P a g e a n t N e w s B u r e a u

A running start

Tina Berry has eight years of cheerleading experience. She has studied drama for three years, and recently she has done some modeling. But when it comes to pageant competition, this Florida teenager is still a newcomer. "I'm just getting into it for real," she says.

She seems ready. Besides the poise that comes from her onstage experience, Ms. Berry has a well-tuned body. She has been serious about nutrition and exercise for years. And she has that cute face that makes you want to forgive anything.

Her greatest weapon, however, is her mental focus, her commitment to "staying myself." It's a hard-won advantage. A few years ago, she was injured in an auto accident and suffered impaired memory for a time. It was the kind of thing that would shake anyone's self-confidence -- and self-confidence is especially fragile among teens -- but Ms. Berry weathered the crisis.

All photos courtesy
of Tina Berry

Will she conquer the pageant world? No one can say, but she certainly won't be conquered by it, and that is the most important thing.

Like so many girls her age, Ms. Berry is mentally juggling an array of career options. In her case, the options are fitness trainer, child psychologist, makeup artist. Body, mind, face.

P a g e a n t N e w s B u r e a u