Resolution 180093

..Title Recognizing and Honoring Nia Andrews for Her Exemplary Service and Leadership as Miss Philadelphia 2017. ..Body WHEREAS, Nia Andrews was crowned Miss Philadelphia 2017 on February 25, 2017 at Drexel University's Mandell Theater. She earned a $4,000 college scholarship as the winner of the top local pageant in the nation, now in its 96th year; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Philadelphia, Nia Andrews is a graduate of Central High School and West Chester University. She was Miss West Chester 2015 and the former president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Theta Iota Chapter. Additionally, she was the first African American Miss Bucks County in 2016 and the Black Student Union's Woman of the Year 2014-2015; and WHEREAS, Nia Andrews' talent in dance, in which she has over 15 years of experience, has helped her to win pageants and serve the community. As Miss Philadelphia 2017, she performed on opening night with the Philly Pops for "Lenny's Revolution," a tribute to Leonard Bernstein. She also planned, coordinated, and taught dance workshops on National Dance Day. All proceeds went to the March of Dimes Foundation to support the fight against the nation's opioid crisis; and WHEREAS, As Miss Philadelphia 2017, Nia Andrews has been an active presence in the community in support of her platform, "A Fighting Chance for Every Baby." At community programs and events, Nia Andrews has raised awareness about premature birth and family support. Her own sister, Bria, was born at 26 weeks; and WHEREAS, Nia Andrews made over 115 appearances as Miss Philadelphia 2017 and completed over 250 hours of community service. In addition to her premature birth awareness and family support program, she hosted a book drive and donated over 50 books to the Harriet and Ronald Lassin Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit (N/IICU) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She also partnered and read with the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia's Call to Action Literacy Initiative; and WHEREAS, Nia Andrews has served as a positive role model for youth by promoting messages of love and self-respect. Her talent in the Miss Philadelphia 2017 pageant was a lyrical dance routine to Christina Aguilera's song "Beautiful" promoting self-confidence and inner beauty, and she has visited local schools in the Greater Philadelphia area to promote and facilitate self-love and encouragement workshops; and WHEREAS, Already possessing a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in dance, Nia Andrews will utilize her Miss Philadelphia 2017 scholarship to earn a second bachelor's degree in nursing at Gwynedd Mercy University. She aspires to be a neonatal nurse practitioner; and WHEREAS, Nia Andrews has worn the crown of Miss Philadelphia 2017 with poise, passion, and power. She has been a strong advocate for children and families, healthy living, confidence in beauty, artistic and personal expression, and education. The City of Philadelphia is proud of her ambassadorship and looks forward to benefitting from her future endeavors; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors Nia Andrews for her exemplary service and leadership as Miss Philadelphia 2017. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Nia Andrews as evidence of the gratitude of this legislative body. ..End