A New Miss Taunton is Crowned Tonight!

Today, another fantastic woman will take their next step towards their dream job, and earn scholarship money along the way.

Today, a new Miss Taunton will be crowned!

I’m sure you’re all joining Section 36 in eagerly waiting to see who takes the title!

However with that new beginning must come an ending. Unfortunately, Meghan Rubadou will need to relinquish her crown. Section 36 was honored to be able to interview Meg while she held the Miss Central Massachusetts title. From there, we know that Meg went on to win the Miss Taunton crown a year ago. We couldn't have been more proud of her

Meghan Rubadou

Miss Central Massachusetts 2017

So, Section 36 would like to congratulate Meg on her time as Miss Taunton. I can't wait to see what she does next. 

I'm also excited to see who wins the title tonight!

And if she'll be able to visit Section 36 after!

Bridget Oei Talks Miss America: A Guest Series (Part 3 - The Other Titleholders)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete at Miss America? I know I have. Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei has graciously agreed to help us all try and figure that out. She will be writing a series of guest blogs chronicling her time at Miss America that I am honored to be able to present here. (To see all of Bridget's posts, look here.)

Today we have our third entry as Bridget shares what it was like spending time with the other titleholders in Atlantic City. I hope you enjoy it!

Miss America was an extraordinary experience for the particular reason that in two weeks, 51 strangers became 51 best friends. The bond that I and the other Miss America candidates formed were catalyzed by our commonalities as well as our differences. Which, in my opinion, make us the most dynamic and well-rounded group of women in America.

But like all strong friendships, they have to start somewhere. Strengthened by silly memories, hearty laughs, and sharing new experiences, the two weeks at Miss America provided us with just that platform to grow and learn about one another.

Prior to the start of the competition, we spent our days in New Jersey exploring and enjoying magical parts of Atlantic City. Our first night, we attended a sponsored dinner at Bocca, a family owned restaurant that truly treated us all like queens. We sat at group tables and connected over a delicious meal, sharing stories of our excitement and our trip to the Miss America competition.

Another fantastic experience was at the Linwood Country Club, where we all got a chance to try our hand at golf. Pro-golfers or

not, we all made memories as we raced in golf carts, and took videos of each other having our PGA tour moment on the course. Later that evening, we met members of the country club and local supporters of Miss America. This was one of the most memorable events for me, I spoke to a physician who had studied medicine at Yale University, and we discussed my goals to become a doctor myself. I also happened to meet a lovely couple who had been to my parents’ wedding and had come to meet me for the first time!

Of course I have to mention spending an evening at the iconic steel pier on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. This event was the last of its kind before the start of the competition. I distinctly remember the love, support, and genuine excitement that was among all of the ladies. We all relaxed together riding the swings, and breathing the salty air. I felt at home, surrounded by women that I admired and respected, and grateful to be a part of such a unique experience.

With Love,

Bridget Oei

A New Miss Manchester is Crowned Tonight!

Today, another fantastic woman will take their next step towards their dream job, and earn scholarship money along the way.

Today, a new Miss Manchester will be crowned!

I’m sure you’re all joining Section 36 in eagerly waiting to see who takes the title!

Section 36 was honored to be able to interview Marisa Moorhouse not long after being crowned Miss Manchester 2018. Of course, we all know by now that Marisa went on to win Miss New Hampshire, and compete at Miss America last month! We couldn't have been more proud of her!

Marisa Moorhouse

Miss Manchester 2018

So, Section 36 would like to congratulate Marisa on doing so well with her time as Miss Manchester. I can't wait to see who wins the title tonight!

And if she'll be able to visit Section 36 after!

What do You Like?

What do you need? It's a good time to find out, because the Section 36 Store is having another sale!

It has gear to meet all your needs. Frankly, I'm flattered by how popular this store has been with the titleholders that have visited with Section 36 and everyone else! 

So, head over right now and select something that you like. But, don't delay. The sale only runs through Sunday! That's right only a few days before prices go back to their regular levels.

Click Here Now!

And, as always, when you do get an item, send me a picture wearing it for me to share with the world! The blog, Facebook, and even Instagram!

Like Kylee did to show off her amazing new tank top.

This tank is 27% off!

Or like Erin did with her tank!

It's still 27% off!

(Yeah, that tank top is my best seller!)

Or Nicolette, who went with a great t-shirt!

This t-shirt is 30% off!

Allison picked out out a t-shirt too!

Yup. 30% off as well!

But, first you need to buy something you like. There's a lot to choose from.

What will you get?

The available style and color combinations are practically endless!

Which is your favorite?

Bridget Oei Talks Miss America: A Guest Series (Part 2 - The Arrival)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete at Miss America? I know I have. Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei has graciously agreed to help us all try and figure that out. She will be writing a series of guest blogs chronicling her time at Miss America that I am honored to be able to present here. To see all of Bridget's posts, look here.

Today we have our second entry as Bridget shares what she was thinking and feeling as she arrived in Atlantic City for the Miss America Competition. I hope you enjoy it!

My room was divided into sections, one area for competition wardrobe, another for rehearsals. Every article was labelled with CT and my initials. Two weeks of clothing, supplies, and necessities were packed and organized ready for the trip to Atlantic City.

The drive to New Jersey, seemed like the longest trip of my life. I was so excited to get there, get settled, and get going. I had been prepping for this experience for months, but dreaming about how it would actually feel to be attending Miss America for years. This was it!

I cannot say that the reality of going to Miss America had really sunk in at this point. I was ready and prepared, excited to share with America who I am. It was game time, and I had every tool I needed to succeed. Family and friends were sending me messages of well wishes and I distinctly remember during the drive, saying to my mom, “I want to make my people proud, I want to make some history!”

When I arrived at the Golden Nugget where I was staying, I was immediately greeted by one of my warm and wonderful hostesses Debbie, who made me feel so calm and welcomed. My wardrobe was whisked away to my room, while I was brought to the hospitality suite where I met my other hostesses and the other titleholders who were all staying at the same location. The hospitality suite had a beautiful view of the Atlantic City Marina and I remember taking pictures of the scenery and getting overwhelmed with excitement that I was finally here! The other candidates began trickling in as their flights and rides arrived, and we all chatted as we finally relaxed after the frenzy of packing and preparing. This is where I felt that initial bond of sisterhood with these women. We were all aware that we were sharing in this once in a lifetime experience together and that made us closer than you can imagine. We all agreed that these next two weeks were opportunities for each of us to soak up every single moment.

If you told little 10 year old Bridget years ago that she would be where she was today, I do not know if she would have believed you. When I arrived in Atlantic City, I felt inundated with opportunity and possibility. I had the chance to shine, to give this experience everything I had and leave these two weeks with no regrets whatsoever. Supported my sponsors, my board and team from Connecticut, and my entire family behind me, I felt ready to make little Bridget proud.

With Love,

Bridget Oei

A New Miss Merrimack is Crowned Tonight!

Today, another fantastic woman will take their next step towards their dream job, and earn scholarship money along the way.

Today, a new Miss Merrimack will be crowned!

I’m sure you’re all joining Section 36 in eagerly waiting to see who takes the title!

But, with every new beginning comes the end of a reign. Thankfully, in this case, we know how the story continues.

Miss Merrimack 2018 may have to give up her crown, but we all know that she already has a brand new one! That's because Brooke Mills visited Section 36 not long ago as Miss Winnipesaukee!

Brooke Mills

Miss Winnipesaukee 2019

So, Section 36 would like to congratulate Brooke her fantastic year as Miss Merrimack. She’ll be a tough act to follow, and I’m looking forward to following her adventures as Miss Winnipesaukee!

Congratulations Brooke! 

Bridget Oei Talks Miss America: A Guest Series (Part 1 - The Final Countdown)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete at Miss America? I know I have. Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei has graciously agreed to help us all try and figure that out. She will be writing a series of guest blogs chronicling her time at Miss America that I am honored to be able to present here.

Today we have our first entry as Bridget shares what she was thinking and feeling while standing onstage at Miss America as the top five counted down. I hope you enjoy it!

Have you ever been in a situation where you knew you should probably be feeling some sort of way...but you weren’t? There I was standing hand in hand with the top five, in front of 4 million viewers across the country and a full audience in boardwalk hall, about to find out who the new Miss America would be, and if it was me. I should have been nervous, my heart should have been pounding. But I was calm, so very calm.

My demeanor did not change even as they called the fourth, third, and second runner up. The four other women that I stood with filled me with so much pride. From the moment I met them in Orlando, I was impressed. On paper they define the words success, leader, and trailblazer. I remember thinking as we stood together before they announced the results, “Wow, we made it.” I was genuinely humbled to be standing exactly where I was, among these women, on a stage that is truly a once in a lifetime experience. And all the while, I was representing my home, Connecticut.

I’ll never forget the moment when it was just myself and Nia standing center stage and I turned and grabbed her hands. I did so out of routine because I had been in the same situation before back in June at Miss Connecticut. Yet once I turned I saw Nia right in front of me, I also saw the other state titleholders all holding hands, anxious to find out who their new Miss America would be. After two weeks spent with these women, I had grown to love each of them and what we all represented. That is when I looked at Nia and began telling her that no matter what, I would support her throughout her year, that I would be her number one fan, always. I wanted her to know that if she was crowned Miss America, I would be there for her unconditionally.

If you watch the live telecast, you see me look out into the audience right as they call my name as first runner up. That was a moment when I felt so much clarity. No, I had no idea if I was going to win or be called. But in that moment I remembered exactly why and how I was standing in the position I was in. When I looked up, I was looking at my parents, who were sitting about halfway back in the audience. I was calm because they were there, and I was overjoyed to have made them proud. I was proud to have danced my very best, showcasing my talent for my culture and my dance teacher Dr. Colleen Griffith. I was proud to have spoken with conviction and consistency, showcasing the hard work and skills I had refined with my Miss Connecticut prep team. I was proud to have represented Connecticut: my home, my village, my heart.

It didn’t matter what the result was. You can see in my face when I was announced 1st runner up that I was just so overjoyed to be where I was. I had made history, I had done it for Connecticut.

Some moments are just so wonderful, that they exceed your wildest dreams.

With Love,

Bridget Oei