Meet Miss Teen North Dakota International 2017
On the wall as you enter my room, hangs a picture that
serves as a reminder. The bold letters
say, “Be Brave,” followed by my confirmation verse, Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know
the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future.” I do my best to live my life with passion and
purpose. I am a junior at Fargo South High School. I adore my family and
friends and spend most of my free time singing and performing in musical
theatre. My favorite part of my daily
routine is helping teach the woman’s choir, at my school. My Music Education platform is my daily
passion.
I auditioned for my first choir when she was six years
old. Since then, I have developed a
diverse background in performing arts.
My experience includes musical theatre, lead vocals in a band, state
music contests, state choir, competitive figure skating, dance and pageants. I
have participated in several musicals in the past few years. Last year, I was recognized
as, The Outstanding Soloist in Eastern North Dakota, at Music Contest. I have been delighted to have the opportunity
to work with the amazing mentors at my school, as well as at the Minnesota
Opera and Broadway Professionals, through Open Jar Workshop.
It was at an Open Jar Workshop, where Jeff Whiting shared
his story of playing the lead role in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, on
Broadway. He tearfully recalled being
impressed with his rendition of the character.
Following the show, a young boy in the audience reached out to him and
Jeff noticed that the boy had a disabled arm.
“We did it!” the boy said. This encounter caused a shift in the way Jeff
saw his role as an actor. It was no
longer about him doing an amazing job, but rather it was about telling a
character’s story that needed to be told.
I believe music and the performing arts is a profoundly
human experience. It not only enriches our lives, but it connects us to one
another through our human experience. I feel that music in our schools is often
undervalued. Funding for music programs
is often limited when finances are not there.
I want to challenge people to see music education not only as something
that enriches our lives, but improves the skills necessary for school success.
In the future, I hope to become more involved in music
advocacy. I want to expand my
partnership with The North Dakota Music Educators to support community and
school based music education. My
intention is to highlight the need for quality music opportunities in rural and
low-income areas. After graduation, I plan to attend a college with an
outstanding Music Education Program and eventually work on my doctorate.
Ultimately, I aspire to be the inspiration for young people that my music
teachers have been to me.
Yours in harmony,
Payton Hausauer, Miss Teen North Dakota International 2017
