Pageant News Bureau (PNB)

Jessyca Hope Woodspowers, 23, of Harrisonburg, Va., was crowned Miss Virginia Highlands on March 31, 2003. Ms. Woodspowers, a disc jockey and promotions director who received a college degree at age 18, will compete for the title of Miss Virginia in the Miss America system. The first-runner-up was Rashedda Djenee Miller, 21, and the second runner-up was Stacy Lynn Warner, 23.

Emmanuelle Chossat, 23, was crowned Miss Universe France in Paris on March 30, 2003. She will compete with 80 other beauties at Miss Universe 2003 in Panama City, Panama, on June 3, 2003. Ms. Chossat was previously crowned Miss World France 2001.

Shara Leavens, Mrs. Oro Valley, won the Mrs. Arizona United States 2003 crown on March 29, 2003, in Phoenix. It was her first time competing in the pageant. Her past pageant experience includes the title of Miss Arizona USA 1995. Amy Bast, Mrs. Chandler, was the first runner-up. This was her first time competing in this pageant as well. Robin Ross-Holmes, Mrs. Valley of the Sun, was the second runner-up. She was a non-finalist in last year's pageant, and won the Mrs. Congeniality award this year. Stephanie Motzer, Mrs. New River, was the third runner up. She also won the Mrs. Photogenic and People's Choice Award. This was her first time in the pageant. However, she placed in the Top 8 in last year's Mrs. Arizona America Pageant. Kelly Kubicki, Mrs. Scottsdale, was the fourth runner-up. She competed in last year's Mrs. Arizona United States Pageant as well, where she was awarded with last year's Photogenic award. This year, she won the Director's award. The Civic award went to Heather Chacon, Mrs. Gilbert.

Stayc Velarde of Coppell, Texas, has been crowned Ms Texas Plus America. Ms. Velarde will compete with other state winners in the first annual Miss Plus America Pageant in August 2003 in Monroe, La. Ms. Velarde is a strong promoter of the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, largely because of personal experience. On Sept. 11, 1996, at age 30, she was diagnosed with lymphoma and was estimated to have eight weeks to live. Aggressive treatment put the cancer in remission, and she will be considered cured on Sept. 11, 2003.

Lily Wu, 18, of Wichita has been crowned Miss Teen Kansas International 2003. Her platform is Embracing Diversity. She also received the Evening Gown and Physical Fitness awards. The first runner-up was Johna Wallace, receiving the Photogenic and People's Choice awards, and the second runner-up was Audra Schmidt. The third runner-up was Keeley Schwindt, who received the Community Service, Marketing and Amity awards.

Debi Moore, representing Northwestern Kansas, has been crowned Mrs. Kansas International 2003. Her platform is Abstinence Education. She also received the Physical Fitness, Marketing, and Evening Gown awards. The first runner-up was Peggy Malzacher, who received the Amity Award.

Selma Alias, a 19-year-old Pakistani model, has been chosen Miss Indus Tourism Intercontinental 2003 and is a competitor for the international title in Malaysia. She was also Face of Indus 2000 in the female category.

Shelby Renee Larkin was officially crowned Miss Black Georgia USA on March 30, 2003. She will compete for the Miss Black USA crown in August 2003 in Miami.

Mister Tampines, 22-year-old Justin Lim, was chosen Mister Singapore 2003 on March 30, 2003. He will represent Singapore at Mister Tourism International 2003 in November. The first runner-up, International Man Singapore 2003, was Mister Sengkang, Alastair Tan, 19, and he will compete in International Man 2003 in Miami later in the year. The second runner-up, Mister Jurong, Javier Thong, 24, also won the aussieBum Swimwear and Fitness Award. The Third Runner-up was Mister Sembawang, Joe Leong, 19, who also won the Jean Yip - The Make-Over Photogenic Award. The fourth runner-up was Mister Woodlands, Edwin Teo, 25.

Tanja Duhovich, 21, of Vienna was crowned Miss Austria 2003 on March 29, 2003, in Baden. She will represent Austria at Miss World 2003 in China. The first runner-up was 16-year-old Jasmin Molnar , who will possibly represent Austria in Miss Europe 2003. The second runner-up was 19-year-old Bianca Zudrell.

Amy Stoody was crowned California 40's Decade Queen on Saturday night, March 29, 2003. She will compete in the National Beauties of America Competition in Minnesota in July. She is also the reigning California State Peridot Queen for All American Family Pageants.

Dianna Baitinger of Norwich was crowned Miss New London County 2003 on March 22, 2003. She will compete for the Miss Connecticut title in the Miss America system on June 28, 2003. Tanisha Nicole Brito, Miss Connecticut 2002, performed the crowning. The first runner-up was Jennifer Sanquedolce of North Stonington. The Spirit of Miss New London County award went to Carliza Gonzales. The People's Choice award went to Jamie Anderson. The Ticket Sales award was a tie between Jamie Anderson and Jennifer Sanquedolce, and the Interview Award went to Ms. Sanquedolce.

Donna Furgal of Auburn was crowned Mrs. New Hampshire America 2003 on March 29, 2003. She also won the Jafra Cosmetics Photogenic Award, the Trim Spa Fitness award and the Best Evening Gown award. She will compete for the title of Mrs. America in Hawaii in September. The first runner-up was Kelly Chiguer, who won the Congeniality award, and the second runner-up was Danielle Gravelin.

Maili Nömm, 17, was crowned Miss Estonia on March 29, 2003. She would normally be eligible to compete for Miss Universe 2003, but her age may prevent that. The first runner-up was 22-year-old Katrin Susi, the likely Miss Universe competitor. The second runner-up was 19-year-old Natalja Soldatova.

Lisa Mulvey of Brockton was crowned Mrs. Massachusetts America 2003 on March 29, 2003, in Easton. She will represent the state in the Mrs. America Pageant in Hawaii in September. She also won the Jafra Cosmetics Photogenic Award. The first runner-up was Carol Duhart, and the second runner-up was Gretchen Wilson, the winner of the Trim Spa Fitness Award. The third runner-up was Judith Lima, and the fourth runner-up was Lana Aptekman. Marsha Metzger was honored for Best Evening Gown.

Leslie Dakota McConn, 17, has been crowned Miss District of Columbia Teen America 2003. She is an accomplished pianist and was a gold medalist in the Piano Olympics. She was also awarded Best in Talent and the Supermodel with Style Award. She will go on to compete for Miss Teen America in Nashville in July. The first runner-up was Maureen Eul, and the second runner-up was Lynesha Marshall. The third runner-up was Kelly Flynn, and the fourth runner-up was Kayla Meadows.

Andrea Jacome, 22, was crowned Miss Ecuador (Universe) on March 27, 2003. The first runner-up, Miss Ecuador (World) was Mayra Renteria. The second runner-up was fan favorite Leovanna Orlandini, and the third runner-up was Veronica Heredia. The fourth runner-up was Maria Arvelaez.

Elaine Fernandes was crowned Miss Piauí on March 22, 2003, and will represent her state in the Miss Brazil Pageant on April 26. Fernanda Louback was crowned Miss Rio de Janeiro State on the same night, and will also compete at Miss Brazil.

Nadia Johnson, Miss Eluthera, has been crowned Miss Bahamas Universe 2003. Raquel Horton was the first runner-up, and Michella Rolle was the second runner-up. Sarah Simpson was the third runner-up. Miss Photogenic was Ms. Horton, and the best costume award was won by Ms. Simpson.

Political science graduate Bernice Wong was crowned Miss Singapore Universe 2003 on March 22, 2003. The 24-year-old model won the right to represent Singapore at the Miss Universe Pageant in Panama City, Panama, in June. Ms. Wong also won $10,000 and a one-year contract with MediaCorp. In addition, she was chosen Miss Sunshine. Speaking at the cocktail reception after the pageant, held at MediaCorp, she said: ''To be an ambassador for Singapore – that's the greatest gift I can get. I will represent Singapore to the best of my ability.'' Jun Chua, a 21-year-old assistant marketing manager, was named first runner-up, thereby winning $3,000, and was Miss Beautiful Eyes. The second runner-up was Celeste Valdes Lim, 18, a part-time model who plans to study hospitality in Australia. She won $2,000 and was Miss Elegant. Ms. Lim was the hot favorite with viewers, receiving the highest number of SMS votes during the pageant, which was broadcast live on Channel 5. She was gracious when the judges voted differently, saying: ''I had always known Bernice would win. When I bunked with her in Bintan, I thought she was ideal. She's graceful, pretty and very smart.'' Miss Photogenic was Josephine Tan, and Miss Body Beautiful was Poppy Tan.

Bissong Ohumotu Celia was crowned Miss Nigeria on March 22, 2003, in Lagos. She will represent the vast West African nation at the Miss Universe Pageant.

The Miss France Committee wants everyone to know that it is accessible at www.comitemissfrance.com, where there is plenty of information to be found.

The new Thai Web site is at www.thailandpageant.com and is full of information and photos about this land of beauty.

Deborah Weston of Louisville has been named Mrs. Kentucky Galaxy. Marci DeGol of Chadds Ford, Pa., a law school student in Delaware, has been named Miss Delaware Galaxy. They will compete for the title of Mrs. Galaxy 2004 and Miss Galaxy 2004, respectively, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in June 2003.

Diana Ferretti, a 15-year-old cheerleading coach and camp counselor from Port Chester, N.Y., has been awarded the title of Miss Teen New York in The American Queen Pageant. She will represent her state in the National American Queen Pageant to take place on July 26, 2003.

Mrs. Ramsey County, Holly Lee Henderson Ernst, 32, of St. Paul, formerly of Phillips, Wis., was crowned Mrs. Minnesota International 2003 on March 16, 200 in St. Cloud. She also won the preliminary Evening Gown and Interview Awards. Mrs. Ernst, who was crowned by Pamela Finley, Mrs. Minnesota International 2002 and first runner-up at the national pageant, will represent Minnesota at the 2003 Mrs. International Pageant Sept. 5-6 in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The first runner-up was Nancy Paradeise, Mrs. Apple Valley, and the second runner-up was Mrs. Blue Earth County, Karrey Tweten. The third runner-up was Kacia Platt, Mrs. Eden Prairie, and fourth runner-up was Sondra Morgan, Mrs. Winona County, who also won the Aerobicwear Award in the preliminaries and the Photogenic Award. The other semifinalists were Cheryl Dankers, Mrs. Anoka County, winner of the Volunteer Service Award; Leisha Gust, Mrs. Dakota County, winner of the Director's Award; Donnell Rank, Mrs. Minneapolis, winner of the Pitchbook Award; Cindi Rose, Mrs. Sherburne County; Denise Ostby, Mrs. Roseau County. Mrs. Ernst, a UW-Madison graduate, is a member of the Speaker's Bureau and is a child safety advocate through the Jacob Wetterling Foundation for Missing Children. She has previously held the titles of Miss Junior Wisconsin 1989, first runner-up to Miss Wisconsin-USA 1991, Miss Wisconsin-World 1993, and also represented Minnesota at the 2002 Mrs. United States Pageant.

Kymmberli Stowe, 24, a clinical psychologist and professional boxer, has been chosen Miss Pennsylvania in the American Queen system. Tisha Yazmyne Fraling, 22, a student majoring in criminology and theater, has been chosen Miss Maryland in the same system. They will represent their states at the National American Queen Pageant on July 26, 2003.

Carla Smith, 36, of New Iberia has been confirmed as Mrs. Louisiana United States. Because of a mix-up at the pageant on March 16, 2003, Mrs. Smith was initially announced as fourth runner-up, while Shannon Hultberg, 29, of Baton Rouge was crowned the winner. The error was acknowledged and corrected as soon as it was detected. Mrs. Hultberg, recovering from the shock, has wished the winner well. The Mrs. United States Pageant has offered her an at-large slot in the national pageant, but she says she will have to consider it.

The grand coronation of the Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) Pageant took place in Manila on March 15, 2003, and crowned three winners to represent the Land of Smiles in the world's three most important international pageants. Carla Gay Balingit, 19, was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe, and will compete in Panama City, Panama, at Miss Universe 2003 on June 3. María Rafaela "Mafae" Verdadero Yunon, 21, a niece of Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1984 and third runner-up at Miss Universe Desiree "Dess" Verdadero, was crowned Binibining Pilipinas World, and will compete at the Miss World contest in Hainan province, China, later this year. Jhezarie Javier, 21, was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International, and will carry the Philippines' flag at the Miss International Pageant in China in autumn 2003. Kate Baesa was the first runner-up, and Ella Evangelista was the second runner-up.

Ivana Delac has been crowned Miss Universe Croatia 2003. The first runner-up was Katarina Marendic, and the second runner-up was Daniejela Jelusic.

Tanja Duhovich was crowned Miss Vienna 2003 on March 10, 2003. She will compete in the Miss Austria Pageant on March 29.

The inaugural Miss Latin Image competition was held March 9, 2003, in Houston. The delegates in the Teen division were judged on interview, fashion wear and evening gown, while the Miss delegates were judged on interview, swimsuit and evening gown. The new Miss Teen Latin Image 2003 is Julmarie Casiano, a high school senior who competed as Miss Teen Puerto Rico. She also won the Teen Photogenic and Teen Miss Elegance awards. The first runner-up and Teen People's Choice was Miss Teen New York, Christina Quesada, and the second runner-up was Miss Teen Mexico, Pauline Molinar. The third runner-up and sportswear, evening gown and interview awards went to Miss Teen West Texas, Laura Ann Lopez, and the fourth runner-up was Miss Teen New Jersey, Esmeralda Aviles. The Teen Congeniality award went to Miss Teen California, Erica Martinez. Abigail Sanchez, who competed as Miss Connecticut, was crowned Miss Latin Image 2003. She attends Housatonic Community College. She also won Miss Elegance and the interview award. The first runner-up and winner of the swimsuit and evening gown competitions was Miss Mid-West, Tanya Crespo. The second runner-up and Miss Photogenic was Miss Curacao, Chantel Jardim, and the third runner-up was Miss New York, Jennifer Rodriguez, a recent PNB cover girl. The fourth runner up was Miss South Texas, Pamela Garza. Miss Congeniality and Miss People's Choice went to Miss New Jersey, Janeen Jeffra.

Katy Sulhoff, an 18-year-old senior at North Hall High School in Gainesville, Ga., was crowned Miss Georgia Peach 2003 on March 8, 2003, in Fort Valley, Ga. Ms. Sulhoff will reign over the Peach Festival in Peach County in June 2003. Her duties will include TV appearances and a visit to the Georgia Legislature along with parades and judging, emceeing and entertaining at other pageants throughout the state. She has held several state teen titles, this being the first in the older category. The contest was judged by Miss Georgia -qualified judges, who awarded 30 percent of the total score each for interview, beauty and poise, and talent with the remaining 10 percent given for the on-state interview. She sang for talent and won the Interview award. At North Hall, she is senior Beta Club president, co-editor of the yearbook and has performed in many plays and musicals as well as making appearances in the Gainesville Theatre Alliance's "Crazy for You" and "Ragtime." The winner of Jackson EMC's Speech Bowl in 2002, she is an honor student and will attend Brenau University in the fall to study Broadcast Journalism, Dance and Voice.

In a pageant that was publicized internationally due to its perceived novelty, a junior sergeant named Tatyana Posevina was chosen the Russian army's first "Beauty of Epaulets" on March 7, 2003. The contest, which had 90,000 initial entrants and 16 finalists, was meant to demonstrate the compatibility of femininity and military service.

Yin Xin Zhang, a 23-year-old model from China. has been nominated as Mr. Earth China 2003 and will represent the People's Republic of China on July 23, 2003, in the first ever Mr. Earth Quest world finals in Karachi, Pakistan. In addition, he represented China at Mr. International in India, where he bagged the Best Smile 2002 award.

Donna Miller, a freshman at the University of Alabama, was crowned Miss Alabama Teenager on March 9, 2003. The first runner-up was Hanna Austin, and the second runner-up was Terra Moody. On the same day, Jessica Brown of Lawrenceville was crowned Miss Georgia Teenager. The first runner-up was Jaime Palmer, and the second runner-up was Andrea Tamasi. The third runner-up was Kathryn Grigsby, and the fourth runner-up was Kristina Montanaro. Both pageants were produced by Roy Jordan. Both winners will compete in the Miss Teen United States Pageant in Orlando.

British model and fitness instructor Anouk Pascale has won the March 2003 USA Dream Girl Model Search at www.usadreamgirl.com. She has modeled for Venus Swimwear, the Ellesse watches campaign and various magazines and calendars. She is also featured at www.anouk-pascale.com. The USA Dream Girl Model Search is sponsored by the North American Boxing Council.

Shannon Devine of Hickory was crowned Mrs. North Carolina America 2003 on March 8, 2003, in Charlotte. The pharmaceutical sales specialist will represent her state in Honolulu in September 2003 in the Mrs. America Pageant. She also won the Jafra Cosmetics Photogenic Award. The first runner-up was Nichole Huntsman of Holly Springs, and the second runner-up was Kelly Morrison of Winston-Salem. The third runner-up was Deborah Rosetti of Alexis. The fourth runner-up was Michelle Rogers of Weddington, who won the Trim Spa Fitness Award and tied for Best Evening Gown with Melanie McNeely of Wake Forest and Tracey Rowe of Jamestown. Krysty Williams of Selma won the Congeniality Award.

Alana Price has been chosen Cobb County's Junior Miss in Powder Springs, Ga. She also won the Poise award. She will compete for Georgia's Junior Miss in Atlanta. This is the same local program that produced Sarah Jane Everman, who was America's Junior Miss in 1999. The first runner-up was Julianne Stevens, who won the Talent and Fitness awards, and the second runner-up was Allison Hendrix, winner of the Scholastic award. Kristen Miller won Spirit of Junior Miss.

Yolanda Makle has been chosen as Ms. Maryland American United States 2003, and she will compete for the national title of Ms. American United States in Orlando in summer 2003.

Brittany McGee, a 16-year-old beauty from Lobelville, Tenn., has been chosen Face of the Month for March 2003. Miss McGee, a cheerleader at Perry County High School, was chosen by www.talenttrek.com in conjunction with www.gibbsphotography.net, Dan Read Cosmetics at Cool Springs Galleria in Franklin, Tenn., and World's Gym in Franklin.

The 14th Annual Tift County (Ga.) Forestry and Pine Seedling Pageant was held on Feb. 22, 2003, in Tifton. The pageant was sponsored by the Tift County Forestry Unit. The master of ceremonies was Sid Staton, and the mistress of ceremonies was Delecta Morrison, the reigning Tift County Forestry Queen. The winners are as follows: Teeny Miss Division: Queen, Prettiest Dress and Prettiest Smile – Hunter Nicole Meadows; first runner-up – Sayla Presley Boyd; second runner- up – Kaileigh Louise Kirk; third runner-up – Carly Nicole O'Quinn; fourth runner-up – Anna Lynn Sumner; Photogenic winner – Haley Alexander; People's Choice winner – Alexis Winston. Tiny Miss Division: Queen and Prettiest Smile winner – Keillen Victoria Rivas; first runner-up and Prettiest Dress winner – Savannah Marie Warren; second runner-up – Amanda Jo Morgan; third runner-up – Hannah Nicole DuPriest; fourth runner-up and People's Choice winner – Harley Melissa Stephens; Photogenic winner – Sara Anderson. Little Miss Division: Queen and Prettiest Dress winner – Sydney Leigh Ledford; first runner-up – Hali Guess; second runner-up – Taylor DuPriest; third runner-up and Photogenic winner – Caitlin Brooke Penney; fourth runner-up – Regan Elizabeth Alderman; Prettiest Smile winner – Kayla Miranda Warren; People's Choice winner – Amanda Kehren. Junior Miss Division: Queen and Prettiest Smile winner – Lindy Luke; first runner-up – Carla Lynn Penney; second runner-up and Prettiest Dress winner – Ashley Burt; third runner-up – Jasmyn Gay; fourth runner- up – Betty Morgan Davis; People's Choice winner – Kayla Alderman; Photogenic winner – Jenna Wiggins. Teen Miss Division: Queen – Melissa Bailey; first runner-up, Interview winner and Speech winner – Joni Cox, second runner-up; Prettiest Smile, Prettiest Dress, People's Choice, and Photogenic winner – Marcy Shiver, third runner-up – Brittanie Lenice Faircloth; fourth runner-up – Brooke Leane Johnson; Miss Congeniality – Heather Fletcher. Miss Division: Queen, Interview and Speech winner – Jessi O'Neal; first runner-up – Devan Claire Fleming, second runner-up, Photogenic, Prettiest Dress, Prettiest Smile and People's Choice Winner – Amanda Cecile Lewis; third runner-up – Bridgett Payne; fourth runner-up and Miss Congeniality – Crystal Haralson. Miss Hospitality: Queen – Miranda Lewis; first runner-up – Harley Stephens; second runner-up – Chasity Drawdy. Reigning queens on hand to relinquish their titles were Delecta Morrison – Miss Tift County Forestry Queen, Amy Bartley – Teen Miss Tift County Pine Seedling Queen, Erica Moore – Junior Miss Tift County Pine Seedling Queen, Carly Moore – Tiny Miss Tift County Pine Seedling Queen, and Madelin McCalvin – Teeny Miss Tift County Pine Seedling Queen. The newly crowned queens will be responsible for promoting the Forestry Industry for Tift County and will serve as host city queens and represent Tifton at the 64th Miss Georgia Forestry State Scholarship Pageant in Tifton in June. They will compete with more than 200 contestants from all over the state of Georgia for the Georgia Forestry State title. The Miss Georgia Forestry Pageant is the oldest running scholarship pageant in the Georgia, going into its 64th year.

Hanne-Karine Sørby of Porsgrunn was crowned Frøken Norge (Miss Norway) for Miss Universe on March 2, 2003, and will compete at the Miss Universe Pageant in Panama on June 3. Elisabeth Wathne of Mandal was named Frøken Norge for Miss World the same evening, and will go on to the Miss World Pageant in China later in 2003.

Petra Mokrosova has been crowned Miss Slovak Republic 2003. The first runner-up was Michaela Knapcova, and the second runner-up was Viktoria Gajdosova.

Karmen Michelle Kluge, 23, was crowned Miss Five Boroughs on March 3, 2003, in New York. She will represent the five boroughs of New York City in the Miss New York Pageant, a state preliminary to Miss America. The first runner-up was Ryan Kelly, and the second runner-up was Kimberly Ferninando. The third runner-up was Rayvanya Tracey, and the second runner-up was Chelsea Rudder. The host of the event was Estrella Award-winning entertainer Jade Esteban Estrada, who can be seen on the FX program "The Shield." In attendance was the Rev. Al Sharpton, a New York activist and Democratic candidate for U.S. president.

Claudia Salmerón Avilés, 24, of Managua was crowned Miss Nicaragua in Managua on March 1, 2003. The university graduate in Political Science and Economics will represent her country at the Miss Universe Pageant in Panama on June 3, 2003. Communications student Hayley Britton Brooks, 21, of Bluefields, was crowned Miss World Nicaragua the same night, and will compete at Miss World 2003 in China's Hainan province in late autumn.

Molly Fairchild of Cedar Rapids has been named Mrs. Iowa Galaxy 2003. She will compete for the title of Mrs. Galaxy 2004 in Ohio in June.

Longtime PNB photographer Benjamin Gibbs has launched his Web site, which contains many memorable pictures. It's at www.gibbsphotography.net.

The Miss America Organization has announced that the U.S. Virgin Islands will have a contestant in the pageant beginning in 2004. Currently, the pageant has contestants from the 50 states and the District of Columbia. (The district's franchise was inactive for a number of years, and its return in the 1990s was the last major change in the lineup.) Pageant officials indicated that other U.S.-affiliated localities, such as Puerto Rico, Guam and American Samoa, might also have representatives eventually.

Miss Ahuachapan, Diana Renee Valdivieso Dubon, 20, was crowned Miss El Salvador Universe 2003 on Feb. 28, 2003, in the nation's capital, San Salvador. She won the title at the Real Intercontinental hotel and was crowned by Miss El Salvador Universe 2002, Elisa Sandoval, 22. She will now advance to the 2003 Miss Universe Pageant to be held in Panama City, Panama, in June. No Salvadoran woman has won the Miss Universe title, but in recent years several representatives of El Salvador have placed among the semi-finalists at Miss Universe. The first runner-up was Miss Cabanas, Sally Denisse Ruiz, and the second runner-up was Ana Vilma Marchelli, Miss San Salvador.

Ashley Bursey of St. John's was crowned Miss Teen Newfoundland & Labrador on Feb. 23, 2003, in St. John's. She was also named Miss Teen Academic Achievement. She succeeds Kristen Parsons of Wabush and will represent Canada's easternmost province at over one hundred events in the next year. The first runner-up was Crystal Snow of Deer Lake, who was also Miss Teen Talent, and the second runner-up was Nikki Ryan of Port Saunders (also the reigning Miss Teen Northern Peninsula). The third runner-up was Deann Bennett of Flat Bay. Leslie Young of St. John's won the Miss Teen Fitness award, and Lindsay Phillips of Colliers was voted Miss Teen Friendship. Kayla Hounsell of Gander was Miss Photogenic.

The "Beauty Brazil Pageant" will be responsible for electing Brazil's representative for Miss Earth. Information is available at www.belezabrazil.com.br

Viktoria Tomozi has been crowned Miss Hungary Universe 2003. She will represent the country at Miss Universe in May 2003. The first runner-up was Eszmeralda Lakatos, and the second runner-up was Veronika Orban.

Colette Garcia was crowned Miss Seattle on Feb. 22, 2003. The first runner-up was Rebecca Larson, and the second runner-up was Trisha Chapman. The third runner-up was Tanya Woo, and the fourth runner-up was Tiffany Jewell.

Leanna Damond, 25, of New Amsterdam has been crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2003. She also received the Miss Body Beautiful prize. Shevonne Thomas and Ulex Atwell tied for first runner-up. Marita Persaud of Pomeroon was the third runner-up. Danielle McIntyre was the fourth runner-up. Amanda Barnwell was named Miss Congeniality, Candacie Isaacs was named Miss Best Smile and Julianna Fortune was named the delegate with the Best Hairstyle.

Following are the winners of the 2003 North Carolina Pickle Princess Pageant, held on Feb. 23, 2003, at the Mount Olive Historical Assembly Hall in Mount Olive, N.C., the premier pickle town in America: Baby Miss – Allison Shinn; Mini Miss – Mary Beth Rhodes; Mini Master – David Melendez; Tiny Miss – Cheyenne Watts; Little Miss – Mackenzie Lingafelt; Junior Miss – Olivia Kornegay; Junior Teen Miss – Kayla Hamilton; Young Miss – Kelsea Sanders; Teen Miss – Charity Singleton; Miss – Melissa Seedorf; Mini Majestic – Haley Cannon; Overall Majestic – Blair Mozingo; Greater Master – Kyle Cannon; Ambassador – Sarah Melendez; Ambassador – Brandy Phipps.

Tina Marie Sauerhammer, 22, of Green Bay was named Miss Madison (Wisconsin) 2003 on Feb. 22, 2003. She bested 10 other contestants and was crowned by Miss Madison 2002, Tiffany Victoria Davis, 24, of Middleton, at the conclusion of the annual pageant. Ms. Sauerhammer, who was Miss Green Bay 2001 and the third runner-up to Miss Wisconsin 2001, is a pediatric surgery major and will be the youngest-ever graduate of the UW-Madison Medical School in May. The cello-playing brunette will advance to the 2003 Miss Wisconsin Pageant on June 21, 2003, in Oshkosh. Julia Ann Kraschnewski, 22, of Burlington was chosen first runner-up, while Kelly Marie Cramer, 23, of Middleton was second runner-up. Ms. Cramer was also second runner-up at the 1998 Miss Madison Pageant. Casandra Marie Horton, 20, of Milwaukee won the pageant's "Non-Finalist Interview Award" and the "Ambassador Award" for ad and ticket sales. All three are UW-Madison students. Lori Kaye Vanko, 20, of Middleton won the "Non-Finalist Talent Award" for her classical ballet en pointe performance of "Le Corsaire." Among the pageant entrants was Brigid Kelly Mullen, 19, of Green Bay, who was fourth runner-up to Miss Wisconsin USA 2003 in October 2002.

Kristen White has been crowned Miss Fulton County on Feb. 22, 2003, in Alpharetta, Ga., becoming the final woman to qualify for the year's Miss Georgia (America) Pageant. She succeeds "Joe Millionaire" contestant (and former PNB cover girl) Andrea Phillips. She also won the talent competition for her vocal performance. The first runner-up was Gail Wheatley, who won swimsuit, and the second runner-up was Dawn Davenport.

Michelle Candido, a 20-year-old student from Irvine, was crowned Binibining Pilipinas California on Feb. 15, 2003. She won Best in Swimsuit, Miss Talent and the Miss Internet Award. She will represent California at the Binibining Pilipinas World Pageant held in Toronto. The first runner-up was Janice David, and the second runner-up was Michelle Cruz.

Reginald D. Lewis of Atlanta, an active presence on the pageant scene in Georgia, has been chosen Mr. Tourism World USA 2003. He will travel to Guatemala in April to compete in the Mr. Tourism World competition. He was Mr. Georgia 2002 and third runner-up to Mr. America, and has held several male pageant titles.

SP Productions Inc. has been granted the exclusive Canadian license for the Miss World competition. SP Productions, headquartered in Vancouver with branch offices in Toronto, is led by Jason Smith, Caroline Frolic, Traci King and famed pageant expert Jimmy Steele. Former Miss World first runner-up Connie McNaughton, now working with Tribute Entertainment Media Group, will assist SP Productions Inc. with media and promotion across the country, and will chair the judging panel at the Canadian finals. Pageant analysts expect this move to stabilize the situation for Miss World in Canada after years of controversy involving the previous licensee.

Rosemarie Camacho has been crowned Miss El Paso Galaxy, and Amber Chavarria has been crowned Miss El Paso Teen Galaxy. In the Miss division, the first runner-up was Valerie Mendoza, and the second runner-up was Kim Bebon. The third runner-up was Kara Kasnick. In the Teen division, the first runner-up was Alex Straub of Andress High School, and the second runner-up was Naomi Arriola of Austin High School. The third runner-up was April Sanchez of Americas High School. Photogenic honors went to Naomi Arriola for Teen, and to Alex Moran in the Miss category. Contestants chose Teen April Sanchez and Miss Alex Moran for the Congeniality awards.

Jacinta Devlin, 16, has been chosen to represent Gardiner in the 2003 Miss Teen Maine International Pageant. The pageant is a state preliminary to the 2003 Miss Teen International Pageant, little sister to the Mrs. International Pageant System.

Ummu Bradley-Thomas, Mrs. Maryland American Queen, has given up her crown due to happy circumstances. She and her husband have learned that they are expecting their third child, and she has decided to concentrate on her pregnancy. According to the pageant, there is an opportunity for a new queen to be selected.

Andrea Cameron was crowned Miss Raleigh (North Carolina) on Feb. 15, 2003. She also won the talent award. The first runner-up was Celeste Gaither, and the second runner-up was Grace Wepner. Ms. Cameron, who is the daughter of WBTV news anchor Paul Cameron of Charlotte, will compete at Miss North Carolina.

Shawn Cunningham has been chosen to represent Northern Maine in the Couto Pageant Productions' Miss New England Pageant in March 2003. She is currently Miss Woman of the Year 2003 and Ms. Greater Maine 2003.

Miss Saphire, Deandra Roker, an aspiring pediatrician, has won the Miss North Long Island Bahamas Beauty Pageant. The first runner-up was Miss Garnet, Hazel Sears. Miss Photogenic was won by Miss Ruby, Bianca Knowles.

Anji Meidel of Gurnee, Ill., has been awarded the title of Mrs. Illinois in The American Queen Pageant. She will represent her state at the National American Queen Pageant in July. She been a Miss America preliminary titleholder as well as a former Ms. Indiana Petite.

Jamie Len Johnson, 20, has been crowned Miss Johnston County, N.C. The first runner-up was Melissa Hackman, who also won the talent award, and the second runner-up was Angela Bollinger, who won the swimsuit award. The third runner-up was Katrina Stiles, who won the Congeniality award.

Clara Harris, a 45-year-old former beauty queen from Houston, was convicted of murder on Feb. 13, 2003, for running over her husband with her car in July 2002. Mrs. Harris is a dentist, as was her late husband, David. He was run down in the parking lot of a motel after a verbal dispute in which he chose his mistress over his spouse. Mrs. Harris, an immigrant from the pageant-loving nation of Colombia, once held the title of Miss Colombia Houston. Testimony at the trial revealed that the slain man's mistress was also a former beauty queen, although her exact title was not disclosed.

"Are You Hot," the most specifically pageant-themed entry among the wave of competition "reality" shows, debuted on ABC-TV on Feb. 13, 2003. The program features groups of young men and women trying to prove their sexiness before a small panel of celebrity judges. In a measure of how popular such programming is, "Are You Hot?" premiered opposite "Joe Millionaire" and "Survivor: The Amazon," both of which feature former PNB cover girls.

Stephanie Leverence, 11, of Orlando was crowned Young Miss America Worldwide on Feb. 8, 2003, at the Little Sisters and Miss Orlando America Junior Pageants. She will make appearances and fulfill her duties as a goodwill ambassador for both the Worldwide Pageant System and the Little Sisters of Miss Orlando America Program. She was crowned by Venus Day, Miss America Worldwide 2003.

Anna Strömberg, 20, has been crowned Miss Finland 2003. She will represent Finland in the Miss Universe Pageant. The first runner-up was Piritta Hannula, who will compete at Miss Europe, and the second runner-up was Suvi Hartlin, who will represent Finland at Miss International.

Andrea Bailey, a former Miss National Sweetheart, was crowned Miss Savannah on Feb. 8, 2002. She also won talent and swimsuit. She will represent Georgia's oldest city in the Miss Georgia Pageant. The first runner-up was Casey Roberts, and the second runner-up was Meredith Boggs. The third runner-up was Ashley Turner, and the fourth runner-up was Nikki Redmond. On the same night, in Vidalia, Ga., Angela McCall was crowned Miss South central Georgia. She was also the talent winner. The first runner-up was Mindy Swain, and the second runner-up was Lindsey Sikes, the swimsuit winner. The third runner-up was Danielle Blankenship, and the fourth runner-up was Marsha Moore. In Dawsonville, Ga., Katie Freeman was crowned Miss Lake Lanier, and also won the talent portion. The first runner-up was April Dorsey, and the second runner-up was former PNB cover girl Ashley Puleo, who won the swimsuit award. The third runner-up was Jennifer Browning, and the fourth runner-up was Gail Wheatley. Also in Dawsonville (home of race car driver Bill Elliott), Erin Grizzle was crowned Miss Thunder Road in Dawsonville. The first runner-up was Ashleigh Haley, and the second runner-up was Katie Sulhoff, the swimsuit winner. The third runner-up was Melanie Gossett, the talent winner, and the fourth runner-up was Stacey Furgason.

Carrie LeighAnn Hoefer, 26, is the new Miss Puerto Rico Latin Image and will compete for the Miss Latin Image title. She is the owner of Carrie LeighAnn & Assoc., a company that runs the Miss Teen Washington and Miss Jr Teen Washington pageants for Perfect Pageant Productions.

Rosanna Anderson, a 14-year-old National Honors student from Brooklyn, has been awarded the title of Miss Teen New York in The American Queen Pageant. Vernae Hogue, a Literacy Action volunteer tutor from Birmingham, has been awarded the title of Miss Alabama in The American Queen Pageant. Both young women will represent their states and age divisions in The American Queen Pageant to take place on July 26, 2003.

Joseane Oliveira has been dethroned as Miss Brazil 2002. In addition to her participation in the "Big Brother" program, which was harshly criticized by former national winners, it was revealed that she has been married for four years. Officials in her Brazilian state pageant apparently knew about her marital status, while Miss Universe staff denied any knowledge of the situation. (Ms. Oliveira competed at Miss Universe 2002 in Puerto Rico, where she did not place). Contestants who competed with Ms. Oliveira in various events leading up to the Miss Brazil Pageant are contemplating legal action against the local sponsors and Ms. Oliveira herself. Taíza Thomsen, who represented Brazil at the Miss World Pageant, has assumed the national title.

A rumor that Miss Brazil (Universe), Joseane Oliveira, is married have been confirmed. According to documents uncovered by the Brazilian media, she has been married since 1998. Some accounts in the Brazilian press suggest that pageant officials knew of the lovely model's situation and allowed it to remain a secret. Who will represent Brazil at Miss Universe 2003 is now uncertain.

The Miss World Organization has broken with the organizer of the Miss Canada International Pageant, which has provided contestants to Miss World for years. Recently, Miss Canada International director Sylvia Stark "fired" her queen, Lynsey Bennett, who had gained sympathetic headlines during the troubled Miss World Pageant of autumn 2002. This apparently displeased Miss World officials in London.

Monica Pang, a piano-playing journalism major from Greer, S.C., has been crowned Miss University of Georgia. The first runner-up was Julia Tyndall, and the second runner-up was Julie Campbell. The third runner-up was Melanie Gossett, and the fourth runner-up was Michelle Hart.

Andrea Ovares López, 21, was crowned Miss Costa Rica 2003 on Jan. 31, 2003, in San José. She will compete at the Miss Universe Pageant in neighboring Panama on June 3, 2003. Karolyne Howard was the first runner-up, and Marianela Zeledón was the second runner-up.

The Sunsilk Femina Miss India Pageant was held on Jan. 31, 2003, in Mumbai, and crowned three titleholders to represent India on the world stage. Delhi fashion design student Nikita Anand was crowned Miss India Universe, and will compete at Miss Universe 2003 in Panama on June 3. Financial analyst Ami Vashi was crowned Miss India World, and will compete at Miss World 2003 in China in November. Swetha Vijay, a college student, was crowned Miss India Earth and will compete at the Miss Earth Pageant in the Philippines in the fall. The runners-up were Shonali Nagrani and Parmita Katkar.

Anne Bynum of Fayetteville has been named Miss Arkansas Galaxy. She will compete for the international title of Miss Galaxy in Ohio in June 2003.

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Steven Henry has given up his bid for the governorship. Had he won the election, his wife, Heather French Henry, who was Miss America 2000, would have been the second former Miss America to serve as Kentucky's first lady. Phyllis George was Kentucky's first lady while John Y. Brown III, her husband at the time, was governor. Steven Henry is the first Kentucky lieutenant governor in 40 years to pass up an immediate opportunity to run for governor.

The Ms. Petite Universal Pageant system held its first state pageants for Illinois and Indiana in Indianapolis on Jan. 26, 2003. The judges – Caren Lemrick, Jenna Christopher, and Christina Rheinlander – scored the 16 contestants equally in panel interview, casual wear, and evening gown. Winning Ms. Petite Illinois was Erica Larson of Morris. The first runner-up was Catherine Jackson of Chicago. Winning Ms. Petite Illinois Woman was Darlene Benigno of Waukegan, and the first runner-up was Le Doan of Wheeling. Winning Ms. Petite Jr. Teen Indiana was Victoria Tomlinson of Anderson, and the first runner-up was Kayla Vierling of Newburg. Winning Ms. Petite Teen Indiana was Ashley Holder of Indianapolis, and the first runner-up was Nicole Bader of Highland. Winning Ms. Petite Indiana was Charity McHugh of Fishers, and the first runner-up was Ivy McConnell of Indianapolis. Winning Ms. Petite Indiana Woman was Rebecca Hawkins of Evansville, and the first runner-up was Vanessa King of Columbus. Special awards given at the event were: Ad Sales – Charity McHugh; Staff's Award – Nicole Bader; Congeniality – Le Doan; Best Model: Ivy McConnell; Photogenic: Illinois – Melinda Simmons and Indiana – Victoria Tomlinson. Directors for the state pageants are Sara Hayes and Ann Miller. The winners of each division will have their entry fee paid to the Ms. Petite Universal Pageant to be held Aug. 30-31, 2003, at the Sharonville Convention Center in Cincinnati. The first runner up in each category may choose the title of Ms. Hoosier State/Ms. Land of Lincoln and also advance to the Ms. Petite Universal Pageant. Entertaining at the pageant were: Rebecca Barrett, America's Beautiful Miss; Sara Hayes, Ms. Plus Illinois; and Angelica Benigno, America's Beautiful Miss Supreme Talent Winner. Visiting the pageant was the reigning Ms. Petite Universal 2002, Rena Kollias.

Rachel Tan Weng Kim of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was crowned Miss Chinese International 2003 in Hong Kong on Jan. 25, 2003. The first runner-up was Tiffany Lam Man Lee of Hong Kong, and the second runner-up was Diana Wu Dan of Toronto. Twenty contestants of Chinese heritage from around the world participated in the contest.

Magdalena Majewska, 22, of Poland was crowned Queen of the World 2003 on Jan. 24, 2003, in Düsseldorf, Germany. The first runner-up was Pauliina Touronen of Finland. The second runner-up was Latoyna Birkett, 20, of Barbados.

Jana Mathena was crowned Miss Atlanta on Jan. 25, 2003. She also won Talent (with her singing) and Interview. She has competed twice at Miss Georgia, and now will be returning. The first runner-up was Ashley Turner, and the second runner-up was Kristen White. The third runner-up was Lena Hood, and the fourth runner-up was Jenny Womack, who was the swimsuit winner.

On Jan. 25, 2003, Rebecca Johnson, a graduate student at Georgia Southern University, was crowned Miss Altamaha. She will go to Miss Georgia to represent one of the most important, little recognized and endangered rivers in the eastern United States. The first runner-up was Lindsay Sikes, and the second runner-up was Erin Kennedy. On the same night, Angela Varnadoe was selected Miss Georgia Agricultural Fairs at a pageant in Atlanta.

The country that stirred the most controversies in the pageant world in 2002 has elected its new beauty queen for 2003, in a dramatic ceremony that lasted an hour and a half and had its share of hullabaloo. Miss Pakistan 2002, Najah Ghassan, passed her crown to 19-year-old high school student Natasha Newcombe. Ms. Newcombe also won the "Best Smile" special award earlier in the pageant preliminary. She impressed the judges with her charismatic and swaying personality from the pool of 15 short-listed candidates.

Leanne Cecile, 25, a university student from Tecumseh, Ont., was crowned Miss Universe Canada in Toronto on Jan. 25, 2003. She will represent the land of the maple leaf at Miss Universe on June 3, 2003, in Panama City, Panama. The first runner-up was Natasha Noreiga of Markham, Ontario, and the second runner-up was Clarissa Bégin of Toronto, Ontario. Nazanin Afshin-Jam of Vancouver, British Columbia, was third runner-up, and Gurdeep Dhaliwal of Calgary, Alberta, was fourth runner-up. The remaining semi-finalists were: Lisa Aleo (Niagara Falls, Ontario), Joumana Choucair (Windsor, Ontario), Florencia González (Scarborough, Ontario), Tara Newman (Windsor, Ontario) and Jennifer Wilson (Renfrew, Ontario). The Best Hair prize went to Joumana Choucair, while Miss Internet was Nazanin Afshin-Jam. Alexis Maitland of Ottawa, Ontario, won the award for Miss Photogenic, and Jamie Medicine Crane of Lethbridge, Alberta, was Miss Congeniality.

Babett Konau, 24, of Kiel, a dental assistant who competed as Miss Schleswig-Holstein, was crowned Miss Germany World on Jan. 25, 2003. The first runner-up was Miss Nordrhein-Westfalen, Natalia Topmann, and the second runner-up was Miss Bild T-Online, Laura Müller.

The winner of Ms. Brilliant Start Mail-in pageant was Angela Howell. The first runner-up was Karen Gee, and the second runner-up was Marge Deryter. The third runner-up was Daminta Chamberlain. The Most Unique Photo was Leah Carter's candid; the Best Essay was by Marsha Thompson; the Best Interview was with Damita Chamberlain; Photogenic was shared by Karen Gee and Damita Chamberlain; the Best Headshot was of Marge DeRuyter; the Best Full Length was of Karen Gee; and the Director's Candid choice winners were Karen Gee and Damita Chamberlain, who finished in a tie.

Jacenta Barel of Toronto has been crowned Mrs. Canada Globe 2003. She will represent Canada at Mrs. Globe International in California in July 2003.

Laurie Ng of Yorba Linda, Calif., has been named Mrs. Continental U.S. Galaxy 2003. She will compete for the title of Mrs. Galaxy 2004 in June in Ohio.

Susan McIntyre, 23, of Conway S.C., was crowned Miss North Myrtle Beach 2003 on Jan. 18, 2003. She will compete in the Miss South Carolina (America) Pageant. She is a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University. She won the talent portion of the competition with her rendition of "Summertime" from the musical "Porgy and Bess." Her platform is Asthma Education for Children. The first runner-up was Allison Kotowski of Aiken, and the second runner-up and swimsuit winner was Jamie Edens of Charleston.

Two Web sites now in operation allow fans to send messages of support to PNB cover girl and "Survivor" contestant Jenna Morasca. They are www.jenna-morasca.com and www.cbs.com/survivor.

Becca Dahmen, age 15 and a recipient of the President's Academic Achievement Award, has been awarded the title of Miss Teen Florida in the American Queen Pageant.

Jaylisa McCain of Peoria, Ariz., has been named Mrs. Arizona Galaxy 2003. She will compete for the international title of Mrs. Galaxy 2004 in June 2003.

Lynsey Bennett has been stripped of her title of Miss Canada International, the title under which she competed in the 2002 Miss World Pageant. The director of the pageant says it's a matter of missed commitments, but Ms. Bennett's family denies she has missed any.

December Dawn Potter, 17, an honor roll student from Worthington, Ky., has been awarded the title of Miss Teen Kentucky in the American Queen Pageant. She will represent the state of Kentucky in the Teen division of The American Queen Pageant. The title of Miss Florida American Queen has been awarded to Rena Arellano of Miami Beach. She placed in the Top 10 in last year's Miss Virginia USA Pageant.

Amanda Demidoff of British Columbia has been named Miss Canada Galaxy 2003. She replaces Elisa Wang, who was to compete at the Miss Galaxy International Pageant in June 2003. Ms. Wang withdrew from the competition due to scheduling conflicts.

Bryn River Hough of Massilon, Ohio, was crowned the first Miss Lake Erie (America) in Westlake, Ohio, on Jan. 18, 2003. She also won the talent scholarship. The first runner-up and winner of the interview scholarship was Michelle Reiber, and the second runner-up was Janelle Couts. Ms. Hough will represent the program at the Miss Ohio Scholarship Pageant in June 2003 in Mansfield, Ohio.

NBC, the new co-owner of Miss Universe Inc., is seeking public input on how it ought to handle the pageants. A poll, estimated at seven minutes per person, can be taken by clicking here.

Helena Herring was crowned Miss Wayne County on Jan. 18, 2003. She also won the talent award. The first runner-up and swimsuit winner was Shelly Mitchell, and the second runner-up was Casey Roberts. The third runner-up was Ashley Thornton, and the fourth runner-up was Krystal Morris. Ms. Herring will represent the county at Miss Georgia.

Brooke Garner was crowned Miss Troup County on Jan. 18, 2003. She also won the talent, swimsuit and interview awards. The first runner-up was Kristin Campbell, and the second runner-up was Tiffany Shaw. The third runner-up was Susan Braik, and the fourth runner-up was Jennifer Russell. Ms. Garner will represent the county at Miss Georgia.

The new Ms. Woman of Color Online Pageant System (formerly known as Ms. Phenomenal Woman) has named its first group of delegates: Dalhia Perryman, Ms. Florida; Leslie Marie De Jesus, Ms. Illinois; Ivori V. Lipscomb-Warren, Ms. Maryland; and LaQuisha Tisdal, Ms. North Carolina. They will compete online for the titles of Ms. Woman of Color 2004 and Miss Young Woman of Color 2004.

Susan Lyne, president of ABC Entertainment, has announced that the network will air "All-American Girl 2003," a contest that combines elements of pageants and many other competitions, including athletic ones.

Jodi Cessna has been crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2003. She will represent the Keystone State at the Mrs. International Pageant in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., in September. She was the first runner-up in the Mrs. Ohio International Pageant in 1996 and in the Mrs. Pennsylvania International Pageant in 2000. Among her innumerable civic activities, she is judges' coordinator for the Miss Penn State Pageant.

Alexsandra Vodjanikova, 19, of Munich, who competed as Miss Bayern (Bavaria), has been crowned Miss Germany Universe in Bielefeld. The first runner-up was Miss Nordrhein-Westfalen, Sarah Teodoro-Belmonte, 20, of Bonn. The second runner-up was Daniela Scholz, 17, of Cologne, Miss RTL Online. Others in the Top 6 were Miss Sachsen, Anne-Katrin Gora, 25, of Görlitz; Miss Arabella, Kristin Einwag, 22, of Bamberg; and Miss Brandenburg, Darlitza Praljak, 17, of Potsdam. Ms. Vodjanikova will represent Germany at the Miss Universe Pageant in Panama in May 2003.

Raquel Maria da Silva Pinto Loureuro, Miss Portugal, was crowned Reina Internacional del Café (International Coffee Queen) on Jan. 11, 2003, in Manizales, Colombia. She is the 32nd titleholder in this prestigious pageant, succeeding Katharina Berndt of Germany. The first runner-up was Priscilla dos Santos, Miss Brazil, and the second runner-up was Carolina Miranda, Miss Panama. Carol Arciniegas, Miss Dominican Republic, was third runner-up and Lidia Sáchez Zaforas, Miss Spain, was fourth runner-up.

The 2003 Miss Sno-King Scholarship Pageant was held on Jan. 12, 2003, in Mountlake Terrace, Wash. After a very close competition, the new winners were announced. Chelsea Cogil was chosen Miss Snohomish County, and Alison Dudek was crowned Miss North King County. Miss Sno-King Seafair and second runner-up was Hollie DeLisle, while the first runner-up was Bonnie Edgeman. The Contestants' Choice was Jennifer McKune, and Miss Congeniality was Hollie DeLisle. Miss Photogenic was Stacey Sawin McCartan.

Karmen Cordell, Miss McCreary County, won the five-hour Miss Kentucky County Fair 2003 competition on Jan. 12, 2003, in Louisville, Ky. The first runner-up was Mollyanne Henshaw, Miss Union County. The second runner-up was Carly Hobbs, Miss Clinton County. The third runner-up was Tara Tillotson, Miss Lexington Bluegrass, and the fourth runner-up was Dana Waggener, Miss Murray Calloway County. Miss Congeniality was a three-way tie between Tara Tillotson, Rhiannon Noe (Cumberland County) and Angela Alexander (Owen County). Appearances were made by several former Miss Kentucky County Fairs, including Lori Mitchel, the reigning Miss Kentucky USA 2003; Mary Catherine Correll, the reigning Miss Kentucky America; and Crystal Travis Riley, the reigning Mrs. Kentucky America. The Annual Miss Kentucky County Fair Pageant is one of the largest and most attended pageants in Kentucky and has a rich history of many notable former winners.

Syma Chowdhry, 22, won the Miss Central Coast Pageant on Jan. 11, 2003. Her performance is in Indian and belly dance, and her platform is S.T.A.T.E. – Social tolerance and acceptance through education. The Temple University broadcast journalism major will go on to compete in the Miss New Jersey Pageant for Miss America. She was third runner-up in the state pageant in 2002, competing as Miss Ocean County. In November 2002, she was first runner-up to Miss Pennsylvania USA. Her modeling work has been featured on PNB, and she was accepted for TLC's "Dating Story," though she passed up the opportunity because of personal obligations.

Clark Sarullo won the Miss North Georgia Mountains Pageant on Jan. 4, 2003. She also won the swimsuit (physical fitness) award. Leslie Pruett won the Miss Columbus Pageant the same night, and also won the swimsuit and interview awards. Rachel Wanless won the Teen Miss Columbus Pageant. Ms. Sarullo and Ms. Pruett will go on to compete in the Miss Georgia Pageant in June 2003 in Columbus, and Ms. Wanless will compete in the Miss Teen Georgia Pageant, which is also held in Columbus.

Shawn Cunningham has been named National Miss African American 2003. The National Miss African American Pageant is an online achievement system based in Maryland. Ms. Cunningham also received the honor of Miss Black Debutante International.

Mandi Fargo has been named Miss Teen Pennsylvania Galaxy. Gina Ferrer has been named Miss Texas U.S. Galaxy. They will compete for the international titles of Miss Teen Galaxy and Miss Galaxy, respectively, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in June 2003.

Libya has granted nationality to American beauty queen Tecca Zendik, 23, who holds the title American Miss Net. Libya hosted the Miss Net World Pageant in November 2003 as a means of ending its international isolation. Ms. Zendik was also reportedly made an honorary envoy to the United States, but it is not clear how her new status will be viewed by the U.S. government.

Rachel Eggers, 17, of North Little Rock has been chosen Arkansas' Southern Teen 2003. She won the state competition on January 4, 2003, after receiving the highest number of points in all four phases of the competition: Private Interview, Personal Expression, Physical Fitness, and Evening Wear. She will compete at the national America's Southern Teen competition in Shreveport, La., in July 2003. The first runner-up was 17-year-old Adrielle Churchill of Dover. Hallie Joyner of Maumelle, Ark., was chosen Natural State Teen 2003. She also will compete at the national America's Southern Teen competition.

Patty Wong has been elected as the representative of Lima, Peru, to the Miss Chinese International Pageant. She is the first South American to compete in the event, which gathers women of Chinese descent from across the world. The world finals are on Jan. 25, 2003, in Harbin, China.

Megan Huffman Dofflemyer, 25, of Elkton, Va., has been named Mrs. Virginia Galaxy. She will represent Virginia at the Mrs. Galaxy Pageant in June 2003.

With 2003 dawning, Tara Cahill of Kingston, N.Y., learned that she had been awarded the title of Ms. New York 2003 in The American Queen Pageant. She was the past subject of a PNB Feature Article ("The Greater Meaning of Tara Cahill") and is no stranger to the world of pageants. She will represent the state of New York in The American Queen Pageant in July 2003.

Svetlana Koroleva of Russia has been crowned Miss Europe. The first runner-up was Natascha Börger of Germany, and the second runner-up was the representative of Turkey.

A fascinating photo archive of the 1974 Miss Universe Pageant is now available online.

Miss Universe Inc. has confirmed to San Antonio, Texas, that the city will be the host of the 2003 Miss USA Pageant. The decision came after last-minute discussions of taking the pageant to Branson, Mo., a former Miss USA venue, and after a rumor that Overland Park, Kan., was also in the running. (Overland Park disavowed interest for budgetary reasons.) The pageant is scheduled for March 24, 2003, the latest date in years. San Antonio is also by coincidence, the setting of the pageant movie "Miss Congeniality." San Antonio's contract is for one year only, so other venues, particularly Branson, could be in play in 2004.

An unusual event is being held "by invitation only" in the Bahamas on Jan. 8-12, 2003, to be aired on the Travel Channel in spring 2003. The event, called "Undiscovered," will bring together 12 serious models picked in the United States. The 12 chosen girls will compete in each category in four undiscovered areas of Grand Bahama Island. The judges will choose who becomes the "discovered" face, and it will be announced on the final evening as contestants appear in masks. As each girl is told she is not the one, she removes her mask, until there are only two. The last to remove her mask is the first "Undiscovered."

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