Platform Statement

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The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Florida cites, “as members of the arts and cultural sector, it is our responsibility to foster a community that is diverse, inclusive, and collaborative.” Furthermore, it highlights the criticality of the arts during the development ages (youth/teens) which leads to greater chances of prosperity and overall quality of life. Overwhelmingly, research and studies evidence the benefits of the arts in improving academic performance, student dignity, and respect for others, enhancing creativity, promoting self-esteem, cultural exposure, and an appreciation of diversity! Sadly, it goes on to cite barriers, such as socioeconomic pressures, “limited or no access” to arts programs in some high schools and in neighboring geographical areas or rural communities.

Given my passion and leadership in the performing arts, diversity and inclusion programs, my platform includes partnering, promoting, and speaking with local/statewide high school drama troupes and the Florida’s State Thespians Organization to raise awareness and monetary donations for the “Send Other troupes to State” (S.O.S.) Fund which allows high school students in under-served communities the opportunity to attend the largest state thespian festival in the world! This will give students a chance to secure their futures by auditioning for college scholarships, honing their talent and creativity through attending masterclass workshops, and being able to flourish in an accepting, loving, and diverse environment. Part of my plans for the upcoming 2019 – 2020 school year will involve contacting the state and district level directors of the Florida State Thespians, local/nearby drama troupes, and community theaters to generate excitement and engagement along with publicity through various media mediums. We will help raise money and donations by putting on shows where part or all of the proceeds will go towards the S.O.S. Fund.

Also, after being involved in OneJax Institute’s Metrotown-In-A-Day, both freshman and junior years in high school, which is a teen diversity program for future leaders and in my role as Miss Ponte Vedra’s Outstanding Teen; it inspired me to co-lead the start of a Diversity Club at my high school in the fall. The club’s charter is to provide a safe haven for teens of diverse backgrounds, elevate empathy, and help bridge the divide between races through positive dialogue and community service. Plans are already underway with one of my sponsors, Leah’s Hopes and Dreams, for our first community service event at the start of the new school year in August ‘19 which will include donating personal toiletries and serving donated food to the homeless in downtown Jacksonville. This is only the beginning, as I plan to leverage my platform to build a coalition at other nearby schools to extend our community outreach.

Overall, my platform and plans will help catapult the programmatic goals, objectives, and job of Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Program which will have a positive impact to America’s teens, local areas, statewide, and communities across the country while displaying poise, and impeccable leadership skills to be a great role model for young women across the state!

Jasmine Hurt, Miss Ponte Vedra’s Outstanding Teen