Auburn reality show contestant cherishes experience

By: Donathan Prater Staff Writer | OANow.com
Published: May 13, 2009

Debbie Beebe was voted off the island last week, ending the J. F. Drake Middle School principal’s quest to become Sole Survivor.

Now her vote will help decide who will walk away with the title and $1 million on “Survivor: Tocantins” next week.

Beebe was the 11th castaway to be eliminated from the reality show, currently in its 18th season.

Beebe, 46, said she got over her elimination fairly quickly.

“When I saw my name and Jeff (Probst) said I was the next person voted off, I was shocked but really relieved because I was ready to go,” Beebe said. “But the experience was truly amazing.”

She’s been on the go ever since.

When contestants are eliminated, their new home becomes a location where they have a vote in determining the game’s ultimate winner.

This season that location is called the “Ponderosa.”

Tyson Apostol, Sierra Reed and Brendan Synnott (all currently eliminated) were some of Beebe’s friends on the show, but she said she wishes Taj and fellow Alabamian James “JT” Thomas Jr. well.

Since she was booted off Survivor, Beebe has been busy making the rounds on several live shows.

Beebe said she enjoys the celebrity for now.

“People are stopping me in the airport that recognize me from the show,” said Beebe, who spent 33 days in Tocantins in Brazil.

Beebe said at times Brazil could be as cool as 40 degrees or as hot as 120 degrees.

“The experience is one that has made me a lot stronger physically and mentally,” said Beebe. “I know I’ll be a better leader as a principal for having had this experience.”