Miss Illinois will be making a stop in Austin Tuesday as part of her CHARACTER COUNTS! tour throughout the state.
At 11 a.m. Aug. 7, Megan Ervin will visit the nonprofit organization Because I Care Inc., 5811 West Chicago Ave., to talk to youth about healthy habits in urban communities, according to a press release.
Through her state platform, “The Heptathlon of Healthy Habits,” Ervin introduces students and adults alike to the idea of a holistic approach to health, encouraging a healthy mind, body and spirit through the use of seven core components within the “Heptathlon.”
These seven core components are:
1) fitness and physical activity
2) nutrition
3) community service
4) reading and education
5) spirituality
6) recycling
7) the avoidance of distracted driving
Creating true change takes more than temporary adjustment; a permanent lifestyle change must occur, and that is the objective of her program. Through a partnership with State Farm Insurance, Ervin will reach thousands of Illinois teens with her distracted driving presentation.
As Miss Illinois 2012, Ervin will compete with 52 other titleholders from across the country for the title of Miss America at the 2013 Miss America Pageant in January at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Ervin received her bachelor’s of science in exercise science with a dance minor from Western Illinois University and plans to continue her education by obtaining a master’s in exercise physiology. Her plans include creating and owning a fitness/dance studio and trademarking and marketing her “cross-lates dance” fitness method.
Ervin has appeared at a variety of community and charitable events and serves as the Illinois Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network, the official platform of the Miss America Organization.