Helping our youth make the right choices
We were treated to a powerful story from Miss Wisconsin 2015, Rosalie Smith, on July 22. Although she enjoyed talking about her pageants, Smith is most passionate about her cause, which is named for her late brother, Colin.
Colin suffered from alcohol addiction for several years, and eventually entered a rehab facility in Boston. He returned home after 18 months of treatment a changed man. "[Colin was] finally the big brother I wanted," Smith says. A gifted young man, Colin spoke four languages (including Russian) and played several instruments.
He wanted to return to UW-Milwaukee, Smith says, but the alcoholism "consumed him." Soon after returning from Boston, Colin reconnected with some old friends. His was drinking even more than before. One night in April 2013 Colin attended a party at a friend's apartment. He became severely inebriated, and collapsed and died. Calling her brother her "hero," Smith realized that she wanted to make a difference. She recalls a friend telling her, "Rosalie, this is your chance. Colin is looking down at you."
A 2014 graduate of Waukesha North High School, Smith competed in this year's Miss Wisconsin pageant as Miss New Berlin. She received her tiara on June 20. Her platform is the program she created to honor Colin: “Centered on Loving in Need – Substance Abuse Awareness.” Smith, who is available for booking, shares her story in hopes that young people can avoid the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse. "He inspired a lot of people to come clean," Smith says. "I want to do the same for the community."
In this image, Smith is joined by club president Shawn Schnabl. As Miss Wisconsin, Smith receives a $10,000 cash scholarship (among other awards) and will compete in the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City on Sept. 13.She is attending UW-Milwaukee's Nursing program, and will pursue a career in pediatric oncology. Online courses allow her to continue her studies while she performs her duties as Miss Wisconsin.