Savanna Troupe Interview
Miss Arizona 2009
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Maricopa County pageant?
I have competed for Miss Arizona before and I loved the experiences that I have had. I really wanted one more opportunity to try for the title of Miss Arizona, and because I have graduated from college I was able to commit to my platform full-time as Miss Maricopa County.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Arizona?
It truly didn’t hit me right away, but as soon as it did I just kept thinking, “I have so many organizations I have to call to get started!” There are so many projects I had in the works so I wanted to let everyone know that I won and was ready to get started!
Tell us about your platform, “Quest 4 success: Enriching Lives Through Higher Education”.
I have developed a four-part plan—Quest 4 Success—addressing the critical junctures students face on the road to higher education, 1) inspiring all students to believe that college is possible, 2) encouraging academic dedication through middle and high school to be prepared for college, 3) helping students navigate the application process to find the right fit and find a way to pay for education, and 4) guiding students to seek the support they will need to make it through college.
I speak to groups of students at predominately low-income middle and high schools to motivate them to pursue their educational dreams and give them the tools to attain a college education. My background is similar to many of the students and I use my success to inspire them to follow their dreams. I emphasize the importance of taking the right courses, maintaining good grades, and community involvement.
When did you begin baton twirling?
I have been in baton twirling since I was seven years old. I wanted to originally be a ballerina but my mom said that would cost too much money, so she signed me up for baton instead. She had no idea that I would end up twirling on the national level! Needless to say, I don’t think she saved any money by putting me in baton. J
You competed in Miss Arizona once before taking the title the second time, what motivated you to come back and compete again?
This was actually my FOURTH time competing at Miss Arizona, and I would have done it again next year. It is not about winning the title of Miss Arizona that kept me coming back, it was the amazing experiences that I have year after year. Every year that I have competed for Miss Arizona I have grown with the program and learned more about myself. I know that if I was handed the crown my first year I would not have been ready for it. Now that I have had the time and experience to develop my platform, I know that I will do well in the job position of Miss Arizona.
Tell us about the work you have done for AmeriCorps.
I was a part of the UCAN serve portion of AmeriCorps. UCAN Serve focuses on placing students into nonprofit and government agencies serving high need, community priority areas. For my service I was at Powell Junior High Schoolin Mesa where I dedicated an average of 50 hours a week.
What would be your most memorable moment so far as Miss Arizona?
As Miss Arizona I do events and appearances for many different organizations, but the ones that are most memorable to me are the ones that involve my platform. I really enjoy speaking at schools and clubs where I have the opportunity to empower students to follow their dreams of going to college.
What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming Miss America pageant?
I am looking forward to representing my state! I have worked hard to get to Miss America and have put a lot of time into my platform and I know I will make Arizona proud. I am also looking forward to all of the new relationships that will be made among the contestants during our time together at Miss America!
Lastly, what issues will you be focusing on as Miss Arizona?
As Miss Arizona, I am and will continue focusing my work on helping students realize they can go to college and that money should not be a barrier. I have partnered with College Depot, a city of Phoenix program that provides access to full-service college planning through outreach, guidance, resources and referrals. I will be assisting and running free workshops at College Depot on college readiness, financial aid, scholarships, college applications, personal statements, interview skills, and test preparation. In addition, I will visit every public high school in the state of Arizona and promote my passion and platform, quest 4 success.
I have competed for Miss Arizona before and I loved the experiences that I have had. I really wanted one more opportunity to try for the title of Miss Arizona, and because I have graduated from college I was able to commit to my platform full-time as Miss Maricopa County.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Arizona?
It truly didn’t hit me right away, but as soon as it did I just kept thinking, “I have so many organizations I have to call to get started!” There are so many projects I had in the works so I wanted to let everyone know that I won and was ready to get started!
Tell us about your platform, “Quest 4 success: Enriching Lives Through Higher Education”.
I have developed a four-part plan—Quest 4 Success—addressing the critical junctures students face on the road to higher education, 1) inspiring all students to believe that college is possible, 2) encouraging academic dedication through middle and high school to be prepared for college, 3) helping students navigate the application process to find the right fit and find a way to pay for education, and 4) guiding students to seek the support they will need to make it through college.
I speak to groups of students at predominately low-income middle and high schools to motivate them to pursue their educational dreams and give them the tools to attain a college education. My background is similar to many of the students and I use my success to inspire them to follow their dreams. I emphasize the importance of taking the right courses, maintaining good grades, and community involvement.
When did you begin baton twirling?
I have been in baton twirling since I was seven years old. I wanted to originally be a ballerina but my mom said that would cost too much money, so she signed me up for baton instead. She had no idea that I would end up twirling on the national level! Needless to say, I don’t think she saved any money by putting me in baton. J
You competed in Miss Arizona once before taking the title the second time, what motivated you to come back and compete again?
This was actually my FOURTH time competing at Miss Arizona, and I would have done it again next year. It is not about winning the title of Miss Arizona that kept me coming back, it was the amazing experiences that I have year after year. Every year that I have competed for Miss Arizona I have grown with the program and learned more about myself. I know that if I was handed the crown my first year I would not have been ready for it. Now that I have had the time and experience to develop my platform, I know that I will do well in the job position of Miss Arizona.
Tell us about the work you have done for AmeriCorps.
I was a part of the UCAN serve portion of AmeriCorps. UCAN Serve focuses on placing students into nonprofit and government agencies serving high need, community priority areas. For my service I was at Powell Junior High Schoolin Mesa where I dedicated an average of 50 hours a week.
What would be your most memorable moment so far as Miss Arizona?
As Miss Arizona I do events and appearances for many different organizations, but the ones that are most memorable to me are the ones that involve my platform. I really enjoy speaking at schools and clubs where I have the opportunity to empower students to follow their dreams of going to college.
What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming Miss America pageant?
I am looking forward to representing my state! I have worked hard to get to Miss America and have put a lot of time into my platform and I know I will make Arizona proud. I am also looking forward to all of the new relationships that will be made among the contestants during our time together at Miss America!
Lastly, what issues will you be focusing on as Miss Arizona?
As Miss Arizona, I am and will continue focusing my work on helping students realize they can go to college and that money should not be a barrier. I have partnered with College Depot, a city of Phoenix program that provides access to full-service college planning through outreach, guidance, resources and referrals. I will be assisting and running free workshops at College Depot on college readiness, financial aid, scholarships, college applications, personal statements, interview skills, and test preparation. In addition, I will visit every public high school in the state of Arizona and promote my passion and platform, quest 4 success.