Rogers heads to Miss USA Pageant
At an official community send off, Miss West Virginia USA Andrea Rogers, discussed the whirlwind year she’s had since being crowned and her forthcoming competition at the national Miss USA pageant.
“It’s such an amazing experience,” Rogers, a Martinsburg, W.Va. native, said of her last year serving as Miss West Virginia USA.
The 24-year old West Virginia University graduate, who competed in her very first pageant with just 24 hours notice, described how a decision she made on a whim has come as a surprising blessing.
“I’ve learned a lot more about myself,” she said.
Rogers, who first won Miss Eastern Panhandle last April, said that heading to the national Miss USA competition is “a little intimidating,” but she feels prepared.
“I’m just ready for the Miss USA pageant to be here,” she said.
Rogers has worked with a communication coach, a walking coach and has being training with a fitness instructor for the last six months, all in preparation for the big event.
“It’s kind of like you’re planning a wedding and prepping for a marathon at the same time,” she said.
Kenda Rogers, Andrea’s mother said that though the world of pageants is a change for her daughter, the novice beauty queen has risen to the challenge.
“I think this is just a new chapter, a new adventure,” she said.
The second of two daughters, Kenda said Andrea was raised in an environment that encouraged her achievement.
“My husband and I always felt we should raise strong women,” she said.
Kenda, who described her daughter as “very academic,” said that Andrea’s true desire is to use her experience with pageants as a way to bring attention to the issues she finds most important.
Prior to entering her first pageant, Rogers spent the last year working as a special education teacher in Berkeley county.
“She has a strong motivation to help autistic children,” Kenda said.
Jim Rogers, Andrea’s father, said he thinks his daughter’s down to earth nature is what will set her apart at the national competition next month.
“What you see, is what you get,” he said.
Rogers will head to Las Vegas May 15 to prepare for the nationally televised pageant, which will be broadcast live June 3 on NBC at 9 p.m.
A preliminary competition will be web cast May 30 at 11 p.m. on Miss USA.com. Leading up to the televised event, friends and supporters can vote for Rogers as their pick for the “Miss USA Fan Favorite,” from now until June 2. Voters can vote 10 times per day per email address on Facebook, Twitter, MissUSA.com and NBC.com. The winner will be awarded a spot in the Miss USA semi-finals.
Those interested in more information about Andrea can follow her on Facebook at Facebook.com/MissUSA2012 or on Twitter: @RealMissWVUSA.