News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A young woman from Warren County was just named Miss Iris Tennessee Teen Volunteer.
Mary Humphrey said that winning the title means a lot to her, because it will allow her to continue work on her platform focusing on children’s literacy.
“My biggest initiative is raising funds for the Imagination Library and similar programs that give children that opportunity to start that love of reading at an early age,” Humphrey said. “To set them up for success for their future education.”
The Imagination Library’s partnership with the Books from Birth Foundation provides free books to children from the time they are born until they begin school. Humphrey said their work is close to her heart, as she was a Books from Birth Foundation child herself.
Humphrey said The Miss Iris Tennessee Teen Volunteer pageant is a way for young women to gain confidence in themselves while also focusing on the motto of “SERVE.” That stands for scholarship, education, responsibility, volunteerism and empowerment.
Humphrey said she plans on visiting as many classrooms as she can, as well as hospitals to help support kids in their love of learning. She said she’s also exciting to offer support to more people in the pageant communities as well.
“I love everyone who is involved with the Volunteer Organization and what it stands for,” Humphrey said. “With a root of service, and scholarship and empowering young women.”
Humphrey has participated in pageants since she was 13, said the win is also significant because of her love of this pageant.
“On top of my personal platform work, I also get to travel to the local pageants and be there to represent the state organization,” Humphrey said. “But also just to get to love on contestants, whether they’re new to the system or have been there forever. Getting to communicate with them, and empower them, and make them feel loved, and help them know that this title is a possibility for everyone.”
