Miley Cyrus Tickets Essay Contest

Stadium of Fire… the Aftermath

admin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:34:42 +0000

I received a considerable amount of emails with complaints about the essay I chose. It’s true that I asked for a creative essay, but to be honest when I got this essay I had a very distinct feeling that I should choose that one.

When talking to Theresa on the phone my feelings were confirmed. Theresa’s neighbors were in more need of the tickets than the essay stated. Alex, the daughter in the family who loves Miley Cyrus, also has cystic fibrosis. Theresa decided not to include that in the essay because she was afraid that it would be written off as another sob story. The more I spoke with Theresa on the phone, the more I knew that this was the right decision.

Theresa didn’t stop there. When she knew that Dan and his family had received the tickets, she went the extra step and arranged for Alex to meet with Miley personally. What better treasure on Earth is there than such good friends?

So, again I apologize, especially to those super creative essays that were nearly impossible to turn down. I’m glad I followed my feelings on this one.

And The Winner Is….

admin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:00:56 +0000

Choosing an essay was hard. I honestly had a nightmare last night because of the stress. I realized that there are several main groups of essays, the ones where you claimed to be Miley’s biggest fan (and many were extremely convincing!), several where a very tragic thing had happened and where the tickets might do some real good to soothe some pain, and a handful of brilliant, clever, and creative essays.

I Chose Theresa’s essay “Dan the Man.” Her idea of giving the tickets to a family on her block that was unconditionally welcoming to her was inspiring to me. The problem I faced was that there were probably a lot of truthful essays about tragedy and pain, but also a fair share of untruthful ones, and there was no way for me to know which one was which. Also, it was difficult to empirically say which young person was really Miley’s biggest fan. Some of the creative ones almost won, but again, there was a dead tie on a lot of them.

Theresa’s essay on giving the tickets to this family wasn’t exaggerated or fantastical, but truly seemed to follow a principal that America can use more of. She wanted to give the tickets to a family who so warmly welcomed her family to a community. It is this story of ordinary people thinking not of themselves but of others first that touched me. There wasn’t any false patriotism or religiosity in the essay, just simple good will.

Thank you so much, everyone who participated in this contest. Hopefully, even if you didn’t win, the contest made you reflect a bit about life and the things that matter, I know it did for me.

The winning essay is directly below this post. Happy Independence Day to all.

You can also View the Tickets, see the Seats Location, get to know the Rules and Privacy Policy, or see the FAQ.

Theresa: Dan the Man

admin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:43:47 +0000

I read the “Miley Tickets Inspire Contest” article in the Daily Herald, dated June 27, 2008, and decided to enter the contest on behalf of a future neighbor in Tooele. This article came at the right time. We want to do something special for this man and his family. This man’s name is Dan. His wife’s name is Shawn and their daughter’s name is Natalie. They are an awesome family and have made us feel that we will not be strangers when we move to Tooele.
On June 20, 2008, our family went searching for a home. When we were looking at the home at 822 West and 660 South, Dan came over to introduce himself. He asked about our family, told us about the people in our neighborhood and his family. He wanted to let us know that the people there were sociable.
At the end of the day we returned to the home on 660 South to sign the purchase agreement. After the papers were signed, Dan invited us over to his house to meet some of the neighbors. Dan and his family gave us a housewarming gift and he told us they would have a block party for us when we move in. We were amazed.
On June 25, 2008 we returned to measure the rooms for furniture. The realtor had trouble opening the home. It was 90 degrees outside. Dan invited us into their air-conditioned home and we talked about families. He mentioned the Stadium of Fire and how Natalie loves Miley Cyrus. He also reminded us that he would have a block party for us when we move there in August. When it was time to go into our house, Dan walked with us across the street to say hi to my husband.
We think that Dan and his family would be awesome people for anybody to sit next to at the Stadium of Fire. He would never forget such a surprise and would tell everybody about it. He would have trouble knowing who entered his name because many neighbors would do it if they knew about the contest and we would enjoy the secret.

Lacey Girl: Sacrificial Child

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:58:42 +0000

this entry was submitted before the deadline but was missed (my fault)

While it is common knowledge that the Chinese invented fireworks it is not so commonly known as to why we Americans are so fascinated and in love with these beautiful displays of color. Well I am going to let you in on the big secret. Yes, secret and by the end of this essay you will know why it is such.
It started long ago just after the Chinese had perfected the firework. They were so pleased with what they had created they figured there must be a God of fireworks, and after determining this it was found necessary to make a sacrifice unto this God to show their appreciation for the wonderful gift bestowed upon them. It was discussed, and then decided that an infant should be placed in a basket made of reeds and placed in the ocean. And so it was done.
The Chinese never knew what became of the child; it was assumed that it drifted off into the sea to meet up with the God of fireworks. Little did they know that incredible works came about and the basket made it to the American continent where the child lived and grew. Thus the Americas were populated and inhabited by the off spring of this child. Yes, yes, it’s true! The baring straight had nothing to do with it!
Thus, Americans love fireworks not only for their entertainment, color, sound, and awe, but because it is in our DNA, our heritage, the stuff we are made of has firework written all over it. It is imprinted on our souls.
As it happens I am a direct decedent of the sacrificial child. Yep, it’s true. So it is only imaginable how BADLY I would love to go to the Stadium of Fire and watch the majestic, amazing, ooo and aaawe inspiring, stupindus, tremendous, wonderful FIREWORK EXTRAVIGANZA!!!
Oh, and if you haven’t put it together by now, of course we aren’t going to give CHINA any more credit then we have to! Hey, they are our competition!

mommy: the final countdown

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:51:42 +0000

We started this essay writing business last week and now we are down to the wire. I don’t know if I can type three hundred words in 7 minutes, But i will try. I hope that we can we these tickets for Lizzy and her brothers. They are a bunch of great kids. Last week when we started writing essays, we were in California visiting our family. My kids were stuck with me for 24 hours a day for 10 days. Stuck in a hotel. We did go swimming and eating. But after ten days they have had one day of freedom to do as they please. And Tonight they are sleeping at my sisters because it is my 14th wedding anniversary. That was their present to us one night alone after ten in a row all together in a hotel. I think a big Freedom celebration would cap off our family fun. i hope this is three hundred words and that you feel we deserve it enough since we have been watching, reading and writing for almost a week now. Good night!!! The kids really deserve the tickets after all that boring parent time.

Mememe!: Counting the ways

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:51:28 +0000

Why do I deserve the tickets? Let me count the ways:
I’ve seen every “Hannah Montana” episode, AND I’m a too old to be admit my addiction.
I can sing along to the Hannah Montana theme song/intro.
I can say the lines for every character in Hannah Montana…at the same time, or before the characters do.
I knew who Miley Cyrus was before she came to Utah.
I have seen the Blue Man Group of TV
I can stand on one foot.
I’ve managed to never let anyone know that I can’t stand on my head.
I once took Ballet.
I was smart enough to stop taking Ballet before we got to the “bleeding feet.”
I can play the French Horn.
I can’t whistle, but I’ve managed to not let many people know about that.
I’ve read a zillion books.
I can make bread, from scratch.
I can burn bread, too.
I can stand on one foot, rub my head, AND pat my tummy, while grinning.
I can sing the Pledge of Allegiance.
I know the Florida State Song.
I can tell the difference between an Alligator and a Crocodile – and I once did.
I have been to the Alamo.
I can quote the commander of the said Alamo.
I’ve never been to Boston in the Fall.
I eat vegetables.
I always eat my celery.
I’ve read Shakespeare.
I love Sherlock Holmes.
I have never had a cat.
I love Anne of Green Gables.
I know that Darth Vader’s Theme is just a variation on the Death March.
I know how many days are in each month.
I learned my alphabet before I knew how to spell my name.
And last but not least, I am a stupendous, wonderful, crazy, zany person who would love to go to the concert.

Christina: Freedom

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:50:34 +0000

Excitement grows amongst the crowds of people rushing to take their seats. I hear loud voices talking all around me. Over my left shoulder are three little toe headed girls with their hair done up in pigtails waving their little flags dressed in red, white and blue. Not far in age from one another and how innocent they are; full of giggles and joy to be outside on a spectacular night. Over to my right side I see an elderly man grab his sweethearts hand and gleefully they smile at one another like it is their first date all over again. Any minute the show will begin. With much anticipation everyone stares straight ahead to Glen Beck to kick off the program.

What an honor it is to solute the star spangled banner be pleased about our independence. Everyone here for one common purpose celebrate freedom united as Americans. Oh how liberating, exhilarating and awe-inspiring to show respect for the flag. In God We Trust may this great nation stand.

Entertainment is starting as Miley and Blue Man Group take the stand. The music bass is thumping loudly through-out the bleachers. Everyone stomping their feet to the same beat, up down up down. All hands swaying to the music enjoying every moment they can. Hands of all different shapes and sizes some old and weathered some new and fragile. Amazing how they stole the hearts of everyone.

Time passes so fast. Shrills and shrieking sounds are all engaging as rockets shoot up in the air. Earsplitting, thunderous burst of fireworks boom all around us. The fiery bliss of red purple trepid lights sparkles in the sky. Ooh so pretty, aah what a night!

Someone shaking me back and forth, I hear a distant voice almost too familiar at home. “Wake up, wake up you’re going to be late again.” Groggily I roll over and mutter, “I can dream can’t I.” Oh how I wish that my dream could come true to be in LaVell Edwards Stadium and witness an incredible event this Fourth of July.

Lilly-livered Pirate: A Pirate’s Tale

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:50:19 +0000

Ahoy!

Me heard tale of this landlubber of a gal, Miley Cyrus, performing her mu-sic here in the salty, but dry state of Utah. Ah, Utah tis close to me heart, but it ‘bout tears me soul out to see such lovely water with no waves. I s’pose I could imagine it, but tw’ouldn’t be the same. I miss the call of the Ocean, and the wide, wild waves, threating to dash ye to pieces. I could stare at ye yonder sky, I s’pose, but tis not the same, though it is beautiful, and wild in it’s own way, bless it’s heart.

And all this sand. Sand, dry sand, an’ not a Sea Turtle for miles around – this desert, I suppose ‘tis just like the Ocean o’ me heart, only without the lovely hearty smell in the morn’n, an’ no wind in yer face, unless ye stick yer head out in’ traffic. I miss the excitement of the Sea, ye see. The only excitement around seems to be in this ‘Stadium of Fire’ people are gabb’n about lately, and this Miley Cyrus.

What would make a right-o land-lubber like Miley Cyrus sing like she does? Must be a bit o’ mer-fish in her blood. Mermaid, or such. She would make a Sailor go mad. That siren can sing a tune to rival some of the Sea Chanties me used to sing. I miss the sound o’ the waves on the rocks, and the oceans, but that gal is a right bit of goodness, and t’would go far towards mak’n a great evening.

A few moments of the nice concert t’would go a long way towards help’n me land-locked, sea-lov’n self have a great, stupendous Forth of Ju’ly.

And me did hear something ‘bout Fireworks – we didn’t have those at the sea, no sirree. Must be a land lubber thing, ‘nd something me old heart can get used to, aye!

Madie Nibley: Ends with a Bang!

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:50:03 +0000

I don’t have any tragic tales of sacrifice or loss. My life is not a story of defeat. I don’t have a heart-wrenching story to make you think I deserve the tickets above all the others. However, I do have a well written essay that will hopefully help me gain favor in your eyes. Enjoy.
Every year the end of June brings with it the sound of lawn mowers in the evening, hot mornings and the beginning of the Freedom Festival Celebrations. It kicks off with the Children’s Parade while homemade floats and patriotically decorated bikes fill the street. It includes the Balloon Fest where the sound of rushing, hot air fills these and gracefully carries away competing baskets. There is food and fun at the downtown festival where you can buy anything from a charicature drawing to a Native American hand woven blanket. Let’s not forget the night of the third. The long night where the lawns in front of the street are filled with blankets and people staying up all night to guard their spot for the next morning’s parade. The night is filled with donut runs, card games and fireworks that make it almost impossible to get any shut eye. The next morning we watch as floats carrying royalty, old models of cars transporting people of grave importance, ballons in the shape of cartoon charaters. Marching bands and military men, governers and pooper scoopers all litter the street for two hours as they walk the specific route of University Ave. and then left on Center Street.
From there we leave the parade route and make it home where we host barbeques and watermelon fests. Sometime during the afternoon we hope to squeeze in a short nap to rest us up for the evening becasue the evening is the grand finale of it all; the STADIUM OF FIRE!
I love the Stadium of Fire. I love sitting in the nose bleed section because they’re the cheapest seats. I’m reminded of my grandfather who was a POW for six years in the Vietnam war as the rush of the jets in formation fly over. I love the great entertainment that is selected year after year. I love the respect shown as different military services are performed. I love the feeling of loyalty that connects all of us together for those hours. And of course the night, the week, the celebration ends with a bang, litteraly. The sky is lit up with hundreds of colors and shapes and shapes as the rockets red glare flashes against the velvet sky. If you can’t feel the bang reverberate through your chest then it’s not a Stadium of Fire firework.
I love the idea of the Freedom Festival. I love that we are able to celebrate this wonderful freedom while still remembering the price that was paid as we stand up and have a moment of silence as the flag walks by. I am grateful for America and for all of the blessings and joys I am able to experience in celebration of this holiday.

VelaFam: Essay on Why Our Family Deserves Free Miley Cyrus Tickets

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:49:00 +0000

Why Our Family Would LOVE To
Go To The Stadium of Fire 2008

There are a lot of reasons that our family would love to go to the Stadium of Fire this year.

1) Our girls (ages 3, 9, and 15) like Miley Cyrus a lot. That’s quite an age spread! They all love to sing and dance and have been entranced with both Hannah Montana and High School Musical (DISNEY). We would love to see their big smiles as they watch Miley perform. It will be an unforgettable night for them! And what a fun story to tell generations to come about how we got the tickets for them!!

2) Our oldest daughter enjoys filmmaking and has made some short films. One of the cutest is of our 3-year-old dancing to a HSM2 song and you can see it on YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=FnlJA3iyrc0.

Yes, they all LOVE Disney music!!

3) Our two oldest daughters have all the Miley and Hannah songs memorized word-for-word!

4) Our oldest daughter does NOT like to do dishes. However, she wanted to pre-order the new Miley album “Breakout” so badly that she did ALL the dishes yesterday if only I would pay the shipping on the CD. She paid the rest herself. We couldn’t believe she really did all the dishes!!!

5) Our 6-year-old son loves the Blue Man Group. We would love to see HIS big smile while he watches them perform. It’s great that there’s something for him to enoy on the 4th, too!

6) The entertainment this year at the Stadium of Fire is just perfect for our family: something for each of us!!

7) Our family has never had the pleasure of going to the Stadium of Fire, although we often drive to the Orem/Provo hill and watch what fireworks we can see from our car. Maybe, just maybe, this will be the year!

If we win this contest, we will be so excited to give them one of the nicest gifts we’ve ever been able to give them.

9) These tickets,
Priceless to our kids,
We’re glad there are no bids
You will be glad to give them to us
And we will not cuss if we lose!
At the Stadium of Fire,
Our daughter(s) will be such a silly goose.
To see Hannah and the Blue Men
And clap again and again!