Pageant News Bureau - Miss USA 2002

Simply spectacular

In some ways, Lanore VanBuren fits the image of the solid, sensible Minnesotan. She went to Lutheran schools as a teenager, and now she's studying business. The thing she values most is the "simple life with the right circle of people."

From left, Heather Michelle Soriano, Mississippi, Lanore VanBuren, Minnesota, Rebekah Lynn Decker, Michigan, Latoyia Cimone Foster, Massachusetts, and Mistie Renee Adams, Maryland

But her own life is pretty exciting. In addition to being Miss Minnesota USA, she's a model and actress. And the circles she travels in are full of interesting people.

While modeling at a recent convention in Las Vegas, she just missed meeting billionaire Bill Gates. But she did get a chance to "work" some of the high-tech products of the future, gadgets that fit in your hand and can connect you to the universe. She's seen the future, and it has seen her.

(When somebody finally invents a time machine, it will be a model who takes the first ride.)

Though Ms. VanBuren is going places in her career, she says nothing will ever pull her away from Minnesota. "It's the place where I would live even if I were rich and famous."

Then she adds, "Of course, we have the Mall of America."

Photos courtesy of Miss Universe L.P., LLLP

A good candidate

Meredith McCannel is a model, but modeling is not her life. While fashion work "is still my main source of income," says Miss Montana USA, politics has become her main interest.

Yes, politics. And not just politics. Fund-raising.

Ms. McCannel, who grew up in a military family and spent years around Washington, D.C., is an intern in the constituent offices of Montana's congressman. (The state only has enough people for one congressman, though it has lots of land). She's in events management, which includes coordinating her boss's appeals for donations.

She's also a student, working toward a degree in political science. And she's planning to run for office -- someday. She just turned 20.

Montana is known worldwide for its natural beauty, and part of Ms. McCannel's political philosophy is environmental protection, though she rejects extremism. "We're really abusive to our state," she says, "we've got to take care of it better."

Photos courtesy of Miss Universe L.P., LLLP

A magic moment

Sitania Syrovatka has a delicious, musical name. It makes you think of a ballerina or a countess, doesn't it?

Syrovatka is Bohemian, she says, an old Slavic name from Central Europe. But Sitania, which rhymes with "Britannia," is a little more elusive. "My mother heard it on a playground, I think." It's supposed to mean "fairy princess."

From left, Sitania Syrovatka, South Dakota, Abbie Jane Smith, Utah, and Katherine Ashley Williams, South Carolina

Maybe the name is appropriate, because her pageant career is a bit of a Cinderella story. Miss South Dakota USA was her first contest, and she won it. She won a modeling contract as well. As a little girl, Ms. Syrovatka used to read magazines and dream about being on the cover of one. Now, that dream could come true.

Her favorite actress is Marilyn Monroe. "She was naturally voluptuous, a real woman." And she grew up to live her dreams.

Ms. Syrovatka is loving this pageant experience, and planning to expand her modeling career. But she's also pursuing a degree in elementary education. Marilyn, after all, had nothing to fall back on.

Photos courtesy of Miss Universe L.P., LLLP

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