Miss Ohio Collegiate America 2017 Kent-Trumbull student crowned winner of pageant

Staff report

WARREN

Deneen Penn, a sophomore at Kent State University at Trumbull, was crowned Miss Ohio Collegiate America 2017 at a ceremony in late November.

The 2015 graduate of Maplewood High School in Cortland advances to compete this summer for the title of Miss Collegiate America.

At the pageant, which took place at Henri’s Cloud Nine store and Polaris Fashion Place mall in Columbus, Penn competed in three phases: Interview, Fun Fashion and Evening Gown.

During her interview, Penn, who is a business major at Kent-Trumbull, presented her resume, which included an array of accomplishments and community services. One of those experiences was “Stomp Out Bullying,” a campaign that allowed her the opportunity to speak to local students about making a difference in their community.

B.R.A.V.E., Building Respect and Values for Everyone, is the national platform and anti-bullying campaign of the Miss Junior High, High School and Collegiate America Organization.

“I want to help make sure all students have an opportunity to learn in an inclusive environment,” said Penn. “Whether through social media or in person, bullying continues to afflict youth of all ages.”

The Fun Fashion portion of the competition allows contestants to represent their personal style. Penn wore a Sherri Hill black and nude lace dress, with a floor-length black cape. After that, Penn wore a red and white two-piece, handmade gown for the Evening Gown phase of the competition, which requires contestants to wear a long dress that embodies their poise and elegance on stage.

At the end of the competition, she was crowned Miss Ohio Collegiate America 2017.

Penn will compete in Little Rock, Ark., June 26-July 1, for Miss Collegiate America 2017.

The pageant’s prize package totals more than $50,000 for each of the three National titleholders (Miss Junior High, High School and Collegiate America). Each prize package includes a $10,000 college scholarship, a $3,000 wardrobe from Henri’s Cloud Nine, modeling opportunities, and prizes from companies such as Michael Kors, Clarisonic, Dillard’s and Bath and Body Works.