By Charla Wurm-Adams
cwurm@wbcowqel.com
Reigning Miss Ohio Mackenzie Bart came to Bucyrus on Saturday for an appearance at the New Day Ministries Outreach Center. Bart didn’t come without her special friend and included Roxie in her entourage.
Bart is an accomplished ventriloquist and along with her doll Roxie won the talent portion of the Miss Ohio competition at the pageant in Mansfield. Saturday’s appearance in Bucyrus was in support of the outreach center’s food pantry.
Bart explained why she makes such appearances.
“The job of Miss Ohio is to serve people and to help them out, so today I love being of any help I can in giving back to the community and that’s what I look forward to as Miss Ohio,” Bart said. “Traveling around throughout the year whether that’s helping out in different community service aspects, going into schools or hospitals and talking to children or other youth.”
Bart, who was at the center from 10 to noon, autographed pictures for the public. Bart has her own cause near and dear to her heart which she doesn’t hesitate to discuss.
“. . . talking about my platform which is Universal Newborn Screening, so making sure that every baby has that quality of life when they are first born,” Bart said. “Also, promoting STEM, which is science, technology, engineering and math, so I am excited to pair up with a lot of high schools, colleges, elementary schools in telling little boys and girls that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you do in your life, that through studying and through hard work, you can be successful.”
Bart has a younger sister who has a medical condition that was not revealed on the newborn heel prick screen. As an advocate for UNS, Bart has addressed legislator about the need for national regulations and guidelines.
Bart is originally from Columbus.