Published: September 04, 2008 11:44 am      

ECU grad named Mrs. Pennsylvania

Wendy Sledd, the daughter-in-law of Joe and Margaret Sledd of Roff and a 1987 graduate of East Central University, is the newly crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania Galaxy 2009. Sledd was crowned by Mrs. Pennsylvania 2008 Deborah Wright of York. Sledd will advance to the international pageant in July, 2009 competing with women from throughout the United States and several other countries from around the world. Judging criteria includes evening gown, swimsuit, fashion wear, photogenic and interview competitions each worth 20 percent of the contestants’ total scores.

Sledd has an award-winning career as a broadcaster having interviewed former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Madeline Albright, Joint Chief of Staff General John Shalikashveeli, country music stars George Strait and Trace Adkins, and former Miss America Heather Whitestone.

She has appeared on Good Morning, America and the Today Show. Her news stories have aired on CNN and the BBC.

Sledd served on former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld’s “Operation Tribute to Freedom” spokespanel where she traveled throughout the US speaking on the sacrifices of military families and their soldiers.

Sledd has also spoken extensively on a wide range of topics throughout Europe on various speaking tours.

Sledd is an advocate for several charity organizations and has raised more than $1 million for the March of Dimes, has lobbied on Capitol Hill for the American Cancer Society as a two-time cancer (cervical) survivor.

As a survivor of child abuse, Sledd is a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) speaking on behalf of abused children in court proceedings.

Sledd is strong in her Christian beliefs and credits God for her opportunity to serve as a role model.

She is married to US Army LTC(P) Keith Sledd, and they are stationed at the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks. They have one daughter, 25 year-old Jennifer, and one granddaughter, 1 year-old Paige Peyton.

Sledd will spend her year-long reign working with non-profit organizations and charity events. To contact her for appearances, visit her website at http://mrspennsylvaniagalaxy.tripod.com