Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the show segmentOn June 20, Savanna Troupe was crowned Miss Arizona 2009.
Savanna is a 23-year-old Magna Cum Laude graduate from Arizona State University.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in middle school math.
Savanna’s is very passionate about her platform “
Quest 4 Success: Enriching Lives Through Higher Education” and will spend her time as Miss Arizona traveling to high schools in the state promoting higher education.
We sat down with Troupe to talk about the year ahead.
ABC 15: Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Arizona pageant?
Miss Arizona: I have been competing for a few years now… this was not my first attempt. Originally I became involved because I loved the talent portion and saw Miss Arizona as a talent show where I could win scholarship money.
As I became more involved my platform became the most important aspect and my passion for my platform and community involvement has kept me coming back to compete because with the title of Miss Arizona I have the opportunity to take my community service platform to the next level.
ABC 15: What is your platform and how did you choose it?
Miss Arizona: My platform is called Quest 4 Success: Enriching Lives Through Higher Education. My focus is on helping students attain their hopes and dreams of going to college.
It isn't about pressuring students to go to college but reducing the barriers for those that want to go. I personally am a first-generation college graduate. I grew up in a single-parent family as the oldest of nine children.
I always wanted to go to college but had no idea of how to get there. It was my teachers that helped encourage me to go after my dreams! And I hope that I will have this kind of impact on other students.
ABC 15: You said you are the oldest of nine … Tell us what that was like growing up.
Miss Arizona: I am the oldest of nine, but not all of us are blood-related.
Being a baton twirler, I was given a duet partner and her and I were inseparable.
Not only was she my duet partner, she was my best friend and a big part of my family. About eight years ago her and her siblings were taken from their mother.
Being that she was my best friend, my mother offered to help out in any way she possibly could. Long story short, my mom ended up adopting her and her 5 siblings! I now have three brother and five sisters! There is never a quiet moment at the house!
ABC 15: What are your goals as Miss Arizona?
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 several college-bound organizations including the City of Phoenix's program, College Depot. College Depot provides free 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.
ABC 15: Aside from your platform work, what comes next for Miss Arizona?
Miss Arizona: I will be competing for the title of Miss America, where I will be able to show off my talent, swim suit and evening wear. I will also have a ten-minute interview with the judges and two on-stage questions.
In the interview portion of the Miss America pageant, the floor is open for the judges to ask you anything they would like! You can watch for me in the Miss America Pageant in January, held in Las Vegas!
For resources on going to college you can check out my Quest 4 Success program just
click here.
To follow Savanna’s year as Miss Arizona
visit the organization's website.
Miss Arizona Scholarship Foundation
2800 E 14th St
Douglas, AZ 85607-2627
520-364-5308
