|
Laurett Ellsworth Arenz is married to Dave, an executive for Century
21 Home Remodeling, and is the mother of seven. She grew up in Salt
Lake City, Utah where she was third in a family of eleven children.
As a teen, Laurett was always active, whether it was hiking, snow
or water skiing, participating in Dance Club or Drill Team, or serving
up ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. She has carried her sense of adventure
and excitement throughout her adult life. Laurett studied Dance
and Psychology at BYU in Provo, Utah. She is a fitness enthusiast
and loves to run, dance, ski, play tennis, study Tae Kwon Do, and
participate in any activity that involves one or more of the members
of her family.
Laurett Has lived in four countries, including the United Arab
Emirates, and Israel, where she taught school and gave birth to
Pace in 1987, and Taylor, in 1990. She Learned Spanish while living
in Mexico and raising four Boys. "I think it is important for
children to be exposed to different cultures and languages, that
is why all my children have learned Spanish through an immersion
program at school," says Laurett. "My experience overseas
gave me a special appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy here in
the United States."
"I believe it is important for children to learn to serve
others, not only their immediate family, but the brotherhood of
mankind, as well." Laurett's oldest son, Easton, is currently
serving a mission in Peru for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. Her second son, Tanner, is in Tacoma Washington where he
too will serve a two year mission, to the Cambodian speaking community.
| "I
always wanted to be in a pageant when I was growing up, but
never had the opportunity, so years later when I found out about
the Mrs. pageants, I was thrilled. I tried three times before
I won the Mrs. Virginia -America Title. I was so grateful to
be able to represent the amazing women of Virginia at the National
Mrs. America Pageant in Sept. 2001. It was a dream, come true.
The other Delegates were so beautiful, warm, and accomplished.
We bonded especially tight because we were together during of
the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We clung to one another, sharing
our love for our families and our country. How relieved we were
when we learned that all of our families were safe and our hearts
were broken for those who suffered losses, yet we could feel
the burgeoning patriotism that swept our beloved nation. God
Bless America!"
"When I was a little girl, my parents took me to a PMA
(Positive Mental Attitude) seminar and I listened to greats
like Zig Ziglar and Norman Vincent Peale. I decided that day
that I wanted to influence others the way they did. That is
the major reason why I entered the Mrs. America Pageant, because
I knew it would become a vehicle for me to help others. My
only Daughter, Jesse-Elyse, was born on my birthday in 1994.
What a special gift! I hope she will want to participate in
pageants because I
|
|
believe it helps build one's confidence, poise, and communication
skills, while magically opening up doors to influence and serve
others."
Laurett is an ATM-Silver Toastmaster and past president of her
local Toastmaster Club, which she attends with her husband. An accomplished
Public Speaker, Laurett has addressed organizations all over the
country. Her unique ability to interact with a crowd has opened
up opportunities for business consulting through keynote speeches
and seminars where she utilizes her education in Psychology. Laurett
is a program director for Business Now, an ABC television program,
which airs in major markets throughout the country. She is the National
Spokesperson for the Sharing Love Foundation, which aids the families
of children with life threatening diseases. Laurett is also is actively
involved with the Virginia Governor's annual conference on 'Right
Choices for Youth' in connection with the Institute for Youth Development,
a non-profit organization that analyses and publishes statistics
about risk behaviors in teens. " I am so honored and humbled
to be given this opportunity to represent the married woman of the
United States. I pray I will fulfill the role of Mrs. America in
a way that pleases those women, our country, and God." Laurett's
proudest accomplishment and most important occupation is that of
raising her incredible children, along with her Husband Dave, in
Northern Virginia.
|
