Bethany Hejtmanek Miss Teen Louisiana 2003

Bethany Hejtmanek

Age: 18

School: Evangel Christian Academy, Senior Class

Hobbies & Sports: Singing, acting, playing pool, tennis, scrapbooking, babysitting, volunteering at church, and spending time with friends.

Honors: Miss Teen Louisiana 2003; 1st place at Youth Talent Competition for Louisiana Farm Bureau in July 2003, President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes; National Honor Society; 1st place at Caddo Magnet High's Talent Show in Fall 2002; awards for the past two years at Assembly of God state and national Fine Arts Festival in vocal, short sermon, and drama competitions.

Interesting Facts: Traveled to Jamaica and the United Kingdom for mission trips; featured on billboards for Southfield School around Shreveport/Bossier in 2nd and 3rd grade; performed in at least one drama or musical every year since 3 years old.

Future ambitions: Attend college, majoring in TV broadcasting. Then pursue a seminary degree, going into full-time ministry, working with youth and children in the United States, India, and around the world.

Platform as Miss Teen Louisiana 2003: Character Education: "Teaching Kids to Care" Character education is teaching children to care about being responsible and respectful members of society. Today, the vast majority of Americans share a respect for fundamental positive character traits such as honesty, compassion, kindness, courage, and perseverance. Yet, in today's complex and troubled world, most children face great uncertainties. These positive traits are not always taught or modeled at home and because of this, it may be difficult for children to grasp or learn them. Therefore, the challenge is to teach children positive values and help provide the support they need to be successful and develop into strong, competent, caring, and responsible citizens.

Volunteer Activities:
· Winner's Circle volunteer - a summer camp for inner-city children
· Speaker at area school assemblies of fourth and fifth graders
· Kidz Camp Counselor - a Christian summer camp
· Advocate for "Character Counts" character education program
· Holy Angels Volunteer
· Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children volunteer
· D.A.R.E. Role Model - speaking at several local elementary and middle schools