Miss Louisiana

Candice Stewart

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
I have an extreme fear of roller coasters and while vacationing in Disney World with my family I decided it was time to conquer this fear. I wanted to start off small and work my way up to the massive roller coasters with twists and upside down turns, but that just didn't happen. All of a sudden in the mix of the Disney excitement my brother yelled out,"Let's ride the Incredible Hulk and take a family photo." At that very instance the hair on my arms stood straight up. To make a long story short, the family photo consisted of me with my head in my mother's lap. What a great family photo!

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: Grace King High School; Year Completed: 2001
College: Xavier University of Louisiana; Area of Study: Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology; Year Completed: 2005; Degree: Bachelor's of Arts & Sciences

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter: As a volunteer and official spokesperson for the organization, I have traveled all over the state of Louisiana mentoring elementary students about fire safety through the program "Stay hot & be cool." In addition, I have just been named the official AIDS and HIV spokesperson for the Southeast Louisiana Chapter. My duties will include venturing throughout the state of Louisiana to lecture to high school students about the debilitating effects of the AIDS virus.
Dress for Success Women's Charity: As a member of the New Orleans Saintsations NFL cheerleading team I worked with this organization to directly dress and prepare women to enter the working world.
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: I have worked extensively with this organization in an effort to educate women about the complications of breast cancer and the importance of scheduling regular mammograms.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: I have volunteered with this organization for over 5 years and am very passionate towards finding a cure. My eleven-year-old nephew suffers from Juvenile Diabetes, and I work constantly as a team member to raise money to support him and the millions of other children who have this disease.
Habitat for Humanity: As a volunteer for this organization I have worked endless hours over the past 3 years helping to rebuild many abandoned houses in the New Orleans area.

What would be your "dream job" in life?
My dream job in life is to own and operate my own pediatric speech and language clinic.

Name one personal accomplishment (in addition to being a State Titleholder) that makes you especially proud.
One personal accomplishment that I am especially proud of is my motivational program B.R.A.G - Believing, Reaching and Achieving Goals. I have recently implemented this program in elementary schools throughout Louisiana and it's been a great success. The program is formulated around the concept of "bragging." However, this is bragging for a good cause. One fifth grade class from each elementary school that I visit is chosen at random and gets the opportunity to brag through creativity by making brag books. Brag books are scrapbooks filled with an individual's likes and dislikes, pictures, awards and above all goals that he or she wants to accomplish. After showing the students my personal brag book which has helped me accomplish so much, I explain to them the importance of goal setting and challenge them to make their own brag book. One winner is chosen from each classroom and is awarded a savings bond and award signed by myself and the principal of his/her schools.

What are your hobbies and favorite activities?
Dancing, Reading, Decorating, Shopping, Going to the movies, Working out.