F.R. Congrats on being named Miss Ohio Ellen! We’re assuming life just got a little busier! What’s a typical week like for Miss Ohio?
E.B. Thank you very much! The job of Miss Ohio involves a lot of traveling. I just returned home after being in 4 states in 5 days. And I'm currently packing my bags to leave tonight to be on the road for 4 days again. (Good thing I like to drive!). So while a typical week involves a lot of time on the road, it also is about providing as many opportunities to meet as many people as possible. I'll be making one or two appearances a day - most of them involving community service and giving back to others.
F.R. We understand that the contestants all have a community service platform? What is yours?
E.B. My personal platform is Promoting Lightning Awareness - When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors. I chose to raise awareness for lightning safety because my sister was struck by lightning in June of 2000. She was 17 at the time and going to be a senior in high school. She lived through the incident, but is still in a wheelchair and unable to speak still today. I just wanted to be Christina's voice, tell her story, and hope that it prevents someone else from being in her position.
F.R. In 2009 our Russia Homecoming festival was lucky enough to have Miss Ohio Erica Gelhaus in attendance. Do you know Erica and did you watch her when she was competing?
E.B. I do know Erica! We are both from Mercer County and my first year competing for Miss Ohio was the year she won. We became quick friends. I learned so much from watching her year as Miss Ohio and loved going to Las Vegas to see her compete for Miss America. She is such a good friend and has been a big help as I get settled into the position of Miss Ohio!
F.R. Erica also spent a couple hours signing autographs and talking with the crowd. What do people need to do if they are interested in booking you?
E.B. They can either call my booking manager at 419-522-6677 or email bookmissohio@missohio.org. They can also visit my website http://www.ellenbryan.com/ for more information and to follow my year as Miss Ohio!
F.R. Finally, for all the young ladies out there that compete in local competitions or aspire to be a Miss Ohio some day, any advice?
E.B. Be yourself. I know it sounds cliche, but it's the absolute truth. When I entered my first pageant as a sophomore in college, I felt so out of place. It was something I never I thought I would do in my lifetime! But once I let go of trying to be the perfect "pageant girl" and just focused on being the best Ellen Bryan I could be, that's the moment I became Miss Ohio. As long as you're yourself on stage, you won't be disappointed in the results - win or lose.
Excellent advice Ellen! Thanks for chatting with Fish Report and have a great year!
No comments:
Post a Comment