The Power of the Crown
Miss Orlando 2003 uses her platform to change lives
by Elizabeth Hannum

On Feb. 8, 2003, Valerie Lynch, a senior majoring in political science at the University of Florida, was named Miss Orlando. Yet there's more to this beauty queen than meets the eye. On a stage where every gowned participant wants world peace, Lynch has decided to dedicate her life to promoting awareness and education for mental illnesses.

Amid the glitz and glamour, Lynch stands firm on her platform to promote awareness of a topic so close to her heart. She felt a personal calling for this issue because her brother faces every day living with bi-polar disorder. A deeper look behind the tiara reveals that awareness of mental illness is not just her platform but her life.

Lynch is the first college student in Florida to ever become a Family-to-Family Educator for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. As an educator, she helps teach a twelve-week course clarifying the biological particulars of different mental illnesses.

"I'm really trying to promote the fact that the general public is not aware," she says.

To improve visibility for the issue, Lynch coordinated Mental Illness Awareness Week on UF's campus, helping to distribute information about mental health to students. Lynch handed out brochures and information on local resources, bestowed silver ribbons in honor of anyone that has suffered from mental illness, and helped with depression screenings. Unlike many people, she's not afraid to stand among the masses for such an important cause.

"My family and I have dealt with stigma and ignorance while realizing the power of education in overcoming them," she says.

As a result of this realization, Lynch developed an educational presentation with the Mental Health Association of Central Florida to teach businesses and universities about mental illness. This video also provides prevention tips on how to recognize untreated mental illnesses and prevent employee income loss. Currently, it is being distributed to over 400 businesses and institutions.

Dealing with the issue of mental illness is only one of Valerie's many achievements. After the pageant gowns are put away and the makeup comes off, Lynch remains a 2003 Truman Scholar finalist, is a J. Wayne Reitz Scholar, and maintains a 3.91 grade point average. However, Lynch isn't weighed down by her many responsibilities. In fact, she welcomes them.

"As a student, I have the opportunity and responsibility to be a catalyst for positive social change," she says. And this Miss Orlando is exactly that.

Contact Lynch at vallynch@hotmail.com.

Copyright © 2006 Oxendine Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved