Pageant News Bureau (PNB)

The four U.S. winners chosen at the Miss Hawaiian Tropic U.S. Finals in Las Vegas on Sept. 30, 2000, were Krista Wagner, Las Vegas; Lauri Smith, Oklahoma City; Jennifer Corliss, Super Bowl; and Kathy Pomponi, Atlantic City.

Erin Kennedy, 21, was crowned Miss Savannah on Sept. 30, 2000, in the historic Georgia city. She will represent Savannah at the 2001 Miss Georgia Pageant. Laura Moreland was first runner-up, and Cheri Wheeler, a former Miss Georgia Teen USA, was second runner-up. Holly Tydings was third runner-up, and April Dorsey was fourth runner-up.

Cynthia Fraser, Mrs. Florida, won the optional All American Talent title on Sept. 30, 2000, in Orlando, at the finals of the 2000 All American Pageants. Photogenic awards were presented to Miss Massachusetts, Emanuela Marino; Ms. Florida, Diana Santoro; Mrs. Illinois, Lauri Rottmayer; Ms. Minnesota Woman, Dee Henderson; and Ms. Maine Woman Plus, Jennifer Fortin. Ana Urbano, Ms. Florida Woman Plus, won the All American Spirit Award. Ms. Minnesota Woman, Dee Henderson, won the Community Service Award. Ms. New Jersey, YongShin Kim, won the Director’s Award. Mrs. Arkansas, Shirley Walters, was the recipient of the All American Woman of Achievement Award. Selected as 2000 All American Miss was Miss Wisconsin, Trisha Stephenson. The first runner-up was Miss Illinois, Motise Jones-Baker, and the second runner-up was Miss Pennsylvania, Sandra Ribeiro. The third runner-up was Miss Florida, Brenda Piccirillo, and the fourth runner-up was Miss Massachusetts, Emanuela Marino. Chosen as 2000 All American Ms. was Ms. Connecticut, Kristen Weardon. The first runner-up was Ms. Washington, Vonda White, and the second runner-up was Ms. Florida, Diana Santoro. The third runner-up was Ms. Texas, Cara Lisa Fareri, and the fourth runner-up was Ms. Michigan, Tammy Townsend. Chosen as 2000 All American Woman was Ms. Illinois Woman, Buddy Strong. The first runner-up was Ms. Minnesota Woman, Dee Henderson, and the second runner-up was Ms. South Carolina Woman, Barbara Frye. The third runner-up was Ms. Florida Woman, Debra Norman, and the fourth runner-up was Ms. New York Woman, Victoria Lynn Mallow. Selected as 2000 All American Woman Plus was Ms. Hawaii Woman Plus, Dolores Mark-Chambers. The first runner-up was Ms. California Woman Plus, Frances Kimble Montgomery, and the second runner-up was Ms. Florida Woman Plus, Ana Urbano. The third runner-up was Ms. South Carolina Woman Plus, Melissa Hooks, and the fourth runner-up was Ms. North Carolina Woman Plus, Anna Warrick. Chosen as 2000 Mrs. All American was Mrs. Arkansas, Shirley Walters. The first runner-up was Mrs. North Carolina, Debra Kennedy, and the second runner-up was Mrs. Florida, Cynthia Fraser.

Brittany Evans, representing Rodeo Knights of Phoenix, won the Venus International Model Search on Sept. 29, 2000. The first runner-up was Autumn Waterbury, representing In Cahoots of Earth City, Mo., and the second runner-up was Tania Lamanna, representing the Crazy Horse Saloon in Jacksonville. The third runner-up was Ramona Ramirez, representing Energy of Melbourne, Fla., and the fourth runner-up was Annie Yang, representing ProCon Leisure Asia in Singapore.

Angie Busch of Lewiston was named Idaho Junior Miss 2001 on Sept. 30, 2000, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She was also a preliminary interview winner. As a "red van rider," she had the opportunity, along with several other girls, to spend time with PNB media correspondent Kerri Thoreson. The first finalist was Carlene Chadwick of Bonneville County, and the second finalist was Diana Moore of Boise. The remaining Top 10 were Maggie Zimmerman of Coeur d'Alene; Lauralyn McClelland of Timberlake; Alisha Wolfe of Sandpoint; Megan Hill of South Fremont; Jilene Ball of Sugar/Salem; Jaclyn Cox of Franklin County; and Janelle Byington of Burley, who also won the Spirit of Junior Miss Award.

Brett Wilson, 23, a computer science graduate from Melbourne, Australia, won the Manhunt International 2000 Pageant on Sept. 29, 2000, in Singapore. He was also voted Mr. Sex Appeal. David Zepeda of Mexico was first runner-up. Brandon Choo of Singapore was second runner-up and was named Mr. Friendship. The third runner-up was Jose Madonia of Venezuela, who was Mr. Best in National Costume and Mr. Hunk. The fourth runner-up was Geraldino Nicolina of Curacao, who was Mr. Popularity as selected by Internet voters. Nicola Heering of Denmark was Mr. Photogenic, and Jimmy Hatzikirakos of Canada was Mr. Macho. Mr. Sporty was Marcus Platrides of Cyprus, and Mr. Fitness was Egir Orn Valgeirsson of Iceland. Mr. Goodwill was Marlon Atkinson of Jamaica. The Producer's Award went to Daniel Grindrod.

The pageant satire "Beautiful" premiered in U.S. theaters on Sept. 29, 2000. It is the first theatrically released movie to be directed by Academy Award-winning actress Sally Field. Critical reaction has generally been negative, but such movies generally have an automatic audience among pageant fans.

Lisa Marie Weyh has been crowned Ms. Los Angeles County Achievement 2001. She is also the reigning Miss California Beauty 2001.

Winners of the Fall Festival 2000 Pageant in Marietta, Ga., on Sept. 24, 2000, were as follows: Junior Miss Fall Festival (ages 13, 14, 15) - Heather Ann Brown; Teen Miss Fall Festival (ages 16-17) - Michelle Brown (no relation to Heather Ann Brown); Miss Fall Festival (ages 18-26) - Michelle Patrice Witzel; Ms. Fall Festival (married or singer, 21 and older) - Britney Shea Wix.

Virginia Trost, 30, representing the state of Virginia, was crowned Ms. United States 2000 in Fort Myers, Fla., on Sept. 23, 2000. The first runner-up was Brigitte Soudelier, representing Louisiana, and the second runner-up was Sonia Rosado of California. Chelsea Zedar of Orlando, Fla., won Most Photogenic. Laura Siler of Forest Hill, Md., was crowned Miss Teen United States 2000. Tara Lynn Higgerson of Virginia was first runner-up, and Christina Tucker of California was second runner-up. Ms. Tucker also won Most Photogenic.

Larissa Meek of St. Louis was crowned Miss Missouri USA on Sept. 23, 2000, in St. Joseph. She was Miss Missouri Teen USA 1997. Melana Scantlan was the first runner-up and Miss Congeniality. Shandi Finnessey was the second runner-up and Photogenic winner. Misty Moore was the third runner-up, and Gwendolyn Howell was the fourth runner-up. Marissa Whitley of St. Louis was crowned Miss Missouri Teen USA. She was also Miss Congeniality in the Teen category. Lindsay Orr was the first runner-up, and Jennifer Smith was the second runner-up. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Sexton was the third runner-up and was the Teen Photogenic winner. Lacey Fitzgerald was the fourth runner-up.

Maria Fernanda Pacifico was crowned Chica Venezuela U.S.A. on Sept. 10, 2000. Rubiana Pirela was first runner-up, and Evelyn Garcia was second runner-up. It was the debut of the pageant.

The Pageant News Bureau, the pioneering Web organization that inaugurated www.pageant.com in 1995, has made another major stride in its online presence. It has acquired www.pageant.tv, with an apparent eye on the emerging link between television and the Internet.

Sandra Rizk, 18, of Koura has been chosen Miss Lebanon 2000. The first runner-up was Natalie Maamary, 18, and the second runner-up was Maya Mroue, also 18.

Following are the winners of the North Georgia State Fair Pageant in Marietta, Ga., on Sept. 21, 2000. The pageant was a fund-raiser for the Miss Cobb County Scholarship Pageant Fund: Petite Miss North Georgia State Fair - Katie Rae Jones, age 6, Kennesaw; Little Miss North Georgia State Fair - Erin Warford, age 9, Roswell; Junior Miss North Georgia State Fair - Caitlin Ramsdell, age 11, Marietta; Teen Miss North Georgia State Fair - Alexandra Tomlinson, age 15, Kennesaw; Miss North Georgia State Fair - Andrea Phillips, age 22, Austell; Mrs. North Georgia State Fair - Sonja Vass, age 35, McDonough.

The Miss America Organization has sued radio personality Howard Eskin for saying on the air that the pageant is "fixed." Eskin called the suit an overreaction to what was obviously a joke, and he said the filing of the suit was possibly a publicity gimmick. The Miss America system takes great pride in its strict rules and strict qualifications for judging. This year, the pageant is conducting a nationwide contest to choose one judge from the public.

Aexandra Petrova, 20, who was chosen Miss Russia in 1999, reportedly was gunned down outside her residence in Cheboksary, Russia, on Sept. 16, 2000. No suspect was in custody. Ms. Petrova competed in the 1999 Miss Universe Pageant in Trinidad and Tobago. She had been Miss Model International for 1997.

Kelly Wells of Lilburn, Ga., was crowned Miss Gwinnett County on Sept. 16, 2000. She will advance to the Miss Georgia Pageant. The first runner-up was Meredith Davis of Lawrenceville, and the second runner-up was Becky Green of Buford. For the first time in recent memory, the pageant was not held on the same night as Miss America, but that was only because Miss America has been moved to October.

Mahara McKay, 19, of Untersiggenthal in the state of Aargauas has been crowned Miss Switzerland 2000. She is half-Swiss and half-Maori and spent the first 10 years of her life in New Zealand. Mascha Santschi of Bern was first runner-up, and Alexandra Coulet of Geneva was second runner-up.

Christina Ellington, 18, has been crowned Miss Connecticut Teen America 2001. She will compete for the title of Miss Teen America in July 2001. Her talent was "In His Eyes" from "Jekyll and Hyde," and she was the overall talent winner. She is a musical theater student at New York University.

Alysha Castonguay, 13, of Rhode Island was crowned Miss Junior Teen America on Sept. 10, 2000. She had been second runner-up to Miss Teen America, Amanda Zachary, a month earlier, but because of her age remained eligible to compete for the Junior title.

Elona Prela was chosen Miss Albania U.S.A. on Sept. 10, 2000, in New York. She won the right to compete in the Miss Albania Pageant in Tirana, Albania.

Jacqueline Bracamontes Van-Hoorde, Miss Jalisco, was crowned Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2000 on Sept. 9, 2000. One week before, during the preliminaries, she won the title of Nuestra Belleza Mundo, which qualified her to compete in Miss World 2000. She is the first Mexican to win both titles. However, her first runner-up (and cousin), Paulina Flores Arias, Miss Sinaola, will compete for the Miss World title.

Kristi Knox, 25, of Kansas City was crowned Miss Kansas USA on Sept. 9, 2000, in Wichita. She had been first runner-up to the 1997 and 1998 winners. Lyndsey Mackey of Olathe was crowned Miss Kansas Teen USA the same night.

Christina Kunz, 18, of Muehlacker has been crowned Miss Baden-Wuerttemberg World 2000. Natascha Berg, 20, of Viernheim has been crowned Miss Hessen World 2000, and Manuela Krueger, 18, of Saarbruecken has been crowned Miss Saarland World. All will compete for the title of Miss Germany World.

Tiffany Schroer, 15, of Seymour, Ind., was crowned Teen Jackson County on Sept. 9, 2000. She will represent Jackson County in the Teen Indiana Globe Pageant. She was crowned by Bridget Bobel, Miss Indiana State Festival Queen 2000, who is the sister of Betsy Bobel, Miss Indiana (America). The runners-up to Ms. Schroer were Devan Wayman of Medora and Holly Toppe of Seymour. In a related event, Brooke Tormoehlen, 17, of Crothersville was chosen as Jackson County Festival Queen 2000, and advances to the Miss Indiana State Festival Queen Pageant. The first runner-up was Christy Sovern, 17, of Brownstown, and the second runner-up was Lauren Auleman, 17, of Seymour.

Nicole Jensen, 21, has been chosen Ms. Eugene-American Rose in Eugene, Ore. She will compete for the Oregon state title. She is also Miss Oregon Angelic Queen 2000.

Ashley Moody, 17, a high school senior from Cadiz, Ky., has been chosen to represent Western Kentucky in the 2001 Teen Miss Plus Global America Pageant.

Christine Zimmerman was crowned Miss Mall of Georgia on Sept. 9, 2000, in Buford, Ga. She previously competed in the Miss Georgia Pageant as Miss Gwinnett County.

Vanessa Bonilha, 18, representing Brazil, has won the 2000 Teen Model International Pageant held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. She is a university student majoring in communications and also works as a model. She also won the Amity, Elegance and Best Figure awards. The first runner-up was Cristina Yaneth Rodriguez Tablas, representing Honduras, and the second runner-up was Valerie Chua, representing Singapore, who also won the Best Evening Gown and Best National Costume awards. The third runner-up was Elizabeth Payaeros Vargas of the Dominican Republic, and the fourth runner-up was Nancy Argueta Munoz of Costa Rica. Mildreth Carias of Guatemala won the Personality and Photogenic awards. Monique Ruiz was of the United States was chosen Most Creative Model.

Debbie Goldstein, the reigning Mrs. New York Achievement, has been chosen Ms. New England States PageantStyle. She will be competing for the Ms. PageantStyle International 2001 Title.

Laura Flinn Baechtel has been chosen Ms. Hollywood - American Rose and will compete for the California state title in late September 2000.

Eva Ekvall, 17, Miss Apure, won the Miss Venezuela title on Sept. 8, 2000, in Caracas. The unusually youthful winner will represent her country in the Miss Universe Pageant in May 2001. The first runner-up was Vivian Urdaneta, 21, Miss Costa Oriental del Lago. She will represent Venezuela in the Miss International Pageant in Japan in October 2000. The second runner-up was Ligia Petit, 18, Miss Guarico. Unlike in previous years, this contest did not name a runner-up to represent Venezuela in Miss World. That was done in a separate pageant earlier in the summer, when Vanessa Cardenas, 19, was chosen.

CaCe Hardy, 18, of Kalispell was crowned Miss Montana USA 2001 on Sept 3, 2000, in Billings. The first runner-up was Amanda Ryen. Lacee Lindsay was voted Miss Congeniality. Kristi Krings, 17, of Billings was crowned Miss Montana Teen USA. The first runner-up was Sophia Steinbeisser, and the second runner-up was Cherish Fehr, who was also voted Miss Congeniality. The hosts were former Miss Montana USA Michon Zink and singer Jade Esteban Estrada. The judging panel was said to be one of the most talented in recent pageant history.

Jennifer Glover, 21, of Castro Valley was crowned Miss California USA on Sept. 2, 2000. In 1999, she represented the United States in the Miss International Beauty Pageant in Japan. The first runner-up was Michelle Cardamon of La Habra, and the second runner-up was Jessica Morales of Westwood. Casey McClain of San Marcos was crowned Miss California Teen USA. The first runner-up was Deventria Howard of Fresno, and the second runner-up was Ami Geist of Vacaville.

Kentucky's representative, MacKenzie Mayes, 20, was crowned Miss National Sweetheart on Sept. 3, 2000, in Hoopeston, Ill. The contest features runners-up from Miss America state preliminaries. The first runner-up to Ms. Mayes was Karyn Kristyne Williams, 21, representing Florida, and the second runner-up was Pierrette Robertson, 20, of California. The third runner-up was Jennifer Lynn Nolet, 22, of New Hampshire, and the fourth runner-up was Felicia Michelle Curry, 21, of Maryland. Andrea Gene Ison, 21, of Ohio was chosen Miss Congeniality.

Ivette Cordovez, 20, won the title of Miss Panama Universe on Sept. 1, 2000. She will represent her country in the Miss Universe Pageant. Ana Raquel Ochy of Aguadulce was crowned Miss Panama-World and will compete in the Miss World Pageant. She was also Miss Photogenic. The title of Miss Panama Asia-Pacific went to Adriana Roquer, 20. The first runner-up was Katherine Villaverde, 22, and the second runner-up was Melva De Gracia Yee. Miss Congeniality was Carolina Cornejo, Miss Internet was Velky Bultron, the Finesse Best Hair award went to Melva De Gracia, and the Best Figure award went to Aida Aguilera, a former Hawaiian Tropic winner.

Leslie Lam of Hawaii was crowned Mrs. America on Sept. 1, 2000, in Hawaii. She was also Mrs. Congeniality. The first runner-up was Ellen Story Chase of Virginia, and the second runner-up was Jaynie Poteet-Dominguez of Georgia.

Costa Rica has confirmed that a former Miss Uruguay, Helena Bohmer, was among 10 people killed in a plane crash during the last week of August 2000. The victims' bodies were recovered at the mountainous site of the crash a few days later. Mrs. Bohmer, 36, had competed in pageants in the 1980s as Helena Gutierrez. Her husband, Dr. Steven Bohmer, a Florida surgeon, also was killed in the crash. Mrs. Bohmer reportedly was pregnant.

Tony Ferreira, 26, was chosen Mr. American Continent/Venezuela on Aug. 31, 2000, in Caracas. He will represent a group of Venezuelan islands in the Mr. American Continent International Pageant in Aruba. Runners-up were former Mr. Venezuela contestant Alejandro Perronis and Eduardo Gutierrez.

Yvonne Ellard of Kilkenny was crowned Miss Ireland on Aug. 29, 2000, in Dublin. She will represent the Emerald Isle in the Miss World Pageant. Lesley Turner, 19, of Limerick was first runner-up and will represent the country in the Miss Universe Pageant. Jennifer Grant, 21 of Dublin was second runner-up.

Shannon Fiorito, competing as Ms. Columbia, was crowned Ms. World Continental 2001 on Aug. 28, 2000, in Las Vegas. Suzy Childers-Bootz, competing as Ms. Texas, was crowned Ms. U.S. Continental. The first runner-up was Ms. Connecticut, Sandra Giammarco, and the second runner-up was Ms. California, Janet Maxwell. The third runner-up was Ms. Northwest Georgia, Sabrina Dubyak, and the fourth runner-up was Ms. New York, JoAnn Ives. Special awards were presented to Dee Henderson, as nonfinalist interview winner, and Peggy Thomas, as nonfinalist evening gown winner. Spirit awards went to Robin Herrington and Lisa Antram, and Ms. Henderson received a community service award. Ms. Herrington and Ms. Ives won state volunteer awards. Dana Opsincs won the photogenic award. Mary D'Aoust won the physical fitness award by vote of her fellow contestants, and Melody Miheve was Ms. Congeniality, also by vote of her peers.

Lauren Michelle Hill, the October 2000 cover girl of Playboy magazine, won the international finals of the Summer Savage 2000 swimsuit contest on Aug. 23, 2000, at Cotton Eyed Joe in Knoxville, Tenn. Jennifer Corliss, the reigning Miss Resaca Beach, was first runner-up.

MaryJo Reeves, the beauty queen with a calling to be a preacher, has been chosen Mrs. Arizona United States. She had previously been first-runner-up, and the state crown recently became vacant. Mrs. Reeves, who is still in pastor school, also recently preached her first sermon.

Carrie Stroup, who was Miss 1998 United States Teen, was crowned Miss Hawaiian Tropic North Carolina on Aug. 26, 2000, at Harrah's Casino in Cherokee, N.C. She will compete in the national competition in Las Vegas in September.

Lindsey Longo was crowned Miss Hampshire County Fair 2000 on Aug. 21, 2000, in Hampshire County, W.Va.

Michelle St. Lawrence of Lake Jackson, Texas, has been crowned the 2000 Sealy, Texas, Fireman's Frolics Queen. Michelle was first runner-up to Miss Rice Belt Teen USA in January 2000, an area preliminary to Miss Texas Teen USA, and will be attending the state pageant in November as Miss Brazoria County Teen USA. The second runner-up at the Fireman's Frolics Pageant was pageant veteran Chelsea Bruns of Richmond, Texas, who was fourth runner-up at Miss Rice Belt Teen USA. The Congeniality Winner was Angela Satsky, another Rice Belt participant.

Brandon Choo, a 19-year-old environmental engineering student, won the Manhunt Singapore 2000 contest on Aug. 23, 2000. He was also Mr. Photogenic, Mr. Personality, Mr. Best Groomed and Mr. Fitness. He will represent Singapore in Manhunt International 2000 on Sept. 29, 2000, in Singapore. Glenn Hill, 26, won Mr. International Singapore 2000 and the Mr. Natural Physique Award. He will represent Singapore in Mr. International in India in October 2000. The runner-up was Sheikh Ahmad, 27, a fitness instructor. The Senior Manhunt winner was Kassy Kalleichelven a rapid transit station master. The runner-up was is Wann Shamsury, a fitness and health instructor.

Lauraine Ferris of Brooklyn was crowned Miss Black World New York on Aug. 21, 2000.

Christina Tucker, an 18- year-old Chapman University freshman, has been crowned Miss Teen California-United States 2000 at ceremonies in Redondo Beach. She will compete in the Miss Teen United States Pageant in September 2000 in Fort Myers, Fla.

On August 20, 2000, the Ms. Phenomenal Woman Online Pageant System named its first ever winner, Ms. Phenomenal Woman 2000, Milandria King, who competed as Ms. Tennessee Phenomenal Woman. She is a graduate of Spelman College and Thurgood Marshal School of Law. The first-runner-up was Ana Urbano, Ms. Florida Phenomenal Woman. The second runner-up was Audra Chun, Ms. Hawaii Phenomenal Woman. The Ms. Phenomenal Woman is for all types of women of color.

Nakeria Simms, Miss Breezes Superclubs, was crowned Miss Bahamas 2000 at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. She will compete for Miss Universe 2001 in Puerto Rico. Miss Abaco, Latia Bowe, was crowned Miss World Bahamas and will compete for Miss World 2000 in London. She also won the best costume award. Ms. Simms and Ms. Bowe tied for Miss Photogenic. The first runner-up was Miss Paradise Fisheries, Karah Fox. Miss Amity was Miss Innovative Waves, Quintelle Fergson. Hosting the event was Miss America 1990, Debbye Turner.

Shelly Munoz of Murrieta, Calif., has been selected Ms. Petite US Achievment. This is a national title that showcases the beauty and achievements of petite women.

Joanne Beauvoir Brown of Georgia was crowned Mrs. International on Aug. 19, 2000, in Sevierville, Tenn. The first runner-up was Audrey Anne Seeber of Florida, and the second runner-up was Desiree Disterdick of Tennessee. The third runner-up was Amanda Lynch of Arkansas, and the fourth runner-up was Stephanie Vincent of Utah.

Michelle Mundo was crowned Miss Tourism Panama on August 18, 2000, and will represent her country in the Miss Tourism International Pageant.

Melissa Marcantel was crowned Miss Hawaiian Tropic Augusta (Ga.) on Aug. 17, 2000. She will compete in the national Hawaiian Tropic competition.

Cristy Hessenauer was crowned Miss Hawaiian Tropic Atlanta on Aug. 17, 2000. She will compete in the national Hawaiian Tropic competition.

Sherri Lynne Kohr of Bellingham, Wash., has been crowned Mrs. Washington Globe 2000. She was also named Mrs. Congeniality. The first runner-up was Jennifer Shen Lee of Snohomish, and the second runner-up was Misty Gaspaire of Yakima. Mrs. Kohr will represent the state of Washington at the Mrs. US Globe Pageant July 2001.

The National America pageant system is making large-scale changes, including a name change. It is limiting itself to four categories -- Teen, Miss, Ms. and Mrs. -- and crowning international winners only. The organization said a smaller number of titleholders will allow for each winner to be better rewarded and promoted. The system will now be known as Worldwide pageants, and the titles will be Teen, Miss, Ms, Classic Ms & Mrs. Worldwide.

Cindy Vela, Miss Latina South Texas, has been crowned Miss Latina USA 2000 in San Antonio. The first runner-up was Maria Diaz of New York, and the second runner-up was Christina Alfaro, Miss Central Texas. The third runner-up was Alejandra Ochoa, representing California.

Emily Rosa, Miss Teen Latina Puerto Rico USA, was crowned Miss Teen Latina USA 2000. The first runner-up Kimberly Bibon, Miss Teen Latina South Texas, and the second runner-up was Margaret Rey Flores, representing Southwest Texas. The third runner-up was Stefani Valencia, Miss Teen Latina California.

Amber Coffman, Miss Maryland Teen, has been crowned Miss American United States Teen 2000. The first runner-up was Jenna Edwards, Miss Louisiana Teen, and the second runner-up was Sarah Hoyer, Miss Virginia Teen. The third runner-up was Megan Guerra, Miss Texas Teen, and the fourth runner-up was Danica Novitski, Miss Illinois Teen. Tara McLendon, Miss West Virginia Teen, was Miss Teen Congeniality.

Alanna Thompson, Ms. Connecticut, has been crowned Ms. American United States 2000. The first runner-up was Nicole Llewellyn, Ms. Indiana, and the second runner-up was Kimberly Grigsby, Ms. Virginia, the overall photogenic winner. The third runner-up was Lori-Ann Navares, Ms. Hawaii, and the fourth runner-up was Syke Lucas, Ms. South Carolina.

Shirley Davis Manuel, Ms. Virginia Woman, has been crowned Ms. American United States Woman 2000. The first runner-up was Elizabeth Price, Ms. Indiana Woman, and the second runner-up was Carrie Coggin, Ms. Tennessee Woman. The third runner-up was Lynn Poor, Ms. Ohio Woman, and the fourth runner-up was Victoria Mallow, Ms. West Virginia Woman. Christy Passoth of California was Ms. Woman Congeniality.

Following are the August 2000 winners of the National America Pageant:

Little Miss National America - Celine Ulrich
Pre-Teen National America - Whitney Samora
Jr. Teen National America - Rachelle Jensen
Teen National America - Meghan Cattron
Miss National America - Angela Schoff
Miss National-Intl - Amanda Estenson
Ms National America - Debra Cowell
Ms National-International - Taleen Venesky
Mrs. National America - Chris Marlow
Mrs. National-International - Tammie Arnim.
Optionals: State costume winner - Kimberly Roderick; Talent winners - Lindsay Cauldwell and Meleani Wheeler
Photogenic winners - Taleesha Venesky and Michelle Shilts; Contestants' Choice - Angela Schoff; Spirit winners - Alyse Augustio and Taleen Venesky.

The August 20, 2000, edition of USA Weekend, a Sunday newspaper supplement, will include a sweepstakes entry form that will allow one member of the public to become an actual judge at the Miss America Pageant on Oct. 14. The winner will receive numerous other perks besides the real-life judging experience. The Miss America Organization has been known in recent years for the "gimmicks" it employs to increase audience interest and build TV ratings for the pageant. The sweepstakes appears to be the main one for 2000, though others are possible.

Jana Mathena, a 20-year-old vocal performance junior at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, was selected Miss Cobb County (Ga.) 2001 on Aug. 12, 2000. She also received a preliminary talent award for her aria of "O Mio Babbino Caro." She will represent Cobb County in the Miss Georgia Pageant in Columbus in June 2001. Ashley Huff, 20, a sophomore at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, was first runner-up. She also was preliminary swimsuit winner and Miss Congeniality. She performed a Polynesian dance in the talent category. The second runner-up was Autumn Guzzardi, and the third runner-up was Candice Pelletier. The fourth runner-up was Stephanie Bledsoe.

Goldei Baysa was crowned Miss Augusta (Ga.) on Aug. 12, 2000.

Aljona Glöckner, 22, of Leipzig has been crowned Miss Arabella in a German "talk show" pageant. She will compete in the Miss Germany (Universe) Pageant in January 2001. Daniel Valverde of Ruesselsheim won the Mister Arabella 2000 title. He will participate in Mister Germany (Manhunt) Pageant in February 2001. His first runner-up was Karim Ayadi of Frankfurt.

Patrizia Spurtacz of Duesseldorf has won the Miss Vera 2000 title and will participate in the Miss Germany World Pageant in October 2000. The first runner-up was Nancy Bode of Weissenheim, the current Miss Hawaiian Tropic Germany, and the second runner-up was Nicole Trinkaus of Nordhausen.

Jeniffer Renee Card has been crowned Miss Teen New Jersey United States 2000 and will compete for the Miss Teen United States title in September 2000. She has been in pageants since age 4, and is captain of the WildCard Competition Coed Cheerleading Team, winners of the Eastern States Cheerleading Championship for the past three years.

Yusra Kadret, 16, of Baghdad, the sister of a former Miss Iraq, won the third annual Elite Model Look-Iraq 2000 contest in Babylon on Aug. 9, 2000. Shahad Soudi, 14, of Babylon was the first runner-up, and Karla Nasrallah, 14, of Baghdad was second runner-up. Shireen Ghrawi of Baghdad won the photogenic award.

Ayanette Mary Ann Statia of Curacao was crowned Miss Teen International on Aug. 6, 2000, on Aruba. The first runner-up was Alinda Boer Reyes of Guatemala, while Costa Rica´s Grettel Llibri Marin was the second runner-up. Ms. Statia also took the Miss Photogenic award. The rest of the semifinalists were Miss United States Teen, Jill Nicholson; Miss Teen Colombia, Diana Wiest; and Miss Teen Venezuela, Jessika Urritazo, who also won the best evening gown designer award. Miss Bonaire, Kristel Janga, was awarded the honor of Miss Teen Tourism. For the Miss Congeniality title, there was a tie between two contestants, Miss Teen Canada, Kelly Boes and Miss Teen Costa Rica, Grettel Llibri Marin, while Miss Teen Colombia was named Miss Photo Model. The National Costume prize went to Miss Teen Venezuela for her patriotic ensemble, and Miss Teen Puerto Rico´s creative outfit won her the fantasy costume title.

Olivia Alemany, 16, of Miami was chosen as the 2000-2001 International Cinderella Teen in Las Vegas on Aug. 4, 2000.

Madonna Emond has been crowned Miss Redford Township/Wayne County, winning the right to compete in the Miss Michigan Pageant, a preliminary to Miss America. Ms. Emond, who did an aerobic dance, was also the talent winner. The first runner-up was Shannon Shelton, a journalist and former Miss Teenage America. The second runner-up was Nicole Casper, and the third runner-up was Jacqui Colston.

Hope Plans of Wheatland, Iowa, has been crowned Ms. American Woman. She is a model and aspiring architect. Jessica Nuzzo of Pennsylvania was first runner-up, and Rachel Altiere of Ohio was second runner-up.

Doris Guzman, 16, of Cayey, Puerto Rico, has been crowned Miss Teen of the Nation. She is a dancer, model and singer and is the first young woman from Puerto Rico to win the title.

Terra Moody of Alabama was crowned Miss Black Teen International 2000-01 on Aug. 5, 2000. The first runner-up was Kyrston Alston of New Jersey. The second runner-up was Annette Hudson of Michigan, and the third runner-up was Nikki Medows of Georgia. Miss Alston won the personal expression and sportswear categories, and Ms. Hudson won the evening gown category. Latoya Laymon of Wisconsin was crowned Miss Black International 2000-01. The first runner-up was Star Williams of Oklahoma, and the second runner-up was Lori Hollins of Kentucky. The third runner-up was Cindricka Arrington of Mississippi, and the fourth runner up was Alecia Whetsel of Florida. There was a three-way tie for the interview award between Miss Laymon, Miss Williams and Deborah Brown. Miss Hollins won the evening gown and talent awards, and Ms. Laymon won the personal expression award. Camille Anderson of Michigan was crowned Ms. Black International 2000-01. The first runner-up was Carol Brown of Georgia, and the second runner-up was Sher'ronn Christwell of Texas. The third runner-up was Kelly Mayo of Colorado, and the fourth runner-up was Rose McCall of Alabama. Ms. Anderson won the interview category, and there was a tie for personal expression between her and Ms. Mayo. Ms. Mayo won evening gown.

Kathy Carver, representing the United States, was crowned Mrs. United Nation International 2000 on Aug. 5, 2000, in Orlando, Fla. The first runner-up was Tereza Troskie of South Africa, and the second runner-up was Vonda White, representing Slovenia. The third runner-up was Karen Banfield of Canada, and the fourth runner-up was Alberta Esi Quaidoo-Arthur of Ghana. Angela Gustafsson of Nebraska was crowned Mrs. United Nation U.S. 2000. The first runner-up was Jennifer Loveless of Tennessee, and the second runner-up was Norieta Stephanos of New Jersey. The third runner-up was Capri Welch of Louisiana, and the fourth runner-up position was a tie between Ronna Haskins of Kentucky and Colly Van Stiphout of Oregon.

Disruptions at the Mrs. United States Pageant, held on the last weekend of July 2000 in Las Vegas, have become the talk of the pageant world. The behavior of some people at the finals has been called a "disgrace" and "unbelievable" by witnesses. "People were tearing up the place. Women were walking off the stage. There was crying and catfights," one audience member said. Isabella Ilacqua, the pageant's national director, blamed the disruptions on supporters of one contestant, but Ms. Ilacqua added that the contestant and her husband were not involved in the misconduct. "I have never seen anything like this," Ms. Ilacqua told PNB. "People were using terrible language." The Mrs. United States Pageant generally has a reputation for professionalism, and the chaos at the finals was unprecedented. Ms. Ilacqua said she was considering instituting much tougher rules to address the situation.

Janelle Rose was chosen Georgia's Junior Miss on Aug. 5, 2000, in Atlanta. The first runner-up was Abby Gilder, who was also the overall talent winner. The second runner-up was Julia Tyndall, who was the overall winner for poise. The winner of the overall scholastic award was Christina Lee, and the overall fitness winner was Alyssa Sutton. The mistress of ceremonies was broadcaster Rachel English, who is a former Georgia's Junior Miss and former Miss Georgia.

Jessica Lindsey Miller of Pearl River County was chosen Mississippi's Junior Miss on Aug. 4, 2000. She also won the talent and fitness awards. The first alternate was Brooke Shannon of Starkville, and the second alternate was Kate Fleming of Jackson County. The third alternate was Jennifer Hermetz of Meridian.

Sareeyawat Phongkajorn, 22, a mass communications graduate, was crowned Miss Thailand International 2000 in Bangkok on Aug. 1, 2000. She will represent the Kingdom of Thailand in the Miss International Pageant in October 2000 in Tokyo.

Rani Khetarpal has been crowned Mrs. India Globe 2000-2001. She will compete for the Mrs. Globe 2001 title. This is the first time India will be represented at the Mrs. Globe Pageant.

Jaynie Poteet-Dominguez has been chosen Mrs. Georgia America, and will represent Georgia in the Mrs. America Pageant. She is a model and spokeswoman in Atlanta. She was Miss Georgia USA 1984 and Miss Oktoberfest 1987.

Denise Bannister, Mrs. New York, has been crowned Mrs. United States 2000. The first runner-up was Jeanne Siegenthaler of Wisconsin, and the second runner-up was Mrs. Utah, Nicole Foote, who also won the physical fitness award. The third runner-up was Mrs. Hawaii, Michelle DeWalt. The fourth runner-up was Mrs. Virginia, Sonya Shields. The remaining finalists were Mrs. Pennsylvania, Lori Ann Sundberg, who won the award for best-designed ad; Mrs. South Carolina, Mary Snipes-Phillips; Mrs. Minnesota, Dee Henderson; Mrs. Colorado, Michelle Krumberger; and Mrs. Vermont, Cara Lisa Fareri. The Congeniality award went to Mrs. Maryland, Katrea Carbone. The state costume award winner was Mrs. Georgia, Zondra Brandon, and the first runner-up for the state costume award was Mrs. Louisiana, Denise McKnight.

Amanda Zachary, 17, of Illinois was crowned Miss Teen America on Aug. 2, 2000, in Charleston, S.C. She had top scores in six of nine competitions, including essay, volunteer service, photogenic, talent (for which she sang "Big Time" by Linda Eder), casual wear, and eveningwear (in which there was a 3-way tie for first place). She also scored in second place for swimwear, top three for interview, and in the top five for speech and onstage interview. She is from Westfield, Ill., and her issue of concern is S.C.A.N, which stands for Stop Child Abuse Now. Maia Wirth of North Carolina was first alternate. Her issue of concern is SHINE, Students Helping in Neighborhoods Everywhere. She led the field in both formal interview and onstage interview. She placed third in Talent and won Miss Congeniality. Miss Rhode Island Teen America, 13-year-old Alysha Castonguay, was second alternate. She placed second in talent and led the field in swimwear. She, the winner and first alternate were the three who tied in eveningwear. Her platform is G.I.F.T., Getting Involved Feels Terrific, which speaks to the rewards of volunteering.The third alternate was Miss Massachusetts, 15-year-old Allison High. Her platform is students against standarized testing. She performed a Flamenco dance for her talent. The fourth alternate was Elizabeth Holt of Michigan, taking part in her first competition.

Torrie Trella, 20, of Poland, Ohio, was crowned Miss Greater Cleveland in North Royalton, Ohio, on July 29, 2000. Her platform focuses on Attention Deficit Disorder, with which she was diagnosed at age 10. She will compete in the Miss Ohio Pageant, a preliminary to Miss America. Ms. Trella was also the swimsuit winner, the evening gown winner and Miss Congeniality. The first runner-up was Cristine Snodgrass, and the second runner-up was Charlotte Eble. The third runner-up was Lindsey Sharrer, and the fourth runner-up was Nicole Polzella. Kelly Carman was Miss Photogenic, and Jennifer Monty won overall best interview.

Veteran pageant impresario Frank Lameira, president of Danfranc Productions in Elk Grove, Calif., has announced a new pageant system for single, married or divorced women 20 and older. The 2001 Ms. National Beauty Pageant is currently seeking delegates to compete for the $7,000 cash prize and other gifts at the national finals to be held in Los Angeles in July 2001. Candidates will be judged on the categories of personal interview, aerobic wear and evening gown. The pageant will not have a swimsuit or talent competition.

Pittsburgh model Vanessa Steele Inman has won a $2.4 million judgment against the people she says ruined her chances in the 1997 Miss Nude World International Pageant. A jury in Atlanta, the site of the contest, believed her claim that she was disqualified for refusing to participate in sexually oriented activity, that the contest was rigged and that she was blackballed in the industry after the dispute. The full extent of the award was announced on July 24, 2000. The defendants, who denied all the allegations, said they would appeal the decision.

Monica Dampier of Cheyenne was crowned Mrs. Wyoming America on July 22, 2000, in Casper. She was also the winner of the Photogenic Award and Best in Evening Gown Award. The first runner-up was Karla Farnham of Casper, who was also the winner of the Best in Swimsuit Award. The second runner-up was Gail Knight of Casper, who won the Mrs. Congeniality Award. The third runner-up was Shauna Wilson of Jackson, and the fourth runner-up went was Joanne Lane of Rock Springs. The fifth runner-up was Bobbie Johnson of Worland, and the sixth runner-up was Sandra Hall of Gillette. The Mrs. Montana America was held at the same site on the same day. Dawn Marie Triplett of Kalispell was crowned Mrs. Montana America.

Jackie Olson was crowned Miss South Dakota Hawaiian Tropic at Borrowed Bucks in Sioux Falls, S.D., on July 22, 2000.

Jacqui Jauregui, 23, has been chosen Miss Atlanta. The Colombian-born Ms. Jauregui, who was adopted by an American family of Basque descent, may be the first foreign-born Miss Atlanta. She also has one of the most frequently misspelled and mispronounced names on the American pageant scene. Her first name is pronounced as "Jackie." The first syllable of her surname is pronounced like "hair."

Kristen Vatt, competing as Miss Gilbert, was crowned Miss Arizona on July 22, 2000, in Chandler. She will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant. She was a semifinalist in the 1999 pageant. The first runner-up was Corrie Hill, Miss Mesa, who was the first runner-up to Ms. Vatt at the Miss Gilbert Pageant. She has the opportunity to compete in the 2000 Miss National Sweetheart Pageant in September. The second runner-up was Lisa Prout, Miss Tempe, and the third runner-up was Colette Beatty, Miss Sierra Vista. The fourth runner-up was Titia Lewis, Miss Maricopa. She was a semifinalist in the 1999 pageant.

Starla Smith of Alabama was crowned Miss United States Teen on July 22, 2000, in Orlando, Fla. She is a former Miss Alabama Teen USA.

Jennifer Robino has been chosen Mrs. Delaware America, and will represent the state in the Mrs. America Pageant in September 2000. She has been a public relations director for such sports franchises as the Philadelphia Kixx and the Atlantic City Seagulls, and she is a former Philadelphia 76ers cheerleader.

Penny Austin-Richardson has been crowned Mrs. Maryland America. The high school English teacher will represent the state in the Mrs. America Pageant in September 2000.

Jamie Mcghee of Knoxville was crowned Miss Tennessee International Newcomer on July 21, 2000. The first runner-up was Casey Daniels.

Jessica Carter, Teen Kentucky Globe, was crowned Teen Globe of America 2000, on July 16, 2000, in Palm Springs, Calif. She was crowned by the reigning International Teen Globe, Kelly Sodan, also of Kentucky. Ms. Carter won the Best Costume Award and was voted the Contestant’s Choice winner. She will represent Kentucky in the International Teen Globe Pageant in 2001 in Albania. Ms. Sodan crowned Miss South Africa Teen as the new International Teen Globe.

Brooke Ashley Fowler has been chosen Miss Preteen Texas Achievement 2000 as well as Miss Preteen Western U.S. Achievement 2000. She is a singer, model, actress and honor roll student.

Liu Feng Cheng, 23, of Dalian City in northeast China was the winner of Manhunt China 2000 on July 17, 2000, in Beijing. The first runner-up was Guo Hong Qing, 31, of Shandong Province, and the second runner-up was Gao Lei, 18, also of Shandong Province. The contest featured 36 men, selected from among 4,500 original applicants. Manhunt China 2000 was telecast to an estimated 650 million people by 40 TV stations in China. This is a single-country record for a pageant event. Liu Feng Cheng will represent China in Manhunt International 2000 in September in Singapore.

Kandace Krueger, Miss Austin, was crowned Miss Texas USA on July 17, 2000, in Lubbock. She also won Miss Photogenic. The first runner-up was Mandy Jeffreys, Miss Permian Basin, and the second runner-up was Kasi Kelly, Miss Fort Worth, who also won the swimsuit category.

Lauren Ashley Vick of Lexington, S.C., competing in the Senior Miss category, was the overall winner at the Miss American Clogger Pageant on July 15, 2000, in Gainesville, Ga. The Petite Miss winner was Crystal Marie Stewart of Piedmont, S.C., and the Pre-Teen Miss winner was Audrey Lynn Veal of Dewy Rose, Ga. The Junior Miss winner was Caycyn Grant of Birmingham, Ala., and the Teen Miss winner was Candice Leeann Wilson of Snellville, Ga. The Senior Miss winner Julie Benton-Nelson of Eldridge, Ala., and the Adult Miss winner was Gwen Drake of Piedmont, S.C. The pageant featured young women from numerous states who are adept in clogging, a uniquely American form of dancing.

Stacy Cooper, competing as Mrs. Delaware, has been crowned Mrs. U.S. Globe 2000. She will represent the United States in the Mrs. Globe Pageant in 2001. The first runner-up was Mrs. Arizona, Amanda Meyers, and the second runner-up was Robin Mosser, Mrs. Kentucky. The third runner-up was Mrs. Florida, Patricia Maier, and the fourth runner-up was Mrs. Texas, Michele Crowder.

Sarah MacInnes of South Carolina was chosen America's Perfect Teen on July 15, 2000, in Orlando, Fla. The first runner-up was Elisabeth Peters of Alabama, and the second runner-up was Deborah Lammon of Kansas.

Angela Brink of Roseburg, 21, was crowned Miss Oregon on July 15, 2000, in Seaside. She competed as Miss Douglas County, and will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant. The first runner-up was Miss Multnomah County, Katie Marie Harman, 19, and the second runner-up was Miss Linn-Benton County, Jacqueline Wirz, 20. The third runner-up was Miss Lincoln County, Heidi Rickey, 17, and the fourth runner-up was Miss Mid-Valley, Katie Byers, 18.

Denise Balinhge has been crowned Miss Aruba Universe 2000, and will represent Aruba at Miss Universe 2001. Monique van de Horn has been crowned Miss World Aruba.

Vanessa Maria Cardenas Bravo, 19, of Maracaibo, was crowned Miss Venezuela World on July 15, 2000. Her mother represented Chile at Miss World in 1968.

Julie Donaldson, 22, was crowned Miss Florida USA 2001 on July 15, 2000. Robin Sprague, 24, was first runner-up, and Janil Bird, 22, was second runner-up. Jaclyn Nesheiwat, 19, was third runner-up, and former PNB cover girl Erika Valdez, 21, was fourth runner-up.

Laura Baechtel has been crowned Ms. California Mom 2000 and will compete for the title of Ms. American Mom 2001. She is already the reigning National Royal Parent.

Controversial American talk show host Jerry Springer reportedly has been signed as master of ceremonies of the Miss World Pageant. The contest, the 50th Miss World competition, will be held Nov. 30, 2000, in London. Springer, whose program spotlights bizarre human relationships before a raucous studio audience, is one of the most criticized media figures in the world. But he has an enormous following, and has even become a movie star of sorts. The late Princess Diana is said to have been a devoted fan. Springer is a former politician, who reached the position of mayor of Cincinnati, and mainstream TV journalist.

Ellen Story Chase of Virginia Beach was crowned Mrs. Virginia America 2000 on July 9, 2000. Amy Borszich was first runner-up, and Laurette Ellsworth-Arenz was second runner-up. Cynthia Manley was third runner-up, and Rhonda Howdyshell was fourth runner-up.

Following are the winners of the Miss National Star titles for 2000:

Morgan Whitney Thomas - Miss Preteen National Star
Kylah Barbola - Miss Teen National Star (Over-all winner)
Jennifer Fitzpatrick - Miss National Star
Alice Adam - Ms. National Star.

Katie Dusick won best essay and best photo in the preteen division. Ms. Barbola won best essay and best photo in the teen division. Ms. Fitzpatrick won best essay in the Miss division, and Crystal Longden won best photo in that division. Ms. Adam tied with Crystal Richardson for best photo in the Ms. division. Julia Perkins-Smith won best essay in the Ms. division.

Dena Ron of Glenview was crowned Mrs. Illinois America 2000 on July 8, 2000, in Elgin. She will represent her state in the Mrs. America Pageant. The first runner-up was Denise Herrmann, and the second runner-up was Rosie Tindall. The third runner-up was Lisa Niewolny, who also won the swimsuit award, and the fourth runner-up was Maureen Kelley. Robyn Nielson won the Photogenic award, and Omara Frybarger won the costume award. Lori Diversey was best in evening gown, and Buddy Strong-Latman was Mrs. Amity.

Jessica Ruiz, 19, of Edinburg has been crowned the 11th Miss Teenage Texas at the annual state pageant, held in Houston. She is a student at Pan American University. The first runner-up was Miss Teen Bexar County, Ashley Pedroza, and the second runner-up was Miss Teen Gregg County, Kat Hooper. The third runner-up was Miss Teen Permian Basin, Lauren Neatherlin, and the fourth runner-up was Miss Teen Inland Cities, Angie Vacante.

Former PNB cover girl Maria Beall has been chosen Ms. Virginia US Continental 2000 and will compete for the national title in August in Las Vegas. She has competed with distinction as Virginia's representative in the Mrs. America Pageant and the Mrs. American Achievement Pageant.

Ashley Smith, 11, has won the American Coed Preteen Georgia title, and was also the Photogenic winner. She is the niece (and a very devoted fan) of Patti Dunn, the reigning Miss Georgia USA.

Rose McCall of Montgomery, Ala., has been selected as the 2000-2001 Ms Black Alabama International. She will compete in Atlanta in August for the title of Ms Black International 2000-2001. She is a pageant trainer and consultant and owner of The Winner's Crown Pageant Promotions.

Jana Prihodova, 17, of the Czech Republic won the Miss Blond 2000 title on July 8, 2000, in Velden, Austria. The first runner-up was Gabriela Adamcova, 25, also of the Czech Republic, who was first runner-up to Miss Tourism International 1998. The second runner-up was Myriam Saurer, 23, of Switzerland.

The new Miss American / Universal Achievement winners, announced on July 9, 2000, are as follows:
Mrs. American Achievement 2000 - Diana Santoro, Florida
Ms. American Achievement 2000 - Merrilee McDonald, Alaska
Miss American Achievement 2000 - Barbara Stacy, Oklahoma
Miss Teen American Achievement 2000 - Laura Howard, Minnesota
Miss Preteen American Achievement 2000 - Courtney Davison, Alaska
Mrs. Universal Achievement 2000 - Karen Hauck, Pennsylvania
Ms. Universal Achievement 2000 - Theresa McDonald, Alabama
Miss Universal Achievement 2000 - Gloria Amador, California
Miss Teen Universal Achievement 2000 - Tammy Stuart, California
Miss Preteen Universal Achievement 2000 - Alyssa Duke, Alabama.
Miss American Achievement and Miss Universal Achievement are 100 percent achievement-based competitions run by Coronation, Inc.

Heather Hudson was crowned Miss South Carolina on July 8, 2000, in Spartanburg. Ms. Hudson, 22, who competed as Miss Tigertown, will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant. The first runner-up was Jessica Eddins, Miss Charleston Southern University, and the second runner-up was Anna Hanks, Miss Belton-Honea Path. The third runner-up was Jill Edmunds, Miss Williamston, and the fourth runner-up was Carmen Band, Miss Inman. Miss Tigertown represents the Clemson, S.C., area. (The tiger is the Clemson University mascot.)

Mary D'Aoust of Panama City, Fla., won the title of Ms. Florida US Continental at the state competition in Palm Beach Gardens on July 2, 2000. She will compete in the Nationals in Las Vegas in August 2000.

Tara Watson, Miss Hurst-Euless-Bedford, has been crowned Miss Texas and will represent the Lone Star State in the Miss America Pageant.

Denise Duffourc McKnight has been crowned Mrs. Louisiana United States. She also won the swimsuit and photogenic awards. She will compete at the Mrs. United States Pageant in Las Vegas. The first runner-up was Laurie Breville, and the second runner-up was Cheryl Lott. The third runner-up was Charlene Bruce, and the fourth runner-up was Doreen Landry. Mrs. McKnight was Mrs. Louisiana America 1992 and Mrs. Congeniality at Mrs. America.

Evelyn Lopez of Guatemala has been crowned Queen of the Year 2000. The first runner-up was Christie De Jesus of the Philippines, and the second runner-up was Jenni Dahlman of Finland. The third runner-up was Kanithakan Saengprachaksakula of Thailand, and the fourth runner-up was Simone Freire of Brazil. Ms. Lopez also represented country in the Miss Universe Pageant.

Lauralee Jacks of Fayetteville, Tenn., has been selected to represent Tennessee in the 2000 National Preteen Pageant to be held in Orlando, Fla., in November 2000. She has also been named Miss Tennessee Preteen American Achievement 2000 and Miss Preteen Southeastern U.S. Achievement 2000, and is a finalist for the nationals.

Teresa Rubio, a pharmacist from Shaker Heights, was crowned Mrs. Ohio America 2000 on July 1, 2000, in Columbus. She will travel to Honolulu in August to compete for the Mrs. America title. The first runner-up was was Darlene McKinney, and the second runner-up was Gemma Barbera. The third runner-up was Cynthia George, and the fourth runner-up was Lisa Young Piepsney. Cynthia Pensiero, Mrs. America 1996, is the state director.

Pam Kennedy, Miss Atlanta, was crowned Miss Georgia on July 1, 2000, in Columbus. Ms. Kennedy, 23, a LaGrange native who represented Troup County the previous year, will now go on to compete at Miss America. Her platform promotes awareness of eating disorders, and she performed a vocal rendition of "I'm Afraid This Must Be Love." The first runner-up, for the second consecutive year, was Andrea Bailey of Augusta. Ms. Bailey, 21, who competed this year as Miss Northwest Georgia, is the reigning Miss National Sweetheart. The second runner-up was Amy Mulkey, 21, of Gainesville, competing as Miss Chattahoochee, and the third runner-up was Miss Northeast Georgia, Yolanda Davis, 22, of Albany. The fourth runner-up was Joan-Marie Burns, 21, Miss Albany.

Jacqueline Sydney Cook, Miss Hampton-Newport News, was crowned Miss Virginia on July 1, 2000, in Roanoke. Ms. Cook, 24, had competed twice previously. She will represent Virginia in the Miss America Pageant. The first runner-up was Miss Southside Virginia, 21-year-old LeAnn Sherron. The second runner-up was Amanda Hosmer, 21, who competed as Miss Apple Blossom Festival. The third runner-up was Susan Crane, 21, Miss Roanoke Valley Festival, and the fourth runner-up was Lisa Melton, 20, Miss Blue Ridge Mountains Festival.

Valerie Chua, a 17-year-old student, was chosen Teen Model Singapore 2000 on July 1, 2000. She will represent Singapore at the 2000 Teen Model International Pageant in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, in August. The first runner-up was Jessie Lim, an 18-year-old student who will represent Singapore at the 2000 Miss Teenage International in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in November. The second runner-up was Ann Low. The other three finalists were Cecilia Ng, who also won the Teen Friendship Model title; Colleen He, who also won the Teen Model Look title; and Diana Sidek. Karine Yeo won the Teen Photogenic Model title.

Miss Northern Illinois, Jennifer Diane Powers, 20, of Evanston, was crowned the 61st Miss Illinois on June 30, 2000, in Oakbrook Terrace. She is a student at Northwestern University, where she is a junior seeking a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance. Her ambition is to become a professional vocalist and actress on Broadway. Her platform is "The Multifaceted Importance of Arts and Education." She performed an operatic aria, "Quando Men Vou," and won a preliminary talent award. The first runner-up was Miss East Central Illinois, Kathryn Anne Killacky of Downers Grove, and the second runner-up was Miss Rockford, Nicole Manske of Roscoe. Ms. Manske also captured a preliminary swimsuit award. The third runner-up was Miss Western Suburbs, Jessica Jean Sager of Chatham, and the fourth runner-up was Miss Southern Crown, Amanda Reynolds of Marion.

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