So Ivy, tell us a little about yourself!

          I am going to be a senior at East Greenwich High School this fall.  I love playing tennis, the violin and getting iced coffee with my friends.

What is the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Program?

The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen scholarship program is dedicated to encouraging scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement. The scholarships provided to the Outstanding Teens represent the program’s belief that education is key to a person’s success.

Could you describe your platform?

          My platform “It Only Takes One” is about discovering the power of service.  We have a responsibility to one another to use our individual gifts and talents to help others.  Not only do we have a responsibility but the feeling that we get from serving others is unparalleled.  Though service we are able to allay our own difficulties.  The joy that we can bring to others makes our own troubles less.  Maybe you think that one person can’t change anything.  But one voice can ignite tremendous change and even a revolution. Because where one small voice is barely heard, a sea of numerous ones can advocate for and promote almost any cause.  It Only Takes One to inspire a million. 

 

What do you think is the most important thing for teens to know?

          As a teenager it’s easy to feel like you don’t fit in.  But those quirks are exactly what make you who you are.  Embrace the original side of yourself.  I used to think my passion for music was odd, but when I play the violin its like nothing else in the world. Music has taught me the importance of hard work and never-ending practice as well as the freedom of expression and power of sharing music.  It is through our unique gifts and talents that we discover our greatest passions in life.

 

Any advice to girls who want to be the next Miss Rhode Island’s Outstanding Teen? 

          What they might not realize is that Miss Rhode Island’s Outstanding Teen is already a part of them.  She’s a part of you too!  She’s the part who pushes you to do better when you know you can.  She’s the part who says, “chase you dreams they’re not too far away.”

What are your plans for this year?

          This is going to be an exciting year!   As Miss Rhode Island’s Outstanding Teen I will do my best to be a role model to teens and serve our community.  I hope to partner with Community Musicworks in Providence a nonprofit organization that helps build relationships between musicians and urban families.  I hope to graduate at the top of my class and go on to college and become a physician.  Eventually I would like to work with the organization Doctors Without Borders.