Since I am a huge sports fan I am always excited to meet current and former
professional athletes, my favorite kind of celebrity. At the Greater Lehigh
Valley Auto Dealers Association (GLVADA) car show I had the pleasure of meeting
former NBA center Darrell Dawkins during their VIP reception. Later in the week
I was introduced to current Philadelphia Eagle Jon Runyan. Our autograph signing
sessions overlapped, and since we were in different building I feared that I
would not have a chance to meet the NFL starting right tackle. Fortunately,
after giving a not so subtle hint to the event staff that I really wanted to
meet him, the nice folks from the GLVADA escorted Mr. Runyan to my table on his
way out. Thanks again!
Event staff are often instrumental in arranging opportunities to meet VIP’s at
various events. During the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Scranton, one of the
nation’s largest St. Patty’s Day parades, I had a chance to meet Governor Ed
Rendell and Senator Hillary Clinton. It was a very surreal experience. After
completing the parade rout I was escorted to the stage to watch the rest of the
event along with several dignitaries and other guests. At one point the parade
came to a stand still and not a single float, marching band, or dance troupe
passed by for quite some time. Then, out of no where, a whole host of media
vans, secret service agents, and more politicians than I have ever seen
assembled in one place, descended on the parade rout. Security officers roped
off the crowd and warned everyone to stand clear. In the midst of this chaos a
kind parade coordinator escorted me to the front of the crowd so that I could
meet the governor and presidential candidate.
While meeting people with wide name recognition is always memorable, my
encounters with heroes who are unknown to most have all been unforgettable. For
example, I spent one morning with police Officer Cruz while participating in the
Read Across America Program in a Philadelphia elementary school. After
volunteering to read Dr. Seuss books to the students Officer Cruz was able to
share with them his reasons for becoming a police officer and why he was so
committed to keeping his neighborhood safe. He even told a story of how he
almost lost his life during his first night on the job. Despite the fact that
there is often distrust or lack of respect for law enforcement agents in many
urban areas, it was very clear that he earned their respect and gratitude. While
he may not be invited to mingle at VIP receptions or ride on a float in a
parade, to me and the students he touched that day, Officer Cruz will always be
a hero.
I count it a true privilege that this title has enabled me to meet such
wonderful people including a few celebrities, influential politicians, and every
day heroes. Even more amazing though, is that the power of the crown can enable
Miss Pennsylvania to take on each of these roles in her own way. To some she is
somewhat of a celebrity (the next season of “Miss America Reality Check will
certainly add to her “celebrity status”). To others she is a person of
influence, not unlike politicians who utilize their positions to shed light on
worthy causes and draw attention to the plight of underserved people. Finally,
to the children, wounded veterans, senior citizens and every day Pennsylvanians
she encounters she can actually be a hero.
It never occurred to me that Miss Pennsylvania could be a hero until I visited
Camp Curtin Elementary School in Harrisburg. I was there to offer some
encouragement to the students as they prepared for their PSSA tests but to my
surprised I left that day having received even more encouragement than I had
given. One of the staff members took the time to go online and collect photos of
me during appearance throughout the year. He used them to put together a slide
show that ran prior to and during my introduction and chose to have the song
Hero, by Mariah Carey, playing in the background. Later he admitted that his
intention was both to help the students understand what the job of Miss
Pennsylvania entails and also to bring tears to my eyes. He got his wish on both
counts. Reminiscing about visits to the children’s hospitals, retirement homes,
and autism fundraisers was emotional but also inspiring. I am proud to be a part
of such a positive program which not only has a tremendous impact on the young
women who participate but also allows us to, in a small way, become every day
heroes in the communities we serve.
Rachel Marie Brooks
Miss Pennsylvania 2007
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