What are your Hobbies?
I enjoy scrapbooking, playing basketball and softball, singing, working out, going to concerts and movies, and jumping on the trampoline. (lol)
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What makes you special and unique?
I believe the fact that I have no problem getting dirty and sweaty on the court, field, or in the flower bed, can let my hair down at a rock concert and still love to get "made-up" for a pageant makes me unique!
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What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is to not look down on anyone...UNLESS I am picking them up.
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Name one thing you cannot live without.
The one thing I can not live without is my Bible. I mean, it's the only real guide to life!
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What's the most valuable lesson you've ever learned?
The most valuable lesson I have ever learned is no matter how hard you work for or want something, it may not be God's plan or timing. Don't get discouraged and keep trying.
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Who is your most valued role model and why?
My most valued role model would have to be my Grandmother Frances. She has battled and overcome breast cancer and can still laugh at life. She is with-out a doubt the hippest grandmother ever!!
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What was your most unexpected moment?
My most unexpected moment was when I drove to school for the first time and hit a teacher's vehicle...in the parking lot!!! haha
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What is your workout routine?
My workout routine is: Monday--weights with upper body and ab class. Tuesday--cardio. Wednesday--weights with lower body and ab class. Thursday--cardio. Friday--cardio. Saturday and Sunday--rest!
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What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
My biggest accomplishment to date was probably receiving the results from taking the ACT.
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What is the best compliment you have ever received?
The best compliment I have received is "You have gorgeous skin!"...must have been a good day..lol
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What is your secret wish?
My secret wish is to move to New York and perform on broadway.
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What was your most embarrassing moment?
...oh gosh! My most embarrassing moment was when I was in the 5th grade. My best friend and I were at the Country Club swimming. I, trying to impress some boys (hahaha), got on the diving board. I jumped as high as I could and did a toe-touch. MY TOP CAME UP!!! Needless to say, I left then and have NOT ever been back!!
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What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
My biggest quilty please is gummy worms, gummy bears...pretty much, anything gummy.
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What is your favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie is The Notebook. (cliche' i know) Every girl dreams of finding a love like that though.
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What do you like to do for fun... relaxation... recreation?
To relax, I give myself a pedicure and manicure, a facial, and bubble bath with candles. For fun and recreaction, I ride four-wheelers and go to a particular hill and look at the stars with friends.
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What would be your dream vacation or destination?
My dream vacation is to fly to Fiji. It just seems so magical!
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What do you like best about the state of Mississippi?
My favorite thing about Mississippi is sweet tea!!! lol On a serious note, I adore that Mississippi is laid back and family oriented. I'm comforted by the fact that going to church is expected...that isn't so in much of the United States.
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Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I see myself speaking on behalf of my year as Miss Mississippi and Miss America. I would love to be married with a child..or two. Hopefully, I will still be in good shape, too!
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What extracurricular activities do you participate in?
I participate in high school basketball and softball, Union County Leadership Association, Main Street Youth Committee, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Future Business Leaders of America, Technololgy Student Association, BETA, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Anchor Club.
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Who am I?
Well, my complete name is Laken Marchelle Hood. My parents combined their names to create my middle name--Mark and Cheryl. I will be eighteen on September 21, and I can not wait to vote! I have a younger brother, Trever. He and I are unusually close for siblings, and I love him completely. Since I was four, I have planned on becoming Miss Mississippi/Miss America. I want to travel the world and learn several languages. My favorite things to eat are: TIRAMISU!, Chinese food, chocolate covered strawberries and gummies!

When someone first meets me, I probably come across as very conservative and mature. I must admit, I have always been extremely independent. But when I am with my friends, I am the crazy one. My group of girls are not lacking in the laughing department!! My passion is music...anykind, although I do favor rock music!
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Tell us about your platform.
I was born in Tupelo and went to Tupelo City Schools until second grade. During that time, I had music class three times a week. When I moved to Blue Springs and began attending East Union, that was taken away. My family is very muscially influenced, so I did get that aspect at home, but it is not the same. It has been proven that students involved in an "arts program" perform better on standardized test and in the classroom in general.

I am expecting and hoping that with the building of the Toyota plant in our town, that the money received will be put toward our arts program. Not only have I found that arts help intellectually, but I believe everyone needs an outlet. God made us as individuals, which means that some may excel in Chemistry but some with an instrument! We all need the opportunity to use the skills and talents we have been blessed with, and at some schools that has yet to happen.
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