Teen Colorado-World: August 2011

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Queen for a Day at Children's Hospital

Queen for a Day at Children's Hospital

Monday - August 8th, 2011

If you have ever been in a hospital you know it is not one of the most enjoyable places to visit or stay, but that is not the case at Children's Hospital in Aurora. When you walk in you are greeted by warm friendly faces and bright cheerful colors all over the walls and floors. The volunteers say that their main purpose is to help children feel like it is not such a scary place to be. People coming and going are mostly children - some being pulled in bright red wagons. Queen for a Day was an event I will never forget! It was such an honor to be there, hopefully making a difference in the lives of some of the families I met. Most of the activities took place in the lobby with arts and crafts, make up and painting nails. Each little princess got a pink sash and tiara, and lots of hugs... The South Metro Fire Fighters were there with their fire engine out front and fun activities for the boys, with a spinning wheel, and prizes.

One of the most important things I did that day was go with a fire fighter to different floors and visit children in their rooms who couldn't come down to the lobby. I write this with tears... It was overwhelming and I pray for those families I met. Their courage, faith, and perseverance, was humbling to me. After visiting each floor, another mother came to me crying and asked if I could come see her son, Ezekiel, in ICU. I had permission from the staff to go with her although I couldn't enter the room without a gown, mask and gloves on. She said she wanted us to take pictures and let everyone know her story. Ezekiel was in a coma to stop ongoing seizures he was having along with a collapsed lung, pneumonia and many other complications at the age of 10. His mom was wearing a "faux hawk" in her hair that day in honor of her son. Please take a moment to pray for this family. They have been through so much...

As Miss Teen Colorado World - this experience really made me think about my job of representing Colorado teens and the organization. It is a responsibility not to be taken lightly or for granted. It is not about a crown and sash, or the style of gown I wear. It's about what is in your heart and soul. It is about putting others before you, having compassion for people, and serving a community. I am thankful for learning this these past few months and look forward to my year full of serving others.

If you or a family member would like more information about volunteering at Children's Hospital, please log on to: http://www.childrenscolorado.org/give/volunteer/apply.aspx - it is a lifetime experience you will never forget!

Much Love -

Victoria Korthuis

Teen Colorado World 2011

xoxo

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Francisco Fort Day in La Veta, Colorado

Francisco Fort Day in La Veta, Colorado

Saturday - July 23rd, 2011

I had the pleasure and honor to be a part of the celebration of Francisco Fort Day in beautiful La Veta, Colorado by invitation of Jennifer Nackerud - Francisco Fort Museum Director and the "Town of La Veta". The day began early - at Cracker Barrel -

in Pueblo for breakfast in curlers Lol! After a quick change and makeup session in the car it was off to the town parade... I rode with VIP resident, Mildred Geiser, and her daughter, in a beautiful white horse drawn carraige.
Main street
was filled with many people and local vendors including a farmer cutting "Rocky Ford" cantelope to sample. After the parade, we ventured to the museum for outdoor entertainment and lunch. I also presented the "trophy" to the winners of the Bed Race that took place down main street before the parade. My Dad and brother were even a part of it, but couldn't keep up with the medical center staff who out ran everybody!

Jennifer gave us a personal tour of the museum that was featured on Channel 4's Colorado Getaways. She has worked many hours to renovate the museum bringing the past to the present with the displays and artifacts. That was a lot of fun to see how people settled and lived 100 years ago - no cell phones!! The Sheriff and Fire Department were on hand to "keep the peace"(see photo) Lol! I was even given a ride in the sheriff's hummer. The town of La Veta is a beautiful place with the most friendly people you will ever meet and their main street is lined with fun and unique shops to enjoy. When we were ready to leave, the museum staff told us we could not miss having a green chili cheeseburger at Georges for dinner on our way home. That was the best burger I had in a long time. Thank you Jennifer (and Maddie) and the Town of La Veta for your hospitality and allowing me and my family to be a part of a wonderful day.

With Jennifer Nackerud - Francisco Fort Museum Director!

The long drive down, early in the morning resulted in this...lol! It was quite

embarrassing walking into a public place like this!

The lovely Bed Races trophy!

The Grand Marshal who was 96 years old and still counting!

The La Veta Fire Department and their old retro truck!

(With description in passage above) The Sheriff and I...

Birthday Tea Party!

~Birthday Tea Party~

July 9th, 2011

And a good time was had by all... young and old!

Saturday afternoon, July 9th was a great day!

A birthday, a tea party, a pageant, and limo ride for the honored guests all in one.

I had the privilege to attend a party fit for a queen and also

be the judge of 5 beauties competing for the birthday crown... talent and all!!

The Birthday girl was actually the winner of the raffle from Lizzy's fun day and carnival fundraiser to assist in their finances for medical treatment for her disease. So this was in honor of you Lizzy! The afternoon started with refreshments and preparations for the pageant! I demonstrated to the contestants the proper walk and pose on stage - thanks to Mama Sacha!! The talent portion was far reaching... Singing, dancing, gymnastics, including an opera performance, cheer leading and gymnastics routines, animal imitations, and our very own Taylor Swift performance! We ended the day with a fun filled limo ride to Union Station with our favorite music selections of course!

A sincere thank you to Amber Ekstrom and her family for opening their home for such a great cause and for their hospitality through out the day ... and especially the limo ride down town to Union Station. It was an honor to be a part of it all!

"Pageant Rehearsals", teaching all the contestants how to walk and pose!

The panel of Judges...

And the winner is... Sicily Ekstrom the Birthday Girl!

All the contestants; a beautiful Top 5!

The royal limo ride downtown!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Miss Teen United States-World Competition 2011

Miss Teen United States-World Competition 2011

June 26th - July 2nd, 2011

Wow, what an experience! As I look back on Nationals and the great opportunity it was to compete for Miss Teen United States-World, I am thankful for the tremendous opportunity it was to gain personal growth, lifelong friends, and great memories. I know I will take this once in a lifetime experience and expand my horizons in every area of my life. My sincere gratitude to Christina Sacha and the many people who sponsored me in this endeavor. I couldn't have done it without you! Every time I look at my "Top 15" trophy sitting front and center on my shelf, I think of you all!

My advice to any young woman competing for a state or national title is to bring your very best to the event and have a great time! ...and remember everyone else is just as nervous as you are! Oh and one more thing - hot rollers are a staple!! ;)

I would like to recognize the many family and friends who sponsored me so generously.

I love you all...

Steve and Jenni Korthuis - The best parents in the world!

Ruth and Les Korthuis - Grandma and Grandpa

Mary and Don Hagedorn - Grandma and Grandpa

Cindy and Fred Morris and family

Cuqui and Christina Levine

Rob and Joell Dalton and family

Vince and Janet Harris and family

The Tantillo family

Jennifer Nackerud and La Vida Colorado

Greg and Jolie Schmidt and family