2007 TITLEHOLDER
Rachel Lauren McCleery
Miss Monroe County 2007
Miss Monroe County 2007
Miss Monroe County 2007
Name: Rachel Lauren McCleery
Age: 19
Hometown: Ida
Platform: Increasing Awareness of Special Needs Children Through Holiday Camp
Talent: Musical Theater Vocal
School: Michigan State University
Scholastic/Career Ambition:
Obtain a Doctorate Degree in Choral Music Education
Become a Professor of Choral Studies
Leadership Roles:
Co-Chairperson of Monroe County United Way Youth Campaign; Camp counselor at Holiday Camp; Member of Music Educators National Committee; Assistant group leader for MSU Eric "Ricstar" Music Therapy Camp
A Thought from Rachel:
One in eight children in the state of Michigan is diagnosed with a disability that affects their ability to learn; Autism alone has increased by 100 percent in the past five years. These are children that are lost, confused, and have no choice but to struggle to fit in for the rest of their lives. Holiday Camp, nestled in the village of Grape, is a very special place where these kids can be accepted and embraced for who they are. For two (three)-week sessions, and one (two)-week session, campers arrive at 9:30 and enjoy a fun-filled day of crafts, music, baking and most importantly, swimming! Each year the camp is able to offer 120 children and 40 adults with a variety of impairments, a safe and friendly summer camp environment.
When I think of what Holiday Camp could look like in a year, I see it perfectly in my mind. There's twice the amount of land for campers to play on, a newly renovated house full of arts and crafts, and a large enough staff to accommodate all children who want to attend camp. As Miss Monroe County, I plan to create a lasting impression on others in the community. I will be remembered as a Miss Monroe County who improved the mental and physical lives of the disabled, and motivated others in the community to want to do the same.
If you would like to read more about Rachel's year as Miss Monroe County 2007 and her work with the Holiday Camp, click here to read her personal blog updates. Click here to learn more about Holiday Camp.
Name: Rachel Lauren McCleery
Age: 19
Hometown: Ida
Platform: Increasing Awareness of Special Needs Children Through Holiday Camp
Talent: Musical Theater Vocal
School: Michigan State University
Scholastic/Career Ambition:
Obtain a Doctorate Degree in Choral Music Education
Become a Professor of Choral Studies
Leadership Roles:
Co-Chairperson of Monroe County United Way Youth Campaign; Camp counselor at Holiday Camp; Member of Music Educators National Committee; Assistant group leader for MSU Eric "Ricstar" Music Therapy Camp
A Thought from Rachel:
One in eight children in the state of Michigan is diagnosed with a disability that affects their ability to learn; Autism alone has increased by 100 percent in the past five years. These are children that are lost, confused, and have no choice but to struggle to fit in for the rest of their lives. Holiday Camp, nestled in the village of Grape, is a very special place where these kids can be accepted and embraced for who they are. For two (three)-week sessions, and one (two)-week session, campers arrive at 9:30 and enjoy a fun-filled day of crafts, music, baking and most importantly, swimming! Each year the camp is able to offer 120 children and 40 adults with a variety of impairments, a safe and friendly summer camp environment.
When I think of what Holiday Camp could look like in a year, I see it perfectly in my mind. There's twice the amount of land for campers to play on, a newly renovated house full of arts and crafts, and a large enough staff to accommodate all children who want to attend camp. As Miss Monroe County, I plan to create a lasting impression on others in the community. I will be remembered as a Miss Monroe County who improved the mental and physical lives of the disabled, and motivated others in the community to want to do the same.
If you would like to read more about Rachel's year as Miss Monroe County 2007 and her work with the Holiday Camp, click here to read her personal blog updates. Click here to learn more about Holiday Camp.