A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF MISS OHIO USA 2009

August 9, 2009 Italian Festival Parade

2009-08-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun at the Italian Festival Parade on Sunday. I was invited by Debbie Vanwinkle to be the Grand Marshall in the parade. It was an honor to be a part of parade and to support my community in the Italian Festival. We took my dad's Solstice, and he drove me in the parade. It was one of the hottest days of the summer, but there were still alot of people who came to watch the parade. The Harding High School Marching Band and the majorettes lead the way :) It brought back so many high school band memories. I was a majorette in high school, so I definitely miss those days! My good friend Dan's little niece was adorable. She was in the parade as "Future Little Miss Queen" and rode in her mini car. A big thank you to Debbie for thinking of me and having me as Grand Marshall, as well as everyone responsible for the Italian Festival.

August 3, 2009

2009-08-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

So things have been busy with work and various Miss Ohio USA events, but the fall semester is right around the corner. I am so excited to go back to school. I had to take the Spring semester off from school because I was gone for Miss USA for 3 weeks, and there's no way I could have missed 3 weeks of school!! :) I am ready to focus on school and graduation, and I look forward to being on campus again. I'm taking 17 credits this semester so it's definitely going to be challenging.

The summer is almost over, and it went by so fast! After Miss USA, it seemed like everything slowed down for a moment. It was nice to be able to spend alot of time with my family and friends and relax. A very special person came to see me all the way from California, and it meant the world to me. I live my life everyday by his words he wrote me in a letter--"You must always be willing to push the limits of who you are. There is a whole new world that opens up when you are willing to take chances." I have plans to visit California during Thanksgiving break, and I am so excited to see a new and beautiful place. I will take lots of pictures and post them!!

I have a event tomorrow in Grove City for the National Night Out fundraiser. I'm very excited to see all the kids in the community!

Miss Ohio USA 2010 is right around the corner--October 9th and 10th, live in Portsmouth, Ohio!! If anyone has any questions about the pageant, please feel free to email me or facebook me!

Love,
Tash xo

Miss USA 2009

2009-08-02T11:14:00.001-07:00

Me and Linds at dinner with our dramatic 1940s make-up from the photo shoot!

Another Fadil shot from photo shoot :) Sooo much fun!
Me and Linds

Getting my make-up and hair done :)

Me and Dad

Me and Alec at the Best Buddies Event

Project Sunshine

Me and Linds in the theater during rehearsal

I got to hold the MBA trophy--They picked the 4 best basketball states--Go Cavs!!!

Me and Penny-My wonderful supervisor during Miss USA--Love her!

OHIO + MICHIGAN= BEST FRIENDS!

Glamour photo from photo shoot with Fadil
My best friend Sammy and Me :)

The night of the Final show-We went out and had so much fun on my last night in Vegas!

Me and Melissa, my beautiful director :)

Me and Linds saying goodbye :(

Making cards for Project Sunshine, one of my favorite things we did!!

Miss USA was Live April 19th on NBC!

Hey everyone! I have been so busy with work at the hospital, but I am finally free to write about Miss USA. Being at Miss USA was an experience I will never forget. I am truly blessed and so grateful that I was able to represent Ohio. I met so many wonderful girls, and we made memories that will last forever.

When I arrived at the Planet Hollywood, the day was filled with registration, fittings, photo shoots, video taping, and interviews. It was definitely a long 3 weeks of hard work and dedication! A typical day was waking up at 4 am, getting ready with full hair and make-up by 6 am for breakfast, rehearsals for 6 hours, events at night, and then back to our room to sleep for MAYBE 4 hours!! My roomie, Lindsey (Miss Michigan) and I had the most amazing time together. Who would have thought that Ohio and Michigan would be best friends, considering our football teams are rivals! Each and every morning, Linds and I put music on to get ready for our day together. We prayed and stayed positive, and it wouldn't have been the same without her by my side. I love you Linds!

The hardest part of being in Vegas for 3 weeks was being away from family and friends. We had one "Family and Friends" day where we were able to visit and spend time with family for most of the day. It was so nice to see my parents, sister, grandma, and best friends. I turned 22 in Vegas, which was so much fun! My dad gave me $100..I put all $100 on black on the Roulette table, and I won!!! :)

Although I did not place or make top 15, or even win, I am so grateful for all the opportunities that I have been given throughout my year as Miss Ohio USA. I left Vegas being proud to represent my state and proud of myself. When my papa passed away this past January, my mom got me a heart-shaped necklace with his thumbprint engraved on it. I wore the necklace every single day at Miss USA, and it gave me strength. Everytime I felt weak, upset, or stressed, I thought of my Papa, and I felt him watching over me the entire time. I miss him so much, and I wish he would have made it to see me at Miss USA, but I know he was there in spirit.

Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support. Thank you Melissa for being there for me and believing in me. And to my pageant sis, Kelsey, Miss Ohio Teen USA---Top 15!! You go girl! You were absolutely beautiful! xoxo

Love,
Natasha

Brooke & Andy's Fairytale Wedding <3 May 23, 2009

2009-05-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

Fairytale Ending!

Brooke and Andy tied the knot on May 23, 2009! I had the most amazing weekend out in Plymouth, Ohio, Brooke's hometown. I met Brooke two years ago when we both did Miss Ohio USA. It was our first time competing, and instantly we became the best of friends. There are some bonds that can never be broken, and there are people you know will be in your life forever--and Brooke is someone who I will forever be best friends with. She is a beautiful and amazing person, and the day she married her prince was a day I will never forget.

I was so happy when she had asked me to be her Maid of Honor. Samantha and I drove 3 hours to Plymouth, Ohio for the wedding that weekend. It was quite the road trip!! haha Sam and I sort of got lost in cow country!! :) That night after the rehearsal, Sam, Brooke, and I threw on our carhartts and hopped on the 4-wheeler!! Let's just say that riding 4-wheelers at night in the spooky woods was the scariest thing Ive ever done but soooo much fun--3 best friends riding four wheelers all night before the big day--priceless moments! :)

Brooke was the most beautiful bride in the entire world--She looked like a princess. After the ceremony, Brooke and Andy took off in a horse and carriage and rode away in the sunset. Sam and I followed closely behind in the big Sierra truck just in case we had to pick them up and take them to the reception!

The night was amazing--full of tears of joy, laughter, fireworks, and a beautiful sunset. :) I love you Brooke!

Benefit Dinner for Lil' Jon :) May 8, 2009

2009-05-29T08:52:00.001-07:00

I was honored when Tim Littell and Emily Timko asked me to attend a Benefit Spaghetti Dinner for Lil' Jon. Tim Littell is the 7th grade Basketball coach at Labrae Middle School, and one of his players (Lil' Jon) was having growth problems. The doctors discovered a tumor around his pituitary gland that prevented Lil' Jon from growing. The doctors were able to remove the majority of the tumor, and he is doing great and recovering well. He has to be monitored every month for the next few years to be sure the remaining tumor does not grow. There was dinner and then a dance for all of the kids. There was a magician, facepainting, and even a DJ!!! I wasn't able to stay the whole time because I had to leave for Relay for Life, but I had the best time! Lil'Jon is truly an inspiration, and I admire his strength. It was an honor to meet such an amazing, courageous, and strong young boy who has been through so much and appreciates life. Stay strong Lil' Jon! You're awesome!

Pep Rally-Send Off at CHS! :) March 30, 2009

2009-04-01T22:39:00.000-07:00

The Champion High School Majorettes :) Beautiful girls!

Mrs. Magiassos and Me :) My high school calculus teacher!

Hey everyone! I have been super busy preparing for my journey to Miss USA! :) I leave this coming friday, April 3rd. I am soooo excited and proud to represent OHIO!!! This past monday, my high school (Champion High School) had a pep rally send off for me before I leave for Vegas. It was an honor to go back to my high school and have the support of so many wonderful people who have been behind me every step of the way. When I arrived, the majorettes were twirling as the band played the fight song as the students gathered in the auditorium. I was a majorette in high school, and I also was a member of the band so it was so nice to have them there.

Three of my high school teachers spoke--Mr. Fisher, my physics and chemistry teacher; Mrs. Magiassos, my algebra and calculus teacher; and Mr. Peacock, my pre-calculus teacher :) They all pushed me to believe in myself and helped me grow as a person, and their words were so inspirational and meant the world to me. Thank you for everything!

Ohio State Representative Tom Letson presented me with a proclamation. A representative from Congressman Tim Ryan's Office presented me with a resolution as well. It was an honor to meet them. With Ohio's strong leadership, we will get through the hard times our families are facing. Thank you for all of your support!

After the pep rally, I signed autographs for some of the students and had a short interview with Channel 27 news. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else but CHS for my send off before Miss USA. The students were awesome, and I look forward to visiting again after Miss USA. :)

A special thanks to A.C. and Champion High School for all of your support! Go Flashes!!!

To the band, Mr. C and the Champion Majorettes--Thank you!! I'll never forget all the memories from years of being in the band and a majorette :)

MISS USA is Live on NBC--April 19th @ 7 pm !!! Go Ohio!!! :)

Miss USA Headshot by Debra Knoske! :)

2009-03-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

One of my headshots taken at my photo shoot with the amazing Debra Knoske--
I leave for Miss USA in 4 weeks!! I am staying very busy preparing, and I am so excited to spend 2 1/2 weeks in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino! I will write more soon and keep everyone updated :) Mark your calendars--Miss USA is live on NBC on April 19th!

Photo Shoot with Deb Knoske in Cincinnati! January 17, 2009

2009-02-04T23:10:00.000-08:00

Behind the scene photos...
After a very emotional and busy week, I am finally getting caught up! I've been meaning to write about my amazing photo shoot in Cincinnati! I had the best weekend with Melissa (my director) and her family. My dad drove me all the way to Cinci 5 hours away, worked a 14 hour day the next day, and then came back saturday to pick me up! What an awesome dad! It was quite a long drive, but it was so nice for us to spend time together. :) I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Deb Knoske, the photographer, for the first time. When Melissa and I arrived Saturday morning, we were escorted upstairs to Deb's studio. As soon as I walked in the studio, I felt like I was in New York! Deb had tons of outfits lined up for the shoot, and we were ready to get to work. This was my first photo shoot ever, and the best part was getting my hair and make up done. I got an extra hour of sleep because I didn't have to do my hair or make-up!

Steven Edinburg, my hair stylist, was awesome! He straightened my hair to start the day off with some simple, sleek, and fresh looks for shots for the modeling agency. He worked his magic, and I had my big dramatic curls back for the rest of the shoot :) Chenese Bean was my make up artist, and my make up was absolutely beautiful and better than I even imagined. I felt like a supermodel. :) The photo shoot was one of funnest things I've ever done. At the end of the day, it was just the four of us girls there--Deb, Melissa, Chenese, and me. Just picture in your head Melissa holding my dress down, Chenese positioning the fan to get my hair blowing perfectly, and Deb taking the pictures saying, "Work it girl. Pretend you're a Victoria's Secret model!!" You had to be there to see how funny it was! We must have gone back and forth changing the music and fixing the fan 100 times until we got the shot! :)

We were at the studio from 9 am until 4 in the afternoon. My dad made it just in time to see me in my last outfit and even got to see some of the pictures. I can't tell you how much fun I had, and Deb is one of the most amazing and inspirational women I have ever met. She made me feel so comfortable, and by the end of the day, I had a new self-confidence that I could take with me back home. Deb--Thank you for everything!

I can't wait to show everyone the pictures when they are done. Deb even took some fun behind-the-scenes photos of me while I was getting my hair and make-up done. :)

http://www.debknoskephotography.com/

In Loving Memory

2009-02-04T23:07:00.000-08:00

Me & Papa John

Where faith is there is courage, there is fortitude, there is steadfastness and strength. Faith bestows that sublime courage that rises superior to the troubles and disappointments of life, that is strong to endure, patient to wait, and energetic to struggle.

For four years, Papa fought a courageous battle. He never gave up without a fight. My precious Papa John passed away January 27, 2009 at the Veteran's Hospital in Cleveland. My grandfather was the strongest, most hard-working, and disciplined man I have ever known and will ever know. Papa was more than just a grandfather or a father—He was our life. Our family bond became so strong as we all experienced life’s hardships together. Seeing someone you love suffer is the hardest thing that anyone could ever go through. All you want to do is take away their pain. Papa endured more than what most people could handle in one lifetime, but his strength has been inspirational to not only my family and me, but to so many others as well.

Papa had been struggling and fighting for 4 years now. Four Christmases ago, he had a breathing attack and almost died on Christmas day, and that is when the doctors found the lung cancer. He then had his entire lung removed and endured radiation and chemotherapy. He suffered from a few strokes that impaired his speech and movement of his left side. Seizures then became another obstacle.This past September, they found a brain tumor, which turned out to be small cell brain cancer.

Papa also had aphasia, which is a disorder that affects a person's speech as a result from damage to various parts of the brain. Aphasia occurs suddenly often as a result from a stroke, but it may also develop slowly in the case of a brain tumor. In Papa's case, his aphasia was a result from both previous strokes and a brain tumor. Papa's speech was almost completely gone, but there was a time where he was still able to get certain sentences and phrases out. It was very frustrating for him at times not being able to say what was on his mind. For me and the family, it became very easy to read papa, and most of the time, we could just look at him and automatically know what he wanted. Every morning at 5 am, my dad would make Papa a whole pot of coffee, and by 7 am when my mom was ready for work, she would have to make a brand new pot! Then it was my turn to make more before I went to school. Papa would point towards the kitchen, and I knew he wanted more coffee. :) He loved his coffee! Most of our communication towards the end was through touch. Papa would squeeze my hand and smile, and I knew he was saying, "Tashie, I love you."

I remember being a little girl waiting for the bus in the morning, and I could see Papa sitting at the kitchen table in the same chair drinking his coffee. He would waive goodbye through the window each and every morning. Papa was infamous for his cooking. He’d always be preparing a beautiful meal for the family and would be the last one to eat. One things for sure—you always saw papa working whether it was mowing the grass, working in the garden, pulling weeds, picking up sticks, cooking, or preparing his hunting gear for the next morning. My sister loved to go hunting with papa, and it was a special memory that she will always have in her heart. One time, they went turkey hunting together, and papa whispered, “Look, there’s a deer!” Anastasia yelled, “Where Papa?”, and she only saw the tail of the deer as it took off running. Needless to say, she learned her first valuable hunting lesson that day.

Papa will always be remembered for his uplifting spirit, limitless strength, and his endless love for his family. If he taught me anything in life, it is that family is everything. Your life is what you make of it, and he always told my sister and me to live our lives for ourselves, our family, and those who love us. Time does not stop for anyone..the precious time we had with papa was a gift from God. My mother and father were both with him when he passed at the hospital. With papa’s hand in her palm, my mother whispered in his ear and said, “Daddy, you can close your eyes. You don’t have to fight anymore.” Ten minutes later, papa had closed his eyes and was with the angels in Heaven. He heard my mother’s word and wasn’t afraid anymore.

There is a new star in the heavens today and another angel watching over us. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

There are times when I cry just thinking of all of the wonderful memories I had with papa and my family. I miss him so much, but I know that he is watching over me and is in a better place.

Someone once told me, "Did you know that concrete gets stronger over time as other materials diminish? Water seeps into it when wet and solidifies smaller particles more and more each time, forming a stronger bond. The hardships you and your family have endured have seeped into your foundation and strengthened it more every day. You may not realize it or feel it, but you are stronger than you were yesterday, and it will only continue."

Thinking of Papa gives me strength. When I feel weak, I close my eyes and think of him. I love you Papa, always and forever.

2009-02-04T20:41:00.000-08:00

PAPA & MY MOM

MY DAD & PAPA

My younger sister Anastasia with Papa on
her Homecoming night this past October.

Interview on Fox 19 Morning News with Sheila Gray- January 16, 2009

2009-01-26T08:45:00.000-08:00

During my photo shoot weekend in Cincinnati, I also had the opportunity to meet with Shelia Gray for an interview on Fox 19 Morning News. It was so nice to see Sheila and Rob again!! :)

Thank you Sheila and Rob for having me, as well as everyone on the Fox 19 News, weather, traffic, and sports for Cincinnati staff.

http://www.fox19.com/global/Category.asp?C=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=15048&topVideoCatNoB=109491&topVideoCatNoC=104760&topVideoCatNoD=141804&topVideoCatNoE=142722&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3346020

My #1 Guy :) Papa John

2009-01-07T21:42:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! :) Well, I just got back from the beautiful city of Nashville where I met some of the sweetest girls. We all had so much fun, and I can't wait to write more about my experience later in the week. Although my weekend in Nashville was amazing, it was certainly hard being away from my family because times are very hard right now. As I wrote before in my previous post, my papa has been struggling over the past few years with lung cancer, strokes, and seizures. After I won Miss Ohio USA and came back home, it seemed like papa's health started to get worse. In September, the doctors found a brain tumor, and since then, the tumor has grown and is affecting his speech, ability to walk, as well as his cognitive function. The next step is brain surgery this coming Monday at University Hospital in Cleveland. My family and I are going to be there for his surgery early in the morning. I just wanted to share what I was going through with my family because so many of us experience hardships in life that are very hard to get through. Seeing someone you love suffer and go through so much is very emotional--You realize how important it is to cherish each moment.

Life is so precious...

I will put up a post about Nashville after Papa's surgery! :)

Love,

Natasha

Forum Health--The Forum Flash Article :)

2008-12-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

I work at an amazing rehabilitation hospital as a behavior technician where I work very closely with patients who have suffered from brain and neck injury trauma. I truly love spending time with the patients at Hillside and hearing their stories. My patients are my biggest fans, and they keep things in perspective. When they heard I won Miss Ohio USA, they were so interested and wanted to hear all my stories! They have taught me to never take anything for granted. :)

The article from the Forum Health Flash is posted below! Enjoy! :)

http://www.forumhealth.org/forumhealth/Open_Forum/Open_Forum_Main%20Menu.html

Trumbull County Commissioners' Meeting :) Wednesday, December 3, 2008

2008-12-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

The Board of Trumbull County Commissioners presented me with a resolution honoring my accomplishment of winning the title Miss Ohio USA 2009 and representing Trumbull County. I could not believe how many people from my community came to share the moment with me. The Commissioners gave me an opportunity to say a few words at the meeting. It was so much fun--a real press conference!! :) I got to speak to all three of our local television stations and two major newspapers. Trumbull County, Ohio has so many hard working families and it's governed with great leadership, and I was honored to have so much support from everyone.

Thank you to Commissioners Frank S. Fuda, Paul E. Heltzel, and Daniel E. Polivka & Staff :)

2008-12-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

My lil' pageant sis Kelsey and Me the night of the final show :)

I am so excited for this year with Kelsey, our new Miss Ohio Teen USA! Kelsey and I attended our first press conference immediately following the pageant, along with Miss Monica Day (Miss Ohio USA 2008) and Chelsie Folden (Miss Ohio Teen USA 2008). It was a bittersweet moment as Monica passed on her duties as Miss Ohio USA to me. She is one of the sweetest people, and I hope to follow in her footsteps. After the press conference, a horsedrawn carriage was waiting for us outside. It was like a fairytale but without a prince! :) We bundled up in the freezing cold, and off we went to our hotel. When I finally got to my room, my sister Anastasia and I had so much fun together just relaxing and hanging out. :)

One Wish...

2008-12-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

November 22, 2008
Words cannot explain how happy I was the night I was crowned as Miss Ohio USA. Where should I start? I've never met such wonderful, beautiful people as the girls I spent my pageant weekend with. The night I was crowned was a moment I will never forget.

The most important thing in my life is my family, and they were my inspiration for trying a second time. For the past few years, my grandfather has been very ill dealing with lung cancer, strokes, and seizures. Watching someone you love suffer is the hardest thing that anyone can go through. I think for all of us, family is where we draw our strength. My grandfather is one of the strongest human beings I know, and my WISH was for him to see me fulfill my dreams. When I realized that I had won on stage, I was overwhelmed with emotions, and tears began to fall from my eyes. I couldn't believe that I was going to bring the crown home to my Papa John :). After the weekend was over, I was on my way back home to good old Champion, Ohio to tell my papa the exciting news. Win or not, my grandpa would have been proud of me no matter what.

My father was unable to come to the pageant because he had to stay home to be with my grandpa, but when he found out that I had won, he was beyond happy. He goes around the house now saying, "Tash, I'm your coach now, get ready for Vegas!" I think he's just really excited for the Texas Hold 'em poker tables! haha...A special thanks to my buddy Briller! :)

The best part about my weekend was truly meeting the most amazing group of girls! We experienced everything together from being in heels for 6 hours a day rehearsing to dreaming of huge pasta dinners--I'm still dreaming! We were like a big family! :) Their love and support has meant the world to me.

One of the strongest women I know is my grandma (my Nanny). She is an amazing person who would do anything for anyone. Without her, life wouldn't be the same. :)

To my mother-I couldn't have done this without her. She has always pushed me to believe in myself and has given me the strength and confidence to perservere. She has always said, "Nothing good comes easy and it all comes from within..." My younger sister Anastasia has been sooo supportive of me, and I can honestly say that I have learned so much from her. She is a competitve equestrian and jumps huge 3 foot fences and has the attitude, No guts, no glory. She's one tough chick! :)

So where's my first stop? Well, I'm very excited because Wednesday is my first appearance representing my state! The Trumbull County Commissioners are presenting me with a resolution honoring my achievement of representing Trumbull County. I will keep you posted! I miss everyone already, and I am so excited to share my year as Miss Ohio USA with you! I look forward to all of the opportunities to come!

Love,
Natasha xoxo