(540)
397-0033Appearances for Miss Virginia 2008
June |
July | August |
September | October |
November | December 2008
January ~ June 2009
To Book Miss Virginia contact:
(540)
397-0033| June 2008 | |
| 29 | Interviews with WDBJ and WSLS (Roanoke)
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| 29 |
Welcome to Pebble Creek! (Roanoke)
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| 1
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Interview with the Alexandria Times (Alexandria)
Tara was interviewed by
the Alexandria Times. She is pictured with the
Alexandria Times team, including Founder,
Publisher, and Editor John Arundel. Check here
to read the article:
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|
2 |
Miss Virginia Photo Shoot (Charlottesville) |
| 3 |
First Pitch at the Potomac
Nationals Game (Woodbridge)
Tara was asked to
throw out the first pitch at the Potomac
Nationals game in her hometown of Woodbridge.
(Notice the scoreboard)
 Here she is pictured with their mascot, "Uncle Slam".
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| 4 | Dale City 4th of July Parade (Dale City)
Curves has sponsored Tara for
the past two years and invited her to join them in the Dale
City 4th of July Parade. Welcome Home Tara!
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| 5 | Stanley Homecoming Parade (Stanley)
Tara had a wonderful time at
the Stanley Homecoming Parade. She loves carnival games
and rides! Thanks to Elaine Knight, Town Manager Terry
Pettit, Mayor Doug Purdham, and John and Anita at the
Milton House Inn for making Tara's visit very special.
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|
9 |
Visit to Children’s National Medical Center
(Washington, DC) Tara returned to Children's Hospital in Washington, DC for the first time since being crowned Miss Virginia. Tara has visited the hospital a number of times as a local titleholder. Children's is one of Virginia's five CMN facilities. 
 Thanks to Katie Ahrens and Erica Newman for coordinating Tara's visit. |
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11 |
Wounded Warriors Luncheon at Pentagon (Arlington) Tara met with wounded soldiers at a luncheon at the Pentagon. This was extremely meaningful for her as her father has completed three tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. While at the Pentagon, Tara visited the US Air Force Memorial. Tara was an Air Force ROTC cadet at Penn State. 
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| 15~16 |
Dale Carnegie Course (Roanoke)
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| 16 | Sara Walsh, Sports Anchor
and Reporter for WUSA 9 in Washington, DC, did a wonderful feature on
Tara.
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| 18 |
Coventry Commonwealth Games (Roanoke) Tara attended the VIP reception for the Coventry Commonwealth Games at the Hotel Roanoke on July 17th. She is pictured with Madison VanDuyne, Miss Apple Blossom Festival and with "Survivor Africa" winner and founder of "Grassroots Soccer", Ethan Zohn. 
Tara sang, led the Pledge of
Allegiance, and gave the invocation at the Opening
Ceremonies of the Coventry Commonwealth Games. She met with
many athletes, Ethan Zohn, and pro BMX bikers who were on
hand for the ceremonies.
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| 19 |
Virginia Derby (New Kent) and Miss America Paperwork Due! Tara with Jerry Monahan, Senior Vice President at Colonial Downs
Check out Julius' photos at www.pbase.com/nikonbuff/2008virginiaderby
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| 20 |
Park Oak Grove Ice Cream Social (Roanoke) Again this year, Miss Virginia was a part of Park Oak Grove's annual open house. Tara signed autographs and sang a few songs. 
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| 26 | Miss Warren County Fair Pageant (Front Royal) |
| 29 | Visit at Carilion Clinic
Children's Hospital at Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke)
Tara visited with patients at
Carilion Clinic Children's Hospital at Roanoke Memorial
Hospital - a CMN
hospital in southwestern Virginia. She is pictured here
with Allyson and Libby. Special thanks to Erin Hildreth,
CMN Director and former Miss Virginia contestant, for
coordinating Tara's visit.
|
| 29 | Tara met with Robyn Schon
who interviewed her for an upcoming article in Bella Magazine.  |
| 31 |
Brandy Station Parade (Brandy Station) Click on picture for more photos by Julius Tolentino! |
| August 2008 | |
| 1 |
Tara visited the KCRC which is
part of UVA Children's Hospital, a CMN hospital. She
brought stuffed animals she had won the night before at the
Brandy Station Parade and Carnival to share with the
children.
 
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| 2~3 |
Tiny Miss Virginia and Miss Central Virginia Pageants (Charlottesville)
 Tara waves to the crowd (l) and with the new Tiny Miss - Emily Kinsey. |
| 6 |
Visit to US Marine Corps Base
Quantico
Tara was invited to tour the US Marine Corps Base in Quantico. She is pictured with Marines who work with HMX-1, which are presidential helicopters. She is holding presidential M&M's in front of the President's helicopter. In keeping with Tara's new "tradition", she tried on more fireman gear! Thanks to all of the guys who made this a great day and thank you for serving our country.
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| 13~17 |
Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant (Orlando) Tara and Caitlin at MAOT. Click on picture for more photos provided by Tara!! |
| 18 | Planning Meeting with
America's Promise, Washington, DC 
 Tara had a planning meeting with Melinda Hudson and Chrystal Morris of America's Promise. Tara will serve as a spokesperson for this wonderful organization. They gave Tara the official America's Promise wagon pin! |
| 19 | Car Presentation Ceremony at
Alexandria Chevrolet (Alexandria)
THANK YOU Steve Niswander,
Owner, and John Herrity, Director of Business Development,
of Alexandria Chevrolet for providing a Chevy Malibu for
Tara's year of service. Without supportive sponsors like
Alexandria Chevy, Miss Virginia would not be able to
make such a tremendous impact on our state throughout the
year.
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| 19 |
Sponsor Visit with Dr. Vakay,
Alexandria
Tara stopped in to see Dr. Rena
Vakay and her staff while in Northern Virginia. Dr. Vakay
generously supports the Miss Arlington Pageant with her
cosmetic dentistry expertise.
 |
| 20 | Interview with WFLO-FM (Farmville) via telephone |
| 22 |
Propeller Club of Newport News Golf Tourney (Suffolk)
Tara was invited to be a part of a
charity golf tournament hosted by the Propeller Club of
Newport News. Miss Hampton-Holly Days Festival and Miss
Hampton-Newport News Co-Executive Director Jeanie Baldwin
accompanied Tara to the event. She is pictured with Kitco
Fiber Optics President and Chief Executive Officer Geoff
Clark and other members of the golf team that sponsored her
appearance. She enjoyed dancing at the picnic with Joe
Maniscalco and she won $1,000 in a putting contest! All of
her winnings will go to charities, including Children's
Miracle Network.
 
While in the Tidewater
area, Tara practiced the traditional "morning
after winning Miss America" jump in the
Chesapeake Bay!
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| 28 |
Visit to Penn State University
(State College, PA)
Tara travelled to her alma mater, Penn State, where she visited with Dr. Spanier, Penn State's President. She also met with Mo Stoemel, Head Coach of the Lady Icers hockey team. While a student at Penn State, Tara danced in THON (www.thon.org) that raises millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research so she was thrilled to meet with the THON captains for this year to talk about how she can be involved. She also stopped by Air Force ROTC Detachment 720. Finally, she was on the air with Drew Shannon on Joe-FM, a State College radio station where Tara was an intern. Go Nittany Lions!!! 
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| 29 |
Visit to The Encounter (Kingsport, TN) Tara spent the day with Tom and Ethel Smawley and the staff of The Encounter, Miss Virginia's generous Miss America wardrobe sponsor, to plan for Miss America 2009! Vicki Gudger, a member of our Miss America Preparation Team, accompanied Tara on this visit. A big thanks to The Encounter for a great day! 
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| 30 |
Roanoke's Star Country for "Cure Kids
Cancer" Radiothon (Roanoke)
|
| 30 |
Dinner with Geoff Clark and Family
Tara had dinner with Geoff
Clark, his wife Sandy, and his granddaughter Madison in
Roanoke. Mr. Clark had sponsored Tara's appearance at the
Propeller Club Golf Tournament the week before in Suffolk.
At the end of the dinner, the whole restaurant made a toast
to Tara!
 |
| September 2008 | |
| 1 | Buena Vista Labor Day Parade (Buena Vista) Tara was invited to ride in the Buena Vista Labor Day Parade and to sing the National Anthem at their festivities. Her former Blue Ridge Mountains Executive Directors David Desper and Tim Carrier joined her at the parade. 
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| 3 | Sponsor Visits to Food Sponsors (Roanoke) |
| 5 | Right Decisions, Right Now
presentation at Sinai School (Halifax) Tara kicked off her "Right Decisions, Right Now" school tour with a visit to Sinai Elementary School. Thanks to Principal Mike Wilborne for his constant support of the Miss Virginia Organization! 
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| 4 | William Byrd High School
Volleyball Game (Vinton) Tara surprised her friend, Amanda Stump, a former Miss Virginia contestant and coach of the William Byrd Volleyball Team at their game. Tara was asked to sing the "National Anthem" to kick off the evening.
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| 6 | “Kids First” with SUDIA (Harrisonburg)
Tara joined one of our Miss
Virginia sponsors, Southeastern United Dairy Industry
Association, and McDonalds to promote the health benefits of
milk at "Kids First" Day. She is pictured in front of
SUDIA's display, with Halterman Karate and Kickboxing, and
with new friends.
|
| 8 | Miss America Lottery
(Haymarket) Tara selected #2 in the Alpha group. She will have interview Monday afternoon, talent on Tuesday, on-stage question on Wednesday, and swimsuit and evening wear on Thursday. She was the 48th name selected in the lottery. 
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| 11 |
Sneaker Ball VIP Reception -
Washington, DC
Tara was invited to attend a VIP reception for the upcoming
Sneaker Ball, held to honor professional athletes in the
Washington area. She will be a presenter at the event on
September 16th.
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| 15 |
Right Decisions, Right Now
Presentation at North Cross Middle School (Roanoke)
Tara met with middle school students at North Cross School in Roanoke to present her "Right Decisions, Right Now" presentation. She enjoyed meeting with members of the SCA after her presentation. |
| 16 |
Sneaker Ball (Washington, DC) Tara was invited by the Greater Washington
Sports Alliance to present the "Sportsman of the Year" award
to Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. She is
pictured with members of the Alliance, the Caps mascot, Alex
Ovechkin, Brooks Laich of the Capitals, and other
celebrities.
|
| 18 | Walter Reed Hospital Visit with
Miss America, Kirsten Haglund (Washington, DC)
Tara visited wounded troops at
Walter Reed with Kirsten Haglund, poker champ Rhett Butler,
and FHM cover model and sports show host, Leeann Tweeden
(from Virginia). She also met Mama McNabb (Donovan McNabb's
mom from the Chunky Soup Commercials!).
|
| 18 | Goodwill of Greater Washington
Event at the French Embassy (Washington, DC) Tara attended a fashion show to raise money for Goodwill Industries at the French Embassy in Washington, DC. She purchased one of the dresses from the show - a tan and gold sheer number!
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| 19 | USO Casino Night (Arlington)
Tara
joined Miss America, Kirsten
Haglund, at Casino Night, hosted
by the USO for our troops. She
is pictured, with Elvis,
Kirsten and Andy
Baldwin from the
"Bachelor: Officer
and a Gentleman",
and some of the
troops who were
honored at the
event.
|
| 20 | Salem Family Fall Festival
(Salem)
Tara enjoyed a beautiful Saturday
afternoon at the festival - a Miss Virginia fundraiser. She
visited with local titleholders, doing arts and crafts,
singing, and leading the parade of kings and queens for the
day.
|
| 20 | Pink in the Rink (Roanoke) Tara participated in a fundraiser called, "Pink in the Rink" to raise money for breast cancer research at the Roanoke Civic Center. She autographed a goalie stick that was raffled off for the Susan G. Koman Foundation and she was a celebrity referee. She also dropped the puck to start the game. She was already to take shots from the Virginia Tech men's ice hockey team but none of the guys were ready for the Tara challenge!
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| 9/21~ 10/09 |
Miss America Reality Series
Taping (Los Angeles) Click on photo for more pictures! |
| October 2008 | |
| 11 | Open Door Resource Center
HIV/AIDS Silent Auction (Richmond)
Tara was invited to speak about
HIV/AIDS in Virginia at Open Door Resource Center's Silent
Auction and Dinner. Thanks to ODRC's Director, Linwood
Alford for inviting Miss Virginia to be a part of such a
wonderful cause. She is joined by Cherrell Edwards, HIV/
IDS activist and founder of Collective Care Services Inc.
www.cherrelledwards.com and Mr.
Alford.
|
| 12 | Personal Day |
| 13 | Teen Culture Conference at UVA (Charlottesville) |
| 15 |
"Right Decisions, Right Now" presentation at Cedar Point
Elementary (Bristow)
|
| 16 | Meeting with Rebecca at Sylvan Spirit (Richmond) |
| 16 | Visit to Richmond Children's
Hospital (Richmond) Thanks
to Ryan Corrigan for giving Tara a tour of Richmond Children's Hospital,
a CMN facility. |
| 17 |
Traditions Golf Tournament (Toano) Tara was on hand for a Miss Virginia fundraiser at the beautiful Traditionals golf course. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. The tournament will be rescheduled for the spring.
|
| 20 | Sponsor Visits - Elizabeth
Arden and Elderberry's (Roanoke) Tara had a great day! She visited Melody Perdue at our terrific sponsor, Elizabeth Arden, who treated her to a shopping spree! She also enjoyed lunch at Elderberry's. 
 |
| 25 | Marine Corps Marathon Healthy
Kids Fun Run (Arlington)
Tara spent a coooold and rainy
morning at the Pentagon at the Marine Corps Kids Fun Run.
This event was part of the Marine Corps Marathon
activities. She enjoyed hanging with the children, at the
finish line for the Mascot Race, starting the kids race, and
signing autographs.
 |
| 25 | INOVA Blood Drive with the
Washington Capitals (Arlington) Tara stopped by INOVA's blood drive with the Washington Capitals to lend her support by encouraging donors and signing autographs. 
|
| 26 | USMC Marathon (Arlington)
Tara participated in the annual Marine Corps
Marathon in the Washington, DC area. She held the banner for the
women's 10K winner and was at the finish line to congratulate the
marathon participants. She is pictured with Miss DC, Kate Marie Grinold,
and Andy Baldwin, "The Bachelor". Julius also captured some great
pictures -
http://www.pbase.com/nikonbuff/2008mcm. |
| 27 |
"Right Decisions, Right Now" presentation at Luray
Elementary (Luray) Tara continued her school tour at Luray Elementary in Page County. She gave her presentation, met with students, and visited during lunch. 
  |
| 27 |
"Right Decisions, Right Now" presentation at Stanley
Elementary (Stanley)
Tara travelled to another part
of Page County to meet with students at Stanley Elementary
to kick off Red Ribbon Week. She encouraged the children to
make good choices about smoking and drinking and shared her
message of breaking stereotypes.
 |
| 28 | Voice of the Blue Ridge Dinner
(Roanoke) Tara was invited to sing and speak at the Voice of the Blue Ridge dinner celebrating volunteerism. The theme was "Volunteering is Magic". She is pictured with Sherrie Oliver, Coordinator of the volunteers and Miss Virginia Board Members, Bootie Chewning and Toni McLawhorn, and Miss Roanoke Valley Teen.
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| 30 | "Right Decisions, Right Now" presentation at Narrows
Elementary and Middle School (Narrows) Tara visited Narrows Elementary in Giles County. Thanks to Mrs. Betty McCroskey for helping to organize Tara's visit. 
|
| November 2008 | |
| 1 | Penn State Hockey Game (State
College, PA)
Tara
visited her alma mater and dropped the puck at the Penn
State Icers men's hockey game. She also helped out at the
silent auction where a "brunch with Miss Virginia" brought
in nearly $200 bid from Jamie Zimmel, one of the Icers
players. All of the money raised went to the Lady Icers
hockey club. She is pictured dropping the puck, being
interviewed by the Daily Collegian newspaper , and signing
autographs.
|
| 5 |
Canstruction (Roanoke)
Tara
stopped by the Fashion Square Mall in Charlottesville to
lend her support to volunteers participating in "Canstruction"
- a nationwide canned food drive. Build-A-Bear at the mall
donated a free bear for Tara to take to a child at one of
Virginia's CMN hospitals. The princess bear is named, "Miss
A-bear-ica"!
|
| 6 |
Rescue Mission Fashion Show (Roanoke)
Tara was asked to model for the Rescue Mission's 60th
Anniversary Fashion Show Luncheon and Dinner. The beautiful
May Justice loaned her vintage gown, worn in the early
1950's to a VMI formal. Tara also modeled one of her gowns
to contrast fashion trends over 50 years.
|
| 7 | Art Museum Roanoke Opening (Roanoke) |
| 8 | Miss Hampton Roads Teen and
Miss Pageants
(Virginia Beach) |
| 10 | "Right Decisions, Right Now" presentation at King George Middle School (King
George) Tara spent the day in King George County doing her Right Decisions, Right Now presentation at three schools. She is pictured with principal of King George Middle School and with students at all of the schools. She had a great day in King George!
|
| 10 | "Right Decisions, Right Now" presentation at Potomac Elementary School (Dahlgren) |
| 13 |
"Right Decisions, Right Now", Damascus Middle School
Tara's day started on the back roads of
Washington County! Once she turned herself around, she had a great
morning at Damascus! She spoke to the student body and had lunch with
members of the SCA.
|
| 18 | ODU Homecoming Pageant (Norfolk) |
| 19 | "Right Decisions, Right Now" presentation at Fred Lynn Middle School (Woodbridge) |
| 2 | Virginia Farm Bureau Conference (Hot Springs) |
| 5 | Miss Indian River Pageant (Chesapeake) |
| 6 | Bedford Christmas Parade (Bedford) |
| 6 | Miss Greater Richmond Pageant (Richmond) |
| 13 | Miss Williamsburg Pageant (Williamsburg) |
| 19 | Stagg Bowl Luncheon (Salem) |
| 20 | Breakfast with Santa at Applebee's (Roanoke) |
