Shana Powell Interview
Miss Maryland 2007
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Allegany County pageant?
I had competed in two locals, getting first runner up each time. While the "almosts" were a little frustrating, I was encouraged by the Miss Allegany County executive director's invitation for me to compete and also the state director's personal encouragement.
Would you please tell us a bit about your platform during your reign, “The Importance of Music”?
My platform was The Importance of Music Education and Support of the Arts. As a student and aspiring performer, I wanted to be an advocate for a cultural/social issue to which everyone could relate and that I truly felt was in need of increased awareness. Because of the budget cuts in school systems, music is taken out of many schools, despite the positive reinforcement for high performance in other academic subjects music is known and proven to have in all parts of the world. It also played a huge role in shaping my entire person, and I believe that an influence with that potential impact should be made a part of every child's life. Supporting the arts is a big factor in retaining our cultural identity, supporting the economy, and broadening our perspective as citizens and human beings.
Your talent is Operatic Vocal, how did you get into operatic vocal?
I first discovered my ability for classical singing when I heard Charlotte Church's first cd, which was the first time I was even aware that someone my age could sing that kind of music. From there, I pursued private study and programs for young singers like the Washington Opera Institute and decided I wanted to pursue it as a career.
What would be a typical day during your reign as Miss Maryland?
I can't say that holding the title ever rendered "typical" days, beyond shout outs on campus and perhaps longer periods of time in front of the mirror. The appearances were always for different kinds of events with different people. The thrill of getting to know new people (who actually wanted to know me, too!) never got monotonous. Every day, however, I was expected to consider my role as an ambassador for the Miss Maryland Organization-- even in the truly typical days without the crown.
What would be your most memorable moment of your reign?
The most memorable moments are the young people I met who seemed to have taken something good from our interaction. I see the faces of little girls who autographed my book to tell me what they would be when they grew up. I see the high school student who stopped to think when I told the story of how drugs led my good friend to suicide. The parades and dresses are fun, but those are the moments that end up lasting.
What kind of emotions were going through your head when you gave away your title?
Most title holders will describe the emotions as bittersweet- and it's pretty much true. While I was truly ready to move on with life and get back to the dreams I had before pageantry came up, it was like I was leaving the world that seemed to accept me and gave me a chance to be the best I could be to others. But I have come to remember that I've always been the woman who wore the crown and I always will be as I continue to grow into all I can be.
Who would be your role model and why?
I have many role models. I think almost everyone can be your role model if you seek to find the best things about them that you could learn to become. My mother is my role model for spiritual strength, boldness, courage and showing love. My father is my role model for patience, prudence, and doing love. My sister is my role model for honesty and seeking growth and understanding of myself and others. The list goes on- but when we surround ourselves with postitive people, we discover that we've got a myriad of role models to look up to in more ways than we can list.
I had competed in two locals, getting first runner up each time. While the "almosts" were a little frustrating, I was encouraged by the Miss Allegany County executive director's invitation for me to compete and also the state director's personal encouragement.
Would you please tell us a bit about your platform during your reign, “The Importance of Music”?
My platform was The Importance of Music Education and Support of the Arts. As a student and aspiring performer, I wanted to be an advocate for a cultural/social issue to which everyone could relate and that I truly felt was in need of increased awareness. Because of the budget cuts in school systems, music is taken out of many schools, despite the positive reinforcement for high performance in other academic subjects music is known and proven to have in all parts of the world. It also played a huge role in shaping my entire person, and I believe that an influence with that potential impact should be made a part of every child's life. Supporting the arts is a big factor in retaining our cultural identity, supporting the economy, and broadening our perspective as citizens and human beings.
Your talent is Operatic Vocal, how did you get into operatic vocal?
I first discovered my ability for classical singing when I heard Charlotte Church's first cd, which was the first time I was even aware that someone my age could sing that kind of music. From there, I pursued private study and programs for young singers like the Washington Opera Institute and decided I wanted to pursue it as a career.
What would be a typical day during your reign as Miss Maryland?
I can't say that holding the title ever rendered "typical" days, beyond shout outs on campus and perhaps longer periods of time in front of the mirror. The appearances were always for different kinds of events with different people. The thrill of getting to know new people (who actually wanted to know me, too!) never got monotonous. Every day, however, I was expected to consider my role as an ambassador for the Miss Maryland Organization-- even in the truly typical days without the crown.
What would be your most memorable moment of your reign?
The most memorable moments are the young people I met who seemed to have taken something good from our interaction. I see the faces of little girls who autographed my book to tell me what they would be when they grew up. I see the high school student who stopped to think when I told the story of how drugs led my good friend to suicide. The parades and dresses are fun, but those are the moments that end up lasting.
What kind of emotions were going through your head when you gave away your title?
Most title holders will describe the emotions as bittersweet- and it's pretty much true. While I was truly ready to move on with life and get back to the dreams I had before pageantry came up, it was like I was leaving the world that seemed to accept me and gave me a chance to be the best I could be to others. But I have come to remember that I've always been the woman who wore the crown and I always will be as I continue to grow into all I can be.
Who would be your role model and why?
I have many role models. I think almost everyone can be your role model if you seek to find the best things about them that you could learn to become. My mother is my role model for spiritual strength, boldness, courage and showing love. My father is my role model for patience, prudence, and doing love. My sister is my role model for honesty and seeking growth and understanding of myself and others. The list goes on- but when we surround ourselves with postitive people, we discover that we've got a myriad of role models to look up to in more ways than we can list.