Pageant News Bureau (PNB)

Shery Lynn Butt of Red Bay, Labrador, was crowned Miss Newfoundland & Labrador in Harbour Grace on Sept. 29, 2003. She will represent the province as a goodwill ambassador throughout her reign. The first runner-up and Miss Fitness winner was Connie Pike of Spaniard's Bay. Jennifer Stacey of Badger was Miss Friendship.

Gloria Anglon has been named Miss Maryland Ethnic World 2004. Shay Green has been named Miss Georgia Ethnic World 2004. Both will compete for the Miss Ethnic World title in October 2004.

The Miller Seminole County Forestry Pageant was held in Colquitt, Ga., on Sept. 27, 2003. The winners will represent Miller Seminole County at the 65th Annual Miss Georgia Forestry State Scholarship Pageant on June 12 and 19, 2004. Brandi Elliott was named Teen Miss Queen and captured the Prettiest Smile award. The first runner-up, Prettiest Dress winner and People's Choice winner was Mindy Chamblin. The second runner-up and Photogenic winner was Jordan Poitevint, and the third runner-up was Brittany Smith. Elizabeth Adams was named Miss Miller Seminole Forestry Queen and also captured the Miss Hospitality title, along with the Prettiest Smile award. The first runner-up was Jessica Schneider, and the second runner-up and Photogenic winner was Heather Elliott. The third runner-up, Prettiest Dress winner and People's Choice winner was Crystal Thompson.

A new television series now in production is seeking footage of pageant bloopers and other harmlessly funny pageant incidents caught on tape. Those who have such tapes (and the appropriate rights) should contact David Lizama in Hollywood at dlizama@nashentertainment.com

Karina Fernandez, 20, of Wyoming, Mich., has been named Miss Mexico Ethnic World 2004. Natalie Bell has been named Miss Texas Teen Ethnic World 2004. They will compete in their respective categories in Washington, D.C., in October 2004.

Kelly Quinn, 16, of Waterbury was crowned Miss Connecticut Teen America 2004 on Sept. 28, in Danbury. Ms. Quinn won the interview, photogenic, casual wear modeling, swimsuit and community service awards. The first runner-up was Miss Guilford Teen, Carolyn Fleischauer, who was the talent winner. The second runner-up was Miss Seymour Teen, Sophia Islam, recipient of the evening wear award. Third runner-up was Miss Cheshire Teen, Kristy Payne, and the fourth runner-up was Miss Andover Teen, Alysha Colletti. Christina Caporuscio, 12, also of Waterbury, was crowned Miss Connecticut Jr. Teen America 2004. She won the interview, talent, casual wear modeling, aerobic wear and evening wear awards. The first runner-up was Miss Wilton Jr. Teen, Theresa Marino who was also voted Miss Congeniality in the Jr. Teen Division. The second runner-up was Miss Bristol Jr. Teen, Allison Boilard, who was the photogenic winner. Que Pelletier, Miss Greater Bristol, was the recipient of the Community Service Award. Kimberly Allen of Texas competed at the pageant as a result of her being "Switched." Dana Daunis, Miss Connecticut Teen America 2002, was switched with Ms. Allen during pageant weekend. Ms. Allen arrived in Connecticut having no idea what she would be doing. She didn't even know she would be competing in a pageant until she was "challenged" by Ms. Daunis to compete only one hour prior to her arrival at the host hotel. The Connecticut pageant was Ms. Allen's first ever. She was voted Miss Congeniality by the contestants in the teen division. Those who want to learn how she did can watch ABC Family's "Switched," which will air soon.

Paige LéTesha Roy, 22, of Memphis was crowned Miss Music City 2004 on Sept. 27, 2003, by outgoing queen Tiffany Reed. At the same Nashville event, Brandi Rijne Harris, 22, of Nashville was named Miss Davidson County 2004. She was crowned by her predecessor, Amy Holmes. The two new queens will compete for the Miss Tennessee title in the Miss America system.

Yasmine Martinez, 22, of Grand Rapids, Mich., has been named Miss Michigan Ethnic World 2004. She will compete for the title of Miss Ethnic World 2005 in Washington, D.C., in October 2004.

Julie Campbell, 20, of Gainesville, Ga., was crowned Miss East Georgia on Sept. 27, 2003, in Elberton, Ga. A junior at the University of Georgia, she will compete in the Miss Georgia Pageant next June. She was also the swimsuit winner. Erica Johnson, a student at the University of Georgia, was named first runner-up and talent winner; Liza Pitts, also a student at the University of Georgia, was named second runner-up. Special guests for the evening included Andrea Bailey, Miss Georgia 2003, and Addie Hampton, Miss Teen Georgia America 2003. Amy Mulkey, Miss Georgia 2002, served as mistress of ceremonies. Miss East Georgia is a new Miss Georgia franchise.

Kim Harlan, the Georgia model who first gained fame in the pageant world as the haunting "red-haired girl," has been selected to represent the United States at Miss World 2003 in China. Ms. Harlan, also nicknamed "Big Red" by some photographers because she stands 6 feet tall, was Miss Georgia Teen USA 2002 and was a 2003 "Star Search" contestant.

Stacey Lee, competing as Miss Rochester Hills USA, was crowned Miss Michigan USA 2004 on Sept. 27, 2003, in Port Huron. The first runner-up was Lauren Kralowski, Miss Oakland County USA. Ms. Lee was the first runner-up the previous year to Elisa Schleef, who went on to finish as third runner-up in the 2003 Miss USA Pageant. Also on Sept. 27, Yelena Crawford, competing as Miss Southern Michigan Teen USA, was crowned Miss Michigan Teen USA.

Gail Wheatley was crowned Miss Northwest Georgia 2004 on Sept. 27, 2003. She will compete at the 2004 Miss Georgia Pageant in June 2004. This will be her second trip to Miss Georgia, as she represented Georgia State University at the 2002 Miss Georgia Pageant. Like the current Miss Georgia, Andrea Bailey, Ms. Wheatley is a 2002 graduate of Georgia State University. The first runner-up was Kirsten Edmunds, a Georgia State University student, and the second runner-up was Jennifer Browning, who competed at the Miss Georgia Pageant in 2001. The Miss Northwest Georgia Pageant was held in the historic town of Tunnel Hill.

Nihan Akkus of Turkey was crowned Top Model of the World 2003 on Sept. 26, 2003, in Aachen, Germany. (She competed at Miss International 2002.) The first runner-up was Daniela Scholz of Germany. (She was Alexandra Vodjanikova´s second runner-up in Miss Deutschland 2003). The second runner-up was Huan Lulu of China.

Jacqueline Jacob has been named Miss Illinois Galaxy 2004. She will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy 2005 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in June 2004.

Sherry Totten of Camas, Wash., has been awarded the title of Miss Pre-Teen Washington for the American Queen Pageant. She will represent Washington state in the Annual American Queen Pageant in August 2004.

Radiah M. Hyatte, 29, has been selected as Miss Ethnic World 2004. Laura Bahamonde-Rivera, 24, has been selected as Mrs. Ethnic World 2004. Both women competed for this title via personal interviews and an online competition. The first live Miss Ethnic World Pageant will be held in October 2004 in Washington, D.C. The Miss Ethnic World Pageant is unique in that it celebrates all women of color. Contestants must be of Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Native American, Indigenous and Middle Eastern descent. Miss Ethnic World crowns women in three divisions: Teen, Miss and Mrs.

The Miss America Pageant shown on Sept. 20, 2003, was the least watched in history, according to ratings released by Nielsen Media Research three days later. The pageant was once a TV blockbuster, but its ratings have been sliding for years, and the decline has been dramatic in the past decade. As usual, the latest Miss America competition employed "new" gimmicks – a reality show tie-in and instant announcements of special event winners. But these things simply showed the lack of originality afflicting Miss America, because they have already been done by other pageants. The latest figures led to speculation that Miss America might disappear from network television altogether. But pageant officials and ABC-TV emphasized the upside, noting that the pageant beat its competition for the night.

Kathryn Grigsby, 19, of Marietta won the Miss North Georgia State Fair title to kick off midway activities at the fair on Sept. 18, 2003, in Marietta, Ga. Other winners included: Teen Miss North Georgia State Fair, Nicci Faires, 17, of Roswell (whose mother, Sandy, was Mrs. Georgia 1992); Junior Miss North Georgia State Fair, Stephanie McCarthey, 15, of Marietta; PreTeen Miss North Georgia State Fair, Alexandria Strunk, 12, of Marietta; Little Miss North Georgia State Fair, Carnissa Ta Nai Kilgore, 9, of Marietta; Petite Miss North Georgia State Fair, Ansley Froman, 5, of Acworth; and Tiny Miss North Georgia State Fair, Hope Hays, 3, of Powder Springs. The annual extravaganza attracted a total of 161 contestants from throughout Georgia. The event is staged and sponsored by the Miss Cobb County Pageant, affiliated with the Miss America system.

Goizeder Azua of Venezuela has been chosen Miss Mesoamerica 2003 in Las Vegas. She will compete at Miss International 2003 in Tokyo.

Lacie Myszak of Westmont has been named Mrs. Illinois Galaxy 2004. She will compete for the title of Mrs. Galaxy 2005 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in June. Glenn Fox has accepted the Illinois Galaxy state directorship and will hold his first state pageant in the fall 2004 in Oak Park, Ill.

Yolanda Makle is the new Miss Maryland North American. She will participate in the North American Pageant August 20-22, 2004, in Baltimore.

Ana Benje Jorge, the reigning Miss Angola Canada, was crowned Miss Africanada 2003 in Toronto on Sept. 13, 2003. She was also Miss Eloquence.

Natisha S. Webb has been named Ms. Black Georgia Continental US Woman 2004. She will travel to Dallas, Texas, in March 2004 to compete for the title of Ms. Black Continental US Woman 2004. In its second year, the Ms. Black Continental US pageant crowns women in two age divisions: Ms. for women 20-29 and Ms. Woman for delegates 30 and up. Ms. Webb holds several Plus pageant titles including Ms. Plus Black Atlanta USA 2003, Ms. Plus International Sophisticate 2003 and Ms. United American American Woman Plus (to name a few).

MGO Hessen, the state organization of Hessen for MGO Deutschland (which sends winners to Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss Europe and Miss Intercontinental), has started an online pageant together with Rhein-Main-Net, the biggest Internet provider in Hessen. The girls are competing for the title of Miss Rhein-Main-Net. Online voting started in mid-September 2003 for the 11 contestants. The voting ends Oct. 15, 2003, and the girl with the highest average points will win the title of Miss Rhein-Main-Net. She is then entitled to participate in the Miss Hessen Pageant on Nov 15, 2003. The Hessen winner will compete at Miss Deutschland Germany in January 2004. The site is in German but very much worth the time of non-English-speakers. The pictures and the voting sheet can be found by clicking here. The individual pictures are clickable, and you can give a girl a vote of 1 to 10 (the higher, the better).

Katy Sulhoff, a 19-year-old freshman at Brenau University, has been crowned Miss Chattahoochee 2004. She is a resident of Gainesville, and her platform is the Salvation Army. She sang for the talent category. Miss Chattachoochee is a new Miss Georgia franchise. The first runner-up and talent winner was Area Walton, and the second runner-up was Jodi Ann Ramsey. The swimsuit winner was Katie Miller.

Brittany Monico, 13, of Bristol, Conn., was crowned Miss Jr. Teen America on Sept. 14, 2003. The first alternate was Camden Collins, Miss Florida Jr. Teen America, who also won the Talent Award. The second alternate was Kelsey Schmidt, Miss Washington Jr. Teen America, who also won Essay, Interview and the Commitment to Service awards. The third alternate was Allison Lovely, Miss Kentucky Jr. Teen America, and the fourth alternate was Dana Brooks, Miss Connecticut Jr. Teen America and the winner of the Volunteer Service Award. Ms. Monico also received the Evening Gown, Fitness, Modeling and Overall Academic Achievement awards. The Photogenic winner was Amy Domingues, Miss Ocean State Jr. Teen America, and Miss Congeniality was Myndi Gorham, Miss Iowa Jr. Teen America.

Shantall Hall, 19, Miss Flamingo Bay Resort, won the Miss World Bahamas Contest and will compete in Miss World 2003 in China. Sharie Delva, 17, Miss Keen 1 Photo, won the Miss Photogenic Award. Camille Burrows Roberts, 19, Miss Holiday Auto Sales, won the Miss Congeniality Award.

Internationally famous model and TV personality Brittany Evans – who is also a former winner of the Venus Swimwear International Model Search and a former PNB cover girl – has launched a Web site at www.justbrittany.com. It is highly recommended.

Nicole Sawyer of Decatur, Ala., won the Miss Resaca Beach Poster Girl Contest on Sept. 13, 2003. She received $2,000, plus $500 for winning the Dalton preliminary event. The runner-up was former PNB cover girl Jennifer Copeland of Dalton. She received $500 for winning the Roswell preliminary. Lisa Wilson of Rome (Ga.) was the Chattanooga preliminary winner. She received $500. She also won a photo session for the cover of Chattanooga's Road Rash Magazine. Ms. Sawyer and Ms. Copeland won trips to the world finals of the TrimSpa American Dream Calendar Girl Model Search from Dec. 1 to Dec. 8, 2003, in the Bahamas. Ms. Sawyer won a trip to the Pango Pango swimwear catalog photo shoot Nov. 6-9, 2003, in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Melissa Marcantel of Roswell, Ga., and Mindi Patton of Winder, Ga., won glamour photo shoots with Atlanta photographer Andrew Wilson, and Ms. Sawyer won a shoot with Atlanta photographer Rick Hughes. Ms. Sawyer and one other girl to be named won Web sites designed by Jeff Rease of Birmingham. Annel Contreras of The Rock, Ga., won a feature model shoot with MensClick.com Magazine. Ms. Copeland won a Supershoots.com highlight model photo shoot. Ms. Marcantel won the StareMagazine.com cover photo shoot. Ms. Wilson, Dawn Smith of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Mindi Patton won Vocal Master Class voice training CDs from Renee Grant-Williams of Nashville. The calendar girls were Novalee Rymer, Ashleighe Morgan, Melissa Marcantel, Dawn Smith, Melissa Caldwell, Kristy Collins, Brandy von Peters, Nicole Sawyer, April Brown, Nisa Rayburn, Lisa Wilson, Jennifer Copeland, Rhonda Thomas, Mindi Patton and Annel Contreras.

Arsalan Ahmed Qureshi, 22, who was fourth runner-up at Manhunt Pakistan 2002, has been designated Manhunt Pakistan 2003 and will compete in November at the tenth annual Manhunt International 2003 world finals in the People's Republic of China. Besides modeling and his professional work, he is now acting in Pakistani films.

Maria Beall, a former PNB cover girl, has won the title of America's Glamour Overall Supreme Queen, also taking home the overall interview award. She had the highest score out of four age divisions, 13 years and up. Her fellow fitness trainer Joy Pfister, also from Virginia, took home the America's Glamour Mrs. title and tied with Ms. Beall for the overall interview award. Other awards went to Samantha Coulter, who was the first runner-up in Mrs. and tied for the overall interview award, and Autumn Skye Boothe, the second runner-up in Mrs., who won the overall photogenic award.

Mister Süddeutschland, Ralph Schulz, 30, was chosen Mister Germany 2003 on Sept. 14, 2003. He comes from Waldshut-Tiengen in the Black Forest, and he will represent Germany in Mister World 2004.The first runner-up was Mister Berlin, Frank Völker, and the second runner-up was Mister Sachsen-Anhalt, Paul Hünecke.

Zsuzsana Laky of Hungary has been crowned Miss Europe 2003. The first runner-up was Miroslva Luberdova of Slovakia, and the second runner-up was Sanja Papic of Serbia and Montenegro. The third runner-up was Patricia Ledesma of Spain, and the fourth runner-up was Marta Matijasik of Poland.

Bianca Sissing, 24, of Luzern was crowned Miss Switzerland in Locarno on Sept. 13, 2003. Her mother is from South Africa, and Ms. Sissing herself grew up in Canada. She will represent Switzerland in Miss World 2003 and Miss Universe 2004. The first runner-up was Barbara Megert, who also won Miss Congeniality, and the second runner-up was Maria Dolores Dieguez, who also won Miss Photogenic. The third runner-up was Tanja Berger, the fourth runner-up was Caroline Roth and the fifth runner-up was Taya Schmid.

Allison Hutto, 20, of Lawrenceville was crowned Miss Gwinnett County on Sept. 13, 2003. She won a $2,900 scholarship and will advance to Miss Georgia. She also was the talent, interview and evening gown winner. The first runner-up was Claire Faulkner, 18, and the second runner-up was Aundrea Poole. The third runner-up was Amber Blount, 20. The swimsuit winner was Emily Plimpton, 17, of Buford.

Former PNB cover girl Michelle A. Candido, representing California, was crowned Binibining Pilipinas of the World 2003 on Sept. 6, 2003, in Toronto. She will represent the United States in the 2004 Miss Asia Pacific Pageant in the Philippines. She also won Best in Evening Gown and Best in Terno awards. Lourdes Mercedes Jaun of Calgary was the first runner-up. Monica Cervantes, representing Vancouver, B.C., was crowned Binibining Pilipinas of the World Canada, and Rica Makichuk, representing Calgary, was crowned Binibining Pilipinas of the World Teen.

Michelle Fryatt, Mrs. Nevada, was crowned Mrs. International 2003 on Sept. 6, 2003, in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. She was crowned by Mrs. International 2002, Tonya Matney of Virginia. Mrs. Fryatt's platform concerns promoting education, advocacy and support for victims of infertility. She was also named Mrs. Photogenic and was the Preliminary Aerobic Wear Winner. The first runner-up was Michelle Carolla, Mrs. District of Columbia, and the second runner-up was Lacey Mervine, Mrs. Indiana. The third runner-up was Mary Nelson, Mrs. Oregon, and the fourth runner-up was Cami Gooding, Mrs. Ohio. The remaining finalists were Sara Pirok, Mrs. Denmark; Nikki Karl, Mrs. Maryland (who was also Preliminary Evening Gown winner); Oneta Bobbett, Mrs. New Hampshire; Melinda Clarkson-Haynes, Mrs. Utah; and Jacqueline Arnold, Mrs. Virginia.

Rosalva Yazmín Luna Ruiz, representing the state of Sinaloa, was crowned Nuestra Belleza México 2003 in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, and will represent her country in the 2004 Miss Universe Pageant in Ecuador. Yessica Ramírez Meza, representing Baja California, was crowned Nuestra Belleza México Mundo, and will compete in the Miss World Pageant in December 2004. Mexico's delegate for this year's Miss World Contest is Erika Lizeth Honstein García, who was elected in July via an Internet and cellular phone text messaging vote.

Stefanie Francesca Vatta, 17, representing Holland, was crowned Miss Italia nel Mondo (Miss Italy in the World) 2003 in Salsomaggiore, Italy, on Sept. 7, 2003. She succeeds Carolina Acosta of Colombia as the sovereign of the worldwide Italian community. Vanessa Fanesi Auteri of Venezuela was the first runner-up, Emi Kageshima of Japan was the second runner-up and Samanta Zufic of Croatia was third runner-up. The event, which celebrated its thirteenth anniversary this year, included a delegate representing Iraq, an Italian national who lived in the country for several years, but who fled following the country's civil war.

Tiffany Davis, 21, a Georgia State University student, was crowned Miss Mall of Georgia on Sept. 6, 2003 at the Mall of Georgia in Buford. The first runner-up was Katy Sulhoff, and the second runner-up was Kristina Crowder, the swimsuit winner. The third runner-up was Julie Campbell. Area Walton won the Talent Award, and Amber Blount won the Congeniality Award. Ms. Davis represented Georgia State University at the last Miss Georgia Pageant in June 2003, and will now be returning. The mall is the largest in the Southeast United States.

Kgalalelo Ntsepe, 31, was crowned Miss HIV Stigma-Free on Sept. 6, 2003, in Gaborone, Botswana. The pageant was for HIV-positive women and their relatives, and was meant to discourage ostracism of people with the virus. Botswana, in many other ways a success story in a troubled region, has a 38 percent HIV infection rate, believed to be the highest in the world, and AIDS has ravaged the country. Mpule Kwelagobe, Miss Universe 1999, probably the most famous citizen of Botswana, has worked to publicize the problem.

Darren Storsley, a high school teacher from Surrey, British Columbia, won the title of Mr. Canada Manhunt in Windsor, Ontario, on Sept. 4, 2003. He will represent the Land of the Maple Leaf at Manhunt International 2003 in China in November. He also gained wide praise for his genial personality. The first runner-up was Jerald Bezener, a model and actor from Calgary, Alberta, and the second runner-up was Rino Faustini, a student from Windsor. It was an excellent show under the co-ordination of Aria Models.

Robin Gonzales of Chicago has been chosen 2004 Mrs. Illinois American Queen. She will represent the state of Illinois in the Mrs. Division of The American Queen Pageant in August 2004.

Donna Delaney Weeks of New Madrid has been awarded the title of Ms. Classic Missouri 2004 for the American Queen Pageant. Ms. Weeks is a nationally and internationally published author and photographer and a former interviewer for the syndicated radio program "Country Calendar," heard on more than 500 stations in the United States and Canada. She will represent the state of Missouri in the Ms. Classic Division of The American Queen Pageant on the Carnival Pride in August of 2004.

Molly Flynn, 21, was crowned Miss Montana USA 2004 on Aug. 31, 2003, in Billings. She is a senior at Montana State University majoring in Political Science. The first runner up was Amanda Kimmel of Billings, and the second runner-up was Helen Pollack of Bozeman. The third runner-up was Lynn Brown of Bozeman, and the fourth runner-up was Lisa Mueller of Bozeman. Autumn Muller, 16, of Harlowtown was crowned Miss Montana Teen USA. The first runner-up was Hanna Cunningham, and the second runner up was Kelly Smith of Belgrade. The third runner-up was Keshia Shabazz of Bozeman, and the fourth runner-up was Rachel Golden of Columbia Falls.

Ellen Chapman, representing the San Francisco Bay Area, was crowned Miss California USA in Fresno on Aug. 30, 2003. Deventria Howard of Fresno was the first runner-up. Stacey Beltran of Ventura County won the Miss California Teen USA crown.

Kandice Pelletier of Georgia won the National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Ill., on Aug. 31, 2003. Ms. Pelletier – who was part of the PNB talk radio feature shortly before finishing as first runner-up to Miss Georgia in June 2003 – is a dancer with the Radio City Rockettes in New York. She danced to the song "All That Jazz " from the Broadway show and movie "Chicago." Diera Shaw of New Jersey was the first runner-up, and Erika Ebbel of Massachusetts was the second runner-up. Carly Tooke of Utah was the third runner-up, and Christina Ellington of New York was the fourth runner-up. The National Sweetheart Pageant is held in conjunction with the National Sweetcorn Festival. Runners-up from their respective states' Miss America preliminaries are invited to participate. Eight winners from the Miss National Sweetheart Pageant have later become Miss America. PNB will soon publish a complete feature on this event. We are grateful to Michelle Crabtree, the pageant's producer, for her extreme cordiality. (And the corn was scrumptious!)

Ayusha Shvedha of Nepal was crowned World Miss University in Daegu, South Korea, on Aug. 29, 2003. Florina Curelea of Moldova was the first runner-up, and Medha Raghunath of India was the second runner-up. Miss Friendship was Soo Jin Lee of Korea. Miss Photogenic was Chen Zhang of China, and Miss Talent was Lisa Shujun Huang of Singapore. Vanessa Venghaus of Aruba won the Best Costume award.

Four new queens in the 2004 Ms. Petite Universal Pageant were crowned on the last weekend of August 2003 in Cincinnati. Victoria Tomlinson, who competed as Jr. Teen Petite Indiana, was chosen 2004 Junior Teen Petite Universal. Jennifer Webster, who competed as Ms. Teen Petite United States, was crowned 2004 Ms. Teen Petite Universal. The first runner up was Kayla Davis, Ms. Teen Petite West Virginia. Charity McHugh, who competed as Ms. Petite Indiana, was crowned 2004 Ms. Petite Universal. Amy Martin, who competed as Ms. Petite West Virginia 2004, was crowned Ms. Petite Universal Woman. The first runner-up was Joy Pfister, Ms. Petite Virginia Woman. The Supermodel with Style Award was won by Junior Teen Petite Missouri, Sierra Stinebrook.

Jade Fulford, 21, was crowned Miss Jamaica World 2003 on Aug. 30, 2003, in New Kingston. She competed as Miss Emancipation Park. Miss Navy Island, Chantelle Fisher, was the first runner-up, and Miss Lime Cay, Tracy Cowan, was the second runner-up. The other finalists in the Top 5 were Miss Rio Grande, Christine Mighty, and Miss Faith's Pen, Sharice Fernander. The L'Oreal "Best Hair" award went to Miss Treasure Beach, Kerriann Sang. The Jergens "Best Skin Tone" award went to Ms. Mighty. Miss Fern Gully, Jasintea Walters, won the "Coca-Cola Bottle Best Shape" award. Ms. Cowan won both the "Colgate Best Smile" and "Most Congenial" awards. There was also a "Miss Jamaica Talent" competition. Ms. Fernander won with a poem, Ms. Sang was first runner-up, and Melissa Lindo, Miss Lover's Leap, was the second runner-up.

Vanessa Pritchard is the winner of the Miss Model Search Bahamas Contest.

Tricia Lamberty has been named Miss Continental Galaxy 2004, and Norma Varrichio has been named Mrs. New York Galaxy 2004. They will compete for the titles of Miss Galaxy 2005 and Mrs. Galaxy 2005, respectively, in Ohio in June 2004.

Peta-Gay Lewis has been chosen to represent the District of Columbia at the 2004 Ms. United Nation Pageant.

The first Miss Plus America Pageant was held Aug. 21-23, in Monroe, La. Taking the overall high-point title of "Plus America Elite" was Lauren Monahan of Knoxville, Tenn. She took home more than $5,000 in cash and prizes. Her court included Chenese Lewis, Miss Plus America (ages 20 - 29); Kathy Peel, Ms. Plus America (ages 30-39); and Rose McCall, Ms. Plus America Woman (ages 40 and up).

Suzanne Elizabeth Lawrence Forsberg, a broadcast journalist and former Miss Texas whose fight against cancer gained national attention, died Aug. 23, 2003. She won the Miss Texas Pageant in 1990 with a platform of "Smiles Against Cancer," related to her battle with ovarian cancer. She was third runner-up at Miss America. After working as a news anchor, she developed colon cancer and began Climb for the Cure, a program of outreach, education and support for cancer victims and their relatives. All who knew her in the pageant world remember her with great admiration and affection.

Elizabeth Muto of Nevada was crowned Miss Black USA on Aug. 23, 2003, in Miami. The first runner-up was Monica Arnold of Georgia.

Mindy Swain, a singer, has been crowned Miss Tattnall County. Joy Waters was the first runner-up, and Morgan Dasher was the second runner-up. Kate Parker was crowned Teen Miss Tattnall County. Ms. Swain will compete at Miss Georgia in 2004. Ms. Parker will compete in the pageant's teen affiliate. Rachel Askew, a singer and a Mercer University student, has been crowned Miss Henry County. Alexis Lundy was the first runner-up. Jenna Causey was crowned Teen Miss Henry County. Ms. Askew will compete at Miss Georgia in 2004. Ms. Causey will compete in the pageant's teen affiliate.

Marianela Zeledón Bolaños, 20, has been chosen Miss Costa Rica Tourism International 2003. She will represent the country at Miss Tourism International in Sri Lanka in autumn 2003.

Jennifer Miloser has been chosen Miss Michigan North American. She will use her title to warn youth about the hazards of drug abuse. She will compete for the Miss North American title Aug. 20-22, 2004, in Baltimore.

Alicia "Ali" Hall was chosen Miss Caribbean Beach in the Bahamas on the third weekend in August 2003. The first runner-up in this bikini competition was Lauren Ponder, and the second runner-up was Jennifer Copeland. All have appeared on the cover of PNB.

Aysha Salmah Nassanga, 19, was crowned Miss Uganda 2003 on Aug. 10, 2003, but her victory was immediately marred by accusations that she is Senegalese. Her father is a Senagalese-born businessman living in Uganda. Her mother is Ugandan. Pageant rules say the winner must be of Ugandan nationality, and Ms. Nassanga's supporters say she was born and raised Ugandan and has lived nowhere else. The controversy was raging just as Idi Amin Dada, the 1970s dictator of Uganda, died in exile in Saudi Arabia on Aug. 16, 2003. If Ms. Nassanga's selection is upheld, she will compete at the Miss World Pageant on Hainan Island, China, in December 2003. At 5 feet 10, she is the tallest Miss Uganda ever.

El Norte newspaper reports that Nuestra Belleza de Sinaloa (Miss Sinaloa), Rosalba Yazmín Luna Ruiz of Los Mochis, Mexico, a contestant in the upcoming 2003-2004 Miss Mexico Universe Pageant, was assaulted by a man who robbed her of pageant clothes, cash, her cellphone, her crown and her sash, as well as the keys to her car. The incident occurred August 2, 2003, in Culiacán, Sinaloa, as she was en route to visit a modeling agency. Her crown and sash will be replaced.

Sophia Minor, who competed as Miss African American Galaxy 2003, will be returning to the Galaxy International Pageant as Miss North America Galaxy 2004. Ms. Minor will be vying for the title of Miss Galaxy 2005 in Ohio in June 2004.

Leslian Nieves Burgos, who competed as Miss Teen Puerto Rico, was crowned Miss Teen Belleza Latina 2004 at the third annual pageant in San Antonio on Aug. 16, 2003. The first runner-up was Natalie Bell, Miss Teen Texas, and the second runner-up was Helen Sosa, Miss Teen Michigan. The new Miss Teen Ambassador 2004 is Arianna Rodrigues, who competed as Miss Connecticut Teen. Veronica Loredo, who competed as Miss Mexico, was crowned Miss Belleza Latina 2004. The first runner-up was Yolanda Makle, Miss Maryland and Top 10 last year. The second runner-up was Laura Bahamonde, Miss New York and Top 10 last year. The third runner-up was Elena Gil, Miss Peru, and the fourth runner-up was Jormarie Ortiz, Miss Puerto Rico. The new Miss Ambassador is Laura Bahamonde, who competed at Miss New York. Moryama Cruz, who competed as Ms. Puerto Rico Woman, was crowned Ms. Woman Belleza Latina 2004. She was the second runner-up in 2002. The first runner-up was Luisa Ruiz, Ms. Texas, and the second runner-up was Frances Benard, Ms. Maryland. The third runner-up was Luz Rabell, Ms. Wisconsin. There was a tie for fourth runner-up, between Michelle Villanova, Ms. California, and Laura Becker, Ms. Illinois.

Tanya Crespo, representing Illinois, was crowned Ms. American United States 2003 in Orlando at the beginning of August 2003. The first runner-up was Ms. Connecticut, Jennifer Rinaldi, and the second runner-up was Ms. District of Columbia, Radiah Hyatte. The third runner-up was Ms. New York, Tami Peters, and the fourth runner-up was Ms. Wyoming, Heather Jackelen. Brittny Sparrow, representing Pennsylvania, was crowned Ms. American United States Teen 2003. The first runner-up was Miss New York Teen, Diana Ferretti, and the second runner-up was Miss Texas Teen, Alyssa Chapa. Beverly Turkowski, representing Illinois, was crowned Ms. American United States Women 2003. The first runner-up was Ms. Connecticut Woman, Tracy Ricafranca, and the second runner-up was Ms. New York Woman, Sheila Strassburg. The third runner-up was Ms. Alaska Woman, Melissa Hagan, and the fourth runner-up was Ms. New Jersey Woman, Kelly Wu.

Apollonia Lane, 18, of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz has won the first Miss Native American Oregon contest. She was crowned in Lincoln City. The first runner-up was Rebecca Rank, 24, who is Klamath, Modoc and Yahooskin.

Jessica Brown of Georgia was crowned Miss Teen United States on Aug. 16, 2003. She is from the historic town of Lawrenceville.

Joyceline Montero García, Miss Bayamón, 20, was crowned Miss World Puerto Rico on Aug. 14, 2003. She will compete in the Miss World Contest in Sanya, Hainan Province, China on Dec. 6. Ms. Montero is also a former Miss Puerto Rico Teen and Miss Global Teen winner. The first runner-up was Angieliz Vázquez, Miss Cidra, and the second runner-up was Nicole Vega, Miss Caguas. The third runner-up was Mari Olga Ortiz, Miss Barranquitas, and the fourth runner-up was Windy Pagán, Miss Dorado.

Starshiners! Productions (starshinersproductions@yahoo.com) has launched its own pageant system, known as Excellence Pageants. Contestants and organizers will soon be sought for the inaugural competition, scheduled for 2004.

Devan Fleming, 20, of Tifton, Ga., was crowned Miss Plantation Trace on Aug. 9, 2003. She will represent the city of Colquitt and the 29 counties that make up Plantation Trace in the 2004 Miss Georgia Pageant in Columbus in June 2004. The first runner-up was Jenna Miller of Cairo. The second runner-up was Sonya Maldonado of Donalsonville, who won the swimsuit award and the poise and presence award. Laura Fink of Albany was the third runner-up, and Layne Moye of Donalsonville was the fourth runner-up and interview award winner. Danielle Blankenship of Albany received the talent award for her flute medley. Alex Collins, 14. of Climax, Ga., was crowned Teen Miss Plantation Trace on the same night. She will compete for the title of Miss Teen Georgia in Columbus in June 2004. She also won the talent award. The first runner-up was Kathleen Ashley, and the second runner-up was Brittany Harkins. Both are from Bainbridge. April Brinson Slaughenhoop, Miss Georgia 1998, served as mistress of ceremonies.

Priscila Poleselo Zandoná has won the Beauty Brazil / Earth title and will go on to Miss Earth 2003. Priscila Bastos won Beauty Brazil/ Latina and will go to Miss America Latina 2004. Diana Karinny Rocha Cruz won Beauty Brazil/ Top Model and will go to Top Model of the World 2004. The first runners-up were Ana Camila Faria of Goiás, Carolina Andrade of Minas Gerais, Kátia Corrêa of Pará and Klis Vendramin of Mato Grosso do Sul. The semifinalists, in alphabetical order by state, were Caroline Nascimento - Acre, Lyssa Medeiros - Alagoas, Richadeny Luiza Lemke - Espírito Santo, Anne Luizze Guerra - Rio Grande do Norte, Juliana Silvério - Rondônia, Andressa Ferrari - São Paulo. Special Awards were: Brazilian Regional Beauties -- Priscila Zandoná - Paraná (Beauty of South); Richardeny Lemke - Espirito Santo (Beauty of Southeast ); Diana Karinny - Piauí (Beauty of Northeast); Kátia Oliveira - Pará (Beauty of North); Klisângela Vendramin - Mato Grosso do Sul (Beauty of Center-West ). Best State Costume Award: Winner - Carolina Andrade of Minas Gerais; Second - Kátia Corrêa of Pará; Third - Daiana Facchin - Rio Grande do Sul. Photogenic Award: Winner - Priscila Bastos of Rio de Janeiro; Second - Kátia Corrêa of Pará; Third - Klis Vendramin - Mato Grosso do Sul. Miss GlobalBeauties Beauty Brazil 2003 Award -- Lyssa Medeiros - Alagoas. The Beauty Brazil Web site is at http://www.belezabrazil.com.br and is highly recommended.

Leanne Marie Cecile, representing Canada, was crowned Reina Internacional de las Flores (International Flower Queen) in Medellín, Colombia, on Aug. 9, 2003. Ms. Cecile was the first Canadian to compete in the event. She also represented Canada at Miss Universe in Panama this past June, and placed in the top 10.

Gustavo Cabral Narciso of Brazil won the title of Mr. World 2003 in London on Aug. 9, 2003. The first runner-up was Assaad Tarabay of Lebanon, and the second runner-up was Fabien Hauquier of Belgium. Ronnie Morris of Barbados, who also won the talent prize, and José Luis Reséndez Santos of Mexico finished in the top five. The remaining semi-finalists were Kelvin Osmond Halley of Aruba, Zhou Shuang Jian of China, Matthew Saliba of Malta, Julian Hee Lic-Hua of Singapore and Andrés Eduardo Mistage Parilli of Venezuela. Miss World 2002, Azra Akin, was among the judges.

Jennifer Womack won the Miss Cobb County Pageant on Aug. 9, 2003. She also won the swimsuit and talent awards. The first runner-up was Stephanie Tyson, and the second runner-up was Lara Carr. The third runner-up was Whitney Corbett, and the fourth runner-up was Gail Wheatley. Ms. Womack is a Georgia State University student. Her total scholarship award was $12,000, which is the largest scholarship prize offered by any Miss Georgia preliminary pageant. Andrea Bailey, Miss Georgia 2004 and a former Miss National Sweetheart, sang for the capacity audience at the 46th annual Miss Cobb County Pageant, which was held in Mableton, Ga.

Dignelis Jiménez of Arecibo was crowned Miss Puerto Rico Turismo in Guaynado, Puerto Rico, on Aug. 8, 2003. She will compete at the Miss International Pageant in Japan on Oct. 8. The same evening, Edgardo Pacheco, representing Corozal, won the title of Mr. Puerto Rico Turismo, and will represent the island at the 2004 Mr. Tourism World Contest. The first runner-up was Gabriel Quilichini of Guaynabo, and the second runner-up was Markus Rentas of Mayagüez.

Dian Sanderson has been crowned Miss British Virgin Islands 2003. The first runner-up was Zena Newberry, and the second runner-up was Krystle Maduro.

Kristin Williams of Arizona has been named Miss Native American Galaxy 2004. She will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy 2005 in Ohio in June 2004.

Mrs. Illinois, Anji Meidel, was crowned Mrs. American Queen on Aug. 1, 2003. She also won the interview award, the fitness award and the evening gown award. The first runner-up was Sandra Davis, Mrs. Virginia. The second runner up was Mrs. Rhode Island, Sheila Scott, who also won Mrs. Congeniality. The third runner-up was Mrs. New York, Kelly Platt, who also won the People's Choice award and Mrs. Photogenic.

Coronation, Inc., has announced that Miss U.S. Galaxy 2004 is Kimberly Ensey. The U.S. title is awarded to the highest-scoring U.S. finalist from the previous year's Galaxy competition. In June 2003, the first runner-up to Miss Galaxy was Miss Sri Lanka. Miss Ensey, competing as Miss South Central U.S., was the second runner-up, securing her the U.S. title should she wish to return in 2004. She has now announced her acceptance of the Miss U.S. Galaxy title. She will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy 2005 in Ohio in June 2004.

Chosen best national director for the 2003 Mr. Earth Quest Pageant is Alex Liu Bing An, better known to people throughout the pageant world as Alex Liu. The first runner-up is Raul Villalobos, and the second runner-up is Shakir.

Celeste Gaither was crowned Miss Statesville (N.C.) on Aug. 2, 2003. Miss Statesville is a Miss North Carolina preliminary pageant. Ms. Gaither is a graduate student at Clemson University majoring in Counselor Education. She is a singer, who took both the talent and swimsuit awards in the pageant. She previously competed at the state level in 2002, when she was Miss Thunder Road in the Miss Georgia Pageant.

Randi and Nina King, a mother-daughter duo from northeast Ohio, will be returning to the Galaxy International Pageant in 2004. Both represented their home state in 2003. For 2004, Randi King will be returning as Mrs. Northcoast Galaxy and Nina King as Miss Teen North America Galaxy.

Mister USA, Rome Romanne, has been chosen Mr. Earth Quest 2003 in the first annual pageant. The first runner-up, Mister Earth Fire, was Yin Xin Zhang of China. The second runner-up, Mister Earth Water, was Murtaza Moulvi of the Emirates. The third runner-up, Mister Earth Wind, was Cem Horazel of Turkey.

Dr. Effie Horning has been chosen Mrs. American Achievement Ambassador 2004. She will vie for the title of Mrs. International Achievement Ambassador in summer 2004. She has been called the "first lady” of American pageants because of her extensive involvement in pageants and civic causes. She is a nurse, minister, spiritual healer and ordained minister as well as a spokesmodel and photographer. PNB has called her "an absolutely inescapable presence on the American pageant scene."

Rosanna Davison has been crowned Miss Ireland World 2003. She will represent Ireland at Miss World 2003 in China. She is the daughter of the famous singer Chris de Burgh, who had many major hits in Germany and the rest of Europe.

Reinhard Notthoff, 24, of Cologne was crowned Mister Deutschland 2003 on Aug. 3, 2003, in Dortmund. He competed as Mister Nordrhein-Westfalen. He competed at last year´s Mister Deutschland and was second runner-up. He will represent Germany in Mister Intercontinental and Manhunt International. Crowned Mrs. Deutschland 2003 the same night was 28-year old Katja Tschirschky of Magdeburg. She competed as Mrs. Sachsen-Anhalt. She competed in last year´s pageant and placed second runner-up. She will now go on to Mrs. Globe.

After a two-month run-up to the finals of Miss Hong Kong 2003, the 12 finalists were announced from the original 20 contestants at a gala event on Aug. 2, 2003. They are: Mandy Cho, Stephanie Wang, Lim Ngai Ying, Ivy Tam (from Los Angeles), Rabee'a Yeung (from Vancouver), Amy Ang, Gladys Sim, Alice Chan, Carrie Lee (also from Vancouver), Selena Yi (from Toronto), Stephanie Au, and Priscilla Chik. The winner will be announced on Aug. 23, and will compete at Miss Chinese International 2004. The first runner-up will compete at Miss World 2003 in Sanya, China, on Dec. 6, and the second runner-up will participate in Miss International 2003 in Japan on Oct. 10.

Leslie Pruett has been crowned Miss Southeast Georgia. The first runner-up was Casey Roberts, and the second runner-up was Kayann Hayden. Ashlie Anderson has been crowned Miss Warner Robins, and the first runner-up was Amanda Kozak, the swimsuit award winner. The second runner-up was Nancy Evans, and the third runner-up was Jenison Cooper. The fourth runner-up was Katherine Shaw. Ms. Pruett and Ms. Anderson will compete at Miss Georgia 2004, a preliminary to Miss America.

Christina Myers, 17, of Madison County was chosen Mississippi's Junior Miss 2004 on Aug. 2, 2003. The first alternate was Kenzie Keaster of Petal, and the second alternate was Anna Tadlock of Rankin County. The third alternate was Rebekah Crosby of Forrest County.

Nicole Sawyer of Decatur, Ala., won the third and final Miss Resaca Beach preliminary contest on Aug. 2, 2003, in Dalton, Ga. She will join the two previous round winners, Jennifer Copeland, the Roswell, Ga., winner, and Lisa Wilson, the Chattanooga winner, and others in the Resaca Beach finals on Sept. 13, 2003, at the Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center in Dalton. Preliminary scores do not carry into the finals.

Gabriela Oviedo, 20, was crowned Miss Bolivia Universe on Aug. 1, 2003. She competed as Señorita Litoral. She will represent Bolivia at Miss Universe 2004. Helen Aponte, who competed as Miss Beni, was crowned Miss Bolivia World. Muriel Cruz, who competed as Señorita Santa Cruz, was crowned Miss Bolivia International.

Simone Janey of Bowie, Md., has crowned Mrs. Maryland North American. She will compete in August 2004 for the title of Mrs. North American at the inaugural North American Pageant in Baltimore.

Days after winning the second round of the 2003 Resaca Beach Poster Girl Contest in Chattanooga, and shortly after being chosen Miss Hawaiian Tropic Chattanooga, Lisa Wilson won the swimsuit contest in the Bayou Room in Marietta, Ga., on July 30, 2003.

Andrés Mistage, Mr. Carabobo, won the title of Mr. Venezuela in Caracas on July 26, 2003. He will represent his country in the Mr. World contest in London on Aug. 9. The first runner-up was Jacinto Oropeza, Mr. Delta Amacuro, who will compete at Manhunt International in China in November. The second runner-up was Claudio de la Torre, Mr. Anzoátegui, who will represent Venezuela at Mr. International in India in October.

Stephanie Dorn has been named Miss Minnesota Galaxy 2004. She will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy 2005 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in June 2004.

Miss Houston USA, Stephanie M. Guerrero, 23, of Lake Jackson was crowned Miss Texas USA 2004 on July 28, 2003, in Lubbock by Miss Texas USA 2003, Claudia Nicole O'Brian. The four-time pageant entrant, who was also named the Swimsuit Award winner on July 23, will now advance to the 2004 Miss USA Pageant in March 2004. She is the second Latina to win the state title. Laura Elena Martinez-Herring of El Paso was named Miss Texas USA and later Miss USA 1985, making her also the first Latina to become Miss USA. The first runner-up was Miss North West Texas, Tyler Willis, while Miss DWF, Candace Campfield, was the second runner-up. Miss Ft. Bend County, Lauren Lanning, was the third runner-up, and Miss Golden Triangle, Kelli Wisby, was chosen fourth runner-up. The pageant was held in Lubbock for the last time and will relocate to Laredo next summer for the 2005 Miss Texas USA Pageant. Miss Congeniality was Hayley Hoffman.

The Ms. Woman of Color Online Pageant System announces the 2004 Queens Court as follows: Ms. Georgia WoC, Rudelle Thomas, is Ms. Woman of Color 2004. She not only won the title, but the overall Beauty and Style and Cultural Pride competitions as well. The first
runner-up and overall Community Service Award Winner is Rochelle Beckford, Ms. Texas WoC. The second runner-up is Hysha Robinson, Ms. New York WoC. The remaining finalists are Jahna Cole Houston, Ms. California WoC, who also won the overall Personal Achievements Award and Joy Stewart, Ms. Golden State WoC. The new Miss Young Woman of Color 2004 (teen division) is Frances Grey, Miss Arizona WoC. Her mother, Joanne Grey, was awarded the title of Ms. Woman of Color Ambassador 2004 for her dedication and promotion of the MWC Online Pageant System.

Tina Berry of Florida, a former PNB cover girl, was crowned Miss United States Teen of America on July 27, 2003, in Atlanta. She will compete at Miss Model World in Lebanon.

Following are the winners of the *Miss Teen *Ms. *Mrs. U. S. Beauties Pageant: Miss Teen U. S. Beauties – Emily Cassens: Ms. U. S. Beauties – Lori Washington; Ms. Woman U. S. Beauties – Susan Vineyard; Mrs. U. S. Beauties – Susan & Tom Cagna; Mrs. Woman U. S. Beauties – Lauren and Buzz Monahan.

Monica Minter was crowned Miss Hospitality on July 26, 2003, in Hattiesburg, Miss. She also won the Spirit of Miss Hospitality award. She will be Mississippi's ambassador for development and tourism. Ms. Minter is the first black winner in the pageant's history.

Mrs. Florida Galaxy 2004 is Ana Urbano, Miss Florida Galaxy 2004 is Margarita Santiago, and Miss Teen Florida Galaxy 2004 is Justine Llanes. They will compete for the titles of Mrs. Galaxy 2005, Miss Galaxy 2005, and Miss Teen Galaxy 2005 in Ohio in June 2004.

Gloria Anglon will be returning to the Miss Galaxy Pageant as Miss Maryland Galaxy 2004. She represented her state at the 2003 pageant, winning both the Community Service and Academic Achievement Awards in her age division. Miss Anglon will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy 2005 in June 2004.

The recently chosen Mister Hessen, Oliver Winter, will be unable to compete at Mister Deutschland (in the final days of July and early days of August 2003) due to work commitments. Daniel Buder, 26, who was first runner-up at Mister Hessen, now will compete at the national contest.

A new online pageant has debuted at www.FreeBeautyContest.com. It is for females 14 and up, and contestants are judged based solely on beauty. Entry is free, and there are no geographic barriers.

Andrea Preuss of Ohio has been crowned Mrs. United States 2003. The first runner-up was Kristina Deignan of Virginia, and the second runner-up was Tiffany Ellison of California. The third runner-up was Dina Orr of Florida, and the fourth runner-up was Meredith Boyd of Georgia, a former PNB cover girl.

Katy Johnson, who is a former Miss Vermont and a former Miss Vermont USA, has dropped her lawsuit against fellow Florida resident Tucker Max for posting details of their alleged affair on his Web site. In May 2003, she obtained a temporary order forcing him to remove the details about her. But he has now posted the information again. Ms. Johnson has never acknowledged that his claims are true.

After a series of elimination rounds on Venezuela's top-rated variety show, "Sábado Sensacional," the 16 finalists for the Mr. Venezuela title have been chosen, and will compete in the finals on July 26, 2003. They are: Claudio de la Torre (Mr. Anzoátegui), Roy Ruz (Mr. Aragua), Julio Vivenes (Mr. Bolívar); Iván Medina (Mr. Canaima); Andrés Mistage (Mr. Carabobo), Antonio Rojas (Mr. Cojedes), Jacinto Oropeza (Mr. Delta Amacuro), Richard De Stefano (Mr. Dependencias Federales), Simón Goncalves (Mr. Guárico), José Manuel Pereiro (Mr. Lara), Vito Gasparrini (Mr. Mérida), Irwing Ríos (Mr. Miranda), César Augusto Flores (Mr. Nueva Esparta); Michelle Giurdanella (Mr. Península Goajira), Eddy Márquez (Mr. Portuguesa), and Angel Pérez (Mr. Zulia). The winner will compete at Mr. World 2003 in on Aug. 9, 2003, in London, the first runner-up will compete at Mr. International in India in October, and the second runner-up will represent Venezuela at Manhunt International in China in November.

America's Southern Teen 2003 is 18-year-old Rachel Eggers of North Little Rock, Ark. She not only won the title, but the overall personal expression and physical fitness portions of the competition as well. She is an academic honor student and award-winning dancer who will be attending the University of Arkansas this year as a freshman. She won more than $20,000 in cash, prizes, scholarships and awards. The first runner-up and overall evening wear award winner was South Carolina Teen Rachel Michaud. The second runner-up and overall interview award winner was Louisiana Teen Devin Allen. The third runner-up was North Carolina Teen Elizabeth Carty, and the fourth runner-up was Cajun State Teen Nicole Daye. Rounding out the semi-finalists were Volunteer State Teen Kimberly Odom, Southern Missouri Teen Amy Forrest, Florida Teen Victoria Ratliff, Texas Teen Brittany Tiner, Southern Coast Teen Ashley Buckman, Little Rock Teen Emily Duncan and Georgia Teen Brooke Calhoun. Judges for the event included Fox's "American Idol" contestant and finalist J.D. Adams, America's Southern Teen 2000 Brooke Helton, CBS's "The Amazing Race" winner Rob Frisbee, Miss Michigan USA (and third runner-up to Miss USA 2003) Elisa Schleef, and NBC's "Passions" actor Josh Souza.

Amy Yount, 28, has been crowned Mrs. Illinois International 2003 and will represent the "Land of Lincoln" at the Mrs. International Pageant in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., on Sept. 5-6, 2003.

Maria Poechman, 20, of Walkerton was crowned Ontario Miss Mid-West on July 19, 2003, in Walkerton, Ontario. Josie Becker of Durham was the first runner-up, and Stacey Nicholson of Milverton was the second runner-up. Deanna Wick of Harriston was the third runner-up, and Heather Holyoake was the fourth runner-up. 2002 Queen Robyn Hewson passed on her title at the event. Winners and runners-up will compete in the Ms. National Canada and the Miss Canada Galaxy events next year.

Masielle Otero, 23, of Miami has been selected as the official U.S. delegate to the Miss International Pageant. The pageant is set for Sept. 29 to Oct. 26, 2003, in Tokyo. She was chosen by the Miss 2003 USA International Beauty Pageant committee as the replacement for Kristy Saver of Colorado. Ms. Saver has chosen to concentrate on her studies and not attend the pageant. Ms. Otero is only the second woman of Hispanic descent to represent the United States in the Miss International Pageant.

Katarzyna Dziedzic, 22, was crowned Miss International Canada 2003 in Edmonton on July 18, 2003. She will compete in the Miss International Pageant in October in Japan. The 5'11" blond beauty hails from Windsor, Ontario.

Alejandro Suárez won the title of Mr. Bolivia 2003 in Santa Cruz on July 18, 2003. He will represent his country in the Mr. World contest in London on Aug. 9. His brother, Juan Pablo, was Mr. Bolivia three years ago. Victor Hugo Paz was named Mr. Bolivia International, and will compete at Mr. International in India this fall.

Frankie Woulfe has been chosen to represent Limerick at Miss Ireland World on Aug. 1, 2003. Caroline Casey has been chosen to represent Limerick at Miss Ireland Universe at the end of 2003. The two were chosen in a pageant in Limerick at the end of June 2003.

Joanna Cufiño, 18 was crowned Miss Zulia on July 17, 2003, in Maracaibo, Venezuela. She will represent the state in the Miss Venezuela Pageant this October. The same evening, Julimar Queipo, 20, was crowned Miss Península Guajira, and will represent the territory in the same event. Yannerys Carrizo, 21, was chosen to advance to the final casting for Miss Venezuela, where the remaining state titles will be allocated.

Aura Ávila, 17, was crowned Miss Aragua in Maracay, Venezuela, on July 14, 2003. She will represent the state in the Miss Venezuela Pageant in October. Aragua is home of the reigning queen and Miss Universe first runner-up, Mariángel Ruiz.

Christine Shen and Ashley Baxter were the two bikini winners at Luby's bar in Lawrenceville, Ga., on July 16, 2003. Their success qualified them for the Luby's finals on July 23, 2003. Both women will be the subject of pictorial features on PNB in coming weeks.

April Robinson, 22, Miss Multnomah County, was crowned Miss Oregon on July 12, 2003, in Seaside. She will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant. The first runner-up was Miss Clackamas County, Emma Desilets, 24, and the second runner-up was Miss Southern Oregon, Jennifer Murphy, 24. The third runner-up was Miss Metro-East, Lucy Fleck, 18; and the fourth runner-up was Miss Tri-Valley, Brook Roberts, 20. One of those featured at the pageant was Miss America 2002, Katie Harman, who is also a former Miss Oregon and former Miss Multnomah County.

Candace Mari Otto, competing as Miss Three Rivers, was crowned Miss Pennsylvania on July 12, 2003. The first runner-up was Alicia Zumpino, Miss Philadelphia, and the second runner-up was Melissa Wills, Miss Armstrong County. The third runner-up was Jenna Weleski, Miss White Rose City, and the fourth runner-up was Bethlene Pancoast, Miss Susquehanna Valley. Ms. Otto, 23, is from Murrysville in suburban Pittsburgh. She is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she majored in theater, and she sang for her performing talent. Her platform is "Addressing Poverty in America." She will compete at Miss America, where there have been five Pennsylvania winners over the course of the years.

Taisha Williamson was selected to represent New York as Mrs. New York North American on July 12, 2003. On the same day, Arethia Clark was selected to represent Kansas as Ms. Kansas North American. Both will compete in August 2004 in Baltimore at the inaugural North American Pageant.

Charlotte Lawrence of Houston has been selected as Mrs. Texas North American. She will compete in August 2004 at the inaugural North American Pageant for the title of Mrs. North American in Baltimore.

The 2003 Beauties of America Pageant was held July 13, 2003, in Bloomington, Minn. This pageant celebrates "Beauty and Achievement at Every Age" by crowning a winner in each decade from teens through 60s. The winners for 2003 are: 60s – Fitness (tie) - Brenda Sexton (Kentucky) and Wanda Jones (Texas); Achievement - Wanda Jones (Texas); first runner-up - Kay Damiano (Idaho); Winner - Brenda Sexton (Kentucky); 50s – Fitness - Linda Bowen (Missouri); Achievement - Polly Glynn (Minnesota); first runner-up – Doris Woody (North Carolina); Winner - Linda Bowen (Missouri); 40s – Fitness - Barbara Frye (Georgia); Achievement - Leisha Gust (Missouri); second runner-up - Vida Martin-Voysey (Wisconsin); first runner-up - Leisha Gust (Missouri); Winner - Arline Coatney (Arkansas); 30s – Fitness - Laura Diers (Minnesota); Achievement - Eileen Stafford (Utah); second runner-up - Barbara Jacobs (Nevada); first runner-up - Laura Diers (Minnesota); Winner - Jeanne Siegenthaler (Missouri); 20s – Fitness - Marie Browning-Joiner (Georgia); Achievement - Shelby Grau (Kansas); second runner-up - Christella Hudson (North Carolina); first runner-up - Rachel Altiere (Ohio); Winner - Marie Browning-Joiner (Georgia); Teens – Fitness - Tracy Gest (Wisconsin); Achievement - Whitney Brock (Georgia); second runner-up - Delynn Haggith (Ontario); first runner-up - Samantha Casey (Virginia); Winner - Tracy Gest (Wisconsin)

Mister Hessen 2003, crowned July 12, 2003, in Frankfurt, is 21-year-old Oliver Winter of Frankfurt. He is a student of business administration and is the son of a Malaysian mother and a German father. The first runner-up was 26-year-old Daniel Buder, and the second runner-up was 22-year-old Marco Stammberger. Mr. Winter will represent the state in Mister Deutschland 2003 (Germany for Manhunt International and Mister Intercontinental) on August 3, 2003.

Kristen Michele Berset, 21, of St. Petersburg was crowned Miss Florida USA on July 12, 2003. She will represent the state in the Miss USA Pageant. The first runner-up was Kristina Wright, 24, of Miami.

Phylicia Proctor, 16, of Waterloo, Iowa, was crowned the very first Iowa National American Miss Jr. Teen on July 6, 2003 in Des Moines. She will travel to Anaheim, Calif., during Thanksgiving week to compete for the National American Miss Jr. Teen title. She also won optional awards for sportswear, spokesmodel, acting, academics and the Spirit of America award. The first runner-up was Amanda Sabin, 15, of Walcott, Iowa. She will have the opportunity to travel to nationals to compete for the All American Miss title during Thanksgiving week. She also won talent, the best resume award, the community service award, the spirit award, first runner-up in photogenic, the Spirit of America award and a photogenic portfolio award.

Due to her contractual commitment to the Galaxy pageant system, Dr. Diana Santoro, the newly crowned Mrs. Galaxy 2004, will relinquish her preliminary title, Mrs. Central Florida of America, to allow first runner-up Holly Reed to compete for the title of Mrs. United States of America. The parting was amicable. Terri Berry, the Florida Director, for Perfect Production Pageants said, "Diana is a wonderful lady and will be missed, but I am confident that Holly Reed will do an amazing job at the Perfect Production Pageants national pageant." A crowning ceremony for Ms. Reed was held July 12, 2003. She will compete at the Perfect Production Pageants' nationals on July 24-27, 2003, in Atlanta.

Tina Gabaldon of Irving, Texas, won the Ms. Hooters International 2003 on July 9, 2003, in Las Vegas. The first runner-up was Melisa Poe of Greensboro, N.C., and the second runner up was Jennifer Hargis of Indianapolis. The third runner up was Nicki Kretchmer of Wisconsin, and the fourth runner-up was Roxanne Hughes of Southern Louisiana.

Jessica Eddins, 23, competing as Miss North Charleston, was crowned Miss South Carolina on July 12, 2003. She will represent the state at the Miss America Pageant. Her talent is singing, and her platform is community action to bring arts to students. The first runner-up was Michelle Gwinn, Miss Upstate, and the second runner-up was Mandy Ticknor, Miss Greater Greer. Patrice Snow, Miss Charleston, was the third runner-up, and Lauren Vick, Miss Lexington, was the fourth runner-up.

Sangeeta Virmani, 24, of Regina, Saskatchewan, was crowned Miss India Canada 2003 in Mississauga, Ontario, on July 5, 2003. She is a student at the University of Alberta, planning to specialize in criminal justice. Ms. Virmani was crowned by last year's titleholder, Shivani Singh of Mississauga. The pageant has been a launching pad for many of its former titleholders and contestants, including Monita Rajpal (CNN anchor, runner-up in 1995), Ruby Bhatia (top VJ in India, winner in 1993) and Rishma Malik (screen actress in both India and Canada, winner in 1996).

Ms. Latina Monterey Bay, Ruby Lopez, 23, was crowned Ms. Latina USA 2003 during the 10th annual pageant celebration in Las Vegas. She will represent the United States in the Ms. Latina World Pageant this winter. The first runner-up was Crystal Borrego, Ms. Colorado, and the second runner up was Rachel Coaquira, Ms. Northern California (also Latina with Style). The third runner-up was Mayra Rivas, Ms. Mid-Atlantic (also Ms. Photogenic), and the fourth runner-up was Paula Morales, Ms. Golden State. Ms. Congeniality was Joanna Ramirez, Ms. Connecticut. The Teen Latina USA 2003 title went to Yara Liz Lasanta of Puerto Rico. The first runner-up was Kylette Jaramillo, New Mexico Teen, and the second runner-up was Naomi Arriola, West Texas Teen. The third runner-up was Sudilik Santos, New Jersey Teen, and the fourth runner-up was Erika Plata, Maryland Teen. Ms. Congeniality was Stephanie Perez, New York Teen, and the Teen Photogenic and Teen Latina with Style awards went to Amanda Barerra, Northern California Teen. The pageant was hosted by Diego Olmstead of the Telemundo show "Buena Onda" and Ms. Latina World Executive Producer Dawn Ramos. The Director of the Year Award went to Maria Basile Moore of the Ms. Latina Maryland Pageant.

The Mrs. Singapore and Classic Mrs. Singapore competition was held July 6, 2003, at the Neptune Theatre. The winners were Fandi Ahmad – Mrs. Singapore World 2004 (She was awarded Mrs. Body Beautiful and is a mother of 4); Angela Soh – Mrs. Singapore Globe 2004 (She was awarded Mrs. Healthy Lifestyle); Constance Srimpton - Mrs. Singapore United Nation 2004 (She was awarded Mrs. Charming); Hazeliene Heng – Mrs. Singapore Queen of the Universe 2004 (She was awarded Mrs Charity and Mrs. Photogenic). The first runner-up was Deborah Tan, and the second runner-up was Farah Kapoor. The winners will represent Singapore next year in their respective international pageants. In the Classic category (women above age 45), the winners were Nancy Loke – Classic Mrs. Singapore World 2004 (She was awarded Classic Mrs. Photogenic); Hedy Lim Cooper – Classic Mrs. Singapore Globe 2004; Lena Loo – Classic Mrs. Singapore United Nation. The first runner-up was Leong Ai Eng, and the second runner-up was Ann Tay. The winners of the classic category do not represent Singapore but will be involved in any projects fro senior citizens in Singapore. Ann Tay was the oldest contestant at 75.

Drell Hunter, 23, has been crowned Miss Vermont and will represent the state at Miss America. She tap-danced for her performing talent, and her platform is "Domestic Violence Awareness: Eliminating Silent Victims Through Education." The first runner-up was Megan Plebani, and the second runner-up was Catherine Wareham.

Fianna Dickinson, 24, competing as Miss Spokane, was crowned Miss Washington 2003 on July 5, 2003, in Tacoma. Ms. Dickinson, a dancer, whose platform is "Lighting the Way to Lifelong Safe Driving – Promoting Safe Transportation Issues," will represent the state at Miss America. Amy Crawford, 24, Miss Pierce County, competing for the seventh and last time (due to aging out), was the first runner-up. (That was a repeat of her previous year's showing.) The second runner-up was Maria Knox, Miss Kitsap, and the third runner-up was Dustin Leigh Konzelman, Miss Sno-Valley. The fourth runner-up was Jennifer Scarlette, Miss Emerald City.

Sunni Cranfill, 23, competing as Miss Amarillo Area, was crowned Miss Texas on July 5, 2003, in Fort Worth. She will represent the Lone Star State at Miss America. She is a broadcast journalism major at West Texas A&M University. Ballet is her performing talent. Her platform is "Empowering the Disabled: National Education and Awareness for All Americans." The first runner-up was Morgan Matlock, Miss Fort Worth, and the second runner-up was Stephanie Stokes, Miss Lubbock. The third runner-up was Megan Gilbride, Miss Humble-Kingwood, and the fourth runner-up was Kristen Porter, Miss Metrocrest.

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