Local woman to compete in Miss Va. pageant

She said beauty pageants were never her thing.

Want to watch?
The final night of the competition — the top 11 — will be televised live at 9 p.m. June 27 on WSET-TV ABC 13. To vote for Bowman or any contestant as the people’s choice for 99 cents a vote, visit http://www.missva.com.

But later this month, Lindsay Bowman will travel to Roanoke to compete for the title of Miss Virginia against 28 other women. Whoever wins will go on to compete in the 2009 Miss America pageant. 

Danville has not been represented in the statewide pageant in some time, but Bowman, 23, competed in a regional pageant in July 2007, winning the title of Miss Danville-Pittsylvania County against nine others.

Originally from Seaford, in York County, Bowman transferred from Christopher Newport University to Averett University in 2005. She graduated in 2007 with a degree in sports management after switching from her political science major at CNU. Bowman moved to Charlotte, N.C., briefly for a job with NASCAR, but when the job fell through, she found her self back where she started — Virginia politics.

Bowman, whose father Ken, was, named economic development director of Pittsylvania County on Tuesday, serves as legislative assistant to Delegate Charles Poindexter, R-Glade Hill. Poindexter represents the 9th District, which includes Franklin and Floyd counties, as well as northern Pittsylvania County.

“I’d grown up around politics,” Bowman said. “It’s just in my blood. I’m just destined to be in politics I guess.”

Two other women from Poindexter’s district, Chinah Helmandollar, Miss Smith Mountain Lake, and Nicole Wimmer, Miss Franklin County, will also compete in the Miss Virginia pageant in addition to Bow-man.

“This is an example of a truly outstanding young lady,” Poindexter said of Bowman. “Good work ethic, tremendous skills with the public. Just a real poised young lady; she’s going far in life. I would love for her to win, but that would mean me losing her (as legislative assistant). But I hope she wins.”

Bowman’s interest and background in politics has helped during pageants — particularly the interview portion, which she thinks is one of her weaker areas.

“They really harp on current events,” she said. “I have a little bit of an advantage there. It’s interesting to know the bills and laws and what’s coming or not coming. I’m still learning, but it’s fun to know I can talk with older people and actually carry on a legit conversation.”

One of her strong suits, however, is her talent. Bowman will perform “Run to You,” by Whitney Hous-ton. She has performed at a variety of public events during her reign — including singing the national an-them at Virginia International Raceway in front of 25,000 people.

“Last year at this time, I had no idea I would be preparing for Miss Virginia,” Bowman said in May. “I’ve only done three pageants. I did some when I was little, but I was never serious about it.”

A friend talked her into competing again for the scholarship money a few years ago, and Bowman placed second runner up. In her next pageant, she won people’s choice. When she came back to Danville from Charlotte, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to compete again.

“I thought, ‘I don’t know,’” she said. “Pageants aren’t really my thing. Never have been.”

But she decided to compete, and after working on her swimsuit walk, her wardrobe and her interview skills, Bowman won her first title. To prepare for Miss Virginia, Bowman has also been pushing her platform — the importance of the Boys and Girls Club.

“The Boys and Girls club provides a safe, fun environment,” she said, “and the people at the club care about these kids. And I care about these kids. I’ve gotten to know so many of them; they’re why I like being there. They’re so energetic and they love it when you show that you care about them. They don’t have to say it, but you can tell in a child.”

In May, Bowman held a “princess party” at the Chatham Boys and Girls Club, where she spent time with young girls, painting their nails and autographing headshots.

“I like the way she does nails,” said Marquesha Giggetts, 8. “I like her crown and her outfit.”

Lashawn Farmer, the health and life skills director at the Danville club, worked with Bowman often at the Chatham club.

“Lindsay’s great,” Farmer said. “Anytime we can have interaction with the community — that shows the kids that there’s not just home-based life. It does a great deal for these kids that there’s someone out the outside looking in. Lindsay’s so sweet and she’s nice, and anytime she comes through it’s a big help.”

Although Bowman seems to shine in her work with the community, she said she was nervous about the big competition. The 29 contestants must compete in different rounds before the top 11 will compete in the televised Miss Virginia pageant. The public can vote for their top choice online, and the winner will be added to the top 10.

“This is my first year and I have no idea what to expect,” Bowman said. “It feels good because people have faith in me.”

Contact Amos at or (434) 791-7983.