NE Jr. Preteen shares how pageants have brought out the volunteer within...and she is only 10!
Step into Sara Stehlik shoes this year and you will find that she is one busy 10 year old - always on the go and always giving back(having logged 3000 hours of community service already).Recently, Sarah received quite a LENGTHY featured in her HOMETOWN paper( picture of article featured left) acknowledging her volunteerism .
In the article, Sara shares her year representing National American Miss, traveling to our Nationals with her family over Thanksgiving (and having a reason to take a family vacation) and placing 1st runner-up in the nation to the National Title. About the experience, Sara says, "I was just really shocked that I stood out among such an amazing group of girls. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I wold make the top five."
But, the article features on all of the volunteerism that Sara has spent her year taking part in, including the Nationally Recognized Teen Nick Halo award winning, Miss Amazing pageant.
This year, Sara skipped out on her friends birthday party to give back and volunteer as "buddy's" for The Miss Amazing Pageant. The "buddies" are essential to the pageant, as each contestant(whom has a mental or physical disability) is teamed up with a buddy to help them throughout the event. This year, Sara's buddy captured the crown and after becoming fast friends, together they have shared a fantastic year representing Nebraska. While for most 10 year olds, missing your friends birthday party might seem like the end of the world, it's not for Sara. "You have to make sacrifices when you come into pageants, but it really pays off," she says. Her mom, Kelli shines even more light on how pageantry has emphasized community involvement in her 10 year old. "I think being in pageants has brought out the importance of community servic. It's different than what you see on T.V."
Along with other organizations such as Relay For Life, American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Club, Sara also participates in a slew of activities from Girl Scouts to Swim Team. But, its pageants that Sara most cherish's. "It really prepares you for what might come up. I've gained a lot of self esteem and self confidence. I've really come out of my shell," Sara shares.
Be sure to check out this Hometown article featuring this buys bee! Sara definitely gets ROCKIN' NAM GIRL status in my book!