From pageant to palm trees

SHANNON URTNOWSKI
A&E Editor

Seven. It is a number that many categorize with luck, but not many know why. For 18-year-old freshman Brittany Brannon, however, it is easy to understand the number’s significance.

Brannon, Miss Teen America 2007, was crowned on July 7, 2007 (07-07-07), and, on the Top 10 night of the competition, she was the seventh contestant called to participate.

“I just went in it to have fun, to meet people, to learn more about myself,” Brannon said. “I didn’t expect to win at all.”

It took more than luck for Brannon to become the first Arizonian winner of Miss Teen America, though. She had to work for her title, as the Miss Teen America contest was only the second pageant in which she had ever participated. Brannon said most of the girls she competed against said they had been in an average of 28 pageants.

“At first it was a little intimidating because they had known so much more about it than I had,” she said. “But, as the week went on, I made friends with them. They’re all wonderful girls.”

The Miss Teen America contest, which was held in Nashville, Tenn., lasted about 10 days, and the competition took place during the final three nights. Brannon said the girls were judged by a panel of eight individuals on talent, interview, swimsuit, evening gown, casual wear and a public service announcement about each girl’s state.

Brannon said she loved all of the categories, but two stick out in her mind — evening gown and talent. She said the evening gown competition was special because she was able to design her own dress, which was made by Miss America designer Tony Bowls. The gown also allowed Brannon to showcase her platform, “Passion for Purity,” which promotes modesty among young women.

“I just got really interested in [“Passion for Purity”], and when I put my mind to something I’m passionate about, which is fashion,” she said, “I try to figure out a way that I can incorporate that with purity.”

Brannon said she enjoyed the talent competition because she was able to play a fiddle piece. In Ariz., Brannon was a part of the Phoenix Symphony Guild.

As Miss Teen America, Brannon said she has been given many opportunities. She writes a monthly article for Supermodel magazine, appears on television programs and is booked to appear on the cover of magazines like Supermodel and Teen Vogue.

Brannon is also scheduled to attend the Indy 500 in May. She said she is excited about this because, though she will not be driving, she has a race car driving license and is passionate about the sport.

In addition to enjoying race car driving, Brannon said she enjoys oil painting, ballet, fashion and playing the piano and classical violin.

“I do a lot of artsy things,” Brannon said.

Brannon said she is excited about her title, as there is so much she hopes to accomplish as Miss Teen America. She also said she looks forward to her four years a Pepperdine.

Brannon was first introduced to Pepperdine by her sister, senior Tiffany Brannon. Tiffany said she is glad to have her sister so close, as they are able to spend time together.

“It’s been a blessing because I wanted her to come here forever,” Tiffany said.

As an Art History major, Brannon has already become involved with Art History Society. She also recently became a member of Delta Delta Delta.

Brannon has been focusing on adjusting to college life while at Pepperdine, and she said she loves the experience.

“I’m enjoying all the people in my suite,” she said. “I love them all to death. And, classes are pretty good. Right now I’m taking a lot of GEs, and, for the most part, I find them really interesting.”

Tiffany said she hopes people realize that, though Brannon is Miss Teen America 2007, there is more to her than that title.

“She’s not some dumb beauty queen,” Tiffany said. “She’s a real person, she’s a college student and she works hard.”

Brittany said that after she graduates from college she hopes to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and pursue her dream of fashion design.

10-04-2007