My gown showing party.

Last Sunday, I had my send-off and gown showing party. It was incredibly fun, and thank you to everyone that took time out of their day to come and support me!

The send-off started at 2pm and started with me showing my opening number dress, then fitness wear, then talent, then my evening gown, and ended with my interview outfit and the audience asking me questions.

As I write this with ONE WEEK until Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012, I want to dedicate this blog to those who have helped me over the past four years to get me to this place. This is my final year competing in the Teen pageant (I will be too old next year), I wanted to really thank those people who have truly impacted my life in more ways than one. Yes, it's long... I apologize! However these past four years have been crazy busy and I don't want to leave anyone out!

First and foremost, I want to thank the one person that has TRULY made all of this happen. God. I don't know why he chose to bless me so much these past four years but I am incredibly grateful. Without Him, I am nothing. I'm a filthy sinner, yet he still loves me. I thank this organization for allowing me share my faith and how awesome God is!

Mom and Dad- You two continue to support me and my dreams.. no matter how expensive it may get! :) Thank you for letting me carve my own path instead of insisting I follow yours. You two really are the best parents I could ever ask for!

Vicki and Bill- You two were there from the start. I am so lucky to call you two my directors. The passion and the drive you have for this organization in unmatched. Thank you for helping me grow a tremendous amount these past few months. I feel more ready for the state pageant than I ever have before.

Stacie- Again, thank you! You were instrumental in helping me grow these past few years, and I can't describe how much I appreciate what you have done and the friendship you have given both to my Mom and I. I've said this before and I'll say it again: Thank you for helping me grow along side Christ... not changing who I was completely.

My Brainerd sister queens, Rebecca, Haley, and Savannah- I'm so proud to call you three my sisters. I have enjoyed getting to know you three, and I look forward to this upcoming year. I think it's fair to say that Brainerd is an unstoppable force in the pageant world these days :)

The Swiggum family- You are seriously my second family! You all know how to make me laugh and have been a huge support system. Thank you for everything.

Deb and Molly West- Thank you two for being such great friends! I have greatly enjoyed getting to know you and spending time with you. We've had some good laughs :) I'm so proud of you Molly for how far you've come!

Jess- Thanks for all of those way-to-early-in-the-morning workouts and booty camp :) I hope you are having fun in Cambodia and I can't wait for you to come back!

Paige and Alice- I want to thank you also for being such awesome friends. I know I can always count on you, Paige, when I need a pick-me-up. You're never more than I phone call away even though we live about 5 hours away from each other.

Pat McCleary- You are a miracle worker. I have no idea how you can get a size 14 gown down to a size 8 or 6 but you always manage to make me look and feel like a princess.

The girls at GLITZ! in the Mall of America- I always enjoy coming in and trying on dresses there :) I don't think I've ever NOT bought a competition gown from there.. I'm always so drawn to the fun and lively atmosphere! Thank you for helping me look my best.

Lauren and Shelly- You two have also been such great pageant friends! And pretty awesome car buddies :) Lauren, I'm excited for you to compete again!

My other pageant sisters that I have grown close with- I honestly tried making a list of the girls that I have met through pageants and have formed a relationship with, but the list got wayyyyy to long! Haha! I wish I could name all of you girls that have supported me and cheered me on but thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Kelli- Thank you for being such an awesome photographer and for taking my headshots the past 2 years! You are amazing, and I love your sense of humor :)

My best friend, Mari- We've certainly had our ups and downs, but at the end of the day you're still my best friend. Thank you for supporting me and for putting up with me :) I have a crazy busy schedule but we always seem to find time to hang out every once in a while. Thank you for being you!

Dylan- You are so incredibly supportive. Thank you for being one of the best pageant boyfriends out there! I love the fact that even when I'm stressed out or angry at something you can make me smile and feel better. I know that I can always count on you, no matter the circumstance. You walked into my life at the perfect time and I love you for that.

The Alzheimer's Association- I couldn't have gotten my platform growing without the help of the lovely women who work here. Thank you for being friends to my Mom and I and for giving us the resources we need to continue this long journey with Alzheimer's disease.

My family- Thanks for always trying your very best to be at my pageants. I appreciate all the miles you have put on your car following me around :)

And finally- Thanks to all of you that finally made it to the end of this :) Just by taking time to read this, you are supporting me and I so enjoy that!

I will be trying to blog as much as possible these next few days as I enter "pageant week". Hope you all enjoy your weekend and if you are able please come to the pageant! March 31st, 7pm, at Eden Prairie High School. Tickets are online at http://www.missminnesota.org/ or at the door.

Thanks for letting me represent Brainerd!

Yours truly,
Bailey Wachholz
Miss Brainerd Lakes Outstanding Teen 2012

Cheesin' it up for the camera.. Here's to hoping you have a good day! :)

The past 2 weeks.

I have been so incredibly busy lately! I can't believe how fast the pageant is coming up. It seems like just last week that I was crowned instead of 3 months ago.

2 weekends ago, I attended the final local pageant for Miss Minnesota 2012... Sweeps! Congrats to my former sister queen, Bethany Beniek, the new Miss West Metro and also a congrats to Brittany Tishmak, the new Miss City of Lakes! I'm excited for both of you, and I can't wait to come watch you two compete for the title as Miss Minnesota 2012.

That same week, I attended the "Water Walk" at Forestview Middle School in Baxter with Molly West, Miss Central Lakes Outstanding Teen. This walk was for countries in Africa that don't have a clean access to water. We walked around the track in the gym carrying gallon milk jugs filled with water to raise money for those countries that need water wells.

Then last night, I went to the Minnesota International pageants, which is part of the Miss International program, to cheer on a couple of girls! In the Teen division, I was rooting for Gianna Capuzzi, who competed with me at Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2010. Gianna and her mom Mary have always been so supportive of me. They have attended numerous send-offs and pageants and have been great friends! Gianna walked away as 2nd runner up and the Go Red For Women award. I was also cheering for Megan Elhert in the Miss division. Megan was Miss Coon Rapids 2011 in the Miss America Organization and competed at Miss Minnesota pageant last year and placed in top 5. Her performance was flawless last night, and she also walked away as 4th runner up. Congrats you two! :)

As I'm busy preparing in these final weeks before the pageant, and I would like to invite anyone reading this is attend my sendoff and gown showing party at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa at 2pm! It will be this Sunday the 18th and there will be coffee, juice, cake, and cookies! Make sure to come and bring your friends :)

With love,
Bailey

Local titleholders at the Sweeps pageant!

6 pageant girls from Brainerd!

Bethany

Lauren

Molly and I at the Water Walk

Busy past weekend!

It was a crazy weekend and it has been a crazy week! I'm so incredibly sorry for not posting this blog earlier!

Last Friday, I attended the Miss Nisswa pageant. Nisswa is my hometown and where I grew up, so this pageant has a special place in my heart. I grew up always wanting to be like those girls that I saw on stage... Now I'm one of them! I also competed in the Little Miss Nisswa pageant when I was in 2nd grade. It was amazing to be able to attend this years pageant represting Brainerd and Miss Brainerd Lake's Scholarship program. Congrats to the new Miss Nisswa, Mackayla Headlee and the new Little Miss Nisswa, Carly Maine!

The next day, was the Nisswa Jubilee parade. I think it's fair to say that Savannah and I had the sweetest ride in the parade! A blindingly shiny, red, 4-door, extended Ford truck :) This was my first parade riding in a truck, in the winter, and as Miss Brainerd Lake's Outstanding Teen... A first for everything! When the parade ended, I was walking around Nisswa in my crown and sash. I turned to my Mom and commented on how much I LOVE being able to represent Brainerd. This is my first time beng able to represent my hometown and the first real title that I have won. I have worked so extremely hard the past 3 and 1/2 years, and I truly believe that everything was leading up to this moment! Being 2nd runner my second year at Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2010, continual injuries causing me to switch my talent from dance to piano, being Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen, hearing my name called as 1st runner up at MMOT 2011... ALL of it happened for a reason. They wern't always easy things to handle, and many times I felt like giving up, but somehow I managed to pull myself up and continue persuing my dream of becoming Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. All of the those things happened because God knew I was supposed to be Miss Brainerd Lake's Outstanding Teen! He saw all of the hard work and dedication I had put into this and rewarded me with one of my greatest accomplishments up to date. I am so thankful for the love and the miracles He has provided for me!

One of our directors, Bill, and his girls!

And to end my weekend of appearances, Sunday I attended the mattress races at Ski Gull to benefit Kinship Partners! This was probably one of the most unique things I have gotten to do as a title holder (next to Donkey Basketball of course!). Basically we raced down a snow hill on mattress... It was SO MUCH FUN :) There was also a best costume award, and my team of 3 other titleholders dressed up in a beach theme. We wore sunglasses and our swimsuits over our winter coats and snow pants :)

Hope all of you are staying warm and enjoying the rest of winter! :)
Only 37 more days until Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012!
Much love,
Bailey

Ice Fishing Extravaganza and Ruby's Pantry!

I can officially call myself a true Minnesotan! Last Saturday, I volunteered with my sister queens Savannah, Miss Baxter Outstanding Teen and Haley, Miss Baxter at the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. It was SO incredibly cold, and I probably should have had a few more layers on but regardless it was fun! Thousands of people and hundreds of ice holes later, the $150000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza has been going on for over 20 years now. People from all over the nation come for a day of ice fishing to win from hundreds of prizing ranging from a brand new truck to an ice fishing house!

Savannah, Haley, and I were greeters in the Mr. Heater tent and experienced some quite interesting people. All in all though it was a fun day and I can't wait to do it again next year!

Then Tuesday, I volunteered with Kalli, Miss South Central at Ruby's Pantry at the National Guard Armory in Brainerd. Ruby's Pantry is a Christian based organization that provides foods to all-income families. They recieve over-stock food or 1 day past expiration date food and distribute it at a low price. Kalli and I, along with my director Vicki, volunteered for the day and had so much fun! They do this every second Tuesday of the month and I'm excited to go back.

And the countdown to Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen has officially begun! 44 days! Crazy. I'm taking my fourth and final shot (I'll age out of the Teen portion) at my dream and I want to thank all of those people who continue to support me and love me, even when I'm at my worst.

Hope everyone had an awesome Valentines Day! :)
Bailey

Barb, the organizer of Ruby's Pantry!



Miss Coon Rapids 2012.

Yesterday, I headed down to Coon Rapids for the Miss Coon Rapids 2012 scholarship pageant. Prior to the pageant, we did some shopping at the Mall of America with Molly West, who competed with me at Miss Brainerd Outstanding Teen. I completed my entire wardobe for the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant, and I am so excited to show it off!

Congrats to the new Miss Coon Rapids, Samanthat Phillipi! Also a big congrats to the 1st runner up, Chantal Wilson, who is a former Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen and an awesome piano player! It was so great getting to see all of the girls and catching up. There were 4 girls that will be competing with me at Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, and it was great to chatting with them. It got me even more excited for March 31st when we all compete! Only 54 more days! :)

Also congrats to Megan Ehlert, Miss Coon Rapids 2011, and Emily Freeh, Miss Coon Rapids Outstanding Teen 2011 on an awesome year!

Bailey

The past two weeks...

I can't believe how fast time is flying by! It doesn't seem like it's been a month since my crowning. Again, I want to thank my awesome community for being so supportive! 60 days until Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen! :)
So here's an update:

On the 22nd, Savannah and I headed down to St. Cloud to get our headshots taken by Kelly Beniek and to get a few sister queen shots too. It was so much fun and I'm so happy that we got some queen bonding time :) The pictures turned out amazing, and I'm excited to share them with you as soon I get them!

Then, the following day, Savannah and I participated in Donkey Basketball. The event was put on by the Brainerd FFA, and my good friend, Mari, is Vice President this year. She asked me if Savannah and I would participate. Basically we played a game of basketball on donkeys. Yep... How many queens can say they have done that? I take pride in knowing that we are probably the first! :) By the end of the night I was not only laughing hysterically but I also got to say that I kissed a donkey... on the lips. I guess I had accidentally hit a donkey in the head with a ball and had to get down on my knees and apologize to him and give him a kiss. That's another first for many queens!

Just this past Sunday, I attended the Miss Grand Cities Outstanding Teen pageant in Grand Forks, ND. Although the pageant was held in North Dakota, Miss Grand Cities OT will advance to the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant. Congrats to Mia Pagnac who is the very first Miss Grand Cities Outstanding Teen! Mia competed at the Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen pageant when I gave my title up, so I was extremely happy for her! Also congrats to Brainerd's own Catie Kleindl, who competed on Sunday as well. So happy and proud for her! Keep up the awesome work!

And to top off my busy 2 weeks, yesterday I officially inducted into the National Honor Society. It's certainly something that I'm extremely proud of! As much fun as it is to be recognized for the volunteer work and academics, at the end of the day recognition really doesn't matter all that much. What matters to me is the impact I've had on someones life and that I made a difference in my community.

Hope you all are battling through this rough winter! (that was sarcasm!)
Bailey

Miss America 2012!

My favorite time of the year is always Miss America time! Last night the 91st Miss America was crowned, and I would like to say a huge congrats to our sister state Wisconsin and Laura Keappeler for being the new Miss America! Wisconsin has had 1 Miss America and that was in 1973.

I would also want to say congrats to our very own Miss Minnesota, Natalie Davis. I KNOW that Minnesota is so incredibly proud of you, Natalie! In our eyes, you are Miss America! I'm sure you represented Minnesota with grace and class. The work you have put into making sure you are the best Natalie you can be is incredible. Welcome home, and I hope that you enjoy the next 5 or so months of your reign!

Bailey

Miss Brainerd Lake's Outstanding Teen 2012!

I am so very honored and humbled to have been named Brainerd's first Miss Brainerd Lake's Outstanding Teen 2012! I can't begin to describe the feeling of hearing my name called after years of preparation. I'm am SO excited to begin this year!

To give my community a bit of a backgroud on me :) This was my 4th time competing in the Miss America's Outstanding Teen system and the first time I had ever officially won a title. My first pageant was Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2009 (MMOT). I didn't walk away with any award, but I did come back home with a drive for excellence. The following year at MMOT 2010 I ended up walking away with the community service award and 2nd runner up! I was thirsty for more, so I entered the very first Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen 2010 pageant which would qualify me to go to state with a crown and a title. I found out a few short weeks before the pageant that instead of me competing for the title, the director was awarding it to me! I was overjoyed! I spent all of last year making hundreds of appearances and soaking up every minute I had with the title. Being Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen made me realize how much I really love what the Miss America Organization provides young women. I went to Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2011 for a third time feeling more ready than I ever had before. On April 1st, 2011 I came out of that pageant as the 1st runner up. It's certainly an honor that I'm proud of, but I wanted more. Shortly after giving up my Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen title, I approached the Miss Brainerd/ Baxter Scholarship Program directors about possibly doing a teen pageant. I had no idea if they would even do one, and how much it would change me!

So that's how I got here today. I'm so beyond blessed to be able to call myself the first Miss Brainerd Lake's Outstanding Teen. I competed with 15 other beautiful and talented young girls who were so awesome to work with! Each one of those girls deserves every honor in the world for facing their fears and competing on that stage. I'm so incredibly proud of all of the hard work they put into this!

That night, I was so gratified to recieve the Interview, Talent, and Evening gown awards and tie for the Fitness Wear award! All I can say is hard work truly does pay off.

Also for the first time, a Miss Baxter's Outstanding Teen 2012 was crowned that same night. Congrats to my new sister queen, Savannah Cole! I can't even wait for Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012 and to show everyone what we Brainerd girls are made of :)

My promise to my community is this: I promise to represent the Brainerd area with class and style, and put my heart and soul into each and every appearance. I view this title, first and foremost, as a job. Therefore I promise to be at as many events in the Brainerd Lakes area as humanly possible. All-the-while preparing myself to be the next Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen and make Brainerd proud!

With that, I would like to thank a few people for their countless efforts into making my pageant experience so memorable:

To my Savior: I'm so thankful to be able to share how great God is as Miss Brainerd Lake's Outstanding Teen! I owe this title to Christ, who has gotten me to where I am. Thank you God for being awesome! :)

My new directors, Bill and Vicki: What you two do for this organization is unmatched. The time and effort you put into this program is immeasurable and extremely appreciated. Thank you for allowing me to represent the Brainerd Lake's area and for the many volunteer hours you have put into helping me shine on stage. SO proud to say that you are my directors!

Jackie Thurlow: You are the BEST! Thank you for everything. I couldn't have asked for a better person backstage to give me constant support and love. When I look at you, I see a young woman who is ready to win a sparkly new toy (If you know what I mean). Good luck at Miss Brainerd/Baxter this summer! :) XOXO

Emily Stunek: Thanks for all of the support backstage as well! I'm so grateful for you and the things you did to help out on Sunday. You will always be my first Miss Brainerd!

The 4 judges, and Quinn Nystrom: Thanks for taking time out of your busy weekend to congregate at Tornstrom and judge the pageant. Thanks for choosing me to be the first titleholder!

The 15 other contestants: You girls were so incredible! You made the experience that much more fun :) Thanks for all of the support you have given to myself and Savannah. You are all winners at heart and should be proud of yourself! I love the sisterhood we have created together :)

My parents: Thank you for your constant support! You think I'm absolutely going insane sometimes when I say what I want to do, but you always are behind me 150 percent. I sure couldn't have made it this far with you two!

My friends and family that came to the pageant: Thanks for coming and cheering loud for me! You are the best support system any girl could ever have and I appreciate that.

And finally to the community of Brainerd: Thanks for all of the congrats and well wishes! It's pretty amazing to be recognized and congratulated as I'm walking down the halls in school or out and about somewhere in town. Thank you to those who appreciate what goes into competing in a scholarship pageant and how much work it is.

Here's to a great year!
Miss Brainerd Lake's Outstanding Teen 2012,
Bailey Wachholz

 Contestants before showtime!

 Fitness Wear

Talent

Evening gown

Onstage question

Interview award

Tie for Fitness wear award

Talent award

Evening gown award

God certainly answers prayers!

Our first walk

My parents

Dylan

Quinn

Visiting royalty at the pageant

Emily

Jackie