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

Miss Gem County Pageant: My First Appearance!!

Last Night I made my very first appearance as Miss Idaho Outstanding Teen at the Miss Gem County Pageant in Emmett! It was super exciting! It completely made my day when the sweetest little girls were coming up to me asking for MY autograph....I couldn't believe it! I was even announced as a guest at the pageant! I am really going to enjoy going to the local pageants and meeting up with friends and making new friends as well. Keili Satchwell said her farewell as Miss Gem County 2009. She was a class act, and beautiful as always. I wish her the best of luck in the amazing future she has ahead of her and hopefully she will continue to compete in the organization for the coming year! Last night 6 lovely contestants competed for the title of Miss Gem County and Miss Emmett 2010. In the end, Nicola Elliot was 1st runner up, Bailey Butcher was crowned Miss Emmett and Sarah Downs became Miss Gem County 2010! Bailey's platform is Keeping Music Alive in Schools, which is a major issue in locally in Idaho and a very important aspect to Idaho's youth. Sarah's platform is Mentoring Idaho's Children :) I know that myself and the organization are proud to have you both as a part of the sisterhood! Way to go girls!

Your Friend,

Katy

MIOT 2010

The Beginning of the Journey of a Lifetime

Oh my goodness! Holy Cow!!!! It was the most incredible weekend of my life and being crowned Miss Idaho Outstanding Teen 2010 made me realize that even one's most spectacular dream can become reality. I am Katy Lootens of Marsing and I feel so blessed, honored, and humbled to represent Idaho, all of it's outstanding teens, and the Miss Idaho Organization. I attend and am student body president of the Idaho Arts Charter School in Nampa and this was my first year competing in MIOT. I went into it with the belief that all things happen for a reason and no matter what happens, it is meant to be and I will have fun doing it! A huge congratulations goes out to our new Miss Idaho 2010, Miss Kylie Kofoed!!!!! She is an amazing and inspirational person and I know that her and I will have so much fun this year.

The most important thing that happened was gaining 22 new best friends. The girls that competed with me were THE most outstanding and lovely individuals I have ever met in my life. Honestly, I cannot express enough the support and love that we all had for one another and the gratitude I have to God for bringing us all together. Pageant week was hard work and quite exhausting, but everyone kept in high spirits. The weekend was especially memorable because of all of the hard work that went into making it the very best production possible! The MIOT directors, Tami and Jaylee, our fabulous hostesses, the men and women who worked backstage, the entire organization, as well as all those who were in the audience supporting us 100%! The experience was such a blast and I can't wait to do it again next year. Between now and then, there is a lot to be done. I plan to do all that I possibly can throughout the year by volunteering, making appearances, and most importantly, working with my platform, Healthy Girls Today, Healthy Women Tomorrow! I also have a lot of preparation for Miss America Outstanding Teen in Orlando, Florida!!! I can't believe all of this! So extremely exciting:) The most important job I will have this year is to be the very best role model I possibly can for the youth, my community, and the state, which is my top priority in all of this. I will wear the MIOT crown with joy and humble gratitude, not for my glory, but for the glory of something much bigger than myself. I am meant to do this for a reason, I just have to serve and trust. I already know that without a doubt, this will be the best year of my life and I am ready to go on the ride of my life. Thank you, thank you, and I will talk to you again very soon!

Your Friend,

Katy

MIOT 2010

P.S. Check this out!! I was featured in my local paper, the Owyhee Avalanche! http://www.owyheepublishing.com/ava_news.php?FPid=639

On June 12, 2010 We will have a new Miss Idaho Outstanding Teen! This will be her place to record her year and share events!