Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sydney Snyder. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sydney , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I have been competing in the Miss America Organization since the
age of 13 and I quickly realized that this organization would open doors for opportunities that I never thought I would have. Through my involvement with this program I have created my own platform called “Active Life, Healthy Mind” where I have the privilege of educating the younger generation on the benefits that staying active can have on wholistic health. I am a competitive and classical dancer and have been dancing since I was 18 months old. Through my time as an athlete, I have experienced first-hand the benefits that active living can have on mental health. I have reached countless young girls and boys and was even inspired to write a children’s book. At just 16 years old, I published my first children’s book ‘Addison’s Athletic Adventure.’ I am blessed by God to have opportunities to impact others and leave a lasting impression on others’ lives.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a 16 year old high school sophomore at LaGrange High School in Lagrange GA. I was born and raised in the country playing outside, hanging out in the mud, and spending time with my family. When I was 18 months old, my mom put me in my first dance class and to say I never looked back is an understatement! During middle school, like most girls, I went through a rough phase where my friends, and social life declined and I felt alone. However it was through dance that I got the chance to see through to my potential and block out the negative things that were happening in my life. I saw an advertisement for a local preliminary to the Miss Georgia’s Teen Competition at age 13 and decided to give it a try. when asked what I wanted my platform to focus on I knew I wanted to share my story of how dance and physical activity brought me through some of the hardest times in my life and hope to see others connect with that as well. I started my platform “Active Life, Healthy Mind” to educated the younger generations on how important it is to stay moving and active to benefit your mental health. When I started competing in pageants I was often stereotyped as ‘that pageant girl.’ However on a deeper level my mission is that through pageantry I will have the platform to show the love of God to all the people I encounter because I know what it is like to feel unheard and forgotten about.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

At 12 years old, I was kicked out of my friend group leaving me feeling alone, and unworthy of a true friendship. This took a toll on my mental health and at such a young age I was afraid to walk into school the next day not knowing if I would have anyone to talk to. I quickly learned to not let my success be defined by others. I took time to push past my struggles and focus on positive things and set attainable goals for myself. As a dancer, I spent more hours in the studio setting goals for myself and focusing on positive outcomes rather than dwelling on the negative. When I realized that there were so many individuals struggling with the exact same thing I decided it was my mission to make every young girl aware that there are ways to escape negativity, one of which being sports, and staying active. When I teach the importance of active living, I know that I am giving girls hope and teaching them that there is more to life than a middle school social status. When you set you own goals for success and do not allow others to get in the way of that, you can champion any challenge!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In June, I will be competing for the title of Miss Georgia’s Teen 2025! This will be my third time competing for the chance to represent Georgia at Miss America’s Teen! I am excited to be returning to the Miss Georgia stage to further my advocacy for youth involvement in sports and physical activity and share my message as to how I plan to make this a state-wide effort!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @missromesteenga @sydneyd_snyder
• Facebook: Miss Rome’s Teen

Image Credits

Sheldon Smith Photography
Kristy Belcher Photography
Photography by Tracy T