5th graders CAN learn Shakespeare!

The Hobart Shakespeareans with Sir Ian McKellen! I'm SOOOOO jealous!

Please do not adjust the channel- this is not a test! Yes, I said Shakespeare and fifth graders in the same sentence! It's not only possible, but Rafe Esquith, author of Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire and There Are No Shortcuts is doing it day after day, month after month, year after year, with astounding results; especially considering English isn't the first or only language of most of his students. Rafe Esquith teaches at Hobart Elementary, an inner-city Los Angeles school where his primarily Asian and Hispanic students are for the most part children of recent immigrants, and 92% of the student body comes from families living below the poverty level.

In the prologue to Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire, Rafe acknowledges the struggles with proposing elevated curriculum in a struggling school district; struggles that often discourage those who want to give the kids a fair chance to excel. "Expectations for children are often ridiculously low. Racism, poverty, and ignorance often reign supreme on campus. Add to this mix ungrateful students, and even mean-spirited people in the teaching profession itself, and the hardiest of souls can be crushed. Each defeat usually means that a child's true potential will not be developed,". Though he has experienced the same hardships, he's found a way to continue to put the best interest of his students first, and has turned his classroom into a safe haven for young souls where ANYTHING is possible. Rafe writes of Room 56 (his classroom), "It's a world where character matters, hard work is respected, humility is valued, and support for one another is unconditional,".

If you've not yet seen it, the PBS documentary that explores Mr. Esquith's work, The Hobart Shakespeareans, takes a look at the truly extraordinary approach that Rafe takes towards improving the minds and lives of his students.

Summer time, and the living is... Hectic? But in a good way!

With Miss Brooklyn's Outstanding Teen, Melanie, at the Miss Brooklyn Bowling Party!

With my trainer at the Miss Brooklyn Bowling Party!

Wow. It's truly hard to believe that there are only three short weeks until I leave for Miss NY! After being crowned Miss Brooklyn on February 22nd, I thought that March was my busiest month ever- in life! Until April happened, and then May, and now June...

On Sunday, the Miss Brooklyn Bowling Party took place at Melody Lanes in Sunset Park. It was so much fun to reconnect with some friends from Block Institute along with other sponsors, and I bowled two strikes! (This is a serious accomplishment... I'm fairly certain my high score is appx. 75...). We also enjoyed some delicious birthday cake (I turned 23 on 5/27)!

Earlier today, I spoke with Meredith Deliso from the Bay News about my preparations for Miss NY and my incredibly generous sponsors! Look for the interview in this Thursday's Bay News! I'll also be doing an interview/ photo shoot with the New York Post about fashion, beauty and pageant prep! Stay tuned!

I'd also like to give a shout out to the newest member of the Miss Brooklyn 2009 State Preparation Dream Team- Bensonhurst Dental, who'll be providing me with free whitening services before Miss NY!

On Wednesday, I'll be flying out to New Mexico for the Miss New Mexico Pageant! My good friend from college is Miss Santa Fe, and hopefully the next Miss NM!

When I return on Sunday, I'll have my hands full organizing myself for our upcoming Miss Brooklyn events (see the website and earlier blog posts), the cost-free performing arts education template I'm developing, the show I'll be opening the week before Miss NY (and then passing on to my understudy), and Miss NY itself! I'm often asked how I don't go crazy being involved in so many different things, and my answer is always the same. I don't do anything I'm not passionate about, so my love for my activities keeps me going.

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it,"- Henry David Thoreau

Meet and Eat with Miss Brooklyn 2009 and Wafels & Dinges!

Yummy-looking! ... And the waffles look good too! (Yes, for those of you who were wondering, that's my boyfriend, Joe).

On Saturday, June 13th, I'll be appearing as Miss Brooklyn at the Wafels & Dinges truck, parked in Park Slope on 7th Ave at Carroll St. from 10a-1p for a "Meet and Eat with Miss Brooklyn 2009 and Wafels & Dinges". I'll be signing autographs and posing for photos, in addition to helping out in the truck. Come buy a freshly made traditional liege or brussels style waffle with your choice of sweet or savory toppings (waffles start at $5). A portion of the day's proceeds will go to the Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Organization.

Explore Brooklyn- Part 2- Prospect Park!

Camperdown Elm- a 12 foot high, 137 year old tree that looks like a giant bonsai plant! Look for it near the Boathouse.

Long Meadow. Inhale deeply. Sigh. Relax.

Taken on one of my visits to BBG a few years back!

Out of focus, but too much fun not to post!

Taking in the sights at Prospect Park!

Better late than never! For the second installment of my "Explore Brooklyn" series, I'd like to tell you about a recent visit to Brooklyn's beautiful Prospect Park. On a sunny afternoon a few weeks ago, I packed a picnic, grabbed some friends and headed to our borough's illustrious 585 acre "urban oasis".

What a tremendous recreational and educational resource this park is to our borough! Not only does it contain Brooklyn's only forest, it's also home to the Prospect Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, and Kensington Stables (yes, as in horses... in Brooklyn! I've ridden with them a few times, and had nothing but wonderful experiences! And they're very reasonably priced!). GreenMarkets bring fresh, local produce and farmgoods to the borough on Saturdays (Grand Army Plaza) and Wednesdays (Bartel-Pritchard Circle). While you're there, be sure to stop by Lefferts Historic House, a 200 year old Dutch remnant from the pre-Colonial farming village that used to be Flatbush! Prospect Park is also home to some of the best nature trails in the area. Seriously- you can't hear traffic or see buildings (take that, Central Park!).

If you don't feel like schlepping your food from home, there's a tremendous selection of cuisine steps away from the park in all directions (nearby neighborhoods include Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace and Flatbush). There's also a cafe at the Boathouse, a snack bar near the Carousel and the Parade Ground, and near Wollman Rink during ice-skating season.

There's truly something for everyone at Prospect Park year round. So what are you waiting for? Grab your running sneakers/ riding pants/ tennis racquet/ soccer ball/ picnic basket and head over. It's immediately accessible by the B/Q to Prospect Park/ Parkside, 2/3 to Grand Army Plaza, S to Prospect Park, B41, B71, B69, B75 and B68.

And the sponsors keep coming...

Preparations for the Miss New York State Competition are in full swing, and I'm thrilled to announce the two latest additions to the "State Preparation Dream Team" (as Kim has affectionately dubbed our sponsors).

Bend and Bloom Yoga of Park Slope offers a fantastic flow series, in addition to pre and post-natal yoga and yoga for kids! On Tuesday, I attended their open level community class, taught by studio owner Amy, and never once felt out of place, despite my relative beginner status! The class was wonderfully relaxing, but boy, did I feel it the next day (in a good way)! I can't wait to go back! Their beautiful studio is located on Sackett St. between 4th and 5th Avenues. Check out their website here!

This morning, I attended my first class at Bikram Bay Ridge. I had attended one psuedo-Bikram class before, so I had some idea as to what I was getting myself into... For those of you unfamiliar with Bikram, let me break it down- 105 degrees room, 50% humidity, 26 postures, 90 minutes. I'm fairly certain that I have NEVER, in my entire life, sweat that much in an hour and a half! Graham was an amazing teacher, and I look forward to my next session! Bikram Bay Ridge is located on 5th Ave between 85th and 86th Streets. Check out their website here!

Both of these fantastic studios are providing their services to me free of charge as I prepare for Miss New York, and I'm extremely grateful for their generosity!

The Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Program/ Talented Youth Development, Inc. Talent Show!

The Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Program along with Talented Youth Development, Inc. is sponsoring a Youth Talent Show on Saturday, June 6th. We are searching for singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and groups ages 18 and under to come show New York City your stuff!

Please pass this information on to any talented young people you know! Those interested should send an email stating interest to participate to missbrooklynmao@aol.com or call Kimberly Thomas (Executive Director of the Miss Brooklyn Program) at (313) 492-0946. Entry deadline is May 22nd. Entry fee is $25 for all acts. The entry will be refunded if contestant sells a minimum of 10 tickets @ $10 each. A maximum of 20 acts will be allowed to participate so don't delay!

Explore Brooklyn- Part 1- Coney Island!

In addition to blogging about my regular appearances and platform work, I'll be dedicating some posts to all of the fun and awesome things you can do in the best borough (because seriously... we are...). Our Borough President, Marty Markowitz, has an amazing Brooklyn Tourism Website, which highlights the fact that you don't need to leave Kings County to find awesome food, entertainment, recreation, arts and adventure. Think of this as my own little tribute to his initiative. With that said, allow me to present: Coney Island and Brighton Beach!

William's Candy! TOO MANY OPTIONS! (We decided on cotton candy and chocolate covered strawberries- not shown here)

Keyspan Park- Home of the Brooklyn Cyclones!

On the pier

BOARDWALK FOOD!

The NY Aquarium is one of my favorite places to visit!

I can't help myself! Freezing cold, but totally worth it!

Summer's just around the corner, so on my day off, I decided to beat the crowds and hit one of my absolute favorite warm weather spots in Brooklyn- Brighton Beach and Coney Island! I live in Manhattan Beach- a short walk down the shore from Coney Island, so Joe and I grabbed the camera and headed out for our first visit of the season. We headed over to Brighton Beach Ave, where we usually spend a few blocks checking out all the fun little fruit and veggie shops, mixed in with salons, jewelry stores, bakeries... you name it! Once we hit Ocean Ave- we usually head to the boardwalk, to begin the beach experience!

Once on the beach, we were greeted by the usual horde of brazen, people-friendly seagulls (everyone who's been to Coney Island/ Brighton Beach has a seagull story... keep that in mind when you visit). We headed down the boardwalk for a stretch; a prime place for people watching (seriously... I've seen some incredibly strange things happening on this boardwalk). After a bit, we hit the sand and made our way to the shoreline to wade in the 45 degrees water. I truly cannot help myself- I'm a huge water person, and just have to go in, no matter what the weather!

Once we hit the NY Aquarium, we headed back up to the boardwalk, where we passed all of the food stands and bars, along with the all the rides, including the Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone! (I've ridden it twice, and that's quite enough- thank you!). We continued down to the pier (see above), made a quick stop at Keyspan Park (GO CYCLONES!), and made our way down to the Eldorado Arcade (not the one on 12th St- the one on Surf Ave). Now THIS is what Coney Island's all about! Dimly lit, well-worn, slightly sticky old school fun! After schooling Joe at Skeeball, our Air Hockey game was a draw (because Joe crawled on the table, which registered interference and ended our game!).

By this time, we had worked up an appetite, so we headed to Nathans for lunch! Don't judge- YES, I know I'll be in a bikini on stage in less than 2 months; YES, I know that there is very little on the Nathan's menu that comes anywhere close to being nutritionally sound; and YES- it was delicious! (Everything in moderation, right?) Of course NO trip to Coney Island would be complete without a stop at William's Candy. They have every sweet treat imaginable (seriously- if it's 50+% sugar, they probably carry it), and they make the most amazing fudge and caramel/ candy apples! Joe and I made our selections, and happily headed to the train (the thought walking back was a bit daunting to Joe). Stillwell Ave is the last stop on the D, F, N and Q (hint, hint). All in all, another fantastic day at Coney Island!

Check out the Coney Island Fun Guide to learn about all of the wonderful things going on this summer.