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Sophomore crowned Miss Black Delaware USA
4:46 p.m., Jan. 9, 2007--Lauren Parkes, of Baltimore, a sophomore fashion merchandising major, was crowned Miss Black Delaware USA on Dec. 27 and will represent Delaware in the Miss Black USA competition that culminates on June 2, in The Gambia in western Africa. While the judging of contestants will take place in Baltimore, the crowning will be held in Africa in keeping with this year's pageant theme, “A Royal Journey Back to Our Roots.” If selected Miss Black USA, Parkes will win a $20,000 scholarship and become pageant spokesperson. “I'm excited. It's been a dream come true. I've been competing in pageants since I was 16,” Parkes said. “I think it's important to teach our youth that they can accomplish their dreams and stay true to themselves. It is essential that we show faith in our young people and as role models continuously strive to break down gender, race and age barriers.” Parkes is active in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware, as a volunteer cheerleading coach at the Boys and Girls Club of Newark and as cofounder of Project Wish List, a nonprofit organization that she and her father began last November. Parkes said her career ambition is to become a buyer for a high-profile retailer but because she believes everyone should give back to his or her community, she also would like to continue working with Project Wish List, which will host its first holiday dinner for 20 low-income families, complete with gifts donated by businesses, next December. Parkes said she started Project Wish List so that disadvantaged families could have an “incredible” Christmas filled with all of the things that more affluent families enjoy. Eager to begin her reign as Miss Black Delaware USA, Parkes said her goal is to showcase the charm and distinct character of the First State. |
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