Miss Teen USA: crown as microphone.

• Position: Q&A - Tami Nichole Farrell

Last year, Tami Nichole Farrcll was student-body president of her high school in Phoenix, Oregon, population 4,302. But on August 12, the 18 year-old aspiring actress was crowned Miss Teen USA.

What made you want to participate?

It's a really good opportunity to have your voice be heard. I get to use nay crown as a microphone. My platform is teen issues. I'm going to be discussing drug use, self-esteem, and school violence.

What do you say to people who think beauty pageants are insulting to women?

I don't think we're focusing on outer beauty. We're really focusing on inner beauty and letting that shine through.

Would people who knew you as a kid have imagined you as Miss Teen USA?

Growing up I was a total tomboy, I used to play...