Pageant News Bureau (PNB)

Anna Burns, 23, of Fayetteville, N.C., was crowned Miss Hooters International 2005 on June 28, 2005, in Miami. She took home $30,000 in cash and many prizes and will represent the Hooters restaurant chain as a spokeswoman for the coming year. Ms. Burns represents the month of December on the Hooters calendar. Sarah Coggin, Miss Southwest, who was on the cover of the 2005 Hooters Calendar, was the first runner-up. Ambar Martinez, who represented Venezuela, was the second runner-up, and the third runner-up was Stacie Burns, Miss San Antonio. Beverly Mullins, representing Tampa, was the fourth runner-up. The Ms. Congeniality award, voted for by the contestants themselves, was won by Megan Edinger of Statesville, N.C., and the Ms. Photogenic went to Kami Payne of Rome, Ga. The Hooters chain is famous for its beautiful waitresses, and only Hooters employees competed in the pageant. It was seen live via closed-circuit TV at Hooters restaurants.

Kabenensh Girma of Ethiopia was crowned Miss Tourism Africa on June 23, 2005, in Athens, Greece.

Lisa Deschaine has been awarded the title of Miss Michigan American Queen for 2005. She will represent Michigan in the Miss Division of the third annual National American Queen Pageant in Orlando during the first week of August 2005.

The Miss America Organization has obtained a television contract with the cable network CMT (Country Music Television). The announcement was made on June 27, 2005, and was greeted with relief by state pageant organizations. Miss America was dropped by ABC in autumn 2004 after years of declining ratings on various broadcast networks, and its search for a TV home became a recurring story. Miss America officials said it was unclear whether the pageant would stay in Atlantic City, N.J., where it was founded and has always been held during its 84 years. They also said it was unlikely the pageant would be staged before early 2006. That would make 2005 the first year in more than six decades when no Miss America Pageant will be staged. The officials said the pageant might also be run in installments or be aired more than once. All this indicates that Miss America, which drew criticism in pageant circles for its refusal to change, is now willing to make wholesale changes and dump its most beloved traditions.

Lauren Lanning, representing Houston, was crowned Miss Texas USA on June 26, 2005, in Laredo. The 21-year-old student, who was second runner-up in last year's state pageant, will represent the state at the 2005 Miss USA Pageant. Miss Harris County, Crystle Stewart, was the first runner-up, and Miss Beaumont, Kendahl Beal, was the second runner-up. Miss South Central Texas, Cassandra Meyer, was the third runner-up, and Miss North Texas, Candace Campfield, was the fourth runner-up. Miss Plano, Meghann Dodd, was Miss Congeniality, and Miss Andrews, Tabitha Davis, was Miss Photogenic.

The following women have been awarded American Queen State titles and will represent their states at the 2005 third Annual National American Queen Pageant during the first week of August at the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando: Bailey DeCresie, Miss Pre-Teen Florida; Lisa Deschaine, Miss Michigan; Kaydee Skrzypkowiak, Miss Teen Florida; Megan Hart-Macy, Mrs. New Jersey; Courtney Battis, Miss Georgia.

Kristin Gauvin, a former New England Patriots cheerleader captain and PNB cover girl, has been crowned Miss Massachusetts 2005 in Fall River. Ms. Gauvin, 23, competed as Miss Appogansett Bay, was competing for her fourth time. The Wooster resident also won Preliminary Interview, Swimsuit and Talent Awards. The first runner-up was Miss New Bedford, Valerie Amaral, 19. She won Preliminary Talent and Swimsuit Awards and may compete in the National Sweetheart Pageant on Labor Day weekend in Hoopeston, Ill. The second runner-up was Miss Quincy Bay, Michaela Gagne, 22, of Fall River. She also won a Preliminary Swimsuit Award. The third runner-up was Miss Worcester County, Jaclyn Mullavey, 23, of Dunstable. She won a Preliminary Interview Award. PNB extends its heartfelt thanks for the hospitality of the Miss Massachusetts system.

Dustin-Leigh Konzelman, 23, competing as Miss San Diego, was crowned Miss California on June 25, 2005, in Fresno. The first runner-up was Sheri Gorin, Miss Pacific Coast. The second runner-up was Miss Hollywood, Angel Blue, and the third runner-up was Miss Southland, Jaclyn Normandie. The fourth runner-up was Miss Culver City, Michelle Lee.

Sophia Steinbeisser of Sidney was crowned Miss Montana 2005 on June 25, 2005, in Glendive. The first runner-up was Meredith McCannel of Billings, a former Miss Montana USA. The second runner-up was Kristen Mantooth of Lewistown. The third runner-up was Olivia Shjeflo of Kalispell.

Jackie Hart, representing the Midwest, has been crowned Miss Galaxy 2006. She is a 27-year-old real estate market analyst from Chicago. She won the Overall Photogenic award and brought home the coveted Galaxy International crown. She plans to make many appearances on behalf of her platform, breast cancer awareness.

Monica Pang, 24, competing as Miss Lake Lanier, won the Miss Georgia crown on June 25, 2005, in Columbus. She is a former PNB cover girl, a former National Sweetheart and was last year's first runner-up at Miss Georgia. Of white and Asian extraction, Ms. Pang is the first Miss Georgia of Asian heritage. The first runner-up was Miss Warner Robins, Amanda Kozak, and the second runner-up was Miss Spirit of Georgia, Blair Riley. The third runner-up was Kelly Bradshaw, Miss Coastal Georgia, and the fourth runner-up was Miss Capital City, Kristin White. Sara Waldan, Miss DeKalb, was Miss Congeniality.

Attorney Jennifer Swick, representing Southeast Texas, was crowned Mrs. Texas America on June 11, 2005, in Grapevine, Texas. She was also the Interview and Swimsuit winner. Miranda Burns, Mrs. Mesquite, was the first runner-up and the winner of the Evening Gown and Best Smile awards. The second runner-up and Contestants' Choice was Mrs. Travis County, Janet Thomason, and the third runner-up and Photogenic winner was Mrs. Southlake, Tracy Elliot. The fourth runner-up was Mrs. Lubbock County, Suzanne Brock.

The 66th annual Miss Georgia Forestry State Pageant was held June 10, 11, and 18, 2005, in Tifton, Ga. Two hundred twenty-four girls from all across Georgia represented their counties. Tyron Spearman was master of ceremonies, and the mistresses of ceremonies were Jessica Black, the reigning Miss Georgia Forestry Queen, and Amanda McDaniel, the 2003 Miss Georgia Forestry Queen. The 2005 Winners were as follows: Tiny Miss Georgia Forestry Winners: Hospitality third runner-up -- Shyanne Gibson, Colquitt County; Photogenic winner -- Alayna Williams, Effingham County; Prettiest Dress Winner -- Caley Driggers, Tift County; Prettiest Smile Winner -- Noelle Clearman, Lee County; People's Choice Winner -- Jincy Strickland, Brantley County; fourth runner-up -- Ansley Tompkins, Worth County; third runner-up --Victoria Sapp, Evans County; second runner-up -- Noelle Clearman, Lee County; first runner-up -- Makayla Mock, Dougherty County; Winner - Caley Driggers, Tift County. Little Miss Georgia Forestry Winners: Hospitality second runner-up -- Courtney Cook, Liberty County; Photogenic winner: Destiny May, Charlton County; Prettiest Dress Winner -- Crystal Mock, Candler County; Prettiest Smile -- Lauren Wilson, Madison-Elbert County; People's Choice Winner -- Madison Gruber, Appling County; fourth runner-up -- Hannah Anderson, Wayne County; third runner-up -- Hannah Hill, Montgomery County; second runner-up -- Kira Brock, Gilmer County; first runner-up -- Lauren Wilson representing Madison-Elbert County; Winner -- Crystal Mock, Candler County. Junior Miss Georgia Forestry Winners: Hospitality fourth runner-up -- Ejaye Craig, Jeff Davis County; Photogenic winner -- Kaitlyn Cawley, Turner County; Prettiest Dress winner -- Kimber Sapp, Long County; Prettiest Smile Winner -- Taylor Stanfield, Liberty County; People's Choice winner -- Leslie Raiford, Treutlen County; Mary Gaskins Miss Congeniality -- Mindy Jo Blanton, Wayne County. Fourth runner-up -- Haley Craft, Bulloch County, third runner-up -- Maggie Purcell, Evans County; second runner-up -- MaKayla Boles, Thomas County; first runner-up -- Taylor Stanfield, Liberty County; Winner -- Mindy Jo Blanton, Wayne County. Teen Miss Georgia Forestry Winners: Hospitality first runner-up -- Julie Good, Mitchell Baker County; Photogenic Winner -- Lacey Odum, Charlton County; Prettiest Dress Winner -- Megan Deats, Jeff Davis County; Prettiest Smile Winner -- Megan Deats; Meghan Gaskins Miss Congeniality -- Laura Warren, Dougherty County; Kenneth Snow Scholarship -- Kelly Daniel-Madison/Elbert County; Interview Winner -- Laura Warren, Dougherty County; Speech Winner -- Kimberly Champion, Wheeler County; fourth runner-up -- Laura Warren, Dougherty County; third runner-up -- Jessie Evans, Putnam County; second runner-up -- Ranna Anderberg, Laurens County; first runner-up -- Claire Whitehead, Grady County; Winner -- Megan Deats, Jeff Davis County. Miss Georgia Forestry Winners: Miss Hospitality Queen -- Dara Houston, Randolph County; Photogenic winner -- Beth Crowe, Lee County; Prettiest Dress Winner -- Beth Lewis, Ware County; Prettiest Smile Winner -- Beth Lewis, Ware County; People's Choice Winner -- Maria Wilson, Bleckley County; Judy Wester Hicks Miss Congeniality Award -- Meghan Miller, Worth County; Kenneth Snow Scholarship -- Lindsey Mercer, Atkinson County; Director's Award Courtney Farrow, Early County; Interview Winner -- Beth Lewis, Ware County; Speech Winner -- Beth Lewis, Ware County. Fourth runner-up -- Jessica Black; third runner-up -- Erica Treadwell; second runner-up -- Leah Lewis; first runner-up -- Bethany Griffis; Winner -- Beth Lewis.

Amy Carol Harvey, of Hollywood, Fla., was crowned Miss South Florida Classic Beauty 2005 on June 3, 2005. She won the title of Miss Florida Woman of the Year 2003 and then went on to the national level to win the title of Ms. Ambassador 2004.

Marianna Hewitt, competing as Miss Teen Ohio Galaxy, has been crowned Miss Teen Galaxy. She also won the swimsuit, evening gown, photogenic, and fashion.

Dia Lane has been crowned Miss Bainbridge 2005. Emily Perkins has been crowned Little Miss Bainbridge 2005. Both girls, from Bainbridge, Ga., will compete in October at the Miss National Peanut Festival Pageant in Dothan, Ala.

The first Iowa’s Outstanding Teen Pageant was held on June 11, 2005, in Eldridge, Iowa. Contestants from around the state competed in areas of interview, physical fitness, casual wear, evening gown, onstage question, and talent. The 2005 Miss Iowa’s Outstanding Teen is 17-year-old Teen Miss Louisa County, Amanda Sabin of Walcott. She tap-danced for her talent, and her platform issue is Teenage Sexual Abstinence Education. She was crowned by Teen Miss Iowa 2004, Ashlie Burroughs, 18, of Muscatine. This is the second year in a row that a Teen Miss Louisa County has won the state teen title. The first runner-up was Teen Miss Scott County, Emily Slavens, 17, of Bettendorf. The second runner-up was Teen Miss Jordan Creek, Moriah Lutz-Tveite, 16.

Danielle Warren, 19 of Geneva, Ill., was crowned Miss Illinois United States Teen on May 29, 2005. She will compete for the Miss United States Teen title in October in Charlotte. The first runner up was Monika Potrykus of Tinley Park, and the second runner-up was Rachel McDermott of Mokena. The third runner-up was Kristen Gestel of Monee, and the fourth runner-up was Sara Oremus of Lockport. Also crowned that night was the new Miss Illinois United States, Monica Perone. She is from Macomb. The first runner-up was Misty Bowman of McCleansboro, and the second runner up was Rachel Jones of Chicago.

Kimberly Goodwin was crowned Miss West Virginia on June 18, 2005. She competed as Miss Morgantown, and is a West Virginia University student majoring in communications. Her platform is awareness of the dangers of tobacco, and her talent is dance. She was a talent, gown and preliminary swimsuit winner. The first runner-up was Tanayia Simpson, and the second runner-up was Angela Ellsworth. The third runner-up was Gabrielle Columbo, and the fourth runner-up was Kasey Montgomery. The pageant was televised statewide from the WVU Creative Arts Center, and extended marvelous Mountain State hospitality to PNB. Special thanks go to Dale Stemple, the communication director; Barbara Brunetti, the president; and Leah Summers, the executive director.

Marlia Elisha Fontaine, competing as Miss Lake Erie, was crowned Miss Ohio 2005 on June 18, 2005, in Mansfield. She is from Massillon and is a graduate of the University of Akron. She is a vocalist, and her platform is diabetes awareness. The first runner-up was Kristen Swinehart, Miss North Coast, and the second runner-up was Julie Beth Inboden, Miss Clayland. The third runner-up was Leslie Ondrey, Miss Pickerington, and the fourth runner-up was Nanciann Strosnider, Miss South Central Ohio. Steven Oliveri, the Miss Ohio vice president, was extremely gracious to PNB during this outstanding event, making coverage a pleasure.

The Mrs. Maryland America Pageant was held on June 11, 2005, in Potomac, Md., under the directorship of Laurett Arenz (Mrs. America 2002). Laura Everngam-Price, competing as Mrs. Eastern Shore America, captured the crown and will compete in the national pageant in Palm Springs, Calif., in September. The first runner-up was Adrienne Watson-Carver, Mrs. Baltimore County, and the second runner-up was Rashida Taylor, Mrs. Reisterstown. The third runner-up was Lorionna Miller, Mrs. Carroll County, and the fourth runner up was Janie Hartman, Mrs. Annapolis.

Tracey Brown, 18, of Post Falls was crowned Miss Idaho on June 11, 2005, in Boise, earning the opportunity to represent the Gem State at the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City in September. She was Idaho's Junior Miss in 2003 and is currently a student at Whitworth College. A lyrical ballerina, she won the preliminary competitions in talent, interview and swimsuit as well as a $1,000 scholarship for her community service work. Her sister, Shannon, is a former Post Falls Junior Miss.

Rebecca Bledsoe, 22, of Newark was crowned Miss Delaware on June 11, 2005. The first runner-up was Katie Wolf of Yorklyn, and the second runner-up was Amber Knight of Bear. The third runner-up was Bliss Soucek of Milford. Ms. Bledsoe will compete at Miss America, and was crowned in Rehoboth Beach, Del., the place many consider the home of the modern beauty pageant.

Alexa Jones, 24, competing as Miss Mobile, was crowned Miss Alabama 2005 on June 11, 2005, in Birmingham. She was the third runner-up the previous year. She won a preliminary swimsuit award this year. She will compete at Miss America. Kelly Hawkins was the first runner-up, and Julia McNeese was the second runner-up. Jessica Headley was the third runner-up, and Amy Philips-Redclift was the fourth runner-up. Lee Parker was Miss Congeniality.

The 2005 Miss Kentuckiana Pageant was held in Brownstown, Ind., on June 11, 2005. After winning all three phases of competition that included runway, swimsuit and evening gown, Tiffany Wilson was crowned Miss Kentuckiana 2005 by last year's winner and the current Miss Indiana USA 2005, Kaitlyn Christopher. The first runner-up was Ashlie Miller. Joclyn Wallace was the second runner-up, followed by Ashlei Sothard and Michelle Banzer, the third and fourth runners-up, respectively. The top five will all advance to PageantCrown.com's America's National Miss Pageant. In a related event, Christina Keneipp was crowned Kentuckiana Teen Princess 2005, and also won all three phases of competition that included casual wear, runway, and evening gown. Kayla Johnson was the first runner-up, and Bradi Lockman was the second runner-up. Brittany Preston was the third runner-up. The event was co-hosted by Ms. Christopher and the reigning Teen Model of the USA, Brittany Mason.

Maria Mazurkiewicz, 20, of Hamburg -- who participated earlier in the year as Miss Hamburg in Miss Germany Universe 2005 -- was crowned Miss Polonia in Germany 2005 on June 11, 2005. The contest is for women in Germany of Polish origin or descent. Ms. Mazurkiewicz, born in Gdansk, Poland, will represent the Polish community of Germany in the Miss Poland Pageant later in the year. The first runner-up was Julia Piatek, 18, of Iserlohn, and the second runner-up was Beata Stasinska, 20, of Arnsberg.

Kelly Keiser of Gothenburg, competing as Miss Lincoln, was crowned Miss Nebraska 2005 on June 11, 2005, in North Platte. She received the MK Hale Talent Award for her rendition of "Cumana." She will compete at Miss America. The first runner-up was Aimee Blauvelt, Miss Panhandle, and the second runner-up was Angela Selzle, Miss Omaha. The third runner-up was Lyndsey Roggow, Miss Heartland, and the fourth runner-up was Ashley Bauer, Miss Eastern Nebraska.

Shari Murray of Loudoun County, Va., captured the Ms. Petite Virginia East Coast USA crown in Bristol, Va., on June 5, 2005. She also won the best dressed category. She will be competing for the Ms. Petite East Coast USA title in August in Brunswick, N.J.

PageantCrown.com is looking for a replacement for Vanessa Simmons as Miss Intercontinental USA 2005. Ms. Simmons and her family filming their own reality show set to air this fall on MTV, and she is currently under contract that prevents her from leaving the country until the show wraps. Any single American female 18 to 25 who is interested in representing the United States at the 2005 Miss Intercontinental Pageant in Huangshan, China from July 10 to July 31, 2005, should contact PageantCrown.com immediately.

Kirstin Alvarez has been awarded the title of Ms. Vermont American Queen for 2005. She will represent Vermont at the Third Annual National American Queen Pageant at the Royal Pacific Resort in August 2005.

Angie Pannell Turner has been awarded the title of Mrs. West Virginia in the American Queen Pageant. She will represent West Virginia in the 2005 Third Annual American Queen Pageant at the Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando in August.

Ms. Golden America, a pageant for women 50 and older that will debut in October 2005, will be aired on Sky Angel on Dec. 17, 2005.

Leefa Shiikwa, 22, was crowned Miss Namibia 2005 on June 4, 2005. She will represent Namibia in Miss World 2005 and Miss Universe 2006. The first runner-up was Maria Hiwilepo, and the second runner-up was Hendrina Udjombala.

The third annual Ms. Black Continental US pageant was held on May 29, 2005, in Dallas. Sondra Hardy, representing Massachusetts, was crowned Ms. Black Continental U.S. The first runner-up was Tamara Porter of South Carolina, who received the Photogenic award. The second runner-up was Tamika Johnson of Maryland, who was selected by the delegates to receive the Congeniality award. Star Achiever Awards, which are exclusive to Ms. Black Continental U.S., were presented to several delegates for personal and community achievements. Ms. Johnson received five Star Achiever awards, including Community Service and Spirit of Success. Chyna Lawrence of Washington D.C.., received the Most Outstanding Woman Award and Best Appearance. Ms. Hardy received the award for Leadership. Ameerah Muhammad of Georgia walked away with the Star Style Award. Deanna McCray-James, Ms. Black Continental U.S. 2004, and Kelly Mayo, Ms. Black Continental U.S. Woman 2002/03, were mistresses of ceremony.

March Seay of Whitney, Texas, has been chosen Mrs. Whitney, Texas 2004-05. She will compete in the upcoming Lone Star Texas State Pageant for the title of Mrs. Lone Star Texas.

Olga Carpenter, a Russian immigrant and mother of two, was crowned Mrs. Virginia United States 2005 in Roanoke, Va., on June 4, 2005. She was crowned by outgoing queen Virginia Trost. Esther Glass was the first runner-up, and Autumn-Skye Boothe was chosen as second runner-up. Mrs. Carpenter also won the evening gown and swimsuit awards.

At a gala event in Victoria, British Columbia, on May 29, 2005, Kim Murphy, 25, was crowned Miss Victoria 2005. Also crowned was Christina Walls, 21, of Salt Spring Island, as Miss Vancouver Island 2005. Both women will compete at the Miss World Canada Contest in Toronto on July 16, 2005.

Thailand, which hosted the Miss Universe Pageant on May 31, 2005, is campaigning to be the venue for Miss Universe 2006. The Southeast Asian nation, a tourist paradise that was hit hard by the December 2004 tsunami, apparently seeks to form a relationship with Miss Universe somewhat like the recent bond between Miss World and China. In a related development, the new Miss Universe, Natalie Glebova of Canada, has agreed to use Thai greetings and hand gestures in some public appearances.

PageantCrown.com, the national USA office for the Miss Intercontinental Pageant, has announced the selection of Vanessa Simmons as the 2005 Miss Intercontinental USA. The 21-year-old professional model and aspiring actress is a student at St. Johns University, and resides in New York City, where she is represented by Ford Models. Her previous titles include: Miss New York United States Teen 2002 (and fourth runner-up at the national pageant) and Miss Model of the USA 2004 and a semi-finalist at Miss Model of the World 2004. She will spend three weeks in Huangshan, China, and will join 60 other delegates from around as they compete for the title Miss Intercontinental 2005. The 2005 Miss Intercontinental Pageant is set to broadcast live throughout Asia on July 31, 2005.

Jeannie Deakyne, competing as Mrs. Arlington, was crowned Mrs. Texas International 2005 on May 22, 2005 in San Antonio. Breanna Fagerli, Miss Boerne, was crowned Miss Texas International 2005, and Melissa Tumlinson, Miss Teen Victoria, was crowned Miss Teen Texas International 2005. All three will go on to compete at the Mrs., Miss, and Miss Teen International Pageants at the Northshore Center for the Performing Arts in Chicago in July.

Former PNB cover girl Laura Apter has reached the finals of Miss Merseyside in England, and an e-mail vote is under way. Her number is "35," and the e-mail address for the vote is : missm@inliverpool.com

Law student Fabienne Kropf, 20, was crowned Miss Bern (Switzerland) on May 21, 2005. The first runner-up was Livia Hunziker, and the second runner-up was Ania Iadarola. Ms. Kopf will compete for Miss Switzerland in September 2005 in Locarno.

Allison Bourne-Vanneck, 21, won the crown of Miss Virgin Islands (America) on May 21, 2005. She also won talent, interview and community service. She will be the second representative of the Virgin Islands at Miss America. The first runner-up was Alba Harrigan, 22, and the second runner-up was Jamaica Hamilton, 18.

Unnur Birna Vilhjamsdottir was crowned Miss Iceland 2005 on May 20, 2005. The first runner up was Ingunn Sigurpálsdóttir, and second runner-up was Margret Elisa Hardardottir. Ms. Vilhjamsdottir is to represent the country at Miss World 2005, and is reportedly the first delegate chosen for Miss Universe 2006.

Sasha Hills, 21, was crowned Miss Sunburst New York State Queen on May 22, 2005. She is a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in psychology. She resides in New York City. She will compete in the nationals in August 2005 in Atlanta.

Tiptantree Rujiranon, 20, was crowned Miss Tiffany Universe on May 9, 2005, in Pattaya, Thailand. The popular pageant is for transvestites and transsexuals.

A second group of over two dozen women participated in the final Greater Toronto Area casting for Miss World Canada 2005 at the Holiday Inn on King on May 7, 2005. At the end of the day, the judges chose six women to advance to the national finals in July. They are Suzanne Davidson, 22, of Barrie; Justine Vella, 20, of Vaughan; Yasmin Ali, 24, of North York; Jennifer Schott, 20, of Niagara-on-the-Lake; Oksana Morozova, 22, of Newmarket; and Amanda Lecky, 19, of Markham.

Rondalyn Morrow was crowned Mrs. Ohio US 2005 title in Akron on May 15, 2005. It was her third attempt for the title. She also won Photogenic. The first runner-up was Judith Henninger, and the second runner-up was Darcy Neeld. The Calendar Girl winner was Nicole Koharik, and the People's Choice winner was Alison Klocker. The runner up for Calendar Girl was Mrs. Neeld. The talent winner was Pat Miller, who also won the community service award, and the Duchess winner was Tonya Lantz. Mrs. Henninger was the ad page winner, and Mrs. Neeld was the runner-up in that category. The runner up for photogenic was Tammy Harrison. The talent runner-up was Mrs.
Neeld. The "Hot Legs" winner was the Rev. Miller, husband of Mrs. Miller.

Alysha Jamal has been crowned Miss Canada Pakistan 2005.

Jessica Williams won the Clarke County Junior Miss title on May 7, 2005, in Grove Hill, Ala. She also won the Spirit of Junior Miss Award. Katie Higginbotham was the first runner-up, Heather Robertson was the second runner-up, Delisa Pugh was the third runner-up and Netta Hall was the fourth runner-up. Though the national Junior Miss program has announced plans to cease operation, state and local systems continue to operate in many cases.

The Southern Regional American Queen Pageant took place on May 1, 2005, in Atlanta. The following women were awarded 2005 state titles. Gina Rene' Hodges, Miss Pre-Teen Georgia; Amy Michele Hodges, Miss Teen Georgia; Samantha Loomis, Miss Teen North Carolina; Chanel Creamer, Miss Teen South Carolina; Tilisa Preston, Miss Georgia; Joy Griffin, Miss North Carolina; Courtney Bell, Miss South Carolina; Ms. Florida, Robin Lowery; Mrs. Florida, Elizabeth Waraksa; Ms. Georgia, Melissa Phillips. They will represent their states at the third annual National American Queen Pageant this summer in Orlando.

For the second year in a row, Maria Teresa Francville has won the right to represent Italy in the Miss Universe Pageant. She won the Italian preliminary in 2004, but lost her chance when the franchise went out of business. But on May 10, 2005, she won the title under a new franchise. She is a great popular favorite, not only for the obvious sentimental reasons but also for her stunning beauty.

A mother and daughter have been chosen to compete in the 2005 Miss Black Universe Pageant in August 2005 in Chicago. Mariel Anjelique Lane of Tennessee has been awarded the title of Miss Black Teen America 2005. She will represent teens from around the world. Her mother, Dr. Victoria Lane of Tennessee, has been awarded the title of Mrs. Black America Plus 2005.

Chyna Lawrence has been crowned Ms. Black Washington D.C. 2005. She will represent Washington at the Ms. Black Continental USA Pageant in Dallas in late May 2005.

Keisha Delgado has been crowned Ms. United States 2005 and Norma Varrichio has been crowned Mrs. United States in the Ms. United States International Pageant in New York City.

Following are the Miss Marietta results for the pageant in Marietta, Ga. Emily Gould has been crowned Baby Miss Marietta; Taylor Shirah has been crowned Toddler Miss Marietta; Abbigail Danielson has been crowned Teeny Miss Marietta; Emily Harris has been crowned Tiny Miss Marietta; Taylor Courson has been crowned Little Miss Marietta; Carly Marus has been crowned Junior Miss Marietta; Reanna Daniels has been crowned Teen Miss Marietta; Anna Aenchbacher has been crowned Miss Marietta; Heather Miller has been crowned Ms. Marietta. This was the 10th annual Miss Marietta Pageant, which was again organized and directed by Teresa Harlan. Kimberly Harlan, Miss World US 2003, served as the emcee.

The board of the America's Junior Miss program -- a teen pageant-style event that emphasizes intellectual and civic accomplishment -- says the competition will cease operation after the 2005 national finals. The stated reason was the national event's loss of big-name advertising and decline in TV exposure. The nationals are held in Mobile, Ala., where the news was greeted with sadness but the dignified exit was praised. Reportedly, some local Junior Miss representatives talk of keeping the event alive, without TV and somewhere besides Mobile. In any case, the announcement is a milestone in U.S. pageant history.

Aida Estrada was crowned Miss Guatemala Universe on May 2, 2005. Maria Ines Galvez won the title of Miss Guatemala World at the same event in Guatemala City.

Shawn Cunningham has been crowned Miss Maine National America 2006. She will compete for the Miss National America crown, which is an online community service pageant.

The 2005 America's Ultimate Queen National Pageant was held May 1, 2005, in Jeffersonville, Ind. The contestant with the highest combined score in the entire pageant was crowned the Overall America's Ultimate Queen. She was Jackie Hart representing the Midwest (Illinois). America's Ultimate Princess 2005 is Brooklyn Beccue, representing
Illinois. America's Ultimate Preteen 2005 is Marisa Zink, representing the Midwest (Ohio). America's Ultimate Teen 2005 is Stephanie Dedas, representing the Midwest (Kentucky). America's Ultimate Ms. is Jessica Tharp, representing Ohio. America's Ultimate Woman is Scherrie Davis, representing Illinois.

Terri Jaggers, competing as Mrs. Houston, was crowned Mrs. Texas United States 2005 on May 1, 2005, in Frisco, Texas. Kelly Williams, Mrs. Galveston County, was the first runner-up, and Elizabeth Popeck, Mrs. Tarrant County, was the second runner-up. The third runner-up was Sharon Weideman, Mrs. Collin County. The fourth runner-up
was Karen Hartnett, Mrs. Austin.

Mister Hougang, Raphael Yang, was chosen Mister Singapore 2005 on April 30, 2005. He will compete at the Mister Universe Pageant in Johanessburg, South Africa, in December 2005. The first runner-up was Mister Sembawang, Johann Ramthan, and the second runner-up was Mister Pasir, Ris Jason Tan. The third runner-up was Mister
Serangoon, Tan Hanming, and the fourth runner-up was Mister Bishan, Reynaldo Arriola. Mr. Hanming won the Jabs Waterboys Swimwear and Fitness Award. Mr. Ramthan won the Havaianas Beach Action honors. Mister Punggol, Daniel Chua, won the Urban Homme Urban Man Award. Mister Jurong, Christopher Ng, won the One Men Show
Photogenic Award. Mr. Yang won the One Men Show Most Promising Star Award and the CleverWhite Best Smile Award. Mr. Arriola won the MSO Congeniality Award. Mister Yishun, Sulaiman Said, won the Critical Beauty Award.

Bronx native Sophia Zayas was crowned the Miss National Puerto Rican Day Parade Queen 2005 on April 30, 2005. On June 12, 2005, she will be featured at the 48th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade, the largest event of its kind in the country. The competition was hosted by Comedy Central star Jade Esteban Estrada and actress Mara Sanchez. New York native Lorna Litz-Baez was the first runner-up.

Dianna He, 18, of Peoria was crowned Miss Illinois National Teenager on April 30, 2005. She also took first place honors in the interview, community service, evening gown and talent portions of the competition. She will compete at America's National Teenager in Nashville in late July 2005.

Renzo Blumenthal, 28, a farmer and soccer player from Vella, was chosen Mister Switzerland on April 30, 2005, in Zurich. He speaks German and Romansch, the rare Romance language that is one of the four major languages of Switzerland but is spoken by only a few thousand people.

Former PNB cover girl Maria Beall has been awarded the title of Mrs. Virginia American Queen for 2005. She will represent Virginia in the "Mrs." division in the Third Annual American Queen Pageant at the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando in summer 2005.

Michaela Drenckova, 19, of Bratislava was crowned Miss Slovakia for Miss Universe on April 21, 2005. She will compete at Miss Universe. The first runner-up was Diana Ondrejikova, who will go to Miss Earth, and the second runner-up was Linda Belokostolska.

Catelyn Shrader, 16, of Beckley was crowned Miss Teen West Virginia International on April 9, 2005. She will represent West Virginia at the Miss Teen International Pageant in July 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.

Leah Knotts of Ridgeley was crowned Mrs. West Virginia International 2005 on April 9, 2005. She will represent the state at the Mrs. International Pageant in July in Chicago.

Due to a time schedule conflict with the national American Queen Pageant, Yolanda Makle-Rodriquez has relinquished the title of Ms. Pennsylvania American Queen 2005. The first runner-up, Elizabeth Johnson, of Philadelphia, has accepted the title of Ms. Pennsylvania American Queen 2005 and will represent Pennsylvania in the Ms. Division at the Third Annual National American Queen Pageant this summer at Universal Orlando.

Raquel Wright, competing as Miss Carimed Antiseptic Mouthwash, was crowned Miss Jamaica Universe 2005 on April 17, 2005, in Kingston. She will represent the island nation at Miss Universe.

Debora Suica, Miss Cajamarca, has been crowned Miss Peru Universe. Fiorella Castellanos, Miss Tumbes, was crowned Miss Peru World. Finishing behind them was Tracey Freundt, Miss Uyacali.

Rychcviana Coffie, who won Miss Intercontinental 2002 in Germany, has been crowned Miss Curacao 2005. She will represent her country at Miss Universe and Miss World.

The finals of the 26th Annual Miss Teenage California Pageant were held in Los Angeles on April 17, 2005. The winner was Miss Teen Upland, Brittany McClintick. She is 18 and a senior at Upland High School. She wins a $10,000 college scholarship to the university of her choice, $5,000 Cash, $4,500 wardrobe, a laptop computer and many other gifts. She will compete in the Annual Miss Teen of the Nation Pageant in August 2005 in Las Vegas. The runners-up, in order of finish, were: Miss Teen San Ramon Valley, Rachel Mock, Miss Teen Inland Orange County, Marguerite Munoz, Miss Teen Oakdale, Kristin Whitemyer, and Miss Teen Palmdale, Stephanie Nelson. Two hundred seventy-one contestants competed in America's longest-running and biggest state teen pageant.

Viviana Arenas was crowned Miss Uruguay Universe on April 16, 2005.

Sharita Sopacua, 21, of Den Bosch, was crowned Miss Netherlands Universe 2005 on April 16, 2005. She is of Indonesian origin and has previously participated in Miss Holland World 2004.

The victory of 21-year old Antonella Lama as Miss Suisse Romande 2005 (queen of the French-speaking area of Switzerland) is now under a cloud. Questions have been raised because the public voting portion of the contest put her behind other contestants, though the four on-the-scene judges say they voted for her. The discrepancy is extraordinary, and some wonder how Ms. Lama could have prevailed given this situation. There are published reports that Ms. Lama will not automatically advance to compete for Miss Switzerland.

Sondra Hardy, 40, of Boston has been chosen to represent Massachusetts in the 2005 Ms. Black Continental Pageant in Dallas.

Antonella Lama, 21, was crowned Miss Suisse Romande on April 9, 2005. The first runner-up was Sophije Hoxha, and the second runner-up was Zora Zidane. Ms. Lama will represent the French-speaking area of Switzerland at Miss Switzerland.

Lucie Kralova, 23, was crowned Miss Czech Republic 2005 (for Miss World) on April 9, 2005. The first runner-up was Petra Machackova, who will compete at Miss International, and the second runner-up was Agata Hanychova, who will compete at Miss Europe. The Miss Universe delegate for the Czech Republic was chosen in a different pageant.

Daniela Cruz, 20, of Etobicoke won the title of Ms Latina Canada World 2005 in Toronto on April 8, 2005. She is a student at York University and will represent Canada at Ms Latina World. The first runner-up was Paola Medina, and the second runner-up was Michelle Toscano, who also won Ms Fitness and Ms Entrepreneur. Jessice Rei won the People's Choice and Ms Photogenic awards, and Ms Congeniality was awarded to Yuania Manresa Gonzalez.

Ieva Kokorevica was crowned Miss Latvia Universe 2005 on April 7, 2005, in Riga. She will be the first Latvian contestant in the pageant.

Yelena Ralph has been crowned Miss Israel Universe. Moran Gerbi has won the right to compete at Miss World, and Rinat Dokerker will compete at Miss International.

The Mid-Atlantic Regional American Queen Pageant took place in Mt. Laurel, N.J., on April 3, 2005. The queens are: Chelsea Errichetti, Miss Pre-Teen New Jersey 2005; Lauren Romeo, Miss Teen New Jersey 2005; Linda Bader, Miss New Jersey 2005; Khrystyna Cusimano, Mrs. New Jersey 2005; Cheryl Grobelny, Ms. Classic New Jersey 2005; Ms. Pennsylvania, Yolanda Makle-Rodriguez 2005; Miss Pennsylvania, Marlaina Geffers 2005; Mrs. Maryland, Lori Sundberg 2005. They will all represent their states at the National American Queen Pageant in Orlando in summer 2005.

Payal Tilvawala, 23, was crowned Iraq's Beauty Queen 2005 on April 4, 2005, in Nairobi, Kenya. Born in Kenya and partly of Indian heritage, she will represent Iraq in Miss World 2005. Vered Bardugo, 19, was crowned Iraq's Maiden of Beauty 2005. She will represent the country at Miss Universe 2005 and Miss Europe 2006. Hemdat Kriger, 20, was crowned Iraq's Queen of Grace 2005, and will compete for Miss International. Sana Amosov, 19, was crowned Iraq's Teen Queen 2005, and will compete for Miss Mediterranean in 2005. Karen Hadar was Audience Favorite and will compete for Miss Earth 2005. Ilanit Lupilato won the Most Photogenic Award.

Candacie Franklin, 23, was crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2005 on April 3, 2005. She will represent South America's only English-speaking nation at Miss Universe.

Laura Corlin of Strafford, from a distinguished pageant family, was crowned 2005 Miss New Hampshire National Teenager on April 3, 2005, in Nashua. Also crowned and headed to Nashville are the New Hampshire Junior National Teenager, Corrina Halteman, of Rollinsford, N.H., the Massachusetts Senior National Teenager, Jessica Cookson and the Massachusetts Junior National Teenager, Christi Pietila.

Five young women were chosen to represent their region in the 2005 Miss World Canada Toronto Area event on April 2, 2005. Sherry Ramparsaud, 24 of Toronto, Anna Maria Ezechiels, 22, of Toronto, Jenna-Lee Creelman, 21, of Brampton, Dalia Rene, 22, of North York, and Gala Skrypnyk, 21, of Etobicoke will advance to the national finals of Miss World Canada 2005 in July. A second casting for the Greater Toronto Area will be held on May 7, 2005.

Cheryl Tay, a 24-year-old veterinarian, has been crowned Miss Singapore Universe 2005. She will represent Singapore at the Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok.

Dalila Dragojevic was crowned Miss Slovenia Universe 2005 on April 2, 2005. The first runner-up was Barbara Filipic, and the second runner-up was Tanja Jurko (who was Miss Slovenia for Miss World 2004). Kristina Petrova was Miss Photogenic.

Jackie Hart has been confirmed as Miss Midwest Galaxy. She will complete for the title of Miss Galaxy 2006 in Ohio in June 2005.

Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin, Janeal Lee, 30, of Appleton has been stripped of her crown because she was photographed standing. Ms. Lee, a teacher, has muscular dystrophy and uses a scooter, but managed to stand to pose for a photograph with students. She was replaced as a contestant in Ms. Wheelchair America, to be held in New York in July 2005, because organizers felt the image of the event had been compromise. But there is no question that Ms. Lee is disabled. The crown now goes to former first runner-up Michelle Kearney of Milwaukee.

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