March 17, 1999
Hohl advises persistence to youth
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Then try one more time and even another, if that is what it takes. Following your dream no matter what it takes is the key to success, Annette Hohl, Miss Greater Northern Michigan 1999, told area students last week. Hohl was in town for four days to spread her message of possibility and persistence to students at area schools and clubs, including Cherry Knoll Elementary School, Central High School and the Boys and Girls Club.
At the Boys and Girls Club, Hohl prompted the children introduce themselves one by one and tell her what they dreamed of being when they grew up. She then worked with these future carpenters, nurses, fire fighters, hockey players and electrical engineers to brainstorm ways they could achieve those dreams.
"I liked telling about what I wanted to be when I grow up," said Carrie Herman, 7, who dreams of being a nurse someday. "I liked learning about how to do that."
The kids, who ranged in age from 5 to 14, also had some pressing questions for her: is that a real crown (yes), how do you keep the crown on (bobby pins), can you keep the crown forever (yes), how much did it cost ($125) and what is your talent (tap dancing).
"I love speaking with youth," said Hohl, a Charlevoix resident who will graduate with a major in journalism from Michigan State University this spring. "I tell them to never, ever give up and keep trying to reach your dreams."
Hohl knows firsthand the need to dream big dreams and persevere to achieve them. It took her more than five years and six tries before she won her first local beauty contest, but she never gave up. She just kept trying, improving herself and her skills each year.
"In my first contest I competed against only eight other girls and I lost miserably, came in last," said Hohl, who estimates that she has won more than $15,000 in scholarships from her years of competition. "I just said, 'I've got to get better, I've got to do this, I'm going to beat this.'"
And beat it she did, receiving her Miss Greater Northern Michigan crown last October, after being the first runner-up the previous year. She will compete in June for the Miss Michigan title, the winner of which competes in the Miss America pageant.
Hohl is midway through her year of service in the region, which includes the counties from Manistee north and I-75 west. Her swing through Traverse City also allowed Hohl to speak at a Traverse City Area Public School board meeting and the Traverse City Rotary Club.
Hohl travels through the region to promote her community service program entitled Unlocking Youth Potential: Discovering the Keys to Success. Targeted to children ages 10-15, Hohl's program works to encourage parental involvement, provide after-school programs and emphasizes to kids the importance of education. Since 1996, she has spoken to hundreds of youth about setting goals and pursuing their dreams and has organized an essay contest in two cities.
"The middle grades are forgotten about, there are so many programs for younger and older children," Hohl said. "At that age I talk to them about making choices, rather than letting circumstances run your life. If someone tells them no, they should try again."