Festival Queens Pageant

I am Braxtyn Holbrook your 2024 Miss Valley River Days candidate and I am honored to represent Valley Schools. I will always strive to make my Indian community proud. School spirit is vital to me as I have been a 3-year Green Club Member, 1-Year Pep Club and Prom Committee Member, a 3-year Volleyball athlete, and 3-year Softball athlete, including 2-year Varsity Team Captain. When I am not in the classroom, on the court or field, I am showing 4-H swine or spending time with my friends and family. I also serve on an Advisory Board at Nationwide Children’s called TOPS- Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumors.

 

At age 11, I was diagnosed with a low grade glioma.  Months went by believing that I was suffering from cluster headaches. My local medical team provided excellent care and I was referred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  My team worked hard to get answers that we needed.  Hearing the Doctor say, “we need an MRI to see if this is even operable”, terrified all of us. The uncertainty of my prognosis was in God’s hands. A few days later surgical removal of my brain tumor was performed.  I am thankful to be here today with no deficits. I am a survivor!  

 

Undergoing this experience has caused me to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) depression, and anxiety which impacts me daily.  Mental illness is not something the naked eye can detect. Sadly, you never know what someone else is managing on a daily basis. It is important for others to know they are never alone. My parents have always loved, supported, and empowered me to be the best version of myself. Knowing that, “ it’s ok to not be ok”.

 

I created my platform around Mental Health Awareness, focusing on children and teens by advocating the need for early detection and intervention of mental health.  Inspired by my favorite childhood TV Star, Miley Cyrus, I developed My version of the “CLIMB”, which stands for Courage, Learn, Importance, Motivation, and Bravery. These steps have helped me push through when mental illness disrupted my happiness, confidence, and ability to maintain normalcy. I am excited to share my platform with our community because it is necessary for young people to have the resources they need. Together we end the stigma surrounding mental illness. 

 

Thank you to my staff and fellow students for the opportunity  to share something I am passionate about within and beyond our community. I am committed to make a difference. Let’s  bring that crown back to Valley!  “Roll Tribe!”

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