BECAUSE ANTSO GIRLS DO BIG THINGS…
DREAM, ACHIEVE, BELIEVE!
(Scroll down for a glimpse into each girls journey)
As we start a new
year, it’s refreshing to be able to look back and reflect on the dreams and achievements
of the reigning NJ titleholders; Preteen-Cassidy Diamond, Junior-Bryanna
Schucker, Senior-Olivia Suarez, Miss-Brittany Shukdinas & Preteen
Sweetheart-Ma’Sonia McPherson. They exemplify all that is right with today’s
youth! They’re driven, dedicated, and determined to succeed not only in the
classroom...but outside of it as well.
They haven’t let the
fact that they will crown their successors in a few short months; get in the
way of continuing to serve as volunteers in their community. Throughout the
year they have enriched many lives, the photos below will give you a glimpse
into just why they were chosen to represent the NJ this past year. They are also
reminders that you don’t need to be involved with a national organization to do
great things...you can do them right in your own back yard! These exceptional young women serve as daily
reminders to me as exactly why it is that I continue to serve as the state
director! They’re beyond inspiring!
CASSIDY
founded an organization called Charity Chicks;
this group of young girls have been getting together once a month in the Ocean
City Library to make cards for the troops in the military, bake cookies for the
homeless shelter, and make sandwiches for the homeless. Cassidy also participated in the Ensign John Elliott Hero Walk on
the Ocean City Boardwalk. The event attracted over 800 participants and raised
$100,000 to support the Nations Fastest Growing
Drunk Driving Prevention Program.
BRYANNA- In November Bryanna sponsored a book drive through the Stories For Strength Organization which she founded. She collected and delivered over 100 books to the library for the kids at the Harlem Boys & Girls Club. This Christmas found Bryanna and her friends at their annual Christmas Party making candy canes for the kids.
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OLIVIA’S dedication to numerous
volunteer organizations speaks volumes about her desire to help those in her
community. For the second year in a row, Olivia has collected donations to
sponsor wreaths for the annual Gloucester Co. Wreaths of Remembrance Ceremony. She
has sponsored drives to collect new and gently used coats as part of Burlington’s Feel The Warmth Coat Drive. Olivia is also involved with the
Glasses for Sight collection drive through the local Lions Club, and sponsors
an annual drive to collect flip-flops for soldiers serving in the military.
(Scroll to the end of the post for a wonderful heartfelt note from Olivia)
BRITTANY-The Salvation Army Holiday Event in Trenton, NJ where again this year Brittany helped fill the Christmas wish-lists of children and families in need. These lists compiled by the Salvation Army helped make Christmas memorable for over 1200 families in 2011 in Mercer County NJ alone.
Guardians of Freedom is an organization near and dear to Brittanys heart. She founded the organization through a desire to help improve the lives of our men and women serving overseas and also as a way of saying thank you for the dedication and sacrifices they have made. From Bagram to Bahrain "Guardians of Freedom" shipped boxes of love from home to our men and women serving overseas.
MA’SONIA - sponsored a Toy drive for the Kids at the Harlem
Boys& Girls Club. Toys and gift cards were collected and personally
delivered to the kids during their annual Christmas party. Soni spent the day
with the kids and helped distribute gifts.
Olivia
Suarez
As the new year approaches and I
reflect on 2011, it really was another year of giving! With our without my crown, I am a continuous
volunteer and support many causes and organizations.
One of my favorite and most moving
events is the Wreaths of Remembrance. I
collect donations and help lay over 1,100 wreaths on each veteran’s gravesite
each year. I thank and pray for each
veteran for their personal sacrifice to keep our country free. A few hours in the chilly winter morning is
the least I could do for what they have given to all of us.
Gently used or new hats, gloves and
scarves were collected for the Angels of God Clothing Closet and coat donations
for One Warm Coat organization. These
collections are still continuing.
I was unable to travel to New York for
Christmas to visit with the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem, but I did send some
toy donations and was assured each child received a special gift for the
holiday.
Another personal challenge was to fill
a huge basket of Thanksgiving food for a family of 6. With the generous donations of many I was
able to provide an overflowing basket along with two turkeys! What a feast this family could enjoy!
The first ever Gloucester County
Spirit of Community awards dinner was a special night. I am now a four time recipient of the
Presidential Gold Volunteer Service award which gives recognition to those who
provide hours of community service to others in need.
A collection I started which has
become an annual collection is Shower Shoes for Soldiers. Over 300 flip flops have been sent through
the Military Support Group of South Jersey to troops overseas.
In between my homecoming, senior
portraits, senior Snow Ball, applying for colleges and all the fun, crazy
things senior year has to offer, along with family gatherings, I was able to
get into the Christmas spirit riding down Main Street in the annual Pitman and
Westville Christmas Parades. Afterwards,
there were photos with Santa and his sleigh and I helped to “flick the switch”
to light the town tree and take a horse drawn carriage ride with a few other
“crown heads” as other pageant queens are affectionately called, and warmed up
with some yummy hot chocolate!
As a former Miss Mantua 2006, I
attended the Miss Mantua Pageant in my hometown to see who would be crowned the
new Miss Mantua. I enjoy returning every
year to support this local pageant. This
pageant was basically my introduction to pageantry and all the opportunities,
scholarships, and services young, accomplished girls can achieve.
As the Christmas season ends and a new
year begins, my reign as New Jersey National Teenager will soon come to a
close. I will be making many more
appearances and providing services to those in need before I say my final
farewell; so until next time, have a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous New
Year!
Olivia Suarez
NJ National Teenager 2011
