Spring Break
Senior crowned Miss Pima
By: Lindsey Hoshaw
Issue date: 12/3/07 Section: News
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Stephanie Brooks, a dance senior, won the crown, receiving a $900 scholarship and paving her way to the Miss America pageant. The contest was held in the auditorium at Flowing Wells High School.
"I feel very thankful," Brooks said. "I was a little nervous, but my family has been very supportive."
Participants competed in events involving swimsuits, eveningwear, talent displays, interviews and a surprise question. A panel of five judges scored each contestant.
Current Miss Arizona Nicole Turner was on hand to MC the individual competitions.
Talent shows ranged from a woman who drew pictures with her feet to a contestant who did a Southern-accented comedic monologue.
Brooks' platform was women's heart disease awareness, an issue that directly affected
her family.
Brooks' grandmother Patty was diagnosed with a 95 percent blockage in one of her arteries in 2005.
Mrs. Brooks was taken to San Diego, where she underwent five angioplasties in two years.
"It's been a battle my whole family has been dealing with ever since," Stephanie Brooks said.
Brooks said she wanted to raise awareness for a disease that affects one in every 2.5 women, according to the American Heart Association.
Brooks was also inspired by another woman: former Miss America Heather Whitecomb. The 1995 winner was the first woman with a disability to receive the title.
"She was an inspiration and represented what a strong, intelligent and talented woman could be," Brooks said. "Even though she was deaf, it didn't seem to affect her and she danced beautifully."
First runner-up Kyra Batté, a psychology sophomore and recipient of the $150 Quality of life award, said she always dreamed of participating in a beauty pageant.
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