In her own words:
I am proud to be apart of the Miss SCV program for a second year. I became a part of the Miss SCV family in 2002 when I earned my first title that October as Miss Teen Canyon Country. I spent countless hours working within my community for a variety of organizations and in April 2002 I went on to win the regional title of Miss Teen Santa Clarita Valley. That year was an experience of a lifetime and one I will never forget. I made new friends who to this day are still there for me, as well as endless contributions to our city, and pursued opportunities that changed lives of those around me.
After going out into the world following graduation from high school and college, I decided to come back to the program in hopes of another year of unparalleled memories. After the crown was placed on my head as the new Miss Santa Clarita Valley I knew I had an amazing year ahead of me.
The Miss SCV Program is such a valuable asset to our community because it helps shape young women into poised, elegant, graceful, driven young women in a time when they are most influenced by their friends and the environment. I've learned everything from interview skills to how to over come the fear of public speaking as well as professional modeling techniques, and how to become more involved within my community. When I first joined the Miss SCV Program in 2002, I was a very shy and reserved individual who always seemed to sit in the passenger seat. With the direction of Ms. Mardi Rivetti, and the values and traditions that this program has instilled within the community I have learned how to ‘come out of my shell.’ I’ve learned that it’s ok to speak my mind and how important it is to better myself and the community in which we live in. Never would I have imagined that I could feel comfortable in a crowd of people, let alone command their attention and speak publicly to them. The Miss SCV Program has taught me how to be elegant yet professional, how to be poised yet strong, and understanding yet focused.
As Miss Santa Clarita Valley and a member of the Miss SCV program, I have been honored to work side by side with many dignitaries from our community and have had countless opportunities to attended community events including Grand Openings, Jazz Festivals, Parades, and Chamber Mixers. I have completed over 700 hours of community service to date and I have been honored by the Mayor of Santa Clarita, the Chamber of Commerce, and the California State Senator for all of my hard work and philanthropic efforts.
I am sad to see this year come to an end, but I will smile when I look back on it because I know that I have made friends who will last a lifetime and have made memories that are forever etched into my mind.
To those of you leaving the pageant I hope you keep these unforgettable experiences in your heart, and the friendships you've made forever. Remember that you must be the change you wish to see in the world, so keep up all of your hard work.
To those of you joining the family or just thinking about joining, know that this is a family where you will always belong, no matter how old you are. You will learn valuable lessons that will shape who you become, and make amazing friends along the way. You'll never know what you are capable of or who you can be if you are too scared to try; so take a chance, it might just turn out to be the best year of your life. Set goals for yourself and actively take actions to achieve them, no goal is too big; why say the sky is the limit, when there are footprints on the moon?
Miss SCV 2008
Hope
