Friday, July 11, 2008
I'm Miss Virginia -- no other labels, please
From the RoundTable blog
Read the latest entries
Tara Wheeler
Wheeler, of Roanoke, is Miss Virginia 2008. She wrote this in response to a June 25 letter to the editor, "Pageant contenders are hardly role models."
Hello, Roanoke!
As your new Miss Virginia, I love my new home in the beautiful Roanoke Valley. As I am getting acquainted with you, it is only fair that, as a new neighbor in town, I let you know a little about me. But be warned: Even though I may wear a tiara, no stereotype defines me -- and I like it that way. I would not be me if I fit someone else's definition of how I should be.
My family is prior military, so I have experienced many different facets of our great nation. Since 1995, I have been fortunate enough to call Woodbridge my home. My dad still volunteers to serve whenever needed. Although he is now a civilian, he just returned from his third tour in Iraq. My mom is a teacher and a hairdresser. My brother and I are fortunate to have such hard-working and loving parents.
An Air Force Type I ROTC scholarship allowed me the opportunity to graduate from Penn State with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in military studies (and I had the pleasure of experiencing boot camp as well). While at Penn State, I was also the starting ice hockey goalie for the Penn State Lady Icers and made it to the Olympic team tryouts.
During my sophomore year at college, I suffered an injury playing hockey that left me with too much time on my hands. During this time, after being inspired by a class project, I founded an organization called Positive Role Models Building Positive Women, which is dedicated to building self-esteem and leadership skills in young women. I also came to realize that the Miss America program shares many of the same goals as my organization, along with being the largest provider of scholarships to women in the world. So I tried my hand at pageantry.
Here is where my own stereotypes were shattered. I, too, thought I knew what pageant girls were like. What I found were young women who are intelligent, caring and dedicated to community service through their personal platform issues and the Children's Miracle Network. These women are from all walks of life and financial backgrounds. I won my first title in an old homecoming dress and a swimsuit that had not seen too many days in the sun. (I'll let you in on a secret: I have always been a bargain hunter. My red opening number dress was on the clearance rack for $11).
From there I was blessed with sponsors and scholarship money (more than $20,000 from the Miss America Organization, so far) that allowed me to continue to the point at which I find myself today, at your doorstep as your Miss Virginia.
As your Miss Virginia, I promise to tirelessly and positively work for the greater good of our commonwealth.
Roanoke is my new home now, so please don't hesitate to say "hi" if you see me around.
