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Meet Your Neighbor: April Swartz
By Callie Thomas
“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Confucius
They say beauty is only skin deep, but “they” must not have taken into account the heart and mind of resident April Swartz. Like a breath of spring, April has a vivaciousness and charm that transcends her natural good looks. In fact, the wife and mother, who also represents the state of Nevada as the reigning Mrs. Nevada-America 2009, is a firm believer in helping those in need and is a proponent and motivator in encouraging others to lend their time through community service.
April was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Her many years with American Airlines as a flight attendant provided an opportunity to travel all over the states as well as five other countries. She and her husband Paul survived a long distance relationship for six years over four different states. April moved to Las Vegas seven years ago. After deciding she needed less time in the air and more time on the ground, Paul and April decided to start their family. Late last year, an acquaintance told April she should enter the Mrs. Nevada-America competition. “I had never participated before in a pageant,” says Swartz. “I decided to go ahead and jump full force into the competition. I could not believe it when they announced my name that I won. I was in shock for 2 1/2 weeks!”
The judging is based on three categories, beauty and poise, physical fitness and interview skills. April aced them all and in particular, her interview skills revealed her passion for community service and her aptitude in encouraging others to volunteer, which has become her platform as Mrs. Nevada-America. “This experience alone has helped me grow as a woman and opened doors I never thought possible,” says Swartz.
The Mrs. Nevada-America pageant is a proud supporter of the Susan G. Komen organization. The group is the global leader of the breast cancer awareness movement. The grassroots effort combines breast cancer survivors and activists to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care and energize the sciences to find a cure. Swartz found a personal connection with the non-profit organization. “My mother-in-law was diagnosed in 2007 with early stage breast cancer and lymphedema, so I happily volunteered with the organization. I have volunteered for various events and spoke about early detection and awareness and started a team to run/walk in the Race for the Cure.”
A love of shopping was the inspiration of a charitable event that April founded in 2008 called the Fashion Swap Charity Event. ‘I have a self-proclaimed black belt in shopping, a passion for fashion and a love of charity work,’ adds April. Several ladies were invited to bring articles from their closet to swap with one another. The event has also included a silent auction. Proceeds are donated to the Susan G. Komen organization.
Swartz has also been involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters for several years. She was matched up with a bright six year old. Now at thirteen, the girl is still a part of their family. April has also gone through training with the Red Cross in order to help Katrina survivors when it struck the southern coast. “I helped out at the Dallas Reunion Arena where hundreds of displaced people were taking shelter in the arena,” she said.
April continues to stay active as a wife and mother, opening their new business, Gigi”s Cupcakes, as well as giving back to the community. ‘It never feels like a responsibility to me or an obligation. There”s no better feeling at the end of the day than when I have spent my time doing community service.’
