Kristen Cavinder Interview
Miss California 2009 (*placed as the 1st runner up @ Miss America 2010 after the interview)
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Yosemite Valley pageant?
I chose to compete in the Miss Yosemite Valley pageant first and foremost because I wanted to return to the Miss California stage again this year. I felt this title would be a perfect fit for me, not because I am from the area, but because the pageant has a wonderful director and I wanted to work with her team to prepare for Miss California. The Miss Yosemite Valley pageant is an open pageant, which means that it is open to girls who live, work or go to school throughout the entire state of California, which is why I won the title even though I do not live in Yosemite.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss California?
I was in complete shock when they first announced my name as Miss California. I actually remember asking Jackie (the outgoing Miss California), "Are you sure it is me? I didn't win all the prelims! Are you sure?" She replied, "Yes I am sure! Now bend down so I can put your crown on!" I was in disbelief and I started to cry and couldn't stop! I just kept thinking, "I can't believe I am going to Miss America!!"
Tell us about your platform, “Growing Exceptional Ladies”.
My platform when I won the title of Miss California was "GEL: Growing Exceptional Ladies" which is a mentoring program that I started with my mom three years ago at my former middle and high school. Through GEL, high school girls are hand picked to mentor jr. high school girls and they discuss various issues ranging from healthy eating habits and relationships to confidence and discovering their passions in life. It is truly an incredible program and it is so important for these young girls to have a safe outlet to share their hopes, dreams, and struggles and to receive wise advice in return from a trusted confidant.
My platform now as Miss California is the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This foundation grants wishes to children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 that are suffering from life-threatening medical conditions. The foundation is comprised of over 25,000 volunteers and I am so happy to be a part of it.
What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming Miss America pageant?
Everything! I still can't believe that I am going to compete for the title of Miss America! I think one of the highlights for me will be to perform my talent on the Miss America stage. I am looking forward to watching one of my dreams become reality.
What are you currently studying at the University of Southern California?
I am a graduating senior studying Neuroscience.
When did you start dancing?
I started dancing when I was four years old. My first ballet lesson was on my front porch with my grandma, who was a professional ballerina. My mom eventually put me in formal dance training later that year, and I haven't stopped since. For the past 17 years I have studied everything from ballet, tap, and jazz to gymnastics, pointe and modern. I have also studied with several ballet schools throughout the United States, including American Ballet Theatre in New York City. I feel alive when I dance, and it is my favorite way to express myself. I am definitely most happy when I am dancing and performing.
Lastly, what issues will you be focusing on as Miss California?
I have many things I would like to accomplish this year. First and foremost, I would like to increase exposure for Miss California. Secondly, I want to encourage young people that they have the potential to do whatever they set their minds to. I also want to focus on promoting my platform, the Make-A-Wish foundation, by volunteering for the organization and helping children with serious medical conditions realize their dreams. Lastly, it is my goal this year to visit each Children's Miracle Network hospital in the state of California and spend time with the children there. The opportunity I was given by receiving my crown provides me the chance to brighten these kids day by playing and spending time with them.
Thank you so much to Chelle Hyde for making this interview happen!
I chose to compete in the Miss Yosemite Valley pageant first and foremost because I wanted to return to the Miss California stage again this year. I felt this title would be a perfect fit for me, not because I am from the area, but because the pageant has a wonderful director and I wanted to work with her team to prepare for Miss California. The Miss Yosemite Valley pageant is an open pageant, which means that it is open to girls who live, work or go to school throughout the entire state of California, which is why I won the title even though I do not live in Yosemite.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss California?
I was in complete shock when they first announced my name as Miss California. I actually remember asking Jackie (the outgoing Miss California), "Are you sure it is me? I didn't win all the prelims! Are you sure?" She replied, "Yes I am sure! Now bend down so I can put your crown on!" I was in disbelief and I started to cry and couldn't stop! I just kept thinking, "I can't believe I am going to Miss America!!"
Tell us about your platform, “Growing Exceptional Ladies”.
My platform when I won the title of Miss California was "GEL: Growing Exceptional Ladies" which is a mentoring program that I started with my mom three years ago at my former middle and high school. Through GEL, high school girls are hand picked to mentor jr. high school girls and they discuss various issues ranging from healthy eating habits and relationships to confidence and discovering their passions in life. It is truly an incredible program and it is so important for these young girls to have a safe outlet to share their hopes, dreams, and struggles and to receive wise advice in return from a trusted confidant.
My platform now as Miss California is the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This foundation grants wishes to children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 that are suffering from life-threatening medical conditions. The foundation is comprised of over 25,000 volunteers and I am so happy to be a part of it.
What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming Miss America pageant?
Everything! I still can't believe that I am going to compete for the title of Miss America! I think one of the highlights for me will be to perform my talent on the Miss America stage. I am looking forward to watching one of my dreams become reality.
What are you currently studying at the University of Southern California?
I am a graduating senior studying Neuroscience.
When did you start dancing?
I started dancing when I was four years old. My first ballet lesson was on my front porch with my grandma, who was a professional ballerina. My mom eventually put me in formal dance training later that year, and I haven't stopped since. For the past 17 years I have studied everything from ballet, tap, and jazz to gymnastics, pointe and modern. I have also studied with several ballet schools throughout the United States, including American Ballet Theatre in New York City. I feel alive when I dance, and it is my favorite way to express myself. I am definitely most happy when I am dancing and performing.
Lastly, what issues will you be focusing on as Miss California?
I have many things I would like to accomplish this year. First and foremost, I would like to increase exposure for Miss California. Secondly, I want to encourage young people that they have the potential to do whatever they set their minds to. I also want to focus on promoting my platform, the Make-A-Wish foundation, by volunteering for the organization and helping children with serious medical conditions realize their dreams. Lastly, it is my goal this year to visit each Children's Miracle Network hospital in the state of California and spend time with the children there. The opportunity I was given by receiving my crown provides me the chance to brighten these kids day by playing and spending time with them.
Thank you so much to Chelle Hyde for making this interview happen!