Hometown: Newton
School: Newton High School
Parents: Todd & Lynnette Hendrickson
Talent: Vocal Performance - "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz
Social Impact Initiative: iStand - Teens Against Drug Abuse
Objective: To champion a healthy, drug free lifestylefor teens across America and serve as an authentic
role model as Miss America's Outstanding Teen.
Social Impact Partners
Natural High Organization
STAND Organization
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
Drug-Free Youth
Generation RX
Harvey County Drug Coalition
Youth Leaders in Kansas
Mirror, Inc
Leadership Positions
STAND & Generation RX Board Member/Speaker; StudentAmbassador for Harvey County Drug Coalition; Youth Leaders in Kansas KC3 Conference Speaker; D-FYCoalition & CADCA Youth Representative; National Honor Society Member; Student Council Representative; Principal’s Council Member; Volleyball, Basketball, and Track Athlete
Accomplishments
4.1 GPA; Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen Teens In Action Award, Evening Wear and On-Stage Question Award; Runner up in National Singing and Acting Competition for AMTC organization; Railer Basketball 2 Year Letter Winner; Student-Athlete Academic Award; voted Lady Railer Basketball Most Valuable Player and Hardest Worker
Volunteer Work
Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, National Drug Take-Back Day, Harvey County Safety Fair, Million Meals, Ronald McDonald House, Asbury Park Nursing Home, and New Hope Homeless Shelter
BOLD, COMPASSIONATE, DRIVEN
Bold - I have strong personal values and am unafraid to have courageous conversations.
Compassionate - I make everyone I meet feel valued, heard, and seen. I'm able to connect with people from all types of backgrounds and empathize with their personal struggles. I speak about my Social ImpactInitiative with compassion, not condemnation.
Driven - I have a strong understanding of time management, staying organized, and representing myself andthe Miss America Organization with integrity and respect.
STRATEGIC PLAN
In my first 100 days as Miss America's Outstanding Teen, I will utilize my national partnership with"Natural High" to create informational content and begin my nationwide school tour to educate teenson the dangers of substance abuse. I will elevate the Miss America mission by securing new partnerships and sponsors and raise more funds for the scholarship foundation, ensuring the continued success of MAOTeen for years to come.
According to the American Psychological Association, 13% ofAmericans reported starting or increasing the use of drugs due to the pandemic. One reported cause was the isolation and decrease of stimulating activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. As MAOTeen I will usher our nation's teens from the pandemic to a new world of opportunities; specifically, the opportunities the Miss America Organization provides.
WHY I SHOULD BE MISS AMERICA'S OUTSTANDING TEEN 2021
As Miss America’s Outstanding Teen I will educate teens across the nation on the dangers of drug abuseand the many alternatives available to them. I will further the Miss America mission by bringing light to thedark topic of substance abuse and utilizing national partnerships to prevent the use of drugs in teens. I willshow the nation that the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization is more relevant than ever,unafraid to speak on issues facing our teens today.
REFERENCES
"Gracie’s passion for her community can be seen in her prevention efforts. Working hard to prevent underage use, whether tobacco and nicotine, alcohol, marijuana or opioids, Gracie shows up ready to make a difference. Gracie is stepping up and volunteering for all opportunities that come her way, growing into a community leader on underage substance abuse. She stands in integrity, confident in what she believes, unwavering among her peers and friend groups." - Ben Meier, You Leadership Program Manager, STAND Organization
"I think very highly of this young, bright teen and reccommend her without reservation for this scholarship. Gracie is exeptionally responsible and demonstrates a very compassionate heart. She also has the dicsipline and leadership to follow through on her ideas and initiatives. She is most definitely an outstanding Kansas teen!" - Des Martens, Vice President of Prevention Services, Mirror Inc
OFFICIAL BIO IN PDF CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE