HONOLULU, HAWAII – Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape was named one of eight finalists (out of 52) competing for the Quality of Life Award at the 2012 Miss America pageant at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The Quality of Life Scholarship is given to women who excel in their commitment to enhance the quality of life for others through volunteerism and community service. The Miss America Organization funds three Quality of Life awards with special attention to depth of service, creativity of the project and the significant effects upon the lives of others.
Cheape graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and a minor in Business and Japanese. She competed as a scholar athlete on the UH Water Polo Team and Swim Team, and has also received an Academy for Creative Film Award. She wrote and directed a film called “Li Hing Mui, Lilikoi, Lychee,” which was shown at HIFF, Shanghai International Film Festival, as well as the Los Angeles International Film Festival.
Cheape has also started a charity – C.A.R.E: Collegiate Athletes Reaching Everyone. The C.A.R.E. plan was adopted by the University of Hawaii, which encourages children to stay in school, stay active, and live healthy lives with the help and support of college athletes. Cheape also raised more than $40,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network, the official charity of the Miss America program. She is working toward her Master’s Degree in Business Administration and also wants to become a film director.
Additional information about the Miss America Organization can be found at www.missamerica.org .
Miss Hawaii has become the most prestigious program of its kind in the island state. For more information on the Miss Hawaii Organization please visit www.facebook.com/MissHawaiiOrganization
Submitted by Lincoln Jacobe