Shannon Doyle, Miss Pennsylvania 2009, along with all of the other contestants, recently packed up for the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas. Before Shannon left, she took some time to reflect on her year as Miss PA.

World Peace (WP): You competed in Miss Pennsylvania several times before winning. How did you stay focused and determined to accomplish your goal?
Shannon Doyle (SD): I competed in the Miss Pennsylvania pageant five times before winning the title of Miss PA 2009. I was also first runner-up the two years prior to winning. It was difficult to come so close to a dream that you have but to not yet achieve it. I realized, though, that on the road to any success in life, you are going to get knocked down once in a while. What is most important is that you pick yourself up and come back stronger the next time. That is exactly what I did. I believe that if you want something badly enough, and you are willing to work hard enough, you can achieve it!

WP: What has been your most exciting appearance as Miss Pennsylvania?
SD: Taking part in the 6abc/Ikea Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade was definitely my favorite and most exciting appearance to date. I attend medical and live right in center city Philadelphia so I am a huge Philly fan and familiar with the area! But taking part in the parade, seeing the streets lined with spectators and floats that were larger than life was something I was not use to seeing. It was a spectacular and emotional experience for me! To be a part of something so big, in a city with so much history, on a day of giving thanks was truly amazing!

WP: What is one interview tip you can give contestants preparing for a pageant?
SD: Be yourself! Throughout my years of competing, I have been told to be articulate but not rehearsed, majestic but not unapproachable, stunning yet natural all at the same time. How can one person possess all of those traits when most of them are polar opposites?? They can’t! No one can!! I realized that I am never going to please everyone, but I can always please myself by just being me! So my interview advice is to just be yourself and have fun!

 

Fun Facts:

WP: What is the one item of makeup you can't leave home without?
SD: My CVS $0.99 wooden eyeliner!

WP: What is your favorite "cheat" food?
SD: Chocolate ice cream with rainbow sprinkles!

WP: What song do you play most right now on your iPod?
SD: Running Against the Wind by Bob Seger 

Want to learn more about Shannon?
Website: www.misspa.org