Congratulations Joanie!
Many of you have heard me gush in the past about my cousin, Shannan Wilson, and how proud I have been of her impressive modeling career. Evan has observed as I have rambled about Shannan, and the excitement that comes with seeing a loved one on tv, in magazines, etc. Now, he can experience that pride first-hand!
Evan’s cousin, Joanie Dodds, was recently named runner-up on Tyra Banks’ UPN reality show, America’s Next Top Model. I remember the first time I met Joanie – Evan and I had been together for almost a year, and drove back from Wisconsin via Pennsylvania to return home to SC in 1998. We spent several days with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Joanie, even at 16, was very striking, and we laughed on the way home about how fortunate she was to have a strong family and sense of values, because she was gorgeous and might run wild otherwise. 
We have enjoyed pouring over her America’s Next Top Model portfolio, blog, MySpace page, Wikipedia entry, and fan site, mostly because she seems to have maintained her true sense of self without becoming tarnished by her new-found fame. It is very touching that the first photo that scrolls across her MySpace page is one of her father (Evan’s Uncle John) and grandfather (Grandpa Dodds) (and proof that she has visited Doddsnet in the past). 
Congratulations Joanie! We’re so excited for you!
Posted on September 12th, 2006 at 2:05 pm. About 'Congratulations Joanie!'.
I’m sure you’re aware that Joanie is currently being featured on Pennsylvania’s tourism website, visitPA.com?? She’s on the homepage right now!
The PA Tourism Office is running a cool campaign this summer, showcasing celebs who represent Pennsylvania well. On Joanie’s list, you can check out where she loves to eat, shop, and a lot more!
If you haven’t, check it out at http://www.visitpa.com/visitpa/playlistDetail.pa?type=celebrity&name=Joanie_Dodds