Whitney Merrifield , Miss Pleasant Grove 2007-2008, has been busy working to serve the residents of Pleasant Grove through her platform "Building Bridges through Cultural Understanding."

The focus of the project is to target problems of stereotyping and prejudice that can cause depression and even suicide with today's youth. Merrifield has aligned herself with a national non-profit organization called Challenge Day to help her reach the goals of her platform.

The program helps teenagers realize the effects of stereotyping and influences them to become catalysts of change with their peers, friends and families. Merrifield is trying to raise a total of $12,000 to bring the program to the schools.

She is asking for support from the community during Strawberry Days. She will be present each evening of the rodeo June 18-21, with "Donate Your Change To Be The Change" buckets. The buckets will be at entrances and concession stands for people to donate their loose change.

Merrifield will also be in the Mammoth Parade on June 21 with newly graduated seniors who will be asking for change along the parade route.

"I want to have it raised by the end of the summer. I have raised over $2,600 so far through donations," she said. Donations may also be made online at www.makeaculturalconnection.com.

Three hundred students will be chosen as a diverse mix from Pleasant Grove Junior High School and Pleasant Grove High School.

"Students will be chosen by faculty and counselors to participate in Challenge Day," said Merrifield.

They will participate in a one-day workshop during this next school year which is designed to build connection and empathy among the students.

According to the Challenge Day Web site, www.challengeday.org, its vision is to create a world where every child feels safe, loved and celebrated. The organization has been presenting its workshops at middle, junior and high schools since 1987.