From Heart to Head - My CSI Story

By Rachel Ramos

As Miss Heart of the Midwest 2025, my community service initiative (CSI) is From Heart to Head, which promotes dementia prevention and education, builds awareness and empathy in our communities, and encourages legislative action. Environmental factors mostly cause dementia and you can reduce your risk by exercising, sleeping well, managing diabetes, reducing stress, eating healthy, and protecting and exercising your brain. These prevention techniques are cardiovascular-based, as heart health is closely linked to brain health. For example, people who live sedentary lifestyles are already increasing their dementia risk by 30%! From Heart to Head focuses on the Heart as much as the Head, and maintaining cardiovascular health is the first step to preventing dementia. A question I often receive about my CSI is, “Isn’t dementia an old person’s disease? Why should children care about a disease like dementia?” The answer is - our health begins now. By exercising and eating well now, your body will thank you in the future and will allow you to continue to do what you love, whether that’s pickleball, yoga, crosswords, soccer, or anything between. Visit FromHearttoHead.com for more information on how to prevent your risk for dementia, or sign up for the monthly newsletter. 

The partnership between the American Heart Association and Miss America is so pertinent because more young women will be aware of their cardiovascular risk, and fundraising through this partnership also funds research that focuses on women’s cardiovascular health. Two-thirds of all Alzheiemer’s cases are women. Women are also more likely to be caregivers for someone with dementia. Cardiovascular disease is the number one leading cause of death for women, and dementia is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. This connection between women and being more at risk for dementia may be because women were rarely in any clinical research trials until 1993. But it could also be because women live longer than men, early-onset menopause is now being linked to dementia, or that different societal roles support different cognitive engagement. We do not have the full picture yet, and research behind the dementia-women connection is still evolving, but we could find the answer to this connection as long as we fund women’s health research through the NIH (National Institutes of Health). The terms “diverse”, “women”, “female”, and “minorities” need to be included in research studies because these representative terms lead to research that will prevent deaths in the future. 

This initiative has become deeply personal to me due to my own family’s experience with dementia, which I now work to address through advocacy. My “why” is because of a very strong woman, my great-grandmother Harriet. She passed away in a long-term care facility after refusing care for her dementia and breast cancer diagnoses. She was an incredible woman, mother, Polish immigrant, and friend. My family lacked the resources and awareness of what to do for her because she refused care. I was a child unable to help her, but now that I am older, I have turned my grief into purpose for families going through similar experiences. Today, I am an Alzheimer’s Association Legislative Advocate and Community Educator. I previously lacked the courage to advocate on behalf of the dementia cause because of my absence of confidence, I felt like my voice did not matter. Through the Miss America Opportunity, I have gained the skills and confidence needed to speak on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association and have since met with several legislatures, mayors of Indiana, and the Governor of Indiana, and I am planning on continuing my advocacy on Capitol Hill in June. A major pillar of From Heart to Head is legislative engagement; because using our voices together to make change is how we make tangible impacts in our dementia communities. 

Personally, being a woman in research, it is a core value of mine to be a scientific communicator and share objective facts. As an Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator, I educate at-risk communities by giving Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia presentations so the general public can understand dementia in a tangible light. I plan on giving another presentation in April, but I wanted to share a quick story of impact from a presentation I gave in November. After presenting, I sat in the audience to answer personal questions and a woman asked me for advice, “I am here today because I am caring for a friend’s mother with dementia. It’s only for a week but I’m scared I’m going to do something wrong, I’m not experienced with caregiving. What can I do?” Her emotions started showing through, so I held her hands to make her more comfortable, “Firstly, it shows that you care because you are here to learn and ask questions, so I already know you’ll do a good job. Secondly, in my experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant who has taken care of patients with dementia, the most important thing you can do is treat her as a human being.” Then, I proceeded to provide her with local resources, information about what a person with dementia may be going through, and the Alzheimer’s Association helpline number: 1(800)272-3900. 

I encourage you to visit FromHearttoHead.com to learn more about dementia prevention and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need support. Insta: @MissHeartMWIN or @FromHearttoHead.CSI. For business inquiries: FromHearttoHead@gmail.com.

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Rachel Ramos is the current Miss Heart of the Midwest (IN). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Grow Your Garden

 By Isabella Williams

For as long as I can remember, my family has grown its own food. My gramma planted her first garden in her early twenties, just after having her first baby, just as her parents had done before her. She showed me that love of growing things, and now, I can’t imagine my life without a garden. It’s more than just fresh food—it’s a way of life, a way to bring people together, and a way to make sure no one goes hungry. 

Food was never just food in my house—it was connection. My dad, a trained chef, spent Sundays crafting meals from scratch, pulling ingredients straight from the backyard garden, the chicken coop, and even our neighbors’ meat freezers. I’d stand at the counter beside him, slicing mushrooms and peeling corn, learning the rhythm of cooking long before I understood its importance. One day, I slipped up and cut my thumb. He barely flinched—slapping a skull-shaped bandage over it and handed the knife back to me. Keep going, he said. And I did. And I keep going.

That same mindset has carried over into everything I do. No matter where I’ve lived or how much my life has changed, my garden has always found a way back to me. Every morning, I step outside, let out the chickens, gather fresh eggs, and walk the rows of vegetables, picking what we’ll eat that day. By the time I’m back inside, my sisters are awake, the house is alive, and the kitchen is the center of it all.

Over time, my dining table kept growing. What started as simple sibling dinners turned into something much bigger. Now, I tell my neighbors—if the dining room light is on, come on in, everyone is welcome! And each week, different people knock on our front door. I believe food should be shared, and no one should ever feel like they have to eat alone.

This isn’t just a passion—it’s a purpose. I believe that every child should know where their food comes from, every community should have access to fresh, healthy meals, and no one should ever have to wonder where their next plate is coming from. Whether through school programs, community gardens, or local food initiatives, I want to help people reconnect with the land, with each other, and with the simple, powerful act of sharing a meal, and sharing the knowledge of my garden.

As Miss Lake Champlain, and as I run for Miss Vermont, I carry these values with me. Because a thriving community starts at the table, and real change happens when we pull up a chair and make room for everyone. I look forward to seeing what grows at our table and in the garden this year. 

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Photo:
Jessielyn Palumbo

Isabella Williams is the current Miss Lake Champlain (Vermont). You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. She has been kind enough to write several guest blogs for Section 36 Forevers, which you can find here.

She is the author of several books, and the illustrator of the recent release The Fire Within You. 

To learn more about Isabella, feel free to check out her Interview with Section 36.

You Are Not Alone: A Journey of Hope, Healing, and Empowerment

 By Olivia Walz

“Have you ever felt like nobody was there? Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere? Have you ever felt like you could disappear? Like you could fall, and no one would hear…”

“You Will Be Found” By Dear Evan Hansen

I never imagined that a song I’ve loved for so long could end up reflecting my life. There was a time in my life when I believed I had everything I could ever want, yet it all fell apart in an instant. Opinions, judgements, and expectations grew louder, their echoes drowning out the truth that had lived in my heart. I looked in the mirror and all I could see is what other people had defined me as, a stranger’s reflection. “You will never be good enough”, “nothing will ever make me like you”, “you’re so fake, no one will ever like you” “Olivia needs to kill herself.” I lost my way so completely that I was left with nothing but emptiness. In the emptiness, I had turned to the verse I had engraved into my heart: “God is within her, she will not fail.” “God is within Olivia, she will not fail.” And in that moment, I felt a warmth embrace me-a presence so gentle yet so powerful. It was Jesus whispering into my soul, “My Child.” His love gave me the courage to rise up and speak the words I had been to afraid to say: “I need help.”  With the help of my faith, family, creating boundaries, and learning that I am not alone. I knew that I would never want anyone to feel the way that I felt. My D-E-P-R-E-S-S-I-O-N was turned into…

“I PRESSED ON”

According to the CDC, Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. 1 in every 8 persons in the world live with a mental disorder. 1 in 20 Americans has lived with a serious mental illness like depression. The rate of these rising numbers is alarming. With my testimony as my motivation and the platform that the Miss America Opportunity has given me, I plan to execute my plan of HEAL. Hear, Emphasize, Access, and Live.

Hear: It is crucial to listen to someone when they are going through a mental health crisis. It helps them feel seen, heard, and validated. When people are experiencing a mental health crisis, they often can feel isolated, overwhelmed, or misunderstood. Having someone who can genuinely listen without judgement can provide a sense of connection and support. How can I listen to someone when they are going through a mental health crisis? Here are some tips! 

First, be fully present. Make sure distractions (like a phone) are put away. Maintain eye contact to show that you are engaged. Use open body language (ex: relaxed posture, uncrossed arms and legs, open palms, etc.) to show that you are approachable and focused. Next you need to validate their feelings. Avoid minimizing what they are saying. For example, “it’s not that bad” or “Others have it worse.” Instead, affirm their emotions with statements like, “it makes sense that you feel this way.” Ask open-ended questions. Instead of “are you okay?” (which might be a “yes” or “no”) ask, “What has been on your mind”, “How can I best support you right now”, “Would you like to talk more about it?” Avoid judgment or unsolicited advice. Instead of offering solutions right away, ask if they want advice or just need to vent. Avoid interrupting of trying to “fix” their problem immediately. Reassure them that their feelings are valid and they’re not alone. Encourage professional help if needed. If they seem at risk of harming themselves or others, encourage them to seek professional support. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them if needed. The last thing you can do is follow up. Check in to see how they are doing. A “Thinking of you” message can mean a lot

Emphasize: When people hear that they are not the only ones facing these mountains, it becomes more digestible to reach out and receive the help they need. People need to know they are not alone. It’s important to know that we, as titleholders, are not licensed counselors or therapists. I am never going to try and take the place of a professional, but I will create a safe space for them to come talk to me where I can lead them to a professional.

Access: I will continue to advocate so everyone can have a safe place where they know it's okay to be vulnerable. When we create role models who aren’t afraid to show emotions, who are consistently showing up, and provide extra support, we can change the trajectory of our mental health future. Everyone deserves to have a safe place where they know it's okay to be vulnerable. 

Live: More than 49,315 Americans died by suicide in 2023. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave, and influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Just like physical health, mental health is crucial to our overall well-being and quality of life. Stay! It’s ok to not be ok. God made you beautiful in his own Imagine, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” God has a plan for YOU! 

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Olivia Walz is the current Miss Fall River Balloon Festival (SD). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Finding Confidence Through Pageantry

By Ella Acker

A year ago, if someone had told me I’d be competing in pageants, I wouldn’t have believed them. I’ve always been a creative person, expressing myself through music, painting, and other artistic outlets, but stepping onto a stage in front of a crowd was never something I imagined for myself. That all changed when a friend encouraged me to enter my first pageant. I had no expectations—certainly not of winning—but from the moment I walked onto that stage, I knew I had found something special. The energy, the positivity, and the sense of community made me fall in love with the experience instantly.

Growing up, I was always on the shy side, hesitant to step into the spotlight. But pageantry has given me a confidence I never expected. It has challenged me to embrace who I am, speak with courage, and carry myself with grace. My most recent pageant was a defining moment—not just because I won, but because I was the youngest competitor. That experience reminded me how much I’ve grown, and I truly believe it wouldn’t have been possible without God’s guidance. In moments of doubt, I leaned on my faith, trusting that He had placed me on this path for a reason. Each step of this journey has strengthened my belief that with faith and perseverance, anything is possible.

I am also incredibly grateful for my family and friends, who have been my biggest supporters every step of the way. Their encouragement, prayers, and unwavering belief in me have meant the world. Pageantry has taught me that true beauty is more than appearances—it’s about confidence, kindness, and the ability to uplift others. As I continue this journey, I hope to inspire people to step outside their comfort zones, embrace their talents, and trust that God has an incredible plan for them, just as He has for me.

This is only the beginning, and I am so excited for what’s to come. To everyone who has supported me—thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am truly blessed!

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Ella Acker is the current Miss Grayson County's Teen (TX). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Turning Pain into Purpose: From Evacuating a Warzone to Building My Nonprofit

By Darja Bassut

At 17 years old, I found myself caught in the crossfire of conflict. As sirens wailed and fear gripped my heart, I had to flee Ukraine, where my family had been stationed due to my military background. My journey led me back to Hawaii, a place that had always been home to me. But returning under these circumstances, living in a hotel for 8 months and facing an uncertain future, made it feel unfamiliar. This experience tested my resilience and changed the course of my life in ways I never expected. 

For as long as I can remember, I have felt different. Growing up in a military family meant constantly adapting to new places, cultures, and environments. Every move brought new challenges, and I often struggled to define my identity. Moving to Hawaii at an early age was a turning point. It shaped my understanding of culture and belonging. As a member of an immigrant family with Hispanic and Lithuanian roots, I learned to embrace my diverse background and use it to advocate for inclusion. I realized that diversity is not a barrier but a strength. 
Leaving Ukraine due to war reinforced this belief. In the midst of uncertainty, I saw the power of community and the way people support each other during crises. Shared experiences create strong connections, and I wanted to foster that sense of unity. This realization led me to create Unity Across Borders, a nonprofit focused on cultural appreciation, diversity advocacy, and service. 

The idea for Unity Across Borders was born in a small hotel room where my family and I stayed after evacuating Ukraine. I remember sitting on the bed, overwhelmed by the desire to help but unsure where to start. That night, I launched my first fundraiser. I did not know what the outcome would be, but I knew I had to take action. The funds raised went to children affected by the crisis, and that moment became the foundation for what would later grow into a nonprofit organization. What began as uncertainty became the start of a mission to create meaningful change. 

My experiences have shown me the importance of unity in diversity. I have witnessed how cultural misunderstandings contribute to division, and I wanted to be part of the solution. Unity Across Borders started as a personal initiative to encourage cross-cultural appreciation, amplify diverse voices, and help individuals embrace differences. 

Through my nonprofit, I have introduced cultural competency education across two states and two continents, reaching more than 1,500 students. As a digital creator, I have shared stories and experiences that highlight cultural exchange, gaining over 2 million Pinterest views and 400,000 viral views across platforms. I have also raised approximately $4,000 to support global and national causes, reinforcing the importance of community connection. By collaborating with education professionals and engaging with diverse communities, I continue to expand my work and increase cross-cultural understanding.

As I continue my work, I plan to expand my initiatives, form new partnerships, and integrate my cultural curriculum into more schools. My goal is to make cultural education a fundamental part of learning and create opportunities for students to appreciate diversity. 

Challenges do not have to define us; they can shape us into something stronger. Adversity can either confine us to our struggles or propel us toward a greater purpose. Pain, though heavy, carries the potential to build something meaningful if we choose to transform it. For me, that transformation became Unity Across Borders, a mission born from hardship but fueled by hope. 

I share my story not just as a testament to resilience, but as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always an opportunity to create light. Often, the strength we seek is already within us, waiting to be ignited and shared with the world.

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Photo by Aloha Headshots, makeup by Face Art Beauty

Darja Bassut is the current Miss Oahu (HI). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Take It Easy: Recovering From Injury

 By Rylin Yerdon

“Push yourself” is a phrase I live by. Don’t succumb to the challenge. Fight your way to the top of the mountain and come down stronger. But what happens when you push too hard? What happens when you slip on the mountain and come crashing down? How do you overcome the fear of falling again? I’ve had minor physical injuries before, each one presenting the waiting game that is recovery. And each time, I bounced back. But this time is a little different.

Fitness is my favorite phase of competition. I crave that adrenaline rush as I strut to upbeat music and pose like Wonder Woman. I can feel confidence radiate from my body. As Miss South Dakota approaches in a few short months, I carve out time to practice my fitness routine twice a week. That consistency came to a screeching halt when I contracted tendonitis in my right foot from excessive strain. I didn’t know what happened at the time, so I assumed it was a cramp and went about the rest of my evening in a bit of pain. After some ice and pain reliever, I went to bed expecting to be good as new in the morning.

I was not good as new the next morning. As soon as I woke up, I put both feet on the floor and immediately lost balance due to searing pain in my foot. It became clear that this was more than just a cramp. My foot didn’t have any bruises or swelling, but I paid a visit to a doctor because the pain was so intense. Three x-rays later, I was told there was no sprain, fractures, or broken bones. Instead, I had tendonitis, which is inflammation in the tissues that connect muscles to bones. Mild tendonitis is easily treated with ice, occasional pain reliever, and “taking it easy” for a week or so. 

“Taking it easy”. A simple concept, but easier said than done if you’re someone like me. How can I possibly be productive when I’m stuck in bed with my foot up? How am I supposed to prepare to compete for the job of a lifetime if I can’t walk without being in pain? The answer to those questions is listening to what my body is telling me. I know the condition of my injury could have been immensely worse had I ignored the pain I was in.

I’m still in the recovery process at this time. “Taking it easy” has made time for self-reflection, which I’ll admit is a little rattling. Refocusing my Miss South Dakota prep was not something I planned for. Each hour that passes as I “take it easy”, I think about what I need to prioritize in order to come back stronger. And that priority is my physical wellbeing. 

What I want you to take away from my story is that working hard is important, but so is resting. Being Miss America Fit isn’t just about being strong and energetic— it’s about letting your body recover in its own time. Take it easy on your body because it’s the only one you have.

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Photos by Cameron Schroder Photoraphy

Rylin Yerdon is the current Miss McCrory Gardens (SD). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her second blog for Section 36 Forevers. Be sure to read her other guest blog as well.

Courage Behind the Curtain

By Graceanne Morgan

For as long as I can remember, the stage has been a second home. Whether it’s in theatre, pageants, or speaking engagements, I’ve found such joy in performing. But behind the curtain, before the lights hit, before the curtain rises, there has always been something else: nerves, doubt, and the weight of expectation. I know I’m not alone in this. Performance anxiety is something so many people experience, whether they’re stepping onto a stage, into a classroom, or into any high-pressure situation. We often believe that confidence is something we either have or don’t, but the truth is, it’s something we build. That’s why I created Courage Behind the Curtain — to help not just the state of Arkansas, but anyone in the world who needs to hear how to navigate these moments with strength and resilience. 

A Lesson from the Spotlight 

This past year, I had the incredible opportunity to perform as a Tiger Tunes host at Ouachita Baptist University. It was a thrilling experience—standing on a stage with seven other talented performers, singing and dancing in front of an audience of over 8,000, including the Governor of Arkansas herself! But while I was learning new performance skills, I also felt like I was losing some of the abilities I had relied on for so long. 

In the world of group performance, I had to adjust my style. I had to learn how to blend, how to move in sync, and how to engage with the crowd in a different way than I was used to while performing musical theatre. Suddenly, solo performing felt foreign to me. I struggled to play actions, build character, and interpret a song in the way I once did so naturally. On top of that, I developed bronchitis, which made every performance feel like a battle against my own body. I was terrified of how I sounded, how well I was portraying my character, and, worst of all... I was convinced that the audience was always against me.

 

But I was wrong. 

The audience is never against you. 

That’s a lie performance anxiety tells us—that every mistake is noticed, that every flaw is judged. But the truth is, people want to see you succeed. They aren’t sitting in their seats waiting for you to fail; they’re cheering for you, whether you hear it or not.

 

The Five Steps to Overcoming Performance Anxiety 

Through Courage Behind the Curtain, I share the five key steps that have helped me—and so many others—step into the spotlight with confidence.

1. Recognize the Struggle 

The first step to overcoming performance anxiety is acknowledging it. Pretending it doesn’t exist only gives it more power. Naming our fears takes away their grip. 

2. Surround Yourself with Support 

No one succeeds alone. I’ve learned to lean on mentors, friends, family, and my faith—who remind me of my strength when I forget it myself. 

3. Maintain a Balanced Routine 

Structure creates stability. Sleep, nutrition, and consistent practice all contribute to feeling prepared and grounded. 

4. Embrace Growth over Perfection 

Perfection is an impossible standard. When we shift our focus to growth, we allow ourselves to learn and improve without fear of failure. 

5. Prioritize Self-Care 

Confidence doesn’t come from constant pushing—it also comes from rest, reflection, and moments of stillness. Taking care of ourselves mentally and emotionally is just as important as rehearsing our lines or perfecting our skills.

 

Why This Matters 

Life is full of "performance" moments—whether it’s giving a speech, going for a big opportunity, or even just stepping into a new role. My hope is that Courage Behind the Curtain helps people realize they’re not alone in their struggle. Fear doesn’t define us. Instead, we can use it as fuel to become stronger, braver, and more confident. 

To anyone standing behind the curtain, wondering if they have what it takes: You do. And when the moment comes to step into the light, I hope you remember that courage is already within you. 

You just have to step forward. 

Join the Conversation 

Courage Behind the Curtain is not just my story—it's a journey we can all take together. I invite you to share your own experiences with performance anxiety and the steps you've taken to overcome it. By connecting with others who understand the struggle, we can inspire each other to embrace our fears and walk confidently into the spotlight. 

Together, we can rewrite the narrative of fear and transform it into the power that drives us all forward.  

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Photo by Michelle Roberts and Shawna Hobson

Graceanne Morgan is the currrent Miss Johnson County (AR). You can find her on Instagram at her organization's account, and her personal account.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.