43
Crown for A-town
Photo
Neighbors | Submitted.Miss Droege proudly displayed a trophy she won at a national dance competition in Chicago.
Photo
Nina Droege (center) posed with her supportive extended family at a recent dance recital.
By SARAH FOOR
If 16-year-old Nina Droege is crowned Miss Teen Cleveland/Akron/Youngstown on Sunday, she won’t forget where she came from.
“Austintown is my home, where my life, friends, and family are. Without Austintown, I wouldn’t have the sponsorships from area businesses that have made this all possible,” said Droege, a student at Fitch High School.
In fact, sponsorships from Austintown Curves, Something Unique-4-U Florist Shop, Knights of Columbus Council #3930, Baudrik Butcher Block, AllState Insurance agent Bob Fusco, Change About Hair Salon, Charlie’s Family Restaurant, as well as family and family friends have made a usually costly pageant financially manageable.
The lack of money stress has given Droege time to focus on excelling in the personality-driven Miss Teen competition. “The interviews are given much higher merit in this pageant, and there is no swimsuit competition,” Droege explained. “So I’m going to be myself above all else. I’ll be passionate and add some of my humor whenever I can.”
If Droege wins this weekend’s competition, she could be heading to Orlando, Fla., to compete in the Cities of America Pageant, which gives away over $60,000 in prizes. When asked what she’ll do if she wins, Droege was honest.
“I’ll thank Austintown — my sponsors and my family who helped me there. And then tell all my friends!”
Win or lose, she’ll make Austintown proud.