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As a child, Stefanie Wittler always dreamed of being Miss America, but she didn't start down the path toward realizing that dream until a few years ago. "Actually I won Miss Hamilton County the day before I started my freshman year of college at UTC," says Wittler.
Wittler racked up wins in several local pageants, including a second stint as Miss Hamilton County this year, and then, last month, the 22-year old claimed the crown of Miss Tennessee. "That was literally what I had pictured in my dreams it was exactly how I pictured it. It was surreal, but I remember every single moment, I remember saying to myself Stefanie, soak it in, cause your not going to remember any of it unless you soak it in."
Wittler immediately went into training to compete in January's Miss America pageant, filling out paperwork, preparing her talent, and honing her interview skills.
Another part of Wittler's preparation for Miss America will be to design a gown that showcases her style, and she already has some ideas in mind. "I want to look back 50 years from now and not necessarily see the trends of 2009 or 2010. I want something that's very classy and timeless, I love the old hollywood glamorous look."
Even with her final pageant still ahead of her, Wittler says being Miss Tennessee -- and being a role model for "a safe and drug free" state and the ronald mcdonald house -- remains her number one job. "Its very, very important to those kids and adults alike that you are living our your life the way you are encouraging everyone else to live out their lives. You need to practice what you preach."
Wittler will do just that over the next year, sharing her story with folks across the state.
Wittler will be making several local appearances as Miss Tennessee this month. Saturday, she'll be at Soddy Daisy's July 4th celebration. Then, next Thursday, she'll be recognized by the Hamilton County Commission. And, the county will host a homecoming for her July 25th at Hamilton Place Mall.
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