Local connection to Miss America pageant

Olin and Becky Joyce of Madison could soon be the grandparents of the next Miss America.

The couple’s granddaughter, Spenser Wempe, won the Miss West Virginia crown July 8, 2011, and will spend the next two weeks in Las Vegas competing for the honor of Miss America 2012.

Becky Joyce said most of Spenser’s family will be cheering for her in person at the pageant.

“Just about all the family – aunts, uncles, cousins, her father and grandfather – will be out there to support her,” Becky said. “I’d be there too if I was able.”

Becky did get to join the crowd of family members attending Spenser’s competition at the Miss West Virginia pageant. She said only a couple cousins had to miss that event.

“We’re all really proud of what she’s accomplished and are looking forward to what the future holds for her,” Becky said.

Spenser, 19, is the daughter of Bill Wempe, and the late Karen Joyce Wempe of Madison. She is a student at Shepherd University in Sheperdstown, W.V., majoring in political science with a concentration in international relations.

Spenser’s career goal is to gain experience in diplomacy as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and develop that into a position with the U.S. Department of State. Her ultimate goal is to become the U.S. Secretary of State.

Spenser’s interest in international relations began early. As a high school student, she attended four Congressional Youth Leadership Council conferences and served as a U.S. representative at the International Scholar Laureate Program in China. Spenser won the American Legion’s Americanism Award, had a personal meeting with President George W. Bush in the Oval Office and attended five presidential inaugurations.

“Spenser’s really worked hard for this, and she’s still busy with her responsibilities as Miss West Virginia and a Miss America contestant,” Becky said.

Spenser begins the 10-day pageant routine Friday in Las Vegas with the arrival ceremony for contestants at Planet Hollywood. The preliminary competition events will be held Jan. 10-12, with the final pageant ceremony on Jan. 14. The finals will be broadcast live on ABC beginning at 9 p.m. ET.

Becky said she might not be able to attend the pageant in person, but she will definitely be watching the telecast with friends that night.

“I’ll be partying here,” she said. “Of course I can’t pull for Miss North Carolina this year, but I guess I’d be okay with her finishing second to Spenser.”