More TO COME TONIGHT!

Wacky Talent Time!!!!!

Move over Miss America, Miss USA has talent too...lol I love the Miss America system, but I am excited that the Miss Universe Organization decided to hi-lite our titleholders that have 'wacky talent' since we are more than just pretty girls. Standing with me is Miss Maine who is a former professional basketball player. She played in Switzerland and Italy! Impressive, right?! All of you know that I am a dancer, but you may not know that I am a Sweetheart. After leaving the Magic, I applied for a position with the Sweethearts For Soldiers. This group is comprised of former NBA and NFL Dancers/Cheerleaders with our mission being to support our troops. Now Miss Maine is over 6 feet tall so you may assume that there is a trampoline under me...hint hint :)

I will be sure to post the video as soon as it comes out :)



After the wack talent segment, the ten of us had a short break and it was off to lunch :)

YAY! Did you watch the Price is Right growing up? I sure did! All of us reunited at Bally's for The Price Is Right LIVE! Although we did not get to play, it was fun watching everyone else get excited. Plus, our very own Miss USA Kristen Dalton did some imprompto modeling of the prizes. Oh ! AND we got the cool price tage name tags..lol

From there we had a phenomenal night! No shows, no VIP events, NO rehearsal, not even dinner out. We stayed in and relaxed...yay! It was much needed. We were in our rooms by 5:15pm. All we had to do was get our evening gown checked for approval. Good thing because Texas and I were up at 4am for the annual poolside swimsuit shot!

Morning Workout!

Sushi Samba

End of the night posing in front of the Palazzo Hotel where we ate dinner and sang karaoke at Sushi Samba. (Katya, Brittany, Jessica)

Simone and I jamming out while DJ-ing!

Julie and I rocking our sponsored bracelets from Same Sky: Bracelets made by Women in Rwanda

Arrival

My new roomie, Kelsey Moore Miss TX USA, and I are dressed and ready to start our first official day of the 2010 Miss USA Competition!
It was a really busy day. We started with breakfast at 7:30am and then it was on to Registration, hair, make-up, opening number fittings, shoe fittings, swimsuit fittings, evening gown/swimsuit photoshoot, and finally interviews. Unfortunately not everybody finished everything so many of us (including Tx and myself) had to wake up early on Tuesday to finish up our interviews. Monday was over 13hrs long, but it allowed a lot of time to meet all the contestants and HELLO...I am at Miss USA! It was amazing despite the long hours!.

Lunch on Tuesday at Cabo Wabo, PA Gina, LA Sara, SC Rachel


By noon Tuesday, I had finished my last interview so I was invited to be a part of a mini appearance. 10 of us visited throughout the casino and ate mexican food at Cabo Wabo for lunch....I had Mahi Mahi!


Brittany, Roseanne, Renee, MacKenzie, Rachel, Me, Sara





That evening was our BIG Introduction night outside of the Planet Hollywood! It was the first time I was announced to the public as Miss Florida USA during the Miss USA Compeition. I think we all thought that was pretty cool.
Below are all 51 contestants including Kristen Dalton , Miss USA 2009.

From there we split into 3 groups based on Alphabetical order. I was obviously in group 1 so we went to the Paris Hotel. We started with an autograph session inside the hotel. Of course I just happen to notice that the Orlando Magic game was playing so I could not help but to point out the score...>>>Magic ended up winning by 43 points! Big Win!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO MAGIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Off to dinner! Now it looks like Renee, Audrey and I are outside on a balcony but that is inside Paris! So neat!!! We indulged on a 4 course meal; salad wedge, crab cake appe, chicken with veggies, and white chocolate cheesecake. Perfect ending to the perfect day!

Cassady and MacKenzie at Planet Hollywood.

Day 3! FUN DAY!!!!!! The day started with Orientation. We had the honor of listening to Paula Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization, speak on the many opportunities that Miss USA 2010 will have presented to her and what is expected upon her during her reign. It was excited knowing that there a chance that that could be me! (Above: me and Sarah )

After breakfast we traveled via bus to Caesar Palace. We were welcomed by Roman gods and spent the day in the sun. We enjoyed lunch poolside and I even got to do a taping with a chef in which he made an alaskan king crab salad. It was filling but light as well which was nice considering we were in our bikinis.

It was incredibly relaxing......

First Day in Vegas.......DONE!

I woke up this morning feeling amazing. The flight was great, the shuttle bus was fast, Planet Hollwood is the perfect hotel and I had so much fun with my first photoshoot! I wish I could say more, but I am pretty sure that I am not supposed to give anything away as far as the theme of the shoot. These pictures will be posted online and they will be used in the program book. All I can say is......THEY ARE HOT! WHEW!

I was able to meet several of the girls at the photoshoot; Wyoming, North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, and Oklahoma. Nadia Moffett, Miss NC USA and I were back to back in the photoshoot so we were done around the same time. We were starving so we hit up PF Chang's for dinner. The wait was 90 minutes so we decided to sit at the bar upstairs. I must admit, it was nice being able to see the Boston vs Cleveland playoff game...lol We split lettuce wraps and devoured our main courses. Us East Coast girls were so exhausted and it was only 8:30pm!!! But remember it was really 11:30pm eastern standard time. Poor Nadia only had an hour of sleep the night before so we headed back to our rooms and crashed.

Day 1 was a success! Today is chill.....catching up on emails and unpacking. Everything starts tomorrow at 9am...YAY!


Talk Soon!
Megan Clementi
Miss Florida USA 2010

Road To Vegas! I am on the Plane! YAY!

Wake me up ‘cause I feel like I am dreaming! Am I really on a plane heading to Vegas to compete for the title of Miss USA 2010? Wow…..this is surreal! As exhausted as I am, I cannot seem to stop smiling. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I feel privileged to represent my home state of Florida, the state I was born and raised! It seems like just yesterday, I captured the title of Miss Florida USA 2010….amazing how quickly 9 ½ months flies by!

In that time, I have traveled from Pensacola to the Keys, from Ft Myers to Merritt Island. I have become ‘one’ with my car as I have put nearly 35,000 miles on her since July 18th 2009. I have enjoyed my time with various non-profits including my personal platforms Give Kids The World, Climb For The Cure, and the Future Female Scientist Award. My platforms have allowed me the opportunity to speak throughout the state and make a positive impact in each community I visit. To date, I have made 193 appearances and there is no reason to stop now! If I am chosen to be your next Miss USA, you can bet I will be as devoted to our country as I was to my state. I hope to travel constantly speaking on behalf of Susan G. Komen and Give Kids The World as well as visiting schools to inspire the next generation of engineers. I plan to make a difference one city at a time!

One of the best compliments I have received was from a patient at the Watson Clinic in Lakeland, Fl. I was there learning the ins and outs of what a cancer patient goes through, focusing on Breast Cancer but learning about ovarian, prostate, anal, and skin cancer as well. I was told later by my mentor, Dr Sandra Sha, that one patient said she did not think ‘pageant girls’ were anything more than pretty girls that know they are pretty. She was shocked to see how involved I was with Susan G. Komen and honored to know that I am speaking out about Breast Cancer on behalf of her and all patients past, present, and future! You never know if you are making a difference, but every once in a while you will see or hear something that puts a smile on your face. These little moments remind me why I love my job and why I devote my time to the community. Turns out this woman happens to be a lighthouse enthusiast and I have seen her at 2 of my lighthouse visits; once in St Augustine and again last weekend at St George Island. I am thrilled to see her around the state as I know she has fought cancer and won! She is a success story and should be used as inspiration for those who are currently battling the disease. She is the reason why it is important to speak out. Early detection is key. Knowing this, I have hope for a very close family friend who was diagnosed on March 1st, 2010. She is currently healing from a double mastectomy and will begin radiation and chemotherapy shortly. Please keep her in your prayers.

I am 4 hours from landing in Las Vegas. This is the perfect time to reflect on my life, my accomplishments, and my support system. Although many people credit my success on my determination and perseverance, I cannot help to credit my success to my wonderful team of family , friends and sponsors.

Thank you to my PERSONAL SPONSORS

Exquisite Coaching

Kim Antos: You have given me peace from past experiences that would have prevented me from achieving my dreams. I will never forget seeing you and James outside my hotel door at 4:30 am in Miami the night I won Miss Florida USA 2010. You were going through one of the most traumatic experiences of your life and somehow managed to drive 7 hours from Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville to congratulate me in person. You are an amazing person with the biggest heart I have ever seen. I love you so much and appreciate everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) you have done for me! You are not a ‘pageant friend’ but a lifelong friend that I care deeply about. I am fortunate to have you and James in my life!

Revive Lifestyle Management
Arnold Kolozsvari: I must admit, I was not so sure about starting with a new trainer 2 years ago. I had a good thing going on in Orlando and I could not imagine how special you could possibly be for me to drive an hour to Ormond Beach to train with you. Well when I woke up the next morning and could feel the results….I knew I needed to make a change. You have a unique way of balancing weights, cardio, and ply metrics. Sometimes I think 'wow that was not so bad' until I wake up the next day and I cannot move…lol You challenge me in new ways and I like it! You have great intuition; you know my breaking point, you know when I need take a break. On the days where I have been sick, you have saved me from myself! My body looks better than it has ever looked which I did not think was possible after state last year :) YOU are one of a kind! THANK YOU Csaba!

Kim and Arnold- I am so fortunate to have both of you in my life. Together you have balanced my body and soul.

Florida Hair Extensions and Great Lengths
Natalie Dyson-Thank you for making my hair look amazing. I have never felt more beautiful!!!

Regalia Magnificent Apparel Forte Salon and Spa
Lush Lash Dr Lach Dr Costello
Melanie Pace-personal stylist for my Miss USA wardrobe

Thank you to the OFFICIAL Miss Florida USA SPONSORS
La Casa Hermosa
Don Baker Communications

Thank you to the Prize SPONSORS
Bejeweled
Bijoux Terner
Carroll's Jewelers
Bob Lasky Ritchie Swimwear
Elan
Fredrico Leone
FICA


Thank you all for providing me with needed services throughout my reign!

Thank you to my Family and Friends!

I could not possibly remember everyone who has impacted my life over the years, but there are several who I will never forget (in no particular order…lol)!

Mary Lou, Grant Sr., and Grant Jr. Gravitt
Kim and James Antos
Becky and Gary Bangert
Rachael Denney
Sean Ocando
Jeanine Klem-Thomas
The Orlando Magic Dancers (2004-2009)
The Orlando Magic Organization
Veronica Livesay
David Lang and Carry O’Neal ver
Strever Family
Kreiger Family, Mr and Mrs Brian Walsh
Melissa Witek
Alan Goldstein
Chris Bischoff

Jeff Higuera, BodyTecz
Dan Hrabko and my Miss South Florida Fair Family
Keep Flippin Gymnastics
Jill’s Dance Center/Jupiter Dance Academy
The University of Central Florida College of Engineering and Computer Science

And Lastly….MOM, DAD, MIKEY, DAVE , THE MACK FAMILY, AND THE DARREY FAMILY

I appreciate all your love and support!

Love Always,
Megan Clementi
Miss Florida USA 2010

Forgotten Lighthouse Challenge!

Such a cool weekend! It was non-stop from Thursday evening until Monday morning. I began my weekend Thursday night as Kim Antos and I traveled to Tampa to attend the Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Pageant. Before we got very far, we made a pit stop in Kissimmee to visit Give Kids The World. I had a $500 check for GKTW that was made by the wonderful people who attended my Central Florida Send Off Party. We raised a total $1500 for charity in which there are 3 beneficiaries.

Anyway, being that the families that visit GKTW stay for exactly 7 days, GKTW is able to plan weekly celebrations like morning visits from Disney Characters, Wednesday night Village Idol, and the Friday night Pirates and Princess Party. Every Thursday Mayor Clayton Celebrates Christmas which I should mention that Mayor Clayton is a very handsome 6 foot tall bunny rabbit who happens to be the Mayor of Kids Village. His wife, Merry, loves celebrating Christmas by having an evening Christmas parade. Now, I intended to be in the parade, but I never left the Gingerbread house (this is where all meals are served). I spent a couple hours mingling with the families and signing autographs. Before you knew it, it was 8:10pm and I had missed the parade! It is ok though…the families appreciate me being in the Gingerbread house with them especially since many of the families were leaving the next day to go back to their home.

Kim and I stayed in Tampa that night and planned our schedules for the next day. With only one car, there was figuring out of who gets the car when. I slept in (YAY) while Kim spent the morning training clients in Ocala. When she returned, she was able to take a nap while I headed to Tampa as I had a new family member to meet! Ella Lynn Darrey was born on the morning of Wednesday April 21st weighing 6 lbs 11 oz.

She is absolutely beautiful!!! I told Ella how much I love her and that she was my good luck charm at Miss USA…I promised to make her proud :) It was so nice to be able to spend a few hours with my cousins…I wish I could have stayed longer!

From there I scooped up Kim and we were off to Dade City for the 2010 Miss Florida's Oustanding Teen Pageant.

Kim, me and David at pageant. David emceed with Galen.

Rachel Strever after preliminary competition. She was awesome!

Both Kim and I worked with girls who were competing so we were there for moral support. The teens were fabulous and very talented. My dad met us out in Dade City so I went home to Orlando with him while Kim stayed for Saturday night finals. I believe we got home around 1:30am. I barely closed my eyes and next thing I knew, I was back in the car for a 4 hour trip to St Mark’s to begin my Forgotten Lighthouse Challenge!!!

I could go on and on about the various lighthouses, but I realize that 6 lighthouses and 1 festival later this blog would be massive. So I am going to post a few pictures with comments instead:)

Saturday April 24th: Florida Lighthouse Day
St Mark’s Lighthouse

First Lighthouse of the weekend!
Posing on the beach with titleholders Morgan Mount Miss Northwest Florida, Natalie Martinez Miss Alachua Cty Teen USA and Cassi McFarland Miss Emerald Coast Teen USA.

20th Anniversary of the River Front Festival in Carrabelle
Natalie and I were posing with an iguana which I need to mention that he is a heavy little guy. Holy cow, that was my workout for the day. Anyway, Mr iguana was posing nicely until his owner said 'you should kiss him'. As soon as Mr iguana heard the word 'kiss', he turned really fast and tried to lick us! He was cute :)

Crooked River Lighthouse
2nd Lighthouse of the weekend!
Signing autographs for those in line :)

St George Lighthouse
Inside of the 3d Lighthouse of the day!
My dad, Cassi's mom and Cassi at the top of the St George Lighthouse. You can see behind me little beach homes in the background. That is where I stayed for the evening. They were the most adorable skinny houses with the most gorgeous views!

Low Country Boil (St George Lighthouse Fundraiser)
BIG JUMBO Shrimp....yum!
The two bookends are Terry and Jim Kemp. They were so wonderful to set up this appearance for me and to find a home for me to stay. Thank you Terry and Jim..you two are awesome :)


Sunday April 25th
Cape San Blas
Interviewed by Panhandle Outdoors at the Cape San Blas Lighthouse
Titleholders at the base of our 4th lighthouse. Jami Lynn Daniels is the reigning Miss Emerald Coast USA. as well as the director of the Miss Northwest Florida Pageant. She brought her girls as well as her USA lil sis Cassi McFarland. Together they presented me a good luck gift with handmade cards. It was so sweet!


Port St Joe
Port St Joe was my favorite lighthouse because it was converted into a home. It is a private lighthouse for that very reason. Pictured above is the owner Danny. We are standing next to the stairs to the top of the lighthouse. That room is only 5'7" in height since that was the average height of a lighthouse keeper in the 1800's.

Signing the lighthouse keepers diary. Cassi and I each posted a diary blog about our visit and then signed it. Now we are apart of the Port St Joe Lighthouse History :)

Pensacola
Warm welcome by confederate soldiers during the Pensacola Lighthouse Visit.

Miss Pensacola USA 2011, Chelsea Cooper and myself. In the background is the Lighthouse Keepers home and the Pensacola Lighthouse.

Inside the lighthouse in the dark tunnel leading tothe Keeper's Room. The captain just finished telling us about the infamous Pensacola Lighthouse Ghost Stories! This lighthouse was featured on a special lightouse episode of Ghost Hunters.

Artist of the Pelican. He autographed a minature pelican for me :)

As you can see, it was quite the weekend! By 6pm CT, it was time to begin our journey back to Orlando. Around midnight ET, I noticed my dad nodding off at the wheel so I spent the remaining 3 ½ hours driving us home. Not sure how, but I was wide awake! Must have been all the cat naps betweens lighthouses :) The drive home was rather therapeutic. 1100 miles later, we just looked at one another and reflected on how much fun we had in the last 72 hours. It was an awesome weekend!

Now, it is time to pack for Miss USA. This entire week will be filled with fittings, appointments, workouts, and hopefully sleep….but I am not going to count on it :) Next time I talk I will probably be on the plane. Wish me luck and I will see YOU in VEGAS!!!!!!

Until Next Time!
Megan Clementi
Miss Florida USA 2010