Miss New York Teen USA pageant

Hello! My name is Emily Williams and I am a senior at Monroe Woodbury High School. I am an AP student, a member of multiple honor societies, and a part of the cross country and track teams as well as a Girl Scout.  I am very excited to say that I am an OFFICIAL STATE FINALIST in the 2020 MISS NEW YORK TEEN USA pageant. This is the first step that could lead me to the national MISS TEEN USA pageant. I am very eager for the experience and the opportunity to get my voice out there. I am not only competing to have fun, but I also want to raise awareness for eating disorders. This is an issue that is very close to my heart. I have seen what it can do to a person and to a family. This issue is not nearly talked about enough. I think that people are scared to talk about very personal issues like this, which is understandable. I want to encourage people to talk about eating disorders. They are often very misunderstood, especially in young girls. I want everyone to understand eating disorders. I want people that are struggling to know that their body is not something to be ashamed of or feel like they have to hide. Rather, it is something to be grateful for and proud of. Our bodies are our vessels for life and they deserve love and care. Encouraging everyone to accept themselves, to be proud of how they were made, and to open the conversation about eating disorders is my ultimate goal in competing in this pageant. I believe that this is a good platform to start getting my message across. Participating in this pageant requires a fee of $1495. This includes my expenses during the 3-day, 2-night program, including food and lodging at the beautiful Crowne Plaza White Plains & Performing Arts Center at Purchase College on January 17-19, 2020, gifts and prizes for MISS NEW YORK TEEN USA finalists, semifinalists, and contestants, production of a beautiful stage presentation which includes professional equipment, sets, judges, emcees, technicians, entertainment, and staff, airfare, wardrobe, and other expenses toward the winner’s trip to the host city of the MISS TEEN USA pageant. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for me and it is only possible with your help. Thank you :)