In 2011, Laura served as Ms. Virginia United States and subsequently was crowned 2011 Ms. United States. During her reign, under the directorship of Chris Wilmer (now MUSO National Director), she was an emcee for the 2011 Miss Virginia United States pageant and the 2012 Little Miss Virginia United States pageant.
For three years, Laura was the dance team director and field emcee for the Richmond Raiders indoor professional football team. She has been well known in the community, serving on the board for CASA in Richmond, appearing on the cover of Richmond's Belle Magazine and modeling for Virginia Bride Magazine. She has been a choreographer for the Virginia Destroyers Cheerleaders, the University of Richmond SpinURs Dance Team, and multiple high schools. Closely connected with the "Let's Move" campaign, Laura was a keynote speaker at the 2011 Virginia Health, PE and Recreation State Educator's Conference. A resident of Virginia since 2010, Laura and her husband Matt now reside in Northern Virginia.
"Of course I am very excited to direct the state where I was crowned," says Clark, "The state has an incredible history within the MUSO, including multiple Top 5 national placements, incredibly loyal sponsors, and the best contestants. Once you compete in Virginia, you are truly part of the Miss Virginia United States Family. I'm so excited to return to my roots!"
Laura states that the addition of Virginia to her region also allows her the opportunity to closely connect with contestants who overlap between the Virginia-DC region, as the qualifying region for the District of Columbia stretches 60 miles outside of DC.
"Many of our District of Columbia contestants and titleholders are residents or employees of Virginia," says Laura, "It is a natural fit for contestants in Virginia to do well in the District, and vice versa."
"We welcome contestants to take what they learned in one state, and if they qualify, head over to the another state in the same year."
Previous state director Chantel Greenfield will take on the role as National Coordinator of the 2014 Little Miss and Miss Pre-Teen United States Organization.
The 2014 Miss Virginia United States Pageant will be held April 4-6, 2014 in Richmond, Virginia. For more information visit www.missvaus.com or contact missvausdirector@gmail.com.