Renee Jackson says she never daydreamed about winning a beauty pageant. However, after being urged to enter her first one, she emerged as Miss Teen Ohio.

        “I really had never considered doing a pageant before. But the opportunity just came up. I thought: "Why not?' and we just jumped into it from there,” said the Oak Hills High School senior, who will serve as Miss Teen Ohio USA 2002.

        On Nov. 17, Renee competed against candidates from around the state. The pageant, which consisted of swimsuit, evening gown, and interview competition, was her first, one she entered after two judges at a dance studio audition told her she should.

        Melissa Pitchford, executive director of Miss Ohio USA and Miss Ohio Teen USA, believes Renee's success can be attributed to her physical fitness and interview skills.

        “Renee really sets an example of pageantry,” Ms. Pitchford said. “She represents what all young people should be like. She had passionate issues and strong opinions. Also, she is a young woman who takes care of herself.”

        During the coming year, Renee will use her title to promote community efforts.

        “I need to do my part for Cincinnati,” she said. She plans to contact local elementary and middle schools to speak to students about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Then, she hopes to visit schools across the state. She also will develop other community projects.

        She also will represent the state in the Miss Teen USA Pageant in August 2002, scheduled to be televised on CBS.

        “I'm a little nervous,” she admitted. “Before it was my first pageant, but now I know it'll be a good experience.”

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        “The responsibilities we have as parents are just to make sure she keeps a balance in her life,” her father, Mike Jackson, said. “We support her in every way possible, but we also must make sure she keeps her feet on the ground.”

        Her activities include participation in Junior Statesmen of America, Key Club, Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD), Academic Team, Dance Club, Ohio Model United Nations and Spanish Club. After graduating from Oak Hills this year, Renee plans to attend the University of Cincinnati, where she will study Spanish and international affairs. “After college, I would love to get involved in women's rights, especially throughout the world,” she said.

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