Pageant News Bureau (PNB)

Catherine Jackson of Illinois won the title of Ms. Pageant Gal Volunteer 2004 on Dec. 31, 2003, New Year’s Eve. This was her first time competing in this pageant system, as well as her first time competing in a volunteer pageant.

LeToya Duff of Science Hill, Ky., has been named Miss Teen Kentucky Galaxy 2004. She will compete for the title of Miss Teen Galaxy 2005 in Ohio in June.

Ghaidy Márquez, 22, of the Dominican Republic was crowned International Sugar Cane Queen 2003 during the last week of December 2003 in Colombia. Lizfanny Emiliano Pierre of Haití was the first runner-up, and Paola Sofía Cipriani of Venezuela was the second runner-up. The third runner-up was Ana Karina Abrego of Panamá.

Angela Beck of South Africa was crowned Miss Tourism International 2003 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Dec. 31, 2003. Victoria Karyda of Greece was crowned Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2003. Xing Hui Yuan of China was crowned Miss Intercontinental International 2003 and also won Best National Costume. Laura Romero of Argentina was crowned Dreamgirl of the Year International 2003. Zuzana Putrrova of the Czech Republic was crowned Miss Cosmopolitan International 2003.

Darci Robertson of California was crowned Miss Rodeo America 2004 on Dec. 6, 2003. The first runner-up was Angi Prevedel of Utah, and the second runner-up was Christy Spurlock of Colorado. The third runner-up was Heather Freeman of Arizona, and the fourth runner-up was Sara-Ann Haney of Kansas. Ms. Robertson won the Horsemanship, Appearance, Speech and Personality awards. Ms. Haney won the Photogenic award. Ms. Spurlock won the Raeana Wadhams Spirit Award. Miss Congeniality was Lacey Bauer of Wisconsin. The Western Region winner was Lori Dodge of Montana, and the Eastern Region winner was Christy Olinger of Alabama. The Central Region winner was Danci Jae Anderson of South Dakota.

Odessa Phillips, a law student from Vergenoegen, was crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2004 on the last weekend of 2003. She was also judged to have the Best Smile. The first runner-up was Olive Gopaul, who was judged to have the Best Gown. Both women are former Miss Guyana World winners. Michelle Armstrong, who was judged best in swimsuit, was the second runner-up, and Sergean Elias was the third runner-up. Joylyn Perreira was the fourth runner-up. Alicia Faria was named Miss Congeniality. Zena Edwards was judged to have the best hairstyle.

Nicole Hayduga, 21, of Dachau was crowned Miss Bayern (Universe) on Dec. 20, 2003. She will represent Germany's biggest state, Bayern (Bavaria), at Miss Deutschland (Germany Universe) on Jan. 17, 2003. The first runner-up was Eva Süssmann, 17, of Aschaffenburg.

Carissa Capobianco, 15, of Lawrenceville has been crowned Miss Petite Teen Georgia International. She is also the reigning Teen Miss Marietta, Miss Teen Snellville and Teen Miss Historic North Georgia.

Yolanda Makle, 27, has been awarded the title of Miss District of Columbia Galaxy 2004. She will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy 2004 in Akron, Ohio, in June 2004.

Helen Ilanga has been crowned Miss Norddeutschland (Universe). She will compete in Miss Deutschland (Germany Universe) on Jan. 17, 2004. The first runner-up was Katharina Faldin, and the second runner-up was Leman Aydin (the recent first runner-up in Miss RTL).

Joanie Padgett of Fitzgerald, Ga., was crowned the 2003-2004 Miss Ben Hill Irwin Forestry Scholarship Queen. She will represent Ben Hill Irwin at the 65th Annual Miss Georgia Forestry State Pageant in Tifton on June 19, 2004. Other winners were as follows: Teeny Miss Division: Macy Blair Shattles – Teeny Miss Ben Hill Irwin Queen and Prettiest Smile Winner; Joycelyn Lenet Reese – People's Choice Winner, Prettiest Dress, and first runner-up; Devan McKenzie – second runner-up and Photogenic winner; Julia Ann Wright – third runner–up. Tiny Miss Division: Caitlyn Renee Suggs – Tiny Miss Ben Hill Irwin Forestry Queen and Prettiest Smile and Prettiest Dress Winner; Jada Ussery – first runner-up; Hannah Nicole DuPriest – second runner-up and Photogenic Winner; Allyson Faith Arowood – third runner-up; Allison Nicole Hulett – fourth runner-up; Hunter Nicole Meadows – fifth runner-up. Little Miss Division: Taylor Ann DuPriest – Little Miss Ben Hill Irwin Forestry Queen, Photogenic Winner, Prettiest Dress and Prettiest Smile Winner; Miranda Renea Stephens – Miss Ben Hill Irwin Hospitality Queen and first runner-up; Jordan Brooke Harrell – second runner-up; Callie Miranda Merritt – third runner-up. Junior Miss Division: Haley Marie Morgan – Junior Miss Ben Hill Irwin Forestry Queen; Kayla Denise Alerman – first runner-up; Jamie Nicole Campbell – second runner-up, Photogenic Winner, and Prettiest Smile Winner; Hannah Marie Mathis – third runner-up and Prettiest Dress Winner; Kaitlynn T. Turner – fourth runner-up. Miss Division: Joanie Marie Padgett – Miss Ben Hill Irwin Forestry Queen and Prettiest Dress and Prettiest Smile Winner; Mary Amanda Hewatt – first runner-up, Speech, and Interview Winner; Kayla Jo Harper – second runner-up.

Victoria Franklin, 23, of Las Vegas was crowned Miss Nevada USA on Dec. 13, 2003. Helen Salas, 18, of Las Vegas was crowned Miss Nevada Teen USA. Ms. Franklin was Miss Nevada Teen USA 1998.

Sommerly Simser of Las Vegas has been crowned Miss Teen Las Vegas International 2004. She is an official delegate to the 2004 Miss Teen California and Miss Teen Nevada International pageant. The pageant will take place May 2, 2004, at the Community College of Southern Nevada Performing arts center in Las Vegas.

Four women qualified for the 2004 Miss Universe Canada Pageant by winning the Miss Universe Canada Western Ontario finals on Dec. 17, 2003, in the beautiful city of Windsor. Shayna Lee Leboeuf of Lasalle, Meighin Miller of London, Gretal Montgomery of Windsor and Veronica Marie Zivcic of Tecumseh will all compete in the national finals for a chance to represent Canada at the 2004 Miss Universe Pageant on Jan. 25, 2004. Ms. Leboeuf won the Best Runway and Most Beautiful Eyes prizes, while Ms. Miller bagged the Miss Esthetic and Most Beautiful Skin awards. Sarah Lapas won the Best Features and Miss Congeniality prizes, while Roza El-Mundir was Miss Photogenic, and Katie Berthiaume was named Miss High Fashion. Ms. Montgomery won the Best Smile prize, along with the inaugural Jimmy's Pageant Page Award, presented by pioneer PNB correspondent Jimmy Steele, to the delegate who best embodies the positive characteristics of a pageant contestant of today: perseverance, dedication, compassion, and humility, combined with the always important poise, grace, beauty and charm. The Jimmy's Pageant Page Award will be presented at various other Canadian pageants in the coming years, adding to Mr. Steele's legendary contributions to the pageant world.

Amber Shipman, Miss Montana 2003, who represented the state at Miss America, is now involved in a public feud with state pageant officials. On Dec. 14, 2003, she filed a complaint with authorities, alleging she was the target of inappropriate sexual behavior by a female pageant volunteer. Police are investigating the complaint but have not released the woman's name. Ms. Shipman's dispute with the organization has led to the cancellation of her scheduled tour of state schools. Pageant officials say their disagreements with Ms. Shipman predate the allegations and are not related to them, but acknowledge that the contest is being hurt by the publicity.

Joan Ramagoshi, 24, a model and business owner from Mamelodi, Pretoria, Gauteng was crowned Miss South Africa 2003 on Dec. 13, 2003, in Sun City. She is the third winner from Gauteng and the second consecutive winner from Pretoria and was crowned by Miss South Africa 2002, Cindy Nell, who was the second runner-up to Miss Universe 2003 in June 2003 in Panama. Ms. Ramagoshi, who knows five languages and operates a public relations company, will represent South Africa in the 2004 Miss Universe Pageant in Ecuador in June 2004. Should she not win there, she would compete n the 2004 Miss World Pageant in China late next year. The first runner-up was former Junior Miss South Africa, Marissa Eggli, 20, of Cape Town. She is a first-year public relations student who lost her entire family in a a road crash in October 2001. The second runner-up was mineralogist Siza Majola, 23, of Polokwane. The two remaining finalists were journalism student Lebo Sekete, 23, of Alberton, Johannesburg; and model Charlene Gerber, 21, of Emmarentia, Johannesburg, who was a contestant in the 2001 pageant. Also winning a crown that evening was Masechaba Dlengezele, 18, of Johannesburg, who was crowned Miss South Africa Teen 2003. An aspiring lawyer, she was crowned by Miss South Africa Teen 2002, Phuthi Khomo. This was the fifth anniversary of the teen competition. Miss South Africa 2001, Vanessa Do Cei Carreira, a 2001 Miss Universe finalist, was a judge.

The Miss Holiday Kentucky pageant was held Dec. 13, 2003, in Harrodsburg, Ky. The statewide competition benefited Fort Harrod Drama Productions. The winner was Stacy Anne Hoehle of Danville. The first runner-up was E. Whitney Cox of Lancaster, and the second runner-up was Natalie Denney of Monticello. The third runner-up was Jennifer Burton of Harrodsburg. The talent winner was Natalie Blake of Harrodsburg, and the Photogenic winner was Iris Peyton of Hustonville.

Erika Ebbel, recently profiled by PNB, was crowned Miss Apponagansett Bay on Dec. 14, 2003, succeeding Sophia Moon. She will compete at Miss Massachusetts, a preliminary to Miss America.

Miss Alsace, Laetitia Bleger, 22, has been crowned Miss France. She will represent the nation at Miss Europe.

Linda Chung, 19, was crowned Miss Chinese Vancouver on Dec. 12, 2003, and will represent her city at the 2004 Miss Chinese International Pageant on Jan. 18 in Hong Kong. She also won the Photogenic, Talent and "Miss Snow Beauty" prizes. The first runner-up was Dorothy Chan, 23, and the second runner-up was Queenie Chung, 22. Caroline Chang, 23, was Miss Friendship.

Ellen Petri, 21, was crowned Miss Belgium on Dec. 12, 2003. She will represent Belgium in Miss Universe and Miss World 2004. The first runner-up was Lindsy Dehollander, and the second runner-up was Leen Hens.

Amber Nunnery of Van Buren has been named Miss Teen Missouri Galaxy. She will compete for the title of Miss Teen Galaxy in Ohio in June 2004.

The Miss International Achievement Ambassador organization has released the names of several news delegates for 2004, including Effie Horning of California - Mrs. American Achievement Ambassador 2004; Kimberly Laukala of Washington - Mrs. Pacific NW 2004; Angela Howell of Georgia - Ms. Italian Achievement Ambassador 2004; Carrie Neet of Kansas - Miss American Achievement Ambassador 2004; and Sophia Evans of Kansas - Preteen American Achievement Ambassador 2004. Delegates will be competing for the 2005 International Achievement Ambassador titles.

Theresa Garza has been crowned Ms. Petite Texas. She will compete in the 2005 Ms. petite Universal Pageant. Pamela Faye has been crowned Ms. Petite United States Woman. She will also compete for the 2005 title at Ms. Petite Universal. Ashley Sylvester has been crowned Ms. Teen Plus Illinois. She will compete for the title of Ms. Teen Plus Universal 2005 in August 2004.

Indira Selmic, 25, of Marktheidenfeld has won the right to compete as Miss RTL, representing the popular TV station at Miss Deutschland (Germany Universe). The first runner-up was Leman Aydin, 24, and the second runner-up was Alexandra Wiesner, 26. Ms. Selmic, who is of Bosnian origin, competed as Miss Bayern in Miss Germany (World) 2002, finishing as second runner-up. After the resignation of the original winner, Kathrin Wrobel, and the health problems of the first runner-up, Simone Wolf-Reinfurt, Ms. Selmic represented Germany in Miss World 2002. She also represented Germany at Miss Hawaiian Tropic 2002.

Miss Ireland, Rosanna "Rosie" Davison, 19, was crowned Miss World on Dec. 6, 2003, in Sanya, China's southernmost city, on the tropical resort island of Hainan. Miss Canada, Nazanin Afshin-Jam, was the first runner-up, and Miss China, Guan Qi, was the second runner-up. The remaining top five finalists were Maria Rafaela Verdadero Yunon, Miss Philippines, and Ami Vashi, Miss India. Twenty semifinalists were chosen from the record field of 106 international delegates (making this year's show the largest international pageant in history). They were Olivia Stratton of Australia, Helen Aponte Saucedo of Bolivia, María Eugenia Vargas of the Dominican Republic, Hayat Ahmed Mohammed of Ethiopia, Irina Onashvili of Georgia, Vassiliki Tsekoura of Greece, Jade Fulford of Jamaica, Marie-José Hnein of Lebanon, Melanie Jane Paul of New Zealand, Elisabeth Wathne of Norway, Claudia María Hernández of Peru, Jocelyn Montero García of Puerto Rico, Bianca Nicole Sissing of Switzerland, Magdalene Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago and Valentina Patruno Macero of Venezuela. The Continental Queens of Beauty were: Americas – Nazanin Afshin-Jam of Canada; Asia – Guan Qi of China; Europe – Rosanna Davison of Ireland, Caribbean – Jade Fulford of Jamaica; and Africa – Hayat Ahmed Mohammed of Ethiopia. Ms. Davison, the first Miss Ireland to win the Miss World title since the pageant began in 1951, is a second-year student at University College, Dublin, where she studies sociology, archaeology and the history of art. Her father is singer Chris De Burgh, known for the song "Lady in Red." She succeeds Miss World 2002, Azra Akin, who was the first Turkish titleholder in the pageant's history. Miss World, the oldest continuously operating international beauty contest, was being held for the first time in mainland China. It was the most prestigious pageant ever staged in China, a country that for decades after the 1949 Communist Revolution banned beauty contests and other parts of the beauty culture. Among the judges were international film star Jackie Chan, "Sex and the City" author Candace Bushnell and Miss World 2001, Agbani Darego of Nigeria. The publicity for the event and for the Chinese hosts was almost uniformly good. Pageant director Julia Morley, widow of Miss World founder Eric Morley, announced immediately after the event that China would host the next year's competition, though no city was mentioned. The public relations success made up for the debacle of the previous year, when the contest chose Nigeria as a venue and got tangled up in the political and religious tensions in the country. In that memorable season of 2002, several contestants boycotted the pageant to protest the death sentence imposed on a woman in a Muslim region who had given birth to a child out of wedlock. Muslim extremists, in turn, boycotted the pageant as immoral. Violence flared in parts of Nigeria, and the pageant participants fled back to London, where the contest was eventually held. The woman's death sentence was later lifted.

Carrie Lea Neet of Galena, Kan., was named Miss Volunteer America 2004 in San Diego on Nov. 30, 2003. She competed as Miss Kansas Volunteer America 2003. She is a full-time student and sophomore biology major at Pittsburg State University. She also works in retail and models part time. Her volunteer accomplishments are too numerous to explain or even list. She previously held such titles as Miss Kansas American Coed 2002, Miss Central United States Achievement 2001, and Miss Kansas Teen Hostess 2000. She will participate in events surrounding National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, 2004. She has also been invited to attend the William Shatner Hollywood Charity Horse Show in Burbank, Calif., in April and the "Queen for a Day/Hero for a Day" Event at the Denver Children's Hospital in June.

Venus Day of Florida has captured the Mrs. Worldwide 2004 title. This came on the heels of winning the titles of Ms. Queen of Queens and Ms. Florida US Sophisticate. She is married to a physician, Dr. Ian Day. She is active in many charities, and is well known for working as a volunteer mermaid (an occupation that may be unique to Florida). The estimable Dr. Effie Horning has given the Worldwide pageants a high profile in the business.

Brooke A. Hansen of Fort Dodge won the 2004 Miss Iowa USA crown on Nov. 29, 2003, in Cedar Rapids. She is a liberal arts and sciences student at the University of Iowa and also works in cosmetics sales. She was crowned by Miss Iowa-USA 2003, Linsey Dara Grams, 21, of Urbandale. University of Iowa student Melissa K. Brown of Iowa City was named first runner-up while Maranda Kay Nichols of Mount Pleasant was second runner-up. She is a freshman at Iowa State University and was third runner-up in last year’s Miss Iowa Teen USA Pageant. Lauren E. James of Iowa City was awarded the Miss Congeniality award and Erin Toomey of Des Moines was chosen Miss Photogenic. Shannon Hofmeister of Oelwein won the 2004 Miss Iowa Teen USA title. She was crowned by Miss Iowa Teen USA 2003, Alyssa Anne Cook, 19, of Monticello, and will compete in the 2004 Miss Teen USA Pageant next August. The first runner-up was Megan Petratis of Council Bluffs, and Afton Leytham of Grarwin was the second runner-up. Kaleigh Coonce of Council Bluffs won the Miss Congeniality award for the second consecutive time, while Allison Fridley of Urbandale won the Miss Photogenic award.

Courtney Purdy of Wilmington was crowned Miss Delaware USA on Nov. 30, 2003, in Dover. Brittany Cichocki of Newark was crowned Miss Delaware Teen USA.

Magen Ellis, representing Tyler, was crowned Miss Texas Teen USA on Nov. 30, 2003. She will represent represent the Lone Star State in the Miss Teen USA Pageant.

Jaclyn Nesheiwat was crowned Miss New York USA on Nov. 30, 2003. Catherine Muldoon was crowned Miss New York Teen USA. Both have spent part of their lives in the sunny South, and have now competed with distinction on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. They will represent the Empire State in the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, respectively.

Nicole Jeanine Georghalli, 24, of East Stroudsburg, Pa., was crowned Miss Pennsylvania USA on Nov. 30, 2003, in Findlay. Autumn Marisa, 23, of Waynesburg, a former Miss Pennsylvania (America), was the first runner-up, and Syma Chowdhry, 23, of Philadelphia, a former PNB cover girl, was the second runner-up, finishing as a top finalist for the second year in a row. Pageant newcomer Chelsea MacDougall, 17, of Dallas, Pa., was crowned Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA.

Ria Sommerfeldt, 19, was crowned Miss Schleswig-Holstein on Nov. 29, 2003. She will compete the Miss Deutschland (Germany Universe) title. The first runner-up was Luisa Munsch of Neumünster.

Nicole White has been crowned Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2004. She accomplished this goal as a first-time pageant contestant. She will be competing for the title of Miss Teen USA 2004. The first runner-up was Danai Mattison, and the second runner-up was Lynesha Marshall. The third runner-up was Amy McCants, and the fourth runner-up was Joy Scales. Other semifinalists included Caressa Cameron, Takara Clark, Princessikea Thompson, Shannon Jordan, and Ashley Anderson.

Julia Wagner, 19, of Bad Kreuznach, a student who plans to become a teacher, was crowned Miss Rheinland-Pfalz (Universe) on Nov. 29, 2003. She will represent her state at Miss Deutschland (Germany Universe) on Jan. 17, 2004, in Duisburg. The first runner-up was Branka Petricevic, 21, of Ingelheim, and the second runner-up was Christina Kuntz, 24, of Worms.

Miss Xian, Yan Yan, a 22-year-old fashion design student, won the Miss Oriental Pearl Chinese International 2003 Pageant on Nov. 29, 2003, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The first runner up was Miss Kuching, Xenia Tiong, a 21-year-old model, and the second runner-up was Miss Phuket, Pharawan Khambun, a 25-year-old student. The other finalist were Miss Beijing, Miss Dalian, Miss Guangzhou, Miss Chiang Mai, Miss Berlin, Miss Hanoi, Miss Penang, Miss Macau and Miss Shanghai. Thirty-three cities participated. This was the first time the pageant was held, and it will be a yearly event. It will next be held in September 2004.

The five pre-events leading up to the 2003 Miss World Contest are now completed. The winners of the five competitions will receive an automatic berth among the top 20 semifinalists. Nazanin Afshin-Jam of Canada won the "Beach Olympics" sports and fitness event over the 105 other delegates, after finishing swimming, running, and aerobics tests with the best time. This is the first time that Canada has been present in the semifinals since 1989, and shows the remarkable progress of the national Miss World organization under its current leadership. Rosanna Davidson of Ireland was the winner of the "Beach Babe" modeling event, and has brought her country in the semifinals for the first time since 1990. Helen Aponte Saucedo of Bolivia was named Miss Personality by her fellow delegates, and also receives a berth in the semifinals. (Bolivia's last semi-finalist was in 1995.) Irina Onashvili of Georgia won the Talent competition, and is also the first delegate from her country to compete in Miss World, let alone make the semifinals. The final pre-selected semifinalist is the winner of the People's Choice Prize, who has received the most votes by telephone, SMS text messaging and online voting. Over 50 of the contestants were interviewed about their educational goals and career ambitions, and the winner receives a full tuition waiver to an American university. The events were held in the two weeks prior to the international finals, which will take place in Sanya, China, on Dec. 6, 2003.

Carrie LeighAnn of Bellevue, Wash., has been named Miss Brazil Galaxy 2004. She will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy 2005 in June 2004 in Ohio.

Sarina Lee, 19, was crowned Miss Chinese Toronto in a gala event on Nov. 28, 2003. She will represent Canada's most populous city at the Miss Chinese International Pageant in Hong Kong on Jan. 18, 2004. She succeeds Diana Wu, who was second runner-up at this year's Miss Chinese International finals. Flora Li was the first runner-up, and Roberta Pan was the second runner-up. Rachel Li was Miss Photogenic, and Maria Cheung won the Miss Friendship prize. An onstage debate between the contestants was part of this year's competition, and Ada Zhao won the award for Miss Eloquence. The event was televised live in Fairchild Television across Canada, and Miss Chinese Toronto remains the most glamorous and enjoyable pageant in Canada.

Jessica Rodríguez Clark, 21, was crowned Señorita Panamá (Miss Panama) on Nov. 26, 2003, in Panama City. She will represent her country at next year's Miss Universe Pageant in Ecuador. Melissa Piedrahita, also 21, won the title of Señorita Panamá para Miss Mundo (Miss World Panama) the same evening, and will compete in the 2004 Miss World Contest. The runners-up were Lilianne Thompson, Giselle Bissot and Marianina Tissera. Fariba Hawkins was Miss Friendship, and Gabriela Moreno was Miss Photogenic.

Ten women won the right to compete at the 2004 Miss Universe Canada Pageant in a regional pageant for Toronto and Central Ontario held on Nov. 29, 2003, in Toronto. The winners were Angela Derry, 20; Anna Maria Ezechiels, 21; Ashley Devries, 19; Giselle Espinosa, 18; Elena Evangelia, 22; Natalie Glebova, 21; Olga Milionis, 23; Sara Noble, 24; Sirjudaye Bhajan, 19; and Venessa Fisher, 18. Miss Christina Swimwear was Ashley Devries, and her first and second runners-up were Sara Noble and Natalie Glebova, respectively. Angela Derry was Miss Internet, and Anna Maria Ezechiels was Miss Photogenic. Aisha Hammah won the People's Choice prize for showing the best spirit and dedication throughout pageant rehearsals and appearances. The Best Hair prize went to Mathilda Park, and Miss Congeniality was Sarah Kim.

Tara Bigbie has been awarded the title of Mrs. Washington 2004 in the American Queen Pageant. Ginny Reichold has been awarded the title of Mrs. New York 2004. They will represent their states in the American Queen Pageant in August 2004.

It was a big night for Puerto Rico in Montréal on Nov. 22, 2003, when all three of the island's representatives walked away with the three titles at the annual Global Beauty Quest. Puerto Rico's Jennifer Rosado won the title of Miss Global Teen; Janette Pérez was crowned Miss Global Petite, and also won the Miss Photogenic prize, and Ingrid Rivera was named Miss Global Queen. The first runner-up in the Teen division was Darinelly Díaz of Venezuela, and the second runner-up was Fizaa Esmail, representing Kenya. The first runner-up in the Petite division was Rossana Tassone, representing Italy, and the second runner-up was Tanya Munizaga, Miss Croatia. In the Queen category, Sahar Biniaz, representing Canada, was the first runner-up, and Katarzyna Dziedzic, representing Poland, was second runner-up. Maria Barbara Soliman, Miss Petite Canada, was Miss Congeniality, and Jollie Mercanti, Miss Petite Venezuela, won the Best National Costume prize. It was the fourth consecutive victory for Puerto Rico in the Teen division, and the third win in four years in the Petite category.

Célia Renata da Silva, Miss Blumenau, was crowned Miss Santa Catarina in the city of Lages, Brazil, on Nov. 20, 2003. She will represent the state in the Miss Brazil Pageant in April 2004. Elsewhere, Graziele Massafera, Miss Barra do Jacaré, won the title of Miss Paraná in Maringá on Nov. 22, also winning the right to represent her state at Miss Brazil 2004.

Nathaly Trinh, 26, was crowned Miss Hamburg (Universe) on Nov. 22, 2003. She is of Vietnamese origin and is a student of arts and design. She will represent the city of Hamburg in Miss Deutschland (Germany Universe) 2004. The first runner-up was Hiltja Müller, and the second runner-up was Jeanette Litka.

Angela Gavran, 20, has been crowned Ms. Petite Wisconsin. She will compete for the Ms. Petite Universal 2005 title in August 2004.

Kathleen McMahon of Marblehead has been crowned Mrs. Massachusetts North American. Rebecca Crosen of Sterling has been crowned Mrs. Virginia North American. Both will vie for the Mrs. North American title in August 2004 in Baltimore.

Randi Hannel of Arizona has been chosen to compete in 2 of MiaLou Productions' pageants. She will compete for the title of Ms. petite Universal 2005, as Ms. Petite United States. She will compete for the title of America's Ultimate Queen 2004, as Southwest's Ultimate Ms.

Simone Voss, 18, of Viersen was crowned Miss Nordrhein-Westfalen on Nov. 21, 2003. She will represent Germany's most populous state at Miss Deutschland (Germany Universe) 2004. The first runner-up was 23-year-old Eva Sagenschnier of Münster, and the second runner-up was 17-year-old Katja Darogina of Bergheim.

Catherine Daza Manchola, Miss Valle, was crowned Señorita Colombia in Cartagena on Nov. 18, 2003. She will represent her country at the Miss Universe Pageant in spring 2004 in Ecuador. Ms. Manchola, the first from her state to win the national title in 27 years, was discovered by Señorita Colombia 1976, Aura María Mojica, who is coincidentally the last woman from Valle to have won the national title. The first runner-up was Jeimy Paola Vargas Gómez, Miss Cartagena, who will represent Colombia at Miss International 2004 in China. Mónica Patricia Jaramillo Giraldo, Miss Antioquia, was the second runner-up. Angélica María Sierra Barreto, Miss Bogotá, was third runner-up and Deisy Catalina Valencia Deossa, Miss Medellín, was the fourth runner-up. The state representatives from Atlántico, Chocó, Huila, Risalda and San Andrés rounded out the top ten.

Pageant Royalty Productions has crowned its Mrs. USA-Universal, Mrs USA-Universal Woman, Mrs. Universal and Mrs Universal Woman. Representing the United States at the Mrs. Universal Pageant will be Mrs USA-Universal, Kim Ratliff, and Mrs. USA-Universal Woman, Wendy Galle, who was also the People's Choice winner. Tanisha Batchelor was crowned Mrs. Universal 2004. The first runner-up was Deidre Moore, the second runner-up was Debbie Miller, and the third runner-up was Renee Oxendine. Tiffany Peterson was crowned Mrs. Universal Woman 2004. The first runner-up was Debra Norman, the second runner-up was Sandra Fisher, and the third runner-up was Debbie Crocker.

Alana Iantuono won the title Miss Camden County (N.J.) on Nov. 15, 2003, and Diera Shaw won the title of Miss Stars and Stripes. Both women will compete in the Miss New Jersey Pageant, a preliminary to Miss America, in June 2004.

Lauren Jollay, a student at the University of Georgia, won the Miss Coastal Georgia title on Nov. 15, 2003, in Savannah. The first runner-up was Kelly Bradshaw, who won the swimsuit award, and the second runner-up was Brandi Thornton, who won the talent award. The third runner-up was Whitney Cleveland, and the fourth runner-up was Sara Buck. Ms. Jollay, a former Georgia's Junior Miss, will represent the coastal region at Miss Georgia, where she previously competed as Miss Conyers Cherry Blossom and Miss Gwinnett County.

Amanda Pennekamp was crowned Miss South Carolina USA on Nov. 15, 2003, in North Charleston. Lindsay Sporrer was crowned Miss South Carolina Teen USA. "Reflections" was the theme of the show this year as state Executive Director Paula Miles celebrated 25 years as the head of the pageant program in the Palmetto State. Fifteen former titleholders graced the stage in an emotional and impressive opening number designed by Dr. Donald Campbell of Atlanta, including Ms. Miles' sister Janice McDonald, Miss South Carolina USA 1979, and Gina Tolleson, Miss South Carolina USA 1990, who was first runner-up at the Miss USA Pageant and went on to win the Miss World title. Runners-up in the Miss division were Emily Gray, Hannah Grooms, Erika Williford and Amanda Kirkpatrick, first to fourth respectively. Ms. Kirkpatrick also tied for preliminary swimsuit honors with Jennifer Hoeben. Miss Photogenic was Rebecca Ferrara, and Miss Congeniality was Leslie Brewer. In the Teen division, the first runner up was Ashley Zais, the second runner-up was Lauren Taylor, the third runner-up was Summer Slaton and the fourth runner-up was Jessica Horton, who also captured the preliminary swimsuit award. Monica Wooten took the Miss Photogenic honors in the Teen division, while Teen contestants chose Joy McElveen as Miss Congeniality. Dana Rosengard, the distinguished master of ceremonies at the pageant, very graciously provided PNB with this report.

Gamalis Fermín Cotto, Miss Puerto Rico, was crowned Miss América Latina 2004 in Cancún, Mexico, on Nov. 15, 2003. She succeeds María Carolina Casado of Venezuela. The first runner-up was Karen Klosz Gómez, Miss Uruguay, and the second runner-up was Daniela Martins, Miss United Kingdom Latina, who was also the first from her country to compete in the event. The remaining finalists were Priscila Bastos of Brazil, Evelina Rodríguez of the Dominican Republic, Andrea Hernández of El Salvador and Ivette Santa María of Peru.

Nadine Quell, 25, of Fulda was crowned Miss Hessen 2003 on Nov. 14, 2003. She will represent the state of Hessen in Miss Deutschland 2004 (Germany Universe) on Jan. 17, 2004, in the city of Duisburg. The first runner-up was 21-year old Petra Harreus of Friedrichsdorf, and the second runner-up was 23-year-old Sabine Nöbel of Frankfurt.

Annilie Hastey, Miss Teen US Continental, competing as the Jr. Teen representative from Florida, was chosen Teen US Continental 2003-2004 on Nov. 8, 2003, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Loreen Olney, Ms. US Continental, Ms. Utah USC, was crowned Ms. US Continental.

Casino Rama of Ontario has been announced as the venue of the Miss Universe Canada 2004 Pageant. The pageant will take place in January 2004. This is yet another step in the growing profile of the Miss Universe Canada organization.

Appleton's Junior Miss, Sopen Bharat Shah, 17, of Appleton, won the title of Wisconsin's Junior Miss 2004 in Milwaukee on Nov. 15, 2003. She is the first East Indian-American and Appleton woman to win the state pageant. She become Wisconsin's 48th state titleholder and succeeds Karen Mae Martinez, 18, of Greenfield, who was Wisconsin's Junior Miss 2003. Ms. Shah, who won her at-large local title in a competition last February in Milwaukee, is a senior at Appleton's Xavier High School and is president of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Board. She plans to pursue medical or political science studies next year in college. Ms. Shah also won the "Be Your Best Self" essay and Community Service awards. For talent, she played a Johann Christian Bach concerto in C minor on the viola, which won her a talent award. She will now advance to the 2004 America's Junior Miss Pageant in June 2004 in Mobile, Ala. Milwaukee's Junior Miss, Ashley Marie Spingola, 17, of Milwaukee, was named first runner-up and also the winner of the fitness, poise, and talent categories. The dancer and twirler was Little Miss Milwaukee 1997, Miss Wisconsin Coed Junior Teen in 2002, and fourth runner-up to Miss Badgerette 2003-2004 Pom Pon contest. Classical vocalist Katie Louise Rogers, 17, of Platteville, competing as Platteville's Junior Miss, was second runner-up and also won the Spirit of Junior Miss award, which was voted by the other contestants. Her older sister, Laura Elizabeth Rogers, was Platteville's Junior Miss last year, and their mother, Luanne Marie Rogers, was Lancaster's Junior Miss in 1977. Brookfield Central's Junior Miss, Amber Lynn Coartney, 17, of Brookfield, won the Bea Brecker Memorial award, while Heart of Wisconsin's Junior Miss, Billie Christine Pace-Graczyk, 17, of Stevens Point, won the other poise award. Greenfield's Junior Miss, Ivana Brajkovic, 17, of ! Milwaukee, won the Scholastic Achievement award along with Marshfield' s Junior Miss, Amy Marie Crist, 18, of Marshfield. Former Boone Co. (Iowa) Junior Miss 1980, Marcia Matt Hughes served as pageant host for the first time, while guests at the pageant included former Wisconsin Junior Miss winners Lisa Yao Shen (2002), Allison Rebecca Bichler (2001); last year's state first runner-up and Menomonee Falls' Junior Miss 2002, Tracy Ann Gest; Pewaukee's Junior Miss 2002 and Miss Wisconsin-USA 2004, Jenna Elizabeth Shultz; and Delaware's Junior Miss 1982, Cheryl Lewis-Smith, who served as a judge along with former Wisconsin's Junior Miss 1968, Susan Rothman Loveridge.

Shawn Cunningham has been named Ms. Maine Ambassador 2004. She will be touring and speaking throughout the state on issues related to literacy, volunteerism, cancer and Alzheimer's awareness. She will compete for the national Ms. Ambassador title.

Julie Roberts of South Carolina has been crowned Miss United States, and Kari Ann Peniche of Oregon has been crowned Miss United States Teen. Both were crowned in final competition in Charlotte, N.C.. Preliminary interview competition honors went to Miss Ohio United States, Lisa Miree, and Miss California Teen United States, Jessa Deutsch. Ms. Roberts and Ms. Peniche also captured preliminary evening gown honors and the super-model unlimited fashion awards. The national pageant program is run by Danelle McCullough, a former Miss North Carolina United States. The pageant was produced and emceed by the redoubtable Dana Rosengard, who kindly provided this information to PNB.

Shenique Whyms was crowned Miss Teen Bahamas 2003 on Nov. 9, 2003, in Nassau.. The spokesmodel winner was Otishka Ferguson, and the talent winner was Sonara Smith. The winner will represent the Bahamas at an international teen pageant in summer 2004.

Maria Alejandra Oviedo, competing as Miss Colombia, won the Miss Antilles International competition for 2003 in Rio Chico, Venezuela. The competition was hosted by Peter Ponce. It will take place in 2004 in Caracas.

Vanessa Bissanti, a junior at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, has been crowned Miss New Hampshire USA 2004. She has appeared on "The Sopranos" and in the Julia Roberts film "Mona Lisa Smile." The first runner-up was Audra Appling of Unity, and the second runner-up was Lacey McGreevy of Manchester. The third runner-up was Angela Lemont of Newton, and the fourth runner-up was Jennifer Herrick of Chesterfield. Ms. Bissanti won Photogenic honors, and Ms. McGreevy was chosen Miss Congeniality. Brittany Freeman of Merrimack was crowned Miss New Hampshire Teen USA. She is a figure skater and dancer who has appeared on the same bill as Jon Secada. The first runner-up was Ashley Shultz of Salem, and the second runner-up was Adria Farr of Windham. The third runner-up was Jessica Collette of Newton, and the fourth runner-up was Desiree Brown of Freedom. The Photogenic award went to Alicia Chouinard of Hudson, who was also a semifinalist. The Congeniality Award went to Gina Marie Marini of Milford.

Tara Chrystene Bigbie, an active member of the U.S. armed forces, is the newly crowned Mrs. Washington North American. She will vie for the Mrs. North American title in August 2004 in Baltimore.

Anna Rannells was crowned Miss Tennessee Iris 2004 on the second weekend of November 2003. The first runner-up was Heather Pearson. The second runner-up was Erica Jacobs. Tabitha Covington was chosen Miss Congeniality by a vote of her peers. The Jimmy Daniel Interview Award went to Ms. Rannells.

Three fitness directors from Richmond are America's Brilliant Miss winners after a pageant held in Baltimore. Joy Pfister, the winner of the 20-29 year old group, Maria Beall (a former PNB cover girl), winner of the 30-39 year old group and Dee Wade, the plus winner, all work together at Woodlake Swim and Racquet Club. Ms. Pfister won portfolio for her division while Ms. Beall won portfolio, community service, sportswear and costume for hers. The pageant is owned and produced by April Brilliant.

A top six finalist from the previous year, Caroline Suzanne Medley, 22, of Suwanee, was crowned Miss Georgia USA 2004 on Nov. 8, 2003 in Rome, Ga. She succeeds Miss Georgia USA 2003, Erin Haney, 22, of Lawrenceville. Ms. Medley, who attends Georgia Tech in Atlanta, will now represent the Peach State in the 2004 Miss USA Pageant in March 2004. The first runner-up was pageant newcomer Jamie Lane, 20, of Columbus. Sabrina Mari Sikora, 19, of Macon was the second runner-up. She appeared in the November 2003 issue of Cosmopolitan as one of the 25 finalists in the magazine's Cover Model Search contest and was second runner-up to Miss Macon 2003 last November. Another semifinalist from last year, Heather Brooke Dinsmore, 22, of Hickory Flat was the third runner-up. Meredith Elaine Boggs, 21, of Hinesville was the fourth runner-up. She was a semifinalist and Miss Photogenic last year and also was Miss Oktoberfest 2002 and Georgia's Perfect Teen. The 15 semifinalists included Miss Georgia Teen USA 2000, Abby Vaillancourt, 22, of Fayetteville and last year's semifinalists Lindsay Cameron Holton, 21, of Camilla; Brandy Martin, 24, of Atlanta; and Miss DeKalb County 1998 and Miss Georgia State University 1999, Kelly Marie Wells, 26, of Lilburn. Tobie Cheree Brown, 22, of Norcross was named Miss Photogenic and Miss Amity. Miss Vermont Teen USA 1996, Lavinia Elisabeth Magruder, 24, of Atlanta, formerly of Brattleboro, Vt., was among the 40 entrants who competed in the annual two-day state pageant. Brooke Calhoun, 17, of Roswell was crowned Miss Georgia Teen USA 2004. She was a recent winner of "Crowning Royalties International Photo Contest." Last year she was among the six finalists and winner of the Miss Amity award. She was crowned by Miss Georgia Teen USA 2003, Cassady Roberta Lance, 19, of Savannah. The first runner up was Joy McCalla, 17, of Valdosta. She is a high school senior and a writer for the Valdosta Daily Times. Christen Wright, 16, of Marietta was the second runner-up. This summer in Nashville, competing as Miss Georgia Teen America, she was named fourth runner-up to Miss Teen America 2003, Alysha Castonguay of Rhode Island. Alison Lewis, 17, a first-time pageant entrant from Augusta, was the third runner-up, while Katherine "Katie" Conkle, 16, of Hampton was fourth runner-up. She was 2003 Hawaiian Tropic Georgia Teen and Miss Georgia Junior National Teen-Ager 2003. As the alert reader will note, the former PNB cover girls among the aforementioned group were almost too numerous to count.

David Königshofer, 20, of Linz was crowned Mister Austria on Nov. 8, 2003. The first runner-up was Stefan Lipp, 22, of Graz, followed by Stefan Winder, 21, of Vorarlberg and Stefan Elsigan, 21, of Linz. Mr. Königshofer will represent Austria at Mister World in 2004.

Dania Prince of Honduras was crowned Miss Earth on Nov. 9, 2003, in Manila, Philippines. The first runner-up was Pricila Zandona of Brazil, and the second runner-up was Costa Rica’s Marianela Zeledon Bolanos. The third runner-up was Marta Matyjasik of Poland. Miss Afghanistan, Vida Samadzai, the first woman to represent her country in a pageant in decades, won the pageant's first ever "beauty with a cause" honor for exhibiting courage under pressure. Ms. Samadzai, who is now a student in the United States, has been criticized by some officials in her homeland for appearing in a bikini in the competition, and there has been talk of prosecution if she returns there.

Miss Florida 2003, Shauna Diane Pender, was critically injured Nov. 7, 2003 in a traffic accident in suburban Miami. The 24-year-old queen, formerly of the town of Kathleen, near Warner Robins, Ga., assumed the state crown on Oct. 26 at a homecoming for the current Miss America, Ericka Yolanda Dunlap of Orlando, who was Miss Florida until she became Miss America 2004 in September. Ms. Pender, two other women and a 5-year-old girl were in a Lincoln Town Car that was involved in a major accident. Ms. Pender was airlifted to a hospital and was in critical condition as she underwent surgery. Ms. Pender, a graduate in theater from Florida State University, was a three-time first runner-up in the Miss Florida competition, and also competed at Miss Georgia in 1999. She represented Florida in the 2001 National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Ill., where she placed among the 10 semifinalists. Coincidentally, in November 2003, Michelle Lane LaGroue of Naperville, Ill. – who had assumed the 2002 Miss Illinois title after Miss Illinois, Erika Natali Louise Harold, became Miss America 2003 – was involved in a vehicle accident after making a public appearance in Illinois. She suffered head injuries but was eventually released from a hospital. Two people in the other vehicle sustained minor injuries.

Monica Pang was crowned Miss Conyers Cherry Blossom on Nov. 8, 2003. She was also a double preliminary winner, in talent and swimsuit. She will compete at Miss Georgia, where she competed as Miss University of Georgia in June 2003. She is a senior at the University of Georgia and was featured on PNB in early 2003. The first runner-up was Sara Buck, and the second runner-up was Erica Johnson. The third runner-up was Lindsey Mills, and the fourth runner-up was Sara Waldman. PNB is especially grateful to Ross Potts, director of Miss Conyers Cherry Blossom, for his professionalism and hospitality.

Michelle Fongemie, 25, a high school English teacher from Williston, has been crowned Miss Vermont USA. The first runner-up was Amanda Mitteer, and the second runner-up was Amber Bushey. The third runner-up was Myra Mathis-Flynn, and the fourth runner-up was Britten Traughber. Maggie Geha, 15, of Brattleboro has been crowned Miss Vermont Teen USA. The first runner-up was Amanda Gilman, and the second runner-up was Violet Smith. The third runner-up was Michelynn Perras, and the fourth runner-up was Mandy Bennett.

Maria Cecília de Souza Vallarini, representing Brazil, was crowned Reina Sudamericana (South American Queen) in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, on Nov. 6, 2003. The pre-medicine student from Belo Horizonte succeeds Marcele Ruete of Ecuador. The first runner-up was María Fernanda Tondolo of Venezuela. Karina Butner of Paraguay and Aldana García of Peru were the remaining finalists in the top four.

Carrie Lambert of Clinton, Md., has been crowned Teen Miss Maryland North American. She will compete in the teen division of the 2004 North American Pageant in August 2004 in Baltimore.

Rashidah Taylor of Reisterstown won the title of Mrs. Maryland United States on Nov. 1, 2003. She is a 25-year-old loan officer and a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences. She and her husband have two young children. The first runner-up was Jacquelynn Kennedy of Columbia, an Air Force officer. The second runner-up was Staci Martin of Davidsonville, a homemaker with six children. The third runner-up was Renee Banks of Upper Marlboro, a sales manager who won the Photogenic Award. The fourth runner-up was Emily Clark of Millersville, a second-grade teacher.

Ashley White, a 19-year-old biology major, was crowned Miss Columbus State University on Nov. 1, 2003. She will compete for the title of Miss Georgia in June 2004.

Kristi Lauren Glakas, 22, of Centreville has been crowned Miss Virginia USA 2004. She is a 20th Century English major at George Mason University, and plans to obtain her doctorate to teach on a university level. She is an actress and model in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, and has starred in two season openers for the Washington Capitals hockey team. She was Miss Virginia Teen USA 1999, placed in the Top Ten at Miss Teen USA, and won a $5,000 Hoya Crystal scholarship for an essay she wrote on her involvement with the Locks of Love Organization. The first runner-up was Emilia Saunders, the second runner -up was Autumn Grindstaff, the third runner up was Autumn Smiley, and the fourth runner up was Eileen Lopez. Elisha Compton, who had competed in Miss Virginia USA for six years and was due to "age out," was awarded Miss Congeniality by a unanimous vote after she broke her ankle in rehearsal. Kristel Jenkins-Wittensolder, who was Miss Virginia Teen USA 1995 and Miss Virginia USA 2001, served as choreographer. Former delegate Kim Yeager served as emcee. Mally Gent of Honnaker was crowned Miss Virginia Teen USA 2004. Both Kellie Lightbourne, Miss Virginia USA 1999, and Ms. Glakas donated their own hair before they relinquished their titles, and the girl who received Ms. Lightbourne's hair at that time, Amber Marrs, competed in the Teen division, taking home the title of Miss Congeniality.

The adorable and indomitable Victoria "Tori" Carter was crowned Miss Colorado Teen USA 2004 on Nov. 2, 2003. She was third runner-up to the title for 2001 and first runner-up for 2002 and 2003. Ms. Carter, 18, of Greeley is a freshman at the University of Southern California and is majoring in cinema-television and broadcast journalism. One day, she hopes to become the female counterpart to Roger Ebert. She is a national championship inline skater and is training for the 2008 Olympics. As if all that were not enough, she is also a former PNB cover girl, and in 2003 worked as a PNB reporter at the Miss USA Pageant.

Lissa Mariel Brown has been awarded the title of Miss Ethnic World New York 2004 and will be competing for the international title of Miss Ethnic World 2005 in October 2004. Ms. Brown, who is of mixed heritage, has competed in both Latin and black pageants as well as mainstream pageants.

Reginald Lewis of Atlanta has been named Mr. Georgia United American 2004 and will compete in the first ever Mr. United American Pageant in Jacksonville on Feb. 28, 2004. This is a new addition allowing men to participate in the United American Pageant System (under the direction of Debra Norman).

Chatuporn Saengthong has been stripped of her honors as second runner-up to Miss Thailand World after acknowledging that she was formerly married. The issue came to public attention when a local newspaper published a 7-year-old photograph of her wedding. The Miss World organization requires that participants be single.

Beatriz Gill has been chosen Mrs. Puerto Rico North American. She will compete for the Mrs. North American title on Aug. 20-22, 2004, in Baltimore.

Tatiana Nikitina of Russia was crowned Miss Asia Pacific in Quezon City, Philippines, on Oct. 26, 2003. She succeeds So-Yoon Kim of Korea. The first runner-up was Shonal Rawat of India, and Andrea Ovares López of Costa Rica was the second runner-up. Tracy Freundt of Peru was the third runner-up, and Wong Wye Yeng of Malaysia was the fourth runner-up.

Katie Baughman has been crowned Miss Georgia State University. The 21 year-old junior music major will be making her second trip to the Miss Georgia Pageant in June 2004. In June 2003, Ms. Baughman, a violinist, was a nonfinalist talent winner. She also won talent at Miss GSU 2004. Her platform is music for every child. The first runner-up to Miss GSU was Sara Buck. The second runner-up was Courtney Jones, who also won the swimsuit award and was voted Miss Congeniality. The third runner-up was Kirsten Edmonds, and the fourth runner-up was Rachel Carr.

Danica Tisdale, a Ph.D. student at Emory University, was crowned Miss Atlanta 2004 on Oct. 25, 2003, in Roswell, Ga. The first runner-up was Kandice Pelletier, the recently crowned National Sweetheart. The second runner-up was Sara Buck, and the third runner-up was Katie Baughman. The fourth runner-up was Lauren Jollay. Ms. Baughman was the talent winner, and Ms. Pelletier was the swimsuit winner. Ms. Tisdale was the interview winner.

Ashley Puleo (a former PNB cover girl) is the new Miss North Carolina USA. The 5'11" blonde is a dental surgery student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was among a field of 64 delegates in the pageant held Oct. 24-25, 2003, at the High Point Theater in High Point. Chelsea Cooley, Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2000, was the first runner-up. Stacey Parker was the second runner-up, Adrienne Perry was the third runner-up, and Kaki West (also a former PNB cover girl) was the fourth runner-up. Ms. Parker also won preliminary swimsuit honors, while Ms. Cooley captured the Miss Photogenic prize. Miss Congeniality was Melati Crook. Also crowned was Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2004, Elizabeth Carty of High Point. She was the first runner-up in the pageant last year and was one of 93 delegates in the Teen division of the pageant. The first runner-up was Jessica Lowman, and the second runner-up was Jocelyn Hunt. Cassie Duncan was the third runner-up, and Ashley Harper was the fourth runner-up. Ms. Lowman also won preliminary swimsuit honors, while Jenna Barefoot captured the Miss Photogenic prize. Miss Congeniality in the Teen division was Jessica Spaleta. PNB is grateful to the pageants' distinguished master of ceremony, Dana Rosengard, who generously provided this report.

Tiffany Stroud of Limestone, Tenn. was crowned Miss Tennessee Teen USA on Oct. 25, 2003. Stephanie Culberson of Knoxville was crowned Miss Tennessee USA.

Former PNB cover girl Katherine Conkle has been chosen Teen Miss Georgia North American. Letia Conner has been chosen Miss North Carolina North American. They will compete in their respective divisions at the 2004 North American Pageant in Baltimore.

Hysha Robinson won Ms. American Elegance 2004 in a pageant held Oct. 17-19, 2003, in Chicago. The first runner-up was Catherine Jackson of Illinois, and the second runner-up was Danielle Cone of Georgia. The third runner-up was Gloria Anglon of Maryland, and the fourth runner-up was Denae Lofton of Tennessee. Le Doan won Ms. American Elegance Woman 2004. The first runner-up was Tammy Shugrue of Colorado, and the second runner-up was Mary Ellen Hyde of Illinois. Billye Fietz won Ms. Imperial American Elegance. Laura Giordano of Georgia was the first runner-up. Sara Hayes won Ms. Plus American Elegance 2004. Lauren Brantley of Georgia was the first runner-up, and Rochelle Beckford of Texas was the second runner-up.

Pierangeli Daniela Dodero Jovich, 19, Miss Peru, won the title of Miss Mundo Latino International in Toronto on Oct. 25, 2003. She also won the Best Hair prize, and succeeds Marianela Lacayo Mendoza of Nicaragua. The first runner-up was Mishelle Elisa Calvache Fernández of Ecuador, and Ibelka Jasmín Ulerio Vargas of the Dominican Republic was the second runner-up and the winner of Best National Costume. Johanna Marcela Uribe Vélez of Colombia was the third runner-up, and Natalie Dupont Giglio of Uruguay was the fourth runner-up and the prize winner for Best Skin. María Verónica De León-Régil Detlefsen of Guatemala was Miss Photogenic, and Bianca Ana Chiara, Miss Gibraltar, won the Miss Congeniality prize. Miss Bolivia, Cristina Danielle Lehrer Jiménez, won the best in evening gown prize. The reigning Miss Universe Canadá, Leanne Marie Cecile, was among the jury members.

Tracey Grossbauer of Kennett Square has been named Mrs. Pennsylvania Galaxy 2004. She will compete for the title of Mrs. Galaxy 2005 in Ohio in June 2004.

Norma Varrichio has been named Mrs. New York Ethnic World 2004. Margarita Santiago has been named Miss New York Ethnic World 2004. Migdalia Rodriguez has been named Miss New Jersey Ethnic World 2004. Sidra Wall has been named Miss North Carolina Ethnic World 2004. Each will compete for her respective title at the October 2004 Miss Ethnic World Pageant in Washington, D.C.

Nazanin Afshin-Jam, 24, of Vancouver, British Columbia, a native of Iran, was crowned Miss World Canada 2003 on Oct. 22, 2003 in Toronto. She also won the swimsuit award. She will travel to the People's Republic of China to compete with 108 other national representatives for the prestigious Miss World title. The first runner-up was Marie-Andree Poulin, 23, of Ste.-Foy, Quebec, and the second runner-up was Yolaine Grant, 24, of Ottaway. Miss Congeniality was Josie Dworak of Mississauga, Ontario.

Jennifer Brown of Maitland, Fla., was chosen Miss SophieGirl 2004 on Oct. 18, 2003, at the Sophie's Swimwear Model Search in Daytona Beach, Fla. The first runner-up was former PNB cover girl Jennifer Copeland of Dalton, Ga., and the second runner-up was Kimberly Anderson of Memphis. Among the judges was Queen Leslie, Miss Pageant.com. PNB will be publishing a full feature on the event soon.

Kanmani Corine, a 23-year-old stewardess, was crowned Miss Singapore World 2003 at The M Hotel in Singapore on Oct. 19, 2003. She is the 32nd Miss Singapore World and will represent Singapore in the Miss World 2003 Pageant in Sanya, China. The first princess was Victoria Gallistan, a law undergraduate, and the second princess was Sharon Sim, a course supervisor. The third princess was Janet Soh, a marketing coordinator, and the fourth princess was Adeline Bakri, a model.

Lauren Monahan of Knoxville has been named Mrs. Tennessee Galaxy 2004. She will compete for the title of Mrs. Galaxy 2005 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in June.

Shalon Alexander was chosen Ms. Black Atlanta USA 2004 on Oct. 11, 2003. The first runner-up was Montryce King, and the second runner-up was Jeromia Jones. Veronica Hayes was chosen Ms. Black Atlanta USA 2004, and the first runner-up was Adrienne Otis. Rhonda Price was chosen Mrs. Black Atlanta USA 2004, and Deidra Moore was the first runner-up. Clara V. Jackson was picked as Elite Ms. Black Atlanta 2004. The Photogenic winner was Ms. Moore, the Evening Gown and People's Choice winner was Ms. Price, and the Legacy Scholar was Ms. Hayes. The Talent Winner was Ms. Otis, who performed a mime routine, and Ms. Ambassador was Ms. Jones. The Junior Miss Black Atlanta 2004 (Overall Winner) was Jamila Allen. Tiny Miss Black Atlanta USA 2004 was DeAnna Dumas. The first runner-up was Jazmyne Mason, and the second runner-up was Raven Moore. Little Miss Black Atlanta USA 2004 was Tiffany Tarver. Pre-Teen Miss Black Atlanta USA 2004 was Annette Hall. The first runner-up was Shi'khira Dunson, and the second runner-up was Martika Milligan. The Talent Winner was Shi'khira Dunson, who was also the Photogenic winner. The Legacy Scholar was Annette Hall, who was also the People's Choice Winner. The Cinderella-themed event was elaborately choreographed by Reggie Lewis.

Miss Denmark, Maj Buchholtz Petersen, will participate at Miss World 2003 in China. Ms. Petersen, 20, of Skagen will be the first Danish participant in the venerable competition in some years.

Jodi McCarty Wilson, who was Miss Owasso 2000 and competed in the 2000 Miss Oklahoma (America) Pageant, has been named Mrs. Tulsa County 2003-2004. She will advance to the 2004 Mrs. Oklahoma (America) Pageant, to be held April 17, 2004, in Tulsa. The winner of the state contest will compete in the 2004 Mrs. America Pageant next September in Honolulu.

Melanie Mühl, 20, of Niedernhausen was the winner of the Miss Rhein-Main-Net voting. The first runner-up was Isabel Eichinger, 20, of Altenstadt, and the second runner-up was Carina Kohlmann, 20, of Oberursel. The online voting was such a success that Rhein-Main-Net and MGO Hessen have decided to invite the three to the Miss Hessen Pageant on Nov. 15, 2003. There they will compete against the winners of the local pageants and castings in the German state. The Miss Hessen winner will participate in Miss Deutschland 2004 (Miss Germany Universe) in January 2004.

Sarah Bettencourt, 19, of Lincoln was crowned Miss Rhode Island USA 2003 on the second weekend of October 2003. The first runner-up was Elizabeth Lyons, and the second runner-up was Lauren Alviti, Miss Rhode Island Teen USA 1997. The third runner-up was Jennifer D'Ambrosio, who was Miss Rhode Island 2001 in the Miss America system. The fourth runner-up was Leeann Tingley. Miss Congeniality was Tiasha Reyes, and Miss Photogenic was Nicole Trinque.

Elizabeth Neaton has been crowned Teen Miss Queen of Queens 2003, and Tilla Wiesel has been crowned Miss Queen of Queens 2003. Venus Day has been crowned Ms. Queen of Queens 2003, and Maria Beall has been crowned Mrs. Queen of Queens 2003. The Overall Queen of Queens 2003 was Natisha Webb. The Optional "Crown and Banner" Photo Winner was Mrs. Beall.

Peta-Gay Lewis is the new North American Pageant ambassador. As Ms. North American, she will be the official spokeswoman for the pageant on Aug. 22, 2004, in Baltimore, and will crown a Teen Miss North American, Miss North American, Ms. North American (full-figured delegates) and Mrs. North American.

Melissa McConnell of Baton Rouge is the new Miss Louisiana USA. The 5' 6" brunette is a working attorney and was the first runner-up in the pageant last year. She was one of 60 contestants in the event held at the Heymann Performing Arts Theater in Lafayette on Oct. 10 and 11, 2003. The first runner-up was Candice Stewart, Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2002, and the second runner-up was Christina Cuenca. The third runner-up was Blair Rohner, and the fourth runner-up was Nina Moch, Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2000. Shannon Hinton of LaPlace won the preliminary swimsuit award, Jennifer East of Bossier City was chosen Miss Photogenic, and Amanda Guitreau of Livingston was selected Miss Congeniality. Don (Campbell), Darrell (Pendergrass) and Dana (Rosengard) were the production teammates for the "Reflections" show that featured eleven former Louisiana USA titleholders helping to honor 15 years of production direction by Paula Miles. Shelly Hennig of Destrehan is the new Miss Louisiana Teen USA. The 5' 7-1/2" brunette is a high school junior with dreams of attending New York University to pursue modeling and dance. She also was named Miss Photogenic. She was one of 74 contestants in the teen event. The first runner-up was Keisha Barras. The second runner-up was Kari Miller, and the third runner-up was Kelsey Lawson. The fourth runner-up was Rachel Stock. Whitney Worden of Shreveport won the preliminary swimsuit award, and Kandace Milligan of Pearl River was selected Miss Congeniality. The aforementioned Dana Rosengard, the pageant's master of ceremonies, very graciously provided this report to PNB.

Nicole Sather is the new Teen Miss Nevada North American. She will compete for the Teen Miss North American title Aug. 20-22, 2004, in Baltimore.

Venezuela has won another international beauty competition title. Miss Venezuela, Goizeder Victoria Azua Barrios, 19, of Valencia, was crowned Miss International 2003 at the annual pageant held in Tokyo on Oct. 8, 2003. Ms. Azua, a student and model who was also named Miss Mesoamerica 2003, succeeds Miss International 2002, Christina Sawaya, 23, of Lebanon. It is the fourth time this South American country known for its beautiful and well-prepared pageant contestants has won this title. In addition to the 2003 title, Venezuela also won in 1985, 1997, and 2000. The country also boasts of four Miss Universe titles and five Miss World victories. The first runner-up was Miss India, Shonali Nagrani, 21, and the second runner-up was Miss Finland, Suvi Paivikki Hartlin, 21. Winning the Miss Friendship award was host country representative Miss Japan, Saeko Matsumi, 21, while Miss China, Wang Chan, 21, won the Best National Costume award. Both were among the twelve semifinalists. Ms. Azua, who was a finalist in last year's Miss World competition, won the Miss Photogenic award. Representing the USA was Masielle Lisbette Otero, 23, an office manager from Miami who is Miss Miami-USA and was a semi-finalist in the 2004 Miss Florida USA Pageant. She replaced Kristy Saver of Colorado in July as the U.S. representative after Saver choose to pursue college studies. In an unusual twist, another American, Lana-La Trell Onque Henry, 23, a Choctaw Indian and model, represented the United States as "Miss Native American Indian." Neither of the American women placed in the Miss International Pageant.

Milissa L. Boice, 20, of Marinette, Wis. was crowned Miss Marinette Area 2003-2004 on Oct. 4, 2003. Ms. Boice, who was last year's second runner-up, was crowned by St. Norbert College student and Miss Marinette Area 2002-2003, Crystal Marie Derouin, 20, of Menominie, Mich. Emily Phillips of Wausaukee was named first runner-up and Miss Congeniality. The second runner-up was Kerri Tesch of Peshtigo. For the talent competition, Ms. Boice performed a magic routine. She is a sophomore at UW-Marinette, where she started a dance team last year. Ms. Boice will advance to the 2004 Miss Wisconsin Pageant next June in Oshkosh.

Stephanie Boren is the new Miss Texas North American. She will compete for the Miss North American title in August 2004 in Baltimore.

Shawn Cunningham has been named Miss Maine Ethnic World 2004. Sophia Minor has been named Miss Virginia Ethnic World 2004. Celestine Williamson has been named Miss South Carolina Ethnic World 2004. Diana Rodriguez has been named Miss California Ethnic World 2004. Nakita Robinson has been named Miss North Carolina Teen Ethnic World 2004. Janai Smith has been named Miss Great Lakes Teen Ethnic World 2004. They will compete in their respective divisions at the Miss Ethnic World Pageant in October 2004 in Washington, D.C.

María Eugenia Vargas, an advertising student from Santiago, was crowned Miss República Dominicana Mundo (Miss Dominican Republic World) on Oct. 2, 2003, in Santo Domingo. She will represent her nation, which is home to the reigning Miss Universe, Amelia Vega, in the Miss World Contest in Sanya, China, on Dec. 6. Elizabeth Rondón was the first runner-up, and María Alejandra Guzmán was the second runner-up.

Alba Giselle Reyes Santos, Miss Cidra, was crowned Miss Puerto Rico Universe in San Juan on Oct. 2, 2003. She is the first woman of color to win the right to represent the island at Miss Universe, and will compete in next year's event in May 2004. The first runner-up was Paulette Arias, Miss Villalba, and the second runner-up was Shanira Blanco, Miss Carolina. The third runner-up was Casandra Casto, Miss Fajardo. The fourth runner-up was Antoinette Castrillo, Miss San Juan, and the fifth runner-up was Norelis Ortiz, Miss Toa Baja.

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