I wake up the same as most people every day with most of the same objectives as others. Get up, get ready and then go to work or school. But I do it equipped with a pocket full of coupons I hope to give out.

This whole I Mix America national contest started out on a small whim for me. I just thought I would put my creative strengths to the test and enter this contest. It asked, “How would you market this ice cream?” and I put that it would be a good idea during Christmas time because of fewer sales during the cold winter season. I then added some of my favorite ingredients and called it a Christmas miracle; thus, Minty Miracle. It is made up of mint ice cream, brownies, fudge and chocolate shavings.

More than 9,000 students across the nation applied to be in this contest. There were 1,350 applications that were accepted. In October, they went through an elimination process and only the top 125 contestants remained. Then, in November, they went through another elimination round and now only the top 20 contestants are in the running.

The remaining top 20 contestants are from Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Texas and Wisconsin.

I am the only contestant remaining from Minnesota.

The contest runs through Dec. 31, 2008, and the winner of the $30,000 prize package will be announced Jan. 1, 2009.

I think it’s just amazing how many people first off know who I am let alone thoroughly care about this contest. The amount of people excited for me is just astonishing in my eyes.

It’s cool when they come up to me and say they’re glad one good thing is happening in Albert Lea. And I agree, I’m very fortunate that I have made it this far. But, I’m not done yet. That’s when you, the reader, come into play. If you want to help me make my last strive to victory, come to Cold Stone Creamery, buy my creation, get the code, and vote at www.imixamerica.com.

Also, please come visit me at Cold Stone Creamery in Trail’s Travel Center from 5 to 8 p.m. this Tuesday. Enjoy some great ice cream, get your code and then vote for me, Brendon Moise. The only Minnesota contestant left!

Again, thank you for all your support and I will see you on Tuesday at Cold Stone Creamery in the Trail’s Travel Center!

Brendan Moise is a 16-year-old who lives in Albert Lea.