Newly crowned Miss Tennessee packs heat

By NED B. HUNTERnhunter@jacksonsun.com

She's a daddy's girl.

But don't think this year's Miss Tennessee is a pushover.

Ellen Carrington, 21, who was crowned Miss Tennessee on Saturday night, has a concealed weapons permit.

"I have a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber," Carrington told reporters on Sunday, "(with a) silver top and black body."

A Jackson native and senior at Union University, Carrington decided to get the permit because she was spending a lot of time traveling to and from Nashville at night. She said spending time at shooting ranges with her father, Pat, helped create an even deeper bond between the two.

Carrington began her first official day as Miss Tennessee by speaking with reporters Sunday morning inside the Old English Inn.

She started the conversation by telling reporters that she was still "in disbelief" over her win. The following are her answers to a Jackson Sun reporter's questions:

Question: What is one of your goals as Miss Tennessee?

Answer: To educate children on the importance of volunteerism. ( Volunteerism was Carrington's platform as a Miss Tennessee contestant.)

Q: When did you become interested in volunteerism?

A: I started in the ninth grade. I won an award for outstanding community service and realized I had a passion for it. Studies show that if kids get involved in volunteerism just one hour a week, they are less likely to be involved in drugs or destructive behavior.

Q: With so many disappointing role models out there, how can you make a difference in young adults' lives?

A: Just by being a positive role model and standing against destructive behavior.

Q: What was the first pageant you entered?

A: Miss Nashville. I was 18. I wasn't interested in pageants until I found out there was scholarship money. (Carrington won $12,000 in scholarship money along with the Miss Tennessee crown. She said it will go to pay off student loans. It took Carrington four tries to win her first preliminary in a pageant. That was for Miss Madison County. )

Q: How did you overcome the disappointment of losing in the other pageants to keep striving toward your dreams?

A: Failure is something that everyone has to overcome in life. Had I ever given up, I would have never been able to ever achieve this goal.

Q: How are you going to prepare for the Miss America pageant (which will be held in Las Vegas this year)?

A: I need to continue to build my platform. I need to work on my interview skills, too. You can always improve them.

Q: Who is the greatest influence in your life?

A: My dad. He has supported me and encouraged me. He would do the late-night workouts with me, and get me to do the last leg lifts when I couldn't.

Q: Who will you vote for in the next presidential election?

A: I'm not sure. Who I will vote for will depend on the debates and the running mates they choose.

Q: The ugly rumor mill had it that this was going to be your last Miss Tennessee pageant, is that true?

A: Yes, especially after Friday night. (Because) I thought this was the best Ellen could be, and if it's not God's will, it's OK.

(Carrington won Friday night's preliminary talent competition. She also won her preliminary in the swimsuit competition Wednesday.)