I have been Polynesian dancing since age 3. In addition to dancing, I love to fish, camp, and vacation in Kauai. I am very fortunate and blessed to have been born into a wonderful, VERY LARGE, and supportive family who has provided me with exceptional opportunities. The 65 members of my family meet in Big Bear every year for our family reunion. Our family is very close and so many of my family members have inspired and encouraged me to always put God number 1 and never forget where I came from.

I have been doing community service since age 6, mainly with the AT&T Telecom Pioneers, and I have accumulated over 2,400 community service hours! I also recently received the Gold Presidential Service Award from President Bush. I am currently a bank teller intern at Washington Mutual bank, and recently organized a fundraiser at my work for the Hurricane Katrina victims. We were able to donate over $2,000 when we were all done!

Enhancing the Awareness of Health & Well-Being

It is essential for people in San Diego to be aware of the health and wellness facilities and funds that are made available for individuals who are eligible for those particular benefits. I want to take a stand in this particular area because people may not know what they are entitled to, unless they are given something that relates to their health and/or wellness.

As Miss San Diego’s Outstanding Teen, educating people about the importance of good health and ways to reshape and improve their lifestyle are my number one priorities. There are many ways to support people with diseases and those who can not afford to pay for health expenses. It’s amazing how much volunteering in the community helps people with debilitating diseases. There are great opportunities to bring our “Finest City” community closer.

I want to inform the community about available health clinics, potential funds for health expenses and places where individuals can have time to enjoy themselves. Ways of doing so may be contacting local organizations & schools and placing advertisements in their bulletins. Most organizations have funds set aside for helping those in need. The organizations I’ve been directly involved in are Birthline, San Diego Aids Foundation, San Diego Diabetes Foundation, SBC Pioneers, Make a Wish Foundation, Father Joe’s Village and several convalescent homes around San Diego county.

We are The Finest City in America; we need to help improve the health and wellness of our city. San Diego needs to be informed how everyone can help in so many ways. My passion is just not one particular area; there are so many areas that need our help. I have been volunteering since I was six years old and my goal is to continue to help where I am needed until I am ninety-six years old. My ultimate goal is “Help Make San Diego Healthy again!” We need to put our health and wellness as our number one priority in life. If we aren’t good to our body, our body won’t be good to us. I want to be the leader that San Diego needs.

Platform Statement by San Diego's Outstanding Teen 2006, Kristen Paruginog