The big stage and bright lights of the Miss America Pageant loom a month away, and Auburn’s Devanni Partridge already is feeling the pressure.
“It’s really hot and no doubt, I’m feeling it,” admitted the 21-year-old Partridge, only the second woman from Auburn to wear the prestigious state crown, following Amber Hamilton who seized the state tiara back in 1995. “It feels so close right now, but it’s so much fun and exciting to go out and compete at that level.”
Since Partridge captured the Miss Washington crown in July, she has been on a whirlwind tour on behalf of two platforms – her own for “Donate Life: The Importance of Organ and Tissue Donation”, the other for the Miss Washington state crusade that supports the Children’s Miracle Network.
Partridge also is among the leading national vote-getters in an online “green initiative” competition among Miss America contestants.
She has done countless interviews for the media – appearing on KING 5’s “Evening Magazine” – and toured schools, service organizations and civic groups scattered throughout the state.
November was crazy, but December has been quieter, allowing Partridge time to prepare for the Miss America Pageant. She will compete against 52 other contestants in Las Vegas, Nev., beginning with an formal interview Jan. 25, followed by three nights of preliminary competition and an idle Friday to recuperate. The weeklong experience culminates with the nationally televised finals on Jan. 30 (5 p.m., The Learning Channel) at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Partridge will leave for Las Vegas on Jan. 20.
“There so much energy for the holidays, but I’m focusing on the pageant,” Partridge said.
The preparations include a send-off party, “On the Runway To Miss America: The Miss Washington Fashion Show Brunch”, Sunday at The Liberty Theater in Puyallup. Advanced ticket sales closed Sunday.
To answer the call and fulfill a busy schedule, Partridge is delaying the completion of her schoolwork. Partridge, an Auburn High School graduate, is a Western Washington University pre-med senior student majoring in kinesiology.
“School is always going to be there,” she said, “but being Miss Washington will not.”
Partridge, a classically trained pianist with plenty of on-stage experience, is confident about her chances.
“It’s a dream of mine to bring back the Miss America title to Auburn,” she said. “I just want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement.”
Partridge, daughter of John and Shirlee Partridge, has two sisters, Laura and Anne. Anne also was the third runner-up in the 2009 Miss Auburn Scholarship Pageant.
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Countdown to the crown
The Miss America Pageant is going green. Devanni Partridge is among the
Miss America contestants competing in the Pageant’s “Green is Gorgeous” interactive eco-contest. Vote for Devanni’s presentation via www.misswashington.org. You also can follow her progress at the Web site.
