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Pageant News Bureau 
News archive: April - June 2003

Amber Shipman, 19, was crowned Miss Montana on June 28, 2003, in Billings. The first runner-up was Amanda Ryan, and the second runner-up was Raechel Groom. The third runner-up was Evangelina Duke. Ms. Shipman, who will represent the state at Miss America, is student at University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. Her performing talent is dance.

Christina O'Neil, 24, competing as Miss Gold Country, was crowned Miss Nevada on June 28, 2003, in Elko. The first runner-up was Chelsea Bibb, Miss UNLV, and the second runner-up was Amber Brown, Miss Elko. The third runner-up was Amber McCarty, Miss Las Vegas. Ms. O'Neil is a graduate of the University of Nevada - Reno. Her performing talent is operatic singing, and her platform is "Ending Domestic Violence Among America's Teenage Population."

Megan Torgerson, 23, who competed as Miss Coon Rapids, was crowned Miss Minnesota on June 28, 2003, in St. Paul. She is a graduate of Concordia College of Moorhead, Minn. Her talent is operatic singing, and her platform is "Taking Time to T.E.A.C.H. Tolerence."

Nicole Lamarche, 24, competing as Miss San Francisco, was crowned Miss California on June 28, 2003, in Fresno. She will represent the Golden State at Miss America. The first runner-up was Erryn Lewis, Miss Hollywood. The second runner-up was Veena Goel, Miss Orange County. The third runner-up was Elise Horner, Miss Los Angeles County. The fourth runner-up was Leslie Akers, Miss Gavilan Hills. Ms. Lamarche was a preliminary swimsuit winner, won the Photogenic award and won the Overall Interview Award. She is working on a graduate degree in divinity at the Pacific School of Religion at the Graduate Theological Union, and her platform is "College is Possible." She sang "At This Moment" for her performing talent.

Jessica Lynch, competing as Miss New York City, was crowned Miss New York on June 28, 2003, in Watertown. She will represent the Empire State at Miss America. The first runner-up was Brooke Schwendner, Miss Greater Niagara, and the second runner-up was Christina Ellington, Miss Manhattan. Maia Evwaraye-Griffin, Miss Buffalo, was the third runner-up. Ms. Lynch is a student at the University of Virginia, and she danced to "America" from the musical "West Side Story" for her talent presentation. Her platform is "Teen Depression: Combating America's Silent Epidemic."

Marla Prete, 22, Miss Fairfield County, was crowned Miss Connecticut on June 28, 2003, in New London. She will represent the state at Miss America. The first runner-up was Lisa Giordano, and the second runner-up was Kimberly Bennett. The third runner-up was Nikki Palmieri, and the fourth runner-up was Heidi Alice Voight. Ms. Prete is a Quinnipiac University student. Her platform is "Just Say No to Underage Drinking." She danced for her performing talent.

Andrea Fritz, competing as Miss Chicago, was crowned Miss Illinois on June 28, 2003, in Oakbrook Terrace. She will represent the state at Miss America. The first runner-up was Nicole Lund, Miss Iroquois County. The second runner-up was Alexandra Harold, Miss Lincoln Trail. The third runner-up was Meganne Britton, Miss Western Suburbs, and the fourth runner-up was Heidi Ekstrom, Miss Kane County. Ms. Fritz is a dancer from Schaumburg and a student at Eastern Illinois University. Her platform is "Violence Prevention." She was also a preliminary swimsuit award winner. Erika Harold, Miss America 2003, and Judy Ford-Nash, Miss America 1969, were in attendance. Ms. Harold is the sister of Alexandra Harold.

Corrie Hill, competing as Miss Mesa, was crowned Miss Arizona on June 28, 2003, in Gilbert. The first runner-up was Katherine Kennedy, Miss Gilbert, and the second runner-up was Jaclyn Cline, Miss Pima. The third runner-up was Holland Bates, Miss Scottsdale, and the fourth runner-up was Lisa Prout, Miss East Valley. Ms. Hill danced for her performing talent. Her platform is "Domestic Violence: Prevention, Awareness, and Youth Education."

Kara Colquitt, competing as Mrs. Atlanta, was crowned Mrs. Georgia America on June 29, 2003, in Roswell, Ga. She was the second runner-up the previous year. She will go on to represent the state in the Mrs. America Pageant. The first runner-up was Kelly Webb, Mrs. Canton, and the second runner-up was Markie Cohen, Mrs. Dunwoody. The third runner-up was Eaddy Mays, Mrs. Barrow County, and Amanda Kaye Williams, Mrs. Marietta, was the fourth runner-up

Marina Harrison, 22, was crowned Miss Maryland on June 28, 2003, in Hagerstown. She competed as Miss Burtonsville. She will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant in September. The first runner-up was Miss Catoctin, Jessica Diaz, and the second runner-up was Miss Chesapeake, Tiffany Jenkins. The third runner-up was Miss Frostburg, Laura Kelley, and the fourth runner-up was Miss Monocacy, Nikki Gouker of Middletown.

Nancy Redd, 22, Miss Martinsville-Henry County, was crowned Miss Virginia on June 29, 2003, in Roanoke. She will represent Virginia in the Miss America Pageant. The first runner-up was Miss Arlington, Lisa Melton. The second runner-up was Paige Yurachek, Miss Northern Virginia. The third runner-up was Rashidra Scott, Miss Portsmouth Seawall. The fourth runner-up was Mariah Rice, Miss Chesterfield. Ms. Redd's previous claim to fame was winning $250,000 on the quiz show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

Maria Torres has been named Mrs. Puerto Rico Galaxy 2004. She will compete for the title of Mrs. Galaxy 2005 in June 2004. Mrs. Torres is the national director of the Ms. Belleza Latina pageant.

Andrea Bailey, a three-time former first runner-up, was crowned Miss Georgia on June 28, 2003, in Columbus. She was Miss National Sweetheart 1999. She competed as Miss Savannah; her hometown is Evans. The first runner-up was Kandice Pelletier, recently featured in "Girl Talk" on PNB. She competed as Miss Coastal Georgia. The second runner-up was Kristen White, Miss Fulton County, and the third runner-up was Joan Marie Burns, Miss Spirit of Georgia. The fourth runner-up was Jana Mathena, Miss Atlanta.

Andrea Finch of California was chosen America's Junior Miss on June 28, 2003, in Mobile, Ala. The first runner-up was Kelly Bit of New York, and the second runner-up was Cortney Wolfson of Indiana. Elizabeth Crockett of Alabama and Lisa Warner of Connecticut were the remaining finalists.

Allison J. Kellogg, 22, competing as Miss Madison County, was crowned Miss Mississippi on June 28, 2003, in Vicksburg. She will represent the state at Miss America, where the Magnolia State has a history of excellence. The first runner-up was Miss Dixieland, Robyn Davis, and the second runner-up was Misty Nicole Rea, Miss New South. The third runner-up was Kristian Dambrino, Miss Grenada County, and the fourth runner-up was Jalin Taylor Wood, Miss Dixie.

Ericka Dunlap, 21, competing as Miss City Beautiful, was crowned Miss Florida in Orlando on June 28, 2003. She is from Orlando and will now become the first black woman to represent Florida at Miss America. The first runner-up was Shauna Pender, Miss St. Petersburg, and the second runner-up was Valerie Lynch, Miss Orlando. The third runner-up was Megan Ortagus, Miss Orange Blossom, and the fourth runner-up was Kristen O'Rear, Miss Panama City.

The Canadian delegates who will be competing in the Galaxy International 2004 Pageant have been named. They are Mrs. Canada Galaxy, Caroline Cote' ; Miss Canada Galaxy, Sarah Roiha; Miss Teen Canada Galaxy, Dyan Perry. Mrs. Cote' was chosen Ms. Amity by her peers at the 2003 Galaxy International Pageant in June. These delegates will be competing for the titles of Mrs. Galaxy 2005, Miss Galaxy 2005 and Miss Teen Galaxy 2005, respectively.

The 64th Annual Miss Georgia Forestry State Scholarship Pageant was held in Tifton, Ga.. It is the oldest scholarship pageant in the state. The Georgia Forestry queens will travel the state promoting the forest industry. Ashton Miller, representing Decatur County, was crowned the 2003 Teen Miss Georgia Forestry Queen on June 14, 2003. The first runner-up ws Lauren Stansell, representing Miller-Seminole County. The second runner-up was Lauren McCleod, representing Crisp-Dooly County. The third runner-up was Jessica Stringer, representing Ware County. The fourth runner-up was Erica Moore, representing Toombs County. Ms. Stansell was the Speech and Interview winner. Mary Frances Edgemon, representing Lee County, was Miss Congeniality. Ms. Moore won the Prettiest Smile honors. The Hospitality second runner-up was Alexa Turpin representing Wilcox County. The People's Choice winner was Heather Rigdon, representing Liberty County. The Photogenic winner was Lora Craft, representing Randolph-Terrell County, and the Prettiest Dress winner was Kellen Cooper, representing Dougherty County. Amanda McDaniel, representing Lee County, was crowned the 2003 Miss Georgia Forestry Queen on June 21, 2003. She was also the Prettiest Dress winner, the Prettiest Smile winner and the Interview winner. The first runner-up was Jessica Black, representing Emanuel County, and the second runner-up was Sally Fulcher, representing Early County. Ms. Fulcher was also the Speech winner. The third runner-up was Rachael McCall, representing South Georgia Technical College, and the fourth runner-up was Celena Mead, representing East Georgia College. Ms. Mead was also the Photogenic winner. The 2003 Miss Georgia Forestry Hospitality Queen, having the most ad sales, was Erin Vickers, representing Brantley County. Miss Congeniality was Devan Fleming, representing Abraham Baldwin College. The Director's Award went to April Josey, representing Laurens County. The People's Choice winner was April Morgan, representing Newton County.

Angele Desbiens of Kapuskasing was crowned Miss Northern Ontario Canada 2003 on June 21, 2003, in Sudbury, Ontario. Stefanie Lachance of Sudbury was the first runner-up, and Rachel Shute of New Liskeard was the second runner-up.

Dr. Lori Sikorskzy of the Galaxy pageant system has created three new titles for her former 2003 Galaxy queens. They are Miss Teen Earth – Cory Cantanese, Ms. Earth – Christina Rheinlander, and Mrs. Earth – Maria Beall.

Allison Williams has been crowned Miss West Virginia 2003. She was competing for the fourth time, and was the first runner-up the previous year. The first runner-up was Julia Burton.

Sara Seever, 21, Miss Rushmore, has been crowned Miss South Dakota. She will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant.

Whitney Kirk has been crowned Miss Arkansas 2003. She will represent the Land of Opportunity in the Miss America Pageant. The first runner-up was Abby Houseworth, and the second runner-up was Katie Bailey. The third runner-up was Lacy Fleming, and the fourth runner-up was Jennifer Crawley.

The inaugural Canada Pageants were held in London, Ontario, on June 21, 2003, and crowned three spectacular winners in an excellent show. Monica Zeniuk, Mrs. Vegreville, Alberta, was crowned Mrs. Canada International 2003, and will represent her country at the Mrs. International Pageant in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., on Sept. 6, 2003. The first runner-up was Natalie Anderson, Mrs. Fredericton, New Brunswick, and the second runner-up was Caroline Harris, Mrs. Toronto. Lisa Kartye, Mrs. Kingsville, was the third runner-up, and Bronwen Strembiski, Mrs. St. Albert, Alberta, was the fourth runner-up. Shantel Worley, representing Essex County, Ontario, was crowned Ms. National Canada 2003 the same evening. Tracy Shier, Ms. London, was the first runner-up. Also that evening, Alyson Lozoff, representing Montréal, was crowned Miss Teen Canada Scholarship 2003, and will compete at the Miss Teen International Pageant in Chicago on Aug. 2, 2003. The first runner-up was Jayna Amting of Fenelon Falls, Ontario, and the second runner-up was Brittany Bisnott from Brampton, Ontario. The third runner-up was Kerry Deagle of St. Thomas, Ontario, and Erin Palagian of St.-Lazare, Québec was the fourth runner-up. 38 teens from across the country competed. Robyn Hewson, Ms. Ontario Mid-West, was the overall People's Choice winner. Julie Young-Marcellin, who was Mrs. Canada International 2002 and competed at Mrs. International while six months pregnant, is the national director for all three events and won raves for the job that she did in her inaugural year as a director.

The Galaxy International Pageant was held on June 21, 2003, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Emerging as winners were Miss Teen Galaxy 2004, Krystal McKown, who competed as Miss Teen Texas; Miss Galaxy 2004, Gina Ferrer, who competed as Miss Texas; and Mrs. Galaxy 2004, Diana Santoro, who competed as Mrs. Florida.

Addie Hampton has been crowned 2003 Miss Teen Georgia America. She competed as Teen Miss Cobb County. (She is also Miss Junior National Teen-Ager 2003 and has been featured on PNB.) The first runner-up was Georgianna Nutt, Miss Teen Mall of Georgia. The second runner-up was Allyson Walker, Teen Miss Plantation Trace. The third runner-up was Erina Patterson, Teen Miss Atlanta. The fourth runner-up was Carly Floyd, Teen Miss Magnolia Midlands. The Highest Academic Award went to Ms. Nutt. The Most Photogenic winner was Alaina Lewis, Teen Miss Southeast Georgia. The Interview winner was Ms. Hampton. The most ads sold were by Jillian Campbell, Teen Miss Columbus. The People's Choice Award went to Carissa Capobianco, Teen Miss Historic North Georgia. The Teen Spirit Award went to Sarah Darby, Teen Miss Lake Lanier.

Former PNB cover girl Jennifer Copeland was the first-place winner of the first round of the Resaca Beach Calendar Girl Contest in Roswell, Ga., on June 22, 2003. This uniquely colorful contest is being held in four parts in 2003, in various locations, with the finals in Dalton, Ga., in September. Girls compete in biker wear and swimwear, and registration continues.

The inaugural American Renaissance Pageant has announced its 2003 American Renaissance Pageant winners: American Renaissance Hostess – Djuana Stump; 2003 Ms. American Renaissance – Debra Kennedy; 2003 Teen Miss American Renaissance – Brittny Sparrow; 2003 Ms. Elegant American Renaissance – Melissa Hooks; 2003 Miss American Renaissance – Shay Green, Ms. Classic American Renaissance – Cheryl Grobelny; Mrs. American Renaissance – Sherry Strother. The event was held in Raleigh, N.C.

Tami Krause has been crowned Mrs. Minnesota America. She is a former Minnesota Vikings cheerleader and is currently a Vikings cheerleading coach.

It was a historic event this year for the Miss Wisconsin Pageant. For the first time in its history, it saw a doctor compete for the title. It also had two sisters competing. Miss Madison, Tina Marie Sauerhammer, 22, of Green Bay was crowned Miss Wisconsin 2003 on June 21, 2003, in Oshkosh, home of the pageant for 41 years. In May, she became the youngest graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School. At age 18, she became the youngest graduate of UW-Green Bay. While at college, she was awarded the Outstanding Student Award and was a member of the Green Bay Community Orchestra. The brunette classical cellist, who won the Friday preliminary swimsuit award, was crowned by Miss Wisconsin 2002, Jayme Michel Dawicki, 23, of New Berlin. Ms. Sauerhammer, who plans to become a pediatric surgeon, will compete in the 2003 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, N.J., Sept. 20, 2003. The first runner-up was a classical ballet dancer, Miss Milwaukee, Caitlin Shea Morrall, 19, of Burlington, last year's second runner-up. She was Miss Junior Teen Milwaukee in 1998, and will now have the opportunity to represent Wisconsin at the 2003 Miss National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Ill., in September. Miss Wisconsin West, Emily Anne Rohm, 23, of Hortonville, who was Miss Appleton 1997, was the second runner-up and also the Friday talent winner. The third runner-up was Miss Western Wisconsin, Julia Ann Kraschnewski, 22, of Burlington, the same award she received in 2000. She competed with her younger sister, Miss Racine, JanaLee Sue Kraschnewski, 20, of Burlington, who was among the ten semi-finalists. Both are recent UW-Madison graduates. The fourth runner-up was first-time entrant Miss Kenosha, Megan Kathleen Lyne, 18, of Kenosha, a classical vocalist who won the Thursday preliminary talent award. Also among the top 10 was preliminary swimsuit winner Miss St. Francis, Carrie Ann Cihasky, 23, of Milwaukee, who was Miss Wisconsin National Teen-Ager 1995. The winner of the Non-Finalist Talent award was a classical pianist, Miss Wisconsin Central, Caroline Sarah Hayden, 21, of Perham, Minn. Miss Fox River Valley, Gabrielle M. Detjen, 23, of Berlin, Wis., won the Non-Finalist Interview award, while Miss Door County, Penny Lea Paye, 22, of Forestville, a cervical cancer victim, won the contestants' choice of the Good Humor (Congeniality) award. There were 26 contestants in the pageant hosted by Elizabeth (Beth) Jeanne Simmons-McShane, Miss Oregon 1993 and Miss National Sweetheart 1992.

Stacy Johnson, 20, Miss Provo, was named Miss Utah 2003 at the pageant held June 21, 2003, at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City. She will represent the state at Miss America in September. Ms. Johnson swept all three preliminary awards – talent, evening wear and swimsuit – on the three preliminary competitions during the week. Under the new leadership of David Haws, the pageant was moved back to the capital city – and into the home of the Utah Symphony and Opera – after being held in a local high school for more than 20 years. The first runner-up was Carly Lynne Tooke, 20, Miss Utah Valley, and Celeste Bales, 20, Miss Springville-Mapleton, was the second runner-up. Holly Isaman, 24, Miss Snow Country, was the third runner-up; and Brittany Wiscombe, 21, Miss Orem, was the fourth runner-up. Jessica Brinton, Miss Deseret, won the Miss America Scholar Award, and first runner-up Carly Tooke was named the Community Service Winner. Other Top 10 semi-finalists included Sharon Speer, Jessica Makin, Jessica Sorenson, Rebecca Larsen and Justi Excell.

Competing as Miss Greenville, Dena Lynette Reason, 24, won the Miss North Carolina 2003 crown on June 21, 2003, in Raleigh. She will represent the state at Miss America. Due to the legal dispute over who was the previous year's North Carolina, neither of the claimants crowned Ms. Reason. Rebekah Revels, who was crowned Miss North Carolina in the summer of 2002, gave up the crown a few weeks later in favor of first runner-up Misty Dawn Clymer. She shortly thereafter reconsidered and went to court, and the matter remains before the courts to this day. In the meantime, Ms. Clymer competed at Miss America in September 2003, and Ms. Revels represented the United States at Miss World in December 2003.

Miss Louisiana Tech University, Melissa Elise Clark, 23, of Ruston, was crowned Miss Louisiana 2003 after three previous attempts on June 21, 2003, in Monroe. Ms. Clark, who was Miss Teen Louisiana 1998, was crowned by Miss Louisiana 2002, Casey Jo Crowder, 24, of Shreveport. Ms. Clark was a preliminary talent winner with her vocal selection "The Prayer" and will advance to the 2003 Miss America Pageant on Sept. 20, in Atlantic City, N.J. In 2001, as the state's first runner-up, she was named Miss National Sweetheart. This fall, she will be a graduate student at Louisiana Tech University majoring in industrial and organizational psychology. The first runner-up was Miss Louisiana Jazzland, Tiffany Rae Brinkley, 23, who was a semi-finalist last year. The talented vocalist attends Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She will now have the opportunity to compete in the 2003 Miss National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Ill., in September. Miss Ark-La-Miss Fair, Molly Clare Causey, 20, of Ruston, was named second runner-up, a position she held last year and was Miss Teen Louisiana 1999. Third runner-up was Miss Imperial Calcasieu, Amie Bonomolo, 19, of Metaire, who was Miss Cinderella International Woman and Miss Teen Louisiana 2000. Rounding out the top five was fourth runner-up Miss Mandeville, Arianne (Ari) Ellerbe, 24, a four-time entrant, who was fourth runner-up in 2001. Among the 10 semi-finalists were five-time pageant entrant Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival, Kelly R. Fontenot, 24, and Miss Crecent City/New Orleans, Jenepher Dawn Faulk, 23, who was second runner-up to Miss Arkansas 2002. This was the 40th anniversary of the pageant being held in Monroe which prompted George Bauer III, the president and chief executive officer of the Miss America Organization, to make a guest appearance. Twenty-four past winners returned for the celebration, including Erika Schwarz-Wright, Miss Louisiana 1996 and first runner-up to Miss America 1997, who served as co-emcee of the televised pageant.

Jamie Watkins, 23, was crowned Miss Tennessee on June 21, 2003, in Jackson. She competed as Miss Scenic City, and now will go on to compete at Miss America. The first runner-up was Miss Tennessee Valley, Ashley Brooks, and the second runner-up was Tiffany Reed, Miss Music City. The third runner-up was Randi Armour, Miss Central Tennessee, and the fourth runner-up was Martin Hailey Brown, Miss University of Tennessee.

The first Competition Magazine Covergirl is being chosen (as of late June 2003), and voting is being solicited at www.missplusamerica.com/internet_covergirl_voting.htm

Online voting is under way for the Photogenic winner at Ms. Latina USA. The address is www.misslatina.com/page0022.htm

Jennifer Booth, 20, of Rio Grande, N.J., has been awarded the title of Miss New Jersey in the American Queen Pageant. She will represent the state in the "Miss Division" of the American Queen Pageant to take place onboard the Carnival Triumph on July 26, 2003.

Allyson Wells of Kokomo, Ind., captured the overall title of Kentuckiana Teen 2003 by winning the swimsuit and personal expression/runway competitions in the 2003 Kentuckiana Pageant, produced by PageantCrown.com, on June 14, 2003, in Brownstown, Ind. She was voted Miss Congeniality, won Pageantry Magazine's Spirit of Pageantry Award and the PageantCrown.com People's Choice Award. The previous year's winner, Katie Stam, who went on to win America's Southern Teen 2002, crowned her successor. Winning the title of Teen Indiana 2003 was Elizabeth Thomison of Lawrenceburg. She won the overall evening gown competition and the Leadership Award and was named the 2003 Kentuckiana Teen of the Year. Crowned as the 2003 Hoosier State Teen was Ashley Holder of Indianapolis. The 2003 Kentucky Teen is RaCayia Thomas of Louisville. The 2003 Bluegrass State Teen is Dana Wagner. The first runner-up, overall interview winner and academic winner was Ericka Schroer. The Kentuckiana Pageant is a dual state pageant for contestants residing in Kentucky or Indiana and annually crowns five state teen winners, one Miss winner, and only names a first runner-up. Making history as the first Miss Kentuckiana Model winner was Carly Hobbs. She will now advance to the America's National Miss Contest and to the Miss US Globe Pageant. The first runner-up to Miss Kentuckiana 2003 was Amanda Alvey.

Tiffany Jeffery, 21, of Kearney has been awarded the title of Miss Nebraska in the American Queen Pageant. She will compete in the "Miss Division" of the American Queen Pageant to take place on July 26, 2003, on a Caribbean cruise.

Catherine Crosby, 23, was crowned Miss Alabama 2003 in Birmingham on June 14, 2003. She is from Brewton and competed as Miss Homewood Area. She played the flute as her talent. and her platform is First Vote: America's Freedom of Choice. The first runner-up was Deidre Downs, and the second runner-up was Shannon Camper. The third runner-up was Layla Carter, and the fourth runner-up was Amy Philips-Redclift.

Janelle Couts, 22, has been crowned Miss Ohio 2003 in historic Mansfield. She captured the title on her first try. The first runner-up was Amanda Beagle, 23, Miss North Coast. The second runner-up was Marlia Fontaine, 21, Miss Greater Akron. The third runner-up was Emily Fitzpatrick, 18, Miss Marion Popcorn Festival. The fourth runner up was Laura Hutfless, 21, Miss South Central Ohio. Non-finalist talent awards went to Jennica McCleary, Brandy Davy and Betsy Wagener. The non-finalist interview award winner was Abby Bollenbacher, and the finalist interview award winner was Renee LaSalle. The Marvin Hamlisch Grand Talent Award went to Ms. Davy.

Organizers of the Miss Russia Pageant reportedly are calling the Miss Universe Pageant unfair, saying that Russia's Olesya Bondarenko should have been a finalist at Miss Universe 2003. Some people in Russia are still resentful of the way in which their countrywoman Oxana Fedorova was removed as Miss Universe 2002 and replaced by Justine Pasek of Panama. The winner of Miss Universe 2003 was Amelia Vega of the Dominican Republic.

Miss Iraq officials have confirmed to PNB that they are holding talks with the Miss Universe Organization about sending a contestant to Miss Universe 2004. Under the arrangement they are seeking, the winner at Miss Iraq would compete at Miss Universe, the first runner-up would compete at Miss World and the second runner-up would go to Miss International. The Miss Iraq Pageant has carried on bravely for years despite the isolation of Iraq, which was particularly at odds with the United States (headquarters of Miss Universe) and Britain (headquarters of Miss World). A U.S.-British military campaign ended the longtime Saddam Hussein regime in Baghdad and has given the two countries a strong role in Iraq, so the political isolation is over.

Dina Orr, Mrs. Central Florida, has been crowned Mrs. Florida United States. She will compete at the Mrs. United States Pageant. The first runner-up was Heather Goodwin, Mrs. Pinellas County, and the second runner-up was Kelly Newsome, Mrs. Hillsborough County. The third runner-up was Misty Jarret, Mrs. Duval County, and the fourth runner-up was Janet McCullough, Mrs. Orlando. The new Ms. Florida United States is Jessica Minhas, Ms. New Smyrna Beach. The first runner-up was Terri Stinson, Ms. Orlando, and the second runner-up was Jane Payeur, Ms. Tallahassee. The third runner-up was Lauren Miller, Ms. Brandenton, and the fourth runner-up was Jasmine Taylor, Ms. South Florida. Ms. Minhas will compete in the Ms. United States Pageant in Orlando in August. The new Miss Teen Florida United States is Rachel O'Connor of Zephyrills, Fla. The first runner-up was Lynsey Coburn, Orlando Teen, and the second was Erma Stubblefield, Tampa Teen. The third runner-up was Katie Sue Wright, Central Florida Teen, and the fourth runner-up was Cassandra Posso, Temple Terrace Teen. Internet People's Choice winners were Lynsey Coburn (Teen), Terri Stinson (Ms.), and Jeanna Lampart (Mrs.). Mrs. Lampart was also recognized as the top vote-getter overall. Linda Cone, Mrs. Tampa, was recognized as Mrs. Inspirational. The Photogenic winners were Cassandra Posso (Teen), Terri Stinson (Ms.) and Magdalena LaVerdiere (Mrs.). The physical fitness winners were Katie Sue Wright (Teen), Jessica Minhas (Ms.) and Misty Jarret (Mrs.). The Spirit Award was a tie between Ms. Payeur and Mrs. Orr.

The American Queen Pageant system has awarded Debra Woods of Rhode Island the title of Ms. American Queen. The mother of three has a master's degree in nursing and education. She will serve as a National Reigning American Queen, along with Jain Hall, Ms. Classic American Queen, in July 2003.

Heather Dawn Richards of Madison, Va., has been awarded the title of Miss Teen Virginia in the American Queen Pageant system.

Laia Manetti, 22, of Milan has been crowned Miss Italy Universe. She will represent her country at Miss Universe 2004.

Miss Fort Ambercombie, Sara Marie Schelkoph, was named Miss North Dakota 2003 on June 7, 2003, in Williston. The 23-year-old first-time pageant entrant from Grand Forks became the second consecutive Miss Fort Ambercrombie to win the state title. She was crowned by Miss North Dakota 2002, Stacey Thomas, 20, of Bismarck. She is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks where her father, Grant, is a research scientist. She received a bachelor of science degree in nursing last year and will promote her platform of "Improving the Image of Nursing" during the coming year. For the talent competition, she performed a jazz dance to "Don't Rain On My Parade" clad in a black shirt and top. She also won the Friday preliminary swimsuit competition and the Miss America State Scholastic Award. She will advance to the 2003 Miss America Pageant on Sept. 20, 2003, in Atlantic City, N.J. The first runner-up was Miss North Dakota State Potato Queen, Felecia Anna Farrell, 21, of Minot, who won the Thursday preliminary talent award with a baton twirling act. The former high school basketball standout, who was last year's first runner-up, is a junior education major at North Dakota State University in Fargo. She now has the opportunity to represent the Peace Garden State at the 2003 Miss National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Ill., in September. Paula Swenson, Miss Williston, was the second runner-up for the second consecutive year. The 22-year-old blonde is a sophomore at Williston State College in Williston. The third runner-up was Miss Empire, Shapeera Davis, 21, of Rapid City, S.D., who also won the Miss Congeniality Award. She is a biology student and cheer team member at Minnesota State University in Moorhead. The fourth runner-up was Tina Domagala, 20, of Williston, who is a sophomore at the University of Mary in Bismarck. She won the Thursday preliminary swimsuit award. An unprecedented fifth runner-up was named when it was learned the name of Ms. Schelkoph was left off the initial top five during the onstage announcements. Miss Williams County, Nalia J. Hegge, 19, of Williston claimed the surprise fifth runner-up award. She was a semi-finalist last year and is a pharmacy freshman at North Dakota State University. The remaining four women among the final 10 were: Miss Fargo, Sarah Morken; Miss North Dakota State College of Science, Jessica Lunneborg; Miss Peace Garden State, Jessica Jane Horner; and Miss Lake Agazzis, Keely Mae Lovgren, who was the third runner-up in 2001. Jenna Reis of New Rockford won the pageant's Scholar Award and the Non-Finalist Interview Award.

Making her fifth attempt at the title, Miss Omaha, Jane Elizabeth Noseworthy, finally accomplished her goal of becoming Miss Nebraska on June 7, 2003. She was crowned by Miss Nebraska 2002, Krista Knicely, 24, of Omaha, at the annual pageant in North Platte. Ms. Noseworthy, 23, of Bellevue, who was second runner-up the previous year and first runner-up in 2001, is a 2002 music and theater graduate of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, where she was a member of the "Rams" cheerleading squad, the steel band musical group, and was the solo vocalist and director of various campus theater productions. On June 5, she won the preliminary talent award with a semi-classical rendition of "Art Is Calling for Me," a vocal selection she has used in her past four attempts, which also garnered two previous preliminary talent wins. She will now promote a platform of "Sharing Literacy" during the coming year and will advance! to the 2003 Miss America Pageant on Sept. 20, 2003, in Atlantic City, N.J. The first runner-up to Ms. Noseworthy was three-time entrant Brook Matthews, 22, of Omaha, Miss Douglas County, a graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayettville. The blond vocalist was third runner-up in 2000 and fourth runner-up in 2001. She now has the opportunity to represent the "Cornhusker State" at the 2003 Miss National Sweetheart Pageant in September in Hoopeston, Ill. The second runner-up was Friday preliminary talent winner, Miss Metro, Tami Jo Foehlinger, 23, of Ralings. She is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the sister of Miss Nebraska 2001, Christina "Tina" Lee Foehlinger and the late Robert "Bobby" Andrew Foehlinger. He was the famed UN-Lincoln Cornhusker lead twirler and pageant enthusiast who died in May 2003 in a Missouri car accident. Mr. Foehlinger was remembered during the pageant with a tribute and a memorial in the program book. Miss Capital City, Kelly Hahn, 22, of Columbus, was the third runner-up, while Miss Western Nebraska, Guerin Elizabeth Austin, 23, of Bellevue was named fourth runner-up, the same honor she received the previous year. Miss Lancaster County, Alisha Nabity, 18, of Malcomb won the Scholar Award, while Miss Saline County, Lisa Ann Wanek, 18, of Crete, won the Community Service Award. Miss Great Plains, Kelly Keiser, 17, of Gothenburg won the Non-Finalist Interview Award. There were 17 contestants in the pageant, which was themed "Saluting Miss Liberty" and was co-hosted by former Miss Nebraska winners Kendra Quandt (1997) and Jill Pennington (2000).

Majian Eytan, 20, has been crowned Miss Bern 2003. She is the daughter of an Israeli father and a Swiss mother. She will represent the Swiss capital in Miss Switzland in September.

Chelsey Milne of Abbotsford, British Columbia, was crowned Miss Canada Teen Global in North Vancouver on June 1, 2003. She will represent her country at the Miss Teen Global Pageant in Myrtle Beach, S.C., in July. Sahar Biniaz of Richmond, B.C., was the first runner-up. The remaining finalists were Shalini Kennedy of Vancouver, Monica Fras of Dawson, Yukon Territory, and Desiree Mamisao of Port Moody, B.C. Miss Friendship was Dora Kennedy of Delta, B.C.

On the same day she was chosen Miss New York National Teen-Ager, Kim Twist became a correspondent for the Pageant News Bureau. She is an aspiring journalist and a rising star in the pageant world.

Kimberly Cantoni of Staten Island was chosen Miss New York Junior National Teen-Ager 2003 on June 1, 2003, in Staten Island, N.Y. The first runner-up was Chelsea Chambers of Potsdam, who was also the Junior Essay winner. The second runner-up was Amanda Alicea of Staten Island, who also won the Junior Volunteer award. The third runner-up was Heidi Giberson of Olean, who also won the Talent Award. The fourth runner-up was Amanda Befferman of Oceanside. Kimberly Twist of Manhattan was named Miss New York National Teen-Ager 2003. She also took home the Senior Essay award. The first runner-up was Julia Lyons of Pittsford. The Talent winner was Heidi Giberson. The Essay winner in the Junior division was Chelsea Chambers, and the Essay winner in the Senior division was Kim Twist. The Volunteer Service winner in the Junior division was Amanda Alicea, and the Volunteer Service winner in the Senior division was Kim Twist.

Petrina Thomas, 21, of Keetmanshoop was crowned Miss Namibia in Windhoek on June 1, 2003. She will compete at Miss World 2003 in China and Miss Universe 2004. The first runner-up was Gabrielle Schröder, who was also Miss Personality, and the second runner-up was Mbapewa Njembo. Tanya Strauss was Miss Photogenic, and Fenni Angukku was the public's choice (based on past years, probably the "Die Republikein" newspaper's Reader's Choice winner).

The Miss Dream Girl America Pageant was held on May 31, 2003. The talent winner was Daisy Glasser of Atlantic Beach, Fla. The first runner-up was Brittany Kern. The second runner-up was Myriaha Musgrave. The third runner-up was Erica Pierce. Chelsea D. Simons of Tallahassee, Fla., was chosen the Miss winner (the 18-24 age group). April Gregory of Cape Coral, Fla., was the first runner-up. Chelsea Ann Zedar of Orlando, Fla. (a former PNB cover girl) was the second runner-up. Hanna Austin of Auburn, Ala., was the third runner-up. Tiffany Terrell of Ponte Vedra Beach was the Teen winner (ages 13-17). Daisy Glasser of Atlantic Beach was the first runner-up. Danielle Williams of Ponte Vedra Beach was the second runner-up. Valerie Denise Dixon of Orange Park, Fla., was the third runner-up. The Teen Photogenic Winner was Tiffany Terrell of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. The Miss Photogenic winner was Megan Ortagus of Lakeland, Fla. The Miss Dream Girl America competition is known for its generous prizes (too numerous to note here) and the record of pageant success of its participants.

Nicole Cichanovich was crowned Miss Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, British Columbia, on May 31, 2003. Katie Soltis was crowned Miss Teen Fraser Valley. Both will represent their region as goodwill ambassadors.

Logan Chandler of Sumter, S.C., was crowned Miss Teen Joanna on May 31, 2003. April Storey won the title of Miss Joanna and will compete at Miss South Carolina USA in November 2003.

Jamie Liz Castillo was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas 2003 in Manila on May 31, 2003. She will be the host delegate, representing the Philippines, at the Miss Asia Pacific Pageant this winter. Angeline Tucio was the first runner-up, and Fiona Lava was the second runner-up. Alicia Altares (who represented the Filipino communities of Canada and is also the reigning Miss International Canada) was third runner-up, and Clarice Plotena was the fourth runner-up.

Molly Stockwell Ophus has been awarded the title of Mrs. Arizona United Nation 2003. She will represent the state at the national pageant, Mrs. United Nation, in August in Hollywood. She is married to Josh Ophus, a professional baseball player.

Kelly Haser Pickens has been awarded the title of Mrs. Florida in the American Queen Pageant. She is the official spokeswoman for the Youth Crisis Center in Jacksonville.

Kaitlyn Kavanagh, an 11-year-old from Medford, N.J., has been awarded the title of Miss Pre-Teen New Jersey in the American Queen Pageant. She enjoys singing, softball and soccer. She also enjoys acting and has appeared in numerous films. She will represent New Jersey in the National American Queen Pageant on July 26, 2003.

LaShae Hubicki, 15, of Quakertown was chosen Miss Pennsylvania Junior National Teen-Ager 2003 on May 25, 2003, in Langhorne. She was also the Junior Essay winner. She was crowned by outgoing Pennsylvania Junior queen Kelly Barron of Whitehaven. The first runner-up was Danielle Hessel, 15, of Doylestown. She was also the Junior Talent winner and the Junior Volunteer Service Winner. Lindsay Siegle, 16, of Allentown was named Miss Pennsylvania National Teen-Ager 2003. She took home the Senior Essay award and was crowned by outgoing Pennsylvania queen Kim Twist of Blue Bell. The first runner-up was Mallory Keith, 18, of Altoona, also the Senior Volunteer Service winner. Eighteen-year-old Brittany Cormack of Perkasie was the second runner-up and the Senior Talent winner. The third runner-up was 17-year-old Nikkia Moss of Philadelphia.

The Central Florida of America Pageant was held in Kissimmee, Fla., on May 24, 2003. The winners were Miss Central Florida Junior Teen of America, Bridgitte Cawthon; Miss Central Florida Teen of America, Ashley Avis; Miss Central Florida of America, Brenda Piccirillo; and Mrs. Central Florida of America, Dr. Diana Santoro. All of the newly crowned queens will advance to the Perfect Production Pageants' national pageant July 24-27, 2003 in Atlanta. The photogenic winner was Tiffany Shemwell.

Classical pianist Elizabeth Edgecomb of Limestone, Maine, was crowned Miss Maine America 2003 in Biddeford on May 24, 2003. She was a preliminary swimsuit winner and attends the University of Southern Maine. The first runner-up was Melissa Babin, followed by second runner-up Michelle Violette. Amanda Nicole Ludwig was the third runner-up, and the fourth runner-up was Michelle Russell.

Amy Stoody was crowned Elite Supreme at the All American Family West Coast Mini-Nationals in Newport Beach, Calif., on May 18, 2003.

Arethia Clark, a mother of three and a certified Alzheimer's administrator, has been awarded the title of Ms. Kansas in The American Queen Pageant. Ms. Clark's first name is pronounced like "Aretha," and she is a singer.

Jain Hall of Dallas has been selected as Ms. Classic American Queen 2003 in the American Queen Pageant. She is the first national title winner announced by the system.

Amanda Jakubowski, 16, of New Jersey won the title of Miss Maritime Miss (Age Division 16-19) in Maryland on May 25, 2003. She also won for Prettiest Hair, Best Dress and Best Smile.

Jessica Caldwell was chosen Miss Hooters Illinois on May 22, 2003, in Peoria. She will go on to compete for the Miss Hooters International crown.

Mr. Earth Pakistan 2003, Zubair Surayo, has resigned, and Arsalan Ahmed, the fourth runner-up at Manhunt Pakistan 2002, has been appointed as the new Mr. Earth Pakistan. Zubair has joined CAMP Entertainments as the production manager and will be in charge of hosting the Mr. Earth world finals. According to Maria Saleem, the public relations officer, "It is merely his decision and . . . I wish him all the best in all his future and present endeavors, and welcome him as the new Production Manager in CAMP Entertainments." She also praised the new Mr. Earth Pakistan.

Marisa Benincasa, competing as Mrs. Valley of the Sun, has been crowned Mrs. Arizona America in Scottsdale. The first runner-up was Britt Boyse, Mrs. Maricopa County, and the second runner-up was Tammy Linn, Mrs. Phoenix. The third runner-up was Mayda Mifflin, Mrs. Mesa. The fourth runner-up was Lindsay Spears, Mrs. Apache County. The Trim Spa Dream Body Award went to Mrs. Scottsdale, Amy Bast. The Jafra Cosmetics Photogenic Award went to Mrs. Surprise, Angela Pelton. The Director's Award went to Mrs. Phoenix, Tammy Linn, and the Jeannie Schmitz Congeniality Award went to Mrs. Tombstone, Robin Ross-Holmes.

Ragnhildur Jonsdottir, 21, of Keflavik was crowned Miss Iceland on May 22, 2003. The first runner-up was Tinna Alavis, and the second runner-up was Regina Jonsdottir. The new winner will represent her country at Miss Universe next year.

The worlds can return to their orbits. After initial reports that Miss Venezuela would not compete in the 2003 Miss Universe Pageant, officials in Venezuela have announced that she will be there.

Ana Karina Ramírez, 18, was crowned Miss Mérida on May 19, 2003, and will represent her state in the Miss Venezuela Pageant in September. Marinelly Rivas was the first runner-up, Rosa Virginia Manrique was the second runner-up, and Grehidy García was the third runner-up.

The Miss Iraq Committee celebrated the 55th annual Miss Iraq Pageant in Nairobi, Kenya, with members of the local Iraqi community. There were 20 contestants for the title of Miss Iraq 2003 and 12 for Mister Iraq 2003. The event was held May 19, rescheduled from April 5, and was held outside the country due to the recent war. Gwen Cripps, 18, a university student from Baghdad studying medicine in London, was crowned Miss Iraq 2003, and is the first African Iraqi to win the title. She is of Nigerian and Welsh descent. The first runner-up was Gemma Stefani, 19. Elizabeth Cripps, 17, sister of the winner, was the second runner-up. This was the first time two sisters entered and did so well. Majid Shabou, 20, of Babil, now studying at Keele University in England, was chosen Mr. Iraq 2003. The first runner-up was Djuneid Dulloo, 21, and the second runner-up was Nadeem Nuridin, 19.

Chelsea Carter was crowned Miss Teen Houston Galaxy on May 4, 2003, in Houston. Kristen Barley was crowned Miss Houston Galaxy, and Holly Hernandez was crowned Mrs. Houston Galaxy. They will compete for the state crowns in the Galaxy system on June 7.

Jamie Stump, 20, of Leesburg has been awarded the title of Ms. Virginia Ambassador 2003. She will compete for the 2004 Ms. Ambassador title in November 2003. She is a college student, a community volunteer and a cheerleader for Virginia's premier minor league football team, the Virginia Monarchs.

Mariangel Ruiz, Miss Venezuela, reportedly will be unable to go to Panama to participate in the Miss Universe Pageant because of foreign exchange controls that prevent her supporters from financing her trip. Meanwhile, Maria Smirnova, Miss Russia, will not be at Miss Universe because she posed for Playboy magazine in 2000. Olesya Bondarenko, 24, will replace her.

Alessandra Cuomo, 24, has been crowned Miss Suisse Romande 2003, queen of the French-speaking region of Switzerland. She is the first contestant chosen for the Miss Switzerland Pageant 2003, scheduled for September 2003.

Naisha Correa, 13, of Union City, N.J., has been awarded the title of Miss Teen New Jersey in the American Queen Pageant. She will represent the state in the American Queen Pageant in July 2003.

Chalisa Boonkrongsap, 19, was crowned Miss Thailand on May 10, 2003, in Muang-Tong Tanee. The first runner-up was Supinya Chayaputi, 24, and Ake-jittra Kummeesrisuk, 20, was the second runner-up. Kanittha Leang-arunlert, 19, was the third runner-up, and U-ratchata Na-nakorn, 21, was the fourth runner-up. The event celebrated the seventieth anniversary of the Miss Thailand Pageant, and former Miss Universe Apasra Hongsakula was present to take part in the festivities. Also present, and looking radiant, was Mayuree Wichaiwatthana, Miss Siam 1937 (precursor to Miss Thailand.) The pageant currently does not send any representatives to international contests.

Marie Filbey was chosen Miss Mississippi Junior National Teen-Ager on May 3, 2003, in Raymond, Miss. The first runner-up was Kathryn Dambrino, and the second runner-up was Erika Bingham. The third runner-up was Ashleigh Ainsworth, and the fourth runner-up was Elizabeth Kazal. Melanie Lewis was chosen Miss Mississippi Senior National Teen-Ager. The first runner-up was Laura Guiles, and the second runner-up was Erika Berry. The third runner-up was Abigail Wall, and the fourth runner-up was Candi Shaw. They will compete for their respective nationals in Nashville in the summer of 2003.

Danielle Sirico, 16, of Cheshire, Conn., has been awarded the title of Miss Teen Connecticut in the American Queen Pageant. She is a high school student and has been studying dance since she was able to walk. She is the sister of Trisha Sirico, 11, who holds a Green Belt in karate and has been awarded the title of Miss Pre-Teen Connecticut in the American Queen Pageant.

Dawn Theige-Parr has been awarded the titles of All American Family 2003 State Ambassador and Mrs. Wisconsin International Royalty 2004. She is a stay-at-home mom and pageant consultant for Midwest Pageant Coaching. She has competed in pageants for more than 10 years and has held several titles.

Geoff Tucker of Starshiners! Productions is planning a reunion of 1998 Miss USA contestants and has already reached half. Others can get in touch with him at starshinersproductions@yahoo.com.

Following are the winners of the Miss Marietta (Ga.) Pageant held May 11, 2003: Baby Miss – Kaitlyn Winters; Toddler Miss – Madeleine Froman; Teeny Miss – Emma Gwaltney; Tiny Miss – Sara Grace Cruz; Little Miss – Summer Price; Junior Miss – Mallori Smith; Teen Miss –  Carissa Capobianco; Miss – Amanda Hamilton; Ms. – Britney Wix.

Halle Berry, a former beauty queen who's the reigning queen of Hollywood, has been chosen the world's most beautiful woman by readers of Eve magazine. Catherine Zeta Jones came in second, and model Yasmin Le Bon (a model married to Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran) was third. Jennifer Lopez was fourth, and Catherine Deneuve was fifth.

Laura Marie Dunlap was crowned Miss Philippines in Manila on May 11, 2003. She will represent her country at the Miss Earth Pageant, which will be held in the Philippines in October. The first runner-up, who received the title of Miss Air Philippines, was Evangeline Nathalie Tarin, and the second runner-up (Miss Water Philippines) was Sheryl Lou Franco. The third runner-up (Miss Fire Philippines) was Lesley Jean Samson, and the fourth runner-up (Miss Eco-Tourism Philippines) was Mary Joyce Garcia.

Representing Portland, Jennifer Weber has been crowned Mrs. Maine International 2003. During the competition, she also received the Elegance/Evening Gown Award, the Physical Fitness/Aerobic Wear Award, and was voted Mrs. Congeniality.

Jacinta Devlin, 16, of Gardiner has been crowned Miss Teen Maine International 2003. She also won the Photogenic, Physical Fitness and Evening Gown awards.

Jennifer Miller of Ormond Beach was crowned Mrs. Florida America 2003 on May 10, 2003, in Orlando. She is the wife of Roy Miller. She will represent the state in the Mrs. America Pageant in September in Honolulu. The first runner-up was Jamie Estrada of Miami Lakes, who won best in evening gown, and the second runner-up was Allison Ricks, who won the Trim Spa Fitness Award. The third runner-up was Janet McCullough, who won the Jaffa Cosmetics Photogenic Award. The fourth runner-up was Heather Laughlin. Mrs. Congeniality was Ali Dickson, and the Spirit Award winner was Claire Godfrey.

Jenna Morasca, whose nature-oriented cover spread on PNB brought her to the attention of the producers of "Survivor:Amazon," was the big winner on the high-rated CBS series, it was revealed on May 11, 2003. "Our hat is off to Jenna," said PNB founding editor Gerdeen Dyer. "We knew she was something special from the start. She's one girl who won't be spoiled by fame."

Carly Skidmore, a 16-year-old native of Brampton, Ontario, has been crowned Miss Brampton International 2003 in the Miss Brampton International Pageant System.

Ikeema Hodge was crowned Ms. British Virgin Islands Carnival Queen 2003 on April 20, 2003.

Jennifer Rinaldi of Stamford, Conn., has been crowned Ms. Connecticut American United States and will be competing for the national title of Ms. American United States in July 2003.

A new interview with Leanne Cecile, Miss Universe Canada, is up on Jimmy's Pageant Page. It's a must read.

As if language barriers, jet lag, lost luggage and customs inspections aren't enough for this year's group of Miss Universe delegates to worry about as they arrive in Panama for the 2003 Miss Universe Pageant, they now have one other concern: passing a SARS health exam.

Mayor Juan Carlos Navarro of Panama City, Panama, the host city of the 2003 Miss Universe Pageant, has declared that each contestant must obtain a doctor's note certifying that she does not have Severe Acute Respriratory Sydrome, the newly discovered disease known as SARS. The disease is believed to have originated in China. It has been most prevalent in that country and other nations on its southern rim, as well as Canada, which has a large and mobile Asian immigrant population. Contestants from those countries must furnish more extensive proof to Panamanian authorities. Anti-SARS specialists will meet contestants at the airport in an attempt to block the virus from entering Panama. The contestants are to arrive in Panama on May 15, 2003. The pageant is June 3.

Debra Woods, a mother of three and registered nurse from Cranston, R.I., has been awarded the title of Ms. Rhode Island in The American Queen Pageant. She will represent the state in the Ms. Division at the National American Queen Pageant on July 26, 2003.

Radiah Hyatte has been chosen as Ms. District of Columbia American United States 2003, and will compete for the national title of Ms. American United States in Orlando in late July and early August 2003.

Chisa Johnson, a senior at Winthrop University, was crowned Miss Black South Carolina 2004 on May 2, 2003. She also won the interview, sportswear, talent, and evening gown competitions. She will be graduating in late May 2003 and plans to attend law school.

Catherine Daza Manchola, representing the city of Zarzal, was crowned Miss Valle in Cali, Colombia, on May 3, 2003. She will represent her state in the Miss Colombia Pageant in November, with a chance to be her country's representative at the Miss Universe or Miss International pageant.

Claudia Ortiz de Zevallos was crowned Miss Peru Universe on April 30, 2003, and will compete in the Miss Universe Pageant. She is a pageant veteran who has competed in several national and international contests, including placing in the top ten at last year's Miss Earth Pageant in the Philippines.

Tuðba Karaca was crowned Miss Turkey in Istanbul on April 29, 2003, and will compete in the Miss World Contest in China in December. Özge Ulusoy was the first runner-up, and will compete in Miss Universe in Panama on June 3. Yelda Kaya was the second runner-up, and will compete at the Miss Europe Pageant in December. Gizem Kalyoncu, the third runner-up, will represent Turkey at the Miss International Pageant in China this autumn.

A new face has risen in New Hampshire while another has fallen. Miss Deerfield Fair, Candace K. Glickman, 21, of Manchester was crowned Miss New Hampshire America 2003 on May 3, 2003, one day after the state's most recognizable symbol, "The Old Man of the Mountain," a granite facial profile on Cannon Mountain in Franconia State Park, collapsed to the ground due to natural forces. Ms. Glickman, who is the second consecutive woman to win on her fourth attempt, was crowned by Miss New Hampshire 2002, Mary Catherine Morin, 24, of Bedford at the conclusion of the annual pageant in Derry. It marked the first time the pageant was staged at the new Pinkerton Academy's fine arts theater. Ms. Glickman is a junior at the University of New Hampshire-Manchester and sang Josh Groban's "To Where You Are" in talent competition. She dedicated the song to her cousin, Peter, a victim in the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York. She will advance to the 2003 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, N.J., on Sept. 20, 2003. No New Hampshire woman has ever won the national title. The first runner-up to Ms. Glickman was Miss RiverFest, Jessica Avis Morin, 22, of Raymond. She was the 2002 New Hampshire Country Music Association's Most Promising Gospel Vocalist winner and a Non-Finalist Talent winner in last year's pageant. She is theater performance and psychology major at Wagner College in Staten Island, N.Y., and now has the opportunity to represent the Granite State in the 2003 Miss National Sweetheart Pageant this September in Hoopeston, Ill. The second runner-up was Miss Bedford, Emily Ann Hughes, 19, of Gilmanton, last year's third runner-up. Miss Seacoast, Briana Jean Burgess, 20, a vocalist from Londonderry was chosen third runner-up, while Jessica Marie Lencki, 18, of Goffstown, was the fourth runner-up. Ms. Lencki competed as Miss Capital Area and was also a Non-Finalist Talent winner last year. The two Non-Finalist Talent winners this year were first time entrants Miss Greater Manchester, Natalie C. Shaw and Miss Kingston, Keriann Lynch, who also won the Miss Congeniality award. The two Non-Finalist Interview winners were Miss Rockingham County, Katie Ann Craft and Miss Greater Derry, Cara Marie Silva, who won the award for the second time. Contestants in the 57th annual pageant included Glickman's younger sister, Miss Stratham Fair, Randi-Lee Glickman, 19, of Manchester, a three-time pageant entrant.

Leslie Dini, an 18-year-old freshman at Hofstra University and resident of West Haven, Conn., has been awarded the title of Miss Connecticut in the American Queen Pageant.

Pageant participant, organizer and activist Shawn Cunningham has announced that she has started the Miss American Achievement Ambassador system. She characterizes it as a revival of the MAA (Miss American Achievement) online pageant program. She can be reached at shawncunninghamreporter@hotmail.com

Courtney Bell, 16 of Hilton Head Island, captain of her cheerleading squad, has been awarded the title of Miss Teen South Carolina in The American Queen Pageant. She will represent her state at the National American Queen Pageant on July 26, 2003.

Kelly Platt, a mother of two and an active environmentalist on Long Island, has been awarded the title of Mrs. New York in The American Queen Pageant. She will represent her state at the National American Queen Pageant on July 26, 2003.

The first of the 51 state and district pageants selecting contestants for the 2003 Miss America Pageant took place on April 26, 2003. Laurie Beth Gray, 22, of Warwick, R.I., was crowned Miss Rhode Island America 2003 on in Woonsocket. The classical violinist, who won the preliminary talent, evening gown and swimsuit competitions, was crowned by Miss Rhode Island 2002, Gianine Marie Teti, 22, of Warren, formerly of New Jersey. Ms. Gray will graduate in May with a biology degree from Harvard University. She is currently involved with Harmony, a group that provides music lessons to the less fortunate, and she is also a member of Harvard's "MIHNUET" (Music in Hospitals and Nursing Homes Using Entertainment as Therapy). Last summer, competing as Miss Commonwealth, she was named fourth runner-up in the 2002 Miss Massachusetts Pageant. The brunette beauty, who was Rhode Island's Junior Miss 1999, will compete in the 2003 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, N.J., in September 2003. The first runner-up to Miss Rhode Island was Felicia Yeung-Yi Kuo, 20, a first-time entrant from East Providence, a bio-medical student at Brown University. She also won the Interview Award and will now have the opportunity to represent the Ocean State in the 2003 Miss National Sweetheart Pageant this September in Hoopeston, Ill. Repeating her second runner-up position from last year was classical pianist Anne Louise Seradkowski, 21, of Richmond, a biological sciences student at the University of Rhode Island. Last year's first runner-up, Alana M. Iantuono, 22, of Cranston was named third runner-up. The five-time pageant entrant and Polynesian dancer was also first runner-up in 2001. The fourth runner-up was Elizabeth M. Parrillo, 22, of Providence. She is a magna cum laude music graduate of Rhode Island College.

Sharee Adams, 23, of Auckland was crowned Miss New Zealand Universe 2003 on April 26, 2003. She will represent the island nation in the Miss Universe Pageant.

Reginald D. Lewis of Georgia has been named Mr. African-American Sophisticate Ambassador 2003. Leslie R. Wilson has been chosen Miss African-American Sophisticate Ambassador 2003. They will serve as goodwill ambassadors for the 2003 pageant competition and will promote platforms of their choice.

Quandrico Rutledge has been chosen Mr. Black South Carolina Achievement 2003. He is the Director of the Miss Black Palmetto and Miss African-American Sophisticate pageants.

Gislaine Ferreira, Miss Tocantins, 19, was crowned Miss Brazil on April 26, 2003, in São Paulo. She will represent her country at Miss Universe 2003 in Panama on June 3. Lara Brito, Miss Goiás, 24, was crowned Miss Brazil World, and will compete at the international finals in Hainan Province, China, in December. Carlessa da Rocha, Miss Pará, 19, was chosen Miss Brazil International, and will compete at Miss International in Shanghai, China, in October. The remaining finalists were Maria Cecilia Valarini, Miss Rio Grande Do Norte and Juliana Volpini, Miss São Paulo State.

Ana Sánchez, 20, was crowned Miss Bolívar in Guayana, Venezuela, on April 25, 2003. She also won the Miss Congeniality prize, and will represent her state at the Miss Venezuela Pageant later in the year. The runners-up were Samira Olivero, Verónica Estrada and Rissel Herrera.

Carrie Ann Cihasky, 22, of Milwaukee, who was Miss Milwaukee 2002 and fourth runner-up to Miss Wisconsin 2002 last summer, was named Miss St. Francis 2003 on April 26, 2003, in the southern Milwaukee suburb. The brunette jazz tap dancer was crowned by Miss St. Francis 2002, Janel Yvonne Mayer, a classical pianist who attends Marquette University. Ms. Cihasky, who was also Miss West Allis 2000 and Miss Wisconsin National Teenager 1995, won a $2,500 scholarship and will advance to the 2003 Miss Wisconsin Pageant scheduled for June 19-21, 2003, in Oshkosh. She is a 2002 political science graduate of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The first runner-up was brunette vocalist Nicole Marie Groppi, 22, of Milwaukee, a health sciences junior at UW-Milwaukee, who was third runner-up last year. The second runner-up was Kaela Ann Zielinski, 21, of Oak Creek. She was last year's fourth runner-up and was Miss Polish Fest in 2001. The third runner-up was Andrea Catherine Berndt, 20, a dancer and sophomore at UW-Parkside from Oak Creek (and last year's second runner-up). Amy Lynn Douyette, 19, of South Milwaukee was the fourth runner-up. She is a classical pianist attending UW-Milwaukee. The winner of the Non-Finalist Talent Award was Miranda Lee Zynda of St. Francis, an arts and photography freshman at UW-Milwaukee, played "Waltz in F" and "If You Only Knew" on the flute.

Monica Brokenborough was stripped of her Miss Columbus (Ohio) title in the Miss America system on April 5, 2003, for alleged false statements on her application. Runner-up Renee LaSalle received the crown.

Tessa Amber Brix, 22, a model from the Rotterdam region, was crowned Miss Universe Netherlands 2003 on April 18, 2003, Gemert, Noord Brabant, Netherlands. She will represent the country at Miss Universe.

Karen Cooper has been crowned Mrs. Virginia American International 2003. She will compete for the title of Mrs. American International in November 2003.

Denisa Kola, representing the town of Peshkopia, was crowned Miss Albania Universe 2003 on April 15, 2003. She will represent the south European country in the Miss Universe Pageant.

Shari Murray was crowned Ms. Virginia Ambassador 2003 on April 11, 2003. She is also the reigning Ms. U.S. Woman of the Year.

Whitney Law has been crowned Miss Virginia Junior National Teenager. She will compete for Miss Junior National Teenager in August 2003 in Nashville.

Kimberly Townsend of Evansville, Ind., captured the title of Mrs. Indiana Globe 2003 on April 12, 2003, after winning all three phases of preliminary competition that included Interview, Swimsuit and Evening Gown. She also won the PageantCrown.com online vote for the People's Choice Award and tied with contestant Amy Wessling for the audience choice award. She represented Indiana in autumn 2002 in the Miss Hawaiian Tropic Pageant in Hawaii and was selected and appeared as an extra in the "Baywatch" reunion movie that aired in early 2003. She is a professional cheerleader, a fitness instructor, a high school biology teacher and four months away from earning a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She will represent the Hoosier state in the Mrs. US Globe Pageant in July 2003 in Palm Springs, Calif. The first runner-up and WIN Charity Award Winner was Debbie Sienkowski, and the second runner-up and Photogenic Winner was Lori Smith. Other award winners included: Amy Wessling, Contestant's Choice Award and Globe Award winner; Colleen Burns, Mrs. Congeniality and winner of the Stephanie Wells Inspiration Award; and Pamela Muech, the Director's Award winner. The event was produced by PageantCrown.com, and co-hosts for the event were Mrs. Indiana Globe 2002, Stephanie Wells; Mrs. Kentucky Globe 2001-2002, Jeri Benzel; and the Indiana State Director, J. Scot Reid.

Lucie Vachova, 18, was crowned Miss Czech Republic 2003 on April 12, 2003. The first runner-up was Klara Medkova, 19, who was also Miss Congeniality and Miss TV. The second runner-up was Marketa Divisova, 19.

Charlene Gerber, 20, of South Africa was crowned Miss Tourism Intercontinental 2003 on April 12, 2003, in Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia. The first runner-up was Alina Seleznyova of Ukraine, and the second runner-up was Jessica Catherine Milton of Australia. The special award winners were: Best in Traditional Costume – Miss Thailand, Sunisa Pasuk; Best in Evening Wear – Miss Vietnam, Chu Thi Van Anh; Miss Congeniality – Miss Malaysia, Sanny Lu Poh Yee; Miss Talent – Miss Brazil, Francisca Monterio; Miss Charm – Miss China - Dong Mei Xi; Miss Goodwill – Miss Tibet, Miss Dolma Tsering.

Elaine Daly, 26, of Kuala Lumpur, a law graduate, model and actress, was crowned Miss Malaysia Universe 2003, on April 11, 2003. She was also chosen Miss I-Beauty Slim, Miss Love & Lace Photogenic and Miss Crowning Glory. She was previously first runner-up at Miss Malaysia World 1999. The first runner-up was Andrea Ho of Penang state, and the second runner-up was Rane Tay of Johor state. The third runner-up was A. Thanushia of Penang state, and the fourth runner-up was Jaqueline How of Kuala Lumpur.

Whitney Law of Middleburg, Va., won the Miss Fredericksburg Virginia Teen USA Pageant on March 29, 2003. She will compete in the Miss Virginia Teen USA pageant in November. She was also crowned Miss Loudon County one week before her Fredericksburg win.

Florecita de Jesús Cobián Azurdia, 19, was crowned Miss Guatemala 2003 on April 7, 2003, and will represent Guatemala at Miss Universe 2003 in Panama. The first runner-up was Dulce Maria Duarte, and the second runner-up was Pamela Prado.

Melissa Chaty, Miss Teen Mendocino County, was crowned Miss Teenage California 2003 on April 6, 2003, in Los Angeles. She will compete in the Miss Teen of the Nation Pageant in summer 2003 in Las Vegas. She plans to attend Westmont College and earn a B.A. in psychology with a minor in vocal performance. The runners-up were Miss Teen Riverside County, Frances-Lynn Capulong, Miss Teen Northern Alameda County, Melissa Campbell, Miss Teen Almaden Valley, Sarah Chapman and Miss Teen East San Bernardino County, Brytani Brooks.

Zehra Sheerazi has been crowned Miss Canada Pakistan 2003.

PageantCrown.com has announced that it will produce its own annual National Miss Contest. PageantCrown.com is accepting contestants to represent their states in the inaugural event held in the host city of Indianapolis. Experienced pageant contestants who have competed and placed as a finalists, semi-finalists or runners-up in any major recognized Teen or Miss state pageant systems automatically qualify to compete in the national event. The winner of the America’s National Miss contest will receive a $2,000 cash prize, a complete personally designed competition wardrobe, travel opportunities, and professional and personalized pageant training to help further her pageant competition success. Participating contestants must be high school graduates and be at least 17 and no older than 26 by Feb. 1, 2004.

Michelle Lecky, 24, competing as Miss Church's Chicken, was crowned Miss Jamaica Universe on April 5, 2003, in Kingston. She also won the "Most Aware" cash prize. The first runner-up was Deborah Deer, who got the "Best Smile" prize, and the second runner-up was Sadiki Alexander. Zhara Small was named "Most Congenial." Francene Williams won the "Uzuri International Style Award." Tiffany Williams was named "Best in Swimsuit."

Kelly Platt of Center Moriches, who represented Long Island, has been crowned Mrs. New York International. Mrs. Platt works in her town government in flood plain management, and has expressed an interest in running for office. She will represent her state at Mrs. International in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Former PNB cover girl Meredith Boyd was crowned Mrs. Georgia United States 2003 on April 6, 2003, in Duluth. She was also the swimsuit winner. She will compete in the 2003 Mrs. United States Pageant in July in Las Vegas. The first runner-up was Stephanie Langston, who also won the interview award. The second runner-up was Brandy Boothe. The third runner-up was Kim Vaughn, and the fourth runner-up was Nicole Johnson.

Geralyn Watson of Mantua was crowned Mrs. New Jersey America 2003 on April 5, 2003. She also won the Jafra Cosmetics Photogenic award. She will compete in the Mrs. America Pageant in September in Honolulu. The first runner-up was Olivia Lilley, who won the Trim Spa Fitness Award, and the second runner-up was Therese Lagana, the evening gown winner. The third runner-up was Christy Tighe, and the fourth runner-up was Elizabeth Leska. Cynthia Stephans won the Congeniality Award.

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