VVC student crowned Miss Hesperia 2007

Unlike many of the other winners at the pageant on March 31, Miss Hesperia 2007 came relatively late in life to pageantry.

Corinna Tillery was 16 when she first competed in a pageant.

"My friend Alex Warner, she did it," Tillery said Friday, "And her mom told me it was really a good way to get into modeling and acting."

Tillery, who at various times was a cheerleader, drill team member and basketball player at Hesperia High School, threw her hat into the ring and brought back a tiara her first time out, becoming Teen Mojave Valley 2005.

She had to overcome her mother's concerns about pageants before she could compete.

"My mom always thought it was about looks," Tillery said. "But this is a lot of fun, going out into the community."

She wasn't quite so fortunate the second time around, however: Tillery was first runner-up when she competed in the Miss Hesperia pageant last year.

"Something told me to come back this year and try again." And once again, Tillery has benefited from the help of her friends, specifically coaching from Miss Victorville 2006, Sara Carlos. "I know I did way better on my interview and on my walk.

"I went on the Internet and looked up questions from top pageants and my mom helped me" prepare, she said.

Today, the aspiring model/actress is studying pharmacology at Victor Valley College and considering working towards becoming a nutritionist.

"I was thinking about opening my own gym."

Before that, thought, she has a full year ahead of her, making appearances as Miss Hesperia.

"I think it's important to help out in the community and be a leader as much as possible."

Other Hesperia winners at the Miss Hesperia, Miss Victorville and Miss Apple Valley Pageant held March 31 at Hook Junior High School included Baby Miss Hesperia Gracie Andrews, Petite Miss Hesperia Brooklyn Kemp, Toddler Miss Hesperia Riley Schmitt, Pixie Miss Hesperia Cecila Andrews, Junior Miss Hesperia Bayilee Mahon, Pre-teen Miss Hesperia Megan Bauer, Young Miss Hesperia Julia Morgan and Teen Miss Hesperia Alexis Martin.

Beau Yarbrough can be reached at 956-7108 or at beau@hesperiastar.com.