NEWS

Local to compete in Miss Veteran America regionals

Sara Nealeigh
Reporter

CHILLICOTHE – Andrea Waterbury does not see herself as the stereotypical school librarian.

She does not tiptoe around, making sure the room is silent and that students have their noses buried in books; she likes to stand out, and she wants to make sure her library is a fun place for children to grow and learn to stand out as individuals.

The librarian at Tiffin Elementary School and mother of four will do her best to stand out in a crowd of fellow female veterans as she travels to Las Vegas this weekend. Waterbury will compete for a chance to move on to the finals in the fourth Miss Veteran America competition Saturday.

"It's my first year competing, but it's a tremendous opportunity," Waterbury said.

Waterbury left Thursday to embark on another leg of an adventure that she says has brought her "lifelong friends in a matter of hours."

The competition showcases the "women behind the uniform" and raises funds and support for Final Salute Inc., an organization that helps veteran women who are homeless. As part of the competition, each contestant is required to host a fundraiser for Final Salute.

For her fundraiser, Waterbury hosted a "camo day" at Tiffin Elementary School. Students were encouraged to wear camouflage, and for a one dollar donation, they could have their faces painted. The day raised over $160.

Born and raised in Chillicothe, Waterbury said the community also helped her tremendously. The response she received from local businesses and social media helped her raise nearly $900 for Final Salute.

With the competition nearing, she said the most important thing to do to prepare was "practice, practice, practice, try not to stress, and show confidence."

If Waterbury advances past the regional competition this weekend, she will move on to finals in October. However, Waterbury says for her, it is not all about the title.

"Win or lose, I think it's a tremendous opportunity. This is the opportunity to shine as female as well as a veteran," she said.