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Nov. 20--Dentists, no doubt, know many ways to produce a radiant smile. But none of those dental techniques would have been needed for the 15 high school seniors from across Pennsylvania who arrived Sunday at the Inn at Reading, Wyomissing. Wide smiles were evident all around as they met to kick off a week of community service and rehearsals for the Pennsylvania's Outstanding Young Woman contest. They will compete Saturday at Kutztown High School for $10,700 in scholarships, including a $5,000 top prize. But Sunday, the emphasis was on building closeness. "I want you all to look around at your 14 new best friends," program director Michele L. Bainbridge said. "To us, you're all winners." Contestant Kate B. Berman, a senior at Wyomissing High School, wore gifts from fellow entrants in Berks County's preliminary contest: a pink beaded necklace and gaudy earrings with pictures of princesses from Disney movies. She had promised the other 19 Berks contestants she would wear the plastic jewelry this week. "We're excited she got this far," said Kate's father, Ronald J. "At this point, it's all gravy." Kate, 18, said she was inspired to enter the contest by her friend Allysha Powanda, who won the Berks contest in 1999. Powanda plans to be at Saturday's contest to watch Kate, who will play the piano during the talent portion. Contestants also will be judged on their poise, fitness, academic achievement and an interview. Like the other 14 contestants, Kate will be living with a host family this week instead of at home in Wyomissing. "I'm telling people that she's sequestered for a week," Ronald Berman said. Contestant Jennifer A. Lund of Bethlehem said she was looking forward to Tuesday, when the young women will help build a Habitat for Humanity house in Reading. She said it would be a new experience for her. But Jennifer's parents, William G. and Kathy A., were looking forward to something else. "I'm excited to see her again on Friday," Kathy Lund said.
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Copyright (c) 2006, Reading Eagle, Pa.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.
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