Hello, my name is Jennifer Meneses and I am participating in my school’s Top Scot pageant to raise money for The Memorial Foundation. My friends and I are supporting the local Children’s Village and Neonatal Intensive Unit (NICU). I decided to participate because I wanted to help support a cause which my family has benefitted from. In 2012,  my younger brother was born at 28 weeks and he weighed only 1 pound  and 15 ounces. He spent three months in the NICU inside an incubator.  At the time, I was only 8-years-old and not allowed inside the NICU. I would only get to hear about him from what my parents told me, but I could not see him. 2 months after he was born, I got to see him for the first time through a window that connected the NICU and the waiting area. He may have been 2 months old but he was still very small. Although this moment lasted a few seconds, it’s a memory I hold deep in my heart. As he grew up, he visited the Children’s Village for Gross Motor Therapy and is now a strong and healthy 9 year old. Having him here makes our family complete. Without the help of Children’s Village and Neonatal Intensive Unit (NICU) I wouldn't be able to call myself a big sister.

Hola, mi nombre es Jennifer Meneses y estoy participando en el concurso Top Scot de mi escuela para recaudar fondos para The Memorial Foundation. Mis amigos y yo estamos apoyando al Children's Village and Neonatal Intensive Unit (NICU). Decidí participar porque quería ayudar a apoyar una causa de la que mi familia se ha beneficiado. En 2012, mi hermano menor nació a las 28 semanas y pesó sólo 1 libra y 15 onzas. Pasó tres meses en el NICU dentro de una incubadora. En ese momento, solo tenía 8 años y no me permitían entrar al NICU. Solo pude escuchar de él por medio de mis padres, y 2 meses después de su nacimiento, pude verlo por primera vez a través de una ventana que conectaba el NICU y la sala de espera. El tenía 2 meses, pero todavía era muy pequeño. Aunque este momento duró unos segundos, es un recuerdo que guardo en lo más profundo de mi corazón. A medida que crecía, visitó al Children’s Village para la terapia de motricidad gruesa y ahora es un niño de 9 años fuerte y saludable. Tenerlo aquí completa nuestra familia. Sin la ayuda de Children’s Village and Neonatal Intensive Unit (NICU) no podría llamarme una hermana mayor.

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A 25 year tradition, pageants directly benefit pediatric programs through Children's Miracle Network at Yakima Valley Memorial and Children's Village, serving thousands of children each year through hospital treatment, educational programs, and family services. Participating high schools organize a non-traditional pageant for boys where contestants are judged in a number of categories, including creativity, faculty review, and individual fundraising. The schools contribution is a result of individual contestant fundraising, the pageant night itself, as well as other events held throughout the school year. As a student-organized philanthropy project centered on raising awareness and funds for children in dire need of special health care, this program enhances school unity and fosters community involvement.