Noblesville 500 princess hopes to inspire others

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By Mark Ambrogi

 

Amanda Hawkins said she sees her role as a 500 Festival princess as a way to positively impact others.

“My motivation is to be a role model for other young women,” Hawkins said.

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Hawkins

Hawkins, a 2013 Noblesville High School graduate, had two strong role models growing up.

“My mother, Laurelee Griffin, has been my rock throughout my whole life,” Hawkins said. “I really do not know where I would be without her. Around the time I turned 10, I began getting sick. Different organs would have problems, and she was my advocate when I could not yet articulate the problems I was having. She really has been the main person in my life that has always had my back and supported me through every endeavor that I have faced. I think she deserves the recognition as to why I am such a well-rounded woman today.”

Two years ago, Hawkins was finally diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a group of disorders that affect connective tissues.

“I have a heart disability along with it,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins, who graduated from Ball State May 6 with a degree in elementary education, eventually wants to be a child life therapist because of her medical background and her desire to work with kids.

Another strong role model was her stepmother, Sheri Craig, who died when Hawkins was in seventh grade.

“She was with us from the time I was in first grade. She had a huge impact on my life,” Hawkins said. “She was my inspiration to graduate from high school and go to college and graduate. I want to be that.”

Another family friend, Mary Haidle, introduced Hawkins to the 500 Festival princess program.

“I’m really looking forward to Kids Day and Rookie Run (May 13) because I love kids,” Hawkins said. “I’m so excited to see them running and having fun with the activities.”


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