What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

One night last spring, a group of my friends and I decided to have a bonding night. As we made our way back to the house, we started talking about some of the craziest things we had ever done. Sadly, I didn't have a lot to say on the subject. One of my friends decided that it would be the perfect night to break in my craziness. I was dared to do a standing back tuck right there in my jeans and high heels. I took great care to illustrate the fact that it was stupid stunts like this that I had striven all of my life to avoid. And then, I decided, "Why not?" And, I did it. That night marked the first, and semi-sadly, the only stunt I have ever pulled requiring no logical thought whatsoever. The back tuck was a success in the sense that I walked away limp-free. Afterward, though, my jeans looked like they had been worn by a kindergartener on the playground. And now I have made an oath: no more gymnastics in real clothes and high heels.

If you could have lunch with any one (1) person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Susan B. Anthony. Of the many qualities in a person that I admire, Susan B. Anthony seemed to possess them all. She was a great advocate of gender and racial equality, as am I. Anthony spent her life fighting for those overlooked by the government and deemed useless or insignificant by the common person. She is one of the greatest examples of altruism that history has to offer and I feel that even moments with her would leave me with a lasting inspirational desire to make something of who I am and something more of who I will become.

Please list any Honors/Awards you have received in the past 2 years.

Published Poet
Illinois State Scholar
American Legion Essay Winner
Illinois Principal's Award recipient
Photographer of the Year Award
Cheerleading MVP; Most Spirited Cheerleader
Track & Field triple jump school record

What would be your "dream job" in life?

Writing (working my own hours) for a major magazine or newspaper.

Name one personal accomplishment (IN ADDITION to being a State Titleholder) that makes you especially proud.

I finally, after being at the top of my class each of the four years of my high school career, presented the Valedictory speech representing my high school class of 2007. This was a most satisfying accomplishment as I felt that it disproved the stereotype that there is no intelligence within pageantry.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I never seem to have enough spare time. In retrospect, it has probably been because I am always trying to jam-pack what I do have with activity. Whenever I find myself with an unscheduled time block, I often find a few cheerleaders and spend the day stunting. Or, I exercise, play with my dog, read or write, and, if all else fails, I participate in a most beloved activity of mine, napping.