Busy Networking and Platform Day

Today was full of handshakes, networking, nutrition and exercise! I started off at the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Breakfast and Columbia Business Showcase. I was privileged to learn from two amazing mentors, Brenna McDermott of Columbia Business Times and Gina Ridgway Long of Phoenix Home Care ! I even got to meet with the superintendent of Columbia Public Schools, Dr. Peter Stiepleman! Next, I headed to Rock Bridge Elementary School where three first grade classes completed their second of five lessons on nutrition and exercise with me! We learned about the vegetable food group today and played "Broccoli Says", to fit in with the theme. I led this game which meant lots of running in place, jumping jacks, and push-ups for the kids! I love the amazing opportunities I am provided with to help develop my professionalism and platform! ‪#‎maot‬ ‪#‎operationfitkids‬

Fun Pageantry Weekend

What a great weekend full of pageantry! Friday night, I attended the Miss Kansas City/Miss City of Fountains Pageant! Congratulations to the directors and board for running a fabulous pageant and of course to the new royalty! It was amazing to see one of my best friends from the outstanding teen program, Jocelyn Weyer be crowned Miss Kansas City! Saturday, I went to the Missouri & Kansas International Junior Miss Pageant! I loved watching Stevie Bisch crown her successor and catch up with old friends from MMOT! The MAO sisterhood is something I will always cherish!

Hearts for the kids

This week I had the opportunity to visit MU Women's and Children's Hospital. I have visited many times before, but this visit I noticed that there were a lot more kids there, and many of them seemed to have much more serious illnesses than normal. I was told there are a lot of respiratory illnesses at this time of year. Please pray for all of these kids in the hospital. I was happy to be able to put a few smiles on their faces as I visited with them and delivered the Valentine's that the 1st graders in Mrs. Drennan's class made for them.

This little guy was so excited for my visit.

Loved meeting Naveah!

Miss Springfield and Miss Greater Springfield Pageant

I had a great weekend co-emceeing the Miss Springfield and Miss Greater Springfield pageant in Branson, Missouri. Congratulations to our 2 new titleholders, Samantha Bowers and Lexy Kadey!

Samantha Bowers, Rachel Spurling, Lexy Kadey

I also had the opportunity to show my farewell video at the pageant, as my service as Miss Springfield's Outstanding Teen, 2015 is ending. However, I will still be representing the Springfield area as Miss Queen City's Outstanding Teen, 2016!  Springfield is known as the "Queen City of the Ozarks", thus the name for the new title I hold.  Here's a link to the video on my You Tube channel, thanking everyone who helped me as Miss Springfield's Outstanding Teen.

Rachel Spurling Farewell Video

Osmond Performance

I was so excited to be able to perform my Miss Missouri talent at the Andy Williams Moon River Theater in Branson this weekend before the Osmond's show. I was also honored to be able to meet a few of the Osmond Brothers. Many years ago, their family started the Osmond Foundation, raising money for children, the Foundation evolved into the Children's Miracle Network and has raised over 7 billion dollars for 170 Children's Hospitals across the US and Canada!  Since Children's Miracle Network has become a cause that is near and dear to my heart, it was especially touching that I could meet some of the Osmond family.

Memorial Day Thank You

Memorial Day is our American holiday to remember and be thankful for those who have fought for the freedom of our country. I have been fortunate to meet many veterans in the past few years through my work with the Mid Missouri Honor Flight and at other events as well. My Grandpa Larry is also a veteran of the Vietnam War and I am thankful for what he has done for our country. Here are some pictures of some of the Veterans I have met. Happy Memorial Day!

Dance Talent

Talent is a very important portion of competition in the Miss America pageant.  I must say, the talent portion is what drew me to do pageants in the first place!  Dance has been an important part of my life since I was 3 years old.  Not only is dance a great way to exercise, but it is also an amazing emotional outlet.  I have been able to work with world-renowned choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Sonya Tayeh, Billy Bell and Stacy Paydo.  I have also attended American Ballet Theatre’s summer intensive, Joffery Ballet Academy’s summer intensive and perform with the Moscow Ballet!  Dance has taught me so much, allowed me to travel around the country and also taught me what a real team is!   #countdowntothecrownweek5