Mrs Maryland - Big Brothers Big Sisters Awards Gala

Mrs Maryland with Husband Kenneth Grier and UMD Former Head Football Coach Ralph Friedgen- Award Recipient

Presenting to some of my Mentees at Bishop McNamara H.S. - Spring Athletic Award Ceremony

I was so proud and honored to present the Spring Track and Field Awards to my mentees. They have a magnificient outdoor spring season with the girls team receiving runner up at the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Championships along with the girls and boys teams winning the 4x400 relays. It was great to celebrate the seniors who I remember coming in as freshmen nervous about being on the big stage of competing against juniors and seniors. They have been award scholar honors and conference honors and should be very proud of their accomplishments as they get ready for the next chapter of ther journey into college and competing at a higher level.

Good Luck and looking forwad to all of the great things that you will be accomplishing.

Sandra Bryan-Grier
Mrs. Maryland International 2011

Arthritis Foundation Walk - Lets Move Together

The Arthritis Foundation Walk - Lets's Move Together was held on the National Mall. I was joined by Miss Virginia and Miss Pre-Teen Virginia and we were eager and ready to help in anyway needed. It was great being a part of the event, do warm ups with the walkers and cheering them on as they crossed the finish line. I met a lot of children who are suffering from arthritis ailments and they were all very brave and strong in attitudes towards what they go through everyday. None of them gave up during the walk and all of them came across the finish line smiling or racing someone in their group. The Arthritis Foundation and their sponsoring organizations are dedicated to research and finding a cure and their work is to be commended. I am really looking forward to participating again next year.  

Sandra Bryan-Grier

Mrs. Maryland International 2011

Mrs Maryland International is Awarded - 2011 Idealist of the Year Award

2011 Idealist of the Year Award Gala. An Idealist is someone who seeks to improve our community, nation, or world through acts of service and volunteerism. Recipients may have made a difference in the life of one person, an organization, or an entire community. I am honored and humbled to be recognized for my service in being a mentor and advocating for young people who need guidance, direction and exposure to diverse mentors across our area.

Sandra Bryan-Grier
Mrs. Maryland International 2011

Mentoring Symposium with Renaldo ("Skeets") Nehemiah & Sandra Bryan Grier at Bishop McNamara H.S.

Sandra, Mrs. Maryland International with Renaldo ("Skeets") Nehemiah and Bishop McNamara H.S. Track and Field Team after a mentoring symposium.

Renaldo ("Skeets") Nehemiah -World Champion Hurdler - First to break the 13 second barrier with 12.93 seconds and Former San Francisco 49ers Football Player. Thanks to "Skeets" for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak to the BMHS track team on what it takes to be a World Champion, dedication needed to be competitive and life skills that can be learned through competition. "Skeets" shared the hard work and dedication he had in being determined to break the 13 second barrier in the 110M Hurdles. His dream was almost shattered when he became injured but he did not let that slow him down or stop him from going after his goals. The challenges he had made him stronger and more focused in getting to his targeted goal.

As the team mentor, administrator and recruiting advisor I discussed the planning and preparation needed to secure student-athlete scholarships. I discussed how your commitment, dedication, behavior and focus can be visible to college coaches who you may not know are watching you but know who you are and how that can me a deciding factor in if you are or are not considered. I presented a gift to "Skeets" to thank him for taking time out of his schedule to attend the symposium.

Sandra Bryan-Grier
Mrs. Maryland International 2011

South East Tennis Center - Tennis Ball 2011

WOW! How else do you explain having an opportunity to interview Grand Slam Champions Venus and Serena Williams. I had the privilege of interviewing the Williams sisters on Thursday at the 10th Anniversary of the Tennis Center. They were very engaging and wanted to know all about my title, crown and how I decided to compete. They were at the Center for the Grand Opening 10 year earlier and were able to be here for the anniversary to see what a great job the center has been doing. They played tennis with the kids during the day, saw the activities that center provided, which ranged from sewing/design, computer, life skills and of course tennis.  The interviews will be on Comcast/CNN at the top of the hour and bottom of the hour by the end of the month.
Photo #1: Sandra and Serena - Photo # 2: Sandra, Venus and Sandra's Husband Kenneth Grier. Thanks to my wonderful husband for accompanying me on these adventures.

WEAA Membership Drive

I was a special guest for the "Baseman Show" with Marcellus Shepard at WEAA-FM on the ground of Morgan State University for their Spring Membership Drive. I was on air assisting with getting listeners to call in and donate or renew/sign up for membership. Met Kim Chase, Singer Mesa and Dr. Renee during the segment and talk about being Mrs. Maryland International 2011, platform and why I participated in the system and what ahead of me for 2011. I am so looking forward to hopefully supporting them again in 2012.

Mrs. Maryland Easter Basket Drive

Thanks to all of my family members and friends who were instrumental in donating items to create the 35 Easter Baskets and 10 Easter Bags for the residents of Shepherd's Cove Shelter. Also, thanks to my team members at work who were so supportive in donating items and giving their time to help make the baskets. It was great to have an opportunity to see how happy the kids were who received the baskets and just how much fun they had going through their baskets. Looking forward to next year. Just absolutely "love" being the Easter Bunny.

Comcast Cares - Shepherd's Cove Clean Up

I participated in the Comcast Cares Day beautification and clean-up of Shepherd's Cove Shelter. We painted, cleaned up debris, cut shrubs, planted flowers and mulched the two playgrounds on the facility. It was a great opportunity to help make the facility more comfortable for the residents. So glad to be able to make a difference in the lives of the parents and children residing at the facility.

2011 White House Easter Egg Roll

I received tickets to take two of my mentees, Jordan and Kenyoni and my wonderful husband Kenny to the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. It was a great adventure. We caught the train and decided to get there about 2 hours early in preparation for a very busy day. We were at the front of the line as we started to queue to enter the grounds and as we walked in met one of the Harlem Globetrotters players. We went over to the stage to see Willow Smith perform. She was great and the girls had a wonderful time. We moved over to the egg coloring, face painting, the First Lady garden, to see the White House Chef and then to make crowns and a kite. It was really crowded and there were lots of activities. Jordan and Kenyoni did not want to wait in line for the egg roll but wanted to explore. Great time

Bishop McNamara H.S. Track and Field Invitational 2011

As Bishop McNamara H.S Track and Field team mentor, recruiting Advisor and Administrator I served as the commentator/announcer for the 1st H.S. Track and Field Invitational on April 23. 2011. It started out to be a very wet and cold day and ended up being one of the best days we had all month. I met a wonderful young lady by the name f Katie from Archbishop Spaulding H.S. Her family sat outside the press box and were just great in checking in on me through out the day. Great accomplishment for Michael Williams who set the national record on the men's 400 Meter Hurdles at the event. He was also selected as the MVP athlete of the meet. The meet was covered by Carl Little of The Washington Post and Terron Hampton of The Gazette Newspapers. We received very positive feedback from the 41 participating schools as far as New Jersey and Delaware and look forward to hosting and participating again next year. Go Mustangs!