Mary Beth Ward, a recent Campo graduate, will compete as Miss Moraga Valley in the 2012 Miss California pageant.

Ward said, “I’ve never competed in a pageant before and I’m obviously not a model, but I want to use the opportunity I’ve been given to make a difference.” She wants to inspire young women and girls to realize their full potential and express their unique voices.

Ward also wants to “instill girls with confidence and help empower them to undergo their own personal transformations.” She tries to teach girls and young women “to be strong individuals instead of giving into peer pressure.”

Ward was raised in Moraga and loves helping others. She has been involved in the Moraga Youth Involvement Committee, the Lafayette Youth Activities Commission, and Girl Scouts. She also enjoys working with children, has taught at a Sunday school, and has helped at many after school programs at local elementary schools.

Ward said her goal is to “use the generous opportunities I am blessed to have to enrich both the hearts and lives of others.”