May 4, 2005. Timely through June 15, 2005.
For more information, call 1-800-422-8975. Media photo provided below.

Cortez, Colorado
When asked if she had an interest in archaeology, Jayde Paup,16, Miss Teen of America 2005–2006, said, "I basically grew up in the basement with my grandfather and uncle, helping to clean fossils for their sea life business."

Jayde spent Wednesday, April 27, visiting the campus of Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez while on a three-day trip through southwest Colorado where she also visited the Anasazi Heritage Center and Mesa Verde National Park. Although she resides in York, PA, Jayde said that she has an uncle who lives in Colorado, so she is no stranger to the state. She was invited to visit this area by Montezuma County High School principal, Ember Conley, who was a Miss Teen of America contestant in 1991, had served as a judge in this year's pageant and knew of Jayde's interest in archaeology.

During her time at Crow Canyon, she had the opportunity to get an up-close look at the archaeological process, the types of artifacts found in the Four Corners region and also the school program in action. Shadowing a group from Bergen Valley Elementary, located outside of Denver, she observed a simulated dig where students are taught how to properly excavate at a site. Along with Crow Canyon vice-president, Audrey Coleman, and volunteer Marta Wallace, Jayde visited the research lab and curation room to view artifacts that have been found in the field and brought to Crow Canyon for cleaning and examination.

Jayde's interest in pageants began when she was three years old and enjoyed acting. She laughed, "I used to dress up and parade around the living room reciting parts from movies." That interest led to non-beauty pageant competitions beginning at age 11 at the suggestion of her mother. The eldest of five children, Jayde smiled when she said that she "messed up the first competition I entered when they asked me a question about when would be a good time to get married." So she tried again.

Last November, she traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she won her title of Miss Teen of America. The contest is not based on beauty but instead is based on academics and community involvement. A U.S. President's Award winner for Outstanding Academic Excellence, a Ministry for Drama and Human Video participant, a National Science Merit Award Winner, a Field Hockey Training Camp All-Star Team Member, a National Geography Bee Semi-Finalist, a Leadership in Training Program Graduate and a U.S. Achievement Academy All-American Scholar, Jayde certainly has an impressive list of service and achievements to her credit.

She also holds the title of Miss Teen of Pennsylvania, a prerequisite to entering the national pageant. Of all her achievements, she said that the title of Miss Teen of America means the most to her because of "the opportunities that have opened up to me, the scholarship money, and the travel. Previous winners tell me that I'll never forget these two years, everything I do, and everything I get to do with it."

When asked how winning her title has changed her life, Jayde noted the opportunities that it has provided. She has already become more active in volunteering, participating in community theater and a cancer walk.

Jayde said that while "history fascinates me—but world history, not American" she also likes science, art and drama. She is considering environmental engineering or perhaps graphic design as a career choice in the future. As a student at the Christian School of York, she said that although her teachers and other students have been supportive, "I don't get extensions on my work if I'm traveling."

While the interest in competition in pageants comes from her mom, Jayde's love of sports is inherited from her dad. "He is ranked second in Pennsylvania for long distance running," she said proudly. Jayde competes in track, field hockey, and basketball. "It's a stress reliever for me—I love to run."

Although most of her traveling to represent the title will occur locally, in and around Pennsylvania, Jayde will be taking some longer trips throughout the course of her reign. A November trip to Australia for the Miss Wagga Wagga pageant lasting approximately 16 days is scheduled over Thanksgiving.

At the end of her day spent at Crow Canyon, Jayde said, "This place is really great. I really enjoyed my time here. There's no other place like it."

Crow Canyon is a not-for-profit organization offering excavation, workshop, and travel programs in the greater Southwest and throughout the world. For more information about our teen programs, school programs, research, or cultural explorations, phone 800-422-8975 or (970) 565-8975, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. mountain time.

The photo below may be used by the media to accompany this press release. No other use is authorized. Photographer credit and copyright notice is required.

Jayde Paup, Miss Teen of America, touring the research lab at Crow Canyon. Photo by Gail Vanik. Copyright © 2005 Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.