Katherine Wang
Miss Long Island 2024
I am beyond honored to have been awarded the title of Miss Long Island 2024. As a Long Island native who grew up in East Setauket, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to further serve the community that has given so much to me. The school systems on Long Island are incredible, and I was blessed with the opportunity to attend Harvard College after my graduation from Ward Melville High School in 2016. In high school I held a few leadership positions, which included the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, President of the National Honor Society, and Co-Captain of the Varsity Swimming team, as well as the Varsity Lacrosse team. At college, I received the Hogle Service Award for my dedication to my residential community, and the Coffey-Rollert Award for my service on the Undergraduate Council. After college, I received my master’s degree in Bioethics from Harvard Medical School, and then matriculated to the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, right in my hometown. In medical school, I have held roles such as the President of the Discourse & Engagement on Ethics & Policy (DEEP) Society, President of the American Medical Association school chapter, and member of the Dean Selection Committee. I am currently in my third year and am looking to graduate with my MD degree next year.
I am so excited to be involved in the pageant world, which is something that I decided to pursue in 2021, when I had a lot of time to reflect during the pandemic. Throughout my educational career, I had always pursued a variety of activities that broadened my horizons and helped me cultivate a variety of skillsets. In 2021, as the breadth of my educational career began to narrow as I embarked on my professional life as a physician, I wanted to ensure that my zest for such life expansions was maintained. Pageantry represented an opportunity to learn from poised, elegant, and diplomatically minded individuals who had created an art form out of their presence. Pursuing the opportunity to compete with these women for a title that would both represent my home and expand my platform to serve – was no question.
I hope to combine my passion for education with my desire to improve the lives of others and begin to increase health literacy across the Island. The COVID pandemic was a checkpoint in medical history, as we all became more aware of our health, comorbidities, and autonomy to make decisions about our care. Critical to making decisions is understanding, and as healthcare transparency increases, we have more opportunities to take control of our health. I want to empower others, especially the younger generations, in improving their health and those of their loved ones. Medicine is a different language, and like any language – the earlier one’s education begins, the better.
Alexis Ebanks
Miss Long Island Teen 2024
Alexis Ebanks is honored to be crowned Miss Long Island Teen 2024. She is incredibly grateful for the ability to share her platform "S.T.R.O.N.G"
Alexis is 17 and a junior at Harborfields High School where she has served as Vice President for the past three years. She loves being involved in her school through Kickline and Marching Band, Chamber Orchestra, Varsity Gymnastics, and multiple honor societies including the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society.
Outside of school, she focuses on giving back to her community. As a Girl Scout for 11 years and counting, she has been awarded both her Bronze and Silver awards; completing 70+ hours of service to earn these prestigious awards. She plans to obtain her Gold Award before high school graduation. Additionally, she is a part of the executive board of her town. She is the Student Ambassador of the Centerport Harbor Civic Association, where she brings unique ideas to help her town thrive.
Alexis finds joy in being active. She began her formal training in ballet at the age of 4 and has participated in prestigious programs, such as Joffrey NYC, ABT, and the American Academy of Ballet. Her love of movement has also led her to work as a receptionist, social media manager, and instructor for Forever Fit Gym of Centerport. She is a certified Zumba® Instructor and spreads her passion for dance and fitness to people of all ages. She also loves learning about different cultures through the music and dances of Zumba®.
S.T.R.O.N.G is her platform and initiative to emphasize the importance of developing a healthy lifestyle. S.T.R.O.N.G stands for Strength, Teamwork, Resilience, Optimism, Nutrition, and Growth. Each letter serves as a guide to nurturing both mind and body. Alexis has suffered anxiety since second grade and depression since sixth. She has used the tools of S.T.R.O.N.G to combat the challenges she faces daily. Fitness has been a huge part of her journey and has learned how closely the mind and body are connected. With this, she has authored, illustrated, and published her children's book, "STRONG: Building a Healthy Body and Mind."
Alexis is excited to begin her reign by hosting fitness events to raise money to have her book printed for schools across Long Island.