Meet Miss Maryland Volunteer 2026

REBECCA WEST

Forget Me Not:

Shining Light on Memory Loss — Advocating with Compassion and Purpose

Rebecca chose to establish “Forget Me Not” in order to raise awareness about dementia and Alzheimer's disease across all age groups, challenging the common misconception that memory loss conditions only affect older adults. Inspired by her experience caring for her grandfather after his dementia diagnosis, Rebecca created this platform to promote education, advocacy, and compassionate support for families navigating cognitive decline.

Through her Purple Promise Initiative, she has collected more than sixty purple baby hats to introduce early education to new parents, led school visits where she reads the book Forget Me Not, and hosted community paint night fundraisers to bring people together for a cause. To support patients directly, Rebecca has assembled Brain Baskets filled with sensory tools, hand sewn fidget blankets for individuals in need, and organized tap therapy sessions in nursing homes using slip on tap shoes to encourage safe and joyful movement.

Rebecca’s advocacy also reaches the legislative level. She recently met with Maryland State Senator Mike McKay to encourage increased funding and awareness for dementia and Alzheimer's care. Her work is guided by her SERVE Initiative - ensuring that no one facing memory loss is ever forgotten.

More about Rebecca:

Rebecca West is a senior at Frostburg State University, double majoring in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. A 4.0 GPA student in the Honors Program, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in Counseling with a graduate assistantship at the Children’s Literature Center. Her long-term goal is to earn a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and build a career in education, promoting excellence and opportunity through leadership in the Maryland National Education Association.

Rebecca serves as Co-Captain of the Frostburg State University Cheerleading Team, President of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and Vice President of the STEM Education Club. Her accomplishments include the Presidential Award for six consecutive semesters, the STAR Award, and recognition as one of the 2025 Most Positive People in Allegany County.

She has performed at Walt Disney World and the National Cherry Blossom Festival, fostered 15 kittens, and recently coded a Star Wars computer game. Whether teaching, cheering, or mentoring, Rebecca brings dedication, hard work, and creativity to every role she takes on.