Valley Student Hopes Brains Will Pay For College

LA QUINTA – A valley teen is preparing for a state-wide competition, judging her academics and future goals. The prize is something she can’t afford to lose.

“My mom and I thought it would be a good pageant since it’s not beauty based,” says Daryne Romero, Miss Teen La Quinta 2010.

It’s not your typical pageant. Instead of posing on a runway, contestants give a speech and answer interview questions. The winner gets a 10 thousand dollar scholarship.

“I want to go to college, my ultimate goal is college,” says Romero. ” Anything I can do to help my parents pay.”

Daryne Romero is a sophomore at La Quinta High School. She was selected to represent the city of La Quinta in the Miss Teenage California Scholarship Pageant. Her leadership skills, community service, and grades will be put to the test.

“There are three rounds, there is personality, poise and academic achievements and awards,” says Romero.

Romero is an honor student, a volunteer and a member of the International Thespian Society. She has everything the organization is looking for, except the money.

“It’s 700 dollars for sponsorship fees,” says Romero.

Romero sent out a sponsorship letter to dozens of area businesses and organizations, asking for donations. But in these tough times, money is hard to come by. She’s still 500 dollars short.

“It’s been really difficult in the economy, but any donation is great, even 10 dollars is an awesome donation,” says Romero.

Without donations Romero won’t compete, and without the grand prize scholarship it will be tough to afford college.

“It would be very hard to go to college without the money,” says Romero.

However, she’s not giving up. Romero is confident her accomplishments and brains will pay off.

“I have a 4-point-5 G.P.A, so there is a good chance I will get it,” says Romero.