West Virginia daily

"I've done every kind of dancing there is. My favorites are lyrical and jazz. Lyrical is a mix of jazz and classical ballet expression," she says.

At the state level, Julia won the Miss Pennsylvania All-Star United States title in September 2004, and has embraced the role with regular appearances.

"I have also learned interaction with people and how to get along with different types of people, and walking around in high heel shoes and a bathing suit comfortably."

"The chronic illness was diagnosed four years ago. I have many diseases doctors are still trying to label. I've stumped the medical profession. I have tried some treatments. Some have worked and some haven't. It's a part of who I am and I have to deal with it everyday. As I developed in the pageant world, it became another reason to be in it for me."

Julia is a member of the National Honor Society, Thespian Society German Club, yearbook staff and class of 2007 social committee member, and in her spare time enjoys scrap booking.

"This is my first pageant. It's something that I've always wanted to do. I received a letter from Miss Pennsylvania Teen and decided to sign up," she says.

Ashley plays junior varsity and varsity soccer, sings in the chorus and just finished her first role in a high school play as a dancer in Chartiers Valley's rendition of "Grease."

"I would like to do well, but then again I want to meet a lot of new people and get the experience of being in front of a lot of people," she says.

"I recently found her about a month ago. She has also coached a girl from West Virginia who won Miss Teen West Virginia and was then second runner-up in Miss Teen USA," she says.

"I've been practicing interviewing skills with my mom and teacher. For the swimsuit competition, I picked a bathing suit that's very different.

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