Freeport, Grand Bahama - In deciding to add substance to her plan, Braneka asked herself this question; "Why wait to see if you win the crown, as a contestant I feel that I should be working to show how serious I am about making a difference?"  And her simple answer was she did not have to.  As a young person it is important that we know and believe that our destiny in life can be what we plan to make it to be, and it’s often more difficult for some.

While back in Freeport this past week, Braneka took time away from her pageant training and fittings to visit the students of St. Georges High School.  Braneka met with students from St. Georges High School on 4/22/10.  Her message was "Believe, Dream Big and Work Hard to Achieve".  She told them how her dream started at age 14 and how she has been working from age 14 until now to make it a reality.  She stressed the importance of studying hard and staying focus and that "One wrong decision can change your path to success".  As she is now competing for the Miss Bahamas crown she made mention of the current Miss Bahamas, Joanna Brown and that she should be an inspiration to each girl.  As Joanna at the age of 17, and recently graduated high and attended her senior prom could also say that she is the current Miss Bahamas and doors were beginning to open for her to see the world.  Her life as a role model was put out there for all to see.  She told them that Joanna at 17 had accomplished what so many including herself is waiting to make the dream a reality. It was truly a pleasure for Braneka to meet with the students.

Braneka speaking at St. George's High School

While the pageant experience can be filled with a lot of glamour, it goes without saying that as a potential queen or queen one must be willing to offer yourself in service to the community and Braneka is continuing to do just that, showing people that each of us can make a difference and we must be all willing to take responsibility to make a difference in our country.

Braneka has taken on two charities to support:  Braneka has started a food drive to assist the Grand Bahama Red Cross meals program, and along with the collection of non-perishable items collecting at the City Market location in Lucaya, Braneka has sacrificed a portion of her gown budget to make a donation to the Red Cross (Photos to follow)

Right to left: Braneka Bassett - Miss The Copier Ltd. Miss Bahamas Contestant; Mrs.Caroline Turnquest Director General, Bahamas Red Cross Society; Elma Storr

Secondly, having lost her grandmothers to cancer, Braneka has created a cancer support button to raise money for the Bahamas Cancer Society.  Braneka is also inviting others to share their cancer stories of survival, as this is a part of the healing process and a method of survival.  Knowing that we are not alone in our times of illness is half the battle.

You can keep with the events of Braneka and the other 16 contestants by visiting www.2010.missbahamas.net and remember to cast your vote for Braneka Bassett, Miss The Copier Ltd.  and a Beauty of Grand Bahama.