Queen of the Keystone State
Written by Jerri Brouse
THINK YOU KNOW ALL THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT BEAUTY QUEENS? THINK AGAIN.
Meet Miss Pennsylvania 2007, Rachel Marie Brooks. Rachel is not the stereotypical beauty queen that someone meeting her for the first time might expect. She's not self-absorbed, flaky or condescending. Instead, she's sweet, friendly and down to earth. She likes to talk, which makes interviewing her all the more fun. Sitting on the couch in the living room of her parents' home, it feels more like visiting with an old friend than a first-time meeting. The atmosphere is warm and inviting - cookies, muffins and other light refreshments sit on the dining room table a few feet away. Even though she has to watch what she eats and works out to keep herself in shape, Rachel doesn't feel guilty about having an occasional snack.
We met at the home of Rachel's parents in Broomall, Delaware County, the same house she grew up in. The house is traditional but boasts beautiful pieces of art and a colorful palette. The house is tidy and clutter-free. It is clear that people with taste and refinement share this home.
It's a bright, sunny, fall day and the sun beats through the large bay window in the front room where we settle, making it cozy. Rachel is dressed casually, smart but not stuffy. At 24, she likes to be fashionable but also recognizes the importance of carrying herself like a professional, especially now that she's representing the Keystone State. She likes to be comfortable, though she admits she secretly loves any opportunity to be "girly."
"I love getting to dress up and go to fancy events," she said.
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