SIKESTON TEEN `SURPRISED' BY SUCCESS AT PAGEANT

BILOXI, Miss. Three times the name of Audra Sherman was called by co-host Dick Clark as the competition was narrowed during Monday evening's competition for the title of Miss Teen USA.

The final time, Miss Missouri Teen USA Audra Sherman of Sikeston was given the additional title of second runner-up to the national title.

"I was very surprised," said Sherman when asked about her success in the pageant. "The whole time it was really strange I felt really calm, but I was excited at the same time." Pausing, she said: "I don't think it has hit me. When I watch the tape (of the nationally-televised pageant), then it will hit me."

Time to sit back and reflect will have to come later for Sherman. Fielding calls from her hotel room Tuesday while trying to catch up on sleep, she was to pack and catch a flight back to Memphis Tuesday afternoon and was expected arrive in Sikeston about 9 a.m. today. She leaves today for Southwest Missouri State University at Springfield to begin her college career.

The past two weeks of preparing for the competition and final event have been busy for Sherman, who is the 18-year-old daughter of Ron and Karen Carmody of Sikeston and the late John Sherman. Since leaving for Biloxi her time has been filled with daylong pageant rehearsals, promotional events and evening activities.

"The hardest thing is not getting any sleep when you are doing so much. It probably was especially bad for me because I am one of those people who need a lot of sleep or I'm just a zombie," she giggled.

Although rehearsals were long and often tedious contestants had to wait hours for their turn evenings were fun. There was a picnic, a beach party, dinners, theater and more for the 51 participants to enjoy.

But her favorite part, she said, was hearing from her friends back home. "This sounds so corny: but all the cards and flowers I received from my hometown and other people, that was really neat. When you are really tired, you start wondering, `What am I doing here?' Then you get something in the mail."

The outcome being named second runner-up was enjoyable too.

Waiting for the names of the first group of finalists to be called, she admitted she was worried about the people in Sikeston. "I remember thinking I was going to feel so awful if I didn't make the final 12 because so many people were watching back home and they would be disappointed."

Her name was the last of the 12 semifinalists called.

Although she is not sure exactly where she placed in the various areas of competition, Sherman said she was told she placed first in initial interview and fourth or fifth in the swimsuit competition. She attributed her success in the interview to a determination to be herself.

"I prayed a lot that I would do my very best and just be myself ... I answered from my heart. If you answer from your heart it will take care of itself."

Clark asked her about her plans to major in communication. She explained that the degree would then be followed by a law degree with the intent to become a lobbyist for the health care industry.

"I told him how, during the first months of my reign (as Miss Missouri Teen), I had visited nursing homes and was touched by the people there. They just tugged at my heart. I would like to do something that helps them out."

Also, he seemed to get a kick out of her philosophy: Don't sweat the small stuff. "He thought it was funny because I was so short. I explained that it meant just worry about the big things in life; don't get stressed out about the small things."

Describing it as a "thrill of my life to be in the top three," she admitted to a twinge of jealousy for the winner. "I'm disappointed a little bit that is a sharp little car she got."

But she has gained friendships that will always be special. Her roommate Miss Alaska and the contestant from Illinois became her good friends.

And she received some good advice too. "Each Sunday we had a preacher come in from Gulfport. I went to both of those (services) and that helps keep you down to earth. He said if God picks you not to be queen, it is because he trusts you to handle it. He wants to use you in a different way. That helped me because it meant I was supposed to be second runner-up."

Reflecting on the experience, she said: "I will always remember the really good friends I have. They really came through for me, kept me going and kept me up. But when you think about it this is really no big deal. Sure it was wonderful, but my friends and my family would have loved me just as much if I hadn't gotten anything."