Lauren Barnette
MISS VIRGINIA USA 2007
Senior – Virginia Tech
Majoring in Communications with a concentration in Psychology
Lauren is from the beautiful mountains of Southwest Virginia, and has lived
in Wise all her life. She has two older brothers and an enormous extended
family with more cousins than she can nearly count. Having such a large
and supportive family has been a great encouragement and blessing in Lauren’s
life, not only in her pursuit to become MISS VIRGINIA USA® and soon
MISS USA®, but in her career and life goals as well.
Lauren’s
genuine love for interacting and connecting with people lead her to naturally
choose Communications as her major study at Virginia Tech.
Studying Broadcast Journalism and Psychology has developed a broad awareness,
understanding, and an ability to communicate with people from all walks of
life.
She
is a member of The National Scholars Honor Society, active
in the Virginia Tech Leadership Program, PRSSA- Public Relations
Student Society of America,
Best Buddies VT Chapter, and is a member of flag football and dodge ball
intramural sports teams. Lauren also assists Coach Frank Beamer with football
recruitment
activities.
“During my leisure time, I sincerely enjoy modeling, parasailing, snorkeling,
travel, volunteering, and spending time with my family and friends.”
“I
strive to make a positive difference in the lives of people
everyday, and I believe that it is paramount that my actions
speak as loudly as my
words.”
Creating
a positive impact for Virginia through volunteering, Lauren
has spent many hours supporting the following organizations.
• Best
Buddies Virginia
• Best Buddies: Virginia Tech Chapter
• National Kidney Foundation
• RAM – Remote Area Medical Program
• CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates
• Beth Foundation
• Safe Kid’s Coalition
Lauren’s
personal story of tragedy and ultimate triumph has been
a motivating factor in her desire to make a difference
through volunteering, especially
with children.
When
Lauren began her bicycle ride to her great-grandmother’s
house at the age of 12 the seventh grader didn’t consider
wearing protective gear. She had never had an accident
and it didn’t cross her
mind. Sadly, Lauren did not make it to her great-grandmothers
that evening and her life was altered
forever.
Riding
in the dark on a newly paved road and down a steep incline
without protective bicycle gear
proved nearly
fatal for Lauren.
Not being able
to see the road
well enough to discern the pavement from the ditch,
she ran into the ditch and was slung over the handlebars
and knocked unconscious.
Lauren
eventually
awoke and found her way back home dazed, bloody, and
in great pain.
After
receiving medical attention, she was left with physical scars
on her nose, lip, chin and chest.
Unfortunately,
Lauren
learned
during her
recuperation
that people often judge a person’s external
appearance rather harshly. The difficulties she experienced
after
her accident caused emotional scars
that affected her self esteem as well as her confidence.
With the support of her family and true friends Lauren
was able to move beyond the scars she felt
inside to be the confident woman she is today.
Lauren
still has a few small physical scars from that
tragic accident, but it serves her in a wonderful
way
as she connects with people
young and old
that deal with a plethora of adversities as well
as those who are fortunate to not have suffered
through such events.
If
you would like to book Lauren for an appearance or speaking
engagement, please contact the
state
pageant office at:
(276) 466-6782
After
Lauren completes her obligations in the MISS USA® system,
she plans to finish her last semester of study
at Virginia Tech, earning a Bachelor degree
in Communications.
MISS VIRGINIA USA® State Office
22512 Clubhouse Ridge
Bristol, VA 24202
Phone: (276) 466-6782 Fax: (276) 466-8440
|
