Miss District of Columbia

Danai Mattison

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
I was part of an actual car chase! My family and I were driving home when we witnessed a hit and run. The police were not very close behind the suspect, so my dad decided he would help and try to catch the guy. So, we sped behind the car and led the police to the suspect. It was pretty intense!!

Please list any Honors/Awards you have received in the past 2 years.
Winner of the National Piano Playing Tournament Medal
Winner of Superior Talent Honors in the National Piano Playing Guild
Winner of Top Talent Honors in the National Piano Playing Guild
Received 5 Musical Merit Awards for achievements in the District of Columbia Federation of Music Clubs
Received consecutive honors for participation in the annual Baroque Festival Sponsored by the District of Columbia Federation of Music Clubs
Selected for the District of Columbia Federation of Music Clubs Honors Recital
Received numerous awards for participation in USTA/Mid-Atlantic Tennis Association Tournaments
District of Columbia Jack & Jill of America Organization 2005 Distinguished Teen of the Year
2005 Eastern Region Jack & Jill Organization Carole Robertson Award Nominee for the District of Columbia Chapter
2005 Eastern Region Jack & Jill Organization 3rd Place Carole Robertson Award Winner

List any other Achievements/Accomplishments
Selected to participate in the Choir for the nationally televised "Kennedy Center Honors" (December 2003 & 2004) Selected to participate in the American Family Choir for AOL-Time Warner national television production of "Christmas in Washington" (December 2003 & 2004) Please list any other jobs and/or unique occupations you have held in the past.
Administrative Assistant at the Long & Foster Real Estate Chevy Chase Sales Office
Counselor at the Beauvoir School
Counselor at the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation - helping children improve study skills

What are your strongest talents?
My strongest talents are playing piano, tennis, and dancing.

Name one person, family, friend, celebrity, who has had the most influence on your life.
Vanessa Williams. I admire her strength and determination despite the obstacles that have come her way. I also greatly admire her accomplishments in pageants, music and acting!

Describe how you envision yourself in five years?
In five years I will be beginning my first year of law school, preparing to become an entertainment lawyer!

What else do you want the judges to know about you?
I want the judges to know that I am very dedicated and determined to be the best that I can be in all things. I heard once that "it is not who you are inside, but what you do that makes you who you are." As Miss Teen USA I hope to make people aware of the issue of self-esteem and most importantly leave the crown even better than I received it.

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