St. Thomas junior Laura Swartz was named Miss Minneapolis Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes in July, but she said holding a position of royalty is far from the relaxed and self-serving lifestyle of a typical queen.

The Aquatennial Ambassador Organization, based on volunteering and service, strives to help young women be successful and reach their potential by representing their hometowns, Minneapolis and Minnesota.

“This isn’t a pageant or anything. It’s an ambassador program. You’re an ambassador for your hometown and at the next level, which is Minneapolis,” Swartz said.

Before competing for her current title, Swartz was Miss Willmar Fest Queen of Festivals. She said the program allows her make her mark in local history.

“There’s definitely a really cool history and tradition behind it. The crown is from the 1980s. The necklace I wear is from the 1970s,” Swartz said. “It’s cool to pass that down and be a part of history.”

Swartz’s title isn’t just about the crown but also about a tradition of community service.

“We are young women striving to be leaders in our societies (and) our communities,” Swartz said. “Our main key is service and to promote the beautiful city of Minneapolis.”

Swartz said the position requires many dedicated hours of serving the community.

“My weekends are packed, but I manage my time. On the weekends, I am out in a different community in Minnesota,” she said.

Swartz said her charity work, specifically her involvement with the Ronald McDonald House, has been one of the most fulfilling parts of holding the title.

“I think it’s awesome I have the opportunity to get to know so many different people and to form relationships with them,” Swartz said. “I’ve learned so much about myself.”

Junior Allie Voigt, a friend of Swartz, said that Swartz’s love for helping others has contributed to her success.

“She is passionate about working with others and making an impact on others around her. These qualities make her a great representative of Minneapolis,” Voigt said.

Although the position is demanding, Swartz said the organization’s mission of volunteering in the community is worth the load.

“I love it so much that it doesn’t seem time consuming. It’s just something that I love to do, and I am passionate about it,” she said. “I am busy, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Voigt said Swartz complimented the other candidates throughout the competition, demonstrating her caring and passionate nature.

“When I texted Laura good luck the night before the program, she could only talk about how great the other candidates did,” Voigt said.

Swartz will hold her title through July 2015. Until then, she will continue her service work through the organization and strive to promote strong women leaders.

“This was the kind of opportunity that I had nothing to lose, only something to gain,” she said.

Kathleen Murphy can be reached at murp0003@stthomas.edu.