Miss RWC excited to represent

"I’m excited to represent Redwood City,” said Harris, a sophomore at the University of San Diego where she studies biology. "I think I’ll do a good job.”

Harris was raised in Redwood City. She attended Sacred Heart Preparatory before beginning classes in San Diego in hopes of becoming a cardiologist.

Although pageants were not in the forefront of Harris’ mind, this isn’t her first title. She also held the Miss North Bay’s Outstanding Teen title in 2007.

A family friend, Jeri Richardson, encouraged Harris to go for the Miss Redwood City title.

Richardson baby-sat Harris when she was a little girl.

"She grew up going to my pageants,” said Richardson, adding having a crown helps further efforts to help the community.

Richardson encouraged Harris to participate because she’s beautiful inside and out.

"She just has something special about her that really shows on stage,” said Richardson, who believes Harris has a real chance at winning the Miss California title in July.

Harris was happy to have Richardson on her side. This time around, Harris took a more hands-on approach to preparing for the title. An accomplished Irish dancer, Harris worked with her dance teacher to choreograph a more modern dance.

Harris’ platform of academic integrity makes sense once one learns a bit more about her. She’s a premed student with hopes of becoming a cardiologist, an interest derived from a family history with heart issues.

"I love doing dissections. I think it would be really neat to be a surgeon. The heart is fascinating,” she said.

Harris believes academic integrity is the root of creating a moral and ethical person later in life.

"The development of ethical standards is a trait that takes shape at a young age, before a child even begins formal education. However, it is in the school environment that these standards are fostered,” she said.

Competition can lead people to make the wrong choices, she continued, reinforcing her decision to focus on academic integrity. As the director of academics of associated students at her college, Harris organized an academic excellence week which featured speakers discussing integrity.

The new title means Harris will be traveling a lot in the upcoming year to keep up with school but also meet her responsibilities as Miss Redwood City on the Peninsula. That responsibility comes with good news for Harris’ family — her mom Kathy, dad Michael and older sister Whitney — will have a chance to see her more often.

Harris is simultaneously preparing to compete for Miss California, which will take place this summer.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.