It is hard to believe that more than a month has passed since I was crowned Miss Pennsylvania. The experience has truly been a whirlwind. My first week as Miss Pennsylvania was basically a media frenzy. The Monday morning after I was crowned, Kathy Craine interviewed me at about 6:15 am on the Channel 69 morning news.  Fortunately she did not ask me to sing on air until the 7:15 am segment so my vocal chords had some time to warm up. 

    In the weeks that followed I participated in numerous interviews for newspapers, television, and radio programs including Good Day Philadelphia and my favorite sports talk show “Angelo Cataldi in the Morning” on 610 WIP radio. I could think of no better way to start my year than by spreading awareness about autism and the Miss America program through the airwaves. One thing I did not expect was the look of shock and awe I received after explaining to interviewers that Miss America is the largest donor of scholarship money to women in the world. This experience really reminded me that I need to take every opportunity to educate the public about our program. Most are simply unaware of the tremendous impact Miss America is having in the lives of young women. 

    One of my first major appearances was during the Vintage Grand Prix Black Tie Gala held at the historic Oakmont Country Club. Each year the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix holds a series of events to raise money for the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. I had the opportunity to speak about Autism at this event and I also performed the classic ballad “At Last” with a live band. The following week I returned to Pittsburgh for the Vintage Grand Prix Classic Car Race where I sang the Canadian National Anthem in French, a feat I had not attempted in nearly eight years. 

    While at the Grand Prix Races I met a young ambassador from the Allegheny Valley School (AVS) named Brandon. Brandon is a resident of AVS, an organization which operates residential and therapeutic programs throughout Pennsylvania for children and adults with mental retardation. Most of the residents also have multiple physical handicaps, medical complications, behavioral issues and developmental disorders such as autism. I remember Brandon so vividly because of the rousing welcome have gave me at the Grand Prix. After putting on my crown I was introduced to Brandon. He then took it upon himself to introduce me to everyone who could hear the sound of his voice. The enthusiastic introduction he gave me was something along the lines of “Okay everyone lets give it up for King Raaaacheeeeel!!!!” Two days later I had the opportunity to visit the Allegheny Valley School (AVS). Even without my crown Brandon remembered me and introduced me to all of his friends, once again as King Rachel. 

    During my visit I had the opportunity to see two of the AVS sites including their main campus. I was truly blown away by the fabulous work being done there. They have a model for care which is comprehensive and innovative. I met both young people and elderly residents along the way and saw first hand how the facilities are set up to meet the specific needs of very different populations. AVS provides not only a place to live, but also employment and recreational opportunities for those who are able to work and play. I was surprised by how many of the residents work and earn paychecks from private employers. Their strong work ethic, humor, and gentle spirits really left a lasting impression on me. Fortunately, they have been blessed with an environment which allows them to thrive despite their disabilities. During my year of service I hope to advocate for the implementation of models such as the one I witnessed at AVS so that more of Pennsylvania’s autistic residents can have the same opportunity to lead more full and productive lives. 

    It seems as though a lifetime of memories have been crammed into these few short weeks. I have been blessed to meet some amazing Pennsylvanians including elected officials, an Olympic gold medalist, and a community of extraordinary individuals who deal with very debilitating disabilities on a daily basis. I have traveled across state by train, plane, and, of course, the new, shiny, silver Miss Pennsylvania-mobile. I took part in one of the nations largest Independence Day celebrations, in Philadelphia, and sang our national anthem at a Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Game. I am truly humbled and overwhelmed by this amazing opportunity and I thank you all for the warm reception I have received as your new Miss Pennsylvania.