Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 9, 1993 TAG: 9307090216
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: WENDI GIBSON RICHERT STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"I long to shine upon the stage."
That's exactly what Miss Northern Virginia, Kimberly Welch, did Thursday night as she sang - no, belted out in pure opera fashion - a number from Victor Herbert's operetta "The Enchantress."
Her performance of "Art Is Calling My Name" captured the preliminary talent award in the first of two preliminary competitions in the Miss Virginia Pageant.
An elementary school music teacher in Fairfax County, Welch described her piece as technically challenging, yet entertaining. Judging from the audience's reaction, it was, indeed. She dazzled judges and audience with her high trills and dramatic facial expressions, her black-feather fan and blue-satin, Southern-belle dress.
"I can't wait to tell my kids," she said of her 600 music students cheering for her back home. She's sung the number for them, too. "They might know it by heart at this point."
Winning the preliminary swimsuit award was Miss Central Shenandoah Valley, Andrea Ballengee. "I'm overwhelmed," said the Virginia Tech junior from Boynton Beach, Fla. On hearing her name announced as the winner, she doubled over in shock, then took a jubilant stroll down the center aisle, shaking a hearty thumbs up on her way.
The self-described "military brat" competed in the Miss Virginia Pageant two years ago and placed in the top 10. Ballengee attributes Thursday night's swimsuit award to hours of gymnastics practice.
The 40th annual Miss Virginia Pageant continues tonight at 8 p.m. at the Roanoke Civic Center auditorium. Reserved seats, at $9.50, are available by calling the box office at 981-1201. Tickets for Saturday night's final competition are sold out.
by CNB