Life as Miss AU over the past 3 weeks has been a whirlwind of fun! When I received the title I was absolutely ecstatic, even though, I really had no idea what the next year would hold. As I've learned more about what this next year would look like over the past fews weeks have only made me more grateful and excited to be serving as Miss AU. I am already astounded by the amount of incredible people I've met as Miss AU. Auburn University is literally brimming with students, faculty and staff whose deepest desire is to give back and what a joy it has been to work along side them.

I kicked off my first weekend as Miss AU at the Auburn University Dance Marathon. This year AUDM chose the Children's Miracle Network to be its philanthropy. The day was a huge success! We raised $66,000 for CMN. I had an incredible time the whole day! We danced and played trivia games, I even got to host "Are you Smarter Than a Miracle Kid." I also got to team up with Aubie and choreograph a dance for "Dancing with the Stars!" Aubie and I took 2nd place--our moves were no match for the confidence Millie Harrison and Chris Osterlund tore out on the dance floor. My favorite part of the day, though, had to be meeting the Miracle Kids. It was so inspiring to hear their stories and be able to celebrate the miracle of their lives. I am so proud of the directors Casey, Ben and Samantha and rest of the AUDM team who poured so much time and emotion into CMN. We danced for the kids!

I also was given the opportunity to judge the UPC Song Writing Competition and SAA Lip-sync Competition. I had a blast at both events. I walked away from the experiences overwhelmed by the sheer amount of talent here at Auburn. Every singer/songwriter and dance group was incredible. Your lyrics made me cry and your lip-syncing made me smile. Thank you for such a grand time!

On Saturday, February 11, I emceed Southern Showcase at Opelika High School. Since I have very little experience with show choir, it was a very enlightening day. I was able to watch and marvel at the performances from backstage.  I know this sounds funny, but I was so impressed by the students ability to sing and dance at the same time. I can simply sing or simply dance, but the adrenaline and practice it must take to do both simultaneously! It was such a fun experience to emcee and to get a little taste of show choir.

Also, here are a few pictures from the Auburn Dance Marathon!

With Rebecca Hart, Miss Au 2010

Sweet Maddy!

Dancing with the stars

Don't forget to go to your local IHOP tomorrow to get free pancakes and support the Children's Miracle Network. Last year they raised over 31 million. We plain to beat that!

War Eagle and have a blessed day!