Amanda Mason
Miss New York 2013

Amanda Mason is a 24 year-old student studying at the Manhattan School of Music where she is in her last year of a Masters Degree in Classical Voice.  She has training in theater, dance and film. For opera she has trained in the U.S. and Europe under the instruction of numerous renowned Opera professionals. Amanda was the youngest Soprano invited to study in Verona, Italy in the Opera Viva program. 

Amanda has received awards for her volunteer efforts that include the Key to Kenner, Louisiana for her Katrina Backpack Project.  She has an extensive volunteer background and has enjoyed volunteering with the American Heart Association, Building Homes For Hero’s, CMN Hospitals, Make a Wish, Locks of Love, WGirls and other organizations. Her work in drug and alcohol abuse includes: 

• National Youth Spokesperson, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
• 300 hours of Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Degree
• National Youth Spokesperson, Safe America
• National Ambassador, Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
• 8+ years of experience educating youth about the dangers of abusing drugs and alcohol

Amanda Mason Singing Je Veux Vivre from Gounod's Opera Romeo et Juliette

In middle school, Amanda Mason decided she wanted to become an Opera singer.  To follow her dream, she chose to lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid negative obstacles.  She created steps to follow her dream. Now, she shares those steps with kids, helping to "Reaching Kids Before Drugs Do."

Amanda’s presentations are suited for classroom or assembly, and will be customized for each individual school. The presentation can cover the following topics:  

Education

• "The Dangers of Drugs and How they Affect the Body": Identifying and understanding the dangers and affects of Prescription Drugs (depressants, stimulants and opioids), Legal Drugs (over the counter: cough medicine, diet pills, inhalants and bath salts) and Illegal Drugs (marijuana, heroin, ‘molly’ and specific drugs affecting your community)
• "The Dangers of Alcohol and How they Affect the Body": Understanding the physical affects of alcohol while learning the short and long term affects (brain development and body functions)
• "You Are Not Alone": Tips for talking to parents and other adults

Activities:

• Role Play: Negotiation Skills, Effective Ways to Say No & Handling Peer Pressure
• Myth Busters: What’s True and What’s Not (individual or team)
• Drunk Goggles: The dangerous physical affects of alcohol

The DREAM Program

• Determination: Keeping Focused on a Dream
• Respect: Having Respect for Yourself and Others
• Evaluation: Evaluate Situations and Make Positive Choices
• Accountability: Owning Up to Your Actions
• Motivation: Making a Commitment to Accomplish Your Goals

The program can be adapted for High School Students. Topics include, Identifying Addiction, Impaired Driving, Party Peer Pressure and Resource Information. 

Schedule a Workshop with Amanda

Request information on having Amanda visit your school, organization or event.