Finals Night Miss International 2009!

Althought I didn't bring home the Miss International crown, I would like to thank my sponsors, all of you who voted and who have supported me in this endeavor. I had a fabulous time meeting all of the contestants from all over the world! I look forward to continuing my partnership with the American Heart Association to promote cardiovascular health in women!

I am also looking forward to getting back to my rotations at OHSU!!!!

Photos: Sheilja Patel, Miss Teen Oregon International and I back stage!

Evening Gown Competition at Preliminaries!

Here I am with Miss New York and Miss Nevada backstage before the evening gown competition.

Opening number dresses!

Here I am with my fellow contestants back stage before the opening number of our preliminary night of competition! We love our Sherri Hill dresses! Top photo: Stephanie Miss New York and myself. Bottom photo: Miss New Hampshire, Miss Massachusettes, Miss Virginia, and Miss Idaho.

Rehearsals!

We have spent many hours perfecting the opening number dance, and all of the aspects of our competition including fitness wear, fun fashion wear and evening gown! Here I am with my new friend Celeste, Miss South International from Arkansas.

Miss Teen International 2009 Prelims!

All of the Miss International contestants attending the preliminary night of the Miss Teen International pageant. Congratulations to Miss Teen Oregon International Sheilja Patel--She looked fabulous!

Interview Day!

All of the contestants had interviews with our four judges. We had five minutes to make an impression with each judge!

Skokie, Illinois Library

I was very impressed with the Skokie library! The library has many wonderful programs, and is a valuable resource for the community. The Head Children's librarian, Jan gave us a tour, and mentioned that the library has received national awards for its programs and services. Every contestant donated a book--I donated a pop-up version of a human body anatomy textbook. Don't worry, it wasn't medical school board study material---It was guaranteed for age 5 and up!!

Cocktail Party!

It was an evening of glitz, glamour and a formal dinner.

Photos: Dinner, some of my new pageant friends and the reigning Miss International 2008 Jayna Altman.

Navy Pier, Chicago!

We had a fabulous time at Navy Pier. We enjoyed a lovely picnic lunch by the lake, an impromptu autograph session, and a boat ride on the seadog! We were thoroughly drenched by the end of the boat ride, but had a blast! I would definitely ride again! It was also wonderful to meet a members of day camp for children with special needs, and take pictures with the kids!

Boys and Girls Club of Chicago!

Photos: We visited the Boys and Girls Club! I am pictured with my new friend Ruyeillis. We made paper crowns complete with glitter and sequins. We also enjoyed some board games including bingo and payday!

Airport Drama!

Photo: My mom, my friend Merilee and I in the airport. It should have been a four hour flight to Chicago, but instead it took over 24 hours!

Pink and White Nail Salon!

Photo: Picture of myself with Danielle(on the right) owner of Pink and White Nail Salon next to the Riverplace Hotel on the waterfront. Danielle has generously sponsored me for my year as Miss Oregon International 2009. The Pink and White Nail Salon will be keeping my nails looking fabulous all year long!

Seaside Parade and Miss Oregon America

This weekend, I had a fabulous time in the Seaside, Oregon parade. I rode in a black Corvette, driven by Dave Raahahn from the Rose City Corvette Club. On Saturday evening, we watched the Miss Oregon America pageant. Congratulations to CC Barber who won the crown!! In the first parade photo, I am pictured with Dr. Tod Tolan. We have worked together for the past two years on the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Alumni Association Executive council.

In the photos, you can see Mrs. Oregon International 2009 Sandra Herder, Miss Teen Oregon International 2009 Sheilja Patel, and our wonderful director, Lesley Nardini (Mrs. Oregon International 1997). In the black halter top is Donilee McGinnis, Miss Oregon America 2006. In the white dress, is Kari (Virding) Christensen, Miss Oregon America 2007.

Thank you!!

I feel so blessed and grateful for all of the wonderful support I have received through my reign as Miss Oregon International 2009. A special thank you to my parents, friends (especially Hans, Merilee, Will and Andy Kautz), my fabulous director Lesley Nardini, and my other pageant ladies. They truly make this a memorable experience.

Photo: My two dogs--I adopted them from the Oregon Humane Society through the Second Chance program. Thank goodness for these programs!!

Also, a huge thank you to my local sponsors including those listed below, and all of the other sponsors and volunteers that help make this state pageant a success.

Bi-Mart, Jaime Estrada at Reign Fine Apparel, Portland Engraving, Pink and White Nail Salon, Dr. Kim Chi Vu, Dr. Sue Wendling, Lakeside Tanning, Lucky Me and Meringue Boutiques, Valerie Hayes, Dark Wing Productions, Chariot Limousines, Olive Garden, Applebee's, Merle Norman, Thirst Wine Bar, Buckmaster Coffee, O'Pearl Art, Shilo Inn, Paul Mitchell School, Autumn Short/Scentsy Candles, Joan Merrell/Arbonne, Eric Fox/Copper Fox Studios, Charlen Masey, Coldstone Creamery, Savvy Magazine, Cholee Thompson, Cindi Luther, Timothy Butterworth and Hans Kautz Construction.

Thank you to our organized national directors and staff, including Mary and Mel Richardson, and Sharon Robinson, and our national sponsors for the Miss International 2009 pageant!!

American Heart Association Volunteer Party!

Tonight, my fabulous pageant director Lesley Nardini, and I attended a cocktail party in appreciation for volunteers with the American Heart Association. The party was held at the beautiful Lawrence Gallery, one of my favorite galleries in the Pearl District. In the photo: Rebecca (Director of Marketing), Staci (board member), myself and Erin (special events/Heart Ball). It was great to see Erin again. I sat at her table for the annual Heart Ball in March.

Multnomah Falls Photo Shoot

Oregon is full of beautiful landscapes. One of the most popular places is Multnomah Falls. This photo shoot was for advertisements for Multnomah Falls Lodge. Many weddings are held at the lodge. In addition, there is a fabulous restaurant. The Lodge set up an entire fake wedding, including food, for myself and the model acting as the groom. The forestry department gave us special permission to shoot at the base of the waterfall, which is normally closed to the public. The photos were used in the Lodge's brochures and advertising, and well as in the Perfect Wedding Guide magazine. Kelly Brown, the photographer, won a national Kodak award for the photo of the us at the base of the waterfall.

Bridal photo shoot with Photographer Kelly Brown

This photo shoot with photographer Kelly Brown was for a bridal ad in a magazine, as well as advertisements for a bridal store. The photo with my reflection in the mirror is entitled "Some day my prince will come". Kelly Brown won a special award from the professional photographers of oregon for this photo.

Photo Shoot with Photographer Kelly Brown

Lobbying at the Oregon State Senate

I am so proud to be part of the OHSU community. I feel very passionate about fundraising for education, research and healthcare. On two occasions this year, I have traveled down to Salem to lobby our state representatives and senators to continue funding higher medical education. Pictured: Dr. Joe Robertson, President of OHSU, myself, Senator Atkinson, and fellow medical students.