Amanda Mason

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for your visit.

WELCOME to my Blog!

My song “One Day At a Time” is now available on itunes, CD Baby and various other internet sites.

I currently hold the title of Miss Southeast NY, of the Miss New York/America System.  Participating in the Miss New York/America system not only helps young women pay for college and prepare for a career, it also provides an opportunity to gain additional life experience, work on issues of importance to society, enhance personal and professional skills and develop performance-related and other talents.  In addition, as a titleholder it allows me to network throughout the state of New York and promote a critical cause that is near to my heart, Youth Drug Awareness.

I’m excited to share with you, that I am now the National Youth Spokesperson for the National Guards “Stay On Track” program and their “Race Against Drugs” program.  Their “Stay On Track” program helps educate Middle School Students about leading healthy lifestyles and how alcohol and drugs can negatively impact their lives.  My platform, “The Middle School Movement, Reaching Teens Before Drugs Do” also is directed at Middle Schoolers giving them information that can help them to fulfill their dreams and be successful in whatever they choose to do, while staying away from negative influences, such as drugs and alcohol.  With the “Stay on Track” program that is currently in 50 states and 4 territories, reaching thousands of students a year, I am excited to have this opportunity to help keep the Youth of today on track.

I also have been named WestCare’s Foundation and Community Schools Ambassador.  The WestCare Organization currently has 100 recovery and related facilities in 13 states and is growing.  I have the opportunity to share my mission on educating the Youth and help those who are in recovery.  I’m looking forward to working with them.  As the NCADD’s Youth Spokesperson, my role is similar and again, I have the opportunity to reach not only reach Youth but people who are in recovery.

I know everyone is so busy, but Volunteering is so important and many others need our help, so please remember to help when you can.  I’m proud to say that I donate all the proceeds from my music to charity. You can find my music at www.amandamasonmusic.com, itunes, and other internets music sites. Thanks for taking the time to view my Blog and for your continuing support.

Amanda Mason, Miss Southeast NY

July 9th I was excited to attend the Miss Florida 2011 Pageant in St. Petersburg, FL. I met up with my friend Nicole Johnson and her daughter my Miss NY Little Princess, Ava. Ericka Dunlap (Miss America 2004) was also there, I was excited to see her and meet her Mom.

One of my favorite photographers and good friends Deb Knoske was at the pageant (click on her name to check out her website).

Congratulations to Kristina Janolo our new Miss Florida 2011 she did a Great Job! Good Luck Kristina at Miss America!

Nicole Johnson and Ava

Ericka Dunlap, Miss America 2004

Deb Knoske (Photographer)

I have some exciting opportunities coming up this summer to further my efforts in educating youth. Currently, I am getting prepared to film my story for the National Guard’s “Stay on Track” program video.

This week I leave to come back to New York and work on my new pop/dance song with multi-platinum producer, Joshua Thompson. In August I am headed to Iowa, I have been invited by Robin Read (president of National Foundation for Women Legislatures) to sing and speak at the NFWL conference. More updates and pictures coming soon…

Back Home in Tampa, FL

Top 5 Award

I made TOP 5 and WON TALENT! Here are some pictures from stage (waiting for the ordered photos to come in).

Miss New York Pageant Week was a Great week! I had a wonderful time and Staten Island was an Amazing Host. The City welcomed the Miss NY Organization with welcome arms. Here was our schedule for the week:

Monday June 13
1:30pm After Check in to the Hotel, Contestants are greeted by NYC Mayor Bloomberg on steps of City Hall in Manhattan

3:30pm Contestants Arrive on Staten Island via Staten Island Ferry and are welcomed by Borough President, James Molinaro followed by a reception at Borough Hall

6:00pm Mr. New York 2011 Fundraiser Competition & “Meet the 2011 Miss NY Contestants”
Lorenzo’s Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret at the Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island
Doors/Bar Open 6:00 • Dinner 6:30 • Showtime 7:30

Tuesday June 14

9:00am Chocolate Factory Tour

11:00am Flag Day Event with Borough President & Veterans at South Beach

12:30pm Contestant lunch at Eger Harbor House, Senior Retirement Residence

2:30pm Contestant Event at Staten Island Zoo with children of mothers of Project Hospitality

5:30pm Contestant Dinner with Project Hospitality & Soup Kitchen

Wednesday June 15

12:00pm Children’s Museum, Snug Harbor luncheon with On Your Mark charity

2:00pm Walking tour of historical Snug Harbor

Thursday June 16

8:00am to 10:00 pm Rehearsals at the St. George Theatre

10:30pm Visitation with Family and Local Executive Directors at the Hampton Inn & Suites

Friday June 17

7:30pm Miss New York Preliminary Competition at the St. George Theatre

10:30pm Visitation with Family and Local Executive Directors at the Hampton Inn & Suites

Saturday June 18

1:30pm Miss New York Parade, South Beach, Back to the Beach weekend

7:30pm Miss New York Final Competition at the St. George Theatre

10:00pm (Immediately following crowning) **Miss New York Gala at the St. George Theatre

APPEARANCE PHOTOS FROM THE WEEK!

Visiting the Zoo

With my Roomate, Miss Liberty Kimberly Cantoni

Chocolate Factory Tour

Staten Island Borough President, James Molinaro

On the Bus to Our Next Appearance

I was so honored to be invited to visit Villa Veritas by Jim and his wife Sue Cusack and partner, Sue were given an opportunity to develop the drug treatment and alcoholism treatment facility and program now known as The Villa Veritas Foundation. Their goal was to provide affordable drug and alcoholism treatment and quality care for people from all walks of life. The Villa Veritas Foundation was the first freestanding drug and alcoholism treatment facility in New York State to treat alcoholics and drug addicts together.

It is a wonderful Facility in Kerhonkson, New York. I had the opportunity to tour the facility, speak and sing for the staff and their women’s group, along with hand out my “One Day at a Time” song. It was my first time speaking and sharing my story at a treatment facility and I loved it. The group of staff and women that I had an opportunity to meet and talk with were amazing individuals. If you read up on the history of Villa Veritas, in 1957 Jim Cusack began treating addiction, in the back of his folk’s candy store. Amazing, especially during a time when there were no detox wards!

Speaking in front of the Women's Group

Thank you Jim and Sue for your wonderful letter.

Jim and Sue Cusack and Father

MARK YOUR CALENDAR’S FOR JUNE 18th FOR THIS YEAR’S MISS NEW YORK PAGEANT!

JUNE 17-19, 2011

St. George Theatre
35 Hyatt Street
Staten Island, NY 10301

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
St. George Theatre Box Office
-OR-

Miss New York Contestants

COME JOIN THE LADIES AS THEY ATTEND THE MR. NEW YORK PAGEANT, A FUNDRAISER FOR THE MISS NEW YORK PAGEANT!

Just call Lorenzo’s Cabaret at Staten Island Hilton 718-477-2400 ext 5 for reservations.

Monday June 13, 2011
6.30pm 3 Course Dinner & Show $55.00
8.00 pm Show Only $25.00 with $15 per person table minimum
Limited number of VIP Seats available for stage front seating and seating with contestants
Hope to see everyone there!

I had a ball at this year’s Go Red for Women event.

GO RED FOR WOMEN EVENT

I was honored to be a guest of my good friend and supporter Steven Chan from Dapasoft.

My Good Friend Steve Chan From Dapasoft

Dapasoft Inc. is a software development and IT consulting firm. They take pride in being innovative and delivering high-quality, customized solutions to their clients in a variety of verticals including steel manufacturing, healthcare and public service.

They have 60+ consulting professionals who specialize in design, development, integration and implementation of custom business solutions to help our clients achieve excellence within their industries.

I went to Daytona Beach, Florida to meet with Scott Steger, the President of the National Guard’s “Stay On Track” and “Race Against Drugs” programs. “Stay on Track” is the choice substance abuse prevention and life skills curriculum targeted to middle school students. I was excited to be appointed the National Spokesperson for the “STAY ON TRACK” program and their “Race Against Drugs” program. At the end of June, we will be working on a Video that will share my story and their program. To find out more about the National Guard’s programs you can go to their website the National Center for Prevention Research Services, www.ncprs.org.

Scott Steger President of "SOT and "RAD"

Working on the Music for my New Pop/Dance song with Joshua Thompson (Producer) and Vince Carducci (Engineer).

In the Both

Joshua Thompson

Vince Carducci