Thank you!

Where do I begin? Well, I can first start of by saying thank-you! I am so proud to announce that I made the top ten at this Miss CT pageant, but I sure could not have done it without so many people. There have been so many helping hands throughout the year that I owe my accomplishment to you as well. Thanks to the many individuals who took the time out of your busy schedules to mock-interview not only myself, but the other representatives from Bristol. We absolutely appreciate your dedication to the system. Congratulations to the Bristol team on a job well done! Taylor-2nd runner up, and Molly-Top 8 and Overall Interview winner!!!! I told you girls that anything is possible as long as your mind stays focused. We did it!

As this journey is nearing an end, I must say that I had the time of my life. Since being a young girl, I wanted to be Miss Bristol for the "fame". But now, having had the opportunity, I can honestly say that I have accomplished so much more. The Miss Bristol program, and Miss CT Scholarship program has served as my backbone since I was seventeen. I would not be the person I am today if I had not become involved with this organization. I would not have met the people I now call friends. I would not be as involved with local politics, and I certainly would not have had as much fun. On top of learning a lot about me, others, and my community, I was granted over $10,000 in scholarship money through the years. This money has helped pay for books, loans and school materials such as a new computer! I strongly believe that you are missing out on an opportunity if you do not take advantage of this scholarship organization-there is no other program like it. It makes me so sad to say that I am too old to compete.

The Miss Bristol title is the oldest title in Connecticut, and something that every girl wishes for. Take advantage of all opportunities and compete, there is nothing to lose. You will at least walk away with knowing something more about yourself, and some money in your pocket.

This program has helped me tremendously, and I have nothing but positive memories as I close this chapter in my book on life. Thank you once again for the opportunity and I will see you at the pageant.

Children's Miracle Network

http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=320854ADFB1935&e=2C748CF046

Help me raise money for the Children's Miracle Network!

Support Relay for Life!

This coming weekend, Queens Rule is back at it again. This time, for the Relay for Life! Help us reach our goal please by visiting our team page. As always, thank you!

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeNewEnglandDivision?px=7182685&pg=personal&fr_id=6909&et=Cot84SnDZ_z9AS9DtVFbEA..&s_tafId=108941

May 26, 2008 Memorial Day Parades

Memorial Day is very special to my family.

Being from a family full of veterans, past and

present, I appreciate Memorial Day for what it is, a day to remember all those who defend, or defended our freedoms. It was beautiful seeing so many men and women in their dress blues, or wearing their medals of honor. While riding in the parade, I spent more time thanking the many I met for their services than waving to the crowd, after all, it was not a day about me, it was a day devoted to remembering and thanking!

God blessed us with a beautiful day! So many showed for both the Bristol and Forestville parades, many carrying American flags, and almost all wearing some form of red, white, or blue. Thank you to the organizers of the parades, the spectators, those marching, and most importantly, thank you to America's veterans, your heroism does not go unseen. God Bless America, the greatest country in the world!

May 23, 2008 "MBMS Olympics"

What an awesome day at Memorial Boulevard Middle School, my alma mater. I felt so honored to have been given the opportunity to speak to the sixth and seventh grade students about the Special Olympics, and what the organization means to me. These students were so attentive and intrigued, I was amazed. I, along with others such as DJ Hernandez (wide-receiver for UCONN football), Steve DeWitt (Regional Coordinator of SOCT), and others were welcomed with open arms by students and faculty during their Olympics Day, a day devoted to friendly competition among the three middle school grades.

I felt that it was important to touch upon how once, not too long ago, I sat in the same seats they were sitting in, listening to guest speakers and wondering "what am I going to do with my life"? Well it wasn't too many years after I left middle school that I decided that the Special Olympics would forever be a part of my life, because of the friendships I have made simply by volunteering, and by the motivating message the Special Olympics embodies. I proceeded to teach the audience the motto of SOCT, "Let me Win, But if I do not win, Let me Be Brave in the Attempt". To me, this is a message of self-motivation and determination. Never give up on your dreams, always strive to be the best person that you could possibly be, no matter how often you are put down along the way. Therefore, if you do not accomplish something that you wanted to, at least you know that you tried your absolute hardest to get there. The road to achieving your dreams is what makes the outcome so special; it's what you learn on the way that impacts ones life!

After the assembly, Steve DeWitt was presented with a check for five-hundred dollars for the Special Olympics. Memorial Boulevard students raised funds to help our Special Olympians, it was beautiful. Thank you so much MBMS. Thanks for believing in helping others, for being accepting of all people, and by believing in the message of the Special Olympics.

Fondly,

Brianna Carello

May 14, 2008 "A Night of Thanks"

I'm so blessed to be part of the Special Olympic family! Tonight, I had the honor of attending "A Night of Thanks", a gathering to honor Special Olympic volunteers, coaches and athletes. Thank you once again to the Monico family (Kathy and Brittany) for helping the Miss Bristol Organization become a part of the Regional games and for your invitation to be part of tonight's event. It was a very humbling experience and I will forever be amazed with the commraderie that the Special Olympics exemplifies. A very special thank you to Steve DeWitt, Regional directer of the CT Special Olympic program. I was shocked, overjoyed and honored to have received an award for my contributions to the Special Olympic Prgoram. Thank you so much! Without the message of the Special Olympics, I honestly do not believe that I would be the person that I am today, and I cannot express my sincere appreciation to the many I have met through my years with this organization. Although the regional games will leave Bristol this year, the Special Olympics will not lose the many volunteers from Bristol, nor will they lose the support from the Miss Bristol Organization. Thank you again for a wonderful experience, tonight was very humbling. I am so honored!

Special Olympics! May 10, 2008

What a beautiful day it turned out to be for the fifth and final Regional games that were held at Bristol Eastern High School. There were so many that turned out, athletes, spectators and volunteers. So many people came from all over CT and it proved to be much success. My court and I had the opportunity to take part in the opening ceremonies, leading Olympic teams in the parade! To top that, we awarded medals to the winners after their events. It was so wonderful, especially because all of the athletes were extremely happy, regardless as to their status of placement on the podium. It is always nice to be part of such a heart-warming event, and I was truly touched with the large group of volunteers that offered their services for the day. Special thanks to Kathy, and Brittany Monico for allowing us to be part of the opening ceremonies as well as to Steve DeWitt for all your hard work and services to the Special Olympics. As always, we had a wonderful time, and cannot wait till next year!