7.24.06 Gov. Henry Unveils State Highway Signs Celebrating Oklahoman, Miss America Jennifer Berry

Oklahoma City – Gov. Brad Henry helped celebrate one of Oklahoma’s own today, presenting Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry with a replica of state highway signs that tout her as being from the Tulsa-Jenks area.

“Jennifer Berry is a tremendous ambassador for Oklahoma,” Gov. Henry said. “She is talented, graceful, compassionate, hard-working and beautiful, and she reflects what is best about the character of our state.”

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation erected three signs today in the Tulsa area reading: “Tulsa-Jenks Home of Jennifer Berry, Miss America 2006.” One sign posted along Interstate 44 is 19 x 7 feet, while two others along US Highway 75 are 14 x 6 feet. In addition, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has posted a sign on the Turner Turnpike, west of Sapulpa.

The Governor said it’s fitting that Berry’s name adorn highway signs in light of her platform as Miss America.

“In her duties as Miss America, Jennifer has worked hard to curb drunk driving and underage drinking, and I applaud her for her tireless efforts,” he said.

The 23-year-old Berry, who is pursuing an education degree at the University of Oklahoma, said she was moved by the honor.

"It is an honor to have Governor Henry dedicate these new highway signs today in my home state of Oklahoma,” she said. “I am proud to represent our beautiful state and to bring our highway safety awareness to a national level. I feel privileged to have my name on these signs and, as the national spokesperson for MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), I believe that we all have a responsibility to promote safe driving as well as intolerance to drunk driving. Thank you for this opportunity."

Jennifer Berry is the fifth Oklahoman to wear the crown of Miss America. Her predecessors include Norma Smallwood, Jane Jayroe, Susan Powell and Shawntel Smith.