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July 3, 2004 - Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels Miss Teen USA comes home By Bill Choy Ashland Daily Tidings PHOENIX - Shawn Farrell watched with brotherly pride as his little sister signed autographs as her Miss Teen USA sash glittered brightly during a signing session at Ray's Food Place on Monday afternoon. Tami Farrell, 18, a 2003 Phoenix High School graduate who attended Talent Middle School, is visiting her hometown for the first time since being crowned Miss Teen USA in August. Shawn Farrell, 20, a student at the University of Oregon, took time off from his studies so he could spend time with his sister. While Tami is now living in New York in a luxury apartment she shares with Miss USA and Miss Universe, and mingles with celebrities like Derek Jeter, it hasn't gotten to her head, Shawn Farrell said. "She's still the same person and that's why she has gotten this far," he said. "She's always joking around and being herself. ... She would have been the same way even if she didn't win. The only difference now is she has a sash and people crowd around her." At the grocery store, people flocked with excitement and pride as they met the hometown girl who has made a name for herself. Tami Farrell, a striking blonde with a warm smile and friendly personality, greeted each person like an old friend as she signed many autographs and took countless photos. While these events have become a way of life for her, being back in Phoenix seeing people she knew for years made it quite special, she said. "It's been real fun and exciting," Farrell said. "It's nice to see everyone come out and encourage me." During her signing session, she met countless folks she knew over the years, from uncles and grandparents of school friends to the young daughter of her high school basketball coach - all congratulating her and greeting her warmly back to town. Farrell, who returned home on Friday, has done a whirlwind of events and autograph sessions since arriving back to the Rogue Valley. "I don't even think I can count them all," she said. "It's kept me very busy." After her duties are done, Farrell will take some well earned time off before returning to New York in early November, she said. So what is she most looking forward to during her down time? "Sleep in and spend more time with my family," Farrell said. "We need to catch up." One of the sponsors of her homecoming was the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, which helped arrange her appearances in the area. "She's a hometown girl and we're very proud of her," chamber President Liz Sauro said. "We wanted to welcome her back home and tell her how much we appreciate her." It's still quite a surprise when people clamor to meet her, Farrell said. "When I come and people get excited, for a second, I wonder what famous person is in the room," she said. "It makes you realize what an honor it is." By winning Miss Teen USA, which is affiliated with the Miss Universe Pageant, Farrell has earned a year of rent-free living in a Central Park apartment, and cash and prizes. Farrell plans to spend her year as Miss Teen USA as a youth advocate focusing on self-esteem issues, anti-violence and anti-drug campaigns. While she has made countless national appearances, she hadn't felt as nervous as when she was introduced to loud cheers and applause at recent appearances at Phoenix High and Talent Middle School. "They were so excited to see me," Farrell said. "I felt really nervous before I went out. I think I was just so excited to see everyone and to be back home." DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams