Pageant News Bureau - Miss West Virginia

P a g e a n t N e w s B u r e a u

Photos by Joe Whiteko / PNB

West Virginia's wonder babe

Morgantown on a June night is a sweet experience, and some June nights are even sweeter than others. The night in 2006 when they crowned a new Miss West Virginia was one of the sweetest of all.

The stars were shining outside, but the scene inside was truly dazzling. Girls came from every corner of the Mountain State, vying for the right to compete at Miss America. When they put the crown on the winner, a winsome blonde named Tiffany Lawrence, there wasn't a quiet corner in the house..

Tiffany Lawrence (left), first runner-up Gabrielle Columbo (center) and the final two (right).

PNB was there, and we can attest that these West Virginians know how to put on a show. "Grandeur" is the word that famed photographer Joe Whiteko used to sum up the production, and he has photographed the most famous crowned heads of the pageant world. Viewers throughout the state can testify to how spectacular the Miss West Virginia Pageant was, but it ought to be shouted far and wide.

The hospitality was as grand as the show. Executive director Leah Summers, who's a former Miss West Virginia, and president Barbara Brunetti made this a memorable night for PNB, as well as for Ms. Lawrence and the audience.

Ms. Lawrence's platform is The Power of Positive Self-Esteem, and she makes us want to go out and do great things (maybe even climb mountains). Look for an interview with her soon.

P a g e a n t N e w s B u r e a u