TimesLedger: Jamaica Hills teen crowned

Benjamin Cardozo High School graduate Lauren Schwartzberg was crowned 2014 National America Miss New York Teen.

A Jamaica Hills resident, Schwartzberg, 18, will represent New York State for the national title in Hollywood next month.

“I will love to continue and compete one day for Miss America,” Schwartzberg said, minutes after receiving a proclamation from state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside).

Miss New York Teen has put in more than 500 hours of community service, and as she competes in the beauty pageants, she raises awareness of the need for physical activity.

Some of her community service included working with the Special Olympics.

As part of her activities involving competitions, Schwartzberg is also preparing for the New York City Marathon.

She is studying for her seven-year bachelor’s/doctorate of osteopathic physician degree at New York Institute of Technology.

Miss New York Teen has been competing since she was 10. “I had no idea about pageants,” she said. “And I started basically for self-development.”

Schwartzberg was a witness to the changes in the eight-year competing career she has launched. For example, she remembered that make-up was not allow in the under-13 pageants.

Avella said he “was very proud” Schwartzberg grew up in the district he represents.

The senator wished her luck in the upcoming November competition.

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