What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include contemporary dance, traveling, swimming, and spending time with loved ones. I have always had a love and appreciation for music. I find freedom in writing lyrics and expressing myself through performance. When not involved with these activities I lend a helping hand to the Special Olympics and support other local charities.

What makes you special and unique?
My family is closely related to a melting pot of different ethnic backgrounds. My great grandfather was Cherokee, my father was born in Kyoto, Japan, and his mother, my grandmother, is full blooded Japanese. These different backgrounds have opened my eyes to the many different cultures of our world. My unified family has always been supportive of my dreams and incorporated my roots into the life lessons they instill within me. The diversity of my heritage has empowered me.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
Through Failure comes success. Failure is an obstacle only triumphed by faith, determination, and perseverance. So have the faith within yourself, keep your head up high, the fight strong, and dare to push through the crowd of normalcy.

Name one thing you cannot live without.
I could not live without music. Since the age of six I have been involved with the performing arts. My family is filled with extremely creative and artistic individuals that make us so colorful. Music allows me to feel and move my way through life.

What is the most valuable lesson you ever learned?
At the age of twelve I met a woman who claimed to be a photographer and talent agent. She had a newly furnished studio and appeared to be successful. I began to do small modeling jobs for her and soon became fascinated with the modeling industry. She told me if I lost fifteen pounds and heeded her advice I could be successful in that industry. So at twelve years I began to diet and dedicate every moment to reaching the goal of becoming a successful model. The woman then surprised me on my thirteenth birthday with a letter from the editor and chief of Seventeen Magazine asking me if I could participate in their fall issue as a model. Ecstatic, I couldn't believe my hard work had paid off. A month had passed and the woman that had become my mentor vanished. We later learned that she had lied to my family and myself. She forged the letter from Seventeen Magazine and then closed down her studio. Though it pained me, I grew so much from that experience. It taught me to always do my research and to always stay true to whom I am as a person. In the entertainment industry there are always opportunities earned but one should never change who they are as an individual to please another human being.

Who is your most valued role model and why?
I value my sister as a role model the most. At the age of eight I had the opportunity to attend the Summer Games of Special Olympics at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. I was introduced to the athletes and volunteers. Then I witnessed my sister, compete in the aquatics 150 yard free style competition. As she dove into the water half way through the race strain and exhaustion flowed through her body. Even though she felt the pain and was faced with such an enormous obstacle she persevered and completed the race. I think there is no better role model then one who does not know the meaning of quitting.

What was your most unexpected moment?
May 1996, My family and I were driving from my hometown of Clinton, MS to Keesler Air Force base on the beautiful Biloxi coast. My mom, dad, and sister, were all on our way to Keesler Air Force base for the Summer Special Olympics Games of Mississippi. Ahead, on the long highway I saw a man jogging with something in his hand. As we drove closer I realized this man was holding a torch. The moment I witnessed was an event known as the Mississippi Law Enforcement Torch Run. When we arrived at Keesler Air force base that night I saw the very same torch that had been carried across that long highway brought in by an athlete and law enforcement official. Hand in hand, together both lit the Flame of Hope and I never expected that moment to inspire and change my outlook on life as it did.

What is your workout routine?
Monday Through Friday : early morning swim, 40 laps
Monday: Hip Hop dance Class
Tuesday: Jazz dance Class

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
I have been a lifeguard for four years now. Every day is a surprise when on duty. One day in particular stands out in my mind. I was on duty as a first year summer guard. It was our busiest day and the pool was filled with many different people. Ten minutes into my duties I see a young boy fall into the deep end and begin to sink. I blew my whistle and immediately jumped into the water to rescue the infant. I followed the procedure learned just weeks ago and saved this young boys life. To this day I am proud of myself for making a difference and saving a life.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?
Recently a woman that I have never had the privilege of meeting wrote to me complimenting my character during a pageant. She then preceded to tell me that her granddaughter was in the pageant and she told her grandmother that I was friendly and had the character of an amazing role model. That to me is the most valuable compliment I have ever received.

What is your secret wish?
I have always admired Tina Turner as a performer. My secret wish would to perform a high powered duet with this superstar

What was your most embarrassing moment?
During the Super Bowl 2007, my father Bob Boyte had recently opened a Honda Dealership in Brandon. I was hosting a super bowl party at my house with many of my friends. As the pre-game goes to a commercial, I see a crazy man in a blue wig and eye popping glasses, only to find that it is my father on that big screen! Needless to say, my friends never let me live it down and even went as far as to buy me a blue wig for my birthday! How embarrassing!

What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
My friends will call it an obsession and my parents call it my kryptonite but Sugar free Red Bull is my guilty Pleasure!

What is your favorite movie and why?
Hands down, My favorite movie of all time would be none other then "Father of the Bride." The movie is about a young daughter finding true love while on vacation and surprises her parents by returning home engaged. The father, played by Steve Martin, is extremely irrational and overprotective of his "little girl" in this comedy. This classic is my favorite movie choice because it can always bring a smile on my face and reminds me of the crazy things loving parents do to protect their children.

What is your favorite color and why?
I have always been drawn to the color blue. It has a soothing effect that can calm me down and is also the color of my two favorite parts of the earth, the sky and ocean.

What do you like to do for fun... relaxation... recreation?
Whenever I am around my friends and family I always have a great time. From laughing until I cry or taking a road trip my fun comes from their company. When I am under stress and need to unwind I love to curl up in my comfortable pajamas and just lay down and watch a movie. I love the outdoors. For recreation I enjoy fishing, swimming, volleyball, surfing, and hiking.

What would be your dream vacation or destination?
My dream vacation would be to travel to Australia. I would love to see the kangaroos up close in person and surf the enormous waves on their famous beaches.

What do you like best about your hometown?
When someone talks about Clinton I fill with pride. My hometown is an amazing setting filled with friendly neighbors who care about one another. The people of Clinton are what make this college town something of an enormous scale. Clinton High School sports are always supported by each local citizen and provides a safe haven for its youth. The churches are powerful in their word and motivating for life. Clinton has grown with me and will always have a special place in my heart.

What do you like best about the state of Mississippi, besides our food & hospitality?
I have always been so proud to call Mississippi my home. This great state has played an amazing part in molding me into the unique individual I am today. It has shown me the beauty of our natural environment through our amazing landscapes and the unconditional love from each neighbor. Katrina had an enormous impact on my life as well as each Mississippian. It taught me that Mississippians, no matter what obstacle we may face, can rise from the ashes, dust ourselves off, and rebuild. Rebuild our hope, faith, and love. This great state offers an amazing backdrop for the very people that attribute to it's reputation.

What's in your CD player or on your iPod right now?
Growing up I have learned to appreciate all types of music. My iPod is filled with every type of genre from Irish folk to country. My father and I recently took a college road trip and I made a play list of the music he raised me on. Everything from "I go blind" by Hootie in the Blowfish to "Take Me Home" by Phil Collins. It's been on repeat in my car ever since we got back from that trip!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Pursuing whatever God leads me towards.

Who am I?
"Good Evening Mississippi, I'm Tiffany Boyte and these are your headlines for tonight." My future career will be intertwined with this phrase. I have always had a care to make a difference in the world and feel I can make an impact through this chosen field. I plan to attend the University of Mississippi in fall of 2008 to major in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in International studies to closer reach this goal.

When I'm not looking to the future, I'm looking at today. I have always had a very happy personality and believe one smile can turn someone's day around. I am a Member of Morrison Heights Baptist Church and am active in the Student Ministry.

One of the things I love to do is eat! My favorite food is definitely sushi. On a typical night of sushi, I usually order Chirashi. This is a serving of a variety of sashimi as well as seasoned rice. I have also learned to prepare different Japanese cuisines through my fathers side of the family for whom is Japanese.

Since the age of eight I have been involved with the Special Olympics. I have spent many summers on Keesler Air Force base for the Summer Olympics as a supporter and volunteer coach. The relationships I have grown with these special Olympians have taught me how I should live my life. My sister who is a competitor in Special Olympics has shown me the true meaning of kindness, determination and strength.

Who I am is hard to define because God made me of many different layers, but the motto I live by seems to suit me well. Live, Laugh, Love.

Tell us about your occupational experience.
At the age of thirteen I enrolled in a Lifeguard course to become a summer guard. After an intensive two week program and rigorous training, I took to the guard stand for my first day in that bright red suit and shiny whistle. The temperature was in the nineties and the pool was packed with people young and old ready to celebrate the coming of summer with a splash. Ten Minutes in to my shift a young boy fell into the deep end and upon drowning began to sink. I kept to my newly trained procedure and blew my whistle twice before entering the crowded waters. Diving down to the bottom of the pool, I took hold of the young boy and brought him to surface. That day, being the first day of my life gaurding career was both overwhelming as well as rewarding. To have saved a human life and make a difference empowered me and gave me strength to make it through the hot summer days ahead. I have been life gaurding for four years now and even though every day is a new day, that experience will always stay with me.

During the school year when the pool was closed I worked at a boutique that sold young, fashionable clothing. This experience in retail gave me insight on statistics in the clothing industry as well as marketing strategies. It aided me when I competed in the DECA competitions both my junior and senior year. I placed First in both regional and state for Buying Business and Merchandising as well as First in Regional competitions for Retail Service Management. This experience with the clothing store opened my eyes to the business world.

I had always expressed an interest in news and broadcasting since I was in my early teens. I was offered the chance to become an intern at WLBT News Station in Jackson, MS. I have taken advantage of this great offer and have implemented it into my future as a broadcast journalist. Learning everything from the "lingo" to how to edit VO, the internship at WLBT and the amazing staff have impacted my life and given me a phenomenal opportunity.

Tell us about your platform.
The platform I represent is volunteerism and Funding for Special Olympics. On a heated summers day in May of 1998 I attended the Special Olympics Swimming competition to cheer for my sister and give her my moral support. As the coaches lined their designated competitor up to his or her block, I saw something special. Each competitor shook the others hand, sharing a smile followed by a friendly wish of good luck. These competitors genuine love for swimming brought them together on that scorching day, but their compassion for one another glowed brighter than the sun itself. As the siren blared across the damp floors and through each ear drum, my sister dove into the water awakening it from its dormancy. As she began to divide every particle with each stroke she took, she soon became aware of the obstacle ahead.

She struggled to get to the end and was discouraged each time an opponent would pass her. But as each Olympian touched the finish line, instead of leaving the water stayed and cheered Heather on. As Heather touched the wall each athlete departed from the water in unison and congratulated each other.

This is what Special Olympics represents. It motivates these athletes and shows them that it is not about winning and losing, it is about ones heart and the inner strength that pumps through their veins. Every Summer, I have grown as an individual from the experiences and the athletes. I have been a volunteer coach, supporter, assisted in coordinating events and fundraiser's, and have fought for this cause.

Now, Mississippi is endanger of losing the very motivational tool that keeps many of these both young and old men and women going. Since Katrina, supporters and sponsors have dwindled and interest has been lost by volunteers. The main office is being operated by few workers and poor funding. The local area that my very sister has competed in since the age of 10 has become no more. If this continues, the athletes that have grown from the experiences provided to them through special Olympics will be lost forever. You can make a difference. There are so many ways to become involved with Special Olympics. There is a program reaching to young people starting in the ninth grade that encourages activeness within the Special Olympics Program. There are also many different Golf Tournaments, the 5 k race held by the Law Enforcement, and Galas that one can attend and make a difference with one small donation. After my experience through watching my sister that day of May 1998, I believe that Special Olympics cannot be lost.