Saginaw Spirit Hockey Game!

Saginaw Spirit vs. Ottawa 67's
Date: February 26th, 2011
Location: Dow Event Center, Saginaw, MI

The Saginaw Spirit media team invited the Miss Michigan Scholarship Organization to make an appearance at a Saginaw Spirit home game. Miss Michigan, Katie LaRoche, and current local title holders were escorted to the ice before the puck drop. Katie, Sydney (Miss Bay County), and I were introduced individually before Katie dropped the puck prior to the start of the game. We also shook hands with the captains of both teams! After the puck drop, we threw t-shirts into the crowd and rooted for the Spirit players. We also signed autographs before the game and during intermission, giving us a chance to tell hockey fans what the MAO is all about.

This event was especially meaningful for me because my dad and nana ji (maternal grandfather in Punjabi) also attended the game. My grandparents have recently returned to India and do not plan on visiting the United States again anytime soon. So, I am not sure when I will see my nana ji again. He said he was proud of my accomplishments, and I will remember that moment with him for life. He also commented on how much reward for success and service there is in America. I think he understood what the Miss America Organization provides for girls like me: 1) a sense of accomplishment and confidence and 2) an opportunity to further pursue our dreams while giving back to our communities. Overall, I had a lot of fun hanging out with my Miss Michigan sisters and interacting with the crowd at this event. I'm so glad I could be a part of it!