By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Whitney Lin Spain was crowned the 2008 Miss Niles/Brandywine Saturday night at the Niles High School auditorium.
Spain, who wore a turquoise evening gown with a burst of silver, is a senior at Niles and the daughter of Thomas and Vickie Spain.
"I can't even express what was going through my mind," she said after being crowned.
Spain's court includes first runner-up Bree Donohue, second runner-up Becky Modlin and Miss Congeniality Kayla Reeves.
"I am so thankful for everything and look forward to meeting so many people in the community," Spain said.
Spain plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in broadcast journalism and minor in Spanish. She believes it is critical to be bilingual in order to be a well-rounded journalist.
Her activities include Student Council, Kiwanis Club, Spanish Club, Counterpoints, Accapella, women's choir, PSI: Postponing Sexual Involvement Teen Leader, DFP: Drug-Free Players, cheerleading, piano and working at Applebees. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, singing, dancing, dirt bike riding, writing poetry, attending school events (especially football games), community service and life-guarding.
"My goal is to be able to lead the community with great pride, be a great role model and let it be known that everyone can do this," she said.
Spain takes over for 2007 Miss Niles/Brandywine Stephanie Mantei.
Contestants winning additional prizes were:
Most sold Port-A-Pit dinners – Bree Donohue
Most ads sold – Whitney Spain and Bree Donohue
Most tickets sold for Miss Niles/Brandywine pageant – Whitney Spain
People Choice Award Winner – Kayla Reeves