EHS Student New
Miss Pierce County Teen
USA 2004...
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(photo by Bob Walter)
by Dixie A. Walter
August 12, 2004
Meet Stephanie Joanne Brown, the new Miss Pierce County Teen USA 2004.
Bubbly, friendly, hard-working, local and beautiful, Stephanie
was crowned in late May. She turned 16 February 13, yet her tender age
belies her poise and focus on community service. Stephanie will be a
junior at Eatonville High School this year. She was chosen from a large
field of lovely young women competing for the coveted tiara and title.
Stephanie will be competing in the Miss Washington Teen USA in November.
Asked why she chose to run for Miss Pierce
County Teen USA Stephanie answered, "I
was in a Little Miss Princess Pageant when I was younger, about seven, and
enjoyed it a lot. I then became so busy with school, sports, work, and
other activities that I didn't have much time. But now, as a young adult,
I am learning to prioritize, and manage my time better. I would love to be
more involved in my community, get my thoughts out there and make a difference.
I felt this would be a perfect opportunity to do so."
Although there is no scholarship given with the
title of Miss Pierce County Teen USA, Stephanie explains, "The
possibilities are endless, I get the honor to compete in Miss Washington
Teen USA, and possibly Miss USA teen, which offers over $30,000 worth in
prizes, gifts and scholarships, so yes there are scholarships
possible."
Stephanie has attended Eatonville schools
since the fifth grade. She was a student at Weyerhaeuser Elementary,
then Eatonville Middle School and will be a junior at Eatonville High
School come September. Last year Stephanie was a cheerleader at EHS and
said, "I loved
every minute of it. I had always wanted to be a
cheer leader, and finally got the opportunity last year.
"The coach, Laura Handy, and all the
girls on the squad were wonderful and I wouldn't trade the experience
for anything! This year I will be attending Bates Technical College for a
degree in Culinary arts and I really wish to focus on academics, and with
my new title I don't want to be stretched too thin so my schedule can't
quite fit cheer in. I will miss it greatly and wish this year's squad the
best of luck!"
Stephanie
adds, "I have
been involved with the Eatonville Lions Club for about six years now, and enjoy
working with them. I get a great picture of Eatonville's roots, and how it
has grown." She participated in the Art Festival this year helping
with the auctions. Stephanie also holds down two jobs, she
works at International House of Pancakes (I.H.O.P and Mickey O'Reiley's,
another restaurant in Lakewood.
A Very Busy Young
Leader...
A list of Stephanie's accomplishments in her short life include:
5th grade class president;
WASL award winner for passing all four portions of the WASL; Since High
school: two years varsity soccer; one year varsity tennis; one year
varsity cheer; Citizenship Award medal; Most Valuable Player soccer one
year; Class of 2006 sophomore class president; Future Business Leaders of
America (FBLA) Vice president; Took 3rd in districts for public speaking (FBLA);
placed 4th in districts for Marketing (FBLA); Junior Statesman President
and founder in Eatonville School district.
Stephanie's parents are Greg and
Trish Brown. She has two sisters Erika, 18, and Alycia, 14. She has "two
little puppies, Max and Lady, they are Lab, Rottweiler, Chow and Shar-pei,
but my two favorites are my pygmy goats Cruiser and Curly, they are
hilarious!!
Stephanie is very close to her
grandparents Tom and Joanne Lonn and describes how important they are in
her life, "They have always been there for me whenever I had a crazy
idea and wanted to fulfill it. My
grandmother is my role model due to the fact that she was a working woman
when technology just began to hatch. And even though she was part of the
American work force she still had time to raise her children, and
grandchildren and do a great job in the process."
Judy Justice of Judy's Tan &
Tips is Stephanie's first, and so far, only, sponsor. Stephanie explains the
importance of sponsors, "Pageant
life has several expenses including an $895 enrollment fee. Of
course, I could pay this out of my pocket if my pockets were that deep, but
I can also obtain sponsorship from either individuals or companies, small
businesses, what have you.
"It can either be a donation of
just cash, or if there products could be helpful to my success in the
pageant such as Judy, who has donated tans to me. If it can help they
may donate those types of things (useful things: tanning, hair
product/styling, makeup, nails, mini-pedicures, store credits to places
that carry evening gowns, or business suits/ swim suits).
"Another way to sponsor me
which can in turn benefit your business, is by purchasing space in the
official Pageant Program which is seen by thousands and used next year as
a reference. I get a portion of the purchase which goes to paying for my
entrance fee which covers lodging, food, transportation, prizes,
activities and other things needed for the actual weekend of the pageant.
If any one wishes to sponsor me they can contact me via email: misspiercecountyteen@hotmail.com
or by cell phone - 253.381.8496.
The Miss Washington Teen USA 2004
pageant will be held Friday through Sunday, November 12 - 14 at the
Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien.
