“I want to be a mathematics professor when I grow up,” says Teryn Barker when asked about her future career goals. “Because I like solving problems.” At just 10 years old, the A-student already has an impressive resume. An avid lover of the arts, she has performed in local productions of Charlotte’s Web, Jungle Book, Jr. High School Musical, and Stuart Little. She has also had some of her art on display at the University of Dayton, plays French horn in the band at her school, and loves to write poetry. The Trotwood, Ohio native will begin 6th grade in the fall of 2009.
As an Ohio state finalist for the National American Miss Pageant, Teryn competed for the 2009 Miss Ohio Pre-Teen title during Father’s Day weekend in Columbus, Ohio. There were 138 girls between the ages of 10 and 13 vying for the coveted title. As Contestant #4, Teryn didn’t win, but as a newcomer to the pageant circuit, she did extremely well and walked away with six trophies and a monetary award. She placed as 3rd runner-up in the Spokesmodel category, a competition for which she wrote and recited a speech about things we can do to help conserve the earth’s diminishing fresh water supply. She was 1st runner-up in the Top Model Contest. In the Top Model category, the girls were required to participate in a photo shoot, where the pictures were judged on modeling technique and how well they photographed. She won other trophies for participating in optional contests and selling ads for the pageant program book.
“This was a learning experience for me, and I had a great time competing,” explains Teryn. “But I look forward to competing next year with more confidence because I’ll know what to expect.” Teryn was particularly drawn to this pageant because it is not a beauty pageant and does not have a swim suit competition. In the National American Miss Pageant, the contestants are judged on poise, self-confidence, and communication skills. “I think that every little girl should experience this type of pageant at least once in her life because it helps you feel good about yourself,” expressed Teryn. “I felt like a princess when my dad escorted me across the stage in front of all those people.”
Until the next pageant, Teryn says she will stay focused in school, enjoy performing in plays, and continue writing poetry. One of her poems will appear in the book, Free to Fly: Wisdom for the Seasons in a Woman’s Life, when it is released this year, in late August. Edited by Penda L. James, Free to Fly is a collection of poetry and prose written by and about women in various stages in life. The book, which reflects on the strength, beauty, wisdom, and perseverance of women, will be available on Amazon.com for $14.95. With her poem, Lonely, Teryn is the youngest contributor to the book.
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