Miss Rain Day looks back at successful year
WAYNESBURG – When Miss Rain Day Bryn Patton looks back at her reign over the past year, she can’t pinpoint a favorite moment or memory.
They all stand out to her as special.
“Everything. How can I pick one thing out?” Bryn said. “I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to see who gets to experience it next. There were so many events I’d do again in a heartbeat.”
Besides serving as Miss Rain Day and organizing various service projects, the 15-year-old especially enjoyed Aviation Days last August at the Greene County Airport and flying on a bi-plane over her family’s Whitely Township farm and grandparents’ house.
Bryn, who is entering her sophomore year at Waynesburg Central High School, will hand over her crown to a new Miss Rain Day on Sunday evening during the annual pageant before the Rain Day Festival July 29 in downtown Waynesburg.
But before she leaves her post, she’s thankful for the opportunities to serve the community, helping two charities, including one especially close to her heart. She raised $600 for the Greene County Humane Society and helped to gather another two carloads of supplies donated for dogs and cats at the shelter. Bryn also helped to raise more than $6,700 for the American Heart Association through a fundraiser July 12 at Hunting Hills Shooting Preserve.
She also worked to raise awareness about heart disease after her father suffered a heart attack at age 56 in April 2016. He recovered, and Bryn is now trying to raise awareness about potential symptoms of a heart attack, including some that manifest themselves similar to the common cold.
Bryn suggests that her successor find worthy services projects with a personal connection.
“Pick something she loves or has a passion about,” Bryn said.
Oh, and make sure to take lots of photos to help with those memories, she said.
“Once a moment or memory has passed, it’s gone forever,” Bryn aid. “The only way you can look back is through photos.”
She thanked everyone along the way who helped her achieve Miss Rain Day and have a successful year, including her parents, Randy and Michelle Patton, who she said support her in everything she does. As for what’s next, Bryn wants to continue participating in pageants.
“That’s the big thing with pageantry,” she said. “I just love every minute of it.”
For now, though, she’s going to “relax” and enjoy the rest of her summer vacation while spending this Rain Day as a spectator. A new Miss Rain Day – the contestants are Lakelynn Martin, Alizah Beth Roberts, Eden Rogers, Rory Black, Aliceon Clark and Claire Dursa – will take over the reins Sunday.
“Have no regrets,” she advised the soon-to-be-determined Miss Rain Day 2017. “Take every opportunity and run with it.”