Sparta resident to compete for f Miss Philippines

SPARTA-On Saturday, Aug. 13, Sparta resident Rachael DeChacon (Sparta High School '03) will compete for the title of Miss Philippines USA 2005 in The Philippine American Communities Executive Council, Inc.'s 40th Annual Pageant and Coronation Ball. The competition raises money for Filipino charities that support education and offer relief for natural disasters in the Philippines. PACEC is a New York/New Jersey-based umbrella organization for more than 40 other Filipino community service organizations in the tri-state area. The winner of the competition will visit the Philippines to present the event's entire proceeds in a donation on behalf of PACEC. DeChacon is a junior at Boston College. She has been active in community service work since high school and continues her service in the city of Boston. She is currently studying Philosophy and Economics and will be attending the London School of Economics for a year abroad this fall.