THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 1996 TAG: 9605210141
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: 69 lines
Catherine E. Turner isn't a typical teenager.
``I'm very independent,'' said Turner, 18. ``That's what's made me who I am and gotten me where I am in life today.''
This fall, Turner will begin studying psychology at James Madison University.
Recently, she was selected as the new Miss Isle of Wight Academy. Turner said her senior class sponsored her in the competition. Twenty-four girls competed for the title this year in the areas of casual wear, evening wear and talent. The girls also were asked a series of questions.
``They asked me what my most prized possession was, and I told them it was my pink pillow, something I've had since I was a kid,'' she said. ``I take it wherever I go. If I go on overnight trips, it goes with me. I can't sleep without it. The judges all thought that was funny.
``A lot of kids asked why I didn't say something else, but you can't be a fake and win something like this. I was not going to win this competition being someone else.''
Turner said the competition was a valuable learning experience.
``In order to get up and perform in front of all those people, you have to go through a lot of preparation,'' she said. ``It takes a special talent to perform and do well.''
Turner performed the song ``Nothing'' from the musical ``Chorus Line.''
``I thought entering this pageant would help me, but it's helped me more than I thought,'' she said. ``It's a great accomplishment.''
Name: Catherine ``Cat'' Elizabeth Turner.
Birthdate: Nov. 25, 1977.
Hobbies: Lifeguarding, cheering, volleyball, skiing, dancing, drama and chorus.
Favorite night out on the town: Dancing at a club.
Favorite food and drink: Vegetable fajitas and orange juice.
Favorite music group: I love all kinds of music - whatever hits the moment.
Pet peeve: Sunday drivers.
Worst habit: Speeding.
Ideal vacation: Relax on an exotic island.
Describe your ideal date: I don't know what the perfect date would be because I haven't experienced it yet.
Do you have an idol? Yes. My grandparents.
What characteristics attract you to a person? Nice, fun, good sense of humor, attractive, intelligent, outgoing, trustworthy and loving.
Most cherished possession: My pink pillow.
What's the best gift anyone ever gave you? The gift of love.
What's the best advice your parents ever gave you? To be myself and always stick up for what I believe in.
Name an issue that concerns you and tell why? AIDS, because it can threaten the existence of the human race.
What type of things do kids worry about today? That's an individual thing. Different kids worry about different things.
How do you battle peer pressure? I let them know my opinion on something, and if they don't respect it, I know they are not my friend.
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? The fact that I am sensitive.
Few people know . . . : Isle of Wight Academy is a small school. Everybody knows everything about you here.
What's the best thing about yourself? My loving heart.
What would you like your first job to be? A psychiatrist.
What are your goals in life? To attend James Madison University and get my master's in psychology. But most of all, I want to be successful in everything I attempt. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II by CNB