Danielle Crook, Miss Santa Cruz

Posted by Rod Caborn 
 

Guest Speaker Danielle Crook, an extremely impressive young woman, opened her presentation with a song unequivocally demonstrating why she graduated cum laude in Musicology from UCLA.  Danielle explained some of the benefits she had experienced in the process of preparing for the Miss Santa Cruz and Miss California competitions.  

 
The breadth and well-rounded nature of the requirements was a surprise to many.  Then she focused on the one component of her preparation that had really resonated with her - that of taking on a cause about which you are passionate.

Danielle has fully embraced the platform of suicide prevention, having been tragically touched by the subject when her father took his own life at 53 years old.

She pointed out that this demographic - white males post-middle-age - is the highest suicide group.  She further noted that suicide is the second most prevalent cause of death among college students and the third leading cause among teens.

Danielle lauded the fine work of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  Raising awareness and learning to recognize the symptoms are key.  To that end, Danielle plans to organize a benefit concert for suicide awareness to Santa Cruz.  One gets the distinct impression that if she plans it, it will happen!

All were inspired by the passion and Danielle Crook.