There she is, Miss America ... with a frank message about chastity

Published: 2003-10-24

NEW YORK (CNS) -- At 23 years old, Erika Harold has everything. She's just completed her reign as Miss America 2003; she looks ravishing in an evening gown; she will attend Harvard Law School in 2004. But she considers the jewel in her crown of achievements her effort to convince teens of the importance of chastity. Recently, she spoke about her choice to abstain from sex until marriage and the journey that brought her to that decision at five Catholic schools on Long Island: St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School, West Islip; Sacred Heart Academy, Hempstead; Kellenberg Memorial High School, Uniondale; Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, Hicksville; and Chaminade High School, Mineola. Harold, who lives in Illinois and is a member of the Assemblies of God Church, was invited to the Long Island Catholic high schools by the Diocese of Rockville Centre's Respect Life Office.

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