Elizabeth Fechtel (Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2012)

From the Miss America's Outstanding Teen website: Currently a 17-year-old senior at First Academy High School in her hometown of Leesburg, Florida, Elizabeth is an AP Honor student. She is involved with many clubs, and proud to be the Treasurer of National Honors Society and President of the Student Body. As well as being recognized with her competitive dance company for multiple top scoring national awards, she has also received numerous honors as a jazz soloist. She trained for 10 years with the Shooting Stars School of Performing Arts of Clermont, Florida. The title of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2012 provides Elizabeth with a nationwide vehicle to promote her platform, S.E.R.V.E: Students Everywhere Recognizing Volunteer Efforts. Her mission is to highlight exemplary youth volunteers and, most of all, encourage others to discover the benefits of volunteering. She believes that once one realizes the impact they can have on their community, they will not only touch the lives of others, but also obtain an exceptional level of personal growth. Through her own local T.V. show and by speaking to youth across the nation, she concludes her program is a way to promote self esteem, meet local needs, and strengthen communities. Elizabeth also spends her time promoting MAOTeen's national platform, the Children's Miracle Network by working closely with the organization through fundraising events. Elizabeth loves spending time in the outdoors. One of her favorite activities is kayaking Florida’s many rivers and lakes with her sister. She also is an avid scuba diver and enjoys spending time in the Florida Keys and Bahamas boating and fishing with her family. She hopes to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications with a minor in Spanish. Elizabeth’s career goals include becoming a broadcaster for a major network and establishing a performing arts school in an underprivileged country.