ONLINE EXCLUSIVE — Pepperdine senior Brie Gabrielle was crowned Miss Malibu in the pageant’s seventh annual contest on Sunday at the Malibu Gold Club. After beating out 35 other girls to earn the coveted title, Gabrielle already has her eye on the next prize, Miss California USA 2012.
Junior Kayla Brown also placed in the top five contestants, winning third runner-up in addition to taking home the community service award.
“I thought Kayla was going to win, seriously,” Gabrielle said. “But I can’t really believe I won because I’ve lived in Malibu for so long. Maybe when I make my first appearance as ‘Miss Malibu’ it will hit me.”
Although Gabrielle said pizza was the first thing that came to mind after winning, she said her pageant director and sponsors had other desires. Kristen Bradford, Pepperdine alumna and pageant director, plans to make the Miss Malibu queen a regular fixture at all Malibu events.
Gabrielle’s preparation for Miss California will begin mid-October, with the pageant being held in Palm Springs Jan. 6 through Jan. 8.
“The biggest gift for me was my paid entry fee to Miss California, which is $2,000,” Gabrielle said. “Not only that, but a bridal store is sponsoring me for any dress I want for the competition.”
Other sponsors include a trainer and nutritionist, she said.
Despite being most nervous for the interview portion of the competition, Gabrielle felt her onstage dialogue is what ultimately won over the judges. The final question asked her what she would specifically change in Malibu.
“There was no doubt in my mind when I answered about the PCH traffic safety,” she said. “My answer was sincere and true to my heart.”
Gabrielle went on to cite the multiple PHC fatalities over the years and mentioned Emily Shane’s death two years ago, last week’s Ferrari collision and the recent death of Pepperdine student Sarah Brady in a car accident in Utah in August.
“I was really proud to be standing up on the stage with the final five group of girls,” Gabrielle said. “I’m extremely hopeful for Miss California.”
