Since arriving in Vegas a week ago, Hilary and the other 51 contestants have been in rehearsals, panel interviews, and activities. It sounds like an exhausting schedule. Last night was the first night of preliminary competition for the public. The ladies are split into 3 groups, and over the next several nights each group will go through all 4 phases of competition (Evening gown, On Stage Question, Talent, and Swimsuit). Hilary modeled her evening gown and swimsuit last night and she "owned the stage". We met with her at a reception late last night and she was feeling confident (and drained). This morning she had rehearsal for her talent (vocal) and she is doing a great job of keeping her cold at bay. Tonight she will sing on stage!

Tomorrow night, she will conclude prelims with her On Stage Question - and we know she will "rock". Sunday is an off day, then it's the National Show Monday night - which mostly focuses on top 10. We just know she'll be in that group (and we're not even biased)!

Behind the scenes she is rooming with Miss New Hampshire and has loved getting to know her. Hilary has also just been named to be a top 7 finalist for the Quality of Life Award - a separate award judged solely on her platform activities and community service.

So far, one of the neatest experiences was so see the families of all the other contestants in the auditorium cheering and supporting not only their own contestants, but the talents and gifts of the other amazing young ladies in this competition. It's a great chance to be reminded that even at a high-profile, national competition, you can still focus on what we all have in common - and that's the power of relationships.