After I spend the day at the Special Olympics Winter Games, I got ready for an evening of fun with the participants! Miss Vermont USA (Nydelis Ortiz), Miss Vermont Teen USA (Shelby Gregoire), Miss Connecticut USA (Ashley Bickford), and myself all attended the Olympic Town and Dance in Worcester Massachusetts at Mechanics Hall. The evening was kicked off with the athletes mingling, getting their face painted, and having fun. As state titleholders we were given the options to sign autographs or spend some time with the crowd. Although we did sign some autographs, we wanted to make the most of the night and felt it was more rewarding to get to know each of them. After signing autographs we went upstairs to the dance portion of the evening. It was so much fun! We got the opportunity to get professional pictures taken (much like they do at prom) with the athletes. After we spent the evening getting boogying! It was a great time. I had so much fun dancing with everyone and getting to know everyone. They all truly touched my heart. One young man wanted to wear my sash and go on stage; however, the security would not let him. So I asked them politely if we could dance on the stage for a little while and to my surprise, they let us! He and I went on stage and were dancing. However, while I was bringing him up in front of everyone, I was awarded a standing ovation. Then the kind young man grabbed the microphone and said "She changed my life. I love her. Thank you." It was so sweet and brought tears to my eyes. I felt that I did impact someone's life and it was a feeling like no other, one that I will never forget. I also was given a few notes that some of the athletes wrote out quickly and several emails. Since then I have been in contact with many of them. It was a night I will always remember!