Miranda Chastain, Plano, Texas – 2017 Turner Maurice Gauntt, Jr. Exemplary Citizen Award Winner

Winner, Turner Maurice Gauntt, Jr. Exemplary Citizen Award

Miranda Chastain is currently in her first year attending Texas A&M University but is already an academic sophomore due to earning over 30 hours of college credit while in high school. She is pursuing a degree in International Studies – Politics and Diplomacy Track, and will be declaring a double major in Russian as soon as allowed by the university. In addition, she is a member of the Cornerstone Honors Program. Miranda graduated from Plano East Senior High School with honors, where she earned an International Baccalaureate Programme Diploma in addition to her high school diploma.  Miranda was heavily involved in high school. She participated in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) throughout her time in high school, earning numerous leadership positions and awards. Her senior year of high school, Miranda was the Battalion Executive Officer where she helped lead her battalion to earn the highest score in Texas for the JROTC Program for Accreditation in addition to maintaining the battalion’s Honor Unit with Distinction status. Her junior year, Miranda was captain of the JROTC Academic Team where she led the team to third place within 5th Brigade (Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas). JROTC gave her countless opportunities to build leadership experience and serve her community through service projects.

Miranda successfully completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in high school. To earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma students must pass tests in six subjects, three of which require two years of study, study a foreign language for four years, write a 10,000 word Extended Essay over two years, and complete a community service project.  Miranda was inducted into the National Honor Society her sophomore year where she remained an active member until she graduated.

Her sophomore year of high school, Miranda became a JustWorld International Ambassador. JustWorld International is a nonprofit that supports basic education, nutrition, health & hygiene, and cultural development programs for children in impoverished communities in Cambodia, Guatemala, and Honduras. As an ambassador, Miranda raises awareness and hosts fundraisers to support JustWorld International. Miranda continues to be a proud JustWorld International Ambassador.  For over ten years and counting, Miranda has been an avid equestrian. While in high school, Miranda was an active competitive equestrian. During her senior year, she was lucky enough to be able to compete at the national level. Miranda continues to ride and love horses during her time in college.

Click here for more information on how to nominate a student for the Turner Maurice Gauntt, Jr. Exemplary Citizen Award.

PRINT ARTICLE