THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 16, 1994 TAG: 9409150060
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E13 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GROOVY SAPIEN
SOURCE: BY HOLLY WESTER, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
WHEN 16-YEAR-OLD Erna Runyan applied for a new ``job'' earlier this year, she was surprised by the competition.
Nearly 40 other teens dressed in their finest competed for the first interview for the volunteer position. With only six open spots, this First Colonial High senior felt the pressure.
But Erna landed the ``job.'' Her charm, outgoing personality and good grades won her the position of Neptune Festival princess.
As a princess, Erna has spent the last few months attending community events such as the Pungo Strawberry Festival and most recently, last weekend's air show at Oceana.
``The Neptune Festival court has been so much fun so far,'' she said. ``It has been a great opportunity to meet other girls my age and spend time with them.''
Besides the beach, Erna's loves are skiing, relaxing and actor Keanu Reeves. Although being a princess would be a unique and noble career, Erna is still unsure of where she will go to college and what she will do for a living.
FULL NAME: Erna Austin Runyan
BIRTHDATE: Sept. 26, 1977
BIRTHPLACE: Norfolk
OCCUPATION: Student
SIBLINGS: None
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF A PERFECT DAY OFF: A full day of spring skiing in Colorado.
LAST SMART THING YOU DID: I took my grandmother to lunch.
LAST DUMB THING YOU DID: I can't remember. The frequency of dumb things I do occurs so close together.
FAVORITE MEAL: Any food except red meat.
FAVORITE MOVIES: ``Monty Python and the Holy Grail'' and ``Speed'' (Keanu Reeves, oh la la!)
FAVORITE SONG: ``New Age Girl'' by Deadeye Dick
FAVORITE SINGER/BAND: Widespread Panic
LAST BOOK READ: I'll pick up one book and start it, then start another and so on. So I'm probably in the mist of three books right now - couldn't tell you the titles though.
HOBBIES: Skiing and relaxing
BEST DATE YOU'VE BEEN ON: Date? Yeah right.
WORST DATE YOU'VE BEEN ON: . . .
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?: My irritability. I quickly become annoyed.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR PARENTS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?: They worry too much.
SECRET VICE: People who talk excessively about themselves.
FAVORITE TV SHOWS: ``Seinfeld'' and ``Wings''
LAST VACATION: Skiing in Park City, Utah
PETS: A West Highland terrier (Lizzie)
BEST JOB: Hostessing at Fogg's in the summer.
WORST JOB: Any job.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IN 10 YEARS?: Whatever I find the most happiness in.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN AMERICA, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?: I personally wish that the violence rates would decrease. What are children learning from all of this hatred? It's sad that a child can't grow up in a safe environment and enjoy their youth.
HEROES AND ROLE MODELS: My mother and her independence.
YOUR MOST UNIQUE TRAIT: A friend can always count on me to help out and care no matter what situation arises. ILLUSTRATION: MORT FRYMAN
First Colonial senior Erna Runyan competed against 40 girls before
she became this year's Neptune Festival princess.
KEYWORDS: PROFILE by CNB