Meet DeAnna...
Title: Miss Appalachian Highlands 2020
Social Impact Statement:
Breast Cancer Awareness
Talent: Spoken Word “This is Me” (The Greatest Showman)
Age:17 (will be 18 by June 2020)
Hometown: Mountain City, Tennessee
College: Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Being crowned Miss Appalachian Highlands 2020 has been an absolute dream come true. Becoming part of the Miss America Organization and the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition has been an honor and a blessing. Since I was crowned, I have been in my community almost every day making a difference whether it is advocating for a cause at an appearance or giving back to my community to my best ability, it's like I’m living in a dream. My favorite thing of my year has definlety been reading to sweet little elementary children. Not only do I get to teach our younger generations about the importance of volunteerism, but I love getting lots of hugs from all the children and seeing their bright smiles when I walk in the room.
Three years ago, my best friend lost her battle to cancer. This was a time filled with heartache and sadness. After losing someone dear to my heart, that changed my whole perspective on life. Through this tragedy, I found my passion. I created and developed my platform S.T.O.P and Serve which stands for Serving to Teach Other Passion. This is one of the many reasons why I’m so passionate about my social impact and what I advocate for. One of those many reasons is that I was the official waitress at the annual Relay for Life Cancer Survivor Dinner in remembrance of my best friend. In dedication to my best friend, I have helped raise over $7,000 for Relay for Life. Through donations, all $7,000 was distributed among East Tennessee to benefit cancer survivors’ medical funds to pay the expenses. My goal for my social impact is to become a National Ambassador for the American Cancer Society.
For my outstanding community service, I have humbly received two State Community Service Awards and a Proclamation of Honor of the Town of Mountain City, Tennessee. The Governor's Volunteer Stars Awards and Steamworks Appalachian Highlands 20 under 20 Honorable Mention. The Governor's Volunteer Stars Awards seek out individuals to recognize outstanding volunteers from each of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Steamworks Appalachian Highlands 20 under 20 Honorable Mention recognizes 20 students under the age of 20 for their community service, leadership, academics, etc. I was presented with the Proclamation of Honor of Mountain City, Tennessee for my diligence of community service and volunteer work across the United States. The Proclamation of Honor declares that January 7th, 2020 is DeAnna Greer Day in my honor.