Did you know that Ava, your 2013 Miss PA Jr. Pre-Teen Queen, won her title at her first pageant ever!! Here is what she has been up to during her year of service as your 2013 Miss Pennsylvania Jr. Pre-Teen:

This was my very first pageant experience, and winning the title of Miss Pennsylvania Jr. Pre-Teen has been truly unbelievable. As state queens, we go on to compete in the NAM National pageant. Wow! Being at Nationals was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Not only did I learn so much about myself, tried new things, and made new lifelong friendships, I placed 3rd runner up among the state queens across the country in my division. One of the messages I want to send out to all the state finalists and all the young girls of today, is that you can do ANYTHING! Anything is possible when you dream and believe! So dream BIG!

It has been an amazing year as Miss Pennsylvania Jr. Pre-Teen! Taking home this title last August, was the beginning of a year full of new friendships, new experiences and so many opportunities. Donating school supplies to my local elementary school, local library, and to children in need at United Neighborhood Centers, started my journey of giving back to my community and representing the great state of Pennsylvania. I also volunteered at some local races, which included the Susan J. Komen Race for the Cure. Here I was with my sister queen, handing out medals to the kids crossing the finish line! I was also able to participate in various events for Marley’s Mission, which has become my true passion with volunteering. Marley’s Mission is a private, non-profit organization, where horses (Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy -- or EAP) help to heal children who need to feel happy again--free of charge. Marley’s Mission has served more than 275 children in Northeast Pennsylvania. I have watched my parents be involved with this amazing organization, and from the very beginning, I wanted to help too. Because of my volunteer efforts this year, I received the Spirit Reigns Award on behalf of Marley’s Mission—an award that recognizes young dedicated volunteers under age 18 for demonstrating exceptional commitment to Marley’s Mission and “Building Hope.” It was also an honor when I was asked to be interviewed for their annual video to deliver the message of Marley’s Mission across the country. =

My year has not yet come to an end and I look forward to more amazing opportunities. It was great to be part of the NAM open calls—meeting state finalists, spending time with my sister queens and the NAM staff who make you feel like family. Thank you to my family for all their support, my sister queens and Sandy and Nicole Palmgren for helping to make this year AMAZING! My year of service as Miss Pennsylvania Jr. Pre-Teen will stay with me forever.

Embrace life, help others, and pursue your DREAMS! 

Your Miss Pennsylvania Jr. Pre-Teen,

Ava Laboranti