WHS grad picked for ‘Queen of the Universe’ pageant

LOS ANGELES — Wasilla High School graduate Rachel J. Clark has been chosen as Miss Scotland in Infinity Media’s Queen of the Universe Pageant 2014.

But in order to capitalize on the opportunity, she first needs to do a bit of fundraising.

“I want to prove that a nerd from Wasilla can be a beauty queen if she wants to,” said Clark, a former Frontiersman Schools page writer.

The pageant is a fundraiser for UNESCO, which “encourages international peace and universal respect for human rights by promoting collaboration among nations,” according to UNESCO’s website.

To help, folks can donate cash toward her $3,000 goal or purchase ad space in the pageant program. Ad space costs range from $100 for a business-card-sized ad to $1,000 for a full-page.

People interested in becoming promotional sponsors can email Clark at missscotland2014@gmail.com, and she will send the necessary forms and donation details.

Clark said the deadline for ads and independent donations is mid-October.

Beyond giving a boast to her acting career, Clark said she has another goal.

“Hopefully, I don’t trip and fall during the bikini competition,” she said.

Clark said part of what turned the judges’ heads was her personal story. Her bio words it this way: “Rachel grew up in the [now infamous] small town of Wasilla, Alaska, where she was raised by a Scottish bear hunter and a Russian mail-order bride.”

She said judges also were impressed her story of losing 80 pounds through healthy diet and exercise.

“I want to show the world that I am proud of who I am, where I’ve come from and that being true yourself is what really makes you beautiful,” Clark said.

She moved to Los Angeles shortly after graduating from WHS and has since completed The American Academy of Dramatic Arts’ two-year conservatory program. She is currently involved with The Groundlings and The Group Rep Theatre Company.

Clark said her goals include returning to Alaska to build a performing arts center for kids who can’t afford expensive lessons.

“I know a program in Redlands, Calif., that offers free music classes to kids in exchange for good grades,” she said. “Imagine if kids in the Mat-Su Valley had a place they could go that offered music, theatre, film, writing and dance opportunities?”

For more information, visit bit.ly/1dvzKH0.

Contact Heather A. Resz at 352-2268 or

heather.resz@frontiersman.com.