"There are no gifts worth having
in this life that can be attained
without hard work, patience, and
sacrifice. Resolve within yourself
to give what it takes, for as long
as it takes, to attain high goals." 

"Motivating Youth to Excellence"

1992: Debbye Turner, DVM, Miss America 1990 and TV anchor, CBS' The Early Show

During her year as Miss America 1990, Debbye Turner spoke to over 50,000 students at more than 70 schools, youth organizations, and college campuses. She adopted during her reign a platform of "Motivating Youth to Excellence." She believes strongly that any young person has the potential to achieve any success no matter what his or her race, socioeconomic background or gender. She used her own life as an example of triumphing over the odds. It took seven and a half years, eleven tries in two states to get to the Miss America Pageant -- her primary goal to secure scholarship money to finance her education. Giving up is never a part of success.

Dr. Turner continues to motivate youth to excellence at school assemblies, youth workshops and rap sessions, as well as Christian youth rallies and churches. Her message includes goal setting, obtaining a solid education, positive self-esteem and unrelenting determination.