By DEBORAH LEGARE Staff Writer
For many teens, the path to their future isn’t as clear as they would like. However, Sarah Price, a soon-to-be 16-year-old, not only has her future planned but also has a fun detour scheduled along the way.
The detour is trying for the crown at the 2009 Miss Maryland Teen USA pageant.
“I heard that you didn’t need experience to win, so I decided I wanted to try,” Sarah said.
Being curious, she looked up the pageant, applied and was accepted.
“I saw how being a part of this contest could help others and that’s what I am all about,” she said.
She discovered through her research that many pageant winners speak on subjects about which they are passionate, such as environmental issues of the dangers of tanning.
While her interest in human science and her desire to become a registered nurse will allow her to help people in the future, she spends time helping those who can benefit from her attention now. Sarah volunteers at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as much as she can.
With the support of her family and friends, the Glen Burnie High School junior will go on stage to compete during the weekend of Nov. 7 through 9 at the Bethesda North Marriott in Bethesda. The winner will advance to represent the state in the 2009 Miss Teen USA pageant. The pageant is still accepting applications until mid- September, so the number of contestants is still to be determined.
Although Sarah has never participated in a pageant before, she knows what competition is all about.
“I have competed with the Pom Squad three times and have done numerous field shows. It trains you to be in rhythm and consistent,” she said.
To compete for the crown, all contestants must be interviewed. They also are judged in a gown and swimsuit. The opening of the pageant includes a dance routine that Sarah is very confident in doing.
When the time came to raise the money for the pageant, her mother, Sandi Price of Glen Burnie, was right beside her daughter.
“My mom keeps the doors of opportunity open for me. I am very grateful for that,” Sarah said with pride in her voice.
Many local businesses have helped to raise the $995 needed to compete. Businesses like Cancun Cantina, JBA Mitsubishi and ZBest Limousines, as well as her doctors and councilman, Ed Middlebrooks, all took out their checkbooks to help this young newbie in the pageant arena, according to Ms. Price.
While dreaming of the crown, Sarah knows exactly what she wants for her life. She wants to help people.
Already in her third year at the Center of Applied Technology North training to be a medical assistant, she plans to one day be a registered nurse. She plans to study at Anne Arundel Community College, and another college yet to be determined, and hopes to work at the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.
“I have already talked to Shock Trauma nurses and know what I have to do to get there,” she said.
“She has a spirit that just wants to help,” her mother said.
Even when she was a little girl, she helped care for her mother when she was recovering from an illness.
Going for the crown can be a victory for many girls since there are five finalists and up to 15 semi-finalists. Each finalist will receive a trophy, cash scholarships as well as jewelry, clothes, photos, salon services and much more. Semi-finalists also will receive a trophy, salon services as well as scholarships. Scholarships awarded last year ranged from $250 to $1,500.
Everyone who tried to describe Sarah came to the same conclusion: She is outgoing, has a great attitude and is extremely funny.
“She is just naturally funny,” said longtime neighbor Tim Dash. “She will take this experience, win or lose, and grow from it.” {Corrections:} {Status:}
SARAH PRICE TO COMPETE FOR MARYLAND TEEN USA CROWN
(c) 2008 Maryland Gazette. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.
Comments