Health and Family Festival to take place Saturday, October 1st at Belmont and East Fordham Road Intersection

There is a free health festival taking place tomorrow. Various medical exams will be made available to the public free of charge. The event is sponsored by NY State Senator Jeff Klein, MedAlliance and Affinity Health Plan. Anyone interested in the free screenings should review the information sent by Senator Klein’s office.

Gregory
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Senator Klein to Host Health Festival

BRONX, N.Y. – Senator Jeff Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), will be holding a Free Health and Family Festival. The event will feature free screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, lead and asthma, as well as free eye and diabetic foot exams. The event is co-sponsored by the MedAlliance and Affinity Health Plan.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: The corner of Belmont Avenue and East Fordham Road in the Bronx.

KLEIN TO HOST EASTER BUNNY BREAKFAST AND MAGIC SHOW

Here is a great family event scheduled for tomorrow.

Gregory
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KLEIN TO HOST EASTER BUNNY BREAKFAST AND MAGIC SHOW
Senator Klein will hold his 17th Annual Easter Bunny Breakfast and Magic Show
BRONX, NY- Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) joined by more than 300 children from the Bronx and Westchester, will hold his 17th annual Easter Bunny Breakfast and Magic Show. Families will enjoy a free breakfast, magic show and build-a-bunny workshop. The Easter Bunny will also make a special appearance.



WHO: Senator Jeff Klein, more 300 kids and parents, the Easter Bunny


WHAT: Klein to host his 17th annual Easter Bunny Breakfast and Magic Show


WHEN: Saturday, April 16th, 8:30 AM

WHERE: Villa Barone Catering Hall, 737 Throggs Neck Expressway, BRONX

KLEIN ANNOUNCES 4201 SCHOOL FUNDING RESTORED IN 2012 BUDGET

Here is some news on the restoration of educational funds for our special need students. NY State Senator Jeff Klein along with the Independent Democratic Conference fought and helped restore much needed funds for our deaf and blind student community. Congratulations and thank you to all the elected officials who helped restore funding to our special needs students.

Gregory
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KLEIN ANNOUNCES 4201 SCHOOL FUNDING RESTORED IN 2012 BUDGET

Bronx Educators, Students and Parents Thank Senator Klein For His Efforts

BRONX, NY – State Senator Jeff Klein (D- Bronx/ Westchester) joined Frank Simpson, Superintendent for Lavelle School for the Blind, Diane Tucker, Upper School Principal for Lavelle School for the Blind, representatives from the New York Institute for Special Education, Noreen Collins of St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, students, parents and teachers at Lavelle School for the Blind Thursday to announce the restoration of funds for 4201 Schools in the 2012 Executive Budget.

The proposed 2011-2012 Executive Budget previously did not include 4201 School funding, and would have put nearly 1,500 students that attend these 11 schools in the hands of the public school system. Students attending 4201 Schools require specially trained teachers and staff and have been receiving funding from New York State for nearly 200 years.

Last month, Senator Klein and members of the Independent Democratic Conference issued a letter to Governor Cuomo asking for his consideration to restore the state’s appropriation in support of 4201 Schools, and allow professionals at these schools to assist local school districts in evaluating disabled students’ needs both for placement and services. In addition, Klein visited with Lavelle School for the Blind, marched with the New York Institute for Special Education on Pelham Parkway and spoke with Debra Arles, Executive Director for St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf about restoring the funding for 4201 Schools. Senator Klein then went to the leadership of the New York State Senate and asked for this funding to be restored. Klein then voted to restore the funding for 4201 Schools in the Senate. Changes to the Governor’s 2012 Executive Budget now include an additional $272 million in education which includes the restoration of funding for 4201 Schools.

“I have met with all of the 4201 Schools in the Bronx. I understand the great work they do and I'm proud that these schools are a large part of New York’s education system – which is why I fought to restore funding for them in the 2012 Budget,” said Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/ Westchester). “It is crucial that we continue to do all that we can to ensure these schools remain intact for current and future students.“

“Our students and staff eagerly awaited Senator Klein’s visit today and have a sense of security with his support. He demonstrates an understanding of the importance of the special education needs of our students. He recognizes and values our school and the other 4201 schools as resources to meet those needs. Our students said it best in a “Thank You” song - “Senator Klein is a friend of the blind,” said Frank Simpson, Superintendent, Lavelle School for the Blind.

“Senator Klein has supported the deaf, blind and severely disabled children who attend the 4201 schools for many years. In this very difficult budget year, his support helped restore 4201 funding and as a result has made it possible for our students to continue to be educated among their peers in the inclusive and highly specialized environment they require. Senator Klein’s leadership on this issue demonstrates his solid understanding of the complex nature of low incidence disabilities and what New York’s deaf, blind, and severely disabled children need. We invite the Governor to visit any one of the 4201 schools to see what these schools do and how effectively we serve our students,” said Debra Arles, Executive Director, St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf.

“The students and staff at The New York Institute for Special Education are grateful to all the legislators for their support on the 4201 issue. They heard our story and created a solution to provide funds for the students to be successful in school. Our efforts were always about giving the students the opportunities they deserve,” said Dr. Bernadette Kappen, Executive Director, New York Institute for Special Education.

ENACTED STATE BUDGET CONTAINS FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS SERVING THE BLIND, DEAF AND SEVERELY PHYSICALLY DISABLED

A few weeks back we posted information about a rally attended by NYS Senator Klein. The rallies aim was to restore 4201 schools funding for blind, deaf and severely disabled. The following press release sent by the 4201 School Association, states funding has been restored. Congratulation to our State officials who fought for and restored funding for our blind, deaf and disabled community. The association’s web site is posted below for additional news and information about these events.

Gregory
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ENACTED STATE BUDGET CONTAINS FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS SERVING THE BLIND, DEAF AND SEVERELY PHYSICALLY DISABLED

Funding for the eleven schools serving the educational needs of 1,700 blind, deaf and severely physically disabled children was restored by the state legislature.

In total, state leaders committed to a $98 million restoration to ensure that the schools, based in Buffalo, Rochester, White Plains, New York City and Long Island continue to operate seamlessly and without disruption.

“For nearly 200 years, the state has supported the education of some of New York’s most vulnerable children. Today, we know that the Governor and the legislature are committed to providing certainty and clarity for our students and families,” said Dr. Harold Mowl, Chairman of the 4201 Schools Association, and Superintendent of the Rochester School for the Deaf.

Under an agreement forged earlier this week, and enacted today, a dedicated funding stream – only applicable to 4201 costs - will be provided by the state to local school districts and paid on a quarterly basis to the schools serving the blind, deaf and severely physically disabled. In addition, a new process associated with determining appropriate tuition payments for each school will be developed in association with the New York State Education Department.

“I encourage Governor Cuomo and each and every member of the legislature to visit our schools. They will witness students meeting challenges head-on, observe classroom interaction, and leave with a knowledge that every child deserves an opportunity to lead a fulfilling, independent, productive life,” Dr. Mowl said.
The schools received unanimous support in both houses of the legislature.

The 4201 Schools Association may be accessed on the web at: http://4201schoolsassociation.wordpress.com/.

Senate Passes Klein Bill to Crack Down on Auto Insurance Fraud

Here is a bill targeted at stiffer penalties for criminals committing insurance fraud. Hopefully the bill will pass the assembly, like it did the Senate. Keeping insurance premiums down by preventing fraud sounds like a great plan to me. Insurance rates are high enough.

Gregory
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Senate Passes Klein Bill to Crack Down on Auto Insurance Fraud

Measure Would Increase Penalties for Criminals Who Forge Auto Insurance Cards

ALBANY, NY – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeffrey D. Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) that would impose tougher penalties on those who commit auto insurance fraud, passed the State Senate today. Klein’s bill (S.578) would make it a felony to forge an auto insurance card or certificate of insurance. In New York State, these documents are necessary to obtain the government issued documents, such as a vehicle registration, that are required to legally operate a motor vehicle.

“Everyone pays the price for auto insurance fraud,” Senator Klein said. “This commonsense measure will help law-abiding New Yorkers from having to pay higher car insurance because of the misdeeds of others.”

Forged insurance cards and documents are often used to fraudulently register cars so that owners may operate them without paying auto insurance premiums. Klein’s bill also makes the selling of 10 or more false insurance cards or documents a felony.The bill is pending in the Assembly.

Belmont Arthur Avenue Community Celebrates Mr. Joseph Zinzi with Street Re-naming in his Honor

NYC Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera led the Belmont Arthur Avenue community in honoring Mr. Joseph Zinzi. The event drew a large number of friends, family and elected officials who worked with Mr. Zinzi in making the community he loved and toiled for stronger. Also present were the Belmonts which performed in his honor. The street sign was placed at the intersection of 187th Street and Arthur Avenue.



Besides Councilman Joel Rivera, U.S Congressman Serrano, NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera and NYS Senator Klein were present to show their respect.

KLEIN SUPPORTS NEW PROGRAMS TO BENEFIT NEW YORK'S SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN

Here is a post related to legislation advocating various benefits or protections for our veterans and active military personnel, supported by NY State Senator Klein.

Gregory
*********

KLEIN SUPPORTS NEW PROGRAMS TO
BENEFIT NEW YORK’S SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN

ALBANY, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) voted to pass a package of legislation that extends or creates programs to honor our brave veterans and active military personnel who continue to serve our nation.

“We can never repay our veterans and active military personnel for their selfless sacrifice but we can continue to recognize and honor their service to our country. By passing this package of bills, it gives us the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, as well as their families and expand their opportunities. This legislation is the least we can do to show our continued support for their deep commitment and honorable service," said Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/ Westchester).


The package is comprised of the following bills:



S656: Authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to designate organized fishing events to provide physical and emotional rehabilitation for current and former members of the armed forces. A fishing license would not be required to participate.


S1728: Make the desecration of a veterans grave site, regardless of the value of the damaged or stolen property a class E felony.


S2421: Allows ballots of deceased military personnel to be counted toward the election for which they were cast even if the person dies before the election.


S1431: Gives the authority to the Adjutant General to present a burial flag to those who have served in the New York Guard.

S1504: Prohibits the unauthorized sale, purchase or transfer of any cemetery marker, flag holder, monument, statue or other physical memorabilia that is over 75 years old that commemorates the life or death of a veteran or groups of veterans.


S2424A: Establishes the “New York State Veterans Cemetery Act”, to conduct an investigation and study on establishing a New York State veterans cemetery.


S3484: Extends the program established in 1996 which offers tuition waivers and incentive benefits that service personnel may receive until March 31, 2017. The program was set to expire on March 31, 2011.


S3900: Protects mourners at military funerals by prohibiting disruptive behavior, such as protests, 500 feet of a funeral service for a military service person who died while serving.

KLEIN RALLIES TO SAVE FUNDING FOR 4201 SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK

NYS Senator Klein has been busy protecting schools for the deaf, blind and physically disabled. More below.

Gregory

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(PHOTOS ATTACHED: Senator Klein speaks at the rally inside the Legislative Office Building in Albany.)


KLEIN RALLIES TO SAVE FUNDING FOR 4201 SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK

Senator Klein Fights To Help Save Money That Supports Deaf, Blind and Physically Disabled Schools

BRONX, NY – State Senator Jeff Klein (D- Bronx/ Westchester) joined concerned students, parents and educators during an Albany rally to save the funding for schools that serve deaf, blind and physically disabled students.

The Bronx is home to three of these schools otherwise known as 4201 schools - Lavelle School for the Blind, St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf and New York Institute for Special Education.

“I am proud that these schools are a large part of New York’s education system and believe that the state should continue to support them,” said Senator Klein. "Circumstances such as these require all stakeholders to come together and identify a fair, equitable, and predictable funding process for these critically important institutions."

Students attending 4201 schools require specially trained teachers and staff and have been receiving funding from New York State for nearly 200 years.

The proposed executive budget would prohibit trained professionals from participating in student evaluations, which help these children receive appropriate services even in home school districts. In addition, the alternative funding mechanism that the proposal recommends is a system that Chancellor Tisch and Commissioner Steiner and countless others acknowledge to be broken. This rate methodology, which inadequately provides for the 853 and special act schools, has forced significant indebtedness –approximately $35 Million.

Senator Klein and members of the Independent Democratic Conference have issued a letter to Governor Cuomo asking for his consideration to restore the state’s appropriation in support of 4201 schools, and allow professionals at these schools to assist local school districts in evaluating disabled students’ needs both for placement and services.

*****

Senator Klein also visited the Lavelle School for the blind. Photos and more below

Gregory

Senator Klein visited Lavelle School for the Blind today. His did a tour of the classes and met with Superintendent Frank Simpson. 4201 Schools are in jeopardy in the Governor's Executive Budget proposal. Lavelle School for the Blind is one of three schools in the Bronx that is threatened by these cuts. 4201 Schools are specialized schools that teach the blind, deaf and developmentally and physically disabled. Senator Klein is fighting to save these schools. I sent you a release about yesterday's 4201 rally that took place in Albany. Lavelle School for the Blind also took part in that rally, where Senator Klein spoke.


(Photo #2: Romana Villasenor, Occupational Therapist, Martha Lugo, Teacher’s Aide, Senator Klein, Dawn Regan, Classroom Teacher, Students: Christina, Lyangilee, Mia, Myra, and Vinnie)

KLEIN AND AT&T REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND READ ALLIANCE PROGRAM COMPLETION CEREMONY AT P.S. 97

Here is an event taking place at the P.S. 97 the elementary school I attended in my youth. Kudos to AT&T, Senator Klein and all the P.S.97 students who successfully completed the program.

Gregory
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KLEIN AND AT&T REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND READ ALLIANCE PROGRAM COMPLETION CEREMONY AT P.S. 97

Senator Klein To Present Graduating Students With Certificates

BRONX, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D- Bronx/ Westchester) and representatives from AT&T will be attending the P.S. 97 Read Alliance Program completion ceremony. In addition, Klein will be presenting Kindergarten and First Grade students who successfully completed the tutoring program with certificates for their hard work. Read Alliance provides effective one-to-one reading intervention to help children reach their full academic potential.

WHO: Senator Klein, AT&T representatives, Read Alliance Program representatives, Teachers, tutors and students from P.S. 97

WHAT: P.S. 97 Read Alliance Program Completion Ceremony

WHEN: FRIDAY, MARCH 11th AT 3:30PM

WHERE: P.S. 97, 1375 Mace Avenue, Bronx

KLEIN HONORS EVERYDAY HEROES AT HIS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION BREAKFAST

KLEIN HONORS EVERYDAY HEROES AT HIS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION BREAKFAST
NYC COBA President Norman Seabrook and Local Community Members Honored


BRONX, NY – In celebration of Black History Month, State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/ Westchester) hosted a complimentary breakfast at Villa Barone Catering Hall Saturday morning. Norman I. Seabrook, President of the New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association delivered the keynote address. This year's celebration also honored everyday heroes from the education, business, civic and law enforcement communities. Honorees included: Monica Major, President of District 11 Community Education Council; Gregory Perry, President of the Westchester Square Merchants Association; Yolanda Robinson, Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Mount Vernon; Officer Jay Sturdivant of the NYPD’s 49th Precinct's Community Affairs Division; and Al J. Everett, Deputy Chief of the Mount Vernon Fire Department.


“It is easy to recognize the significant contributions of African-Americans to the rich cultural fabric of our communities. African Americans have played a significant role in shaping both our national history and our magnificent city - whether in the classroom, on the beat, running businesses or in their dedication to public service and safety. It has been my great privilege to work with these exemplary members of our community that I consider everyday heroes - committed to working tirelessly for the benefit of us all,” said Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/ Westchester).



"I am honored to join Senator Klein and distinguished leaders from our communities in the Bronx to celebrate not just Black History month, but Black future everyday moving forward. We're proud to support those individuals who work diligently every day and who make countless sacrifices to make a positive difference in the lives of all of us no matter where they come from," said Norman I. Seabrook, President of the New York City Correction Officers' Benevolent Association.


In addition, honorees and members of the community enjoyed a special live performance by the Trinity Baptist Church Choir.



Norman I. Seabrook is President of the New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, which is the largest municipal jail union in the nation and second largest law enforcement union in New York City. President Seabrook was elected in 1995 by an overwhelming margin and achieved unprecedented accomplishments on behalf of Corrections Officers during his first term in office. He was re-elected in 1999, 2004 and 2008. President Seabrook has received many honors and prestigious appointments for his advocacy on behalf of men and women in civil service nationwide. He is a graduate of Empire State College and a life-long resident of the Bronx.


Monica Major, a life-long Bronx resident and education advocate, has served on the District 11 Community Education Council for four years, including two as President. She was the chairperson of the Student Achievement Committee and a member of the Zoning Committee. During her tenure, District 11 has successfully moved to a middle school choice district. Major serves on the DOE Panel for Educational Policy. She is a graduate of Baruch College and the proud mother of two children.


Gregory Perry is the President of the Westchester Square Merchants Association and former President of the Business Network International Platinum Chapter. Perry attended City College of New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a concentration in Health. His academic teaching tenure has spanned over three decades, educating young men and women on the college level. Perry is the proud owner of Crown Trophy in the Bronx.


Yolanda Robinson is currently the Chief of Staff for the City of Mount Vernon. She is in charge of day-to-day operations of the city. During her tenure as Chief of Staff, Robinson has worked tirelessly to enhance efficiency, technology, safety and cost cutting measures at City Hall. Robinson has twenty years of public/ government relations and broadcasting experience. She served as Deputy Chief of Staff for NYS Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, publicist for Westchester County Board of Legislators and former District Attorney Jeanine Pirro. Yolanda was also the first African American Reporter/ Anchor for News 12 Westchester.


Officer Jay Sturdivant has served as a police officer with the NYPD for over a decade and is no stranger to the 49th Precinct, having worked in the Commands Housing developments since 2003. In March of 2010, Officer Sturdivant was appointed to Community Affairs Officer. Sturdivant is the first African American in the history of the 49th Precinct to hold this position. While serving in this capacity, he worked as a community liaison in the public housing developments which included Pelham Parkway Houses, Eastchester Gardens, Parkside Houses and 2440 Boston Road, a senior citizen development.



Al J. Everett is the Deputy Chief of the Mount Vernon Fire Department. Everett has been involved in politics from an early age when his grandmother had him working as a member of the Junior NAACP handing out literature for candidates in the 1960 Presidential Election. In 1980, he became a member of the Mount Vernon Fire Department. Everett recalled during his first month on the job being told by someone that they had never seen a black firefighter. It was at that moment Al decided to turn things around. He became a member of the Vulcan Society of Westchester, a group of black firefighters dedicated to increasing the number of all minorities in the fire service. He has held every position on the executive board of the Vulcans of Westchester, increasing minority representation in Mount Vernon’s Fire Department from five to seventy. He is a lifetime member of the NAACP and a former Vice President of the Mount Vernon School’s Board of Education.


(Photo: Greg Perry, Monica Major, Senator Klein, Officer Jay Sturdivant, Yolanda Robinson, Deputy Chief Al Everett and Keynote Speaker Norman Seabrook)

KLEIN HOSTS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH BREAKFAST

With Black History Month coming to an end here is one more Bronx politician doing his part before its conclusion. Please see press release below.

Gregory
******
KLEIN HOSTS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH BREAKFAST
NYC COBA President Norman Seabrook to Give Keynote Address, Local Community Members Honored

BRONX, NY - In celebration of Black History Month, State Senator Jeff Klein (D- Bronx/ Westchester) will host a complimentary breakfast at Villa Barone Catering Hall to honor everyday heroes. President of the New York City Correction Officers' Benevolent Association, Norman I. Seabrook will deliver the keynote address. In addition, Klein will be honoring distinguished members of the civic, business and law enforcement community. Honorees and members of the community will enjoy a live performance by the Trinity Baptist Church Choir.

WHO: Senator Klein, Norman Seabrook and honorees
WHAT: Black History Month Celebration Breakfast
WHEN: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH AT 9:00AM
WHERE: Villa Barone Catering Hall, 737 Throggs Neck Expressway, Bronx

Bronx Based Albanian Woman’s Organization in the Works

(Photo Attached: Mimoza Dajci, Joseph Thompson, Drita Carcani, Senator Jeff Klein, Mimoza Smokaj, Senator Klein, Shpresa Maloku, Natasha Mema and Mark Gjonaj.)

A group of Albanian women from the Bronx met with Senator Klein last week to ask for his help with setting up an Albanian organization for women in New York. Senator Klein is helping this group reach out to other well-established organizations to become more educated in forming a center / organization. He will also be partnering them off with other womens groups for assistance with social services.

NYS State Senator Caught on Film with Miss New York and Miss Teen USA

Here is a photo of one happy NYS Senator and two "Beauty Queens" giving back to the community. It's good to be the King, especially when you get to organize great events that honor the men and women who served our nation. Congratulation to NY State Senator Klein, Miss New York, Miss Teen USA and the school children that made the event possible.

Gregory





(PHOTOS ATTACHED: 1st Photo: Senator Klein with Miss New York and Miss Teen USA, 2nd Photo: Senator Klein, Miss New York and Miss Teen USA with students from P.S. 83)

SENATOR KLEIN, MISS NEW YORK AND MISS TEEN USA PRESENT VALENTINES FOR VETERANS
Senator Klein, Miss New York and Miss Teen USA 2010 deliver cards and gifts to Bronx Veterans

BRONX, NY- State Senator Jeff Klein (D- Bronx/Westchester) joined by Claire Buffie, Miss New York 2010 and Kameran "Kamie" Crawford, Miss Teen USA 2010, delivered Valentines to Veterans on Wednesday. As part of the annual event, Klein, Ms. Buffie and Ms. Crawford visited with veterans at the Bronx V.A. Hospital and presented them with gifts and cards from Bronx students. Other guests included members of the local American Legion Posts, AMVETS, Catholic War Veterans, Jewish War Veterans and local civic groups.

“We can never repay our veterans for their selfless sacrifice but we can continue to recognize and honor their service to our country. I look forward to this event every year when we come together to celebrate our brave veterans to whom we owe an enormous debt of gratitude,” said Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/ Westchester).

Schools participating in Klein's Valentine's for Veterans program include: P.S. 19 of Woodlawn, P.S. 83 of Morris Park, P.S. 108 and P.S. 71 of Pelham Bay, P.S./ M.S. 194, P.S. 14, P.S. 175 of City Island and P.S. 97.

In addition, the P.S. 83 chorus and the SUNY Maritime Honor Guard entertained veterans with a selection of songs and music.

Miss New York 2010, Claire Buffie is 24 years old, and holds a B.F.A. in Visual Communications from Ball State University. She competed for the Miss America 2011 title in January, placing in the Top 12. In addition to holding the Miss New York 2010 title, Claire is also a photographer and designer. She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Miss Teen USA 2010, Kameran “Kamie” Crawford is 18 years old, and is a graduate from Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland where she was captain of the varsity cheerleading team. Crawford represented Maryland in the Miss Teen USA 2010 pageant where she made history by being the first contestant from Maryland to win the title. Crawford plans to enroll in the University of Alabama next fall as a pre-med student after her reign is over. She hopes to become a dermatologist and have her own skincare and cosmetics line.

(PHOTOS ATTACHED: 1st Photo: Senator Klein with Miss New York and Miss Teen USA, 2nd Photo: Senator Klein, Miss New York and Miss Teen USA with students from P.S. 83)