Pageant News Bureau (PNB)

Candice Pinto of India was crowned Miss Tourism International 2001 World Final on Dec. 31, 2001, in Malaysia. She was also Miss Fresh Look, Miss Personality and Miss Virtual. Zuzana Stepanovska of the Czech Republic was crowned Miss Queen of the Year International 2001 and was chosen Miss Physique. Monika Gruda of Poland was crowned Miss Intercontinental International 2001, as well as Miss Body Beautiful and Miss Fair and Lovely. Yan Wei of China was crowned Dreamgirl of the Year International 2001, as well as Miss Crowning Glory, Miss Beauty Eyes and Miss Charm. Lyndel Soon of Malaysia was crowned Miss Cosmopolitan International 2001. Miss Photogenic was Croatia's Jasmina Hdagha. Miss Friendship was Bosnia's Alexandra Kokotovic, and Miss Goodwill was Romania's Critina Darie. Hassadee Boottriwong of Thailand won Best National Costume.

Elodie Gossuin, 20, competing as Miss France, has been crowned Miss Europe. She previously gained fame representing France at Miss Universe 2001, where false rumors circulated that she had once been a man, creating a media stir. This nonsense clearly has done her no harm. The first runner-up was Adrianna Gerczew, 23, of Poland, who was a semifinalist at Miss International 1999 in Japan. The second runner-up was Karla Milinovic, 18, of Croatia, and the third runner-up was Hatice Sendil, 20, of Turkey. The fourth runner-up was Verónica Martín García, 22, of Spain.

Shirley Zhou, 20, a university student from Richmond, British Columbia, was crowned Miss Chinese Vancouver 2001 on Dec. 22, 2001. She was also Miss Photogenic. She will compete in the Miss Chinese International Pageant in China in January 2002.

The Miss America Organization announced on Dec. 27, 2001, that the pageant would be held again in Atlantic City, N.J., in 2002. Officials made clear, however, that their dispute with the city was not resolved, and that the venerable contest might yet leave its birthplace. The wrangling over a new deal had attracted considerable media attention.

Model Of The World Venezuela, Josabath Rodriguez, won the Model Of The World 2001 World Final Competition in Stuttgart, Germany, on Dec. 9, 2001. The first runner-up was Laura Martino of Paraguay, and the second runner-up was Lorena Sanchez of Spain.

Lisa Huang Shu Jun, a 19-year-old student, was crowned Miss Singapore Chinatown 2001 on Dec. 19, 2001. She also bagged the Best in Swimwear award. She will represent Singapore in the Miss Chinese International 2002 Pageant in Pangyu, China, on Jan. 27, 2002. The first runner-up was Lam Ching Ngee, 26, and the second runner-up was Sandra Lim, 21. The third runner-up was Celestine Chong, 25, and the fourth runner-up was Candy Wong, 21.

The Miss America Organization said on Dec. 20, 2001, that it is considering venues other than Atlantic City. The pageant has been held in the coastal New Jersey resort since its inception in 1921. The statement comes amid negotiations with city and state officials for better financial support of the contest. It remains highly unlikely that the pageant will move.

Miss Benguela, Geovana Pinto Leite, was crowned Miss Angola 2002 on Dec. 15, 2001, in Benguela. She will represent the country at Miss Universe. Miss Malange, Rosa Muxito, was the first runner-up and will compete at Miss World. Miss Namibe, Rosindra Graca, was the second runner-up.

Aitor Trigo, 24, a model from Spain, was chosen Mister Tourism International 2001 on Dec. 15, 2001, in Panama City, Panama. The first runner-up was Israel Solla of Puerto Rico, and the second runner-up was Javier Cassis of Ecuador. Niko Sofianos of Canada was Mr. Photogenic, Jorge Herrera of Panama was Mr. Talent, and Hugo Zafra of Venezuela was Mr. Fitness.

Alexander Aquino, 30, of the Philippines was chosen Grasim Mr. International 2001 on Dec. 15, 2001, in Udaipur, India. Anibal Martignani of Venezuela was the first runner-up, and won the Best Smile award. Leroy Vissers of Holland was the second runner-up. The Best National Costume award went to Cuba's Benjamin Garcia, and the Best Talent award to Abdelsamad Chrifi of Morocco.

Abby Jane Smith has been crowned Miss Utah USA 2002. She was the second runner-up in the Miss Utah Teen USA pageant in 2001. The first runner-up was Heidi Paxton, Miss Central Utah USA, and the second runner-up was Kelly Chapman, Miss Salt Lake County USA. The third runner-up was Kelsie Myers, Miss Sandy USA, and the fourth runner-up was Kimberly Vandiver, Miss Salt Lake City USA. The fifth runner-up was Michelle Mellor, Provo USA, who was judged Miss Photogenic. The sixth runner-up was Kyla Dickerson, Miss Murray USA. Marin Poole, competing as Miss Cache Valley Teen USA, was crowned Miss Utah Teen USA 2002. She also won Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic. The first runner-up was Jessica Dawn Black, Miss Davis County Teen USA, and the second runner-up was Jennifer Ellis, Miss West Jordan Teen USA.

Vanessa Carreira, 21, a communications student from Boksburg, has been crowned Miss South Africa. She will represent the country at Miss Universe and Miss World. The first runner-up was Claire Sabbagha, 23, of Johannesburg, and the second runner-up was Bonneventia Pule, 22, of Johannesburg. Thabisile Madlala, 23, of KwaZulu-Natal was voted Miss Photogenic by the press and also won the Miss Personality award.

Marduk Entertainment Co. has purchased the rights to produce Miss Iraq, Mr. Iraq, Supermodel of Iraq and Eurovision-Iraq (a song contest) as of January 2002. The pageants will no longer be produced by the Iraqi Board of Tourism.

Rachael McCall was crowned the 2001 Miss Wilcox County Forestry Queen on Dec. 8, 2001. Heather Gilman was crowned Teen Miss, and Alexis Vaughn was crowned Junior Miss. Taylor DuPriest was chosen as Tiny Miss. On the same night, Ginger Bennett was crowned the 2001 Miss Clinch County Forestry Queen. Crowned as Teen Miss was Heather Rowe, while Kaitlyn Logan was crowned Junior Miss and Caitlin Lyles was chosen as Tiny Miss. All these young women will represent their respective counties at the 63rd Miss Georgia Forestry State Scholarship Pageant in June 2002 in Tifton, Ga.

Mirani De Silva has been named Mrs. Sri Lanka Galaxy. She will compete for the title of Mrs. Galaxy in Akron, Ohio, in June 2002.

Motise Jones-Baker has been awarded the title of Ms. Petite Illinois. Sherry Nellis has been awarded the title of Ms. Petite Indiana. Andrea Hobgood has been awarded the title of Ms. Teen Petite Indiana. They will compete March 23-24, 2001, in Nashville for the universal titles at the third annual Ms. Petite Universal Pageant.

Nigel Lee from Pasir Ris won the 2001 Mr. Teen Singapore Pageant on Dec. 11, 2001. He also won the Fashion Wear and Boom Boom Room Talent Awards. The first runner-up was Philip Yap from Toa Payoh, who also won the Colorba Photogenic Award. The second runner-up was Kelvin Wong from Sengkang. The third runner-up was Matthias Seet from Bukit Merah, and the fourth runner-up was Winston Lee from Marine Parade. The Congeniality Award was won by Marcus Yew from Punggol.

Amy Diaz, 18, of the Dominican Republic has been crowned Miss Latina World at the inaugural international pageant held in Miami's fashionable South Beach. The first runner-up was Arlene Rivera, Miss Cuba, and the second runner-up was Irene Perez, Miss Venezuela. The third runner-up was Roxanna Arias, Miss Bolivia, and the fourth runner-up was Jacqueline Enriqea, Miss Ecuador. Kellie Madrid, representing the USA, was unable to attend the pageant due to her taping an appearance for NBC television that same week. The pageant included an international fashion show featuring the gowns of designer Carlos Ponce. Famed Latin music artist Tito Puente Jr. serenaded the top five finalists during his performance. The after-pageant party held at the trendy Crobar nightclub in South Beach was an evening for star-gazing with the beautiful contestants and celebrities like Puente and the ex-boyfriend of Jennifer Lopez, Sean "Puffy" Combs. The Miss Latina World Pageant is produced by Dawn Ramos Productions, in conjunction with Classique Talent & Model Pros.

The 2002 Toronto Search for Miss Universe was a great success. The show was the afternoon of Dec. 9, 2001, at the Holiday Inn on King in the heart of the city. The winner was Domenica Ruscica, a second-year university student who will now represent Canada's largest city in the 2003 Canadian Search for Miss Universe Pageant in the summer of 2002. She also won the Best Entrepreneur Prize. The first runner-up was Michelle Leslie, who also won the Best Interview prize, and the second runner-up was Yin-Lynn Low. Teresa Pugliese won the Best in Swimsuit Prize, and Simone Keane was named Miss Congeniality by her peers. Tara Sales, last year's winner, was on hand to crown her successor. Among the judges was Miss Northern Ontario Universe 1999, Jennifer Sangiuliano. Spotted in the audience were Elizabeth Wademan, semifinalist in this year's Canadian Search for Miss Universe; and Annette Melner, Queen of the 2000 Toronto Search for Miss Universe and that year's Miss Intercontinental Canada. (Ms. Melner is now a proud wife and mother.) Hosting the event, fresh from his triumphs in Germany, was Niko Sofianos, Mr. Intercontinental Canada 2001. He was preparing to leave within a few days to represent the country in the Mr. Tourism International Pageant in Panama.

Peta-Gay Suzette Lewis has been selected as the Ms. District of Columbia delegate for the 2003 Ms. Ambassador Pageant. She is a senior double-majoring in anthropology and criminal justice at the George Washington University who works as an editorial assistant with a major book company. The Ambassador Program recognizes and rewards true beauty -- community service, volunteerism and positive role modeling.

France´s Sylvain Larochelle was the male winner of the Best Model of the World contest on Dec. 8, 2001, in Istanbul, Turkey. The first runner-up was Turkey's Mehmet Akif Alakurt, and the second runner-up was Russia's Edward Kazanow. The female winner was Senay Akay of Turkey. The first runner-up was Ukraine´s Kate Kiper, and the second runner-up was Cuba´s Yamila Coba. The best male photo model was Alejo Gonzalez of Mexico, and the best in the Grace category was Ruben Sabu-Baud of Congo. The best female photo model was Renata Janeckova of the Czech Republic, and the best in the Grace category was Louise Singh of Monaco.

The winners of the 2001 Ms. Ambassador competition have been crowned and are as follows: Mayumi Cole of Virginia is the new Ms. Ambassador World 2002. Laura Giordano of Georgia is the new Ms. Ambassador USA 2002. Connie Rodenbarger of Indiana is the new Miss Teen Ambassador World 2002. Sheena Worley of Oregon is the new Miss Teen Ambassador USA 2002. Optional winners include Ashantia McKnight of Texas, who is the new Miss Teen African American Ambassador 2002. The Ambassador program is an online pageant that recognizes women for their commitment to volunteerism and community service.

Nikki Murray has been named Miss Louisiana Galaxy 2002. She will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy 2002 in Akron, Ohio, in June 2002.

Kara Brown, 23, who was Miss Rodeo Texas 2001, was crowned Miss Rodeo America 2002 on Dec. 8, 2001, at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. She also won the Personality award, the Appearance award and the Speech award. The victory brings her numerous valuable prizes and unique opportunities during her reign. Ms. Brown was crowned by Miss Rodeo America 2001, Tara Graham of Loveland, Colo. Ms. Brown, from Athens, Texas, is the 47th holder of the title. She is a senior at Texas A & M, working on a degree in biomedical science. She was formally introduced as the new Miss Rodeo America on Dec. 9 at the Wrangler National Finals at the Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas. The first runner-up to Miss Rodeo America was Jeni McDermott of Leona Valley, Calif., and the second runner-up was Allison Munger of Berthoud, Colo., who also won the Photogenic award. The third runner-up was Kate Cox of Gilbert, Ariz., and the fourth runner-up was Shannon Rustad of Kindred, N.D. The Eastern Regional Scholarship Award went to Courtney Terry, DVM, of Millington, Tenn. The Central Regional Scholarship Award went to Lacey Dale Culley of Weatherford, Okla., and the Western Regional Award went to Kristina Mensik of Red Lodge, Mont. The Horsemanship award went to Jaime Casper of Ogden, Utah. The Congeniality award went to Joni Nash of Monroe, Ga.

Miss Lyon, Sylvie Tellier, 22, was crowned Miss France on Dec. 8, 2001. She will represent France at the 2002 Miss Universe Pageant. Runner-ups were Miss Guadeloupe, Sandra Bisson; Miss Cote D´Azur, Louise Prieto; Miss Artois Hainaut, Emmanuelle Jagodsinski; and Miss Normandie, Sarah Tillard.

Marilyn Ahelia Sewbalak, 25, was crowned Miss Hindustani of Holland on Dec. 8, 2001. She holds a bachelor's degree in European Economics and Communications and is currently in her final masters year at the University of Amsterdam in the field of Communication and Information Science. This was the 10th annual pageant in Holland, and she will now go on to represent Holland at the upcoming Miss India Worldwide 2001 pageant in San Francisco. She was also crowned Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. Her main motivation during her reign will be to promote the independence of Dutch-Surinamese Hindustani women. In answering the final question, she said that if she would write a book, it would be about Hinduism, showing the world how can be learned from Hinduism and showing Hindustanis how much they can learn from the world.

Christie Bartram, 17, wowed the judges and the crowd on Dec. 7, 2001, to win the title of Miss Chinese Toronto 2001. Ms. Bartram, who is half-Chinese, is a high school student with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. She will represent Canada's largest city at Miss Chinese International 2002 in January in Hong Kong. The first runner-up was Francine Li, 20, and the second runner-up was Agnes Cheng, 17, who was also Miss Photogenic. Miyuki To, 19, won the Ambassador of Goodwill and Miss Friendship prizes. Jacqueline Loy, 22, won the Miss Perfect Figure prize. After the show, PNB correspondent Jimmy Steele asked the new winner to express in one word how it felt to win the crown. Her response "Astounding!" The pageant was televised live across Canada on the Fairchild television network. Steele, an internationally respected authority on pageants, pronounced the show outstanding.

Alita Dawson was crowned Miss Connecticut USA 2002 on Dec. 2, 2001, in Danbury. She is a former Miss Connecticut Teen USA and a former Miss Teen All American, and is a sister of Georgia-based beauty Phire Dawson. The first runner-up was Sylvia Gomes, who was Miss Connecticut (America) 2000 and a Top 10 finalist at the Miss America Pageant. The second runner-up was Alyssa Noller, and the third runner-up was Lauren Pagani. Ashley Bickford was crowned Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2002. The first runner-up was Elizabeth Huston, and the second runner-up was Melina Aguirre. The third runner-up was former PNB cover girl Tera McHenry.

Ann van Elsen, a 21-year-old student of business administration, was crowned Miss Belgium on Dec. 7, 2001. She will compete at Miss Universe. The first runner-up was Sylvie Doclot, and the second runner-up was Stephanie Wirtz.

The following women been chosen as local titleholders to compete in the 2002 Mrs. Maine International Pageant: Erica Thompson of Industry as Mrs. Franklin County International, Mary Jane Quake of Wells as Mrs. York County International, Jennifer Weber of Portland as Mrs. Portland International, Nicole Purves of Lewiston as Mrs. Androscoggin County International, Sandy Crockett of Chelsea as Mrs. Chelsea International. All will be vying to succeed Mrs. Maine International, Ellen Bailey of Portland.

Andreas Pandrick of Germany won the Mr. Intercontinental 2001 title on Dec. 2, 2001, in Celle, Germany. The first runner-up was Savio Bruto Da Costa of Indiaj, and the second runner-up was Cesar Suárez of Venezuela, who got the Talent award. The third runner-up was Andrés dos Santos of Uruguay, and the fourth runner-up was Roman Pryanchikov of Estonia. Niko Sofianos of Canada was honored for Best Body. Murat Ozcan of Turkey was first runner-up in that category. Mr. Sofianos was also Mr. Congeniality, and the first runner-up to that was Kung Lim of Malaysia. Andrés dos Santos of Uruguay was Mr. Elegance, and the first runner-up was Stathis Avramidis of Greece. Best National Costume honoree was Marcos Gonzales of the Dominican Republic. The first runner-up was Savio Bruto Da Costa of India.

Talena Harris won the Little Miss title at the Miss Urban Ohio Contest on Dec. 1, 2001. The Pre-Teen winners were Zakiya Barton and Katerina Harris, and the Teen winner was Lakeshia Pittman. The Miss winner was Nanita Williams.

Carmen Metzdorf, 18, of Wasserbliesch was crowned Miss Rheinland-Pfalz on Nov. 30, 2001. She will represent the state in the Miss Germany (Universe) Pageant in January 2002. The first runner-up was Christina Göth, and the second runner-up was Kira Labonde.

Karen Alexandre, 22, has been crowned Miss Mauritius. The first runner-up was Johanne Mussoodee, 19, and the second runner-up was Sabrina Lecluse, 20. Samantha Joseph, 19, was chosen Miss Congeniality.

Anne-Katherine Lene of Abbeville has been crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2002 in Lafayette. The first runner-up was Jennifer McLain, and the second runner-up was Amy Barnhill. The third runner-up was Melissa McConnell of Ruston, and the fourth runner-up was Elizabeth Nicholson. Candice Stewart of Metairie was crowned Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2002. Leigh Buchanan was the first runner-up, and Hope Wyatt was the second runner-up. The third runner-up was Megan Bologna, and the fourth runner-up was Varsha Castro. The pageant had a classical Greek theme, staged by Dr. Donald Campbell. PNB extends special thanks to Dana Rosengard, master of ceremonies at this and many other classic pageants, for his report.

Anja Pensold, 21, of Freising was crowned Miss Bayern (Bavaria) on Nov. 30, 2001. She will compete for the Miss Germany (Universe) crown in January 2002. The first runner-up was Albertine Egerer, 19, and the second runner-up was Theresa Spath, 18.

Toriana Thomas won the Little Miss Metro Pageant on Dec. 2, 2001, in Atlanta. The first runner-up was Bresha Lee Dunson, and the second runner-up was Kenyetta Fallin. Courtney Dixie was crowned Miss Metro Pre-Teen. The first runner-up was Eboni Anderson, and the second runner-up was Tawanna Ponder. Sharell Norman was crowned Miss Metro Teen. The first runner-up was Deona DeClue, and the second runner-up was Toy Summerour. Ms. Dixie won the Advertisement and Photogenic awards. Ms. Norman won the Congeniality and Evening Gown awards. Ms. DeClue won the Community Service award.

Christina Sherard was crowned Miss Macon on Dec. 1, 2001, and will compete for the Miss Georgia title. The first runner-up was Mary Rae Phelps, and the second runner-up was Paige Armstrong. The swimsuit award went to Ms. Phelps and the Spirit of Macon award to Ms. Armstrong. Holly Tydings won interview. Ashley Seamon was crowned Teen Miss Macon. The first runner-up was Lauren Whitfield, and the second runner-up was Jasmine Bailey.

Jennifer Ford was crowned Miss Apple Capital on Dec. 1, 2001, in Ellijay, Ga. It is a preliminary to Miss Georgia. The first runner-up was Melanie Gossett, and the second runner-up was Lani Hancock. The third runner-up was Amanda Hudson, and the fourth runner-up was Meredith Davis. Ms. Ford won the interview award, and Ms. Gossett won the talent award. The swimsuit award went to Sara Yankus.

Johnnie Hugh Coats was chosen KSU Big Man on Campus on Dec. 1, 2001, at a campus charity event at Kennesaw State University. The first runner-up was Justin Fowler, and the second runner-up was Adam Woods. The pageant was sponsored by the Phi Mu, Theta Epsilon Chapter of Kennesaw State, and all proceeds were donated to the Children's Miracle Network. The judges were Heather Hogan, Miss Georgia USA; Kimberly Harlan, Miss Georgia Teen USA; and Renee Fielden, director of the Miss Kennesaw Pageant.

Elizabeth Arnold was crowned Miss Kentucky USA 2002 on Nov. 25, 2002, in Somerset. She was Miss Kentucky Teen USA 1998. The first runner-up was Kelli Jones, who was Miss Kentucky Teen USA 1997. The second runner-up was Amanda Otto. The third runner-up was Maiesha Brown, who was also Miss Congeniality. Tara Branham was the fourth runner-up. Kristen Ward was Miss Photogenic.

Tami Foehlinger, 21, was crowned Miss Great Plains on Nov. 18, 2001, winning the right to compete for the Miss Nebraska (America) title in June 2002. She is the twin sister of Tina Foehlinger, the reigning Miss Nebraska.

Jennifer Lenz was crowned Miss Arizona USA 2002 on Nov. 17, 2001, in Phoenix. She competed as Miss Mesa USA. This was her first attempt at the title. The first runner-up was Miss Tempe USA, Maria Pallas, and the second runner-up was Corrie Hill, Miss East Gilbert USA. The third runner-up was Collette Beatty, Miss Cochise County USA, and the fourth runner-up was Stephanie Day, Miss Chandler USA. Lynsie Shackelford was crowned Miss Arizona Teen USA. She competed as Miss Mesa Teen USA. The first runner-up was Jessica Vest, Miss Arrowhead Teen USA, and the second runner-up was Becca Bailey, Miss East Phoenix Teen USA. The third runner-up was Katherine Donnelly, Miss Paradise Valley Teen USA. The fourth runner-up was Katie Reiley, Miss Paradise Valley High School Teen USA.

Loredana Zammit, 18, a postal carrier from Iklin, was crowned Miss Malta (Universe) on Nov. 10, 2001. She will represent her country at Miss Universe 2002.

Carly Shorten, a model from Shoreline, has been crowned Miss Washington USA. The first runner-up was Amy Crawford, and the second runner-up was Robin Albers. The third runner-up was Bernadette Duffy, and the fourth runner-up was Regina Chapman. The pageant was hosted by Miss Washington USA 2000, Jamie Kern, who gained additional renown for her participation in the CBS television show "Big Brother."

The Miss Hickory and Miss Carolina Foothills Pageant was held in Hickory, N.C., on Nov. 17, 2001, with Jocelyn Riebe being crowned Miss Hickory, and Ashley Puleo being crowned Miss Carolina Foothills. Both will go on to compete for the Miss North Carolina (America) title. Ms. Puleo is a former Miss DeKalb County (Ga.) and a former PNB cover girl. The pageant director at Miss Hickory and Miss Carolina Foothills is Deborah Good, who is the Miss North Carolina Pageant's Volunteer of the Year for 2001.

Sharon Carlos has been named Mrs. North Carolina Galaxy. She will compete for the title of Mrs. Galaxy in Akron, Ohio, in June 2002.

Claudia Cruz de los Santos of the Dominican Republic won the title of Miss América Latina on Nov. 22, 2001. She won the title in front of a home crowd in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The first runner-up was Florecita Cobián of Guatemala, and the second runner-up was Karla José Leclair of Nicaragua. The remaining finalists for the title were Grisel Hitoff of Argentina, Francine Eickemberg of Brazil, Johanna Canizares of Colombia and Shakira McDonald of Costa Rica.

Kellee Griffin of Oran, Mo., was crowned Miss Missouri Outdoors on Oct. 27, 2001. She is a freshman at Southeast Missouri State University. Miss Missouri Outdoors promotes tourism and non-profit organizations.

Christiane Trillhase, 22, has been crowned Miss Sachsen-Anhalt. She will represent the state of Sachsen-Anhalt at the Miss Germany 2002 Pageant. The first runner-up was Rebecca Kunikowski, and the second runner-up was Sandra Matthias.

Latoyia Foster won the Miss Massachusetts USA title on Nov. 18, 2001, and will represent her state in the Miss USA Pageant in March. The first runner-up was Monique Ashli Jones, who was Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 2000. Amanda Birdsell was chosen Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 2002.

Amanda Reynolds won the title of Miss Illinois USA in Chicago on Nov. 18, 2001. She was first runner-up in the Miss Illinois (America) Pageant this past spring. Lacey Wilson was named Miss Illinois Teen USA the same evening.

Shauntaye Hinton won the title of Miss District of Columbia USA on Nov. 18, 2001, in the nation's capital. Rhea Burgess was chosen Miss D.C. Teen USA.

Melyssa Ramos was crowned Miss Indiana Teen USA 2002 on Nov. 17, 2001, in Columbus, Ind. She was first runner-up the previous year. The first runner-up to Ms. Ramos was Casey Smith, who was second runner-up the previous year. The second runner-up was Kaitlyn Christopher, and the other finalists were Laurie Byers and Lauren Petticrew. The Photogenic winner was Ms. Smith, and Miss Congeniality was Leah Kiphart. Kelly Lloyd was crowned Miss Indiana USA 2002. She was first runner-up to Miss Teen USA 1993, first runner-up to Miss Indiana USA 1998 and Miss Indiana America 1999. The two runners-ups were returnees Jenny Workman (who was first runner-up also for 2001) and Nicolette VanHook (who was second runner-up for 2001 and 1999, and was Miss Indian Teen USA 1994). The other two finalists were Ellie Stringer and Kristen Symmes. Miss Photogenic was Sara Beth Young, and Miss Congeniality was Jacquelyn Shroff. State director Randy Sanders presented the Pageantry Spirit Award to Nicole Brink, the reigning Mrs. America. She was Miss Indiana Teen USA 1992 and was Miss Indiana USA 1998. She will represent America in the Mrs. World Pageant in Las Vegas in December 2001. Sanders, who until recently directed Miss New York USA, presented a special award to visiting Miss New York Teen USA Gloria Sofia Almonte, who was first runner-up to Miss Teen USA 2001.

Kimberly Mullen, 22, Miss Dublin USA, won Miss Ohio USA 2002 on Nov. 17, 2001, in Cincinnati. She also won Photogenic, in her second pageant ever. (She had previously done the Miss Ohio USA Pageant in 1998 and was a semifinalist.) She is a senior at Ohio State University and a fashion model. This was the pageant's first year under its new state director, Melissa Proctor-Pitchford, Miss Ohio USA 1990. The first runner-up was former PNB cover girl Rachel Altiere, Miss Columbus, who was first runner-up for 2001. The second runner-up was Candace Smith, Miss Dayton. Renee Jackson won the title of Miss Ohio Teen USA.

Iva Lamarao, 18, was crowned Miss Portugal 2001 on Nov. 17, 2001. She will represent Portugal at Miss Universe. The first runner-up was Susana Lourenco, and the second runner-up was Olga Fernandes.

Eva Dedicke, 21, a Lufthansa flight attendant from Frankfurt, was crowned Miss Hessen (Universe) on Nov. 16, 2001. She will compete at Miss Germany Universe in Kaiserslautern on Jan. 10, 2001. The first runner-up was Ramona Kremer, 24, and the second runner-up was Svenja Kleinfeldt, 19.

Carrie Beth Spivey was crowned Miss Northeast Georgia on Nov. 17, 2001, in Clayton. She swept the swimsuit, talent and interview awards and will be competing at Miss Georgia for the first time. The first runner-up to Ms. Spivey was Brooke Anderson, who was first runner-up at the most recent Miss Georgia Pageant. The second runner-up was Golie Baysa. The third runner-up was Sara Yankus, and the fourth runner-up was Dana Lowery.

Miss Nigeria, Agbani Darego, 18, won the Miss World title on Nov. 16, 2001, in Sun City, South Africa. She is the first Nigerian and first black African to win the crown. She was previously a semifinalist at Miss Universe 2001. Zizi Lee, 19, of Aruba was first runner-up, and Scotland´s Juliet-Jane Horne, 18, was second runner-up. Ligia Arguello of Nicaragua was third runner-up, and Bing Li of the People's Republic of China was fourth runner-up.

Nency Escamilla has been selected as Miss Central America Galaxy. Peta-Gay Lewis has been selected as Miss South America Galaxy. Both will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy in June 2002 in Akron, Ohio.

Mr. India, Rajeev Singh, a 25-year-old businessman and part-time model from Jaipur, has won Manhunt International in Beijing. The first runner-up was Mr. China East, Leon Zhang Wei Biao, 21, a student from Guangzhou. The second runner-up was Mr. Venezuela, Luis Nery, a 23-year-old model and actor. The third runner-up was Mr. Croatia, Adnan Taletovic, a 34-year-old professional model. The fourth runner-up was Mr. Cayman Islands, Kenneth Bryan, 21, a sales executive. Singh was Best National Costume winner. The first runner-up was Manhunt China South, Fei Wei, and the second runner-up was Manhunt Sweden, Niklas Berglund. Mr. Talent was Manhunt New Zealand, Jason Holley. The first runner-up was Manhunt Brazil, Leon Ramos, and the second runner-up was Manhunt Cayman Islands, Kenneth Bryan. Mr. Photogenic was Manhunt Croatia, Adnan Taletovic. Mr. Personality was Manhunt Philippines, Rick Cayzer. Mr. Physique was Manhunt Greece, Dimosthenis Georgantopoulos. Mr. Friendship was Manhunt USA, Niko Gianno. The Gillette Best Groomed Award went to Manhunt Holland, Sven Ootgers. The Sharmoon Best Dressed Gentleman Award went to Manhunt India, Rajeev Singh. Sketchers Shoes Best Runway Model was Manhunt France, Nicolas Brillet, and the China Media Award went to Manhunt England, Dave Hutchins.

Amanda Knowles, Miss Crown Jewellers, was crowned Miss Teen Bahamas 2001 on Nov. 11, 2001. Charlotte Rolle was the first runner-up.

Manuel Rauner, 25, was named Mister Austria on Nov. 11, 2001. He will represent Austria at Mister World. The first runner-up was Alexander Rankovic, and the second runner-up was Silviu Zaharia.

Vanessa Alexandra Mendoza Bustos, Miss Chocó, 20, was crowned Miss Colombia in Cartegena on Nov. 11, 2001. She is the first black woman to win her country's national title in its almost 70-year history, and will represent Colombia in the 2002 Miss Universe Pageant. Consuelo Guzmán Parra, Miss Valle, 19, was first runner-up, and will represent Colombia in the 2002 Miss International Pageant in Japan next autumn. The second runner-up was Johanna Cure Lemus, Miss Atlántico, 23, and the third runner-up was María Claudia Peñuela, Miss Santander, 21. The fourth runner-up was Juanita Martínez Bahamón, Miss Huila, 23.

Lenore Van Buren, 25, of Edina was crowned Miss Minnesota USA 2002, on Nov. 11, 2001, in Apple Valley. She represented the city of Minneapolis in the pageant. She was second runner-up in 2000. The first runner-up was Miss Apple Valley, Rebecca Rowe, who was Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 1995, and was the previous year's second runner-up. The second runner-up was Miss Sebaka, Carrie Lee of St. Louis Park. The third runner-up was Miss Woodbury, Rasheda Watkins-Green. Ms. Watkins-Green was first runner-up in both 2000 and 2001. The fourth runner-up was Miss Maple Grove, Jeana Jopp. Miss Photogenic was Ms. Watkins-Green. Miss Congeniality was Ms. Jopp. The People's Choice Award went to Libby Gustafson. Alla Ilushka, 17, of Eden Prairie was crowned Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2002. She competed as Miss Twin Cities. She is fluent in Russian, the language of her parents' homeland. The first runner-up was 14-year-old Kristen Swoboda of White Bear Lake, who was competing in her very first pageant. The second runner-up was Miss St. Louis County, Nicole Mickelson of Chisolm. She had been first runner-up the previous year. The third runner-up was Miss Minneapolis, Marie Hansen. The fourth runner-up was Miss Lincoln, Alicia Lawrence of Ivanhoe. Miss Photogenic Teen was Lisa Aamold of Cambridge. Miss Congeniality Teen was Alicia Lawrence. Miss Spirit of Minnesota was Teen delegate Amy Bjornson of St. Paul. The New Reflections Style award went to Celeste Walker of Bloomington. The People's Choice Award went to Cheri Maceda of St. Paul.

María Rocío Stevenson Covo, competing Miss Colombia, won the title of Reina Sudamericana (South American Queen) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, on Nov. 10, 2001. She was previously named a semi-finalist in the Miss International Pageant in Japan in October 2001 before competing in this contest. The first runner-up was María Norelys Rodríguez Guillén, Miss Venezuela, who won Best National Costume prize. The second runner-up was Katja Thomsen Grien, Miss Uruguay, who was a top five finalist in last year’s Miss World Pageant in London. The third runner-up was Julia Román, Miss Ecuador, and the fourth runner-up was Paola Coimbra, Miss Bolivia.

Amanda Beagle has been crowned Miss Summit County, Ohio. She also won the talent and gown categories. This was her first pageant ever. She will represent the county at Miss Ohio (America). The first runner-up was Alexis Boettler, who won the swimsuit award. The second runner-up was Meghan Markovich, who won the interview award. The third runner-up was Bryn River Hough. The Spirit Award winner was Zaina Agbo.

Ashley Williams of Columbia, a 21-year-old professional model and marketing student at Clemson University, was crowned Miss South Carolina USA 2002 on Nov. 10, 2001, in North Charleston. She was the previous year's first runner-up. The first runner-up to Ms. Williams was Hannah Grooms, a former Miss South Carolina Teen USA. The second runner-up was Laura Hall, and the third runner-up was Danyele Browder, who was also Miss Congeniality. The fourth runner-up was Amanda Kirkpatrick. Austen Brown, a high school senior from Charleston who works as a professional actress and model, was crowned Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2002. She was also Miss Congeniality in the Teen division. The first runner-up was Jamie Hill, and the second runner-up was Taylor Long. The third runner-up was Rachel Kroes, and the fourth runner-up was Rachel Middleton. PNB is grateful to the pageant's distinguished master of ceremonies, Dana Rosengard, for this report.

After a brief period of competition in the pageant world (see PNB story "Tina's Time"), Tina Berry has won her first title America's Cover Miss Preliminary - Fairest of The Fair (Space Coast State Fair). Her first appearance was at the Charlie Daniels Band Concert, which was the main event for the state fair.

Heidi Rodríguez has assumed the title of Miss Canadá Latina from the original titleholder, Mayela Romero. Ms. Rodríguez will now represent her country at the Miss América Latina Pageant in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Luciana Parpan, a 19-year-old student from Peru, has been crowned Miss Asia-Pacific 2001 in Makati City, Philippines. Lisette Villanueva Jimenez of Mexico was first runner-up, and Wanvisa Kham-daeng-yai of Thailand was second runner-up. Finishing as third runner-up was Karol dela Torre of Colombia, and the fourth runner-up was Darlene Carbungco of the Philippines who emerged Fourth Runner-Up. This is Peru’s second time to win the title. Jessica Tapia did it in 1994.

Jennifer Ann Gerber, 19, of Tägering was crowned Miss Switzerland on Nov. 10, 2001. The first runner-up was Michelle Fischhaber, and the second runner-up was Sharon Carmi. Three years ago, Ms. Gerber was Supermodel of Switzerland (in a competition organized by the Ford Modeling Agency).

Christine Olejniczak, 20, of Palmer was crowned Miss Alaska USA 2002 on Nov. 3, 2001, in Anchorage. She was Miss Alaska Teen USA 2000, and will represent her state in the upcoming Miss USA Pageant in Gary, Ind., on March 1, 2002. The first runner-up was Stacey Storey, 22, of Eagle River, who was Miss Alaska (America) 1995, and the second runner-up was Kimberly Schweigert, also of Eagle River. Rachel Garness of Anchorage was crowned Miss Alaska Teen USA.

Neysha Henriquez, Miss Puerto Rico Teen, was crowned Miss Teen Belleza Latina 2002 on Nov. 4, 2001, in Kissimmee, Fla. The first runner-up was Damaressa Quiles, Illinois Teen. The second runner-up was Arkansas Teen, Jessica Diaz. The third runner-up was Oklahoma Teen, Yvonne Badillo, and the fourth runner-up was North Florida Teen, Jessica Betancourt. Tanya Crespo, Ms. Illinois, was crowned Ms. Belleza Latina 2002. The first runner-up was Ms. Rhode Island, Dilania Inoa. The second runner-up was Ms. D.C., Morayma Cruz. The third runner-up was Ms. Florida, Maritza Laboy, and the fourth runner-up was Ms. New Jersey, Cecilia Montalvo. Amanda Ramirez, Ms. New York Woman, was crowned Ms. Woman Belleza Latina 2002. Ms. Crespo was also the Ms. Photogenic winner. Yvonne Badillo of Oklahoma was the Teen Photogenic winner. Ms. Michigan, Selina Nowaczynski, was chosen Ms. Hospitality and Ms. Congeniality. The Single Mother's Award (based on an essay) went to Ms. North Carolina, Lissa Mariel Brown.

Robin Williams won the title of Miss New Jersey USA 2002 in Cherry Hill on Nov. 4, 2001. The first runner-up was Laquayva Anthony, and Abigail Stotler was the second runner-up. The third runner-up was Mary Lum, and the fourth runner-up was Nicole Golas, who was Miss New Jersey Teen USA 1999. Sheri Drach was crowned Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2002. Christie Davis, Miss Maryland USA 2000, was one of the hosts.

Jane McAllister has been chosen Mrs. Texas Galaxy 2002. She will compete for the Mrs. Galaxy title in June 2002 in Ohio.

Rebekah Decker, 24, who represented Southeast Michigan, has been crowned Miss Michigan USA 2002. Kyleen Krstich, who represented Troy, was crowned Miss Michigan Teen USA 2002. She was first runner-up the previous year.

Tiffany K. Clark has been selected as Mrs. St. Tammany Parish International 2002. She will compete for the Mrs. Louisiana International title.

Mr. Vargas, Daniel Navarrete, a 24-year-old student of system engineering, was chosen Mister Venezuela 2001 on Nov. 6, 2001. The runners-up were Mr. Carabobo, Enrique Cuevas, who was named Mr. Photogenic, and Mr. Delta Amacuro, Cesar Augusto Suarez. Mr. Internet was Mr. Guarico, Jesús Alberto García. The Most Elegant award went to Mr. Portuguesa, David Yañez. The Best Body award went to Mister Yaracuy, Luis Nessy.

Ava O'Neal was crowned Miss Albany in Albany, Ga., on Nov. 4, 2001. She will compete at Miss Georgia. The first runner-up was Avis Porter, and the second runner-up was Danielle Blankenship. The third runner-up was Laura Fink. The talent winner was Kayla Crawford, and the swimsuit winner was Dianna Mitchell. Halley Kilpatrick was crowned Miss Junior Albany.

Angela Foo Sue Ee, 24, a free-lance model, has been crowned Miss Malaysia Chinese International 2001. She will represent the country in the international finals, traditionally held in Hong Kong before Chinese New Year. She was also named Miss Elegant and was picked as the Web surfers’ Choice for the title. The first runner-up was Eunice Ng, and Ethel Cho was second runner-up, also winning the Miss Beautiful Legs award. Finalist Sonia Teh, 23, won Miss Friendship and Miss Alluring Eyes. Beverly Lee was Miss Photogenic.

The Ms. US and Ms. World International Beauty Pageant has announced that the winner of its "Ms. Oktoberfest," an interview-only preliminary competition to the main pageant, is Lindsey Cooper of Kentucky. The first runner-up for the honor was Hanh Chau of California. Traditionally a live event, this competition was opened up this year to video interviews.

Lauren Jollay was crowned Miss Conyers Cherry Blossom on Nov. 3, 2001. She will compete at the Miss Georgia (America) Pageant. The first runner-up was Carrie Beth Spivey, and the second runner-up was Amanda Hudson. The third runner-up was Sara Yankus, and the fourth runner-up was Andra Phillips. Ms. Hudson and Ms. Yankus tied for swimsuit honors. Ms. Jollay and Melanie Gossett tied for talent honors.

Amy Bosko of Pennsylvania has been selected as Mrs. Keystone State Galaxy, and will compete for the title of Mrs. Galaxy in June 2002 in Akron, Ohio. Gloria Anglon has been selected as Miss Maryland Galaxy, and will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy in June 2002.

Miss Teen Puerto Rico, Joyceline Montero, was chosen Miss Global Teen at the Global Beauty Quest on Oct. 28, 2001. The first runner-up was Miss Teen Nicaragua, Elba Maria Amador, and the second runner-up was Miss Teen Venezuela, Andrea Milroy. Miss Petite Slovakia, Renakta Krcova, was chosen Miss Global Petite. The first runner-up was Miss Petite Puerto Rico, Nellianne Arce, and the second runner-up was Miss Petite USA, Heidy Rodriguez. Miss Venezuela, Dagmar Votterri, was chosen Miss Global Queen. The first runner-up was Miss Denmark, Cecile Dahlstrom. The second runner-up was Miss Senegal, Marie-Amy Doukoure. Terri-Lynn Cinco Yee was chosen Miss Congeniality 2001. Distinguished alumnae of this event include Cristina Yvonne Remond, Miss Canadian Universe 2001.

Due to insufficient time for preparation, Kiara Sherman, Miss Teen Bahamas, will not be representing her country at Miss World 2001, as previously announced. Pageant organizers in the Bahamas emphasized that the change in plans was not due to any fault of Ms. Sherman's. The Bahamas will have a Miss World representative in 2002.

Keely Gaston, 23, of Denver has been crowned Miss Colorado USA 2002. The first runner-up was Janel Haw, and the second runner-up was Erin MacGregor. Lindsay Dowling, 18, of Littleton was crowned Miss Colorado Teen USA 2002. The first runner-up was Tori Carter, and the second runner-up was Melissa Bolter. The Community Service Award went to Ms. Carter in the Teen division and to Jessica Laude in the Miss division. Honorable Mention in the Community Service category went to Marygrace Danley in the Teen division and Lauren Salyers in the Miss division. The Academic Achievement Award went to Tyffanie Ammeter in the Teen division and Tiffany Stasney in the Miss division. Honorable Mention in Academic Achievement went to Kezia Ayers in Teen category and Ms. Salyers in the Miss division. Miss Congeniality in the Teen division was Jodi Davenport, while Erin Herdt won the honor in the Miss division. The Teen Photogenic winner was Ashleigh Gomez, and the Miss Photogenic winner was Lauren Petrocich. Non-finalist award winners in the Teen category were Kezia Ayers in Interview, Amy Augsburger in Swimsuit and Jennifer Scott in Gown. Nonfinalist award winners in the Miss category were Meredith Lehr in Interview and Gown, Christi Unrein in Swimsuit. Internet Choices were Lindsay Dowling in Teen, Rachel Gonzales in Miss.

Former PNB cover girl Meredith Moser Boyd ("The Strength of a Woman") was chosen Ms. Georgia US Continental 2002 on Oct. 27, 2001. She will compete in the 2002 Ms. US Continental Pageant in Palm Beach, Fla., in summer 2002.

Shandi Finnessey, 23, was crowned Miss Metro St. Louis on Oct. 27, 2001, at Harris-Stowe State College in St. Louis. She is a pianist and played a rousing rendition of "Flight of the Bumblebee." She placed as second runner-up at last year's Miss Missouri (America) Pageant, and also was first runner-up at Miss Missouri USA for 2000. The first runner-up was Christina Icaza, and the second runner-up was Tara Bollinger. Brandi Harris won the overall and non-finalist talent awards. Amber Etheridge won the Rookie of the Year award and also won the non-finalist interview award.

The following women have been selected to compete in the 2002 All American Pageants: Miss Florida - Kathryn Green; Miss Illinois - Motise Jones; Miss Texas - Charlotte Overstreet; Ms. Florida - Kim Fisher; Ms. Georgia - Jeana Seemann; Ms. Massachusetts - Maria Langlois; Ms. New Hampshire - Katey McMahon; Ms. North Carolina - Anne Wilson; Ms. Pennsylvania - Lori Yanders; Ms. Utah - Tammy Townsend; Ms. Alabama Woman - Pam Brinson; Ms. Alaska Woman - Laura Kelly; Ms. Alaska Woman Plus - Darla Evans; Ms. Tennessee Woman Plus -Lisa Smedley; Mrs. Florida - Diana Santoro; Mrs. Illinois - Diane Wozniak; Mrs. Indiana - Pamela Muench; Mrs. New York - Sheila Straussburg; Mrs. Oklahoma - Susan Blount; Mrs. Virginia - Rhonda Howdyshell.

Rachel McVey, 18, has been crowned Miss Burlington in Burlington, Iowa. She will compete for the Miss Iowa (America) title. The first runner-up was Heidi Larson, 18, of Donnellson, and the second runner-up was Heidi Humphries, 21, of Burlington.

Brittany Crews, a high school student from Wake Forest, was crowned Miss North Carolina Teen USA on the last weekend of October 2001 in High Point. The first runner-up was Brooke Helton, a college freshman. Alison English of Archdale, a senior studying business management at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, was crowned Miss North Carolina USA. The first runner-up was Lucy Parker of Denver, a former Miss North Carolina Teen USA. The Congeniality award in both divisions is named for Tess Elliott, Miss North Carolina USA 1992, who died in a tragic skydiving accident during her reign. The Teen Congeniality winner was Kelly Queen. The Congeniality award in the Miss division was shared by Ms. Parker and Leslie Krouse. PNB wishes to express special gratitude to Dana Rosengard, the master of ceremonies at the pageant, who graciously filed this report.

Catharine Svensson, Miss Denmark, was crowned Miss Earth 2001 on Oct. 28, 2001, in Manila, Philippines. The first runner-up, known as Miss Earth-Air, was Simone Regis, Miss Brazil. The second runner-up, known as Miss Earth-Water, was Margarita Kravtsova, Miss Kazakhstan. The third runner-up, known as Miss Earth-Fire, was Daniela Alejandra Stucan, Miss Argentina. The pageant has an ecological emphasis, and contestants are required to be involved in environmental causes. The Mabuhay, Pageants! Miss Internet was Shamita Singha, Miss India. Miss Ponds Beautiful Skin was Evelyn Mikomagi, Miss Estonia. Miss Lux Super Rich, as well as Miss Avon, was Shamita Singha, Miss India. Miss Close-up Crystal Smile was Carlene Aguilar, Miss Philippines. Miss Cream Silk Beautiful Hair was Daniela Alejandra Stucan, Miss Argentina. Best National Costume honors went to Shamita Singha, Miss India. Best In Evening Gown was Carlene Aguilar, Miss Philippines. Best In Swimsuit was Margarita Kravtsova, Miss Kazakhstan.

Maria Cristina Lopez won the Miss Dream Girl of the World pageant on Oct. 27, 2001, in Sofia, Bulgaria. She represented Venezuela.

April Dorsey was crowned Miss Northwest Georgia on Oct. 27, 2001, in Dalton. She also won the talent competition. The first runner-up was Carrie Beth Spivey, and the second runner-up was Amanda Hudson. The swimsuit winner was Jennifer Copeland.

Michelle Bissell has been chosen Miss North America Galaxy and will compete in the Miss Galaxy Pageant in June 2002. Angela Stevens has been chosen Mrs. Atlantic Coast Galaxy, and Lisa Miller has been chosen Mrs. Ohio Galaxy. Both will compete at Mrs. Galaxy. Soniya Patidar has been chosen as Miss India Teen Galaxy. She will compete in the Miss Teen Galaxy Pageant in June 2002.

Kimberly Harlan of Marietta, the "red-haired girl" of a 2000 PNB profile, was crowned Miss Georgia Teen USA on Oct. 27, 2001, in Rome, Ga. The first runner-up was Arlease Brady of Atlanta, and the second runner-up was Casady Lance of Savannah. Heather Hogan of Duluth was crowned Miss Georgia USA. Phire Dawson of Atlanta, a member of a prominent pageant family, was the first runner-up. Christene Michelle Perry was the second runner-up.

Julie Griner of Nashville, Ga., was crowned Miss Berrien County Forestry Queen on October 27, 2001. She will represent Berrien County at the 63rd Miss Georgia Forestry State Scholarship Pageant in Tifton, Ga., in June 2002.

The Photogenic and Amity winners for the Miss Georgia USA and Georgia Teen USA competitions were announced in Rome, Ga., on Oct. 26, 2001. Miss Teen Photogenic was Arlease Brady of Atlanta, and Miss Photogenic was Erin Haney of Lawrenceville. Miss Teen Amity was Keisha Lowe of Tucker, and Miss Amity was Stephanie Kan of Peachtree City. The winners will be selected on Oct. 27.

Actor George Clooney, who was People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in 1997, has been named the sexiest man in the entertainment industry by the E! Entertainment series "Rank." He is from a prominent entertainment family with roots in Maysville, Ky., hometown of former Miss America Heather French.

Hope Lamarche has been chosen Miss Louisiana Teen Galaxy, and Cori Catanese has been chosen Miss Indiana Teen Galaxy. They will compete in the Miss Teen Galaxy Pageant. Kimberly Heaton has been chosen Miss Utah Galaxy and will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy. Meanwhile, former PNB cover girl Maria Beall has been selected to represent Virginia in the Mrs. Galaxy Pageant. All the pageants are produced by Coronation, Inc.

Charles Dunn, publisher of Florida-based Pageantry magazine, has told PNB he is not, in fact, the franchisee of the Miss World organization in America. In a phone message left on Oct. 24, 2001, Dunn vehemently objected to the word "franchisee" in a recent story. His publication has been strongly supportive of the selection of Carrie Stroup, a swimsuit competitor and aspiring actress, as U.S. representative to Miss World. Three days before Dunn's call to PNB, he arranged a photo opportunity with Ms. Stroup in Atlanta. But he insists that he is not acting in the role of franchisee, and we are grateful for the clarification.

Natalia Sworobowicz, 18, of Bartlett, Ill., won the title of Miss Polonii Stanow Zjednoczonych 2001 (Polish-American Pageant in the United States) on Oct. 20, 2001, in River Grove, Ill. She competed against more than 30 contestants from across the United States. She is currently attending Dupage College and plans to become a physician. She will be competing in the world finals of Miss Polonii 2001 in Poland in December 2001.

Lauren Barnette, 16, of Wise, Va., was crowned Miss Virginia Teen USA on Oct. 20, 2001, in Abingdon. The first runner-up was Leigh-Taylor Smith. Julie Laipply, 24, of Alexandria was crowned Miss Virginia USA. The first runner-up was Kristi Glakas. PNB extends special thanks to Dana Rosengard, master of ceremonies for this and many other prestigious pageants.

Natascha Börger, 20, a student of business administration, was crowned Miss Norddeutschland (North Germany) on Oct. 19, 2001, and will go on to compete at Miss Germany Universe. The first runner-up was Steffi Dinse, and the second runner-up was Anett Oldenburg.

Katrin Gutt of Rostock won the Miss Mecklenburg-Vorpommern crown on Oct. 12, and will go on to compete at Miss Germany Universe. Juliette Rink of Anklam was first runner-up, and Stefanie Hofert of Carpin was second runner-up.

Diana Lautsch, 20, won the Miss Schleswing-Holstein title on Oct. 5, 2001, and will compete for the Miss Germany Universe crown. The first runner-up was Natascha Börger, 20, and the second runner-up was Jenny Pilz, 20.

Miss Teen Puerto Rico, Yaraliz Lasanta Santiago, 15, won the Miss Teen International 2001 title on Oct. 20, 2001. Chelsea Cooley, Miss United States Teen, was first runner-up. Ms. Cooley also won swimsuit and evening gown. Nari Gill, competing as Miss India, won best national costume and Miss Congeniality. Winning Miss Photogenic was María Fernanda León, 15, Miss Teen Venezuela (who was Miss Guarico 1999).

Brandi Thornton was crowned Miss Central Georgia on Oct. 20, 2001, in Thomaston, Ga. She was also the talent winner. The first runner-up was Carrie Beth Spivey, and the second runner-up was Dana Lowery. Ms. Spivey and Angie McCall tied for the swimsuit award. Ms. Thornton will be making her first trip to Miss Georgia.

Miss America, Katie Harman, returned to Oregon on the third weekend of October 2001 to crown her successor. Heidi Rickey, who had been Ms. Harman's first runner-up at the state level, received the crown in Seaside. It was a lavish homecoming for the new Miss America.

The following women have been chosen to compete in the Mrs. Galaxy Pageant held by Coronation, Inc.: Karen Hauck, Mrs. Eastern U.S. Galaxy; Diana Santoro, Mrs. North America Galaxy; Christine Marsteller, Mrs. Pennsylvania Galaxy.

Keva Nesbitt has been chosen Spokesmodel and Bodine Johnson has been named Talent Winner in the Miss Teen Bahamas Pageant. Events continue.

The nasty controversy over who will represent the United States at Miss World 2001 has been settled. Carrie Stroup, who had originally been chosen, then removed, has been reinstated by the decision of Miss World authorities in London. She told PNB she was preparing to depart for the event on the third weekend of October. Starla Smith, who had been chosen to replace Ms. Stroup, confirmed that she herself has now been excluded from Miss World. The disagreement turned largely on a business dispute between Ms. Stroup and Crown Star Productions, and on a related dispute between Crown Star Productions and Pageantry magazine, a Florida-based publication. Allegations and counter-allegations were widely circulated on the Internet. Charles Dunn of Pageantry magazine insisted that he has not become the U.S. franchisee for Miss World, but Ms. Stroup told PNB she was grateful for his role in gaining her the title, and he has made a public effort to promote her career since. Miss World, in its 50-year history, has never established a stable pageant structure in the United States. During the U.S. dispute in 2001, Miss World officials refused for weeks to comment on who was the rightful claimant. The protracted feud was painful to both Ms. Stroup and Ms. Smith, who are former roommates. Ms. Stroup told PNB she regretted how contentious the issue had become, and Ms. Smith described it as the only negative experience she has had in years of pageant competition.

Allison Alderson of Jackson, a member of one of Tennessee's most famous pageant families, has been crowned Miss Tennessee USA. She is a former Miss Tennessee Teen USA and third runner-up at Miss Teen USA. Candice Marie Sanders of Brownsville was first runner-up to Ms. Alderson, and Amanda S. Greene of Newport was second runner-up. Rachel Renee Smith of Clarksville was crowned Miss Tennessee Teen USA. The first runner-up was Lindsey Johnson of Franklin, and the second runner-up was Brittany Ryan Swann of Cookeville.

Chelsea Cooley, Miss United States Teen 2001, has won the overall swimsuit competition at Miss Teen International preliminary events in Curacao.

Erika Ramirez, 17, has been crowned Miss Honduras Universe 2001. She competed as Miss Trujillo, and is the first black woman to win the crown. The first runner-up was Kritza Perez, 17, and the second runner-up was Belsy Umanzor, 17.

Cortney Kathleen Owen, 22, of Muskego, Wis., was crowned Miss Wisconsin USA 2002 on Oct. 14, 2001, in Madison. Ms. Owen, the previous year's first runner-up, is a May 2001 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduate with degrees in political science and marketing. She succeeds Kari Jo Dodge, 23, of Star Prairie, and will now advance to the 2002 Miss USA Pageant in Gary, Ind. The event was organized by Kari Larson (Miss North Dakota USA 1990). It was Ms. Larson's first Wisconsin-produced show. The first runner-up was Karen Turner, 22, of Brown Deer, a student at the American University in Washington, D.C. Stacy Gizas, 19, of Superior was named second runner-up while Jillian Oberlander, 22, of Scholfield was the third runner-up. Judith Eckerle, 19, of Milwaukee was the fourth runner-up. Miss Congeniality was Robyn Reed, 24, of Milwaukee who was also among the 10 semi-finalists. Competing on the same stage and winning the chance to represent Wisconsin in the 2002 Miss Teen USA Pageant was Vanessa Semrow. The new Miss Wisconsin Teen USA, 15, is a home-schooled Rhinelander native. Amy Lynn Garza, 17, of La Crosse was the first runner-up. The second runner-up was Brittany Buchanan, 16, of Monroe. Shaya Stettler, 15, of Brodhead was the third runner-up, and Lydia Vera Erdmann-White, 15, of Waukesha was the fourth runner-up. Miss Congeniality was Vueve DeShazer, 16, of Racine.

Following are the 2002 American Elegance national winners:

Miss American Elegance 2002 - Kimberly Melchior (Miss Teen Midwestern US); first runner-up - Rachael Schinabargar, Miss Teen Kansas; second-runner-up - Connie Rodenberger, Miss Teen Indiana.
Ms. American Elegance 2002 - Geri Johnson (Ms. Indiana); first runner-up - Denae Lofton, Ms. Tennessee; second runner-up - Lottie Ferguson - Ms. Illinois; third runner-up - Myke Harris, Ms. Kansas; fourth runner-up - Melinda Van Eaton, Ms. Michigan.
Ms. American Elegance Woman - E-Dee Martin ( Ms. Colorado Woman); first runner-up - Beth Lawerence, Ms. Indiana Woman; second runner-up - Debra Norman, Ms. Florida Woman; third runner-up - Julie Smith, Ms. Kansas Woman; fourth runner-up - Vonzetta Chancellor, Ms. Midwest Woman.
Best Casual Wear: Teen - Kimberly Melchior; Ms. - Geri Johnson; Ms. Woman - Tie between Marcia Shirel and E-Dee Martin.
Best Personal Expression: Teen - Connie Rodenberger; Ms. - Krista Hardy; Ms. Woman - E-Dee Martin.
Best Evening Gown: Teen - Kimberly Melchior; Ms. - Denae Lofton; Ms. Woman - E-Dee Martin.
Photogenic: Teen - Jennifer Street; Ms. - Krista Hardy; Ms. Woman - Karen Hauck.
Director's Award: Teen - Connie Rodenberger; Ms. - Paige Wyatt; Ms.Woman - Lauren Brantley. People's Choice Award - E-Dee Martin; Highest Ad Sales - Diana Wright; Nedra Stewart Community Service - Karen Hauck; Kelly Nance Spirit Award - Geri Johnson; American Elegance Special Judge's Award - Vonzetta Chancellor, Memory Book Award - Paige Wyatt. Congeniality: Teen - Jessica Fontana; Ms. - Myke Harris, Ms. Woman - Anne Wilson.

Tan Wei Jin, 24, a fitness director, has won the Manhunt Singapore competition. He will represent Singapore in Manhunt International 2001 in Beijing in November 2001. The first runner-up was Vincent Lam a 24-year-old student, and the second runner-up was Abdul Aziz, 23, also a student. Loke Yee Lui, 26, an administrator, was selected Mr. Singapore Intercontinental 2001. He will compete in Germany in November 2001 at the Mr. Intercontinental 2001 contest.

Terri-Lynn Yee of Toronto, Ontario, received the title of Miss Global Petite Canada on Oct. 6, 2001. Iram Ahmad of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, was awarded the title of Miss Global Queen Canada, and Erin Fix, of Edmonton, Alberta, was named Miss Global Teen Canada. All three women will represent the Land of the Maple Leaf at the Global Beauty Quest on Oct. 29, in Montreal, Quebec.

Dana Elaine Daunis, 16, of Watertown, Conn., was crowned Miss Connecticut Teen America 2002 on Oct. 7, 2001, in Windsor Locks. She received the overall photogenic award and won the Miss Connecticut Teen America Talent award, receiving perfect scores from all of the judges. The first alternate was 17-year-old Lauren Lipnick of Weatogue, who placed first in swimsuit and was voted Miss Congeniality. The second alternate, who got first place in interview, was 16-year-old Jo Ellen Ally of Weston. The third alternate was April Forrest, 14, of New Britain, and the fourth alternate was Suzanne Mancheski, 17, of Branford, who tied for first place in evening wear. Catherine (Caite) Ally, 12, of Weston was crowned Miss Connecticut Jr. Teen America 2002. She placed first in interview and photogenic. The first alternate was 11-year-old Amaryllis Rodriguez of East Hartford. She placed first in aerobic wear, first in evening gown and first in talent. The second alternate was 12-year-old Meaghan Ames of East Haven.

Ashley Massaro of New York, N.Y., Denise Garcia of San Antonio, Texas, Shawn Cox of Los Angeles, Calif., and Amber Lancaster of Seattle, Wash., were the four U.S. finalists chosen for Miss Hawaiian Tropic International on Sept. 29, 2001, in Las Vegas. Ms. Congeniality was Kasie Head of South Padre Island, Texas, and Ms. Photogenic was Carrie Stroup of Clearwater Beach, Fla.

In a bizarre development, there are now two claimants for the right to represent the United States in the 2001 Miss World Pageant. The two women are Carrie Stroup of North Carolina and Starla Smith of Alabama. Advocates for the two rivals are exchanging angry allegations by means of the Internet. The confusion is compounded by the refusal of Miss World authorities in London to say which -- if either -- is the legitimate choice. The two young women have both previously held the title of Miss United States Teen. They are former friends, and indeed were once roommates. Miss World authorities, after some hesitation, were able to state that there will be only one U.S. representative at Miss World. The reason for the confusion is unclear, but there is no indication that this is a deliberate publicity stunt.

Kiara Sherman, Miss Teen Bahamas, has been chosen to represent her country at the Miss World Pageant in South Africa in November 2001.

Karen Michelle Long, 20, representing West Virginia, won the Miss Oktoberfest crown in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, on Oct. 4, 2001. Ms. Long is the second winner from West Virginia in the pageant's 34-year history. (The first was Debbie Davis, who won in 1978, before capturing her state's Miss America and Miss USA state titles.) Ms. Long, who is also the reigning Miss West Virginia USA, won the Miss Swimsuit award. The first runner-up was Donna Sawchyn, 26, of Calgary, Alberta, and the second runner-up was Tiffany Meyer, 25, of Missouri, who was Miss Kansas USA 2000. (She's from a border area.) The third runner-up was Anna Freeman, 27, of Oklahoma, and the fourth runner-up was Kelsey Carver, 22, of Kansas. The talent winner was Natalie Thiem, 19, of California, and Miss Gemuetlichkeit (Friendship) was Tiffany Estell, 24, representing Texas. The pageant, which features contestants from the United States and Canada, is one of the few still televised in Canada.

Miss Poland, Malgorzata Rozniecka, won the Miss International Beauty Pageant 2001 in Tokyo on Oct. 4, 2001. Dikla Elkabets of Israel was Miss Photogenic.

Adina Wilhelmi of Wolfach was crowned Miss Germany World 2001 in Hanover on Oct. 2, 2001. She competed as Miss Sueddeutschland World, and now will go on to represent her country at Miss World. The first runner-up was Tanja Fenske, 24, of Siegen. She competed as Miss Vera World. The second runner-up was Jennifer Dietrich, 18, who competed as Miss Saarland World.

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