Although she no longer calls Effingham County home, Hannah Boyd is continuing the community service that comes with being the reigning Miss Effingham County High School.
Boyd, who now lives in Newnan, recently visited the Savannah Court senior living facility to spend time with the residents. She visited with each senior and joined in their weekly hymnal sing — including singing with the oldest resident, who will be 102 in November.
“Although I may not be volunteering within the (Effingham) county lines, the need for love, compassion and service exists universally,” Boyd said. “I am striving to meet it by sharing the crown one person at a time.”
Boyd let any resident who wanted to wear her Miss ECHS crown. She believes the crown symbolizes “the confidence, kindness, poise and joy that the ‘Miss’ title implies,” and she can share those attributes by sharing her crown.
“Seeing someone’s face light up because she got to wear the ‘sparkly hat’ is truly an amazing experience,” Boyd said.
“No matter their circumstances or background, every one of them has the opportunity to feel like the queen of the world for that one moment in time,” she added. “Unfortunately, sometimes that is the first time they have ever felt special in their lives. To have the opportunity to bring such joy and confidence is a blessing, so that’s why I’ve decided to call my service activities throughout my reign ‘sharing the crown.’”
Boyd, the ECHS class of 2013 valedictorian, will attend the University of Georgia and study genetics.