| OCR Text |
Show (03 O Friday, May 26, 1995 Volume 57 Number 88 -a , it Ilk"' BRIAN NICHOLSON THE SIGNPOST Sign of the times As the first deaf Miss America, Heather Whitestone speaks and signs at Convocations Thursday. Whitestone, who lost her hearing to an infection with haemophilus, encouraged students to never give up and that "anything is possible." Whitestone: Weber State who? signpost By Wynne Rasmussen Signpost staff writer Miss America 1995, Heather Whitestone, visited Weber State University Thursday, but cordially thanked the University of Utah for inviting her. This only goes to prove that nobody is perfect, not even Miss America. The Austad Auditorium was packed from wall to wall with students, visitors, security and local media for a Convocations which featured themost-prestigious speaker WSU has seen all year. To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the Miss America Program has developed three different areas of recognition. The first is known as the Miss America Foundation, which has been designed to help women who are not competing in the Miss America Pageant.The second is a scholarship program awarded to homeless women. "We are so thrilled to help them because we feel they deserve the best education in order to survive the world," Whitestone said in her speech. The third is a Coalition for National Service started by White Mouse officials. It encourages people in the community to help improve society. Whitestone emphasized the : V-. ' ' : f '"J i "I don't see (being deaf) as an obstacle. I see it as an opportunity for ideas.' importance of community service to women involved with pageants. "We encourage the contestant to volunteer to do their community service while competing for their titles," Whitestone said. Being Miss America is a lot of work. There are a lot of people who believe having the title is glamorous at most, but Whitestone said she has very little time to do any sightseeing. "I've been to New York City six times and I still haven't seen the Statue of Liberty and I'm Miss America," Whitestone said. Whitestone won the pageant in September of 1 c!4 and has onlv been home to Birmingham, Ala. for Christmas and Easter. When Whitestone was home for Christmas her mother told her a story about a little girl who decided to be Miss America for Halloween. The little girl was fully dressed in her formal dress and crown, when her mother asked if -Heather Whitestone 1995 Miss America she was ready to gotrick-or-treat-ing. The girl said, "I'm not Miss America." The mother was confused and reassured the girl she looked great. "I don't have a hearing aid," the girl said. Whitestone is hearing impaired and her platform is, "Anything is Possible." "I'm a spokesperson for my platform and each contestant has a platform, and they all have a wonderful gift to share with our country," Whitestone said. Whitestone is the founder of a program called STARS, Success Through Action and Realization of your dreamS. Stars have five points and each point of the star represents different motivational concepts. The first point is to have a positive attitude. "I really believe attitude is the worst handicap in the See Whitestone page 3 positions named Gary Hinds was named editor in chief of The Signpost for the 1995-96 school year by a panel of judges Thursday. Hinds, current news editor of The Signpost, will replace Jennifer King summer quarter. King, who was also a member of the selection committee, said Hinds' experience and personality earned him the position. "Gary has the enthusiasm and love for journalism that will help him succeed," she said. "Me has the ability, knowledge and background to accomplish great things as editor in chief." Hinds, who edged out five applicants for the position, said lie was surprised by the selection. "There were a lot of great candidates," he said. "I know the judges decision was difficult." The Signpost also named Natalie Peay as its advertising manager, while Maria Reeeveur was selected as production manager. Quick Takes Vli'i 111 A&E Sportsmen clear their own runways and come in for a landing. See page 5 Opinion Is Susie a flewsie? The English language makes you wonder sometimes. See page 4 Sports Honors keep coming for the WSU men's basketball team. See page 7 - ' 1 4. .J?: i : ? ; f ' S - i " J i .5 - " h.w,a w, , ..a - - News Miss North Ogden prepares to compete for Miss Utah crown. Sec pngt'3 Weather Friday y Showers (rZET 6344 Ufi ovykri Partly do 60s40s |
