Pageant News Bureau (PNB)

Michelle Guy, 19, of Western Australia was crowned Miss Australia on March 31, 2005, in Darwin. She will compete in the Miss Universe Pageant in Thailand . She hopes to follow in the footsteps of Jennifer Hawkins, the Australian who is the reigning Miss Universe. Ms. Hawkins was on hand to crown her. The first runner-up was Alethea Lindsay, 21, also of West Australia. The second runner-up was Narelle Minchin of Darwin, the People's Choice winner.

Angela Gan, 23, of Tawau, Sabah, has been crowned Miss Malaysia Universe 2005. The first runner-up was Chloe Chan of Taiping, Perak, and the second runner-up was Chermaine Poo of Kuala Lumpur.

Sheena Worley from Colton, Oregon has been crowned Ms. Oregon Ambassador 2005. She will go on to compete for the title of Ms. Ambassador 2006.

Amrita Thapar was crowned Pond's Femina Miss India Universe 2005 on March 27, 2005. Sindhura Gadde was crowned Pond's Femina Miss India World 2005, and Niharika Singh was crowned Pond's Femina Miss India Earth 2005.

Ciara Fitzgerald has been crowned Miss Limerick Universe. She will compete at Miss Ireland Universe 2005.

Galina Gancheva, 18, was crowned Miss Bulgaria Universe 2005 on March 26, 2005. She will represent the country at Miss Universe. Ralitsa Bratovanova, 17, was crowned Miss Bulgaria Europe 2005. She will compete at Miss Europe 2005.

Robin Fleming has been named Illinois' Fit Mrs. and will vie for the title
of America's Fit Mrs. in September 2005.

Chanunporn Rodchan, 22, was crowned Miss Thailand 2005 on March 26, 2005. It doesn't mean any work for her travel agent. She will represent the country at Miss Universe 2005 in Bangkok, her hometown.

The Miss America Pageant's formal announcement of the launch of its Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant is drawing considerable mainstream media coverage. But the coverage is largely negative, with quotes from former pageant insiders who oppose the plan. Miss America's loss of a network TV contract has reversed a long trend of mostly favorable -- if condescending -- media coverage. The theme of most coverage now is that the pageant is in decline and failing to address its problems. The teen pageant will take place in Orlando in August 2005.

"Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous" premiered on March 24, 2005. Starring Sandra Bullock as FBI agent and reluctant beauty queen Gracie Hart, it is apparently the first sequel ever to a pageant feature film. More charitable than most Hollywood satires about pageants, it may have as its core audience the millions of pageant lovers in the United States and elsewhere.

Cheryl Ankrah, dumped as Miss Trinidad and Tobago in January 2005, has lost a key court battle to overturn the decision and compete at Miss Universe. A replacement will be chosen.

Chelsea Zedar, a former PNB cover girl, was crowned Miss Orlando USA 2006 in a Mega Florida USA Preliminary Pageant held in Orlando on March 20, 2005. Crowned during the same pageant were Lori Duncan -- Miss Winter Park USA 2006, Deanna Pollina -- Miss City Beautiful USA 2006, Heather Johnson -- Miss Central Florida USA 2006. Crowned in the Teen division were Lauren LeCompte -- Miss Orlando Teen USA 2006, Jennifer Wooten -- Miss Winter Park Teen USA 2006, Jennifer Bentson -- Miss City Beautiful Teen USA 2006 and Stephanie Patino -- Miss Central Florida Teen USA. The pageant was produced and directed by Michael Galanes/Citrus Productions and Frank Arcadiacono. The Miss winners will compete for the title of Miss Florida USA 2006 on July 9 in Hollywood, Fla. The Teen winners will compete for the title of Miss Florida Teen USA 2006 in October 2005. Other awards were : Teen Interview Award -- Nicole Boyd, Miss Interview Award -- Kylee Errett, Teen Swimsuit Award -- Jennifer Bentson, Miss Swimsuit Award -- Caryn Stamp; Teen Photogenic Award -- Chauntel Spear, Miss Photogenic Award - Kimyatta Perry. It was the largest preliminary USA pageant in Florida.

The Mid-Western Regional American Queen Pageant was held March 20, 2005, at the St. Louis Airport Marriott. MTV was there to film the event for use in an upcoming episode of "True Life," to be broadcast in May. The following were crowned 2005 state titleholders for the Mid-West for The American Queen Pageant and will represent their states in the Third Annual American Queen Pageant at the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando this summer. Ashley Mistretta was crowned Miss Missouri American Queen 2005; Abbie Jo Cook was crowned Miss Teen Missouri American Queen 2005; Liz Hughes was crowned Miss Teen Oklahoma American Queen 2005; Amber Pierce was crowned Miss Teen Texas American Queen 2005; Victoria Tomlinson was crowned Miss Teen Indiana American Queen 2005; Katie McCarty was crowned Miss Teen Illinois American Queen 2005; Tiffany Bochart was crowned Miss Teen Nebraska American Queen 2005; Krista Peters was crowned Miss Illinois American Queen 2005; Dejah Lawson was crowned Ms. Missouri American Queen 2005; Ann Wilkins was Ms. Classic Oklahoma American Queen 2005.

The 2005 Ms. Petite Midwest Pageant was held March 20, 2005, in Indianapolis. All delegates must be 5'6" or under and compete in Interview, Fashion Wear, and Evening Gown. The new Ms. Teen Petite Midwest is Holly Moore of Illinois. Also crowned was Ms. Teen Petite Missouri, Dymond Hayes. The first runner-up was Kristin McHugh of
Indiana. The remaining top 5 finalists were Stephanie Marx of Indiana and Morgan Wright of Indiana. The new Ms. Petite Midwest is Jessica Tharp of Illinois. Her first runner-up was Trellyn Kaufman of Kentucky. Ms. Petite Midwest Woman is Missi Brooke of Indiana. Her first runner-up was Vanessa King of Ohio. Overall winners were: Interview -- Morgan Wright; Fashion -- Stephanie Marx; Gown -- Kristin McHugh; Photogenic -- Kendra Stratton. The new queens will vie for the title of Ms. Petite Universal in their prospective age division in August 2005 in Jeffersonville, Ind. The pageant was produced by MiaLou Productions.

Akinnifesi Omowunmi, 18, competing as Miss Kwara, was crowned Most Beautiful Girl of Nigeria 2005 on March 19, 2005.

Veronica Hidalgo, 20, competing as Miss Gerona, has been crowned Miss Spain 2005. She will represent Spain in Miss Universe 2005. The first runner-up was Miriea Verdu, who competed as Miss Lleida. She will go on to Miss World. The second runner-up was Laura Ojeda, who competed as Miss Las Palmas. She will go on to Miss Europe or
Miss International.

Jana Kuvaitseva, 18, has been crowned Miss Estonia 2005. She will represent Estonia in Miss Universe 2005 and Miss Baltic Sea 2006. The first runner-up was Marina Kolbina, who will compete at Miss Europe, and the second runner-up was Triinu Laurits, who will compete at Miss Intercontinental.

Mister A Coruna, Borja Alonso Gonzalez, was chosen Mister Espana 2005 on March 19, 2005. The first runner-up was Mister Cordoba, David Lopez, and the second runner-up was Mister Zaragoza, Joaquin Calleja.

Katrina Steward, 25, of Fort Smith was crowned Miss Black Arkansas USA on March 19, 2005. She will compete in the Miss Black USA Pageant in Washington in August 2005.

The second annual Virginia Galaxy Pageants were held March 13, 2005, in Richmond. The new Teen Miss Virginia is Shannon Gallagher and joining her in this year's reign are Sharon Brown, the new Miss Virginia Galaxy, and Joy Pfister, Mrs. Virginia Galaxy. The Supermodel With Style winner was Jennifer Johnson, and Lora Lukasiewicz won the Director's Award. They will compete at the International Galaxy Pageant in June 2005.

Denia Nixon, 19, was crowned Miss Bahamas Universe 2005 on March 13, 2005. She will compete in Miss Universe 2005 in Thailand. The first runner-up, chosen Miss Bahamas Earth, was Nadia Cash, who competed as Miss Mademoiselle. She was second runner-up last year, and now will compete in Miss Earth later in 2005. The second runner-up was Lashonne Outten, who competed as Miss British Fidelity Insurance. The third runner-up was Demetria Stubbs, who competed as Miss Galleria Cinemas. The fourth runner-up was Philcina Cleare, Miss Garfi Designs. Miss Photogenic was Nadia Cash; the Best Evening Gown winner was Janice Johnson; Lashonne Outten was Miss Popularity; Starnecia Dean, Miss Simple Elegance Couture, won the Miss Body Beautiful Award; Dimitria Stubbs won the Lady Elegance, Miss Congeniality and Best Float Awards. Denia Nixon won Best Costume. The Miss Teen World Bahamas Winner was Miss Fox Hill, Dashanique Poitier, 16, who will leave on April 5 to compete in the Miss Teen World Pageant in Trinidad & Tobago. The first runner-up was Otishka Ferguson, Miss Illusions Hair Loft, who won Miss Ethnic Teen Bahamas. She will compete in Miss Ethnic World. The second runner-up was Kisha Higgs, Miss Hair Explosion. The third runner-up was Alexandra Deal, Miss Contemporary Builders. The fourth runner-up was Julianne Smith, Miss Diva's Inc. Otishka Ferguson won Best Costume, Miss Photogenic, Miss Physical Fitness and the Float Queen Award. Kisha Higgs won Miss Popularity, Andreanique Johnson received the Lady Elegance Award, and Dashannique Poitier won Best Evening Gown.

Results of the Mrs., Miss and Miss Teen Pennsylvania International 2005 Pageant, held March 12, 2005, in Altoona, Pa., are as follows: Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2005 is Lori Stangl, who competed as Mrs. Altoona. The first runner-up was Cheryl Cameron, Mrs. Conneautville, who also received the Photogentic Award. The People's Choice Award was presented to Laurie Flango, Mrs. Philipsburg. Miss Pennsylvania International 2005 (the first ever) is Makini Young, who competed as Miss State College. She also received the Photogenic Award. The first runner-up was Deb Capak, Miss Lancaster. Amber Smith, Miss Altoona, received the People's Choice Award. Miss Teen Pennsylvania International 2005 is Veronika Pashkin, who competed as Miss Teen Malvern. The first runner-up was Valerie Gatto, Miss Teen Pittsburgh, and the second runner-up was Kira Boland, Miss Teen Newry, who also received the Photogenic and People's Choice Awards. The third runner-up was Amanda Boyle, Miss Teen Townville. The fourth runner-up was Rebecca Budraitis, Miss Teen Conneautville.

Classic Beauty, an online achievement pageant for full-figured women, announces the appointment of a new director, Mrs. Classic Beauty 2005, Stayc Velarde. Plus, several new delegates including, Miss Teen California, Laralyn Ogilvie; Miss Ohio, Nicole Jividen; Ms. Arizona, Diana Houser; Ms. Kansas, Arethia Grisby; Ms. North Carolina, Peggy Conrad; Ms. Ohio, Suzanne Murphy; Ms. Texas, Jennifer Thompson; Mrs. Arizona, Collean Shepard; Mrs. California, Beth Olson; Mrs. Georgia, Angela Howell; Mrs. Indiana, Sara Hayes; Mrs. Southwest, Dawn Green; Mrs. Texas, Nanette Watts; Mrs. West Coast, Tammy Vance; Ms. Florida, Claudette Armbrister; Miss Florida, Sandy Jeanphilippe; Mrs. Midwest, Sharla Ahrens.

Flamboyant billionaire Donald Trump, co-owner of Miss Universe Inc., has made public that he is interested in buying the struggling Miss America Pageant. He said he has approached Miss America officials in Atlantic City. Miss America, the grandmother of all modern pageants and once a TV powerhouse, has recently lost its network affiliation. Meanwhile, Miss Universe Inc., which was created in 1952 after the Miss America Pageant de-emphasized beauty and swimsuits, has three pageants on network television -- Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
A marriage between the two organizations would be the equivalent of an alliance between John Wayne and Andy Warhol. The cultures are different. Miss America, a volunteer-based nonprofit that emphasizes the scholarships that winners receive, has long disdained Miss Universe events as shallow and too sexy. The fact that Miss America officials seem open to a possible merger shows the level of concern for the venerable pageant's future.

Karina Buttner, 22, was crowned Miss Paraguay Universe 2005 on March 11, 2005. She will compete at Miss Universe 2005. She previously participated in Miss World 2003. The first runner-up was Emilce Gomez, and the second runner-up was Paloma Navarro. The third runner-up was Rossanan Beltran. At the same event, Sandra Soledad Echague was crowned Miss Hawaiian Tropic Paraguay.

Ximena Zamora, a 20-year-old student of architecture, was crowned Miss Ecuador on March 10, 2005. The first runner-up was Marielisa Marques, and the second runner-up was Bianca Salame. The third runner-up was Magdalena Stahl, and the fourth runner-up was Maria Gracia Manzano.

Shawn Cunningham has been crowned Miss Maine American Achievement Ambassador. She will compete for the national title of Miss American Achievement Ambassador 2005.

Jelena Glisic, 18, of Plaskog was crowned Miss Croatia Universe on March 6, 2005. The first runner-up was Branka Raskovic, and the second runner-up was Olga Crvelin.

On March 6, 2005, in in Wye Mills, Md., two new "Globe Ladies" were crowned. The new Mrs. Delaware Globe 2005 is Mechell Burgette, who represented Kent County. She was Mrs. Delaware America 1989 and Mrs. Delaware United States 1991. The first runner-up was Stacy Hollingsworth, Mrs. Sussex County, and the second runner-up was
Sheniqua Parker-Arendall, Mrs. Wilmington. The new Mrs. Maryland Globe 2005 is Penny Austin-Richardson, who competed as Mrs. Tidewater. She was Mrs. Maryland America 2000 and Mrs. Delaware United States 2004. The first runner-up was Lori Sundberg, Mrs. Laurel, and the second runner-up was Mrs. Charles County, Tonja Myrick. Lori Sundberg was Mrs. Photogenic Maryland, Fawn Stoms was Mrs. Fitness Delaware, Penny Austin-Richardson was Mrs. Fitness Maryland, Mechell Burgette was Delaware interview winner and Penny Austin-Richardson was Maryland interview winner. Tonja Myrick was Maryland community service winner. Fawn Stoms won the Journal award, Shannon Hamlin the Delaware evening gown award and Lori Sundberg the Maryland evening gown award. Tonja Myrick had the most ticket sales, and Fawn Stoms was People's Choice winner. The Contestants' Choice winner was Sheniqua Parker-Arendall, who was also Mrs. Congeniality.

Eight girls were crowned in the third annual Miss Atlanta Christian Pageant, which was held at Covenant Christian Academy in Loganville, Ga., on March 5, 2005. The pageant system encourages girls to use their crowns to benefit others by participating in community service projects and charity events. The winners were Amelia Brock of Gainesville, Supreme Miss; Victoria Kokinos of Dacula, Little Miss; Kira Brock of Gainesville, Young Jr. Miss; Madison McKee of Hoschton, Tiny Miss; Rachel Surls of Lawrenceville, Junior Miss; Ashley Sprague of Lawrenceville, Teen Miss; Lacey Jenkins of Lawrenceville, Miss Atlanta Christian; Brittany Kokinos, Young Miss.

Margaret Blackwell has been confirmed as Miss Kentucky Galaxy 2005. Lottie Ferguson has been confirmed as Mrs. Illinois Galaxy 2005. They will compete for the titles of Miss Galaxy 2006 and Mrs. Galaxy 2006, respectively, in Ohio in June 2005.

Nikita Hickey, 17, was crowned Miss Teen Newfoundland & Labrador 2005 on Feb. 20, 2005. She is a student from Grand Le Pierre. Her sister Katie, 14, also competed in the pageant , receiving the Miss Teen Fitness Award. The first runner-up was Cassidy Quinton, and the second runner-up was Alison Greene. The third runner-up was Niki
Rumbolt. Miss Teen Friendship was Renée Pardy, and Miss Teen Academic was Dionne King. Miss Teen Fitness was Katie Hickey. Miss Teen Talent was Cassidy Quinton. Miss Teen Photogenic was Dayna McDonough.

Model Daisi Pollard has been selected as the first ever Miss Jamaica International in the Miss Asia Pacific International Pageant, which will be held in China on March 19, 2005.

Irma Dimas, 18, of Sonsonate, a law student, has been crowned Miss El Salvador Universe. She made it through various elimination rounds during a five-month "reality-show"-based pageant format, and will go on to compete at Miss Universe.

Doris Kemptner, 20, has been crowned Miss Vienna 2005, and will represent the historic capital at Miss Austria. The first runner-up was Sophie Zechmeister, who also will compete in Miss Austria. The second runner-up was Rita Steinhardt.

Daniela Clerk, 23, of Managua was crowned Miss Nicaragua on March 5, 2005. She will represent the country at the Miss Universe Pageant in Thailand. The first runner-up was Fatima Johanna Madrigal, 19, of Managua, and the second runner-up was Rebecca Reinoso, 19, of Granada.

Monica Brokenborough has been confirmed as Miss Ohio Galaxy, and Donna Harris is the new Miss Las Vegas Galaxy. Each will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy 2006 in Ohio in June. Due to serious health-related issues, Mrs. Pennsylvania Galaxy, Sharon Carlos, will be unable to compete at the Mrs. Galaxy pageant this year. Coronation, Inc. is seeking a married delegate from Pennsylvania to represent the Keystone State.

Zuzana Putnarova of the Czech Republic was crowned Miss Tourism World 2005 on Feb. 26, 2005, in Harare, Zimbabwe. The first runner-up was Raquel Balencia Alonso of Spain. The second runner-up was Oslie Muringai of Zimbabwe, and the third runner-up was Oleksandra Oliynyk of Ukraine. The fourth runner-up was Shirley Alero Aghots of Nigeria.

Shannon Winn has been confirmed as Miss Teen New England Galaxy 2005 and Jennifer White has been confirmed as Mrs. Ohio Galaxy 2005. They will compete for the titles of Miss Teen Galaxy 2006 and Mrs Galaxy 2006, respectively, in Ohio in June 2005.

Ashley Ann Dingle, 21, is the newly crowned Miss Mid-State South Carolina (MAO). Just before the pageant began on Feb. 27, 2005, an electrical malfunction caused a total loss of the light system, but the even went on anyway. Ms. Dingle will compete for the Miss South Carolina America title in Spartanburg in July.

Chasity Hardman, a sophomore music education major attending Georgia State University, has won Miss Fulton County 2005. She also collected the talent award for a soul-stirring rendition of the Broadway/Movie hit "Home." She will make her first trip to the Miss Georgia Pageant in June. The first runner-up was Katie Baughman, a senior vocal performance major at Georgia State University. The second runner-up, swimsuit and interview winner was Veronica Hunt, a student at the University of Georgia. The third runner-up was Ashley Gholamhussani, a sophomore at Georgia State University, and the fourth runner-up was Telisha Gay, a senior at Clark Atlanta University (who happens to hold the campus title of Miss Clark Atlanta University 2005).

The 2005 KENTUCKIANA TEEN Pageant was held on Feb. 26, 2005, in Brownstown, Ind. The dual-state competition annually crowns five winners who reign as KENTUCKIANA TEENS. The overall winner was Morgan Able of North Vernon, Ind., who will reign as KENTUCKIANA TEEN 2005. The swimsuit award and the Teen Indiana 2005 title were won by Kayla Vierling of Evansville, Ind. Brittany Lockman of Kurtz, Ind., won the title Hoosier State Teen 2005. The two Kentucky titles were won by Marriah Ellis, of Benton, who received the evening gown award and Teen Kentucky title; and Whitney Green, of Hopkinsville, who won the Contestant’s Choice Award was named Bluegrass State Teen 2005. Latisha Yates, a top five finalist for the overall title, won the runway competition. Ashley Bush was named Miss Photogenic. Tracy Todd won the interview award and received the KENTUCKIANA TEEN of the YEAR Award. The Kentuckiana Teen Pageant was a service project and fund-raiser for an adopted orphanage in the country of Nicaragua. One of the new Kentuckiana Teens will receive a one-week trip to complete mission work at the orphanage and will be accompanied by the reigning Mrs. Kentuckiana, Trina Jackson. She and her family just returned from a six-month mission trip in Nicaragua.

Kathleen Batson was crowned Mrs. Georgia United States 2005 on the last weekend of February 2005. She represented South Gwinnett County. The first runner-up was Zayna Waddell, and the second runner-up was Kelley Richardson. The third runner-up was Misty Avera, and the fourth runner-up was Tiffany Hudak. Mandy Montgomery, 17, of Dacula was crowned Miss Georgia Teenager on the same day, also at the Gwinnett County Civic Center. The first runner-up was Whitney Crawford, and the second runner-up was Cherese Lopez. The third runner-up was Kristina Salinas, and the fourth runner-up was Kristine Pittard.

Katerina Smejkalova, 21, was crowned Miss Czech Republic Universe 2005 on Feb. 26, 2005. The first runner-up was Zuzana Stepanovska, and the second runner-up was Michaela Stoudkova. Ms. Smejkalova will represent the country at Miss Universe.

Sima Bakahr, 28, competing as Mrs. Israel, has been crowned Mrs. World. She also won the "Beautiful Legs" award. The first runner-up was Ivana Boce, 27, of Croatia. The second runner-up was Sherin Peace, 37, of New Zealand, who won "Dream Body." Yana Marinova of Bulgaria won "Beautiful Smile," and Svitlana Valova of Ukraine won "Beautiful Skin." It was the first holding of the pageant in India.

Michele Givens of California has been selected as Miss Black California Universe 2005, Perpetua J Phillips of Florida has been selected as Miss Black Continental Universe 2005, Aiisha Ferguson of California has been selected as Ms Black California Universe 2005, Lakara Foster of Florida has been selected as Ms Black Florida Universe 2005, Toni Ousley of South Carolina has been selected as Miss Black South Carolina Universe 2005, Cynthia Winston of Arizona has been selected as Ms Black Arizona Plus Universe 2005, Amanda Biggins of Arkansas has been selected as Mrs Black Arkansas Universe 2005 and Tisha Wooding of South Carolina has been selected as Miss Black South Carolina Teen Universe 2005.

Alesha Kelly, 20, of Rockingham, Western Australia, was chosen Miss Hawaiian Tropic Australia 2005 at the National Final at Surfers Paradise on Feb. 19, 2005. She will compete at Miss Hawaiian Tropic International. She was previously crowned Miss Tourism International in Las Vegas in 2003. Later, that same year she was named "L'Oreal Paris Face That Stops The Nation" at the Fosters Melbourne Cup. The Hawaiian Tropic first runner-up was Adele Milano, 20, who was also Miss Photogenic. The second runner-up was Carly Roser, 20, and Ellena Midgley, 18, was voted Miss Personality by the other finalists.

Ladel Lewis of Flint, Mich., is the first Ms. Black Security Contest winner. She will reign as Ms. Black Security Feb/Mar 2005.

Swimsuit model Ali Hall, a former Miss Resaca Beach and former PNB cover girl, is expecting her first child in September 2005. She and husband Guy Mocek live outside Atlanta.

Jackie Hart of Illinois has been named Ms. Petite United States 2005. She will compete for the Ms. Petite Universal 2006 title in late August 2005 in Jeffersonville, Ind.

Szandra Proksa, 22, of Siofok was crowned Miss Hungary Universe 2005 on Feb. 14, 2005, in the city of Pecs. She will represent the country at Miss Universe.

Alicia Lewis, a political science major at Auburn University, was crowned Miss Mobile Bay on Feb. 12, 2005, in Bay Minette, Ala. She also won the Talent Award. This will be her second trip to Miss Alabama, a preliminary to Miss America. The first runner-up was Terra Moody (Miss Alabama Teen USA 2004 and Top 15 at Miss Teen USA), and the second runner-up was Scarlette O'Hara. The third runner-up was Lindsey Samples, and the fourth runner-up was Emily Miles. The Spirit Award went to Ms. Samples, with Stephanie Ray winning the Swimsuit Award.

Ali Hall Mocek, the voluptuous former Miss Resaca Beach, has announced that she is pregnant, due to deliver in September 2005. She and husband Guy live in Tyrone, Ga.

Katie Stam was chosen Indiana's Junior Miss on Feb. 12, 2005. Competing as Jackson County's Junior Miss, a title she won in fall 2004, she nabbed the talent and personal expression (evening gown) awards. She will compete for the title of America's Junior Miss 2005. Previously she became the first Hoosier to win a triple crown -- local, state and national levels -- winning the titles Teen Jackson County, Kentuckiana Teen and America's Southern Teen. Now she is seeking another 3-spot.

The Miss Gay America Pageant, headquartered in Little Rock for more than 30 years, has been sold to a Mississippi company. Former owner Norman Jones has expressed a desire to pursue other interests, and sold it to L&T Entertainment, a company in Nesbit, Miss., near Memphis. The pageant annually draws hundreds of female impersonators.

Monica Pang, the reigning National Sweetheart, is headed back to the Miss Georgia Pageant in her quest to be Miss America. She was crowned Miss Lake Lanier on Feb. 12, 2005, in Gainesville, Ga., also sweeping the swimsuit, interview and talent categories. The first runner-up was Julia Tyndall, and the second runner-up was Lindsey Waters. The third runner-up was Erin Grizzle. Lake Lanier, a large reservoir northeast of Atlanta, is often called "Atlanta's Ocean."

The Miss Illinois Scholarship Program, which has run the Illinois preliminary to Miss America for years, is suing the Miss America Organization. The Illinois organization is challenging the national pageant's effort to dump it in favor of another group. Illinois has had considerable pageant success in the past generation, producing three national winners.

Joy Celsor of Sentinel was crowned Mrs. Oklahoma Galaxy 2005, Crystal Adney of Adair was crowned Miss Oklahoma Galaxy 2005 and Chelsea Celsor of Sentinel was crowned Miss Teen Oklahoma Galaxy 2005 on Feb. 12, 2005, at a pageant in Bartlesville, Okla. The first runner-up to Mrs. Celsor was Pamela Huffines of Tulsa, and the second runner-up was Shelly Warren of Minco. The first runner-up to Miss Adney was Shatoya LaFitte of Moore, and the second runner-up was Shanna McClarnon of Oklahoma City. The first runner-up to Miss Celsor was Natasha Alikhani of Oklahoma City, who won the Spirit Award, and the second runner-up was Chasity Caudle of Broken Bow. The three winners will represent their state in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, at the Galaxy International competition in June 2005. Internet People's Choice: Shelly Warren, Minco. Miss Celsor won the Super Model With Style Award, and Delores Wheeler won the Oklahoma Cover Model Award.

Iglika Stoyanova of Schiller Park, Ill., has been awarded the title of Ms. Illinois American Queen for 2005. She will represent Illinois in competition for the title of Ms. American Queen at the third annual American Queen Pageant at the Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando in August 2005.

Laura Thatcher, 22, a student at California State University, Fullerton, has been crowned Miss Placentia 2005. She will represent the city of Placentia in Fresno at Miss California (America) on June 25, 2005. The first runner-up was Jolie La Croix, 18, who was also Miss Congeniality. The second runner-up was Rita Brown, 18. The third runner-up was Brooke Willardson, 18, and the fourth runner-up was Michelle Hurst, 18. The evening was hosted by former titleholders Debra Ramirez-Watson and Stephanie Baldwin (who was also Miss California 2001) A special guest was Veena Goel, who was Miss California 2004 and fourth runner-up to Miss America 2005. Earlier, Jessica Galea was named Miss Outstanding Teen, and will also travel to Fresno to compete at the state level.

The new 2005 Miss African American United Queens are as follows: Shawn Cunningham -- Miss African American United 2005; Vanessa King -- Ms. African American United 2005; Jahna Houston --Mrs. African American United National Ambassador.

Miss Sno-Isle 2005 was held on Feb. 5, 2005. The new Miss Sno-Isle is Tina Marie Mares, a 24-year-old Seattle University law student who played a Chopin composition on the piano. She was the overall winner in every phase of competition. She is a former Miss Seafair, and this will be her first and only chance to compete for the title of Miss Washington (America) in June. The first runner-up was Dianna Carlson, a clogger. The second runner-up was Brittney Rhinehart, also a pianist.

Samantha Rosario has been confirmed as Miss Teen Minnesota Galaxy 2005. She will compete for the title of Miss Teen Galaxy 2006 in Ohio in June 2005.

Hanna Ek, 20, was crowned Miss Finland 2005 on Feb. 5, 2005. She is from Porvoo and will represent Finland in Miss Universe 2005. The first runner-up was Elina Nurmi, 18, and the second runner-up was Susanna Laine, 23. The runner-ups will participate in other international pageants such as Miss International. The remaining finalists were Anna Aalto, Sanna Kankanpää and Essi Arola. A scandal marred the pageant as one of the 10 finalists, Saija Ketola, was found to be married, to have made nude pictures and to have committed other infractions. Miss Finland 2004, Mira Salo, will represent her country in the Miss Europe 2005 Pageant in the next few weeks.

Kristen White was crowned Miss Capital City in Atlanta on Feb. 5, 2005, and will compete for the Miss Georgia crown. She won talent and interview as well. The first runner-up was Monica Pang, the reigning National Sweetheart, and the second runner-up was Katie Baughman. The third runner-up was Chasity Hardman, and the fourth runner-up was Jenison Cooper, who won swimsuit. Ms. White attends Darton College, and she sang for her talent. In the Teen Miss Capital City Pageant, there were two winners. Kaylin Reque was Outstanding Teen and Calah Tatum was Teen Miss Capital City. Michaela Lackey was first runner-up, and Leslie Andrews was second runner-up.

Samantha Stephens of Eastman, Ga., won the title of 2005 Georgia Watermelon Queen on Jan. 29, 2005. Jenison Cooper of Centerville was the first runner-up, and the second runner-up was Ashley Summers of Lilburn. Ms. Stephens will travel extensively throughout 2005 promoting watermelons for the Georgia Watermelon Association.

Marlène Lemay was crowned Miss Québec 2005 in Montréal on Jan. 22, 2005. She will compete in the 2005 Miss World Canada Contest this summer. She was crowned by last year's titleholder, Kathrin Lessard, who will also participate in the national contest. The first runner-up was Vanessa Martin Roy, and the second runner-up was Karen Lessard. The remaining finalists were Sandy Leblanc and Johannie Ménard. More than 50 contestants competed in the finals. The same evening, Simon Chatelin was crowned Monsieur (Mr.) Québec and Cassondra McCroy won the title of Miss Teen Québec. Miss World Canada 2004, Tijana Arnautovic, was the special guest at the event, and wowed the crowd with a beautiful speech in fluent French.

Deondra Rose was crowned Miss University of Georgia on Jan. 30, 2005, in Athens, Ga. The first runner-up was Amber Blount, and the second runner-up was Veronica Hunte. The third runner-up was Stacey Furgason, and the fourth runner-up was Julia Tyndal. Ms. Rose, of Norcross, Ga., majors in political science. She played the violin, and she also won the interview award. She will compete in the Miss Georgia Pageant in June 2005. Jerry Anthony is the director of the Miss University of Georgia Pageant.

Hotel employee Antonia Schmitz, 19, of Soest was crowned Miss Germany 2005 for Miss World on Jan. 29, 2005. She competed as Miss Nordrhein-Westfalen. The first runner-up was Anahi-Elena Schussmüller, Miss Hamburg, and the second runner-up was Katharina Tschöp, Miss Ostdeutschland. Ms. Schmitz will represent Germany at Miss World 2005.

Leanne Li of Vancouver was crowned Miss Chinese International 2005 on Jan. 29, 2005, in Hong Kong. The first runner-up was Fala Chen, representing New York, and the second runner-up was Jessica Young, representing Melbourne. Others in the top 5 were Annie Chang of San Francisco and Kate Tsui of Hong Kong. Ms. Tsui also won Miss
Gorgeous, an Internet voting award. Miss Friendship was Jolene Chin of Kuala Lumpur. This is the second year in a row that Vancouver has won Miss Chinese International, and the fourth time in five years, a remarkable record.

Johanna Fernandez, 23, has been crowned Miss Costa Rica (Universe) 2005.

Leonora Jimenez, 21, has been crowned Miss Costa Rica World. Marcela Blanco was a finalist.

The Miss Montana (America) franchise has been awarded to an eastern Montana group known as IMAGE (Independent Montana Affiliated Group Effort). The pageant will henceforth be held in the town of Glendive.

Ashley McKinney, a sophomore at the University of Georgia, has been named Ms. Petite Georgia 2005. She will compete for the title of Ms. Petite International in Houston in July 2005.

Carol Milliron has been named Washington's Fit Mrs. She will vie for the title of America's Fit Mrs. in August 2005.

Amy Lindberg, 18, was crowned Miss Memphis 2005 on Jan. 15, 2005. She will serve as the city’s official ambassador and will make numerous appearances in 2005 promoting her platform, “Be All That You Can Be: Building Character Skills in Children.” She will compete in the Miss Tennessee (America) Pageant in Jackson. Ashley Cole was the first runner-up, and Paige-LeTesha Roy was the second runner-up. April Lancaster was the the third runner-up, and Danielle Wallace was the fourth runner-up. Paige Copeland received the Spirit of Miss Memphis award (formerly known as Miss Congeniality) and the Memphis Jaycees Community Service award, while Jonika Rodgers received the Public Relations award for most tickets sold. Jackie Patterson received a special non-finalist talent award in honor of Justyn-Tylour Heiskell, son of Michael and Anita Heiskell.

Kindra Bergman has been named Miss Teen Maryland Galaxy 2005. She will compete for the title of Miss Teen Galaxy 2006 in Ohio in June 2005.

The Miss Empire Royalty Pageant has announced the following winners: Chasidy Forbes, Miss Empire Royalty Princess; Abisola Shonde, Miss Empire Royalty Pre-Teen; Eileen Rodriguez, Miss Empire Royalty Junior Teen; Bianca Taylor, Miss Empire Royalty Teen; Tanya Cameron, Miss Empire Royalty Ms.; Lena Hills, Miss Empire Royalty Elegance (New York City).

Jenna Morasca, who went from PNB cover girl to "Survivor" grand prize winner to Playboy cover girl, has signed on as spokesmodel for Sophie's Swimwear.

The Miss Indiana (America) Pageant, which had been held in Terre Haute since 2000, reportedly has Zionsville as its new home. Michigan City, which was its home for decades, lost an attempt lure it back after Terre Haute lost it.

Tamika Johnson-Sudler has been crowned Ms. Black Maryland U.S. 2005. She will compete for the title of Ms. Black Continental U.S.

Shermine Sharivar has been selected to represent Germany at Miss Europe 2005. The pageant will be in February 2005 in Paris.

Sarah Kramm, 16, of Potomac was crowned Miss Maryland Teen America on Jan. 15, 2005, in Baltimore. She will represent the state of Maryland at the Miss Teen America Pageant 2005, which will be held in Nashville in July 2005.

Sarah Gentry, a senior in the College of Liberal Arts, was crowned Miss Purdue (University) 2005 on Jan. 15, 2005. She will compete for the title of Miss Indiana (America). The Purdue pageant was being restaged after a one-year hiatus. The first runner-up was Christy Stallings, and the second runner-up was Mary Dianne Brady. The third runner-up was Stephanie Larkin, and the fourth runner-up was Samantha Steckloff.

The first Miss Black Teen United States Pageant took place in Atlanta on Jan. 16, 2005. Crystina Rice of Lilburn, Ga., was crowned the first Miss Black Teen United States. Her forum was "choosing home-schooling as an option of educating today's youth." She is currently being home-schooled.

Yolanda Makle-Rodriguez has been confirmed as Mrs. New York Galaxy 2005. Prior to becoming a Mrs., she was fourth runner-up to Miss Galaxy 2005. She will compete for the title of Mrs. Galaxy 2006 in Ohio in June 2005.

Shelia Viteillo has been named Florida's Fit Mrs., and will vie for the title of America's Fit Mrs. in August 2005. Janet Bierer has been named Montana's Fit Miss and will vie for the title of America's Fit Miss in August 2005.

Laura Giordano has been named Georgia's Fit Mrs., and will compete for the title of America's Fit Mrs. in August 2005. The pageant emphasizes living a healthy lifestyle and sharing it with others.

The 2005 International Beautiful Miss Queens have been announced. Toddler -- Lyla Hayes, Princess -- Skye-Marie Turpin; Preteen -- Catie Catanese; Teen -- Tabitha Dellinger; Miss -- Sara Hayes; Woman -- Alicia Lombardi. The International Beautiful Miss pageant is a "face" pageant with no interview or modeling competitions. Delegates compete only in evening gown, photogenic and onstage introduction. This pageant is for females ages 3 and up.

On Jan. 15, 2005, in Louisville, Ky., the Kentucky Association of Fairs and Horse Shows presented its 50th Annual Miss Kentucky County Fair Pageant. A sold-out crowd watched as 95 contestants competed in swimsuit and evening gown. The winner, Bethany Michelle Denney, Miss Clinton County, was crowned by the 2004 winner, Tara Elizabeth Conner (Miss Kentucky Teen USA 2002). The first runner-up was Mandy Jenkins, Miss Morgan County (first runner-up to Miss Kentucky Teen USA 2005). The second runner-up, and Miss Congeniality, was Kasey Bishop, Miss Pendleton County. The third runner-up was Krista Keith Ennis, Miss Henderson County (2004 Teen Kentucky). The fourth runner-up was Brittney Collett Shoap, Miss Casey County Fair. The Miss Kentucky County Fair Pageant continues as one of the largest and most attended pageants in the Commonwealth. Many of its winners have gone on to win the Miss Kentucky America, Miss Kentucky USA and Mrs. Kentucky pageants, making it one of the most coveted titles year after year.

Erina Patterson, competing as Miss Lawrenceville, was crowned Miss Georgia Teen America 2005 on Jan. 16, 2005, in Macon, Ga. Caitlin Andrews, Miss Gwinnett County, was the first runner-up, and Miss Fulton County, Jensen Hart, was the second runner-up. Ariel Clarke, Miss Atlanta, was the third runner-up, and Alexa Turpin, Miss Albany, was the fourth runner-up. Cammie Cunningham, representing Warner Robins, was crowned Miss Georgia Junior Teen America. The first runner-up was Cahriana Nelson, representing Gilmer County. The second runner-up, representing Cobb County, was Sara Diggins.

A case of ingratitude? Agent Grant Dwyer of Sydney, who ran the Miss Australia Universe organization, discovered Jennifer Hawkins and helped steer her toward her title as Miss Universe 2004, is at odds with Miss Universe Inc. He is complaining angrily to Australian media that he was recently dumped as Ms. Hawkins' agent, an action the Miss Universe people have confirmed. He said he is considering legal action because he feels he was wrongly treated.

Asli Bayram, competing as Miss Westdeutschland, has been chosen Miss Deutschland (Miss Germany for Miss Universe). She is the first woman of Turkish origin to win this title, in a country where the status of the Turkish minority has frequently been in the news. She is from Frankfurt but currently resides in Cologne. The first runner-up was Miss Berlin, 16-year-old Angelina Glass, and the second runner-up was Miss Sachsen, Claudia Trübenbach, who has been described as a look-alike of American actress Kathy Lee Crosby.

The Miss Nevada USA organization has announced that Sloan Bailey has resigned as Miss Nevada USA 2005. She has been replaced by Shivonn Geeb, who was first runner-up at the state pageant. No official reason was given.

Anna Salzer, a senior at Port St. Joe High School, was chosen Gulf County Junior Miss 2005 on Jan. 8, 2005, in Port St. Joe, Fla. Rachel Bixler, the 2003-2004 Gulf County Junior Miss and Florida's Junior Miss first runner-up, who is a sophomore at Florida State University, passed the title on. The first runner-up was Laura Seay, and the second runner-up was Jill Pippin. The third runner-up was Maggy Quaranta, and the fourth runner-up was Megan Todd. Charissa Raffield was the Interview winner, and Brandy Little was the Physical Fitness winner. Ms. Salzer was the Scholastic winner. The program is sponsored by the Junior Service League of Port St. Joe.

Kathryn Lynch of Massachusetts has been confirmed as Miss Eastern U.S. Galaxy. She will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy 2006 in Ohio in June 2005.

Chisa Johnson Putman of Rock Hill has been chosen Mrs. Black South Carolina 2005. Ingrid Graham of Hemingway has been chosen Ms Black South Carolina Woman 2005.

The seventh annual Mr. Iraq Contest took place in Baghdad on Jan. 5, 2005, amid tight security due to the political situation, and media were not invited. All contestants and audience members stayed at the venue all night due to the night-time curfew. Ahmed Kadret, 28, was chosen Mr. Iraq 2005. T. Mari was the first runner-up and J. Schneider was the second runner-up. O. Ma won the swimsuit award. The winner will represent Iraq at Mr World and Manhunt International.

The Miss Sun Fun Pageant, a leading event for decades in the resort community of Myrtle Beach, S.C., is becoming a preliminary event to the Miss South Carolina USA Pageant, and a new Miss Teen Sun Fun USA will be added to the annual Sun Fun Festival lineup. The event takes place in June.

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