Miss Penticton, Brooklyn Adams
Brooklyn Adams is the newly-crowned Miss Penticton.
She was born in Cranbrook and for the past three years has resided in Penticton, where she’s entering Grade 12 at Pen-Hi in the fall.
She was previously active in theatre as a youngster. These days, her efforts outside of school are focused on volunteer work through Bethel Church where she is a worship leader, Sunday-school teacher and musical leader.
Following graduation, she will do a six-month stint in Hawaii with the Youth With a Mission program.
She will be joined on the royalty team by princesses Sarah Wood and Nyah Mueller.
Julia McGibbon won the blossom award and Mueller was voted Miss Congeniality. Matraya Buchanan won the talent portion of the competition and there was a three-way tie for the best speech between Adams, Mueller and Wood.
Keeping with tradition, valley editor James Miller spoke with the new Miss Penticton on Monday.
HERALD: How did you become interested in the royalty program?
ADAMS: My interest was sparked as a young girl seeing the newly crowned sweethearts every year in Cranbrook. For years, I looked up to them and always wanted to be apart of a wonderful program someday, so when I heard about the Miss Penticton program, I jumped at the opportunity as I knew it would be an honour to represent this beautiful Okanagan city.
HERALD: What did you most enjoy about the months leading up to the pageant?
ADAMS: I would have to say, by far, I enjoyed the amount of support my fellow candidates and I shared for each other. It was a year of growth for everyone and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of young ladies to spend my eight months with. I can say I couldn’t be happier to have Sarah and Nyah alongside me this coming year.
HERALD: How did you feel when your name was read?
ADAMS: In all honesty, it felt like a dream. I felt every single one of those girls was deserving of the title I was given. So, to me, I was extremely ecstatic for the upcoming year to know I would have the chance to represent my city.
HERALD: Who was in your cheering section that night?
ADAMS: I have amazing family and friends from my local church and throughout B.C.. They were all so incredible and supportive, but the best thing of all was knowing they would have been proud of me no matter the end result.
HERALD: Of the many parades and events that are ahead of you, what are you most excited about?
ADAMS: I would definitely have to go with the amount of character and beauty each and every single city has. I am excited to get to know the other royalty more and see what their city has to offer the world. HERALD: Who were your own mentors? ADAMS: Next to my lovely parents, I would have to say the three women that cheered me on for a year — Jessica, Amanda and Lori. They have never failed to answer any of my questions and were always there for me and the other girls.
HERALD: As a young person, what do you think is the No.1 issue or concern facing your generation today?
ADAMS: I would have to say the amount of screen time young people use on a day-to-day basis. If we can find a way to get off our phones and more involved in our community, I think we would be a lot better and healthier for it. HERALD: What is your career ambition? ADAMS: My career ambition is to hopefully become a realtor someday. Another option is I would like to become a dental assistant or hygienist someday. I would love a job that would train me to help others with their health in some way or another.
HERALD: Were there any surprises along the way for you? Was the Miss Penticton program everything that you expected it would be?
ADAMS: Yes and no. I knew that, no matter what, the program would be tremendous for me. But, I had no idea how in depth it would go. They truly do cover everything you could think of, as my princess Sarah says from proper etiquette all the way to changing car oil.