FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/24/08

For more information:
Bob Edwards
Public Relations Department Assistant
Glenville State College
Glenville, West Virginia
(304) 462-7361x7610

Glenville, WV—Almost a year in the limelight as Ms. West Virginia hasn’t changed Glenville State College junior Holli Marie Owens. She remains the same sweet, small town, down home young women she was before being crowned Ms. West Virginia. “It has been a very enriching experience. I have been so many places and met so many interesting people. It has certainly forced me to open up a little; I am definitely not as shy as I used to be. Other than that, I’m still the same ole me,” said Owens.

Owens is from Parsons in Tucker County, a community a lot like Glenville. She is the daughter of Doug and Sandi Owens. Her small town demeanor is why she came to GSC to major in Accounting. “I was all set to go to Marshall, but my dad said I should check out Glenville State College because it was smaller. He was right. When I came to GSC, it felt like home. So here I am. I know my professors personally, and they know me; you just don’t get that at a bigger school,” said Owens.

After being crowned Ms. West Virginia in April 200, Owens traveled to Las Vegas in July for the Ms. United States Pageant. Although she did not win, she was chosen as first runner-up. She commented, “I really didn’t know what to expect, but it was awesome. When my name was called for the final five I was really surprised, and totally overwhelmed that I was first runner-up. The trip out to Vegas was very exciting; it was my first airplane ride.”

As part of the Ms. United States Pageant the delegates participated in the ‘Super Model with Style Fashion Show.’ This time it would not be a runner-up finish. Holli Owens won the Super Model with Style Award. Her photos from that fashion show appeared in Super Model Unlimited Magazine’s March issue which can be found at CVS drug stores, Barnes & Noble book stores, and other magazine outlets. Her Modeling has also led to a contract as the Spokes Model for Susan Contoure/Cheblla’s Boutique.

Her reign has been a very busy one. As Ms. West Virginia there are many events and activities she must attend including parades, pageants, public appearances, and nursing home visits just to name a few. There are a minimum number of appearances she is required to do, however, Owens has far exceeded those demands. Almost every weekend, with her mom as her constant companion, Holli will be on the road for another appearance as Ms. West Virginia. She says it taught her manage her time better and set priorities.

Although her busy schedule can be frustrating at times, it has allowed her to meet and network with people that have opened up several opportunities. With her time as Ms. West Virginia running out, there are still a few things she hopes to squeeze into her busy schedule. “I really want to find time to visit the West Virginia Children’s Hospital in Morgantown. I love being with children. I have tried to be a positive influence on kids and young people,” said Owens.

In spite of her hectic schedule, Holli has still found time to be a volunteer reserve deputy for the Tucker County Sheriffs Department. During her reign, she has been promoting volunteerism. “I believe society needs to implement volunteerism into our lives in order to make our communities stronger, safer, and healthier,” she said. Her duties as a reserve deputy have included escorting prisoners to court and making rounds on a community watch program. Owens says she intends to continue volunteering as a deputy after her reign is over.

In April, Owens will execute her final duty as Ms. West Virginia when she crowns the winner at the 2008 Ms. West Virginia Pageant at Davis & Elkins College. “It will be sad to see it all end for me. I have truly enjoyed my year, but it is time to pass the crown on to someone new. Serving as Ms. West Virginia is a tremendous honor, but it requires a great deal of hard work and responsibility. I think my pageant days are over,” said Owens.