"Flown in from the state where the sports are big & the fans are even bigger.."

The past week and a half has been FILLED with absolutely AMAZING & lifelong memories. I cannot believe how much I've grown in the past 2 months I have worn my crown.

The night before I left for Nationals, I spent the night with Debbi in Rhode Island watching Miss Junior Teen Rhode Island- World Sydney at her dance recital! I was stunned at how good she is at such a young age. She is the sweetest thing & I had such a blast. I even got to a chance to catch up with my favorite host, Barbi Jo!!

The next day I boarded the plane with Debbi, Miss Teen Rhode Island-World Dana, And Miss Teen Maine-World Julia as we left for Houston, Texas to compete for Miss Teen United States-World.

I couldn't have imagined the week better if I tried. I truly met the most beautiful, hard-working, determined group of girls in the country. Although we were exhausted, we busted our butts to make the pageant a success. Gaspar Cruz along with his staff did an incredible job. The week feels like it was a dream it went by so quickly! I met so many people I know will be a part of my life for a long time. From rehearsals to lunch's to 3:30 AM hair & makeup, we all did it and every contestant deserved their state title.

I was very fortunate to not only get called for top 15, but top 10, & win community service! Never did I imagine at my first National competition I would be standing on stage as a finalist. The beautiful Belle Owen, Miss Teen Kentucky-World took home the crown & I couldn't think of anyone more deserving! It's so comforting knowing we have such an amazing young girl representing the United States at the international pageant next month. I went home on cloud 9 and haven't quite come off since! I couldn't thank my parents, sponsors, director, and coach enough for preparing me 110% and guiding me to always be myself and do my best; I love you guys so much!

All of my United States-World girls, you have no idea how much you impacted my life in such a short amount of time. I will never forget your beautiful faces and all of the incredible things you do for our country. I am confident is saying I met the most amazing girls EVER, and if you ever take a trip to Massachusetts, you know who to call! <3 you girls!!

The day after we flew back from the pageant I jumped right back into reality and stayed the night in Rhode Island to make an appearance at the air show. It was so much fun and so rewarding to talk to people who serve our country. Everyone was so nice and so willing to give us tours of the planes. We signed many autographs and even walked away with some new friends.

As always, I've had the most memorable days ever. I still am stunned by the people I meet and new adventures I find myself on. Starting tomorrow I'll be running a fundraiser at a carnival for Epilepsy Awareness along with for a beautiful little girl going through a tough battle, Bella Tucker. I will be joined by many other title-holders and volunteers. Lets see how much we can raise!

Until then I'm Your Miss Teen Massachusetts-World
-Tamara Sacharczyk

Career speaking & parades!

This weekend I was lucky enough to attend 2 appearances, one in Massachusetts & one with my sister queen in Rhode Island!

The first appearance was speaking at Birchland Park Middle School for career day. Birchland Park is a middle school I once attended, and not too long ago. It was definitely a little sad after just having my graduation knowing that 4 short years ago I was in the same position those 8th grade students are now in.

I had groups of beautiful & ambitious girls & talked about finding a goal and conquering it in high school. This also lead to staying away from peer pressure and how to remain focused! Personally, volunteer work has made me the person I am throughout high school along with my career ambition of becoming a broadcast journalist. Knowing that you have something ahead of you makes setting goals so much easier, and reaching them gives you all of the confidence in the world. Knowing how eager I was as an 8th grade student about to step into high school halls, I ended each talk with advice and answering questions about the high school. I couldn't tell these girls enough how exciting and important the next four years were. I'm excited for them to really take the first big step into adulthood. The most important thing about high school is at graduation not only crying tears of sadness, but making sure those tears also have happiness, and excitement in them because you know the next chapter of life will have so many more memories and surprises!

The best part of this appearance was not only the fact I could talk about something I truly believe in, but I got an opportunity to speak to our youth. The most amazing feeling was all of the positive emails & facebook messages I received after. There is no better feeling then knowing you affected someones life, especially someone who potentially could put your advice and encouragement to good use some day! I truly hope the 8th grade class is ready to experience all of the wonderful moments & memories high school has in store for them, it truly goes by too quickly.

The next day I woke up bright & early to attend the Gaspee Day Parade in Rhode Island! This was my first parade and SO much fun! Dana & I smiled & waved until our jaws hurt. The best part of the parade was definitely people clapping when you drive by, that's something I'm still adjusting to. The Gaspee Day Parade held so much American pride from pilgrims to policemen to clowns, floats, and boy scouts; it truly demonstrated what U.S. spirit is all about! It was so much fun being recognized in a 3 mile parade and meeting state officials and new friends while reconnecting with old ones!

There is only 5 days until I officially leave Massachusetts! Saturday I will be in between New Bedford & Rhode Island for the day - and Sunday morning I leave bright & early to Houston!! I couldn't be more excited if I tried. I know this will be an incredible and unforgettable experience no matter what the results bring!

"Keep your expectations low, and your hopes high!"

Your Miss Teen Massachusetts-World
-Tamara Sacharczyk

When one door closes another door opens

Saturday was one of the most heart warming events I have EVER experienced, The Special Olympics. This event happens all over the country, and is one of those things you must see to appreciate. Never in my life I have met such inspiring individuals who wore the biggest smiles across their faces while facing struggles many of us could never imagine. This is a day I will NEVER forget & something I will definitely get more involved in.

I spent the day with my sister queens Dana & Sydney along with Debbi & our moms. We signed many autographs while watching various activities. We also had the opportunity to meet many of the Olympians and shake their hands while they won. From soccer to swimming, they did it all, I was beyond impressed with their courage.

As soon as I walked in the first girl who approached me with a beautiful young girl with rhinestone sunglasses on. "Are you a real princess?" She made my day, never did I think I'd ever be asked that question. She had the biggest smile on her face after wearing my sash for a little - the true beauty queen was her.

The most exciting part of the day was when music came on and I decided to get on stage for a dance with one of the Olympians, and I must say, he knew what he was doing! After being spun and dipped a multiple number of times I was holding my crown in my hand from it falling off! I don't think I've ever shared so many laughs in my life. Everyone ended up getting on stage including Dana & Sydney and we had a blast!

The day ended with Dana & I taking one last walk around the park. We ended up being followed by a team of baseball players who insisted to get a picture with us. Our parents found it hilarious when we were walking back with a baseball team behind us! In the parking lot, we had one last dance when we heard the famous Chicken Song come on! Dana & Sydney are not only my pageant family, but slowly becoming my real family. I am so blessed to be sharing this year with them.

..All good things must come to an end..

Yesterday was a big milestone in my life.. my high school graduation! Waking up in the morning I realized for the first time that this was IT. I was graduating from my comfort zone and taking a step into adulthood. After reading my speech I found myself soaking it in, and yes, crying. You truly don't appreciate every individual person along with every memory until it's over. Class of 2010 - You have MADE me the person I am today. I will never forget the kindness I experiences after my house burnt down freshman year, to the laughs and smiles during our dances & school lunch's. I know we will ALWAYS continue to make each other proud & I cannot wait to see the joy you each bring to society. You'll always be in my hearts.

"Dream what you want to dream. Go where you want to go. Because we only have ONE life, and ONE chance to do all of things we want to do!" Good luck ELHS Class of 2010 - I love you

Your Miss Teen Massachusetts-World
Tamara Sacharczyk

Forever young

Last night was my senior prom - my very LAST dance as a high school student. I can say it a million times and type it a million and one.. yet it still won't sink in!

The night was one to remember along with every other dance my class has shared. As our 13 year journey suddenly comes to an end it really makes you realize how much your class really means to you. When our class song Forever Young came on - for the first time ever I recognized the song from looking at the familiar faces in the room. I'll never forget our first dance, the famous 8th grade semi.. and how nervous we all were. I thought it was the absolute coolest thing ever to go to someones house all dressed up and take pictures.. I felt SO incredibly grown up. Little did I know in the next four years I'd be going to 5 semi's and 2 proms - I'd have plenty more group pictures and countless memories. But last night was one of the destinations to this long journey we have been on for what it seems like our entire lives. I'm so happy I spent the entire night with the best group of friends ever - I truly couldn't have been more blessed walking out of high school with so many hands to hold.

3 days until graduation! Let the next chapter begin :-)

As for Nationals - it is coming up so soon! I am in full preparation mode and I'm ready to proudly represent my state! I owe my director Debbi Rogers the world for being so on top of everything in preparation and still managing appearances! I will be attending The Special Olympics tomorrow with my sister queens from Rhode Island! The Special Olympics is something I've wanted to get involved in for a while and am so excited to finally have the opportunity! My cousin Sam has participated in them multiple times and whenever she won a medal always lit up the room with a smile - I can't wait to help other kids feel the same amount of accomplishment. Also, next week all of my speech preparation will pay off when I speak to my very own old middle school about steering away from peer pressure in high school and finding a passion to build yourself as an individual. It'll definitely feel good to be able to not only visit my old teachers but encourage the youth of my own town to cherish the next 4 years.

I'm sure I won't be able to update you on my exciting weekend until after the matter with PLENTY of pictures - Until then..

"When your young, you always want the next step. You want to move on and grow up as soon as possible. Now we finally are doing just that, moving on and growing up. So stay young at heart - and always see the world as a playground. The possibilities are endless, so always be a dream chaser. Move on to that next step with a deep breath full of optimism. We only have one life to live, and one chance to get it right!"