María Angélica García, representing Carabobo, won the Miss Tourism World Venezela crown on June 30, 2002, in Valencia. She will represent her country in December's Miss Tourism World Pageant in Colombia. The same evening, Gustavo Granados, representing Sucre, won the title of Mr. Tourism Venezuela and will compete at the Mister Tourism International Pageant in Panama in September.

Gina Paola Arango Lemos, 20, Miss Calima-El Darién, was crowned Miss Valle in Guadalajara de Buga, Colombia, on June 30, 2002. She will represent her state, one of the most successful in recent years, in the Miss Colombia Pageant in November. María Fernanda González Castaño, Miss Guadalajara de Buga, was the first runner-up, and Vanessa Velásquez Londoño, Miss La Cumbre, was the second runner-up. Among the judges was María Mónica Urbina, Miss Colombia 1985, first runner-up to Miss Sudamérica 1986 and second runner-up to Miss Universe 1986.

Allison Meeks Hood of Emanuel County was crowned Mrs. Georgia America on June 30, 2002, in Roswell. She will represent the state in the Mrs. America Pageant in Hawaii in September. The first runner-up was Marcel Simonette. The second runner-up was Kara Colquitt, who won the evening gown award and was Mrs. Photogenic. The third runner-up was Denise Steele, who won the Crest Whitestrips Smile award and the physical fitness award. Jenna Haligas was Mrs. Congeniality.

Erika Harold, 22, a graduate of the University of Illinois, was crowned Miss Illinois on June 29, 2002, in Oakbrook Terrace. Ms. Harold, who competed as Miss Land of Lincoln, now goes on to represent the state at Miss America. Her talent was singing and her platform was teenage sexual abstinence. The first runner-up was Michelle LaGroue, Miss Tinley Park, and the second runner-up was Deanne Riddle, Miss Northeast Suburbs. The third runner-up was Alexandra Harold, Miss Springfield, who is the sister of Erika Harold. The fourth runner-up was Tobin Finwall, Miss DuPage.

The Kentuckiana Teen 2002 Pageant, a joint pageant with contestants from the neighbor states of Kentucky and Indiana, has crowned five new state titleholders. The overall winner of the Kentuckiana Teen 2002 title was Katie Stam of Indiana. She also was named Teen of the Year and Miss Congeniality. In addition, she won the People's Choice, Congeniality and Swimsuit awards. Others winning state titles included Kaitlyn Christopher, Teen Indiana 2002, who won the style competition and was named Miss Photogenic; Rachel Hernandez, Teen Kentucky 2002; and Kerry Dowd, who was Hoosier State Teen 2002 and the overall interview winner. The winners will represent the sponsoring organization, pageantcrown.com, in various national teen pageants for the coming year. The event was co-hosted by Kelly Lloyd, Miss Indiana USA 2002, and Stephanie Wells, Mrs. Indiana Globe 2002. The featured entertainer was Deven Wayman, Indiana's Junior Miss 2002. Backstage commentary was provided by Bridget Reid, Miss Model of Indiana 2001, and Lindsay Orr, America's Southern Teen 2001.

Andrea Paola Herrera Solano, the recently crowned Miss Norte de Santander (Colombia) has been stripped of her title because she participated in another Colombian state pageant last year. Pageant rules state that a contestant may compete in only one state pageant ever. The first runner-up, Salua Mrad Pérez, has been denied the chance to participate in the national pageant because of what the El Universal newspaper called "a personal hostility" with the head of the state pageant committee. Naidú Patricia Illera Arango, the second runner-up, has been tapped to represent Norte de Santander in November's Miss Colombia Pageant.

Vivien W. Maina, 22, of Kilifi District was crowned Miss Tourism Kenya on June 29, 2002, in Nairobi. Winnie Adah Omwakwe, 20, of Western Province was the first runner-up.

Diana DeGarmo, competing as Miss Teen Gwinnett, has won the title of Miss Georgia Teen in Columbus. She is 15 and from the town of Snellville.

Laura Marie Lawless, a law student, was crowned Miss Arizona on June 29, 2002, in Gilbert. Ms. Lawless, 23, who competed as Miss Maricopa County, will represent the state at Miss America. Her talent was piano and her platform was mental health advocacy. The first runner-up was Colette Beatty, Miss Anthem, and the second runner-up was Corrie Hill, Miss Valley of the Sun. The third runner-up was Katherine Kennedy, Miss Mesa, and the fourth runner-up was Amy Peterson, Miss Gilbert.

After competing for four years, Camille Jane Lewis, 22, of Silver Spring was crowned Miss Maryland 2002 on June 29, 2002, in Hagerstown. Competing as Miss College Park, the classical violinist won the preliminary evening gown award Thursday night and won the overall interview award. She succeeds Kelly Glorioso, 22, of Hyden, who was among the top 20 in last year's Miss America Pageant. Ms. Lewis, the third black Miss Maryland, was first runner-up at the state pageant last year and in 1999, and was a semi-finalist at the 2001 Miss National Sweetheart Pageant. She now will represent the state at the 2002 Miss America Pageant on Sept. 21, 2002, in Atlantic City. The first runner-up was Miss Germantown, Felicia Michelle Curry, 23, a University of Maryland-College Park journalism graduate from Parsippany, NJ. She was the fourth runner-up in the 2000 Miss National Sweetheart Pageant and has the opportunity to return to Hoopeston, Ill., this fall to compete in the 2002 pageant. The five-time pageant entrant plans to become an entertainer. The second runner-up was Nikki Gouker, 22, Miss Western Maryland, a four-time pageant entrant who won the Friday talent competition with a tap dance routine. Miss Prince George's County, Marliss Amiea Ladson, 23, was the third runner-up. Last year, she was the fourth runner-up to Miss Florida 2001. The fourth runner-up was Marina Harrison, 21, Miss Annapolis, a public relations graduate of UM-College Park. Placing among the final 10 were Miss Maryland USA 1999, Kelly A. Donohue, 24, Miss Chesapeake, and Miss Allegany County, Angela M. Ellsworth, 21, who competed with her younger sister Rachel Ellsworth, 18, Miss Columbia. The sisters are from LaVale. The two non-finalist talent winners were Miss Baltimore, Temisha Kinnard, 21, and Miss Northern Chesapeake, Heather Nevleyn Gross, 21, who also won the non-finalist Interview Award.

The Miss International Canada Pageant was held on June 29, 2002, in Montréal, Québec, and crowned three titleholders to represent Canada at various international pageants this year. Alicia Victoria Altares, 18, from Longueuil, Québec was crowned Miss International Canada, and will now represent the land of the maple leaf at the Miss International Pageant in Hawaii in October. Anna Mae Abia, 19, from Edmonton, Alberta, was crowned World Miss University Canada 2002, and will compete at World Miss University in Korea in December. Anne MacLennan, 23, of Burnaby, British Columbia, won the title of Miss Global Canada 2002, and will be the host delegate at the Global Beauty Quest in Montréal on November 6, 2002. There was a tie for first runner-up between Annalie Uson Bonda, 17, of Edmonton, Alberta and Domenica Ruscica, 21, of Toronto, who was also Miss Friendship. The second runner-up was Rachel Solidarios, 19, of Vancouver. Danielle Keenan, 18, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, was Miss Photogenic. The same evening, Karl Végiard, 25, of Knowlton, Québec, was crowned Manhunt Canada 2002 and will represent his country at Manhunt International in China in November. Danny Brulet, 25, of Granby, Québec, was first runner-up, and Frank Michael Verilli, 23, of London, Ontario, was second runner-up; he also tied for the Mr. Friendship prize with Manuel Scott Villarroel, 20, of Montréal. Christian Genest, 30, of Boucherville, Québec, was Mr. Photogenic. The beautiful Nesia Ngwilizi, Miss Global Queen 2000, was the emcee for the evening.

Amy Mulkey, Miss Atlanta, was crowned Miss Georgia on June 29, 2002, in Columbus. The 22-year-old University of Georgia graduate will represent the state at Miss America. She also was the swimsuit winner. The first runner-up was Andrea Bailey, 23, competing as Miss Coastal Georgia. It was Ms. Bailey's third time as first runner-up to Miss Georgia, and she is a former winner of the Miss National Sweetheart Pageant, in which state runners-up compete against one another. Emily Loftiss, 21, competing as Miss Magnolia Midlands, was the second runner-up. The third runner-up was Brooke Anderson, 24, Miss Spirit of Georgia, and the fourth runner-up was Joan-Marie Burns, 23, Miss Historic Southern Plains.

Amy Kerr of Salem, Ore., was named America's Junior Miss 2002 in Mobile, Ala., on June 28, 2002. She came away with $74,000 in cash scholarships. Mississippi's Natalie Pope, from Hattiesburg, finished as first runner-up, and Florida's Jacquie Geier, from Longwood, was second runner-up. Alaska's Katie Lockwood, from Soldotna, was third runner-up. This is the first time since 1959 that Alaska has placed in the pageant.

Silvia Ceccon, 19, was crowned "The Miss" for Miss Universe 2002 on June 28. The pageant is the Italian national preliminary for the Miss Universe Pageant. Francesca Delfino won the title of Miss Canon Image, and Carmela Malagrino was Miss Internet.

Katherine Carson was crowned Miss Florida on June 28, 2002, in Miami. She will represent the state at Miss America. She is the daughter of Marianne Oden, the reigning Mrs. International. The first runner-up was Shauna Pender, Miss Panama City, and the second runner-up was Valerie Lynch, Miss Ocala/Marion County. The third runner-up was Kimberly Kolinski, Miss Seminole, and the fourth runner-up was Morgan Ortagus, Miss Pinellas County. This year's pageant was the first under the leadership of Mary E. Sullivan, who succeeded longtime President Marie Finnell.

A graduate of Rocky Mountain College was crowned Miss Montana 2002 on June 22, 2002, in Billings. Heather Michelle Rathbun, 24, a martial arts expert who split wooden boards during a choreographed Tae Kwon Do routine to "I'm Proud To Be An American," will represent the Treasure State in the 2002 Miss America Pageant this September. She succeeds Kara Svennungsen, 23, of Shelby, Miss Montana 2001. Ms. Rathbun, last year's third runner-up, is a native of Darby, a small community in the foothills of the Bitterroot National Forest in western Montana. She is a longtime volunteer of Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch and is a Seventh Regimen horse champion. Evangelina Duke, 19, of Billings, a singer attending Rocky Mountain College in Billings, was the first runner-up. She has the opportunity to represent Montana in the 2002 Miss National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Ill., on Labor Day weekend. The second runner-up was Amanda D. Ryen, 19, of Belgrade. The mass communications major at Montana State University-Bozeman was the first runner-up in the 2001 Miss Montana USA Pageant and a finalist in the 2002 pageant. Michelle Cimmino, 18, of Billings was the third runner-up. The non-finalist talent winner was Taryn Layne Eaton, 18, of Glendive, a tap dancer who already has earned 32 college credits while as a high school senior at Dawson County High School.

The Ms. US and Ms. World International Beauty Pageant combined with the Worldwide Pageant to hold an extraordinary event -- a competition in the form of a spa-like retreat -- at the spectacular Wilson Creek Vineyards in Temecula, Calif. Entertainment and stress relief was provided by Katarina, performing a Middle Eastern veil dance to "Desert Rose" by Sting. The premise of this organization is that all women are beautiful, be they a size 2 or 22. Following are the results: Ms. California - Hahn Chau, 30, of San Jose; Ms. US - Lilly Gharavi, 16, of Cucamonga; Ms. Worldwide - Cheri Potsklan, 55, of Oregon. Ms. World - Pauwilo Look, 37, of Hawaii.

Kathryn Lynne Salomon, 11, has won the Nationals Inc. local in Newark, N.J. It was her first entry in a pageant.

Janna Kerns, Miss Morgantown, competing on her twenty-third birthday, was crowned Miss West Virginia 2002 on June 22, 2002, in Clarksburg. She is a senior at West Virginia University majoring in public relations and English. Her talent was singing, and her platform was cancer research and education. She will represent the state at Miss America.

Lauren Davidson, 20, was crowned Miss Arkansas 2002 on June 22, 2002, in Hot Springs. She will represent the state at Miss America. Like many recent Miss Arkansas winners, Ms. Davidson competed as Miss White River. The first runner-up was Paige Cooley, Miss Dardanelle, and the second runner-up was Lacy Fleming, Miss Ouachita River. The third runner-up was Taylor Carlisle, Miss Henderson State University, and the fourth runner-up was Lindsey Toland, Miss Three Rivers.

Morgan O'Murray, 21, of Colorado Springs was crowned Miss Colorado 2002 on June 22, 2002, in La Junta. She is a 2002 graduate of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, as well as a 1999 graduate of Cheyenne Mountain High School. She was Miss Colorado Teen USA 1999, and has just completed her second year as a Denver Broncos cheerleader. She will represent Colorado in the Miss America Pageant. As a state titleholder, she will dedicate the upcoming year to promoting her platform of "Take Charge! Eradicating asthma through research, education, and support." This topic is important to her, as she has suffered from asthma all her life. "I didn't choose my platform, my platform chose me," she said.

At the conclusion of the 50th anniversary of the Miss Tennessee Pageant's being staged in Jackson, 22-year-old Miss UTM (University of Tennessee-Martin), Valli Suzanne Kuglar, was crowned Miss Tennessee 2002 on June 22, 2002. She was crowned by outgoing titlist Stephanie Culberson, 22, of Knoxville, Miss Tennessee 2001, who was second runner-up to Miss America 2002. Ms. Kuglar, a vocalist, is a former backup singer at the Miss Tennessee competition. The first runner-up was Miss Riverview, Britteny Suzanne Eskew, a senior at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. She previously competed in the Miss Illinois program and now has the opportunity to compete in the National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Ill. during Labor Day weekend. The second runner-up was Lindsey Trapper, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival. Christina Marie Lam, 22, who was Miss Illinois USA 1999, was the third runner-up. Miss Bluegrass Festival, Ashley Carol Brooks, 21, a preliminary talent winner, was the fourth runner-up. The pageant was hit by controversy in May when Miss Memphis, Brandi Watkins, a former Miss Arkansas Teen USA, was barred from competing at Miss Tennessee for not meeting residency requirements. Kelly Miller, 18, of Bartlett, the second runner-up to Miss Memphis, was sent to represent the city in the state contest, but it remains unclear who is officially Miss Memphis.

Miss Southern Wisconsin, Jayme M. Dawicki, 22, of New Berlin, was crowned Miss Wisconsin 2002 on June 22, 2002, in Oshkosh. Ms. Dawicki, a Friday preliminary talent winner who performed a piano rendition of "Wedding Day In Troldhaugen," succeeds outgoing titleholder Laura Margaret Herriot, 24, of Princeton. Ms. Dawicki is a student at UW-Milwaukee majoring in fine arts and piano performance, and was last year's second runner-up. She will represent Wisconsin in the 2002 Miss America Pageant on Sept. 21 in Atlantic City. The first runner-up was the Friday preliminary swimsuit winner, Miss Fox River Valley, Michelle Yapp, 20, of Fond Du Lac, an elementary education major at Marian College, Fond Du Lac. During Labor Day weekend, she will have the opportunity to compete in the annual National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Ill. The second runner-up was Miss Racine, Caitlin S. Morrall, 19, of Burlington, who also won the Thursday swimsuit award. The first-time pageant entrant is a freshman at UW-Stevens Point double majoring in elementary education and dance. The third runner-up was Christina Anna Thompson, 19, of Pleasant Prairie, who entered as Miss Wisconsin West. The fourth runner-up was Miss Milwaukee, Carrie Cihasky, 22, of Milwaukee, who was Miss Wisconsin National Teen-ager 1995.

Miss North Carolina 2002 was crowned June 22, 2002, in Raleigh at the conclusion of the 65th annual pageant. Miss Fayetteville, Rebekah Chantay Revels, 23, won the crown on her first attempt and succeeds Ashley Nicole House, 21, of Lincolnton. Ms. Revels, an opera singer who won the Friday preliminary talent award with a vocal rendition of "La Conzona di Doretta" by Puccini, holds a 2001 bachelor's degree in secondary English education with teacher certification from the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. She also won the Thursday preliminary swimsuit competition. The former Miss Lumberton 1996 is a cousin of Miss North Carolina 2000, Lorna McNeil, a fellow Lumbee indian. Ms. Revels is currently an English teacher at Lumberton High School and is a member of Alpha Pi Omega, the first historically American Indian sorority in America. The Alzheimer's Awareness advocate will advance to the 2002 Miss America Pageant on Sept. 21, 2002, in Atlantic City. The first runner-up was the Wednesday preliminary talent winner, Miss Western Piedmont, Misty Dawn Clymer, a 24 year-old graduate of Pennsylvania State University, who is currently pursuing graduate work at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C. Prior to competing last year, the vocalist was a two-time entrant in the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant, placing second runner-up in 2000. She now has the opportunity to compete in the National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Ill. during Labor Day weekend. The second runner-up was Dana Lynnet Reason, 23, Miss Eastern Carolina, who was last year's third runner-up and is currently a senior at East Carolina University in Greenville. Miss Raleigh, Emilie Edwards, 23, a three-time Georgia entrant and graduate of Mercer University, was the third runner-up, followed by Kirsten Elrod, 20, Miss Garner, who was the fourth runner-up. Miss Congeniality was Miss Statesville, Jamison Sanders Schwarz, 20. The non-finalist Interview winner was Josie Watson, 23, Miss Wilson.

Following are the results of the national Global America Pageant held in Charlotte, N.C., on June 22, 2002: Shelena Lewis - Jr. Miss Global America 2002; Chelsea Crispin - Teen Miss Global America 2002; Lacey Cahlik - Teen Miss Plus Global America 2002; Shawn Meeh - Miss Global America 2002; Janice Oulton - Ms. Global America 2002; Holly Roberts - Ms. Plus Global America 2002; Tracie Rowe - Global America Mrs. 2002; Cheryl Grobelny -Global America Mrs. Woman 2002; Debra Kennedy - Global America Woman 2002; Lauren Monohan - Global America Woman Plus 2002; Sheila Klein - Global America Lady 2002; Wanda Jones - Global America Elegant Lady 2002.

Terry Bunten Cross was crowned Mrs. Georgia International 2002 on June 22, 2002, in Augusta.

On June 22, 2002, at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Charity Kelly was crowned Mrs. Minnesota America 2002. She also won the Crest Whitestrips Best Smile Award, the Physical Ftness award and the Jerry and Susan Teener Costume Award. She won the state title on her fourth attempt. In 1997, she was third runner-up while competing as Mrs. Linwood. In 2000, she was second runner-up while competing as Mrs. Minneapolis, and in 2001, she was first runner-up while competing as Mrs. Anoka County. She returned as Mrs. Anoka County this year. In 1993, as Charity Lundy, she represented Minnesota at the Miss Teen USA Pageant. Her newly acquired brunette hair color surprised many in the audience, particularly veteran PNB correspondent Pamela Faye. The first runner-up was Mrs. Sherburne County, Donna Carley, who was Mrs. Photogenic. The second runner-up was Mrs. Mankato, Nancy Buckingham, who won the Evening Gown award. The third runner-up was Mrs. Wright County, Suzie Trebesch, and the fourth runner-up was Mrs. Alexandria, Natalie Heckert. Sonja Fisher, Mrs. Brooklyn Park, won the Community Service award and Mrs. Congeniality.

Vanessa Short Bull, who competed as Miss State Fair, has been crowned Miss South Dakota 2002, and will represent the state at Miss America. She is a former Miss South Dakota USA. She is the first Native American to hold either title, as well as the first woman to win in both systems for South Dakota. She performed a ballet en pointe to "The Dying Swan." Her platform is based on political awareness, and getting younger people and minorities to vote. The first runner-up was Sara Seever, Miss Southern Hills, and the second runner-up was Sara VanBerken, Miss Rapid City. The third runner-up was Jessica Peterson, Miss Rushmore, and the fourth runner-up was Sara Jean Spisak, Miss Sioux Valley.

Maria Beall, Mrs. Virginia Galaxy (and a former PNB cover girl), was crowned Mrs. Galaxy 2003 on June 22, 2002, in Akron, Ohio. The first runner-up was Bethany Camarda, Mrs. U.S. Galaxy, and the second runner-up was Diana Santoro, Mrs. North America Galaxy. Christina Rheinlander, Miss Indiana Galaxy, was crowned Miss Galaxy 2003. E-dee Martin, Miss U.S. Galaxy, was the first runner-up. The second runner-up was Autumn Skye Port, who competed as Miss Virginia Galaxy. Cori Catanese, Miss Indiana Teen Galaxy, was crowned Miss Teen Galaxy 2003. The first runner-up was Soniya Patidar, Miss India Teen Galaxy, and the second runner-up was Ximen Ellis, Miss U.S. Teen Galaxy.

Donald Trump has reached an agreement to move the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants from CBS, their longtime home, to NBC, currently the most successful American network. The procedural details are not clear, since CBS is listed as co-owner with Trump of Miss Universe Inc.

Alicia Hall, a pro football cheerleader known for her stunning looks and close calls in major pageants, won the Resaca Beach Calendar Girl Contest and Motorcycle Show on June 22, 2002, in Dalton, Ga. Ms. Hall, from Jonesboro, Ga., was the first runner-up at Resaca Beach in 2000. By coincidence, she was also the first runner-up two years in a row at Miss Georgia USA, when it was held in the same building that hosts the Resaca Beach event. The runner-up to Ms. Hall was newcomer Brittany Lee Cripliver of Smyrna, Ga. Others chosen for the event's prestigious calendar were Nicole Gauthier, Stacy Lynn Johnson, Tonya Lloyd, Melissa Collins Tanner, Jessica Smiddy, Lauren Renae Ponder, Pippa Bryant, Jessica Hixson, Kimberly Huskin, Amy White, Lisa Tollett and Kimberly Maxwell. Ms. Bryant is a former Mrs. Georgia (America). Ms. Tollett is a former Miss Tennessee USA. Numerous other prizes, modeling opportunities and advancements to other contests were awarded.

Andrea Paola Herrera, a business administration student, was crowned Miss Norte de Santander on June 22, 2002. She will represent her state in the Miss Colombia Pageant in November in Cartagena.

Wafa Zai, 19, was crowned Miss Karachi on June 21, 2002, in the metropolis of Karachi, Pakistan. She was also Miss 10 in swimsuit. Saba Baloch, 23, was the first runner-up and the winner of the scholarship and healthy hair awards. The second runner-up was Sadia Khan, 18, who was also the beautiful skin winner. It was the first time in the pageant's history that the winners were all preliminary award winners. Miss Karachi was inaugurated in 1994, and the first winner, Sehar Naz, went on to become the owner of the organization.

Venus Day, a professional model and mermaid, has been chosen Mrs. Florida United Nation 2002. She volunteers by swimming with terminally children in Florida. She will be competing at the Mrs. United Nation US Pageant in Anaheim, Calif., on July 20, 2002. According to the pageant's director, Sarah Boothe, positions are still available for the Mrs. United Nation International Pageant, taking place at the same time.

Svetlana Korolyova was crowned Miss Russia on June 16, 2002. She will represent her country in the Miss Universe Pageant in 2003 in Panama. The first runner-up was Olesya Bondarenko, who will compete at Miss Europe 2002, and the second runner-up was Aksinya Zamaleyeva, who will compete at Miss International 2002 in Hawaii later in 2002.

Natasha Burnham of Kona, Hawaii, has won the Miss Aloha Muscle Bikini Contest in Honolulu. She claimed a $5,000 prize. Coming in second was Allison China of Sacramento, Calif., who won $3,000, and third was Megan Clark of Honolulu, who won $2,000. Laina Beard of Hawaii Kai placed fourth and won $1,000, while Tess Yong of Honolulu placed fifth and won $500. Karissa Klotzbuecher of Scandinavia, Wis., was honored for best chest, winning $1,000. Ms. China claimed $1,000 as the best abs honoree, while Ms. Yong won $1,000 for best legs. Ms. Beard was the best butt winner, for which she was awarded $3,500. Judges included well-known show business and fitness personalities.

Marianna Hewitt has won the Miss Jr. Ohio Teen title and will compete for the Miss Junior America crown. She previously was first runner-up at Miss Ohio Teen America.

The 63rd Miss Georgia Forestry State Scholarship Pageant was held on June 14-15, 2002, in Tifton, Ga. Winners in the Miss Division were as follows: Prettiest Dress Winner - Michelle Brown, representing Gordon County; Prettiest Smile Winner - Tara Rountree, representing Lowndes County; Photogenic Winner - Brandie Aldridge, representing Brantley County; People's Choice Winner - Ginger Bennett, representing Clinch County; Director's Award - Joni Fulp, representing Cook County; Miss Congeniality - Olivia Gillis, representing Emanuel County; Interview winner - Erin Smoak, representing Clarke County; Speech winner - Rebecca Register, representing Worth County. The winner was Erin Smoak, who becomes 2002 Miss Georgia Forestry State Queen. The first runner-up was Rachael McCall, representing Wilcox County. The second runner-up was Celena Mead, representing Toombs County, and the third runner-up was Lindsay Watters, representing Floyd County. The fourth runner-up was Rebecca Register. Winners in the Teen Division were as follows: Photogenic winner - Robin Lynn Walter, representing Bacon County; Prettiest Dress winner - Kaleigh Nicole Thompson, representing Worth County; Prettiest Smile winner - Lindsey Nicole Giddens, representing Cook County; Miss Congeniality - Karlee Jones, representing Wilcox County; People's Choice winner - Katherine Conkle, representing Henry County; Interview winner - Christine Rebecca Stallings, representing Colquitt County; Speech winner - Kimberly Ann Eckles, representing Wheeler County Top 10 Finalists. The winner, claiming the title of 2002 Teen Miss Georgia Forestry State Queen, was Amy Bartley, representing Tift County. The first runner-up was Kimberly Eckles, representing Wheeler County, and the second runner-up was Kaleigh Thompson, representing Worth County. The third runner-up was Jessica Stringer, representing Brantley County, and the fourth runner-up was Katy Faircloth, representing Decatur County. The Miss Georgia Forestry Pageant is the oldest scholarship pageant in the state. Information is available at forestrypageant.tripod.com.

The America's of the Year national pageant for 2002 has been postponed due to the illness of national director Jim Outhouse, according to an e-mail sent to contestants and forwarded to PNB. Mr. Outhouse is to undergo surgery, and a new date will be announced later. The national office did not return calls seeking comment.

Tanisha Nicole Brito, 21, competing as Miss New London County, was crowned Miss Connecticut on June 15, 2002, in New London. She will represent the state at Miss America. Her talent was dance, and her platform was the Peer Monitoring Program. Ms. Brito is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and represented Fulton County in last year's Miss Georgia Pageant. Her pageant director is Candice Donehoo Pullom, who is a former Miss Atlanta. Mrs. Pullom was unable to see Ms. Brito's win because she was still in the hospital recuperating from childbirth on June 13. Ms. Brito and Mrs. Pullom are continuing a recent tradition of Georgia-Connecticut pageant ties.

Natalie Johnson, a 22-year-old graduate of Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in accounting and a minor in music, has been selected as Miss Utah and will represent the state at the Miss America Pageant in September 2002. Named as first runner-up to Ms. Johnson was Tara Sperry, Miss Sandy. Rebecca Larsen, Miss Murray, was second runner-up, and Miss Orem, McKenzie Moody, was third runner-up. Miss Payson, Abby Lomento, was fourth runner-up. Ms. Johnson also won the Quality of Life award, along with a $1,000 scholarship, for her community service project focusing on skin cancer awareness. The new Miss Utah performed Prelude in G Minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff for her talent presentation.

Amy Yan, a 21-year-old student from Beijing University, has been chosen Miss International China 2002. She was crowned at the Great Wall Sheraton Hotel in Beijing. Grace Li, a 19-year-old model, was the first runner-up, and Alice Zhang, a 20-year-old student, was the second runner-up. Ms. Yan won Miss Photogenic and Miss Body Beautiful, while Lily Li, 18, was voted Miss Congeniality. Ms. Tan will compete at Miss International 2002, the first Chinese to compete in the pageant.

Scarlotte Deupree, 22, was crowned Miss Alabama on June 15, 2002, in Birmingham. She competed as Miss Camellia, and will now represent the state at Miss America. Ms. Deupree is a Samford University student majoring in English, and her hometown is Birmingham. Her talent was a vocal presentation of "Holding Out for a Hero," and her platform is adult literacy awareness. She was crowned by Kelly Jones, Miss Alabama 2001. The first runner-up was Kelly Hawkins, and the second runner-up was Katherine Arnold. The third runner-up was Diedre Downs, and the fourth runner-up was Shannon Camper. PNB extends thanks to Nan Teninbaum, the president of the Miss Alabama Pageant, for her exceptional courtesy and cooperation.

Alicia Luciano, 18, competing as Miss Tri-County, was crowned Miss New Jersey on June 15, 2002, in Ocean City. She will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant in September. Arielle Raposta, Miss Laurel Valley, was the first runner-up. The second runner-up was Miss Central Coast, Kelley Faulkner. Miss Ocean County, Syma Chowdhry, was the third runner-up The fourth runner-up was Diera Shaw, Miss Shore Resort.

Miss Heart of It All, Tiffany Haas, 20, has been crowned Miss Ohio. She was also a talent preliminary winner. She will represent the Buckeye State in the Miss America Pageant. The first runner-up was Jennica McCleary, 21, a double preliminary winner. The second runner-up was Katie Kauppila, 24. Andrea Ison, 23, who placed in the top 10 at the National Sweetheart Pageant two years ago, finished as third runner-up. The fourth runner-up was Heather McDonald, 24.

Joachim Federer, 23, a computer specialist from Berg, was chosen Mister Germany 2002 on June 15, 2002, in Linstow. He competed as Mister Süddeutschland (South Germany). The first runner-up was Adrian Schmidt, 23, who competed as Mister Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia). The second runner-up was Edwin-Franko Talenti, 26, who competed as Mister Bayern (Bavaria). Federer will represent Germany in Mister World.

Catarina Bolarinho, 17, won the Miss Azores Pageant in Ponta Delgada on June 12, 2002. She will represent the Atlantic island chain in the Miss Tourism Portugal Pageant in July.

Shawn Cunningham has been named Ms. Maine USA Achievement 2003, a title in a new online achievement pageant system. She will represent the state of Maine in various appearances and community service work devoted to her platforms of literacy, issues on aging and breast cancer awareness. Ms. Cunningham is also Miss Aroostook County USA and will represent Northern Maine at the Miss Maine USA Pageant in November 2002 in Portland.

Megan Ortegus has been crowned Miss Florida United States. The first runner-up and Miss Congeniality was Brenda Piccirillo. The second runner-up and Miss Photogenic was former PNB cover girl Chelsea Zedar. The third runner-up was Claire Kelly, and the fourth runner-up was Monica Fouschee. The new Miss Florida United States Teen is Sarah Clemmons of Marianna. She also won the teen Physical Fitness Award. The new Mrs. Florida United States is Hailey Norman.

Natalie Taite, representing Ottawa, was crowned Miss Black Ontario on June 9, 2002, in Mississauga, Ontario. The first runner-up was Tiffany Niles of Vaughan, who won the Best Evening Gown award in a gown designed by Bobby and Sally Ackbarali The second runner-up was Kerry Ann Markes, representing Burlington. The third runner-up was Milaika Jackson, representing Kingston. She was also Miss Photogenic. The fourth runner-up was Allison Johnson, representing Scarborough. Nikeisha Thomas Toussaint, representing Ajax, won the Best Talent award. Ms. Niles was second place for Talent.

The first annual Miss Alabama Forestry Pageant was held June 8, 2002, in Slocomb, Ala. Hayley Wofford, 17, was crowned the winner. She represented Henry County. The first runner-up was Amberley Harrison, representing Houston County, and the second runner-up was Ashleigh Reeves, representing Coffee County. The Miss Alabama Forestry Pageant is a scholarship pageant held annually the second weekend of June.

Amara Barroeta was crowned Miss Distrito Capital (Capital District) in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 8, 2002. She will represent the region in the Miss Venezuela Pageant in September. The first runner-up was Melissa Wolf, and the second runner-up was Sabrina Salemi.

Miriam Chui was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas in Quezon City, Philippines, on June 8, 2002. She will represent her country, the Philippines, in the 2002 Miss Asia Pacific Pageant in November. Ms. Chui also bagged the Swimsuit, Evening Gown and Best Hair prizes. The first runner-up was Kristine Caballero, and the second runner-up was Frances Arreza. The third runner-up was Mae Lagasca, and the fourth runner-up was Genevieve Siao.

Stacey Thomas, 19, competing as Miss Fort Abercrombie, was crowned Miss North Dakota on June 8, 2002. She will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant. Her talent is ballet, and her platform is "Increased Awareness of Mental Disorders in Children." The first runner-up was Felicia Ferrell, Miss Red River Valley, whose talent is baton.

Sarah Elizabeth Langford, 23, a student at Howard University School of Law, has been chosen Miss District of Columbia 2002. She will represent the District, which won the very first Miss America Pageant, in the Miss America Pageant in September 2002. Her talent is gymnastics, and her platform is "Positively Impacting the Lives of Young People Through Mentoring." The first runner-up was Gwendolyn King, and the second runner-up was Heather Hegedus. The third runner-up was Mary Evans, and the fourth runner-up was Monica Barbara. Kellye Cash, Miss America 1987, was mistress of ceremonies.

Melanie Beth Correia, 22, competing as Miss Taunton, was crowned Miss Massachusetts 2002 on June 8, 2002 in Fall River. She will compete in the Miss America Pageant. She was the first runner-up to the state title in 2001 and 1998 and second runner-up at National Sweetheart 2001. The first runner-up was Melissa Silva, Miss Apponagansett, and the second runner-up was Erika Ebbel, Miss Southern Massachusetts. The third runner-up was Karen Faxon, Miss South Coast, and the fourth runner-up was Lauren Gray, Miss Commonwealth.

Casey Preslar, 21, competing as Miss Grand Lake, was crowned Miss Oklahoma on June 8, 2002. She will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant. The first runner-up was Allison Mainers, 22, of McLoud, competing as Miss Southwestern Oklahoma State University. The second runner-up was Dionne White, 21, of Tulsa, who competed as Miss Southern Delaware County.

Miss Alamogordo, Jennifer Erin Griggs, 21, of Alamogordo was crowned Miss New Mexico 2002 on June 8, 2002, in her hometown. Miss Griggs, a junior at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, performed a fast-paced Celtic fiddle number in the talent competition. It was her third attempt at the state title. She was the fourth runner-up last year and the first runner-up the year before that. She will represent the Land of Enchantment in the Miss America Pageant in September 2002 in Atlantic City. The first runner-up was Miss Albuquerque, Ali Suzanne Guidry, 21, of Alamogordo, an opera singer attending the University of New Mexico as a music education major. She was the 2001 third runner-up and now has the opportunity to compete in the 2002 National Sweetheart Pageant in September 2002 in Hoopeston, Ill. Miss Las Vegas, Amara Bustos, 20, a singer, was the second runner-up, while Rana Jones, 21, Miss Southeastern New Mexico, claimed third runner-up. The fourth runner-up was Miss Las Cruces, Meghan Elizabeth Gates, 22, of Las Cruces. Miss Deming, Monica Mitchell, 19, a vocalist attending Western New Mexico University, won the non-finalist talent award.

Misty Taylor of Boise, competing as Miss Tri-Counties, was crowned Miss Idaho 2002 on June 8, 2002. She will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant. The first runner-up was Miss Canyon County, Erica Flom of Boise, and the second runner-up was Miss Nampa, Whitney Ransom of Preston. The third runner-up was Miss Mini-Cassia, Janelle Byington of Burley. The fourth runner-up was Miss Ada County, Jana Whybark of Meridian.

Jeanne Anne Schroeder, 23, competing as Miss Chisholm Trail, won the Miss Kansas title on June 8, 2002, in Pratt. She will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant. The first runner-up was Kelsey Carver, Miss Sunflower. Lindsay Hoover, competing as Miss South Central, was the second runner-up. Ashle Burnett, Miss Wichita, was the third runner-up, and Miss High Plains, Quinn Aspegren, was the fourth runner-up.

Stacey Thomas, 19, of Bismarck has been crowned Miss North Dakota 2002, and will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant. The first runner-up was Felecia Farrell, 20, of Minot, and the second runner-up was Paula Swenson, 21, of Williston. The third runner-up was Jessica Lunneborg, 18, and the fourth runner-up was Crystal Wenko, 21.

Miss Douglas County, Krista Knicely, 22, of Omaha was crowned Miss Nebraska 2002 on June 8, 2002, in North Platte. The Bellevue University senior who accepted the floral bouquet and crown from outgoing titleholder Christina Foehlinger, will advance to the 2002 Miss America Pageant on Sept. 22 in Atlantic City. For the talent competition, in which she won the Friday preliminary award, the dancer performed "I'm A Woman" from "Smokey Joe's Cafe." The first runner-up was Wendy Sue Koch, 23, Miss High Plains. She will have the opportunity to represent the Cornhusker State in the National Sweetheart Pageant in September in Hoopeston, Ill. The second runner-up was Miss Lake McConaughy, Jane Elizabeth Noseworthy, 22, a classical vocalist who also won the Thursday preliminary talent award for the second time in as many years. (She was first runner-up the previous year). The third runner-up was Brandi Peterson, 21, Miss Omaha, and the fourth runner-up was Guerin Elizabeth Austin, 21, Miss Tri City.

Stephanie Moore, 22, Miss Golden Circle, was crowned Miss Iowa 2002 on June 8, 2002, in Davenport. She will represent the state at Miss America. Her talent was a vocal performance of "Pure Imagination" from "Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." Her platform was "Mentoring Mobilizing the Capabilities of Today's Youth." She won the Friday preliminary talent award and the overall evening gown and interview awards. The first runner-up was Carolyn Nicholas, 21, Miss Twin Rivers, who was the overall swimsuit winner and MAO academic winner. The second runner-up was Chrissy Shelledy, 24, Miss Capital City. The third runner-up was Nicole White, 22, Miss Johnson County.

Rychacviana Coffie of Curacao, who was a first runner-up at Miss Bikini World 2001, was crowned Miss Intercontinental on June 8, 2002. The first runner-up was Johanna Cure Lemus of Colombia. The second runner-up was Natascha Börger of Germany, competing less than two weeks after finishing as a semifinalist at Miss Universe.

Miss VIP, Kehaulani Christian, 23, took the title of Miss Hawaii on her first attempt at the crown, in Honolulu on June 7, 2002. Her talent was a Tahitian dance. Her platform concerns children's literacy. She will compete for the Miss America title. The first runner-up was Miss Diamond Head, Kali Kaumoha, 23, and the second runner-up was Miss Downtown Honolulu, Liane Mark, 24, who had been the first runner-up for the past two years. She won the overall swimsuit award. The third runner-up, overall talent winner and Miss Congeniality was Miss Island O'ahu, Emme Tattori, 23. The fourth runner-up was Miss Ala Moana, Radasha Ho'ohuli, 22, a hula dancer. She was third runner-up last year and represented Hawaii in the 2001 Miss World Pageant.

For the first time in more than 10 years, the Miss Universe Pageant won the night's U.S. television ratings and landed in the top 10 for the week. The pageant, televised May 29, 2002, on CBS, bested an NBA basketball playoff game by 2 million viewers and was ranked seventh overall for the week of May 27 to June 2. This reversed a decline in general pageant ratings in recent years, and may illustrate what observers see as a decline in the power of sports events. It may quell talk of CBS discontinuing its 30-year relationship with the pageant. CBS and Donald Trump are now listed as co-owners of Miss Universe Inc.

Melissa King, 17, of Canton, Miss., has been chosen Miss Mississippi National Teen-Ager 2002. Erica McLain of Madison has been chosen Miss Mississippi Junior National Teen-Ager 2002.

Cathryn Michael Murray of Walnut Creek has received the title of Ms US California Perfection 2002-2003, and will be representing the state of California in the national online contest. She is a model, spokesmodel and activist against AIDS.

Yvette Ludwig of Wayne, N.J., has been selected to represent New Jersey in the Mrs. United States Pageant in the summer of 2002.

The Miss Iraq organization is in negotiations with the Miss World Organization for the participation of Miss Iraq, Rana Ksaifi, in Miss World 2002 in Nigeria. Iraq has been excluded from participation in most international contests due to its tense relations with Britain and the United States.

Denise Spaanstra, 17, of Succassana was crowned Miss New Jersey United States Teen on June 2, 2002. She will compete for the title of Miss United States Teen in Orlando, Fla. The first runner-up was Amanda Gallo, and the second runner-up was Alyssa Czyzyk. The third runner-up was Jennifer Card, the fourth runner-up was Tierney McCrae and the fifth runner-up was Yasmin Robinson.

Katie Rothenbuehler, 22, was crowned Miss Wyoming on June 1, 2002, in Gillette, winning the right to represent her state in the Miss America Pageant in September. However, less than 24 hours into her reign, she resigned the title. She had received a full-time position as a junior high school choir teacher, to be effective September 2002, and stated that she felt she could not give the state title the attention it deserves. Subsequently, first runner-up Beth Holland, 23, also of Gillette, was promoted to the title and will travel to Atlantic City to represent her state. The two women have been friends since the sixth grade. Promoted to first runner-up was Abby Norman, 18, of Rock Springs, and the second runner-up was Tara Bernard, 18, of Gillette. Katie Gregory, 19, of Buffalo was the third runner-up.

Lori Yanders of Whitehall, Pa., was crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania United Nation on June 2, 2002, in Langhorne, Pa. She will compete in California for the Mrs. United Nation US crown in July. The first runner-up was Melissa Tucker, and the second runner-up was Kimberly Rowe. The third runner-up was Lorie Singer, the fourth runner-up was Ronda Carman and the fifth runner-up was Karin Rosendale.

Kelly Nikolof of Howell, N.J., was crowned Mrs. New Jersey United Nation on June 2, 2002, in Langhorne, Pa. She will compete in California for the Mrs. United Nation US crown in July. The first runner-up was Lisa Card.

Azebian Yannick Azia, 18, representing the city of Man, was crowned Miss Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) on June 1, 2002, in Treichville. She will represent her country at the Miss CEDEAO (Miss Economic Community of West African States) Pageant later this year. The first runner-up was Bladi Marie Carine, who represented Korhogo, and the second runner-up was Sanou Mélanie, who represented the country's capital, Yamoussoukro.

Ndapewa Alfons was crowned Miss Namibia 2002 on June 1, 2002. She will compete at Miss World 2002 and Miss Universe 2003. She also won Miss Personality. Christa Engelbrecht was the first runner-up, and Anja-Mari Nel was the second runner-up as well as Miss Photogenic. Though its role in pageants has been relatively brief, Namibia has produced a Miss Universe winner (in 1992) and served as the Miss Universe venue (in 1995)

Marcia Cole of Virginia was chosen Young Miss American Majesty on June 1, 2002. Kayla Behbahani of Idaho was chosen Miss American Majesty. Shannon Cassola of North Carolina was chosen Mrs. American Majesty, and Jennifer Weaver of Utah was named Ms. American Majesty.

Kelly Mayo, representing Colorado, was crowned Ms. Black Continental U.S. Woman and Leslie Wilson, representing Georgia, was crowned Ms. Black Continental U.S. on May 27, 2002. Ms. Mayo also received the achievement scrapbook award, and Ms. Wilson was the recipient of the community service award. The first runner-up in the "Woman" division was Cameron Thurman of California. The first runner-up in the "Ms." division was Myky Harris of Texas, and the second runner-up was Tiffany Jackson of California.

Debbie Castaldo, Mrs. Maricopa County, won the Mrs. Arizona America crown on May 24, 2002. This was her first time competing in the pageant, but she was a runner-up to Miss Texas USA 1994. She also won the Swimsuit Award. Evonne Forman, Mrs. Gilbert, was the first runner-up. (She was the second runner-up in the previous year's pageant and the first runner-up in 1999.) Marisa Benincasa, Mrs. Valley of the Sun, was the second runner-up. (She was the third runner-up at the previous year's pageant, and was the third runner-up at the Mrs. Arizona International Pageant in April 2002.) First-timer Misty Vogtritter, Mrs. Paradise Valley, was the third runner-up. She also won the Crest White Strips Best Smile Award. Nanette McClelland-Miller, Mrs. Anthem, was the fourth runner-up. This was her first time in the pageant as well. Stephanie Motzer, Mrs. New River, won the Mrs. Photogenic Award. Debbie Lee, Mrs. Rio Solado, won the Directors' Award, and the Jeannie Schmitz Mrs. Congeniality Award went to Helena Chapin, Mrs. Wickenburg.

Laith al Asad, 20, was chosen Mr. Iraq on May 20, 2002, in the Assurpanipal Theater in Babylon. The first runner-up was Ammar Kayed, 20, of Dohuk, and the second runner-up was Michael Kiefer, 20, of Tikreet. The third runner-up was Akef Dajani, 21, of Dyala. The fourth runner-up was Tarek Jallad, 19, of Dohuk. Kiefer was Mr. Photogenic, and Dajani was Mr. Elegance.

Michelleine Arvie, competing as Mrs. Summit County, won the Mrs. Ohio United States crown on May 19, 2002, in Akron, Ohio. She is the wife of a former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman. She will compete in the Mrs. United States Pageant in Las Vegas.

Michelle Beaumont was crowned Ms Georgetown 2002 on May 19, 2002, in Washington, D.C. Georgetown is a prosperous district of the American capital. The winner of Ms. Nation's Capital 2002 was Zakiya Jackson, and the first runner-up was Dawn Marie Fernandez.

Kim Twist, 18, of Blue Bell and Kelly Barron, 15, of White Haven have been crowned Pennsylvania's National Teenagers for 2002 (Senior and Junior divisions, respectively). The crowning took place May 18, 2002, in Bethlehem, Pa. Also, Ms. Twist was the essay winner and Ms. Barron the talent winner. The Senior first runner-up and talent first runner-up was Tina Nyugen of West Chester. The Junior first runner-up and essay first runner-up was Lindsay Siegel of Allentown. Ms. Twist and Ms. Barron will represent the Keystone State in Nashville in July at the Nationals. They will be featured on the National Teenager Float in the 2002 Miss America Parade.

Gail Kasper-Vettraino of Cherry Hill was crowned Mrs. New Jersey America 2002, on May 18, 2002, in Morristown. She will compete in Hawaii for the Mrs. America crown. She also won the Fitness award. The first runner-up was Teresa Iliff of Newton, who also won the Congeniality award. The second runner-up was Geralyn Watson of Mantua, who won the Evening Gown award. The third runner-up was Ana Adams of Somerset, and the fourth runner-up was Susan Ferretti of Linden. Darlene Litton of Sicklerville won the Crest Bright White Smile award.

Lissa Mariel Brown has been named Ms. Eminence International. She was previously relieved of her title as Ms. Nubian America.

Kelly Miller, 18, of Bartlett, who was second runner-up to Brandi Watkins in the Miss Memphis Pageant, has been chosen to represent Memphis in the Miss Tennessee competition. Pageant officials ruled that Ms. Watkins, a former Miss Arkansas Teen USA, had not demonstrated a sufficient connection to Tennessee to be able to compete. Ms. Miller was chosen rather than Miss Memphis first runner-up Bridgett Jordan because Ms. Jordan -- a former Miss Teen All American -- has already won another local title to qualify for the state pageant.

Emilie Boiron, 19, of Geneva won the title of Miss Suisse Romande (queen of the French-speaking part of Switzerland) on the first weekend of May 2002. She is the first delegate chosen for the Miss Switzerland 2003 Pageant, scheduled for September 2002.

April Rose Perez was crowned Miss Philippines 2002 on May 11, 2002. She will represent her country in the Miss Earth Pageant this autumn. Justine Gabionza was the first runner-up, and Gina Ritter was the second runner-up.

Following are the results of the seventh annual Miss Marietta Pageant, held May 11, 2002, in Marietta, Ga.: Baby Miss - Kailani Oglesby; Toddler Miss - Emma Gwaltney; Teeny Miss - Sarah-Grace Cruz; Tiny Miss - Alexandria Garland; Little Miss - Carly Marus; Junior Miss - Carissa Copobianco; Teen Miss - Jessie Marus; Miss Marietta - Donna Miller; Ms. Marietta - Meredith Boyd. The emcee was Kimberly Harlan, Miss Georgia Teen USA. The winners of the pageant, which is directed by Teresa Baker, will appear in the city's Fourth of July parade.

Goizder Azua was crowned Miss Carabobo in Valencia, Venezuela, on May 9, 2002. She will represent her state in the Miss Venezuela Pageant in September. The runners-up were Vanessa Fanesi (who was also Miss Millennium 2000 and first runner-up to Miss Tourism World 2001), Erika Schell and Elisabeth Poulakis, who will proceed to the final casting for Miss Venezuela. Jerika Hoffman, Miss Carabobo 2001, was on hand to crown her successor. Among the former titleholders present was Daniela Kosan, Nuestra Belleza Internacional 1997 and first runner-up to Miss International 1998. Former Miss World Jacqueline Aguilera organizes the state pageant.

The 2002 Miss Universe Pageant, on May 29, 2002, in Hatorey, Puerto Rico, will be hosted by former New York Giants football great Phil Simms and actress model Daisy Fuentes, with a performance by Puerto Rican entertainer Marc Anthony, husband of former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres.

Jane McAllister has been chosen Texas 40's winner in the Beauties of America pageant. She will compete for the national title in Minneapolis in summer 2002.

Kristin Marie Redman, 21, has been crowned Miss New Mexico Latin Image.  She is pursuing a degree in public relations. As a student of dance for the past 18 years, she has won more than 25 awards at the state, regional and national levels. She was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age 11, and has made that one of her causes. She will soon run in her own marathon.

Tammera Bolsch of Annapolis was crowned Mrs. Maryland United States on May 4, 2002, in Hagerstown. She is a graduate of East Carolina University and is a sales and marketing director in the hospitality industry. She is also active in many charitable activities. She will represent her state in the Mrs. United States Pageant.

The America's Perfect Teen Pageant will not be held in summer 2002 due to logistical difficulties. Instead, those contestants already chosen will become competitors for the Miss Teen All American crown. Carmine Verno, founder of Carvern Productions, told PNB that unforeseen problems arose with the hotel that had contracted to be the venue for America's Perfect Teen. Rather than try to rearrange everything on short notice, he reached an agreement with the prestigious Miss Teen All American organization to accept his contestants. He said there are currently no plans to discontinue the America's Perfect Teen Pageant permanently.

Dancer, accountant and professor Reginald D. Lewis has been chosen Mr. Nubian Gentleman America 2002. The Atlanta resident was previously voted Outstanding Young Man of America in 1998. In addition to being a pageant competitor, he is a pageant coach and pageant writer.

Stacey Cronan, 23, of Lowell, N.C., has been crowned Ms. East Coast Ambassador 2002. She is a nanny and a military veteran.

Shawn Cox of Los Angeles has been crowned Miss Hawaiian Tropic International 2002. The first runner-up was Liza Hernandez of Panama, and the second runner-up was Loredana Ferriolo of Italy. The third runner-up was Jaime Ordieres of Cuba, and the fourth runner-up was Tracy Stinnett of Bangkok, Thailand. PNB plans a future feature on this event, thanks to the kind hospitality of Ron Rice, his staff and Eric Egle.

Terri-Lynn Cinco Yee was crowned Miss Petite Canada 2003 on May 5, 2002. She has been invited to celebrate the carnival of nations in Houston at the international pageant. For talent, she performed a fast, hip-shaking Ote'a dance from Tahiti. Ms. Yee was featured as a PNB memorable face of 2001. On Jan. 24, 2002, she posed for the Toronto Sun as a Sunshine Girl. On Feb. 1, 2002, she was featured as the "Miss i Filipina" for the month of February.

Gabriella McGee was crowned Miss Black Atlanta USA on April 6, 2002, at Georgia State University. She is the third annual Miss Black Atlanta USA Scholarship winner. She is a talented public speaker and entertainer and a 2001 graduate of Jackson State University.

Donna Brown of Parkland was crowned Mrs. Florida America 2002 on May 4, 2002, in Orlando. On Sept. 20 in Honolulu, she will compete for the Mrs. America title. The first runner-up was Jamie Converse Estrada of Aventura, who also won the Crest Bright Smile Award. The second runner-up was Janet McCulloh of Longwood, and the third runner-up was Dina Orr of Altamonte Springs, who also won the Congeniality Award. The fourth runner-up was Mariaclara Apicella of Royal Palm Beach, who won the Fitness Award. Christine Mowry of Longwood was Mrs. Photogenic, and the Evening Gown Award went to Tiffany Anne Flegert of Lake City.

Rebecca Crosen, 29, has been crowned Mrs. Northern Virginia

American States and Mrs. Virginia American International. She is also the current Mrs. Northern Virginia American Achievement titleholder.