The Amazing Wish Race

Last weekend I participated in one of most exciting appearances yet, Rhode Island's Amazing Wish Race. This race benefited the Childrens Wish Group of Rhode Island and "Fighting for a Chance." The day was hosted by Louie Stravato & Mike Naylor of TV's The Amazing Race season 16 and was flooded with reality TV celebs from American Idol to Big Brother and of course, tons of beauty queens.

I was on a team with Jane Marshall, Mrs. Massachusetts International; Anita Seraichyk, Mrs. Rhode Island International; and Jena Ribeiro, Miss Teen Rhode Island International. Although we might have been a little slow in the race, we had the times of our lives with the crazy adventures they had us on.

Our first challenge was to fill out a crossword puzzle and word search based on Rhode Island. Obviously Jane and I were a bit lost so we left that part up to the Rhode Island queens. On the way to the next event we decided to take a minor pit stop at a pastry shop where Anita treated us to the best pastries in the world. Although that may have been our falling behind point, we kept going. (Better late then never!) We then went to the next event which was running around a park to find tickets to a merry go round. After running around like crazy I finally found a ticket after looking under a bench. Once all 4 tickets were found it was back in the car to the next event in which we had to name bugs by a picture, create our own big (which sported a crown of course) and had to guess the type of bug after feeling it in a bag. Once that challenge was completed, it was off to the mall to a costume store where Jane and Anita dressed up in outfits as fast as they could. It was then time for me to call it a day and travel back to Connecticut.

This race was an incredible experience for an incredible cause. Thank you to all of the volunteers who took the time out of their day and raised money, and of course the people who held the event. It was an awesome time and if anyone is interested in getting involved in the next race contact Damon Borrelli who puts this together!

Just a couple of days ago I was in Rhode Island again for an amazing photoshoot with J.Holt Photography. http://www.jholtprophotography.com/ - She is a new sponsor for the Miss Teen MA and Miss Teen RI- World pageants and a great one at that. Dana & I both had the chance to shoot in our National gowns & a few other outfits of choice. Although it was a bit chilly, the photographs were so worth it!

Keep in mind that fundraising for E.L.F. is beginning to take off! In a couple of weeks I will be in my old stomping grounds at East Longmeadow High School to raise some money for children with Epilepsy who will be spending their holidays in hospitals. Let's give them safe toys to keep smiles on their faces :) If anyone has any questions on donating please contact me at Tami4025@yahoo.com!

Love your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk xoxo

PINK OUT!

This past weekend I got off of University of Hartford campus and ventured to my long lost home in Rhode Island! It felt so good to be back in Rhode Island after many weeks for appearances. The weekend was definitely full and worthy of importance and I had a fantastic time!
Saturday I arrived and went to Providence Place Mall to meet Miss Teen Rhode Island- World Dana Marie Buitta to get fitted or the fashion show that night. The fashion show was "selling dresses for a cure" and was to raise funds for Breast Cancer. People donate their old dresses from proms to weddings and they are all sold for the extraordinary price of $20. I ended up choosing two dresses to walk in, both gray, one with a Marilyn Monroe look (my favorite style ever!), and the other silvery and classy. After we chose our outfits of choice we ventured to the village to hand out papers about the fashion show that night. I caught up with Christina Kain, a judge from my state pageant and the epitome of a beauty queen and had the opportunity to FINALLY meet Amy Diaz (Miss Earth United States 2009) in person after endless facebook conversations!
That night we participated in a ceremony for the Gemma Foundation. We listened to Breast Cancer survivors and learned more about the disease. The speech's were extremely inspirational and reminded me of how fortunate I am or my health. One particular speaker whose mother had breast cancer impacted me deeply. The emotion in her words allowed you to feel the fear she once was entitled to feeling. Breast Cancer Awareness is such a strong disease that is extremely important for people to carry knowledge about.
That night, Dana & I kicked off the fashion show by freezing our butts off down the runway for a good cause, "Selling Dresses for a Cure." We were interviewed on stage about our reigns, how we got involved in pageantry, advice for anyone wishing to compete, and my personal platform. Although it was freezing the numb hands and toes were worth it to take part in a cause that calls for attention.
The next morning we woke up bright and early to participate in the annual parade on Federal Hill. Lucky for me, I got to play Barbie for the day and ride in Amberly (Miss Teen Rhode Island- World 2009's) sisters pink car! It was tons of fun and the parade consisted of characters from Michael Jackson to batman. After the parade we went to Meet The Stars with Dana and Christine to sign autographs and meet with fans for the afternoon!
All in all, the weekend was incredible an full of fun filled activities. It was SO nice to catch up with my pageant family, I was way overdue to spend the night at Debbi's house! The 16th I will be back in Rhode Island with a group of my beautiful Massachusetts queens to participate in Rhode Island's Amazing Wish Race! Benefits go to The Children's Wish Group of Rhode Island and "Fighting for a Chance!" Don't forget to come and show your support, it should be an inspiring afternoon :)

Until then!
Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World,
Tamara Sacharczyk

Flipping the page

"Flipping the page" is how I like to refer to my current status in life. I have graduated high school, experienced a summer living the life of Miss Teen Massachusetts- World; and have flipped the page to not forget about the amazing life I left back in the small town of East Longmeadow, but to begin a new one in Connecticute.

About a month ago I began schooling as University of Hartford! It has been such a ride and full of so many new experiences. Living on your own definitely has it's ups and downs. First off, (hold the applause please) I have succesfully been making my own bed & doing my own laundry. I know most of you are probably shaking your head in disgust, but having a fabulous mother cater to my every need my entire life was benifical up until now. Other then that, I'm living with a roommate who fortunetly I absolutely adore. I have made tons of new friends from all of the place and feel as though I now have two homes. Classes are going great & I am learning about things I never guessed I would. My work load consists of Media & Politics, Social Welfare, Rhetorics & Writing, Intro to Lit, and Intro to Theatre. On top of the that I am remaining busy by taking dance classes at the Perfoming Arts school and working at the sports center during games on campus. I am also currently trying to get involved with the school channel because as we all know my real dream is to become a broadcast journalist :)

Other then school, I have still been carrying my duties as a title-holder. Being Miss Teen Massachusetts- World is a juggle, but I still wouldn't give it up for the world. Just last week I had the oppurtunity to spend the day on Thursday at the Big E for Massachusets Day! I had such a wonderful time learning more about my state while representing it. I was interviewed by News 40 about my year as Miss Teen MA- World. I signed many autographs and talked to so many of my adorable fans. I even had the youngest boy I've met so far ask for my number, a 7 year old. Although he didn't succeed it made a memorable picture. Talking to little girls & having them tell you they look up to you is so incrediblle and I love every minute of learning about each individual I meet.

At the Big E I was lucky enough to meet a beautiful young girl who had a pace maker. She wore the biggest smile on her face as she walked around the Massachusetts building looking around in awe. I found out she also had Epilepsy, and this reminded me of a very important fundraiser coming up, E.L.F.! This is for toy rooms in hospitals during the holidays to insure children living with Epilepsy can have seizure safe toys. Fundraisers will soon begin so if you'd like to help out, run one, or donate, email me at Tami4025@yahoo.com - It will be appreciated beyond belief :)

I have some appearances coming up also that I'm very much looking forward to! A Walk for Emma Hope where I can connect with an extraordinary girl I met while judging a pageant and hopefully a few in Rhode Island so I can see my director and pageant family I miss so much!

Until then, I'll be busy cramming for exams & papers!
Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World, Tamara Sacharczyk

So long sweet summer

As the summer abruptly comes to and end, I can't help but think about how much I have experienced in such a short amount of time. Summer is a time to relax, a time to keep old friends & make new friends. But most importantly, summer gives you a chance to be someone you haven't been before. You not buried underneath books & school work, or cliques and sports. You choose your journey, & wouldn't have changed my summer 2010 for the world.

Living these past few months as a title holder has given me the experience to travel all around Massachusetts, Rhode Island, & even Texas! Everything I have done since graduation has been more beneficial than anything else in my life. I've always said life's journey is it's destination, and I've never felt so confident & proud of my journey.

Going to Texas, I had so many crazy thoughts in my mind. I was going to a National pageant, I was representing my state, I had a shot of becoming Miss Teen United States World. What a way to begin your vacation! I look back at the week full of memories like it was yesterday, and still am missing all of the beautiful faces of girls I met throughout the country, and the experience all together. I came home placing top 10 & winning community service! Now that's a way to kick off vacation if you ask me.

Since then, it has been endless fun. I have had so many appearances that I wouldn't have traded for the world. From digging in the sand for keys to a car with Pro FM radio, to holding fundraisers for causes to dear to my heart; epilepsy awareness & the extraordinary Bella Tucker. I made Rhode Island my second home, and spent so much time there! I waved to fans during parades while showing my spirit for the USA, and I crowned countless 5 year old's the new Miss Teen Massachusetts- World during picture sessions.

Whenever I wasn't too tied up with my hectic life, I spent every waking moment with friends & family. I watched my friends grow, and get ready to venture off into college. I laughed so many laughs with the people who have been in my life for what it seems like forever. It's crazy to think after spending so many years with the same group of people, reality strikes & keeps you moving through life. I have a place in my heart for every single classmate in the class of 2010, and I always will.

As I say my goodbyes to summer, I open my arms to an entirely new chapter of life, college. Although I still have my title, & I still have my friends & family, things will being to change. I've always been told to welcome life's transitions with arms wide open.. and I will maintain this attitude through the next 4 years.

Until my next appearance arises with my Massachusetts queens who this summer have also grown into family, so long summer. You have been amazing, every single second. & I can move on with my future knowing the summer of 2010 is one I will never, ever forget.

Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk

End of summer craziness!

Summer is coming to an end very quickly! I feel like these past few months have completely blown by and soon enough sunshine & bathing suits will just be yet another memory for the books. The past few weeks I have been doing so many things that I absolutely love & adore.

All of my crazy adventures & lifestyles began about 2 years ago when I ventured into the most of the time glamorous world of modeling. Modeling is something I have always enjoyed because of my love for being in front of the camera. About a year ago one of my many goals came true & I was signed with Mass Models. Since I began modeling, I have participated in multiple photoshoots & runway shows, met talented photographers, models, makeup artists, and stylist; and have created some awesome pictures! I was lucky enough to get casted for a commercial with a salon, Ochoa's. Their were about 8 other models and every single one of them was breathtakingly gorgeous! It was a long day from hair & makeup, to taping of the commercial to, photoshoots. I left exhausted but it's always so much fun working with a new group of people, especially ones with so much talent up their sleeve!

A couple of days later I had the chance to have a photoshoot with the wonderful & amazing Justin Mayotte! We have been trying to book a shoot for what it seems like forever but after I was crowned it has definitely been a project trying to find the time. I am so lucky I had the chance before college stole me away! Justin works with a group of photographes at Flash House Studio's. He is very talented & professional at all times. I absolutely LOVE the images he has shown me so far & cannot wait to see the ending result with the rest. Thank you Justin for a wonderful photoshoot, I had so much fun!

Last but definitely not least, I was lucky enough to have a very exciting event with Pro FM radio! Christine Skorenko, Linsday, Debbi, and I went to Adam Lamberts meet & greet and got the chance to meet the fabulous star himself! He is absolutely adorable in person and truly is a genuine guy which is so refreshing to see. I've always been a fan of his but knowing that hes just as kind inside boosts him up even more on my scale. We ate, had our pictures taken, & the highlight of my day was someone as wonderful as him congratulating me on becoming Miss Teen Massachusetts- World! It was so much fun & I loved seeing my pageant family before I have to leave for school! Lindsay has truly become the big sister I never had & we share so many laughs when we're together. (Especially when we're cracking up at photoshoots after being starved!)

Yesterday was the most exciting event of all! I had the opportunity to spend the day with a young girl named Danielle, an eight year old girl living with Cockayne Syndrome. She is from Texas, but spent some time at the Boston's Children Hospital during the week to participate in a medical study for children with Cockayne Syndrome. Danielle was chosen as she met all the criteria necessary to participate in this study. To begin the afternoon, I met up with Jane - Mrs. Massachusetts International; Brooke - Miss Massachusetts Teen USA; and Jennifer Hard - Classic Ms. Massachusetts. We first took Danielle to watch the prelim evening gown for Tami Charles Coed pageant. Danielle was so mesmerized by the beautiful girls & gowns, she had the most incredible facial expressions through the pageant. After that was over, we took her to the American Girl Doll Store at the Natick Mall to have lunch. Between her & Sierra, Jane's beautiful baby girl, we had an absolute blast! The girls truly enjoyed themselves and Brooke, Jane, & I enjoyed splurging on food for the afternoon. (Once you have the eating habits of a beauty queen, they sort of stick with you.) We celebrated Danielle's belated birthday and shared so many laughs. I'm so incredibly happy I had the chance to spend the day with Jane & Brooke before college, through my journey they have become such amazing sister queens & family. & exciting enough, I will not only be spending a weekend in September with them, but Brooke & I will both be in Connecticut for college! Definitely going to be a comfort zone knowing she's not too far away. Thank you Jane for making yesterday possible, I had such a blast!

As the summer comes to an end, I am definitely not taking anything or anyone for granted. I'm also in the process of packing up my life, & getting ready to move to CT! It's crazy watching all of my friends leave, especially people who have been in my life for what it seems like forever, but I know that moving on is a huge part of growing up. I'll be busy spending the week I have left attached to my friends hips! This summer has definitely been good to me :)

Love your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk :)

A news reporter & judge all in one week!

A very exciting and busy week just took place :) I cannot believe summer is almost over! It seems I'm always running around like crazy & the time truly just flies. (Not trying to put on a front like I don't absolutely love it)

As most people know, I aspire to be a broadcast journalist. & when I say aspire, I mean I have my heart 100% SET on one day being bigger then Guiliana Ransic and Maria Menonous combined! So luckily, I had the opportunity to go on the air with Bob Venturini for 'An Hour with Bob.'

I had a blast with such a television personality on & off the air. I love observing how other people showcase their personalities on TV and always am sure to soak up as many hints as possible. We discussed everything from me placing Top 10 at Nationals to being newly named ambassador of The American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation. My crown even fell off at a point during the show from laughing too hard after I misunderstood his accent and 'shark' came out as 'shock' leaving me in a deep confusion for a bit. All in all, it was an excellent show & I feel so privileged to have been able to be a guest on it! Thank you so much Bob! & of course, Debbi, for booking me the greatest appearances ever!


Then this weekend, I was able to judge my first pageant! Although it was just side prizes, I definitely learned a lot from behind the scenes & really got the opportunity to see how everything works. It was Mr. and Miss Elegance ran by Tammy Rezendes! She is absolutely sensational and the pageant was definitely very well put together. The majority of pageant girls have been in pageants since they were very young. Since I only began this past November, watching the little ones compete was a totally new experience for me! It was very difficult judging 'best eyes' or 'best dressed' when your looking at these beautiful children. The actual judges of the pageant consisted of my roommates for the weekend, Debbi - my director, her beautiful daughter Lindsay who I haven't seen in months, Dorris who actually did my hair for my state pageant, and Kathryn LeBlanc - whose daughters used to compete pageantry & now a new friend ! We had an incredible time & shared SO many laughs. Although I might have been the party pooper that fell asleep way too early I had the greatest time with everyone! It was definitely a hilarious weekend worth remembering. Nothing is better then spending the weekend with a group of girls. Thank you to everyone in charge of the pageant who let me take part in the adventure & congratulations to the beautiful & handsome new royalty! That stage was definitely rocked ;)

I'm now back in Massachusetts & have some exciting events coming up before I leave for college! (Byebye small town!!) Tomorrow I will be shooting a commercial for Ochoa's Hair Salon, Wednesday I have a photoshoot with Justin Mayotte, & next week I have a VERY exciting event that I will keep secret until the morning of! :) You will definitely be jumping up & down once pictures are posted, (lets just say that!) & of course within the next few weeks, I will be helping out Jane Marshall and a few other queens with a project for Habitat for Humanity!

Hope everyone's enjoying the rest of summer & soaking up the sun before the cold weather does!

Until next time, I'm your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk :)

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