Posted: 07/10/2009 12:23:05 PM EDT
PELHAM -- There was a time when Amber Faucher dreaded going to high school.
While freshman year is notorious for being a rough transition period, Faucher became the target of bullying by other students.
"It was pretty bad. In the end, it makes you a stronger person," Faucher said of bullying.
Now, Faucher, a recent Pelham High School graduate, is using her status to prevent bullying.
Faucher, who was crowned Miss New Hampshire Teen USA 2009 in November, has made it her mission to speak to middle-school and high-school students about anti-bullying initiatives.
Most recently, she spoke to middle-school students in Whitefield, where students said Faucher is their role model. "I was glad to be able to give these kids someone to look up to, to tell them that they can be successful even though people are trying to put them down," Faucher said.
Faucher, 18, could soon become a role model for teens across the country.
On July 27, she will travel to the Bahamas, where she will compete in the Miss Teen USA contest at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. The competition is run by the Miss Universe Organization.
Faucher will compete against Miss Teen winners from 49 other states in categories that include swimsuit and evening-gown modeling and answering interview questions.
The winner of the contest receives a scholarship to the New York Film Academy, as well as other prizes.
Faucher said she's the only contestant from Pelham to win the Miss Teen New Hampshire title.
She first entered the contest at age 14, after receiving a marketing postcard in the mail that said, "This could be you." She was named third runner-up, and later re-entered the contest at age 16, when she earned first runner-up.
But her strong will and determination to win prompted her to enter the contest for a third time. "I set a goal for myself and I wouldn't give up until I got it," Faucher said.
Faucher was crowned Miss Teen New Hampshire on Nov. 2, 2008, at age 17. "As soon as I heard my name I didn't believe it -- I started crying," Faucher said.
In the fall, Faucher will attend Southern New Hampshire University. She plans to major in criminal justice and pursue a prelaw degree.
If she wins the Miss Teen USA contest, Faucher said she will continue to educate teens about bullying while working with the American Heart Association to promote heart-health awareness.
Faucher said she's grateful for all the people who have helped her succeed and is looking forward to giving back.
"Everyone I've met has given me something to take with me," Faucher said. "I want to help the community and raise awareness."
The public can cast a popularity vote for their favorite Miss Teen USA contestant. To vote for Amber Faucher go to www.missuniverse.com/missteenusa.
http://www.nhbroadcaster.com/ci_12809174?source=most_viewed
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