Page 50 - Tennessee Teen Volunteer Judge's Book 2022

What has been your involvement with your platform?
My platform really formed itself organically at an early age when I started collecting dance supplies for other kids at my studio experiencing financial hardships. At the time, I did not know this would grow to be something so much bigger. I was just trying to help out my friends. As I got older, my love for the arts continued to grow, and my desire to serve grew with it. I continued my efforts to collect dance supplies- eventually donating over 600 leotards, tights, and dance shoes to area schools and local organizations. I also regularly visit community schools as a guest instructor for underserved dance programs.
My most recent involvement was a fundraiser I put together to provide scholarships for children to attend the Mending Hearts Theater Camp at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis. The Mending Hearts Theater Camp is a summer camp for children who have experienced the death of one or both parents. When I learned about this camp, my heart broke for the children, and I knew I wanted to get involved. My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders, and I cannot imagine this journey without their constant support and involvement. To advocate for these kids and this program, I raised enough money to provide scholarships for five attendees!
What inspired you to first become involved in your platform?
One of my earliest and saddest memories from my dance studio was arriving one Saturday morning to realize that my best friend was no longer in my class. Her name was Vivian. My mom explained that Vivian’s family simply could not afford for her to take dance any longer. This was my first exposure to the harsh reality that opportunities and involvement in dance and the arts are not accessible to all. In an effort to do what I could to help other kids who may be experiencing similar struggles, I began saving my old dance shoes and leotards to leave at the studio for anyone who needed them. Without realizing it at the time, this is what “sparked” the inception of my platform. I recognize how incredibly fortunate I am to have access to the training, resources, and performance advantages that I do, and I want to help however possible so that more children can experience similar opportunities.
If you are selected as the winner, how would you mobilize and market your platform nationally?
Expanding my platform, S.P.A.R.K., nationally would be an easy transition, as I have already begun the process. During COVID, I joined the Rhythmic Souls Tap Company, which provided dancers all over the country the opportunity to connect virtually with a community of fellow artists. Through this, my “dance family” grew and I have had the opportunity to share my platform with dancers nationwide. Several dancers in different regions of the country wanted to get involved, and that is when we came up with the plan to expand nationally. I have created a website for my platform, and I have started to identify S.P.A.R.K. ambassadors in these different regions. The ultimate goal is for there to be an ambassador in every region, so that anyone, anywhere, can get involved and help. For instance, if you live in the mid-west, and you have dance supplies to donate, there will be an ambassador in your area for you to contact. That ambassador will be trained and knowledgeable on how and who to donate your supplies to. My website also has a “Donate Now” button, which can be used if you wish to donate funds to go towards scholarships. The expansion of my platform has really just begun, and I am so excited for our plans as we move forward! My dream is to grow this into a national organization, and I believe that with my connections across the country, and the title of Miss Tennessee Teen Volunteer, I can make this dream come true.
How would you utilize social media in order to positively further your position as a titleholder if you are selected as the winner?
Although it has its downfalls, I truly believe that social media is such an asset to my generation, especially as a titleholder growing brand recognition. As my platform continues to expand on the national level, social media will be an imperative tool when it comes to reaching dancers and volunteers across the country. In addition to my website, I will utilize Instagram and TikTok to promote my platform, explain our purpose, and share opportunities to get involved. I have seen so many organizations and causes receive national recognition through social media, and I have already started creating a content plan for my S.P.A.R.K. accounts.
In addition to promoting my platform on social media, it is crucial that the newly crowned titleholder utilize social media to continue to promote the Volunteer organization. I have been a proud advocate of the Volunteer organization since the start, and I want nothing more than to see it flourish! As we grow, it is so important that each titleholder shares our mission and accomplishments with the public. We have a responsibility to promote, recruit, and support this pageant on public platforms so that we continue to gain more involvement and support from the community. I am committed to sharing not only my personal accomplishments on social media, but also the accomplishments of the organization and my fellow titleholders!