Western senior Devanni Partridge, the reigning Miss Washington 2009, will compete for Miss America in the 2010 Miss American Pageant on Jan. 30, 2009. Photo courtesy of Christy Pelland

Western senior Devanni Partridge, the reigning Miss Washington 2009 will participate in the competition.

As a pre-med student pursuing a career in kinesiology, Partridge had two quarters remaining at Western before graduating but took the year off from the university to focus on her pageant duties, such as doing nonprofit work.

“I took it as if it were a full-time job,” she said.

Partridge said she was star-struck when she found out the names of the seven celebrities judging the upcoming competition, especially upon hearing that Shawn Johnson, the U.S. gold medal gymnast, will be on the panel.

“I am a huge fan,” she said. “I think she is so cool and so accomplished. Even though she is younger than I am, I am a little intimidated by her.”

Partridge’s father said she will have a total of about 15 minutes to present herself to the judges.

“She will stand out with her vibrant smile and a lot of energy,”  said Kathy Knutzen, associate dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Partridge's academic advisor.

A classically trained pianist, Partridge will be performing “Malaguena” by Ernesto Lecuona for the talent portion.

Partridge said she plans to outshine the other contestants simply by being herself. “Everybody there is beautiful and talented,” she said. “The best thing you can do is be true to yourself.”

Friends said that, despite her success, Partridge has managed to remain down-to-earth. “She’s such a nice kid,” Western chemistry professor George Kriz, said. “I can’t imagine this is going to her head—she’s well-grounded.”

“Devanni has been really good about not letting her title change who she is,” Partridge’s father said. She has also included her circle of family and friends in her success, which her father calls a special experience for them.

“She has stayed Devanni while she is the queen,” he said.

Her father said he is certain Partridge will represent herself, her community, her state and the people in an unbelievable way.

Although her career depends on the pageant, she says she cannot wait to get back to Bellingham. “It’s my home away from home,” Partridge said. Her goal is to earn a degree from Western.

“She is probably one of our most talented students,” Knutzen said. When she does come back to Western, Knutzen said Partridge will probably finish the kinesiology program in the top two percent of students.

Although she would like to attend Palmer College of Chiropractic, Partridge said winning Miss America could open some doors and she is staying open-minded to opportunities.

“She has surpassed my parental expectations,” Partridge’s father said. “As far as I’m concerned, she’s Miss America already.”

Entering the life of a pageant contestant

During the preparation for the Miss Washington pageant, Partridge impressed those around her with her ability to carry heavy loads of work.

“Her schedule must have been horrendous,” said Kathy Knutzen, associate dean of College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Partridge’s academic advisor. “But she carried it off real well.”

Partridge worked as a lifestyle advisor for the Positive Body Image Group through the Prevention and Wellness services.

“She is just a total light." Devlin O’Donnell, coordinator for the lifestyle program, said.  "She is energetic, very hard-working and very dedicated to her work,”

Partridge used the pageant as a platform to advocate for her cause, “Donate Life: The Importance of Organ and Tissue Donation.”

“I got involved because my friend needed a lung transplant,” she said.

Partridge has spent three years speaking at high schools and service clubs in support of saving lives through organ and tissue donation.

Her father, John Partridge, said the pageant experience has developed her into a well-rounded, mature young woman.

“The opportunity to relate to various people, spend time at children’s hospitals, be on television, radio stations and meet corporate personnel forced her to step outside the box,” Partridge’s father said.

Through public speaking, he said, Partridge evolved into a confident, graceful adult.

She has not only gained personal experience, Partridge also earned a total of $25,000 worth of scholarship money from the pageants she has competed in.
 

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