THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 16, 1995 TAG: 9507140017
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
We are writing to offer another side to the recent negative publicity surrounding the new Miss Virginia, Andrea Ballengee.
As friends of the Ballengee family, we have watched Andrea over the years strive toward her goal of becoming Miss Virginia. Her years of hard work and dedication were apparent Saturday evening, July 1, as she was crowned the new Miss Virginia in the Roanoke Civic Center. Her poise, talent and intelligence sparkled that evening, as did the tiara placed on her head. She very much deserves that crown and should wear it proudly.
Andrea is an outstanding representative for our state. If all our young people possessed the work ethic that Andrea does, our communities across the commonwealth would be much better.
Andrea's recent acceptance to law school should be ample evidence of her academic record.
Her athletic accomplishments are illustrated in her graceful, flawless ballet.
And her commitment to her platform - helping at-risk children - is displayed in the many dance studios and youth centers across the region where she generously volunteers her time and talent. Not only does she teach these young girls and boys how to properly plie', Andrea teaches them a more-important lesson of self-esteem and self-respect.
We applaud the selection of Andrea Ballengee as the 1995 Miss Virginia. There is no more perfect Virginian to represent our fine state than this young lady!
CAMI DENNISON
DAVE GLOVIER
Virginia Beach, July 7, 1995 by CNB