Filed under: News
Lisa Drouillard's parents had no idea when they arrived on these shores from Haiti that their only daughter (pictured) would one day be crowned Miss Teen New York. After dealing with the emotional aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the Drouillards could actually be happy and enjoy the good news of their daughter's accomplishment.
Thirty years has gone by since a Miss Teen hailing from the Big Apple has been crowned. Drouillard broke the dry spell when she won the crown. Not only did the 19-year-old beauty become a symbol of scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and grassroots involvement, but she has also infused her Haitian community with a much-needed injection of pride.
The aftermath of the earthquake that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands and left the country and its infrastructure in shambles was strongly felt in the city of New York, which is home to the largest population of Haitians outside of Haiti. Since winning the pageant, Drouillard has become a major source of inspiration for Haitian immigrants who are still in the throes of relief efforts for their homeland.
"The earthquake traumatized everyone, whether they are living in Haiti or New York," City Councilman Mathieu Eugene told the New York Daily News. "To see that young lady succeed and become who she is, is a remarkable thing, and it's a very strong and powerful message for the young Haitian people."
Now with her eye on the biggest prize of all, the opportunity to compete in the upcoming Miss Teen USA pageant, Drouillard is focused on staying on track and more than ready to meet the challenge head on. The John Jay College of Criminal Justice freshman told the New York Daily News, "I'm proud of myself because I'm going to college, I'm being successful ... and that's very touching to me."
Drouillard has made it very clear that she is not only proud of her Haitian ancestry but wants to keep the momentum going, serving as a beacon of hope to the children in her community:
"I have a sense of pride being Haitian. I feel like I haven't gotten there yet, but I do know that I inspire every child in my neighborhood."