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SUNNY Temp: 57 °F Wind: S at 3 mph Saturday, September 27, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend August 22, 2003 Miss Teen has the time of her life By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune More than one week after her dreams of becoming Miss Teen USA became a reality, Tami Farrell admits she’s still unable to process the whole thing. "Everything is so unreal. It’s so hard to take it all in," Farrell said from her new home in New York City on Thursday. "I still can’t believe it." Farrell, 18, the Phoenix teen who won the highly-coveted title during a televised pageant Aug. 13, is taking part in whirlwind media tour expected to wrap up sometime next week. She’s already moved into the high-rise apartment that will be her home, rent-free, for one year. It’s got a view of the city, the river and even the Statue of Liberty, Farrell said. Advertisement The 2003 Phoenix High School graduate attended her first red-carpet event Wednesday evening, hobnobbing with celebrities such as comedian/actor Jimmy Fallon, singer Lil’ Kim and members of the New York Yankees. The highlight of that event was meeting Derek Jeter, Farrell said. "I’ve always had a little bit of a crush on him," she admitted. Farrell, who said she’s having the time of her life, is anxious to begin promoting her platform at the Miss Teen USA pageant — shining a light on issues faced by teens such as violence, self-esteem and drugs use. She said her days are mapped out by pageant officials and it’s still unclear when she can launch her platform, or visit the Rogue Valley. Sometime in October is her best guess. Farrell’s parents, Stephanie and Tim, attended the pageant in Palm Springs and arrived back home last week. Mom Stephanie said her daughter — a self-described tomboy — really stood out from other contestants during the event. Tami Farrell’s make-up was minimal, her dress the plainest and her hair natural. Unlike most contestants at the show, Tami had no coaches or beauticians, just supportive friends and family. Her first beauty pageant win came earlier this year with Miss Teen Oregon, she added. "She was just real fresh and real natural. She wasn’t the most poised," said Stephanie Farrell. "What people saw was the real Tami. She’s not fake." Tami Farrell credits her win to her down-to-earth nature and her supportive family and the local businesses that sponsored her. "I feel so honored to be here. Everybody helped me out so much," said Farrell. Members of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and officials with Phoenix-Talent School District say they will organize a homecoming event when Tami Farrell finally visits the Rogue Valley. No details have been finalized. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times