Grand Valley State University - Graduated with Honors in April 2003 with a B.A. in English and a double Minor in Music and Elementary Education

Niles Senior High School - Graduated with Honors in 1997

I will be performing the classical piano piece "Rhapsody Number 2 in G Minor" by Brahms

I will continue to teach at the Elementary Level while promoting music education in the schools.  I will also complete my Masters of Arts Degree in Education, with the hope of developing a non-profit music foundation to help disadvantaged youth in their pursuit of the arts.

• I am an avid NASCAR fan and grew up with a Winston Cup Driver.
• I was the most hated student in the Grand Valley State University Music Program.
• I once worked undercover for the local police department.

I want people to value and embrace the positive power of music.  It is my goal to increase awareness about the importance of music and the direct correlation between music and at-risk youth violence.  Music programs develop self-confidence and are a key factor in keeping at-risk students involved in school.  As Miss Michigan 2003, I will be an advocate for these programs in the State Legislature.