Miss Teen USA 2004

“I didn’t hear them call my name,” explained Shelley Hennig to PT as she talked about that exciting moment on national television when she was crowned Miss Teen USA® 2004 “Are you ready?” is what she heard. Then she said, “I shook my head no, and then they said ‘yes’ and it was announced again.”

It was four days after that life changing moment for the seventeen-year-old high school senior from Destrehan, Louisiana — she was still on cloud nine.

“I was so shocked! I never believed that it could actually really happen. Like, I looked at the first runner-up because she had just won something. And I was about to tell her congratulations. I thought she won because they had said her name…so it kind of took a second to penetrate.”

After receiving the crown, her royal sash and bouquet of roses, Hennig took her ceremonial walk before the live audience. Present in the audience to witness the special moment were: her mother and father, older brother, her friends, and her dance teacher.

Understanding why members of her family and her friends would be there, PT asked why her dance teacher had traveled so far to see her compete. “She’s always been my role model” was her reply. “I’ve been dancing since I was two years old, and I’ve danced with her since I was six. She’s been through so many obstacles and came through them all. I’ve learned to get over bad life’s experiences and learned how to move on because of her.” (Shelley competes and takes lessons four day’s a week.)

One of those bad life’s experiences for Shelley happened three years ago when her brother Brad was killed in a drunk driving accident. He was 18. She found writing poetry a healing factor in helping her get through the rough days. She said, “I write a lot about my brother. I write a lot, a lot, a lot…”

As Miss Louisiana Teen, she traveled around the state speaking to teens about the dangers of drinking and driving. In her role as Miss Teen USA, Shelley will continue to speak to youth about safe driving. In addition, she will work with several national non-profit organizations on anti-violence, anti-drug campaigns, and self-image building.

When not in school or dancing, Shelley likes watching baseball, listening to music (most types of contemporary music), writing and reading.

Positive Teens often asks our interviewees if they have any advice for our readers. When asked, Miss Teen USA said, “Don’t let anyone change you. Hang out with people that make you feel good about yourself. That way, it is easy to be yourself.”

PT

* Reprinted from Positive Teens Magazine Volume 6 Issue 5, Sept/Oct 2004

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