Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 4, 1994 TAG: 9407270009
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: MELISSA CURTIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Even after three frustrating years of competing in the pageant, only to hear her name announced as a runner-up, Johnson was not discouraged.
Her determination paid off Saturday night at the Roanoke Civic Center when Johnson captured the title she so avidly desired-Miss Virginia 1994.
"You learn from the losses you have," she said Sunday, the morning after Nancy Glisson, Miss Virginia 1993, pinned the crown on Johnson's head. "You just keep focused and move on. It's so important to handle yourself with grace and hold your head up high."
And graceful she is. Dressed in a pale pink suit and still glowing from the excitement of her win, Johnson, a 23-year-old graduate of Longwood College, said her pageant experience and persistence were what helped her win the crown. And confidence helped.
"I felt it within me," said Johnson, who represented Central Shenandoah Valley in the pageant. "I knew I could do it. Setting a goal for yourself and obtaining your dream-it's so rewarding."
Johnson's "believe in yourself" motto is one thing she will be taking with her to Atlantic City, N.J., to compete with 50 other women for the title of Miss America 1994 and a $35,000 scholarship.
But before she is ready to compete, Johnson said she will spend the next two months in rigorous preparation for the Sept. 17th pageant.
"I'll be spending all my daylight hours at the Roanoke Athletic Club, and reading every published periodical there is," she said.
Not to mention practicing for two hours every day the piano piece that helped win her the crown, "Sonata Pathetique", a 25-page piece by Beethoven that Johnson has condensed into a three-minute, exhilarating, fast-paced performance.
As Miss Virginia Johnson plans to promote multicultural awareness. A language major and the daughter of a Navy admiral, Johnson has lived and traveled all over the world, giving her extensive experience with other cultures and languages.
"Having moved so many times, I've always been interested in other cultures," she said. "I think people need to be aware of other languages and cultures."
Johnson said that during her reign as Miss Virginia she will support and work on projects in Virginia that promote "cultural cohesion".
"I feel that it helps [people from other countries] to view an American willing to learn about their country and to lessen the lazy American stereotype."
The winner's prizes include a $7,000 scholarship, which Johnson plans to use toward earning a masters degree in international relations, and a new teal Chevrolet convertible, which she will use to make appearances across the state and promote her platform.
A three-time pageant veteran, Johnson said many people are amazed she returns every year.
"People say 'How do you keep coming back? Doesn't it just kill you not to win?' And I say 'If you're here just to win, you're here for the wrong reasons,'" she said.
Many are surprised by her attitude, but she thinks it's what keeps her coming back.
An only child, Johnson said her parents taught her to learn from her losses and continue to persevere. She said the formula for success is supportive parents, but ones who do not push their children.
"I was never pushed into pageantry," she said. "[My parents] have always been so supportive of me."
Still amazed by her win, Johnson said she slept with her crown Saturday night.
"I kept feeling for it and thinking-'Is it still there, this isn't a dream is it?,'" she said.
No it's not a dream, but Johnson said she feels like she is living one.
"I am so excited. This is such an opportunity," she said. "So many girls dream about this. I am honored."
Johnson said the first thing she did after the pageant was call her grandparents in Colorado to tell them she had won.
"My grandfather is sick so he couldn't come, but I have a videocassette [of the pageant] for them. And I'll win every time they rewind it," she said with a triumphant grin.
by CNB