Page 78 - Iris Tennessee Teen Judges Book 2022

What can you do during your Tenure of Service as a Titleholder to impact your community? As your next Miss Tennessee Iris Teen Volunteer, I will use the opportunity to connect to those around me and spread my platform, Define Beauty. My mission will be to encourage our youth by redefining beauty standards, while also promoting the brand and expanding this organization. Being a titleholder, I consider it my responsibility to help develop the brand of Miss Volunteer America by showing by example the qualities of SERVE- scholarship, education, volunteerism, responsibility and empowerment.
What has been your involvement with your platform? I have completed over 100 visits to schools and churches explaining to students that the true beauty is our uniqueness and individuality. The books I read to children focus on kindness, compassion and being different. During Covid, I began Zoom bedtime stories for children on Fridays, which I have continued because it helps me drive the message home. The most rewarding thing I do is dress up as Disney characters, encouraging children to love themselves and loving each other. I partner with Pacer.org (bully prevention) every October for World Bullying Prevention Month. I have also raised over $1200 to help them spread their mission as well as distribute many of their promotional items during school tours. I designed a bracelet to raise money for BLUE help, an organization that helps families of police officers lost to suicide. My work with Best Buddies is also a big part of what I do, hoping to lead by example because the world would be boring if we all looked, dressed, and talked the same. My message is clear, I want everyone to understand how beautiful and colorful our world is thanks to our differences.
What inspired you to first become involved in your platform? Being unique is such a beautiful gift. My sister’s close friend ended his life on my birthday 2 years ago. I wanted to help keep this from happening again so I made it my mission to make a difference in the lives of the youth I encounter through sharing encouragement and the importance of self love. I believe if we truly love ourselves for our uniqueness, then loving others for their differences will follow.
If you are selected as the winner, how would you mobilize and market your platform nationally? My children’s book will be published this summer and teaches everyone to respect those around them. During my year of service, I would love to hit the ground running and get my book in every elementary school in the state. From there, I have a plan to expand nationally. I would reach out to titleholders in each state and give them a copy of the book to share with their peers. I would love to have them join me in sharing this message: our words have the power to build up or destroy each other. Together, we can be kind and hold each other accountable to build others up with our words and to love ourselves. Our voices are powerful, and we will make a difference.
How would you utilize social media to positively further your position as a titleholder if you are selected as the winner? Social media will be one of my greatest assets during my year of service. Not only can I reach out to people around the world, but I can share about things I am doing in my community. This way, everyone can see that as titleholders, we are more than a crown and sash. We are working hard to make a difference. I love connecting with people. When I speak to students, I always leave them with my social media contact card. I want them to know they never have to feel alone, and they can contact me anytime. One of the Miss America Volunteer mottos is “Volunteers working to educate and inspire our next generation of volunteers.”I believe that the greatest way to do this is through the tool of social media. I have the vision and ready for this job today.