Johnston Teen Aims for Title of Miss RI on May 26 at RIC

On Saturday at Rhode Island College, the Miss RI Scholarship program is scheduled to celebrate its 90th anniversary with its Scholarship and Outstanding Teen Pageants — and among the contestants will be Johnston resident Jummy Olagundoye.

Last year, we for her work in raising awareness of teen health issues and starting her own nonprofit organization, Jam2Fit, aimed at bringing the message of a healthy lifestyle to young people her age.

The also recently profiled Jummy and her participation in this weekend's pageant.

In 2003, 11-year-old Jummy traveled to America with her four sisters and her parents after winning a Nigerian visa lottery, a move that she said "changed my life" — and this weekend, she'll be among 15 contestants looking for another life-changing accomplishment.

The pageant winner receives scholarship assistance, community exposure, and a chance to promote their platform, as well as  the opportunity to represent Rhode Island in the Miss America Pageant held in Las Vegas, NV, in January 2013.

Currently studying nutrition and physical education at the Community College of Rhode Island, Olagundoye said she plans to sing in this weekend's pageant and speak about health, fitness and environmental awareness.

Asked to explain her message to her peers, Jummy replied: "Be the change you want to see — don't just dwell on being, but act on becoming, because your future is in your hands. Dream it, do it.  Time is limited, but you're the pilot — design your life the way you want it to be."

For tickets to the Miss RI Pageant's 90 th Anniversary visit www.ric.edu/pfa/orderinfo.php  or call Rhode Island College box office at (401) 456-8144, or visit www.missri.org  Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door.