Pageant News Bureau

P a g e a n t N e w s B u r e a u

Sweetly said

Photos by Joe Whiteko / PNB

The new Miss University of Georgia, Brooke Garner

The venerable University of Georgia has one of the least elegant acronyms in academia. The letters UGA are pronounced by the faithful as "UGH a," and always uttered with feeling.

But don't get the wrong impression. There's nothing UGA-ly about the school. It's a beautiful place, and known for its beautiful women, many of whom have gone on to pageant stardom.

On Jan. 10, 2004, the Miss University of Georgia Pageant proved anew the appeal of the UGA woman. Brooke Garner, a former Miss Troup County, won the crown.

The first runner-up was Julia Tyndall, who finished in the same spot the year before, and the second runner-up was Lyndsey Mills. The third runner-up was Amber Blount. The talent category had a three-way tie, with Amanda Jones, Rachel Elliott and Janna Gay sharing the honor. Deondra Rose was the fourth runner-up.

We know you're delighted at the sight of such beauty, but that "UGA" sound still may fall harshly on your ears. Do what we do. Put a "Miss" in front of it. When you see "Miss UGA," think of that Old South pronunciation of "sugar" as "shugah." With a little imagination and a limber tongue, you will find yourself saying "Miss Sugar," or even "my sugar." What could be sweeter?

If you have no imagination, or maybe a wooden tongue, try pronouncing the letters individually. U-G-A.

P a g e a n t N e w s B u r e a u