A weekend full of events!

I've been running like a crazy women since Wednesday, & I wouldn't have had it any other way. I had a weekend full of such amazing events & new memories & am incredibly worn out! (In a good way!)

First & foremost, the blog you are reading is a blog of the new ambassador for The American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation!! I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me. I put my heart into Epilepsy Awareness because it something very dear to me. I was diagnosed with Epilepsy 2 years ago, & since then, made 2 promises to myself. One being, I would always live my life to the fullest & accomplish every single one of my dreams. (One of those being a teen title-holder) My other promise was that I would help Epilepsy Awareness, funds, and make a difference. I am so happy I was able to do both & it would have never been possible without the encouragement of the wonderful founders of the foundation, Tracy & Erin Leyden. They have truly given me a home when it comes to my disease, & a cause that I can do so much for! Thank you to everyone who has supported my fundraisers, worn the Epilepsy pin, or just helped spread the word!

Wednesday began with my first pitch this summer! I was supposed to have a pitch a few weeks ago with The New Bedford Bay Sox but it got called off on account of rain. It was raining about ten minutes before the Holyoke Blue Sox played on Wednesday so I was pretty nervous mother nature did not feel confident in me throwing a baseball. Luckily, the rain stopped & I transformed from a beauty queen to a baseball player. (kind of) I had so much fun & everyone was so friendly! After I bounced the ball I got a standing ovation. (Go figure!) It was a very talented team of players & I'm happy I got to to experience a baseball game so close to home! Go Western Mass!!

Friday, I had a very good friends reception party! I met Jack Villamaino a few weeks after I was crowned to take a picture for our local newspaper. Since then, he has became such a dear friend and has been the biggest help. He not only has been very kind & genuine, but has helped me with SO many appearances including my fundraisers at the carnival, first pitches, & the 4th of July parade. I am very thankful to have met him & have such a great support system by my side. He is currently running for State Representative & I couldn't think of anyone more dedicated & willing to do a better job. I have a learned a lot from his dedication & will to do good while helping others around him. The reception was a very nice evening! I met tons of amazing politicians from around the area who were all incredibly nice & outgoing. Scott Brown also attended to show support! I met many new friends & was so happy to be able to support Jack! It was an amazing night!

Saturday afternoon, I left for my second home, Rhode Island! Since I have been crowned I swear I spend just as much time in RI as I do MA! It's truly amazing to be able to do things for all of New England. Saturday night I spent the night on the couch watching Miss Teen USA with my second mom, Debbi & Miss Teen New Hampshire- World, Christine Skorenko! It was streamed live on the internet but since Debbi was on top of things as always, we had it connected to the big screen! Yay! We had so much fun & tons of laughs. Christine has become like a sister to me since Nationals & I enjoy every minute I get to spend with her. Brooke Bibeault represented Massachusetts BEAUTIFULLY & I am SO proud of her! She is the most genuine, hard working, and deserving queen I have ever met & I am so happy I have gotten to know her. She made Massachusetts SO proud as always! Maryland ended up taking home the title & becoming our Miss Teen USA 2010!

Sunday morning was the best part of the weekend by far! I had an appearance for the Governor's Bay Day on Scarborough Beach. I stayed under the Pro FM radio tent with Miss Teen New Hampshire- World, Miss Teen Rhode Island- World, and Junior Miss Rhode Island- World. Pro Fm radio has been so great with events & allowing us to tag along! Barbi Jo, the voice of Pro FM was also the host of my pageant and it's always so much fun seeing her & her outgoing, exciting personality. She is an amazing role model especially for the industry I'd like to go into. She genuinely adores her job & everybody she meets & is SUCH a hard working gal. I hope someday I can have half of her presence when it comes to being an entertainment journalist. A big thank you to Barbi for allowing us to be a part of her exciting event! I always learn so much from her. I was even lucky enough to have her compliment me to my director. It means so much being complimented by someone you look up to! The other title holders & I spent the day signing autographs & half way through the morning decided to get up with Christine to take pictures with everyone in line for the prize! (We felt they needed some excitement in the hot sun!) The contest was a dig for many prizes under the sand including a NEW CAR! You had to register to enter the dig & we pulled only 10 names out of the box, and believe it or not, Christine pulled out my name! It was so much fun to be a part of the dig & get the opportunity to win a car even though unfortunately I wasn't the lucky winner. It was pretty cool to be on the other side of such an exciting & fun thing. I did win a few tickets to an amusement park though which I will definitely be hitting up before summer ends. I also offered to trade the winner of the car for my tickets but for some reason she didn't seem interested? (Doesn't hurt to ask ;) ) The rest of the day & carried onto the next morning I relaxed by the pool with Debbi & Christine & shared many laughs. A pageant family is truly the greatest family you could ever find, I absolutely LOVE mine!

Later today I had my second pitch of the year. (Woohoo!) I FINALLY was able to throw out the New Bedford Bay Sox opening pitch. It was tons of fun & I had a blast with the players. It's crazy how talented these college students are. It makes me realize more & more that I was definitely born without an athletic bone in my body! I will be sticking to dance, & I think everyone is safe that way!

The best part of my weekend was hearing about someone whom I have impacted with my fundraisers & appearances throughout my reign. A very sweet girl who has been reading about everything I've been doing on facebook chatted me to tell me what a great job I am doing with my title. To me, nothing is more important then knowing I am impacting my state & the people in it positively. I know I was given my title for a reason, to go out & make a difference, & I am so blessed to be able to do so! Thank you so much for the encouraging words & standing by my side. I couldn't be representing a better, more appreciative state!

Home sweet home! I had such a wonderful weekend with so many new memories that will stay with me forever. As we move into August, I have many exciting events coming up! I'll keep you posted as always!

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

Bella Tucker

Yesterday, I was blessed to be able to meet & spend some time with Bella Tucker, the extraordinary young girl my Mass queens & I held a fundraiser for last week.

I have never been so inspired in my life. Bella is so beautiful inside and out & such a will for life. As an 8 year old, she is living with a smile on her face after having all four limbs amputated. But by looking at her face, you'd never guess. Mrs. Massachusetts International, Jane Marshall; and Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, Brooke Bibeault; experienced this incredible day with me. I can't put into words how I felt after visiting Bella. She gives you a sense of strength when you look at her and try and imagine just a little of what the past few months were like in her life. I know she has the most powerful, amazing life ahead of her & I will do everything possible to help make all of her dreams come true.

She will be flown out to Philadelphia soon to get Prosthetic limbs. As soon as she gets back, Jane, Brooke and I will be taking her shoe shopping!! I'm very, very excited for this!

Bella is also blessed to have the most dedicated family I have ever seen in my life. Her father is not only by her side every second, but willing to do her hair, feed her, or just encourage her to take her medicine. We also met her wonderful neighbors, cousins, aunt, and grandmother. With a family like that, I know Bella will be able to get through any obstacle life throws at her.

You have so many people who love you Bella, you will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart! xoxo

While at Boston's Childrens Hospital - we had the opportunity to meet a few other amazing children going through battles most of us could never dream of. We met a beautiful 5 year old who just experienced open heart surgery. She worn Janes crown and was all smiles, and trust me when I say her smile lit up the room. We also met a few other kids for pictures, and while in the lobby I met a wonderful girl with CP flown in from Turkey. She has a 13 hour flight to Boston and usually stays for 2 weeks when in need of medical care. Most of us forget how blessed we are in to live in the state of Massachusetts and have such a powerful hospital right down the street. It truly makes you appreciate our state and more then anything, our health.

This visit to Boston is one that truly changed my outlook on SO many things. I am so fortunate I was able to meet Bella, and the rest of the children. A piece of my heart will always be left in that hospital, and I'm so blessed to have met such courageous people.

As always, I had the most amazing time spending the day with Jane Marshall and Brooke Bibeault. These two ladies are so important to me & I'm so lucky I get to share my reign with them. Jane is leaving for Nationals in Chicago on Tuesday on her adventure towards the National title of Mrs. International. She is such a wonderful women who is so genuine in caring about every single person around her. I couldn't picture anyone doing better things with a National title. I wish you the best of luck Jane, you deserve this more then anyone! As for Brooke, you'll be able to watch her on national television compete for the title of Miss Teen USA! July 24th, make sure to tune in and cheer on our beautiful Massachusetts queen! I've never met someone so dedicated to a title and everyone else around her. She is by far the sweetest title holder I have ever met and someone I am sure will be a life long friend. She is truly here to do great things for the state of Massachusetts and we're so lucky to have her! Best of luck Brooke, your inner beauty will shine through!

"There must be a thousand girls out there, dreaming the same things as me. But I'm not going to worry about them. I'm dreaming the hardest!" Love my sister queens!

My family is in from Utah and New Jersey, so luckily I was able to spend the night with them last night! Today we have a family party and I'm so excited to get the chance to see all of my long distance relatives. Family really is everything to me and I couldn't explain how much each member in mine means to me.

As for upcoming events, I have my first pitch in New Bedford on the 13th! I am excited, and a bit nervous, since I might not be the most athletic person! I will be with my fabulous Director/second mom, Debbi - And after spend the night in Rhode Island! I haven't seen her since the air show the day after Houston and miss her way too much! I also have a few very exciting events this month so STAY TUNED!


Always Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk

Fundraisers & Sunshine!

Since I've come back from Houston, it has been complete craziness but so much fun that is so worth it. The East Longmeadow Carnival is annual tradition and something I have been going to since I was a baby. It was so much fun to actually be a part of it!

I had a week long booth for two different causes. The first cause is Epilepsy Awareness and funding. I had 2 beauty queens come down to help me fundraise and plenty of friends as well! Throughout the week I was able to raise $200 for The American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation, spread pamphlets of information on Epilepsy, and even meet others diagnosed with the disease. All in all, it was an awesome fundraiser and I cannot wait to hold my next! Thank you Miss Teen Maine- World Julia Reich, and Miss Teen New Hampshire- World Christine Skorenko for driving all of the way to Western Massachusetts to help such a good cause!

The last day of the parade the booth was transformed into a raffle for a very special little girl. Bella Tucker is an 8 year old going through a very difficult time. With the help of Mrs. Massachusetts International Jane Marshall, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA Brooke Bibeault, and Miss Pink Trish Grzela, we ended up raising $320 for this inspirational young girl. This was without a doubt one of the most inspiring fundraisers I have ever done. I also had the opportunity to reconnect with a good friend, Mrs. Massachusetts International before she makes her way to the National competition which I am so excited to hear about her doing amazing at! She is truly remarkable. I had the chance to talk with Brooke Bibeault who is a completely beautiful girl inside and out and someone who I have tons in common with. We definitely have the best girls ever representing the state of Massachusetts and I'm so proud that we can all come together for a wonderful cause.

Tomorrow I will be joining Jane & Brooke at the Boston's Children's Hospital to visit Bella Tucker and give her the profit of the fundraiser in person. I'm so excited to finally meet her! To learn more about Bella, please visit http://www.friendsofbella.org/

July 4th was another great day! This has always been one of my favorite holidays for the traditions it holds. This year, the tradition was broken a bit but in a positive way! I was able to ride in my towns annual parade with Miss Teen New Hampshire- World Christine Skorenko! Although it was hot, we had tons of fun and even had the opportunity to meet Massachusetts Governor, Deval Patrick! Thank you Jack Villamaino for making this appearance possible!

I have a very exciting month ahead of me full of appearances and good causes! I just came back from a vacation in Rhode Island with my best friend Kelsey and although a vacation felt good, it definitely feels GREAT to be home!

Thank you everyone who supported my fundraisers, your generosity means so much!

Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk

"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!"