Ingredients
(All are organic and locally sourced when possible.)

1 cup quinoa
1-2 sweet potatoes
(roasted in unrefined coconut oil)
Wild-caught salmon
Organic kale
1 head organic broccoli
2/3 cup sprouts
1 avocado
2-3 tablespoons raw, unfiltered honey
2 tablespoons Bragg’s coconut aminos
1 teaspoon ginger powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons organic white miso
1/2 lime
1/2 fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Unrefined coconut oil
Cold-pressed olive oil

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Chop sweet potatoes into cubes; coat with 1-2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil, chili powder and lime.
3. Place sweet potatoes in oven; roast for 20-25 minutes or until slightly crisp on outside.
4. Boil quinoa according to package instructions.
5. Prepare salmon by covering with 1-2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon raw honey, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon coconut aminos, 1 teaspoon ginger powder and 2 teaspoons white miso.
6. Bake for 12 minutes or pan sear in cast iron skillet for 5 minutes, flipping once.
7. Meanwhile, place kale in large bowl and top with fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss.
8. Construct nourish bowl by adding 1/2 cup quinoa as base, add kale mixture, sweet potatoes, broccoli, sprouts, avocado and sprinkle additional toppings.
9. Enjoy!

Offers Exceptional Tranquility, Bountiful Feasts And Equestrian Adventures In Virginia’s Horse And Hunt Country

I’m not a horse person, per se. I haven’t been around them much, other than the ones in our neighbor’s yard that I used to sneak sugar cubes to when I was a kid, and I’ve never had the urge to hop on a saddle and trot around, let alone gallop. And yet, here I am, climbing on a 1,200-pound, Norwegian Fjord named Odin, and heading out for an afternoon ride.

You may wonder what, after 31 years of being slightly timid around horses, has sparked my equestrian interest. The answer isn’t quite a what but rather a where. I’m visiting Salamander Resort & Spa, a luxurious country estate in Washington D.C.’s horse, hunt and wine country, and I’m not about to pass up the chance to roam a few of the property’s 25 equestrian acres.

After adjusting my helmet and giving Odin a friendly nudge, off we go. But we don’t get very far. As I watch the rest of the group leisurely trot toward the trail through the woods, Odin, surprisingly keen to my inability to steer, meanders in the opposite direction and stops to graze on a patch of grass. Despite my feeble attempts of softly patting his back and verbally coaxing him, “C’mon, boy, follow your pals up ahead,” he could clearly sense that I had no idea what I was doing, and he had no intention of giddying up.

Thankfully, our guide noticed the difficulty I was having right out of the gate (literally) and came over to assist, instructing me to be firmer with my kicks and use the reigns to steer Odin back to the trail. Before long, we’ve rejoined the group and I’m feeling relaxed as we traipse through the quiet woods, experiencing nature in a way that I never have before.

As relaxing as the trail ride turns out to be, I’m about to experience unbridled levels of tranquility at Salamander Spa, complete with aromatic steam rooms, sun-drenched relaxation spaces and a secluded spa courtyard with an infinity-edge pool and cabanas. The spa’s main interior is adorned with sophisticated blue tiles, with a stunning Vitality Pool that beckons to be soaked in and heated Tepidarium loungers ready for relaxing. In total there are 23,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor spa and wellness amenities, including a couple’s spa suite and 14 exquisitely appointed treatment rooms.

The treatments here are incomparable to what you’d find at most standard spas. They offer Rasal, a unique, Hammam-inspired thermal mud treatment offered in a private ceramic temple; wraps geared to anti-aging and full body exfoliation; a selection of facials aimed at healthy skin and radiant glows; and a variety of massages, including Deep Tissue (focused on releasing chronic muscle tension); Well Being (Swedish-style) and even a Couples’ Experience which includes 25 minutes of suite escape time and a complimentary glass of Prosecco. I opt for a specialized Balancing Treatment, which calms the mind, refreshes the feet and energizes the lungs, and I leave feeling more rejuvenated and centered than I have in months.

The sun is just beginning to set over Salamander’s gorgeous landscape, so I take the opportunity to explore the property by foot. Salamander sits on 340 acres where guests can take part in all kinds of activities such as hiking, tennis courts and lawn games including croquet, bocce ball, corn hole and life-sized chess. The scene is more serene today, though. Guests are relaxing by expansive fire pits and sipping wine on cushioned patio furniture by the ivy-adorned terrace.

I journey down to a quiet pond where benches are placed for gazing on the water, then back up the hill where I discover a delightful garden.

There are rows of swiss chard and lettuces of vibrant greens and purples, along with an aromatic assortment of fresh herbs, situated among flowers and vines bursting from the sides of paths and twinkling lights strewn above, lending a magical feel to this lush outdoor space. It’s here in the culinary garden where chefs select the freshest ingredients for flavorful dishes featured at Salamander’s on-site restaurant, Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, where I’m dining this evening.

The menu at Harrimans celebrates the rich resources and history of Virginia’s most abundant region. Menu selections from the Butcher’s Block abound, with items like Not Your Mother’s Pork Chop featuring pork from Autumn Olive Farms in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley; or a Cowboy Cut, 2-ounce prime bone-in ribeye with smoked pancetta pesto. But there are plenty of succulent seafood dishes, as well as some vegetarian options to tempt every palate.

Finding it impossible to decide on just one of these impeccable options, I go for an assortment, starting with the Crispy Cauliflower—perfectly crunchy cauliflower florets, coated in a delicate sauce and topped with Calabrian chili, parsley and Parmigiano Reggiano. Next on the lighter side: Salt Roasted Beets diced and topped with watercress and mint, paired with toasted pistachios and with a smattering of yogurt; as well as Honey Glazed Rainbow Carrots, served with spiced Greek yogurt, parsnips and Carrot Top Salsa Verde. For my main course I indulge in Applewood Smoked Diver Scallops in brown butter with a smooth cauliflower puree, truffle vinaigrette, preserved lemon relish and aged Villa Manodori Balsamic. Desserts at Harrimans are not to be missed, with seasonal options available to tempt a variety of sweet tooth cravings, each with the option of being paired with a sommelier’s suggestion.

After-dinner drinks are recommended in the resort’s opulent study, adorned in rich, dark wood with leather furniture, fireplaces blazing, assorted reading material and a luxury 3D edition game of Clue. Maybe tomorrow. Tonight I’m ready to rest my head in a comfortably lavish room and prepare for another perfect day in Virginia’s hunt and horse country.

Book your stay at SalamanderResort.com.

Create Mighty Meals with These Extraordinary Ingredients

Superfoods: what’s the truth behind them and what makes them so powerful? Superfoods are naturally derived foods that harness a remarkable amount of healing nutrients. What makes these whole foods so “super” is their attributes of being low-calorie while delivering an unequated density of nutrients and notable amount of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components.

Superfoods are often mistaken as being exotic, exuberant and difficult to obtain. The truth is, however, some of the world’s most nutritious foods can be found at local farmers markets or grocery stores. Beets, basil, turmeric, organic sauerkraut, walnuts, ginger, garlic, Swiss chard, and blueberries are all excellent sources of body-loving antioxidants and detoxifying enzymes. They are not sourced from far off lands but, rather, can be found growing in our own Lynchburg community. There are many ways to implement these nourishing gems into every meal—from breakfast all the way to your evening dessert.

Holistic health and functional nutrition are imperative elements to my daily life—and superfoods are essential to that whole food regimen. In my continual pursuit to grow my knowledge of organic and integrative living, I find that superfoods never fail to be on the top of the list for powerhouse forms of food in every culture around the globe. I committed to implementing them into my diet about seven years ago and, since then, I have seen a remarkable change in my overall health and wellbeing. I now use these foods as medicine and have personally experienced their power—they’ve given a newfound energy to my body and have kept my immune system in elite condition.

In light of this, I’ve become acquainted with superfood forms that go a step beyond the ordinary. Learn more about my top choices.

Then, on the following pages, I’ll tell you a few ways to use these ingredients in your kitchen.

Goji Berries—These dried crimson berries are native to China and are packed with vitamins, protein and even 15x more iron than spinach.

Antioxidant-rich goji berries can be eaten raw, infused into herbal teas, alternative medicines and wines as well as used to garnish oatmeal, yogurt bowls and pancakes.

Matcha—Matcha is a special powdered form of green tea leaves—with 10x more antioxidants than average green tea (and 14x the amount found in blueberries), including cancer-fighting EGCG catechins. Matcha is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins that detoxify the body and relax the mind. Matcha’s caffeine content boosts metabolism, burns calories and aids in energy production. I typically drink one to three cups of Matcha per day and sometimes incorporate it into my smoothies!

Maca Powder—Maca powder is derived from the Maca root native to Peru. This superfood is packed with minerals and vitamins B1, B2, C and E. As an adaptogenic plant extract, Maca increases the body’s ability to realign optimal functions by rebalancing hormones and resisting the damaging effects of stress. This powder is a delectable alternative to conventional sweeteners, with a pleasant malty taste. I typically use the powder in smoothies, nut-milk adaptogenic lattes and feature them in my energy balls (see recipe on the next page).

Cacao Nibs—These crunchy superfood nibs replace the craving for dark chocolate, as they tend to garnish my yogurt bowls, oatmeal, mint green smoothies, and even baked goods. Cacao nibs, especially in their raw form, are some of the most antioxidant-rich foods. They contain a significant amount of phytonutrients that ward off damaging free radicals.

Chia + Flax Seed—These nutrient dense seeds pack a punch for their size! They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, are rich in antioxidants, and they provide absorbable fiber, iron, and calcium. As with chia, flax finds its way into all my morning bowls and even as a “flax” egg alternative in baking!

Hemp Seed—Hemp seeds are packed with an impressive amount of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These little seeds also contain a good amount of fiber, minerals, in addition to traces of cannabidiol, which reduces inflammation, regulates the immune system and protects the brain. These are great in oatmeal, over pancakes, and as smoothie or salad toppers.

Adaptogenic Energy Balls
(Raw, Vegan, Gluten Free)

Ingredients
(All are organic and locally sourced when possible.)
1 cup dry pitted dates, finely chopped
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup walnuts
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
2 teaspoons virgin coconut oil

Toppings
Dried flowers, unsweetened coconut flakes, chia + flax, hemp seed, raw rolled oats, cacao nibs, raw cacao powder, pumpkin seeds, pink himalayan salt, melted dark chocolate and optional: bee pollen, freeze dried berries, organic spirulina, adaptogenic powders (maca, medicinal mushrooms, ashwagandha)

Directions
1. Place pitted dates and virgin coconut oil in the food processor or Vitamix, and process to obtain fine, sticky crumbles.
2. Add the cacao powder and chia seeds. Pulse 1-2 times to incorporate.
3. Use your palms to form small balls.
4. Spread cacao powder and desired toppings on a plate or large piece of parchment paper. Roll balls over toppings to make them pretty.
5. Store in the refrigerator for a maximum of two weeks or freeze them for future use.
6. Share them with all your friends and your friends’ friends!
7. Enjoy!

By Spencer Bilek | PHOTOS BY ASHLEE GLEN

For the third year in a row, Lynchburg Living is your source to find the region’s best lawyers. From criminal defense to adoptions to wills, our 2019 Top Lawyers list shows you who lawyers themselves recommend in 26 practice areas.

Why is this peer-to-peer recommendation important? Because if a lawyer has a good reputation among their peers, you have some assurance knowing they will be honest, professional and hardworking when they work with you or your business.

On the following pages, learn more about two top-rated lawyers in the wills, trusts and estates specialty along with five common mistakes people make when writing (or, in some cases, not writing) their wills. You’ll also find the complete listings as well as informative profiles about lawyers in the region.

Since opening the summer of 2018, Tahini’s Mediterranean Grill has been busy from open to close. Located in the heart of Downtown Lynchburg at 912 Main Street, co-owner Nour Da’as Elkhamra proudly shares that if it were not for Lynchburg locals, they would not be here.

“Everyone has been so positive, encouraging, and extremely supportive,” Nour says.

Nour was born in Kuwait and lived half of her life in Jordan before moving to Canada. She hopped around to a few U.S. cities before landing in Lynchburg with her husband five years ago.

When Nour realized the recipes she cooked and craved were not represented anywhere in town, the idea of Tahini’s was born. Now, everyone can enjoy the flavors, spices, and textures that make up their unique menu.

Although none of the owners have restaurant experience, their diverse backgrounds bring a wide variety of flavors to the table from all over the Mediterranean… literally. Flavors from Greece, Spain, Egypt, and Palestine are all discernible and make their way onto your plate in a fast-casual environment.

While Nour says they have regulars who appear weekly and even daily, the staff is happy to help Mediterranean cuisine neophytes navigate their menu that features wraps, rice and salad bowls. She says the Beef Shawarma on the spit is always a huge hit; it’s only offered once a week, either Thursday or Friday. The Chicken Shawarma wrap is also very popular. They can satisfy vegetarian, vegan as well as gluten- and dairy-free diets.

Everything at Tahini’s is house-made, from the pickled turnips to the perfectly spiced hummus to the creamy baba ganoush. All sauces, dips, sides, and even their mayo is proudly made by hand.

Wash your tasty food down with a Stubborn Soda. Tahini’s is one of only two places in Virginia to sell the stuff (the other is in Richmond). Stubborn Soda has 90-100 calories, is made with all natural flavors, no dyes, no high fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners.

Tahini’s has homemade (of course) baklava and also offers date bars and snickerdoodles from Harry’s Bakery just down the road. They also have recently implemented an online ordering system to make things more efficient and are now offer a catering menu for large events.

Even though this downtown eatery is only six months old, talks of an expansion are already in the works. So don’t miss out—head downtown to open your mind and your palate to a world of flavor at Tahini’s.

PHOTOS BY Lindsay Carico, Capture Photography

Local Nonprofit Brings Freedom School to Lynchburg

The Listening celebrated its fifth anniversary last March, but 2019 promises to be an even more noteworthy year for the arts advocacy nonprofit. This June, The Listening will launch Freedom School, a free six-week program for rising sixth-graders that aims to improve literacy during the summer through art, dance, spoken word, and theatre lessons. Lynchburg’s Freedom School will be held at Randolph College.

The Freedom School program is a national initiative created by the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and is rooted in the Mississippi Freedom Project of 1964. Lynchburg’s Freedom School will be the first in Central Virginia, and The Listening is ideally suited to pioneer the initiative locally. “Nicholas George [founder and executive director of The Listening] started The Listening as a way to affect lives through spoken word poetry, particularly as a mental health intervention for middle schoolers,” says the Reverend Dori Baker, Member at Large of The Listening’s Board of Directors. “Making poetry and performing poetry can help you move beyond isolation around your own pain, anxiety, and fear into a place of community.”

George, Baker, and the Reverend Dr. Keith Anderson began thinking about creating a Lynchburg Freedom School a couple of years ago, but the Charlottesville rally of August 2017 spurred the team to turn plans into reality quickly. “After white supremacists created a tragic moment in our neighboring town of Charlottesville, we looked at each other and said, ‘Now’s the time’,” Baker recalls. “‘People need a tangible way to express love in the face of this kind of hatred.’”
The first step in The Listening’s journey to build a Freedom School was a trip to Clinton, Tennessee, which is the home of CDF Haley Farm. The farm, which previously belonged to Roots author Alex Haley, is the site of the CDF’s annual Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy.

Ten people— including three middle school students—made the trip.

“We had a week of being infused with the ethos of Freedom School and also learning the nuts and bolts,” Baker says. “We came back really inspired to do the fundraising and program planning. The three children who went were all middle schoolers. You can do Freedom School for third graders through high schoolers, but we had already zeroed in on middle school because that’s where The Listening’s sweet spot is. These middle schoolers came back so excited, singing the songs and doing the chants they had learned.”

Among the songs they learned was “Something So Strong,” a South African song of empowerment and resilience.

The lyrics include the phrase: “There’s something so strong inside of me; no matter what happens, I can take it, I can make it, I can be who I want to be.”

“The song is emblematic of what Freedom School can do,” Baker notes. “It puts inside kids’ heads this image of themselves as people who have many strengths, partly because of who they were born as, partly because of who their families are, and partly because of their communities.

Additionally, a particular strength that Freedom School focuses on is the history of people who have had to overcome struggles throughout time.

The curriculum is about inclusion, tolerance, and the strength that comes from diversity.”

The Freedom School curriculum focuses on teaching to the whole child (instead of “to the test”) through activities that foster self-expression and meaningful communication with others. “The metrics of Freedom School are so inspiring,” Baker says. “They really do solve that summer reading loss problem, especially for boys. I see Freedom School having a positive influence on the public education system over time.”

Days at the Lynchburg Freedom School will run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will begin with breakfast and different guest readers from the community.

“It may be our mayor, our school board superintendent, a librarian, a custodian, or a barber who does a reading, tells the children a little bit about him or herself, and does a question-and-answer session,” Baker says. “The readings will end with a chant in which the children will thank the reader for taking the time to come and share. I know that every single person who comes in to be a guest reader is going to want to find a way to come back and help in some way because, in my experience, there are not enough opportunities out there for that kind of hands-on, tangible expression of love.”

After the guest reading, the 50 students selected to participate in Freedom School will come together for a time of gathering called “Harambe,” a Swahili word meaning “let’s pull together.”

Then, after lunch, community partners such as Old City Cemetery, the Legacy Museum, Endstation Theatre Company, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah, and HumanKind will work with The Listening to provide fun enrichment activities.

Student eligibility will be determined by recommendations from fifth grade teachers and guidance counselors, and recruitment will take place in March and April.

“We hope to be able to prioritize kids who come from our two most impoverished neighborhoods,” Baker notes.

“We believe this can be an intervention in generational poverty. Dr. Elizabeth Perry-Sizemore, who is a professor of economics at Randolph College, and her research assistants are identifying the places by census zone in Lynchburg that have the highest poverty rate, and we are going to really emphasize recruitment from those two neighborhoods.” The Freedom School staff will consist of a program director, site coordinator, and six servant leader interns.

Baker hopes that Lynchburg’s Freedom School will serve as an example for future Freedom Schools throughout Central Virginia, and she is confident that future isn’t too far away.

“I envision Freedom Schools emerging across the state of Virginia from Franklin County, where Booker T. Washington was emancipated as an 11-year-old, to Hampton, where he was educated at Hampton Institute,” she says. “He walked the 500 miles right through Lynchburg and Richmond on that journey. Richmond will have a Freedom School in either 2019 or 2020. I imagine Freedom Schools blossoming all along that trail that Booker T. Washington walked.”

Mark Your Calendars January/February 2019!!

Academy Presents: Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn
Jan. 19
Bluegrass fans—you won’t want to miss this pickin’ party! Dubbed “the king and queen of the banjo” by Paste Magazine, Fleck and Washburn will perform pieces from their Grammy-winning self-titled debut, as well as their new record,
at the newly opened historic Academy of Music Theatre.
Find tickets at academycenter.org.

’Til Death Do Us Part: A Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
Feb. 9
Don’t just sit back and watch—become a part of the performance with Wolfbane Productions’ interactive dinner theatre experience at Falling River Country Club in Appomattox. Help figure out “whodunnit” at a zany wedding while enjoying a meal catered by the Babcock House.
Find tickets at wolfbane.org.

Best Of Lynchburg Party
Feb. 21
Head to Phase 2 for our celebration of Lynchburg’s best businesses, people and more—it’s the list you see featured in this issue, brought to life! Enjoy live entertainment, and area restaurants will have samples of their best cuisine for you to try. Buy tickets at lynchburgbestof.com.

Academy Presents: The Second City
Feb. 22
Have a case of the winter blues? Snap out of it with this hilarious performance at the Academy of Music Theatre. Since opening its doors in 1959, The Second City has grown to become the world’s premier comedy club, theater and school of improvisation. Learn more at academycenter.org.

Local Openings & Closings
Hello! to Carmela’s at the Loft, an Italian restaurant on Timberlake Road.

Hello! to Rendez-Vous, a French Caribbean-style restaurant on Main Street.

Goodbye to Fire and Hops in Wyndhurst. (But hello! to a rebranded version of the restaurant, Scoreboards, set to open in February.)

Hello! to a new location of Hot and Cold Café on Main Street.

Hello! to a newly rebuilt Main Street Bridge that serves as a gorgeous gateway to the city.

Hello! to antique store Greige Market on Burnbridge Road in Forest.

Hello! to Uncle Joe’s Donuts & Things on Timberlake Road.

First off, congratulations on the expansion of Spearman Artisanry. How do you like your new location on Main Street?

Buying the old Buckingham & Flippin building at 919 Main Street has been one of our greatest decisions. We live and work there now. The community has welcomed us and we feel like part of a true family. Of course, in addition to our new location, we still maintain our original location inside the Lynchburg Community Market at 1219 Main Street where we have been for the last five years.

Your store revolves around your gorgeous handcrafted jewelry. How did you first learn to crochet fine silver?

I continued my career in electronics by going into teaching in Lima, Peru, where I taught computers at an international Christian school. Loving to work with my hands caused me to explore the art of making jewelry. So, I enrolled at the Peruano Japones Art Center, studying jewelry design, merchandising and business administration. In those classes I learned glass fusing, weaving, leather working, felting, beading, painting, embossing, wire wrapping and other artistic skills. Ultimately, I embraced wire crochet for its sculptural, feminine and romantic characteristics.

What inspires you to create a piece of jewelry?

My inspiration for each piece is people. As I travel, I find myself being inspired by the different cultures in how they express themselves—not only in dress, but who they are as people. Some of them are very vibrant, while others are more subdued. This translates into unique creations for each individual. I even have product lines that I have named after people whose personalities have inspired me.

About how long do you spend on each piece?

It depends on the size and intricacy of the piece. Some can take me only a matter of minutes, while others may take days or weeks.

Spearman Artisanry is also a “fair trade boutique” selling accessories, home goods and clothing. Why is being fair trade important to you?

Fair trade is important to me for several key reasons. First, fair trade helps lower poverty. Instead of receiving charity, people working in fair trade business relationships are building a stable income for themselves. Second, fair trade ensures ethical treatment of workers. In contrast to sweatshops, the artisans who make these goods work for themselves and are able to work out of their homes with family members or friends. Also, by purchasing directly from them, I can ensure the process and quality of the goods that are being produced. Third, fair trade helps people to thrive in their own countries, which is also very important to us.

Connected to that third point, you also run a nonprofit alongside your business.

While we do support local organizations such as the Lynchburg Historical Foundation, Friends of the Market, Downtown Lynchburg Association, Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, Academy Center of the Arts, and Thomas Road Baptist Church to name just a few, we also support our very own nonprofit, Building Lives International (Tejiendo Vidas Internacional). It is through this ministry that we sponsor students in third world countries by helping them with their education and provide housing for them and their families.

How often do you visit the countries of origin of your products?

I visit at least three countries per year, not only to visit existing artisans, but also to search for others.

What’s next for you in your journey?

We have a few plans. We are working with a marketing agency to help us increase our online presence and help us with our advertising. We want to work closer with the organizations within our community to help Lynchburg be one of the best places to live and work in Virginia. Finally, we want to be able to do more through Building Lives International by reaching more artisans in other countries so that we can minister to them and their families with educational opportunities and housing .

BEHIND THE SCENES

The Lynchburg Living team was invited to attend a media night at the historic Academy of Music Theatre on November 19.

Academy staff took local journalists and photographers on a tour of the newly restored theatre and gave some behind the scenes information along the way. (One fun fact: the chairs are identical replicas to the originals… except they are wider to accommodate our larger backsides.)

The Academy offered media guests popcorn (of course) and their new signature beverage that’s served in the lobby—the Academy 1905 Pilsner, brewed in Amherst by Loose Shoe Brewing Company.

Many thanks to the Academy for your hard work to restore this Lynchburg landmark and for making us feel so welcome.

Read our full feature about the historic Academy of Music Theatre on page 64!

AGE: 8
Lauryn Lynch, a Bedford County resident and Liberty Christian Academy student, was crowned Little Miss of America on Nov. 24. We asked her a few questions about her newfound fame!

Lauryn, congratulations! As Little Miss of America, what types of things do you get to do in the coming year? I will travel and make appearances on behalf of American Pageants. Little Miss of America also serves as an ambassador for Special Olympics, hosting an inclusion event. I also get to go watch Miss America in Atlantic City with my sister queens in September!

When did you first start competing in pageants? I entered my local fair pageant when I was 6 and won! I was the very first Tiny Miss Bedford County Fair.

What do you like about pageants? I enjoy being on stage and talking to the judges. American Pageants is different from other pageants. Most of your score is based on your grades, community service, and activities. I work hard to get good grades and stay involved, so my mom figured I should try it.

Who are your role models—and why? I look up to my sister queens.

They’re all older than me and are really great role models who’ve accomplished a lot. It’s fun to be the little sister.

How does it feel to have so much national attention? It’s fun. It was cool to see my picture on the pageant’s website and social media. I hope other little girls will know they can do it too!

What do you have planned next? My next goals are to totally rock 3rd grade and have a great year as Little Miss of America!