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Cross is state Homecoming Queen

By JAMIE ANDERSEN
Express correspondent
Amy Cross, senior at Winters High, recently participated in a Statewide Scholarship Competition, and won. After winning Homecoming Queen in October, Cross was given a brochure about the America’s Homecoming Queen pageant. She wasn’t really sure what it was all about, but decided to give it a shot anyways.
“I applied for the scholarship simply because of the “why not?” factor,” said Cross. “Any kind of scholarship is helpful and the contest was like nothing I had ever experienced before, so I decided to try it.”
Cross was one of 30 girls chosen to compete in the state level, which took place April 5 and 6 in Fullerton.
This competition, which is called America’s Homecoming Queen, might sound like a beauty pageant, but it’s not. On the pamphlet the program states, “The purpose of the organization is to promote education and community service for high school homecoming queens in all fifty states.”
The competition consisted of an essay, formal wear and an interview. Those who were chosen to be in the top ten also had to answer a question on stage. This is very unlike a beauty pageant because there was no talent or swimwear portion.
“The formal wear contest was actually the most nerve-wracking part for me,” said Cross. “Walking down a runway in high heels and a floor-length gown hasn’t exactly been a hobby of mine, so I was extra careful about where I put my feet down on the stage and the steps going up to it.”
Even though she might have felt unsure, she did well enough to convince the judges that she should advance.
“Each and every one of the young women that I met at the contest was incredible,” said Cross. “Sure, they were all accomplished and intelligent individuals, but their loveable and fun personalities far outshined their resumes. The good character that radiated from these ladies was both inspiring and humbling.”
From here, Cross will compete at the national level for the title of America’s Homecoming Queen, which will take place the first week of August in Anaheim. All 50 states will be represented at this contest. The national competition will be very similar to the state level, but Cross will also make a speech and enter into the optional video contest, where she will portray her school and community. The national contest will be held at the Disneyland Hotel, so hopefully between rehearsals and the contest, Cross will get to spend some time in Disneyland.
Besides the scholarship contest, Cross has been very busy this year. She has spent a lot of time working on her speech for the FFA Prepared Public Speaking contest, and at the state contest, placed fifth. She has also kept busy with school, homework, senior project, ASB publicity editor, and FFA president.
After graduation, Cross plans to attend Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and major in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. She is the son of Dee and Brian Cross of Winters.