John F. Kennedy High School senior Summer Meyers was recently named Ambassador of the City of La Palma, and awarded a $1,000 scholarship. The 17-year-old, who won the city’s pageant, edging out eight other contestants, plans on initiating an anti-bullying campaign throughout La Palma elementary and middle schools.
“I was bullied in elementary school, and was recently inspired by Amanda Todd who committed suicide due to bullying,” said Meyers. “Police Officer Parsons showed me the video on U-Tube, and it inspired me.”
Meyers was also inspired by a girl who was apparently bullied while taking swimming lessons in Peak Park where Meyers worked last summer.
“I was a mandated reporter and had to report the girl who had multiple bruises. It turned out she was being bullied. I’m willing to represent the city well, and can’t wait to advocate with seminars for my cause, attending all events for the City of La Palma,” she said.
Meyers recently moved to Anaheim Hills, after living in La Palma since the age of seven. She is commuting to Kennedy High to finish high school.
Meyers won the pageant after an interview with judges, performing a cheerleading stunt dance, giving a flawless speech from memory on anti-bullying, and demonstrating poise and confidence during an escorted walk with her father. She also had to answer a random question in 90 seconds at the end of the competition.
“I was awarded the best in speech when I spoke on anti-bullying, and they said I got a perfect score,” she continued. During her year-long reign as ambassador, Meyers looks forward to meeting new people in La Palma and improving her networking skills which will help her with her future and career.
“I hope to be an anesthesiologist or pediatrician,” she said. “I want to go to UCLA for my undergraduate work, and then go to UCI for medical school.”
Currently, Meyers volunteers for the California Scholarship Federation and has helped with such events as Walks for Autism, Disney’s half marathon, and the Ronald McDonald House, walk for children. She is also a cheerleading stunt “flyer,” and is in her high school choir, all while maintaining a 4.33 GPA.