08contestants

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14. Marissa Mills
Talent: Dance - Orange Colored Sky
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “I feel I could present a complete package with my unique blend of community service, performance experience, and leadership experience. I would welcome the opportunity to serve as a positive model for younger girls emphasizing that you can be socially out-going, take pride in your appearance, and be book-smart at the same time... and also as a future math teacher, to share the message that ‘Math is not just for guys any more!’”

13. Ashley Heuberger
Talent: Vocal - Some Days You Gotta Dance
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “To be an advocate for our community, and to seek positive change within our society. I hope this title will provide a stepping stone for my platform, encourage me to be a strong female role model, and enable me to reach my goals. ”

12. Jessica Myers
Talent: Dance - Get Up
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “Becoming Miss SEO 2008 is a girl’s dream! It would be an honor for me to begin a new part of my life. It is such an honorable title, and as Miss SEO, I would help raise awareness of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, and help to get more volunteers involved. It would be an honor to represent myself, all of Southeastern Ohio, the Miss SEO program, and BBBS by being a positive, responsible role model to all young ladies!”

11. Amelia Vincent
Talent: Piano & Vocal - You've Got A Friend
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “Becoming Miss SEO would be a dream-come-true. As Miss SEO ’08, I will have more opportunities to help others in need and spread awareness of my platform issue – Suicide Prevention. As a role model to many, I hope to gain even more knowledge about myself and the community. More than anything, it is my hope to have fun along the way!”

10. Melissa Miser
Talent: Essay Presentation - Country Bumpkins
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “It would be a great way to address, and hopefully, cure the issues our region faces. It would help me gain more understanding of the Southeastern Ohio area, and help me gain the confidence to be an asset to my community in the near future. ”

09. Megan Wise
Talent: Vocal - Anyway
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “I feel that I am looking beyond the pageant and crown, and more at the role that needs to be fulfilled as leader for young women.”

08. Summer Sands
Talent: Vocal - Enough
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “As a bright young lady with many goals and ambitions, as well as strong communication skills, I would be an ideal representative for Southeastern Ohio. As Miss SEO 2008, I would be presented many opportunities to create awareness for Compassion International and YouthPartnersNET. Further, it is my hope to become better acquainted with the leaders and citizens of our community.”

07. Megan Earley
Talent: Contemporary Dance - Fix You
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “Every Year a new general of young people enter into the world of academics where adequate arts education is not offered as part of the school curriculum. The arts help expand a student’s world view, and whether we label an education that includes the arts as “a well-rounded,” “a liberal arts,” or “a comprehensive” education, the goal is the same – to prepare students for the working world, for the their roles and responsibilities as citizens in a democracy, and to prepare them for life in an increasingly interdependent and culturally diverse world. This is what I hope to accomplish as Miss SEO. I would also like to gain more experience performing, and polish my skills as a professional through this experience. ”

06. Kylie Johnson
Talent: Violin - Orange Blossom Special
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “I would like to become Miss SEO 2008 to promote the importance of environmental conservation and the performing arts, as well as to serve as a positive influence for the youth in our community. ”

05. Tiffany Furbee
Talent: Hip Hop Dance - Come On Over
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “I feel that I can be a good role model for children. I have a passion for kids, and by becoming Miss SEO, I may be able to help raise money for impoverished children, or help find a cure for those with diseases.”

04. Meghan Huston
Talent: Vocal - Something More
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “I would love to represent the community of which I am so proud to be a part. While bringing attention to my platform, and serving as a role model, I also hope to gain interview experience, meet new people, and of course, have fun!”

03. Lawren Kavulich
Talent: Composition / Recitation - Happiness Is A Journey
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “To effectively serve my community, to take the Miss SEO program to new heights, and most importantly, to serve a cause greater than myself!”

02. Kirsten Grandstaff
Talent: Vocal -
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “I would like to become Miss SEO not only to help my community further, but also to help pay for my college education. I hope that the Miss SEO program will boost my confidence on stage, help me with public speaking, and shape me into a wonderful role model and example not only in our community, but for all women in our country.”

01. Courtney Wallace
Talent: Interpretative Sign Language - Shout To The Lord
Why she would like to become Miss SEO: “In the United States alone, nearly 150,000 people die every year from the sixth leading cause of death - diabetes. I am a very dedicated person who will work earnestly at raising money for research and heightening the awareness necessary to make a difference. If I am selected as Miss SEO, I believe my ideas will be better heard. Further, I hope this experience will help me develop stronger interview and leadership skills.”