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Chassie Deitz earns title of Ms. N.C. All-American Plus

By Rose Hooper
Chassie Deitz "I never thought of myself as a beauty queen," said Chassie Deitz, who was named Ms. N.C. All-American Plus during competion this past Saturday. Chassie Deitz was so excited by her victory, she drove all the way from Columbia, S.C., with her crown on.

The 1997 Smoky Mountain High School graduate was named Ms. North Carolina All-American Plus during regional ceremonies Saturday, April 20, in Columbia. Winners were also named for Ms. South Carolina and Ms. Georgia.

Wearing the crown and carrying her bouquet of roses, Deitz surprised her mother, Tammy Hagberg, who was a patient at Harris Regional Hospital, where she was recovering from an ankle injury.

The tiny hospital room began to fill as other family members learned of the celebrity's arrival.

Along with the title, Deitz won a cruise to the Bahamas.

"I plan to take mamma with me as soon as she gets out of the hospital and can walk," said Deitz, who now lives in Raleigh.

In addition to the cruise, Deitz is already planning for national competition, which will be held the last Saturday in September in Tampa, Fla.

"I think I'll probably do a comedy routine for my talent," said Deitz, who graduated from Meredith with a degree in theater.

The 22-year-old must solicit sponsors to help pay her expenses, including the outfits she is to wear during each competitive event.

"I never thought of myself as a beauty queen, but it's a nice feeling; I'm not going to lie," said Deitz.

It's all about attitude and being happy with yourself, said Deitz, who offered encouragement to other plus-size women.

"You can be beautiful, no matter what size you are," she said. "And in the pageant, I was amazed to find that plus-size starts at size 12."

Deitz is the daughter of Jeff and Tammy Ammons Hagberg and Ronnie Deitz and Ellavee Gordon and granddaughter of Virginia Ammons and Dot and Ford Deitz, all of Sylva, and the late Jimmy Ammons .

Warm wishes can be sent to Deitz at chassievirginia@aol.com.

Back to Archive: 04/25/02.