Written by Jake Keiter
The Northern Lebanon community is beaming with pride as one of its own, Elizabeth Voight, achieved remarkable success in the recently held Miss Pennsylvania pageant. The talented and determined young woman captivated the judges and audience, earning the prestigious title of first runner-up Miss Pennsylvania. This extraordinary achievement highlights the immense potential and talent that thrives within the close-knit community of Northern Lebanon.
Born and raised on a small family farm just outside Fredericksburg, Voight’s roots run deep within the Northern Lebanon area. She attended Fredericksburg Elementary School and graduated from Northern Lebanon High School, where she actively participated in various school activities, including student government, sports, and music. Furthermore, her strong ties to the community were evident through her involvement with Trinity United Methodist Church, volunteering at local events like Hinklefest and the Jonestown Food Pantry.
Voight’s involvement in pageantry began with a realization of the platform’s power to make a positive impact. Initially perceiving pageants as purely beauty-focused, her perspective shifted when she witnessed the influential role that pageant contestants play in their communities. Her experience as the 2018 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen, where she served as an advocate for the agricultural industry and interacted with people across the state, solidified her desire to compete for Miss Pennsylvania USA and utilize the platform to create positive change.
Her impressive resume is a testament to her dedication and achievements. Voight has received numerous awards and honors, including being a National Junior Angus Association award recipient, a member of the National Honor Society, and an accomplished athlete, reaching 1,000 points as a basketball player in high school. Her involvement in the Pennsylvania Junior Angus Association has been exceptional, with notable accomplishments such as being the 2016 Pennsylvania Angus Queen and serving in various leadership positions.
The Miss Pennsylvania pageant presented an opportunity for Voight to showcase her platform and make a lasting impact on her community. As a passionate and dedicated educator in a 6th-grade classroom, she is fervently committed to shaping young minds and instilling a sense of community awareness. Voight’s platform focuses on promoting literacy and mental health within the school system. Her initiatives, such as organizing the “Read to Lead” Book Drive and actively participating in the wellness club, exemplify her unwavering dedication to her platform and community.
What sets Voight apart from her competitors is her genuine and authentic nature, rooted in her Northern Lebanon upbringing. As a person who cherishes the values of putting others before herself, she possesses a unique ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. Her infectious passion, coupled with her natural leadership skills and goal-oriented mindset, contributed to her remarkable success during the competition. Throughout the pageant, she remained true to herself and embraced her upbringing, forging genuine connections with numerous individuals.
Despite facing challenges, Voight’s unwavering determination and unwavering work ethic propelled her forward. Balancing her responsibilities as a first-year teacher and her pageant preparation was undoubtedly demanding, but with the support of her strong network of colleagues, friends, and family, she persevered. Her ability to navigate this delicate balance and maintain her dedication to both her students and her personal goals is a testament to her character and resilience.
Voight’s plans for the future include continuing to make a positive impact through education, whether it be in pageantry, modeling, or another life opportunity. Her platform, rooted in empowering young people to embrace their uniqueness and become difference-makers, aligns with her passion for teaching and mentoring. She will continue organizing book drives, promoting youth wellness, and advocating for mental health.
Reflecting on her pageant experience, Voight acknowledges the tremendous personal growth she has undergone. Pushing herself outside her comfort zone has allowed her to develop mentally, physically, and in her communication skills. She has embraced the values of hard work, leadership, and character, which have contributed to her growth as an individual.
To other young women considering participation in pageants or seeking to develop their leadership skills and platforms, Voight’s advice is to believe in themselves and to embrace their uniqueness. She encourages them to identify their passions and use their platforms to make a difference in their communities. Voight emphasizes the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself throughout the pageant journey.
In addition to her aspirations in education and community involvement, Voight also has an interest in modeling and hopes to explore opportunities in the industry. She sees modeling as another avenue to express herself creatively and inspire others to embrace their own beauty and individuality.
As she moves forward, Elizabeth Voight remains a shining example of dedication, perseverance, and community service. Her accomplishments in academics, agriculture, and pageantry are a testament to her multifaceted talents and her commitment to making a positive impact on the world around her.
With her passion for education, her involvement in the agricultural community, and her desire to empower young people, Voight continues to be a role model for others, proving that with determination and a genuine desire to serve, anyone can make a meaningful difference in their community and beyond.
As she continues her journey, we can expect to see Elizabeth Voight making an even greater impact, inspiring others to follow their dreams and create positive change in their own lives and communities.
