Long Island Teen Honored for Beauty Pageant Win, Community Service

A Long Beach teen was recently named MAC Miss Atlantic States Junior Teen, and was recognized by Senator Todd Kaminsky for the honor.

Kaminsky presented Sydney Brett with a proclamation for being named MAC Miss Atlantic States Junior Teen, and for her dedication to serving her neighbors and the South Shore community. Brett will now compete for the title of National Miss American Coed Queen in November at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Over the last two years, Brett has completed more than 350 hours of community service and continues to volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House, Long Island Cares, and Toys for Tots -- to name a few. She is the recipient of the bronze, silver and gold Presidential Service Awards, and is active in organizations that seek to end bullying.

“Strength is not about what you can do, it’s about overcoming what you once thought you couldn’t,” said Brett. “It is a privilege to be recognized by Senator Kaminsky.”

She recently sold pencils at Miss Colleen’s Dancentre in Rockville Centre, where she dances, to create a scholarship to allow a child to attend dance classes for one year free of charge. She surpassed her goal, and raised enough money to provide the dance scholarship to two children. One day, she hopes to start her own non-profit organization.

“Sydney represents the best of the South Shore,” said Kaminsky. “I am inspired by her drive to serve others at such a young age, and her perseverance to continually find innovative ways to create opportunity for the less fortunate.”

Photo: Todd Kaminsky's Office.