Miss Teen America's

Touch Of Class 2006

Miss Emily Cassens

______________________________

No fooling -- Emily is an April Fools Day baby. But holiday babies are not usual for her family who also sport News Years Eve (step sister), New Years Day (brother), Memorial Day (mom), Flag Day (step dad) as well as Labor Day, St. Patrick’s Day, May Day, and I am not sure it should really count but - Tax Day April 15th.

Emily is a freshman in the honors program at Illinois State University. "Go You Red Birds!". She earned an impressive 3.825 during her first semester and loves college life. She tested into her Spanish major as a second semester sophomore and hit the ground running. She is looking forward to studying in Spain in spring 2008. Her home town of DeKalb, IL is located 60 miles west of Chicago.

Emily's platform is "Finding the Hero Within" a platform that promotes positive self esteem in today's youth through volunteerism. “One person has the power to affect the lives of so many others. As teens we sometimes forget this and can fall prey to the forces of peer pressure and bad decisions. By getting involved in your school and community it really enables you to see the difference one person can make. Believing in yourself comes from within; but it is found by looking beyond yourself.”

I have had an incredible time as Miss Teen A.T.O.C. I have made so many appearances and met so many wonderful people. My A.T.O.C. family has been there every step of the way sharing in the fun and supporting me when I needed it. The most exciting happening is my upcoming cover for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine. I can't believe it - ME on the cover of a national magazine. How great is that? I owe it all to my title as Miss Teen A.T.O.C. and the hard work of our directors. I was featured in the August edition of Pageantry Magazine. I was asked to write the Teen Scene article and submit my story for the issue. What a rush! Of course being Miss A.T.O.C has been more about what I can do for others. I continue to volunteer in the Big Brother's Big Sister's program, I am supporting and sending care packages to an Army unit in Iraq, and I remain active with Humane Society and St. Judes Children's Hospital. It is hard to believe that my year is winding down, but the friendships I have made will only grow. I am looking forward to Nations in Las Vegas in July. Crowning my successor will be bittersweet, but I know that who ever she is she will have the love and support of a GREAT TEAM OF A.T.O.C.