Lauren Parkes

Education

Parkes attended parochial schools in Baltimore County before entering the Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore, Maryland. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Delaware where she received a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising.

Career

During her senior year, she was honored as a Maryland Distinguished Scholar in academics and the art of dance. Parkes is currently pursuing her Masters at Louisiana Salle University. Pageants

Parkes is actively involved with her community.

She is a Big Sister in the Big Brother Big Sister organization of Delaware and the volunteer cheerleading coach of a Junior Olympic Cheerleading team at the Boys and Girls Club of Newark, Delaware.

Furthermore, she recently founded a non-profit organization entitled Project Wish List which enables disadvantaged families to have an incredible Christmas holiday. She stresses that it is essential that we show faith in our youth and as role models continuously strive to break down barriers whether they be gender, race, or age related.

During this time she also campeigned for greater awareness of Black History Month, as well as increase funding for inner city schools within the greater city areas of Delaware. In 2010 Parkes placed in the Top 5 in the Mission Maryland United States of America competition.

In 2011, Lauren placed 1st runner up to Mission Delaware United States of America 2012.

Official Website.

Achievements

• Since her entry into the pageantry arena, she has competed in such pageants as: Mission Maryland Teen United States of America 2004, Mission Maryland Teen Coed 2005 (4th Runner up), Mission Maryland United States of America 2007,Mission Black Delaware United States of America (Winner) Mission Delaware United States of America 2008 (Top 16),Mission Maryland Galaxy 2008(Winner),and Mission Earth Delaware 2011(Winner). She has also won a variety of awards consisting of: Most Promising Model, Best Sportswear Model, Best Smile, Placement in the semi-finals, and two-time Best Interview honors. During her reign as Mission Black Delaware United States of America, Parkes deemed it important to teach youth that they can accomplish their dreams and stay true to themselves in the process of doing southern

Membership

She was a member of the competition dance for all four years of her high school career. In addition she was a member of the Peer Ministry Club.