Some Harvard students win scholarships that come with a plaque.

Quincy House resident Laura M. Lawless '00 wins scholarships that come with a tiara.

And copious responsibilities too, said the reigning Miss Freetown, Mass., who competed in the 60th Anniversary Miss Massachusetts Pageant on June 11.

She came in sixth at the state level and won the talent portion of the competition, but the responsibilities of her Freetown title remain.

"The pageant days of when you rode in the back of a limousine are over," Lawless said. "It's now much more a commitment to public service and community activities."

Lawless, who is a resident of Flushing, N.Y., said she'll spend much of the summer traveling back to the Bay State for public appearances and mentoring sessions with youth. She was able to compete in the Massachusetts competitions because Freetown's pageant is open to out-of-state students.

Lawless said that her experiences on the road are the best part of the Miss America pageant system.

"I get to meet one-on-one with students and talk with them about their fears and hopes," Lawless said.

At her speaking engagements, Lawless also promotes her platform of mental health awareness, speaking to patients at nursing homes, their families, and children.

These responsibilities keep her busy.