Ames competes to become America's Homecoming Queen

Winner of New Hampshire crown heads to California for national pageant

Brit Ames made a name for herself competing on softball diamonds around the state during her four years at Kennett High. The recent graduate, the school's all-time winningest pitcher, finds herself in a competition of a different sort starting this weekend when she flies to Anaheim, Calif., for America's Homecoming Queen pageant.Ames, 18, of Conway, daughter of Joan and Peter Ames, was named New Hampshire Homecoming Queen over Memorial Day Weekend, following two days of interviews, essay writing and gown wearing, plus a lengthy question-and-answer period. The win, against 50 other Granite State girls, means she's tops in New Hampshire and will be one of 50 competing over five days for the national title and scholarship money."I really never thought all of this would be happening," Ames said with a big grin Wednesday afternoon while helping her parents with a softball camp at Conway Recreation Department. "After I was lucky enough to be the homecoming queen in the fall at Kennett, I started receiving stuff in the mail (from America's Homecoming Queen). I saw that it was a scholarship thing and decided, why not... If I could go to California, plus get some scholarship money I might as fill it out and give it a shot." Ames submitted the official application to the America's Homecoming Queen national office in Tennessee, sending her resume, a copy of her high school transcript, plus a list of activities she's involved in. She learned in the spring that she was a New Hampshire finalist and was invited to Albany, N.Y., for the regionals over Memorial Day. Ames, her mother and good friend, Jen Luoma, made the trek to the Albany Marriott. "We had a blast, it was tons of fun," Ames said. "During the two days we were there I had to go through interviews with the judges; write an essay on 'What does freedom and the American spirit mean to me'; there was an evening gown competition; and then we did questions and answers on stage. During the interview with the judges, we were asked all sorts of questions everything from who is the vice president of the United States to what's our favorite color and why?"America's Homecoming Queen is a tuition scholarship selection promoting education and educational travel for all high school homecoming queens. America's Homecoming Queen, began in 1981, is by invitation only. To qualify, you must be a high school homecoming queen, football or basketball, and have never participated in America's Homecoming Queen selection before. Each queen participates only once, and every year there is a different group of girls competing for the state and national title. In most pageants there often are girls who have been there before, and this gives them an advantage, but in America's Homecoming Queen all politics are eliminated since all of the girls are competing for the first time.Ames admits she was a little surprised, but excited, when she was named New Hampshire's Homecoming Queen. "We didn't get a crown, we get that when we go California," Ames said. "I guess they're expensive, like $250, so they didn't want anyone to drop or lose it (before the national event). I was given a tiara that I got to wear around for all of the photos."With the victory, Ames and her mom will fly to Disney Land tomorrow. Also, Kennett High receives a special engraved plaque with Ames' photo for the trophy case.Tomorrow night Ames will attend a reception at the Disney Resort Hotel. She has Sunday off, but the following three days promise to be both busy and memorable. "It's going to be a little different from New York," she said. "I'm excited about the competition, but I'm a little nervous about the plane I'm not a real good flyer."Ames must deliver a speech on why people should visit New Hampshire and Mount Washington Valley in particular. "I'm working on it," she said, laughing. "I've got some ideas, but nothing's on paper yet. I'm open to any suggestions."Another requirement, which Ames has already completed, is she must show a video of her hometown, pointing out some of the highlights of the area. She also has to bring an item from the Granite State to swap with the other contestants. "I really want to thank (New Hampshire Speaker of the House) Gene Chandler, of Bartlett, for giving me souvenir state pins they're neat."According to the America's Homecoming Queen website, the pageant is "looking for the all American girl who wants a career... The purpose of the organization is to promote education and community service for high school homecoming queens in all 50 states. We are giving these young women, who have shown outstanding leadership ability, the opportunity to achieve their dreams and goals of being our leaders of tomorrow. We strive to reinforce the teaching of their home, school and church, and work to give each girl the self confidence to achieve to the goals she desires. The Selection provides a friendly competition between girls of many differing localities and backgrounds."Each of the 50 finalists will receive scholarship money. "The higher us you finish, the more money you receive," Ames said. "It's going to be a great experience, I'm just hoping I do well. I know it's going to be a lot fun."