CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
One of the 315th Airlift Wing's own will be competing against approximately 60 other contestants for the title of Miss South Carolina USA 2007.
Larchinee Turner, administrative clerk for the 315 AW Logistics Readiness Flight will contend for the crown on November 16 at the Performing Arts Center in North Charleston.
The winner of the Miss South Carolina USA pageant will move on to represent the state in the Miss USA pageant, which traditionally awards more than $225,000 in cash and prizes to the winner.
"I entered on a whim," said Miss Turner. "I received an invitation letter; I'm not sure how they found me, but my sister said to go for it, so I entered and got chosen."
The process to becoming a contestant is completed in stages. Those who make it through the initial application and photo stage are contacted later to take part in a phone interview. If the selection committee thinks the candidate is pageant-ready at the end of the process, they are finally invited to compete in the pageant.
"I'm nervous about all the preparations, but I think I'll be fine by the time the pageant comes," said Miss Turner. "I'm making sure I exercise thoroughly and I'm trying to pick out my outfits, but other than that, there's not really much to prepare for. Most of it's based on personality, so I'm going to go there and just be myself."
Miss Turner manages to juggle working on base with her full-time educational pursuits. She is currently enrolled at Trident Technical College, but plans to transfer to the College of Charleston to pursue a bachelor's degree in biology next fall. She also stays active in her community as she tutors local children, participates in the American Health Walk and is a member of her school's international club.
"I think I would be a good representative of the state," said Miss Turner. "I have a lot of great ideas that I can bring with me to make an impact. I have a lot to bring to the table."
Miss Turner's supervisor, Maj. Donna McNabb, 315 AW LRF, agrees.
"For the short time that she has been assigned to the logistics readiness flight, Larchinee has been energetic and conscientious, articulate in speech, polite in manner and has demonstrated the ability to obtain quality results in any environment," said Major McNabb.