelan!!! Idaho ended up being one of the last ten to pop up on the screen, which was very different than prior years, where it was one of the first ten! The wait and anticipation was all worth it and I got the spot of

White #6!!!! It was one of the very last spots in the white group, so it was very exciting to get it! We all had a blast and it made me look forward to nationals even more!

Your Friend,

Katy Lootens

MIOT 2010

On the phone with Miss America!!!

Seattle Visit and The Pageant

Last week I took a trip up to Seattle to initially record the rest of my album that will be coming out this fall!!! The week was completely full and I spent it with my Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Joe. The first few days we spent at their cabin on the beach, which was very relaxing. When we got back to their house, it was time to hit the city and start recording hardcore at Diskeyes Productions and Clatter Studios! The music that is on my album is a mixture of Celtic and Classical selections and I am so excited to see and hear the complete product! My aunt Cheryl runs the Mercer Island Children's Choir and has worked in the recording industry for many years as well as been a performer in the Seattle Opera Company! When her and I get together we have a blast working on music, shopping, and going on long refreshing walks, talking about everything.

The timing of the Miss Washington pageant happened to work out perfectly and correspond well with the schedule for the week and I was able to make an appearance there! The day of the pageant, I met a new friend, whose name was also Katy! But it got stranger.... she also goes to an arts school, like me, has one sibling, a brother who is 22, like my brother, and she is 17 years old....like me!! It was quite a coincidence; but the largest difference between us was that she actually lives in London. She was just in Seattle visiting her aunt, who happened to play the violin on my album! That afternoon, Katy, Aunt Cheryl, and myself, went shopping downtown. We went to Bebe, Nordstom, and my ultimate favorite of all time, Betsey Johnson!!! I was first introduced to Betsey by my aunt when I was in the 7th grade and have been addicted to her fun and feminine fashions ever since. I have even gone as far as applying to the actual university that she attended, so maybe her brilliance will rub off on me.

That evening, we went to the pageant and it was quite an exciting event! The crowd was very into what they were spectating. It was, by far, the loudest and most energized audience I had ever been a part of at a pageant! I was also able to meet the contestants of Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen and MWOT herself, Victoria Renard. She was such a sweet girl whom I can't wait to get to know more at nationals! Miss Idaho, Kylie Kofed, did a phenomenal performance that night, as well as the hysterical act of Miss Washington 2009, Devanni Partridge. In the end, The Miss Washington 2010 title went to Miss Greater Vancouver, Jacquie Brown. Congratulations Jacquie!!

I had such a lovely time at the pageant, thank you to the Miss Washington Organization for welcoming Miss Idaho and I to the event.

Your Friend,

Katy Lootens

MIOT 2010

Marsing's Annual 3rd of July Celebration!

When doing mock interviews and trying to establish what it was about Idaho that I valued the most, my hometown

of Marsing is the first thing that pops into my head. Marsing is a small town on the Snake River, known for its rural beauty as well as Lizard Butte and St. Chapell Winery (and of course, our family grocery store, Snake River Mart). These are all special trademarks to be known for, but the most special of all is the people within the community itself. Marsing has always been my home and plays a strong role of who I am today. Although I don't attend school there any longer, it is my safe haven and support group. Growing up, I have become so grateful to live in a town filled with generous and caring individuals and I had the pleasure of giving back to them on the 3rd of July. My wonderful voice teacher, who is basically a grandmother to me, brought her band, Freestyle, to perform at the celebration by the river at The Spot Pizza Parlor stage. The band did around three hours of nonstop great music of all different genres. I was able to sing three songs with the band as well! I sang my talent piece, "The Laughing Song" from the opera Die Fledermaus, "Starry Starry Night", and "Dream On". Many of my family and friends came to watch and support me, as well as my director Tami and her family! I felt very honored but also a little nervous to sing in front of the community that I have grown up with my whole life. It turned out to be quite a thrill and an experience I will hold near and dear forever. This may have been the most special appearance I have made yet because it was my way to say a big thank you to my community, whom I am so proud to represent and support. After the performance, the annual fireworks display done by Big Johns Fireworks and the Marsing Volunteer Fire Department put on a fantastic show, as usual:) Thank you to Susan Watson at The Spot Pizza for putting on this fabulous event, the band Freestyle for being so kind and loving to me.

To all of those who came, I love you all. Thank you Marsing.

Your friend,

Katy Lootens

MIOT 2010

Miss Magic Valley Pageant

On Saturday evening, Jaylee and I decided to make a trip to Twin Falls to watch the Miss Magic Valley Pageant, where they gave away two titles, Miss Magic Valley and Miss Canyon Rim. Jaylee and I had a ton of fun and I throughly enjoyed her company. When we arrived at the pageant, a sign was there to tell me that I was meant to be there. The theme of the pageant that night was Audrey Hepburn/ Breakfast at Tiffany's. One fact about me is that since the 4th grade my role model has been Audrey Hepburn. This was something about me that I could not quite explain back when, but as I have learned more about her through the years, I know what was shinning in her so brightly. To this day, she is not my role model just because of her style and grace, but because she used her stature to serve others and be incredibly humble about it. She was always herself and was a true princess. I have also recently learned that she is one of my ancestors and was related to the Lootens family from Belgium! So awesome.

This had to have been a tough competition for the judges to choose a winner because of what strong competitors were in this bunch of talented girls. In the end, Miss Canyon Rim 2009, Heatherly Norman presented the 2010 title to Erin Webster, a prior Miss Idaho Contestant! Erin's platform is "Give Life, GiveBlood". Miss Magic Valley 2009, Courtney Barry handed off the 2010 title to Tysha Federico. You could tell that these girls worked very hard for their titles and did not have easy competition either. They will certainly compete well at Miss Idaho, as did the previous title holders, who both placed in the top ten this year!

There was also a Magic Valley Princess Pageant that was in conjunction with the Miss pageant. I got to see Sierra Norman, who was the previous Miss Magic Valley Princess, as well as my friend and neighbor in the Miss Idaho Outstanding Teen Pageant this year! She is honestly the most polished and put together girl I know and I truly hope she stays in the OT program.

Hope everyone's weekend is going well:)

Your Friend,

Katy Lootens

MIOT 2010

Youth Leadership Forum

Yesterday I was able to spend my day at the Idaho Youth Leadership Forum held at the Grove Hotel in Boise. This is a week-long event designed to help young men and women with disabilities in pursuit of their careers. The attendees were able to choose their dream job and shadow an employer in the Boise area with that exact job! What an amazing opportunity for our youth with disabilities. I did not see a crowd of depressed or downtrodden individuals, but high-spirited and inspiring people who are defying the odds, taking risks, and making a big difference. I felt very privileged to be sat in a room filled with such genuine and kind love. Every person I came in contact with during this event was bursting with enthusiasm and joy. I could not help but be plugged into that energy as well! I wish we could all be around this group of individuals more often and realize what truly matters most in our lives. I was accompanied by my Miss Idaho, Kylie Kofed, and we had a lot of fun greeting, participating on a tour, and of course, taking many photos with our new friends! Perhaps the most inspirational part of the day was getting to hear the story of Logan Olson. At the age of 16 Logan had a heart attack that put her in a coma and left her with traumatic brain damage. She had to learn the basics of life and start from the very beginning again. During her rehabilitation, her mother looked for a magazine that was specifically for people with disabilities but could not find one. Logan then took it upon herself to create one with the willing help of many. Logan made most all of the decisions for the magazine and became the name and cover girl. Her mother said that this magazine "became her recovery" and kept her spirits high. Logan charmed the stage with her excitement over her dream becoming a reality and all of the shopping that she got to do at Nordstroms along with it! Her mother and her also gave a quote in their speech from scripture that echoed loudly in me, and that was that "we are fearfully and wonderfully made." Logan was proof to all those who came to the forum that no matter what obstacles are in front of you, with a bit of guidance and love from others, along with determination, and belief from yourself, you can turn can'ts into cans and achieve anything.

Thank you to the Idaho Department for Labor for putting on this event that made a lasting impression in my life.

Your Friend,

Katy Lootens

MIOT 2010

If you would like to know more about Logan Olson's magazine, you can visit:

www.loganmagazine.com

Meridian Dairy Days Parade!

Wow! When I found out I was going to be in the Meridian Dairy Days Parade, I was thinking that it would be something similar to a parade in Marsing, or even Boise. Little did I know the extent of what was to come... First off, I was informed that I would be getting to ride in my very own rental car for the event, which happened to be a beautiful silver Mustang Convertible!!! The car was generously donated by Image car rentals and sales! The workers there were extremely nice gentlemen. After the car was picked up, my dad, mom, and i drove off into the sunset...well, rather to the parade. Our spot was surprisingly close to the front, and right behind the lovely Miss Meridian herself, Genevieve Nutting. Miss Boise, Amanda Richey, and Miss Treasure Valley, Monique Shall, were also in the parade representing the Boise area. When the parade got started, I immediately discovered one of the most fun parts about being MIOT. The children watching were so thrilled about the entire parade and they had the most joyous looks on their faces I had ever seen in one place. For miles there were hundreds, if not thousands of beautiful smiles on little faces. This was the most perfect way for God to display two of his most precious gifts, life and joy. I was smiling ear to ear the whole time and my cheeks became very sore, but it was all worth it. I waved and waved, and practically everyone waved back! I was completely shocked and deeply moved when the young kids would point and say "look it's a princess!" I guess it's not always just your dad that calls you a princess:) I made it a point to call those little girls princesses as well because that is exactly what they are. The Meridian Dairy Days Parade will be an event that I will always remember and hold dear to my heart. I loved it! Thank you Meridian.

Your Friend,

Katy Lootens

MIOT 2010

The Dairy Princess Banquet :)

Miss Meridian, Genevieve Nutting, (also a former MIOT) invited me to yesterday evening's Dairy Princess Banquet at the Hampton in Meridian. When I found out about this, I was immediately fascinated... I mean who wouldn't want to go check out a Dairy Princess Banquet??! This is an annual ceremony put on by the United Dairymen of Idaho as a part of Meridian Dairy Days! I did not know what to expect at all, and found out that it was much different than any other pageants I have ever gone to. There were a total of 12 girls, 8 competing for Senior Dairy Princess and 4 competing in the Junior category. Each girl gave a well planned out and rehearsed presentation about the dairy industry and why they would be a good representative for Idaho's Dairy Farmers. Some girls even made cooking presentations! There was one girl named Becky that was actually from my good-old hometown of Marsing... it was a nice reunion:) She did her presentation on how to dunk an Oreo Cookie into a glass of milk! The girls also had to give an answer to an onstage question... I know how that is, I even felt the nerves for them but sent them good vibes:) When we were awaiting the results, the hostess of the evening had Genevieve and I come up and get interviewed! It was my very first time-filler interview and I was a little nervous at first but was immediately calmed down when I realized that there was no need to have nerves at all. I was even able to talk about my platform of Healthy Girls Today, Healthy Women Tomorrow and how that tied in with getting your 3-a-day of dairy! In the end, the adorable Miss Courtney Pape from Kuna won Jr. Princess and the beautiful Miss Lauren Clark of Meridian won Sr. Princess!! Yay! All the girls that night were wearing gorgeous gowns and gave fabulous presentations. I really enjoyed seeing the products of the hard work these girls put into this competition and into their educations. These are smart and driven young women who are doing big things for Idaho. I learned a lot about the dairy industry, the products they produce, and how to judge a healthy cow from an unhealthy one. I have been going to county fairs for years and used to attend 4-H meetings with my brother Trent and never did I learn as much as about cows as I did last night. Where I live, in Marsing, there are many dairies surrounding me and it is always fun to take my friends and family from other parts of the state or country to visit these amazing establishments. The United Dairymen of Idaho do a lot for the youth of Idaho, making several scholarships. The most prestigious scholarship being the Distinguished Student of the Year Award. The Dairy industry is the #1 industry in Idaho and Idaho is #4 in the nation for dairy business! As Idahoans we I feel it is very important that we learn about all that the dairy industry does for us, in both our education and our health. We should not only celebrate this during Meridian Dairy Days but every day as we are getting our 3-a-day!

Your Friend,

Katy