???After taking part in a tough competition this August, UB's own Donna Volmy, a sophomore biomedical science major, was named the 2008 National American Miss New York.
???Volmy, a native of the town of Lockport, beat out 250 other girls who recently competed in New York City for the winning title.
???"I've always done little pageants, but I was just competing in this pageant for fun," Volmy said.
???The National American Miss New York pageant is comprised of various scored categories including: talent, personal introduction, fitness, formal wear, community involvement and an interview.
???For the talent portion of the competition, Volmy said that she sang a Martina McBride song entitled "God is Good" and ballet danced to Rihanna's "Disturbia."
???Volmy recounted her winning moment, which was both thrilling and unexpected.
???"It was a lot of competition. I was just happy to be in the top 20," Volmy said. "The top 20 got broken down to five girls, and then they called the third runner-up, the second runner-up and the first runner-up. When they called my name I was screaming."
???Volmy credits her mother for first getting her involved in pageants, noting that she has been participating in them since she was young.
???"My mom is like my pageant coach. She helps me a lot," she said.
???Volmy admitted that pageants require a lot of time and effort.
???"It is a lot of preparation. You have to make sure your dress and hair are ready, and you have to make sure you stay fit," Volmy said.
???Volmy spoke lightly of the fitness segment of the competition.
???"I have a fast metabolism, so I don't have to work as hard-it comes naturally. You just have to make sure that you're comfortable with everything," she said.
???Pageants, for Volmy, are all about self-assurance.
???"I'm a people-person," Volmy said. "In pageants, you have to be a good public speaker. You can't be shy, and you have to be highly confident."
???Volmy attributes her confidence to her past participation in community, athletic and academic activities.
???"I was always involved in high school - I was a varsity cheerleader, I danced and I was president of both student council and French club," Volmy said.
???Volmy takes pride in her pageant involvement. Her winning attitude is as glamorous as her crown, but she's not in it for the shimmery dresses or rhinestone tiaras.
???"My favorite part is getting to meet new and really interesting people," Volmy said. "I can't think of anything I don't like about pageants. I really have a lot of fun doing them."
???According to Volmy, pageants go far beyond typical stereotypes, and consist of more than just attractive faces and pretty dresses. She referred to her demanding degree program and her aspirations of one day becoming a pediatrician.
???Volmy will be traveling to Los Angeles during Fall Recess in November to compete against the other 49 state winners for the title of National American Miss and the possibility of winning more scholarships.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
