Caroline Swaim, a senior at East Forsyth High School, is looking forward to representing her town as the Miss Teen USA Kernersville this year.
Swaim first got involved with the Miss Teen USA competition through a good friend.
“She started a 5K called Head Bands 4 Hope. The 5K is for children who have cancer.”
Swaim is looking forward to be involved with her friend’s 5K by passing out headbands to the children with cancer and also participating in the run.
In order to be Miss USA for Kernersville, Swaim had to compete against three other girls her age and was picked by the Miss Teen USA program to represent her town.
“I have one year and then I have to give up my title,” she said, noting that isn’t the end. “In October, I will be competing again, but for the title of Miss NC Teen USA.”
Swaim explained that some of the qualifications to be part of Miss Teen USA include: being a good student, being involved with her town, being able to speak on her town’s behalf, trying to make an impact as her town representative and serve as a role model.
In order to make an impact in the Kernersville community, Swaim plans to read to children at Cash Elementary School.
“I plan to read to kindergarten students and talk to the third and fourth graders about why it is important to get good grades and to get involved with their community while they are young,” she said.
Swaim said she will also be involved with other programs throughout the year.
“While involved with Miss (Teen) USA, I will also be involved with a program called Girl Talk, which is a program where I will work as a mentor to younger girls to teach them why it is important to be yourself and be proud of who you are because it is a huge issue with young girls today,” she explained, noting they are encouraged to be a part of the program though Miss Teen USA.
Swaim said they are also encouraged to get involved with the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
“This is something I can relate to because this past October, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said, noting that her mother has now beaten the cancer. “My mom is the one that has really encouraged me to be a part of Miss (Teen) USA.”
Swaim feels that the experience of working in the community and being a part of Miss Teen USA will be beneficial to her future.
“From this experience, I think I will gain a lot of new friends, meet lot of a lot of business leaders and learn how to really carry myself,” she said.
Swaim is enjoying the experience so far.
“I am enjoying helping out and the support I am receiving from the community,” she said.
Along with being involved with Miss Teen USA, Swaim has also participated with the Deans for three years, National Junior Honors Society, Junior Civitans, Varsity Lacrosse team for the past three years, cheerleading during her freshman year, danced for 13 years, volunteered at the Winston-Salem Open for over 80 hours as a ball girl, is involved with Kernersville Connections through the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce and takes part in other community service in her spare time.
