THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 3, 1995 TAG: 9507030035
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SHANNON D. HARRINGTON, LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: ROANOKE LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
For three years, Andrea Ballengee of Newport News dreamed of hearing the ``Miss Virginia'' song as she walked dazed across the stage to accept the glittering crown.
Saturday night, on her fourth try, that dream came true.
In retrospect, she said during an interview Sunday, she's glad the honor didn't come any sooner. At 17, just beginning her freshman year at Virginia Tech, her college homesickness would have been compounded by the overwhelming responsibility of being Miss Virginia.
But at 21, with a political science degree safely behind her, the timing is right.
``It's got to be something you're ready to commit a whole year of life to,'' she said, her face still glowing after the excitement of the previous evening. ``You have to be able to stand on your own two feet.''
Beginning today, time becomes a precious commodity for Ballengee. During her one-year reign, she'll make about 300 appearances and travel an estimated 20,000 miles around Virginia and the rest of the country.
It's exactly the opportunity she needs to preach about her passion - a program she developed in college that offers scholarships to poverty-stricken children.
Her program, Ballengee said, also tries to help children gain self-esteem through other avenues, such as dance classes.
``Education is an integral part for children at risk,'' Ballengee said. ``Every child is at risk if they can't visualize the future.''
One facet Ballengee wants to further develop as Miss Virginia is getting businesses involved with the children in their communities, doing more than just ``writing a check.''
Businesses need to take a more hands-on approach when it comes to helping youth, she said, even to the point of helping kids with their homework.
During the evening gown competition Saturday, Ballengee proposed a program called ``Partnership of the Four P's,'' combining the efforts of parents, police, professors and politicians to help at-risk children ``visualize the future by giving them a goal.''
She plans to eventually become one of those politicians, and has dreams of a congressional seat.
The next year, she said, will be perfect practice.
``Miss Virginia is a politician in her own right.''
But first, she has to work toward a more immediate election - that of Miss America.
The national contest is Sept. 16 in Atlantic City.
There will be a great deal of emotional and physical preparation in the interim, Ballengee said.
But for now, she said, her eyes shining, ``I'm still on cloud nine.'' ILLUSTRATION: B\W ASSOCIATED PRESS photo
Amber Medlin of Virginia Beach won the swimsuit competition of the
Miss Virginia pageant. The points from the swimsuit competition
helped propel her to first runner-up overall.
Color photo by LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
Andrea Ballengee of Newport News, right, rejoices. With her is Tracy
Blizzard, Miss Portsmouth Seawall Festival.
KEYWORDS: MISS VIRGINIA PAGEANT by CNB