By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Sarah Swift

On Read Across America Day, Sarah read “The Butter Battle Book” by Dr. Seuss to a Castle Pines American Academy first grade class via Zoom.

An Etsy online business owner of unique custom-made cups, hoodies and more, Castle Pines resident Sarah Swift uses her online platform “Show Love Shop Local” to inspire others to support small businesses within Douglas County.

Having recently been named Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen, Sarah strives to be an active role model in the community.

Several businesses have been forced to close as a result of the pandemic, and Sarah hopes her Show Love Shop Local campaign will help prevent further businesses from permanent closure. To help achieve this goal, her online platform will feature a weekly Douglas County small business, while encouraging those to make a conscious decision in their everyday lives to support local. Whether it be a visit for morning coffee or scheduling a nail appointment, Sarah feels choosing an independent business will make a world of difference.

Born in Colorado and raised in Castle Pines by her mom, Pam, Sarah attended American Academy for first through sixth grade before transferring to Cherry Hills Christian School. Currently a senior at Valor Christian High School, Sarah will attend Grand Canyon University to study and pursue a nursing career, nurturing her passion for helping young kids.

Sarah lost her father at a very young age and believes that being raised by a single mother uniquely prepared her for life and gave her the confidence and independence she needed to get into pageantry.

Sister company to the Miss America Organization, the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen (MAOT) is a scholarship pageant to promote scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for America’s teens. It prepares the world for great women and prepares young women for the world.

Sarah will be representing Douglas County at the June 7 Miss Colorado’s Outstanding Teen pageant at the PACE Center in Parker. She will be evaluated on her interview with the judges, a demonstration of lifestyle and wellness, an onstage question and evening gown. For the talent portion of the competition, Sarah will perform an aerial silks routine to Dream by Priscilla Ahn.

Sarah celebrates with her mom, Pam, who has always been one of Sarah’s biggest supporters.

Sarah’s mom is incredibly proud of her. “Sarah is excited to have the opportunity to encourage other girls to be strong and confident and to be a positive role model when girls get so many mixed messages,” stated Pam. “Sarah always finds her own path and has the confidence to follow it.”

Sarah’s involvement in the MAOT program has helped her feel more confident, empowered, well-spoken and proud of who she is. Sarah is grateful for the support of her teachers and community. Along this journey, she has met amazing young women from across the nation involved in MAOT on Zoom calls. She is eager to compete for the state title in June in hopes she can continue to serve her state while taking home the crown and making Castle Pines proud.