Lyndsey Burcina celebrated her 19th birthday the day before she competes in this year’s Miss Sonoma County competition. The young politician hopes to bring awareness to creating a safe school climate by reducing bullying.
Burcina is majoring in political science at Santa Rosa Junior College thanks to her history as an elected official.
“I ran for my first political office when I was 18, and since I want to pursue a career in politics, I figured it would be important to have an educational background in it,” she said.
Currently, Burcina sits on the Restorative Justice Advisory Board and the Community Advisory Committee for the Downtown Santa Rosa SMART plan. She plans to run for Santa Rosa City Council in 2020.
Burcina is in her first year at SRJC with plans to transfer to Sonoma State University to get a bachelor’s degree in history and eventually get her teaching credentials. She hopes to someday teach government/economics to high school seniors.
The Santa Rosa native cites her love for Sonoma County as a main reason for running for Miss Sonoma County.
“I have a lot of love for Sonoma County, but I am also very passionate about improving it. Being a young politician, it’s hard for people to take you seriously, and with this title there’s a certain level of attention and respect that comes with it,” Burcina said.
The Elsie Allen High School alumna dealt with severe bullying in school but used the experience as a catalyst in her decision to run for Miss Sonoma County.
“I was always told that I couldn’t accomplish great things because I wasn’t skinny or pretty enough. I want to be the voice for people who are scared that they don’t fit a mold, to show them it’s possible.”
Burcina’s platform involves giving students and teachers the tools they need to minimize bullying and provide students with a safe educational environment.
For the talent part of the competition, Burcina will come out of dancer’s retirement and perform a fun yet fast-paced jazz dance number. A back injury during her senior year stopped the previously competitive cheerleader from continuing all sports; her upcoming performance marks her triumphant return.
“It’s my passion and what I’m best at so I’m very excited,” she said.
The 73rd Annual Miss Sonoma County competition will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park.
