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Laura is the 22 year old daughter of Jesse Stone and Amanda Stone of Waynesboro, Georgia. She has a twin sister, Sarah, and an older brother, Drew. Laura graduated Summa Cum Laude this past May at the University of Georgia with a degree in Speech Communication, a minor in Political Science, and a Pre-Medicine emphasis. This Fall, she has chosen to pursue her second degree in Political Science and will graduate again in December of this year. Laura plans to attend medical school beginning in Fall 2010.
Laura has played the piano for 15 years and has used this talent to earn her several scholarships. In October 2007, Laura was crowned Miss Augusta 2008 and, at Miss Georgia, both placed in the Top Ten and won her preliminary talent night. Last September, she was crowned Miss Southern Heartland 2009, placed as 3rd Runner-Up to Miss Georgia, and once again won her talent preliminary night. On August 22, 2009, Laura was crowned Miss Atlanta and will compete in Miss Georgia in June 2010.
While attending the University of Georgia, Laura has served as the leader of several organizations: President of Sigma Alpha Lambda, Chairman of the College Republicans, Executive Coordinator of Global Youth Service Day, Site Leader for Alternative Spring Break, and Director of Communication of the Leadership Resource Team. She has been inducted into several honors societies, including Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the National Dean's List.
"First Vote" encapsulates Laura's passion for youth civic engagement. Its implementation began in 2007 when she collaborated with school districts and civic organizations. Following this work, TIME Magazine published an article on her involvement with voter registration particularly dedicated to youth, and she has personally registered over 700 voters. Also, the First Vote bill, authored by Laura and sponsored by State Representative Smith, will be introduced at the next state legislative session. If passed, the Youth Election Participant Program will initiate at local Boards of Election.
Laura is also very dedicated to volunteering for the Children's Miracle Network. In total, she has volunteered over 150 hours to four of the CMN hospitals in Georgia. Furthermore, she has raised $4000 for the Children's Miracle Network over the past two years; in particular, her "Touch the Tiara" Tea Party in her hometown raised over $3000.
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