"National Green Week is an annual event that empowers schools to engage in sustainability focused lessons, projects or activities between the first full week in February and the end of Earth Month in April," said Miss Earth United States National Director Laura Clark.

 

Miss Earth is a global organization that raises awareness for environmental concerns and is recognized as a Top 3 international pageant. Each year, Miss Earth United States is selected based on her personality, leadership and speaking skills, and modeling presentations. The winner serves as the nation's spokesmodel and competes at Miss Earth among nearly 100 other national representatives.

 

On December 5, Payne was celebrated as Second Runner Up at the 15th Annual Miss Earth Coronation in Vienna, Austria. She received First Place for her Eco-Beauty Video and was awarded the international title of Miss Earth-Water.

 

Watch Miss Earth United States Highlight Video 

 

In addition to visiting the area's schools, Payne will speak to girls and women about her experience during a private workshop held on Saturday in Rockville, Maryland. 

 

During media interviews, Payne will present a newly branded sash and crown as well as a new home for the 2016 national contest, to be held July 31-August 4 in Washington, D.C. During this week-long summer pageant, hundreds of delegates ages 11-32 will represent their states with the goal to be selected as a national ambassador for Miss Earth.

 

Visit missearthunitedstates.com for program information and missearth.tv for information on the international pageant. Media inquiries may contact Veronica Jeon.