Miss Kansas

Rachel Saunders

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
Keeping up with my senior year schedule was the craziest thing I've done. Each day began at school, where I attended classes and kept up with my responsibilities as vice president of my senior class and the student council. I worked in the afternoons as an assistant pre-school teacher with twenty-four children. At night, I took college courses. Both semesters I carried a total of nine credit hours. In additon to all of this, I held two part-time jobs on the weekends. Balancing all these activities was the craziest thing I've ever done. And, though it was a challenging time for me, the experience taught me the value of hard work and the importance of time management.

Please list any schools and universities (public/private/graduate/trade or technical) you have or are attending, as well as the area of study, graduation date and any degree or certification you received.
High School: Tonganoxie High School; Year Completed: 2002
Trade School 1: Kansas City Community College; Area of Study: Prerequisites;
Trade School 2: Johnson County Community College; Area of Study: General Studies;

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
Sunflower House. This is a home where abused children go to file reports and seek counseling. I've helped with special events and fundraising which totaled several hours.
Kansas VFW Hospitals. I've visited the residents and helped with special events on numerous occasions.
Fundraising for the homeless in the Kansas City Area. During the winter season, I helped raise money and went shopping to purchase clothing and necessities to keep people warm during cold months.

What would be your "dream job" in life?
I'm still trying to figure that out! Ideally, I'd like to find something that combines my creativity with my passion for helping others.

Name one personal accomplishment (in addition to being a State Titleholder) that makes you especially proud.
I was named the winner of the Mentor Award at my state pageant in 2004. This meant a lot to me because I didn't even realize there was such an award. The teen contestants were told to vote on a Miss contestant they admired and who was like a big sister to them during the pageant weekend. When I was announced as the winner, I was truly honored.

What are your hobbies and favorite activities?
Traveling, Excercise: spinning, running, and lifting weights, Spending time with family and friends, Going on a ten mile hike on Sundays, Organizing, Dancing, Helping brides find their "dream gowns", Photography, Cooking, Spending time with my dog, Kiwi. I love to spoil her!