By LYNN HEIDEN and
CLAUDIA WEED

There is more to being "Cinderella" for a year as we found out interviewing Miss America 1973 ‑ Terry Anne Meeuwsen. Her sparkling personality enhanced everyone as she greeted customers of Ladendorf Olds, Inc. in Des Plaines, on Sunday, February 4.

The Wisconsin representative to the pageant emphasizes her biggest encounter is to get the average American to realize the real purpose behind the Miss America Pageant is a scholarship program more than a beauty pageant. As she explained, "Boys are given scholarships for their athletic ability; the pageant provides the chance for women to achieve scholarship benefits."

With her scholarship money and the money from personal appearances during the year, which amounts to around $60,000, Terry plans to further her education in private lessons in music and drama. This was her main reason for entering the contest.

Miss America offers this advice to girls desiring to enter the contest. "Analyze why you are entering the contest; if you are not prepared to be Miss America, don't enter." She feels one should maintain her individuality and know who you are from the beginning of competition because you sure won't know at the end.

Terry made many new friend's which she had not anticipated, during the week of the pageant. During lags in rehearsals, there was times to exchange personal experiences with other contestants. There was a lot of work and rehearsing during the week at Atlantic City. People sometimes wonder why all the girls cry at the end of the pageant. Terry remarked that the girls are glad that the tiring week is over, and there is also a lot of happiness for the winner. She feels there is more competition and jealousy on the local and state level.

In Atlantic City there are 50 of the most talented, self-confident, and beautiful girls in the U.S.A. One is not competing against anyone in Atlantic City but yourself. The girls seem to be satisfied with their state crown and the Miss America pageant is just something extra.

Being Miss America has allowed Terry to travel across the country making appearances for many organizations. Her traveling and meeting of many different people has changed her outlook on the kind of person she wants to be be.