FIELD TWP – North Woods art teacher Rachel Latuff, who was crowned Miss Minnesota on Saturday, hopes to use her new title to advocate for education.

“Winning this title celebrates the role teachers play in the lives of children,” said Latuff. “I want this crown to symbolize an appreciation for teachers across the state of Minnesota and empower public education in a positive way. Being Miss Minnesota is a platform to share my message on a larger scale.”

“I am a teacher who role-models what I preach. It’s important to set an example that nobody can define who you are, only yourself and your ambition,” she continued. “I hope it inspires my students to be whatever they want and go for their dreams.”

The 24-year-old was chosen from 26 contestants at the 80th Miss Minnesota Scholarship pageant. She will go on to represent Minnesota in competition for the national title of Miss America in Atlantic City, N. J., on Sept. 13, which will be broadcast live on the ABC Network.

Contestants for Miss Minnesota are scored in six categories including private interview, talent performance, evening wear, on-stage question, lifestyle and fitness, and service for the Children’s Miracle Network.

In addition to the Miss Minnesota title, Latuff won the Team Kick Buttschau scholarship award for the preliminary lifestyle and fitness competition.

Latuff first entered the Miss America Pageant when she was a freshman in college in Duluth and this was her third attempt for the crown. Since 2012, she held three local titles. She was Miss Midwest in 2012, Miss Saint Paul in 2014 and Miss Olmstead County in 2015.

In addition to spreading her message on education, Latuff will serve as an ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the official national platform for the Miss America Organization.

She added she also hopes her winning the title will bring more attention to northern Minnesota.

“I would like to expand Miss Minnesota’s reach towards the northland because traditionally she has not been involved with northeast Minnesota,” Latuff said. “One of my goals is implementing the 2016 Empty Bowls fundraiser as Miss Minnesota with my students. I want them to take this journey with me, as if they feel what it’s like being Miss Minnesota, too.”

“After all, they are my inspiration and motivation at the end of the day,” she continued. “My heart is for my classroom and making a difference in the lives of children, especially in the Cook and Orr area communities.”

A graduate of the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a bachelor of arts degree in K-12 art education, Latuff joined the staff at the North Woods School in June of 2014.

During her four years of study at UMD, she interned with the Tweed Museum of Art, held the role of president for the Art Education Club and studied abroad at Danila Kumar Intermational School in Ljubljana, Slovenia, as part of her student teaching experience.

Latuff completed her high school student teaching experience at Osseo Senior High and began her first year of teaching at North View Junior High in Brooklyn Park.

Her next challenge is getting ready for the Miss America competition, which she described as a “wild rollercoaster.”

The most important thing, she said, is to remain true to herself. “At the end of the day, I’m always Ms. Latuff and that’s what made me Miss Minnesota. I can never lose sight of my teaching philosophies, talents and creative personality,” Latuff said. “Keeping that in mind, staying humble and thankful for the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Program is a must.”

Latuff said the volunteers in the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Pageant dedicate their time to helping her be the best woman she can be when she walks out on the Miss America stage.

“I hope to make Minnesota proud,” she concluded.

To schedule an appearance by Miss Minnesota Rachel Latuff, please visit www.missminnesota.org.