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Deneen Penn, a sophomore at ������ at Trumbull, has been crowned Miss Ohio Collegiate America 2017. Penn, who is a business management major, advances to compete this summer for the title of Miss Collegiate America.

At the pageant, which was held 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 presented her résumé, 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,” Penn says. “Whether through social media or in person, bullying continues to afflict youth of all ages.” 

The fun-fashion portion of the competition allowed contestants to represent their personal style. Penn wore a Sherri Hill black and nude lace dress with a floor-length black cape. Next, Penn wore a red-and-white, two-piece, handmade gown for the evening-gown phase of the competition, which required contestants to wear a long dress that embodied their poise and elegance on stage.

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

From June 26 through July 1, Penn will compete in Little Rock, Arkansas, 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, Miss High School and Miss Collegiate America.) Each prize package includes a $10,000 college scholarship, a $3,000 wardrobe from Henri’s Cloud Nine, modeling opportunities and other perks and prizes from companies such as Michael Kors, Clarisonic, Dillard’s, Bath and Body Works and more.

Penn will be judged on the same categories during the national competition. Henri’s Cloud Nine will provide her assistance to prepare for her competition, including interview and résumé coaching, modeling training, wardrobe advice, ad-page design and more. The store also is customizing an evening gown for Penn. All of this is free of charge, but the experience will be priceless, she says.

“I am going to meet new people from all over the country, support my sister queens in the pageant and in life, make a real impact in my community and learn so many new things,” Penn says. “It’s a really exciting opportunity. I encourage more women to enter into this outstanding organization next year and I would be glad to offer any advice.”

The Miss Junior High, High School and Collegiate America Organization intends to provide personal and professional opportunities for outstanding young women while upholding the highest standards of moral values and focusing on academic achievement and community service.