Miss Scenic City Rachel Parsons, left, with close friend and former Miss Tennessee contestant Anna Rannells, right, who is now the Children's Miracle Network coordinator at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, participated in an Ace Hardware fundraising event.
Introducing Miss Scenic City Rachel Parsons
Age – 24 (birthday June 1st)
Hometown – Jasper
Occupation – Managing Editor, True North Custom Publishing
Education - 2005 University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduate, B.S. Journalism and Political Science.
Platform - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Talent - Piano solo, “Devil with a Blue Dress On”
Prior Miss Tennessee experience - Top 10 finalist (Miss Chattanooga) 2006; Miss Knoxville 2005
Career Ambition – To become the editor-in-chief of a major magazine and a published novelist
Best Advice Ever Received - Happiness is a choice
20 Questions with Miss Scenic City Rachel Parsons
Q - Name three people you want to meet if you become Miss Tennessee and why
A - Carrie Underwood – I love her music and feel she is a positive role model for young people. Mary Tyler Moore – as the national spokesperson for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), I would love to partner with her to bring even more attention to the cause in Tennessee. Phyllis George (Miss America 1971) – I would have a conversation with her about her experiences as Miss America and in the entertainment industry.
Q - Name three places (or events) that will be on your Miss Tennessee itinerary
A - The JDRF Children’s Congress that I would initiate as Miss Tennessee; Returning home (Marion County) to judge the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg and spending some time in West Tennessee.
Q – I want to be the first Miss Tennessee to….
A - Appear at a school in all 95 counties
Q - Lessons learned from previous Miss Tennessee appearances (she was a top 10 finalist last year as Miss Chattanooga and competed as Miss Knoxville in 2005)
A – If you prepare with your whole heart, you will be proud of yourself no matter the outcome; the Miss Tennessee system has some of the best volunteers and contestants in the country and self-tanner covers any manner of sins (and will stain all of your clothes!)
Q - What songs have you listened to the most on your iPod?
A - According to my iTunes, I have listened to Hall and Oates’ “Private Eyes” 73 times
Q - Name your favorite television shows and/or the shows you TiVo
A - Dancing With the Stars – my mom and I saw the tour in Nashville last year
Q - What is the last movie you saw in the theatre and on DVD?
A – I have not seen a movie in the theatre since Christmas! My mom and I always see one on Christmas Day – we saw The Holiday. The last movie I saw on DVD was The Departed. I loved it and it certainly deserved the Oscar (Best Picture)
Q – Name your favorite cosmetic.
A - Mascara – the more the better!
Q - I would love to receive a $1,000 gift card from….
A - Marshall’s. I love a good bargain and a $1,000 would go a long way there!
Q - Name your favorite entertainer.
A - At the moment, I absolutely love Julianne Hough (2007 Dancing with the Stars champion). Aerosmith is my favorite band.
Q - Favorite destination within a day’s drive….
A - It is close to my home and my heart. My parents own a small piece of property in Sequatchie Cove where my dad has taken me through the years. I have so many memories of that place. When I was little, my dad carved our initials in a tree and he taught me how to drive in a field there. It’s a special place.
Q - Name the last book you read (or are currently reading)
A - How to Lose Friends and Alienate People by Toby Young. It’s the hilarious memoir of how one writer got hired – and fired – at Vanity Fair.
Q - What is your biggest pet peeve?
A - When I’m at the gym running on the treadmill and a commercial will come on for something delicious and fattening!
Q - What is your worst habit?
A - I leave my shoes everywhere in my house! Not only does it create a mess, I trip over them all the time.
Q - What has been your favorite memory (so far) during your year of service as Miss Scenic City?
A - I have so many – this has truly been a wonderful year with so many opportunities. One that is especially significant was when several other local titleholders and I toured Children’s Hospital. I enjoyed meeting the patients and brightening their day.
Q - If I become Miss Tennessee, I won’t be leaving home without…..
A - My University of Tennessee blanket, pictures of family and friends and a big map!
Q - Favorite (and least favorite) school subjects….
A - My favorite college class was the History of Rock and Roll. I also enjoyed a class in Russian and Eastern European Politics. My least favorite was statistics. I’m a journalist, so I am a words person not a numbers cruncher!
Q - Name some of your favorite Tennesseans….
A - Dolly Parton is hilarious and has really given back to the state and Cybill Shepherd since I’m a big Moonlighting fan.
Q - I always have to read the current issue of….
A - I subscribe to more than 15 magazines, but my must-reads as Us Weekly, Vanity Fair and Real Simple
Q - Favorite websites….
A - I get all of my journalism industry news from MediaBistro.com and being the bargain shopper that I am, I also love EBay.