My First Semester Ended

My first full-time semester of college is over as of yesterday! One more semester to go before I graduate with my Science Degree! Grades came out  and I am proud to say that I made Dean's List! I am hoping that my second semester at Dutchess Community College is just as good and I am already registered for the following classes: Physics II, Astronomy, Honors Pop Culture English, Honors Economics, Theater, and Social Problems: a 20 credit semester! Hope all goes well leading up to both my college and high school graduations!

My Nutcracker Shows at the Bardavon!

I was involved with the New Paltz Ballet Theatre where we performed six shows at the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie, New York this year. Three were for the Dutchess County Arts in Education program and were performed for public school children in Dutchess County who travelled to see the show. The other three were open to anyone and were on December 10th and 11th. All of the shows were either sold out or really close to it!
     It saddens me to know that this could be my last Nutcracker Season at the Bardavon Opera House but I am glad to know that I went out with a bang and had a wonderful time with my fellow dancers and friends!  My roles included Arabian solo, Snow Queen, snow corps, and Dewdrop.  I also was able to perform the role of Sugarplum Fairy with the New Paltz Ballet Theatre at a show in New Paltz at the dude ranch called "Rocking Horse" ranch, and the role of Dewdrop at the fabulous getaway in New Paltz called the "Mohonk Mountain House".....what fun!!

Sinterklaas Festival in Rhinebeck NY

   This "Sinterklaas" festival took place in the gorgeous city of Rhinebeck, New York.  It is an Old Dutch tradition and had lots of different attractions to enjoy. I participated by helping give awards for the "Bear Beauty Contest"  for all the children in the area. Lots of children dressed up a stuffed bear in whatever outfit they chose and entered them in this contest. We gave each of them a gift (a certificate, a little trophy, and a piece of delicious chocolate candy) and I took a picture with every single one of these adorable children!


   Furthurmore however, a highlight of my day was right after the bear beauty contest came to an end. I met a couple on vacation from Italy. My dad's side of the family came from Fundi, Italy and so was this couple. They had a great sense of humor and I posed for some photos with them.  They were enjoying their time in America and at the Sinterklaas festival.

City Of Lights Parade and Fireworks

   On December 2nd I rode in the Poughkeepsie, New York City of Lights Parade. I rode in between Santa and in front of all my fellow girlscouts! We stopped and lit all of the trees throughout the city and kicked off the holiday season to come. Again I met caroling families and volunteers that deserve to be recognized and thanked for their community service.
    After the parade the fireworks were spectacular and shot off right from the Hudson River!  What a great evening!!

Thanksgiving Day Parade

    On Thanksgiving I travelled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to participate in their huge ABC parade. It was so great to see other teens and misses that I haven't seen since August including our own Miss America's Outstanding Teen, my pageant sister Elizabeth Fechtel. We started Thanksgiving Day by appearing on Good Morning America. In addition to that, I had a great time sharing a trailer with Charlie McDermott from the ABC TV show "The Middle."  Meeting him was a bonus to a great day of riding on floats, meeting families and children celebrating thanksgiving, and being on TV.
    The day was a frenzie of travelling on a trolley, riding in the parade, shaking hands, and lots of waving. I enjoyed every moment and was glad to see so many families together for a day of thanks!