How can I make a difference? I started three years ago with a passion to make a difference through environmental research and it has brought me to the title of Miss Teen Earth Pennsylvania and an invitation to the White House Environmental Education Summit.
In 2004, when I was just 9 years old, my house was flooded by the tenth most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded. I took the ten steps into my basement with my father and sooner than I realized my family lost so many memories in the soaking boxes. Five years later in 2009, I was invited with my engineering group to present our national “Future City” at the local Pittsburgh Water Authority. There I learned about a rain barrel! When I first heard about a rain barrel and the benefits such as reducing flooding, I became so passionate about bringing awareness to homes with out this device. I continue to think that if we had a rain barrel then, I didn’t have to lose my first science project or building blocks. It can change lives! I soon became curious if there was any way to additionally enhance the rain barrel to help the environment. In two years of research and multiple engineering designs, I successfully added a hydroelectric generator to my rain barrel that I installed in my backyard, and I started sharing my idea with the world. I contacted Create Change Africa to learn about their water crisis relief efforts in Ghana and how rain barrels impact developing countries with a limited supply of drinking water. In the past three years, I have worked with this community in Africa to help others become more aware of their water crisis and their environment.
Last month, I was crowned Miss Teen Earth Pennsylvania 2012. I am very honored to receive this title and be recognized for my efforts to keep our planet more environmentally friendly. I am the 2011 awardee of the President’s Environment Protection Agency Youth Award for my state and six state region.
Miss Teen Earth is a beauty pageant that carries the message of environmental activism of confident young women to the rest of the world. The words “Beauties for a Cause” describe these young women, like myself, as role models who preserve the beauty and integrity of our own lives while we continue to inspire and encourage new generations to protect the living world and all its creatures. My platform, Green4Good, encourages everyone to conscienciously help our environment. Through my activism, I am aiming to encourage others to become eco-friendly and “green for good!” As an environmental advocate, my goal is to bring awareness throughout my community, my state, and our nation about the importance of taking care of our planet, Mother Earth. I will be representing Pennsylvania at the national Miss Teen Earth United States Pageant in August 2012 in Long Beach, California. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about “going green” and proposed “green initiatives”, as the biggest misunderstanding is that the movement to help our planet is too expensive. Contrary to this belief, I am spreading my platform’s message that going green is simple, and everyone can help. Did you know? Recycling one ton of paper saves 20 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, three cubic yards of landfill space, 60 pounds of air pollutants, and saves enough energy to power the average home for six months.
My title has given me the opportunity to spread the message of environmental awareness with so many individuals more than I ever thought I could reach. I had the opportunity to be an honored “green” guest at the Pittsburgh’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade where I got to share my message with everyone from Congressmen to kids. I waved to Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland and Steelers chairman emeritus Dan Rooney. And keep an eye out for me this weekend marching with the USA Science and Engineering Festival contingent and Grand Marshal Buzz Aldrin in the 2012 Cherry Blossom Parade Festival! It will be an out-of-this-world experience! On Monday, April 16, I was invited by President Obama to attend the White House Environmental Education Summit. 
You CAN make a difference on the environment! For more ways to help and to follow my journey visit: http://www.facebook.com/missteenearthpennsylvania2012.I have been a part of the NASA INSPIRE program for the past three years and a Huntsville, Alabama Space Camp Academy Alumna. It is because of the NASA INSPIRE program that I have a sincere appreciation for science and technology. THANK YOU INSPIRE!
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