MISS USA UNIVERSE BEAUTY PAGEANT CONTEST

Rebecca Goldsmith Miss Iowa USA

2011-10-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

Being crowned with the honor of representing Iowa at the Miss USA pageant has been an experience Rebecca Goldsmith has anticipated her whole life. That dream came to fruition on October 24th, 2010 at the Performing Arts Auditorium in Ames, Iowa.

"I can now truly say I have lived a surreal experience," said Rebecca. "For years, I had been dreaming of my crowning moment and when it finally happened, it almost didn't feel like it was reality! It's such an honor to represent my home state."

Rebecca, a Chariton native, currently resides in Des Moines where she attended graduate school for her Master of Public Health at Des Moines University. Previously, she attended undergrad at Cornell College where she studied Physiology and Psychology. Rebecca feels that her personal destiny is to work for a non-profit, helping enhance the health of the public all over the globe.

You can find Rebecca running the streets of Des Moines, as she has completed 5 marathons. Her zest for running was fine tuned as an All-Conference and All-Regional cross-country and track athlete at Cornell. Not only was she a proud running captain, she also spent much of her college time as the volunteer representative for her sorority, Phi Omega. Rebecca is also a lifetime member of Mortar Board, an academic and leadership society for college students.

Today, Rebecca enhances the minds of young students, hoping to positively grow their outlook on academics and their opportunity for a college education. Rebecca also volunteers her time traveling the state and appearing or speaking on behalf of charitable organizations she feels passionately about. "It's hard to pick just a few, when there are so many important causes and therefore I strive to volunteer for anything and everything. Life is about experiences."

Rebecca, having once been a New York City inhabitant, hopes to return to the City for the next year as Miss USA, which will be named this June.

Savannah Schechter Miss new Jersey

2011-10-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

Miss New Jersey Teen USA Savannah Schechterfinished in the top 15 and was voted Miss Congeniality by fellow contestants at the Miss Teen USA 2011 pageant in the Bahamas. She posed for photo shoots, modeled dresses by Sherri Hill, had her hair styled by Farouk Systems, wore swimsuits by Kandy Wrappers and modeled evening gowns of her choice.

Lissette Garcia Miss Florida USA

2011-10-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

Lissette Garcia holds the title of Miss Florida USA 2011 and competed in the Miss USA 2011 Pageant, placing in the Top 16. She represented Miami Tropic at the Miss Florida USA Pageant. Her goal as Miss Florida USA is to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer and to raise money for her cause. She plans to work with both the American Cancer Society and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation throughout her reign. She attends Miami-Dade College and hopes to one day be a Physician's Assistant. She is a 1st generation American as her parents were both born in Cuba. Garcia also competed in the Reina Hispanoamericana 2007 pageant in Santa Cruz, Bolivia finishing as a top 8 finalist.

Shandi Finnessey American Beauty Queen

2011-09-21T21:04:00.001-07:00

Shandi Ren Finnessey (born June 9, 1978; Florissant, Missouri, U.S.) is an American beauty queen, model, television hostess, and actress. She is best known for winning the Miss USA title, as Miss Missouri USA. She previously held the title of Miss Missouri 2002 and competed in Miss America where she won a preliminary award.

She placed as first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2004 competition. She is one of three women to have been both Miss Missouri USA and Miss Missouri and the only Missourian to have been Miss USA.

Her first runner-up finish at Miss Universe was the best placement in the 2000s and continues to be the best United States placement since Brook Mahealani Lee won the Miss Universe 1997 competition.

She evolved from being a misfit youth who was subjected to verbal bullying to becoming a world-class beauty queen. In 2002, Finnessey authored an award-winning children’s book, The Furrtails, on individuality and disabilities.

In the mid-2000s, she was Chuck Woolery's co-host for the game show Lingo on the Game Show Network. Finessey has also hosted PlayMania as well as quiznation and has served as a sideline reporter for the CBS tournament blackjack series Ultimate Blackjack Tour.

Finnessey graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 1996 and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Lindenwood University in 1999. She has credits toward a masters degree in counseling from the same university.

Kristen Dalton Miss USA

2011-09-21T00:50:00.000-07:00

Kristen Jeannine Dalton (born December 13, 1986), from Wilmington, North Carolina, is an American beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss USA 2009.

Dalton is the daughter of Jeannine Dalton (Boger) who was Miss North Carolina USA 1982. Her younger sister Kenzie Dalton is engaged to Chad Michael Murray and also competed in the Miss North Carolina Teen USA pageant and placed 1st runner-up.

The third Dalton sister, Julia Dalton, was Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2008 and placed second runner-up at Miss Teen USA 2008. Dalton is of English and German ancestry.

Dalton graduated from Hoggard High School and is an Honors College Psychology and Spanish major at East Carolina University. She is currently in a relationship with Reid Rosenthal, who appeared in the fifth season of The Bachelorette.

Dalton is a public advocate for Children International. Dalton won the Miss North Carolina USA 2009 title in a state pageant held in High Point, North Carolina in November 2008. She had previously placed first runner-up to Nikkie Groat in the Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2005 pageant.

Rima Fakih Beauty Pageant Contestant

2011-08-21T01:29:00.000-07:00

Rima Fakih (born September 22, 1985) is an American beauty pageant contestant, and winner of the 2010 Miss USA title, and is also training to be a professional wrestler in WWE as a WWE Diva.

She represented the state of Michigan in the Miss USA 2010 pageant, having previously won the 2010 Miss Michigan USA competition. She competed on the fifth season of WWE Tough Enough but was eliminated from the show on the fourth episode.

Fakih was born in Srifa, a small city in the Jabal Amel region of Southern Lebanon, to a Shi'a Muslim family. As a young child, she lived in the village of Souk El Gharb in Mount Lebanon, and attended St. Rita's, a Catholic school near Beirut.

In 1993, her parents, Hussein and Nadia Fakih, moved their family to New York in order to escape effects of the Lebanese Civil War. Fakih attended St. John's Preparatory School, a Catholic high school in Queens, and her father ran a restaurant in Manhattan.

In New York, Fakih's family felt they were subjected to threats and vandalism based on events in the Middle East, and business at her father's restaurant declined following the September 11, 2001, attacks. In 2003, her family moved to the large Arab-American community in Dearborn, Michigan. Fakih and her family are Muslim, but they also celebrate elements of Christianity, such as Christmas. Fakih resides in Dearborn. She graduated from Henry Ford Community College, went on to earn degrees in economics and business management from the University of Michigan–Dearborn, and plans to attend law school after her year-long reign.

Caley-Rae Pavillard Miss Colorado

2011-08-17T04:54:00.000-07:00

Entering college next year as a double major in Journalism and Media Arts, Caley-Rae says her dream job is to be a successful, working actress. She would love to grace the cover of top fashion magazines like Teen Vogue and Seventeen. Getting a jumpstart on her career, Caley-Rae played the lead role in the independent film "Moon Ring," been a featured model in the Varsity Brands cheer and spirit catalogs. She has walked the runway in several 303 magazine shows and for designers Gabriel Conroy, Gino Velardi, and Matthew Morris and others.

In her spare time, Caley-Rae enjoys dancing, snowboarding and spending time with friends! However, one of her strongest passions is writing for her high school's national award winning newspaper "The Rock." Last Spring, she dedicated herself to writing an in-depth coverage on her school's varsity baseball team. Spending every day at practices and going to every game sure paid off when she won the state championships in journalism and photography.

In addition to tearing up the dance floor and shredding the slopes Caley-Rae dedicates several hours each week to serving others. She loves spending her time at the Denver Broncos Boys and Girls club tutoring and reading with elementary school children. Caley-Rae's favorite part about volunteering at the club is building strong relationships with each child and seeing their progress and growth throughout the year. "It is so rewarding when the kids run into the education room, a smile from ear to ear, with a gold star on the test you helped them study for," Caley-Rae said.

She is also the Co founder and chair of Rock Canyon High Schools annual Wish Week. RCHS teams up with the Make-A-Wish foundation to grant the wish of a child suffering from a life threatening illness. Last year, in the inaugural "Wish Week", Rock Canyon raised over $15,000 granting three children wishes. Caley-Rae say's it is fulfilling to be leaving this legacy at Rock Canyon and would love to share the program of "Wish Week" with schools across the nation.

Caley is involved with several organizations at her school. She is the Assistant Editor and Chief of the school newspaper, a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, Link Crew, Key Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was also a member of the POMS team her freshman through junior years. She has maintained above a 4.0 all through high school taking honors and AP classes. She is proud to be graduating high school with honors this spring.

Tara Conner American Beauty Queen

2011-07-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

Tara Elizabeth Conner (born December 18, 1985) is an American beauty queen and model, who was Miss USA 2006 and has also competed in the Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe pageants. Apart from her role as Miss USA, Conner has been employed as a model.

She was a featured model on the HDNet series Bikini Fantasies in 2004, posing in Lake Tahoe. She has also held the titles Miss Kentucky Teen USA 2002, Miss Kentucky County Fair 2004, and Miss Kentucky USA 2006.

In late 2006, Conner became the center of a public scandal when news reports claimed she had been drinking underage, tested positive for the use of cocaine, heroin and crystal meth, and kissed Miss Teen USA Katie Blair, among other things.

She was allowed to retain her title, provided she enter a drug rehabilitation program. On The Oprah Winfrey Show, Donald Trump said that he gave a second chance to Conner for personal reasons.

His brother Fred died from alcoholism and Trump said, "I believe in second chances, and sometimes it works when you give somebody a second chance."

Jamie Lynn Crandal Miss Utah

2011-07-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

Jamie Lynn Crandall was the first Utah’s latina/hispanic to ever win this pageant. She hails from Salt Lake City and is 23 years old. This is Jamie’s second attempt at the crown. In 2008, she placed 1st Runner Up.

Like thousands of Americans each year, Utah’s Jamie Lynn Crandall (now best known as Miss America), lost a friend to distracted driving. Her friend was killed by a driver who ran a red light while texting behind the wheel in 2007. The victim’s mother, Linda Mulkey, later founded an advocacy organization “Hang up, Save a Life,” which includes an informative website, awareness resources, and a scholarship fund. Crandall immediately began fighting for this cause, and has pledged to continue this effort throughout the next year, while acting as Miss USA.

“I tell them that, if they text and drive, their lives could change forever in a split second,” says Crandall. “It was so hard for me to get that phone call in the morning after I had just been with Lauren hours before.” Even before becoming Miss USA, Crandall worked to lobby the Utah State Legislature to pass its law against texting while driving. The bill, one of the first of its kind, became law in 2009.

On Friday, I discussed a confusing new report sponsored by the Governors Highway Safety Administration and State Farm Insurance, which said that distracted driving is a leading cause in 25 percent of all car accidents, but that cell phone bans do nothing to reduce distracted driving accidents. This report drew criticism from safety advocates like National Safety Council official David Teater, who said simply “we think there is enough research to enact total bans, handheld and hands-free.” Such cell phone bans have been enacted in 9 states nationwide, and 34 have implemented laws against texting while driving.

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has long been a proponent of strict laws against distracted driving, which kills nearly 6,000 and injures half a million each year. In a speech last year, LaHood was clear about the dangers of underestimating distracted driving. “The simple fact is that texting and talking on cell phones behind the wheel is a deadly epidemic,” he said, “to suggest otherwise is to put your head in the sand. To spend considerable resources to suggest otherwise is a glaring waste.”

Ali Landry Former Miss USA

2011-06-21T02:48:00.000-07:00

Ali Landry (born July 21, 1973) is a former Miss USA (1996), model and actress. She is perhaps best known as the Doritos Girl from her 1998 Super Bowl commercial, and for her portrayal of Rita Lefleur on the UPN sitcom Eve. In 1998, she was named by People magazine as one of 50 most beautiful people in the world.

Landry grew up in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. This southern region of Louisiana is referred to as "Acadiana", or Cajun country. Landry is of French (Cajun) descent. She attended Cecilia High School, graduating in 1991.

In high school, she was captain of the cheerleaders. She attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana and majored in mass communication. She is an alumnus of Kappa Delta Sorority.

Her first foray into pageantry came in 1990 when she was crowned Miss Louisiana Teen USA. She represented Louisiana in the 1990 Miss Teen USA pageant held in Biloxi, Mississippi in July 1990, where she placed first in the preliminary swimsuit and evening gown competitions, but was ranked seventh during the final competition and couldn't reach the final 6.

In 1995, Landry won the 1996 Miss Louisiana USA title, becoming the first former Miss Louisiana Teen USA to win the Miss crown. She went on to compete in the 1996 Miss USA pageant, which was broadcast live from South Padre Island, Texas in February 1996 — she placed third highest after the preliminary competition and second highest on average during the final Top 10 competition. She was the highest placed of the Top 6 finalists and eventually went on to win the 1996 title.

Claira Hollingsworth Miss Idaho

2011-06-20T05:16:00.000-07:00

Claira, the daughter of Jeff and Lee Hollingsworth, is the first young woman from Franklin County to bring home the state title. She lives in Preston, Idaho and is a senior at Preston High School. She also attends Bridgerland Applied Technology College while completing her Dental Assisting Certification. Claira has earned 18 credits at Idaho State University and has a 4.0 GPA through her concurrent college courses there and is working on another 6 credits before she graduates from high school in May 2011.

Claira is also currently the first attendant for the Franklin County Junior Miss Program and has been a member and officer of the Great Basin Rodeo Team for 4 years. She is the reigning Idaho State High School Rodeo Queen for 2010 and has been an All Star for 2 years. She has participated in volleyball, basketball, and track throughout high school and is a member of the honor society, FFA, and on the varsity cheer squad.

She is the youngest of her family and has two sisters, Afton and Jeannie, and one brother, Sergeant Jake Hollingsworth - United States Marine Corps. When she is not in school, Claira enjoys spending time with her nephews, Landan and Collan, singing, and relaxing with her friends. One of her newest passions is nutrition and fitness and has become a regular gym rat while training for queen contests and pageants. She earned her Young Women in Excellence Award and participates in the Preston Festival of Lights with her family each year.

Claira's career goals are to become a dental hygienist and attend Dixie State next fall and explore all the opportunities that may come her way through the prestigious Miss Teen USA program.

Julianna White of Miss New Jersey USA

2011-05-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Julianna White holds the title of Miss New Jersey USA 2011 and competed in the Miss USA 2011 Pageant. She is a 22-year-old senior at The College of New Jersey and an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority.

A resident of Haddon Township, New Jersey, she is a 2007 graduate of Haddon Township High School, where she was the captain of the varsity soccer team and a member of the track Team.

She was also a member of her high school's concert band, playing the flute. She is passionate about volunteering and raising money for Breast Cancer research as her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

During her junior year of High School, she won the title of Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2006.

She went on to place in the Top 10 at the Miss Teen USA 2006 Pageant.

Ashley Durham Queen Of Tennessee

2011-05-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

Ashley Elizabeth Durham (born April 9, 1990) is a beauty queen from Tennessee who won Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2006 and Miss Tennessee USA 2011.

Durham won the Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2006 title in October 2005 representing Adamsville. Her sister titleholder was Lauren Grissom. To win the title, Durham edged out Johnna Disterdick who was the daughter of Miss Tennessee 1982 and Miss Tennessee USA 1984, Desiree Denise Daniels. Durham went on to compete at Miss Teen USA 2006 but failed to place.

Five years Later Durham won the Miss Tennessee USA 2011 title on her first attempt. She is the fifth Miss Tennessee Teen USA titleholder to win the Miss Tennessee USA pageant, following former Miss USA titleholders Lynnette Cole and Rachel Smith who also held both Tennessee titles. Durham's sister titleholder is Kaitlin White, Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2011.

Durham ended as 1st runner-up in Miss USA 2011 pageant in held in Las Vegas. Her final question dealt with the First Amendment, and whether it should protect burning religious books.

Durham graduated from Adamsville Jr/Sr High School in 2008, where she was a varsity cheerleader. She currently attends University of Memphis on an honors scholarship. She majors in journalism and is an active member of Alpha Gamma Delta. She also models for Tony Bowls where she has made many catalogue covers for Tony Bowls and appeared on the cover of the Aug/Sep 2008 issue of Justine magazine.

Audra Mari North Dakota Teen

2011-04-27T01:58:00.000-07:00

Audra Mari from Fargo was crowned Miss North Dakota Teen USA 2011 held on November 21, 2010 at the Festival Concert Hall, Reineke Fine Arts Center, North Dakota State University, 1340 Administration Avenue, Fargo, North Dakota. She was crowned by Ariana Walker, Miss North Dakota Teen USA 2010 winner.

Angelina Kayyalaynen Miss Washington

2011-04-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Angelina Kayyalaynen immigrated to the United States nine years ago. Next month she'll have a chance to represent her adopted country as she and 50 other contestants vie for the title of 2011 Miss USA. Kayyalaynen was Miss Orchards and represented a section of Vancouver. Last October she was selected as Miss Washington USA. "The date was 10-10-10," she said. "That was kind of cool."

She's made various appearances across the state since then. Most recently she tossed the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game, a 3-0 winning effort against the Los Angeles Angels. She also volunteers with the Aware Organization. With this organization she goes to middle and high schools, where she speaks to teenagers about maintaining healthy relationships.

She leaves for New York next week, where she and other contestants will go on a media blitz to promote the June 19 Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas. Kayyalaynen said she will make appearances on the Today Show, Fox and Friends, and Regis and Kelly.

Why get involved with pageants? "I've been watching pageants forever," she said. "It's a great privilege, having people look up to you. But the best thing is all of the people you meet. It's a great way to make connections and network." On May 15 the preliminary pageant will be held, where the field will eventually be narrowed down to 15. For the first time ever, people will be able to go to the Miss USA and NBC websites and cast their vote for one of the contestants. This way, the voting public will have the power to elevate one contestant into the top 15.

The May 15 preliminary pageant will be streamed on the Miss USA Pageant. At this event the young women will compete in the swimsuit and evening gown competitions. The main pageant will be held on June 19 and be shown on NBC. If the 21-year-old Kayyalaynen wins she will then become roommates with Miss Universe, Ximena Navarrette from Mexico. Kayyalaynen will then spend the year living in New York City and being an advocate for breast and ovarian cancer research, as well as partner with the USO. If things don't work out, Kayyalaynen will return to school in the fall. She plans to study at WSU-Vancouver.

Ana Rodriguez Miss Texas

2011-04-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

Ana Christina Rodriguez holds the title of Miss Texas USA 2011 and was 3rd runner-up to Miss USA 2011.

She graduated from Concordia University Texas and currently works as a preschool teacher. She has modeled for Seventeen, Pageantry and Savvy magazines.

She represented Central Laredo at the Miss Texas USA 2011 pageant. This was her fifth try for the Miss Texas USA title.

She was 1st runner-up in 2010, 2nd runner-up in 2009 and 2008, and in the Top 15 in 2007. She also won the Miss Congeniality title in 2007.

Rodriguez was named 3rd runner-up at Miss USA 2011 pageant held at Las Vegas on June 19, 2011.

Hannah Corbett Miss MN USA

2011-03-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

In her free time, Hannah, an adventurous young lady, loves to travel and has been to six different countries including Kenya, Africa. She is a huge water baby and enjoys tubing, jet skiing and boating at the cabin! Hannah experienced a nighttime scuba dive in the Cayman Islands and says it was the time of her life. "I love being on edge, never knowing whatÕs going to happen next"

Hannah is very involved with clubs and activities in school including The Red Knight Volunteer Corps and The National Honor Society. The Red Knight Volunteer Corps focuses on different events and organizations that need volunteers to come and help. She has volunteered with Red Knight Volunteer Corps for four years. The National Honor Society focuses on academics, service and leadership.

Alyssa Campanella Miss USA Pageant

2011-03-18T13:30:00.001-07:00

Alyssa Campanella (born March 21, 1990) is a beauty pageant titleholder from the United States, who is the current titleholder and winner of the 2011 Miss USA pageant.

She was named the first runner-up in the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant while representing New Jersey and represented California in the 2011 Miss USA pageant.

As the reigning Miss USA, she represented the United States in the Miss Universe 2011 pageant held in São Paulo, Brazil, in September 2011, where she finished in the top 16.

In October 2006, Campanella was crowned Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2007 and represented her state at Miss Teen USA 2007, broadcast live from Pasadena, California on August 24, 2007, placing first runner up to eventual winner, Hilary Cruz of Colorado.

Campanella competed in the Miss New Jersey USA pageant twice, placing first runner-up in 2008 and in the top fifteen in 2009. On November 21, 2010, she competed in the Miss California USA pageant and won the title. She was the first Miss Teen USA state delegate to represent California at Miss USA since Shauna Gambill in 1998. She was heavily favored by Vegas oddsmakers to win the title of Miss USA. On June 19, 2011, she won the Miss USA title in Las Vegas, Nevada. As Miss USA 2011, she went on to compete in Miss Universe 2011 on September 12, 2011 in Brazil, and placed in the top 16. On June 26, 2011, Miss California USA director Keith Lewis announced Campanella passed the Miss California USA title to Katie Blair who is Miss Teen USA 2006, Miss California USA 2011 1st runner-up.

Brandi Lynn Schoenberg North Dakota

2011-02-24T03:01:00.000-08:00

Miss North Dakota USA 2011, Brandi Lynn Schoenberg, from Bismarck, competes in her swimwear by Kandy Wrappers and fashion footwear by Chinese Laundry during the 2011 Miss USA Presentation Show on Wednesday, June 15 from the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Theatre for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Nicole Kelley Miss Earth USA

2011-02-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

Nicole Kelley (Miss Earth Florida 2011) was crowned Miss Earth United States 2011 on August 3 at The Plaza Resort and Spa, in Daytona Beach, FL. She will represent the USA at the Miss Earth 2011 pageant in Pattaya, Thailand in December.

Nicole is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she obtained the Bachelor of Science in Food and Resource Economics specializing in International Policy.

She also received 3 minors in Spanish, International Development and Humanitarian Assistance, and Agriculture and Natural Resource Law.

Her platform: Food for Thought promotes agriculture education from an environmental perspective.

Lexy Schenk Miss South Dakota

2011-01-27T04:07:00.000-08:00

Lexy Schenk of Irene is Miss South Dakota Teen USA 2011. She was crowned n October 10, 2010 at Brandon Valley Performing Arts Center, South Splitrock Boulevard, Brandon, South Dakota. Lexy will represent South Dakota in Miss USA Teen 2011 pageant. She is the second consecutive Irene girl to win the honor. Emily Miller won the title last year.

Chelsea Cooley A Beauty Queen

2011-01-21T20:10:00.000-08:00

Chelsea Cooley (born October 30, 1983) is a beauty queen from Charlotte, North Carolina who has competed in the Miss Teen USA, Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants and who has held the Miss USA 2005 title.

Cooley Miss North Carolina USA to win the Miss USA crown. Cooley attended The Art Institute of Charlotte and hopes to become a buyer for the fashion industry. In addition to beauty pageants, she has competed in the Grand National Shag Dancing Competition. Cooley has also worked for a number of non-profit organizations, including Toys for Tots and the Special Olympics.

As Miss USA, Cooley represented the Miss Universe Organization. Her "sister" 2005 titleholders were Natalie Glebova (Miss Universe, of Canada) and Allie LaForce (Miss Teen USA, of Ohio). She raised $22.8 million for breast- and ovarian-cancer research during her time as Miss USA.

Cooley won the Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2000 title and represented North Carolina in the Miss Teen USA 2000 pageant, but did not place. Her preliminary scores put her in 11th place, only a spot away from the top 10. Had there been a top twelve or top fifteen chosen, as in future years, Cooley would have been a semi-finalist. She had greater success in 2001, when she became Miss United States Teen.

Cooley first entered the Miss North Carolina USA pageant in 2004, where she placed 1st runner-up to Ashley Puleo. She also won her state's Miss Photogenic award in that year. Puleo went on to place second-runner up at the Miss USA 2004 pageant. The following year, Cooley won the Miss North Carolina USA 2005 title on her second attempt.

Kirsten Nicholson Teen USA

2010-12-26T02:17:00.000-08:00

On October 31 st 2010 , Kirsten Nicholson, a 17 year-old from Sykesville, MD, won the title of Miss Maryland Teen USA 2011. She is a freshman at Stevenson University where she is enrolled in the Nursing program and enjoys being a part of her schools community service projects. Currently, Kirsten is a Certified Nursing Assistant who one day hopes to become a Registered Nurse and work in Pediatric Oncology. She loves working with children and helping others so she feels this will be the perfect job for her!

Kirsten also loves to exercise while listening to her iPod, she feels it really motivates her and most importantly, keeps her healthy. When the weather is nice, her favorite place to exercise is outside! Kirsten strongly believes that to be healthy not only should you exercise your body but you should exercise your mind, she accomplishes both through dance. Her favorite style of dance is tap, however, she enjoys other styles such as hip-hop, jazz, ballet, contemporary, and modern.

She has danced since the age of three and has danced competitively with a team for 8 years. She feels it is an amazing way to express ones self. Kirsten believes it has helped to make her the person she is today. She says dance has been such an important part of her life and wants everyone to have this feeling about something they love.

She is the middle child of two crazy brothers, Kyle and Gavin, but says she wouldn't have it any other way! Aside from being a pageant girl who loves dressing up and wearing make-up, she loves to put on a pair of sweats and play sports or go running with her brothers. Her Mom, Paula, and her two brothers are so supportive of each other and they cannot wait to be a part of this fun year with Kirsten. She is so thankful that her mother has taught her to be a hardworking, dedicated person. She always told her that you can accomplish anything that you want to with dedication and a positive mindset. Kirsten truly feels that if you believe in yourself you can do anything you put your mind to!

Kirsten is beyond excited to be the new Miss Maryland Teen USA. She is honored to hold this title and proud to represent her wonderful state of Maryland for a year. Kirsten is so thankful that she has such great friends and family to support her along the way!

Laura Harring Former Miss USA

2010-12-21T21:48:00.000-08:00

Laura Harring (born Laura Elena Herring Martínez; March 3, 1964) is a Mexican actress and former Miss USA (1985). She is known for her role as Rita in Mulholland Drive.

She was born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. Her mother, María Elena Cairo, is a psychotherapist, real estate investor, and secretary, and her father, Raymond Herring, was a developer and organic farmer of Austrian-German descent.

The two divorced in 1971. Harring lived the first ten years of her life in Mexico, before her family relocated to San Antonio, Texas. Caught by stray fire from a driveby shooting at age 12, Harring suffered a head wound from a stray .45 bullet.

At age 16, she convinced her family to let her study in Switzerland at Aiglon College. She eventually returned to America, settling down in El Paso, Texas and entered the world of beauty pageants.

She won the title of Miss El Paso USA, and soon after, Miss Texas USA. In 1985, she became the first Hispanic to win the Miss USA crown, and the first of 5 consecutive Texan winners. She went on to make the top 10 at the 1985 Miss Universe pageant.

Harring spent the next year traveling through Asia, exploring Europe and working as a social worker in India. It was in Europe that she was introduced to the world of nobility and, in 1987, she married Count Carl-Eduard von Bismarck-Schönhausen, great-great-grandson of Otto von Bismarck. While she retains the title of Countess von Bismarck-Schönhausen, the couple divorced in 1989 but still remain friends. Harring studied theatre at the London Academy of Performing Arts and is skilled in the Italian style of Commedia dell'arte, as well as Latin dances, including the Argentine Tango.

Jillian Wunderlich Miss Indiana USA

2010-11-27T12:59:00.000-08:00

Jillian Leigh Wunderlich is the reigning Miss Indiana USA and competed in the Miss USA 2011 pageant, placing in the Top 16. She also won both the Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic titles at Miss Indiana USA 2011. She is also a former Miss Florida Teen USA and Top 15 Semi-Finalist at the Miss Teen USA 2008 pageant.

Rachel Smith Miss USA Pageant

2010-11-22T07:55:00.000-08:00

Rachel Renee Smith (born April 18, 1985 in Panama) is an American beauty queen and television personality from Clarksville, Tennessee, who won the Miss USA pageant in 2007 and who previously had competed in the Miss Teen USA pageant.

Smith was born on a U.S. Army base in Panama. She lived in Clarksville after her parents were stationed to Fort Campbell. She is biracial, half African-American and half European-American. She attended Clarksville Academy and graduated from Davidson Academy for high school.

Smith graduated magna cum laude from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee in 2006 with a bachelor of science in journalism. Smith graduated a semester early, in December 2006. She received a full tuition scholarship to attend Belmont due to her community service activities and academic achievements throughout high school.

While she was at Belmont, she interned in Chicago, Illinois, for eight months with Harpo Productions, a company owned by Oprah Winfrey. In January 2007, it was announced that she had been chosen by Winfrey to volunteer for one month at her Leadership Academy for Girls.

Smith won her first major pageant title in 2001 when she was crowned Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2002. This was her second attempt at the title, having placed third runner-up to Jessica Myers the previous year. Smith then competed in the nationally televised Miss Teen USA 2002 pageant at South Padre Island, Texas, where she placed in the top ten and won the Miss Photogenic award. Of the semi-finalists, Smith placed tenth in the swimsuit competition and seventh in evening gown, finishing ninth on average. The pageant was won by Vanessa Semrow of Wisconsin.

Susie Castillo Miss Teen USA

2010-10-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Susie Castillo (born October 27, 1979) is a former beauty queen who held the Miss USA title and competed in the Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe pageants. She pursued a career in the media, and as such, has made various television appearances and hosted shows such as MTV's Total Request Live as a VJ.

Castillo was born in Methuen, Massachusetts to a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother who were divorced when she was a child. After her father abandoned the family, her mother moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts where she was occasionally on welfare, and worked multiple jobs in order to cover living and educational expenses for her family.

She was greatly influenced by her Puerto Rican heritage, though she has stated she considers herself both Puerto Rican and Dominican.

By 1996, at the age of 16, Castillo had already become a professional teen model appearing in many teen magazines and commercial advertisements. Upon graduating from Methuen High School, she enrolled at Endicott College, and in 2001 earned her Bachelors Degree in Interior Architecture and Design. She was awarded the Capstone Award, an honor which was bestowed upon her in recognition of her senior thesis.

Castillo won her first pageant title in November 1997, when she beat over forty other contestants to become Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 1998. Castillo's sister titleholder, Miss Massachusetts USA 1998 Shawnae Jebbia went on to win the Miss USA title in February the following year.

Madison Longstreth Miss Pennsylvania Teen

2010-10-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

Madison Longstreth is the 5'8" brown-eyed 15 year-old daughter of Glenn Longstreth and Lamanda Sullivan. She is currently attending Spring Grove Area High School where she is in the 10th grade. She is a member of the concert band and has served as both Vice President and President of her class. MadisonÕs career ambition is to become a news broadcaster. She describes herself as honest, eccentric and non-judgemental. Some of her hobbies include playing the piano, guitar, clarinet and cello.

Kaylin Reque Miss Georgia USA

2010-10-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

Kaylin Reque is a 22-year-old Georgia Perimeter College student and NBA/NHL Dancer and has dreams of a career in the entertainment industry.

Kaylin created a blog recently to chronicle her experiences as Miss Georgia USA, including the upcoming Miss USA pageant.

This is Kaylin's second shot at the crown. Prior to winning the title, Kaylin placed 2nd runner-up 2010. She also competed in the Teen division and placed top 15 in 2006.

Taylor Sherman Miss Michigan Teen

2010-09-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

Miss Michigan Teen USA 2011 Taylor Teresa Sherman represented her state at the Miss Teen USA 2011 pageant in the Bahamas. She posed for photo shoots, modeled dresses by Sherri Hill, had her hair styled by Farouk Systems, wore swimsuits by Kandy Wrappers and modeled evening gowns of her choice.

Brook Lee Miss Hawaii USA

2010-09-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

Brook Lee (born Brook Antoinette Mahealani Lee on January 8, 1971) is an American beauty queen from Pearl City who was Miss Hawaii USA and Miss USA prior to winning the title of Miss Universe on May 16, 1997. For the past 13 years, she's been the last Miss USA to capture the Miss Universe crown.

Lee's Korean name is (Lee Shi-nae). Her Korean grandfather immigrated to Hawaiʻi in the 1950s. Immediately prior to winning the Miss USA and Miss Universe crowns, she pursued graduate-level studies in Communication at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

She also attended University Lab School for one year, 1987–1988. Lee graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1989.

Lee was crowned Miss Hawaii USA on her first try, then went on to participate in Miss USA 1997, broadcast live from Shreveport, Louisiana on February 5, 1997.

Months prior to the pageant, outgoing Miss Universe, Alicia Machado of Venezuela, was criticized for gaining weight during her reign. When the final 3 contestants were announced and the final question, which alluded to the controversy, was asked to the finalists, about how they would handle weight gain, Lee said, "I think I would take a good hard look at myself, and I'd look from the inside out, and I'd know that I was the same girl that was crowned that day and it really didn't matter what I look like on the outside because I won for what I was in here [points to her heart as a sign of courage]. So if I go up, I go down, I get taller, I get shorter, my nose is bigger or smaller, I'm still who I was when that crown was on my head and I'm a good representative no matter what." Brook's answer to the final question greatly impressed the judges and gave her the Miss USA crown.

Madeline Mitchell American Beauty

2010-08-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Madeline Mitchell is an American beauty queen from Russellville, Alabama. She won the title of Miss Alabama USA 2011 and competed in the Miss USA 2011 competition, where she finished as the second runner-up.

She recovered from a 12-day coma and numerous broken bones suffered in a 2008 car accident to win the Miss Alabama USA title two years later.

Mitchell had previously competed in the 2008 Miss Alabama USA pageant and placed as the second runner-up. She returned one year later and competed in the 2009 Miss Alabama USA competition and only finished Top 15.

On September 26, 2008, while she was on her way to show her mother her new dress for the 2008 Miss Alabama USA competition, she hit a deer and lost control of her vehicle. The car went into 40-foot (10 m) ravine and caught fire just off of Alabama State Route 13.

Walmart truck driver Gary Lewellen extinguished the fire in her car during the accident. She and her boyfriend were trapped, hanging upside down, in the car. She spent 12 days in a coma at the University of Alabama Hospital following the accident and had multiple fractures to her leg, broken ribs and internal injuries. She spent 21 days on a respirator and two months in a wheelchair. With a femur broken in 12 places and pneumonia she was at risk of losing not only her leg, but also her life. Although doctors had doubted the possibility, she was able to walk after several months. As of June 2011 she was in the final year of studies at the University of Alabama, where she studied elementary education. On November 7, 2010, as Miss Tuscaloosa, she won the title of Miss Alabama USA at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa.

Amber Marie Collins Miss New York

2010-08-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

Amber Marie Collins is originally from Austin, Texas where she graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. degree in Communications. She moved to New York City four years ago with great ambition and big dreams. Amber is currently a graduate student at NYU Steinhardt studying early childhood and special education. She plans to graduate this May as a certified teacher with a concentration in working with special needs children.

Allyn Rose Of Beauty Pageant

2010-07-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Allyn Rose (born May 27, 1988) is an American beauty pageant titleholder and collegiate athlete from Newburg, Maryland.

Rose won the Miss Maryland USA 2011 title in a state pageant held in Bethesda, Maryland on October 31, 2010. Rose's previous pageant experience includes winning the 1st Miss Sinergy beauty pageant held at the House of Sweden in Washington, D.C.

Rose has worked with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Relay for Life, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, USO's Operation Care Package, the American Cancer Society. She represented Maryland in the Miss USA 2011 pageant in June 2011, placing in the Top 8 overall.

Rose was a 1st team All-Conference volleyball player and track and field athlete at La Plata High School in La Plata, Maryland. Rose went on to play volleyball for the College of Southern Maryland, where the CSM Hawks ranked 2nd in the MDJUCO Conference in 2006.

Her father, David Rose, is the CEO of Planchek Inc.

Whitney Veach Of West Virginia

2010-07-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

Whitney Veach is the 5'5" blue-eyed 23 year-old daughter of Trent & Kim Veach and also held the title of Miss West Virginia Teen USA 2003. Her career ambition is to become a well-know television personality however she is currently pursuing a career as a medical sales representative. Her hobbies include; working out, hiking, baking, boating, sports, traveling, and biking. Whitney describes herself as independent, optimistic and driven.

Alida D'Angona Massachusetts Miss

2010-06-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

Alida D'Angona graduated from Gordon College, where she studied Communications and earned a Bachelors degree in Biology. Combining her passion for biology and public speaking, Alida pursued an internship in the biotech industry which launched her career at Genzyme, one of the foremost biotech companies in the world.

Alida's life after college presented her with many unique opportunities to present groundbreaking research to several scientific communities. In 2010, Alida was accepted as a member of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. She enjoys presenting her work and traveling all over the country, and is looking forward to traveling even more during her reign as Miss Massachusetts USA.

Alida is extremely passionate about her work with the Christopher Elliot Foundation for Brain Cancer Research, as her uncle was recently diagnosed with Brain Cancer. She recently organized and led a fundraiser to raise funds and awareness for Brain Cancer Research. Alida considers the fundraiser one of the most inspirational and meaningful weekends of her life.

She plans to continue the fight to find a cure for Brain Cancer through research, increasing awareness, and raising funds. Alida has been active spending her free time helping several young ladies achieve their goals as leaders in community charity events. Alida has also enjoyed volunteering at an orphanage in Costa Rica where she has helped re-build homes and provide opportunities for disadvantaged children. She is looking forward to working with many more charitable organizations throughout the year.

Alida comes from a family of musicians and attributes this background to instilling in her a strong work ethic, perseverance, and discipline. Alida enjoys playing the piano, the trumpet and singing. By dabbling in these forms of creative expression, Alida has found her niche as one of New England's top female deejays. Alida has travelled all over the east coast as a professional DJ and loves to get the crowd excited with fresh, live re-mixes.

Susan King Miss West Virginia

2010-06-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

Susan Hines King is the 5’5” brown-eyed daughter of Michael & Joan King of Fairmont. She is currently attending Fairmont Senior High School where she is an honor roll student and plays soccer for the Lady Polar Bear Soccer Team. Susan’s career ambition is to become a Judge Advocate General Lawyer for the military. She describes herself as classy, outgoing, and generous. Some of her hobbies include volunteering for the Special Olympics, also volunteering for the Miss Ability pageant and she is a member of the Tree of Life Church Youth Group.

The remainder of the “Top 5” included: First Runner-up Adrianna Lindsay of Bridgeport; Second Runner-up Danielle Eddy of Fairview; Third Runner-up Tori Rohr of Buckhannon; and Fourth Runner-up Montana Barker of Bomont.

The Semi-finalists were: Morgan Kesecker of Summersville; Sasha Fisher of Morgantown; Heather Lunceford of Flatwoods; Whitney Johnson of Ravenswood; Rachel Ayers of Point Pleasant; Kaitlin Gates of Bridgeport and Erika Butler of Summersville.

Erika Butler was named Miss Photogenic and Allison Lowe of Greenville was voted Miss Congeniality.

Angela Sparrow Miss Illinois USA

2010-05-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

Angela Sparrow was born in Charleston, South Carolina and is the oldest of five siblings. After moving to Chicago from Indianapolis to complete college, Angela earned her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a certificate in event management from Roosevelt University.

She is currently a Communications Manager and special events coordinator for a major minority-owned transportation company in Chicago. She caught the pageant bug two years ago while helping her younger sister with her pageant endeavors.

This is Angela's second shot at the state title. She placed 1st Runner Up in 2010. Angela Sparrow is the new Miss Illinois USA 2011.

She was crowned on November 21st at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. 25-year-old Angela will represent Illinois in Miss USA 2011 Pageant to be held in Las Vegas in May 2011.

Angela Sparrow was crowned Miss Illinois USA 2011 on November 21st at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Angela is 25 year old. She will represent Illinois in Miss USA 2011 Pageant to be held in Las Vegas in May 2011.

Miss Illinois USA 2011 Angela Sparrow was crowned on November 21st at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Angela is 25 year old and stands 5’8”. She will represent Illinois in Miss USA 2011 pageant.

Page Pennock Miss Louisiana USA

2010-05-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

Page Pennock is the new Miss Louisiana USA 2011. She was crowned on October 30th at the Heymann Performing Arts Center, College Rd, Lafayette, Louisiana. Page Pennock surpassed 39 other contestants to become the new beauty queen of Louisiana. She was crowned Miss Louisiana Southeast USA 2011 – a preliminary for Miss Louisiana USA. She will represent Louisiana in Miss USA 2011 pageant.

Erza Haliti Miss Idaho USA

2010-04-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Miss Idaho USA 2011 is Erza Haliti. Erza was crowned at the beauty pageant held on October 23, 2010 at Borah High Auditorium Performing Arts Center in Boise, Idaho. The 20 year old from Boise was crowned by former Miss Idaho USA 201, Jessca Hellwinkel, and will be competing in the Miss USA pageant this coming June in Vegas.

Angela Anela Iokia Byrd Miss Hawaii

2010-04-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Angela Anela Iokia Byrd was crowned Miss Hawaii USA 2011 on November 6 at the Dole Cannery Ballroom in Hawaii. SHe is 23 year old and stands 5’10”. She is half British and half Korean. Angela will represent Hawaii in Miss USA 2011 pageant.

Hawaii has chosen its delegate to the Miss USA 2011 pageant. Angela Byrd emerged the winner of the Miss Hawaii USA 2011 pageant.

She travels to Las Vegas in the spring to compete for Miss USA. The winner of the national pageant will represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant.

Katie Hanson Miss Delaware USA

2010-03-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Katie is a junior studying at the University of Delaware, where she is majoring in Criminal Justice. Upon graduation from college her goal is to ultimately become a Delaware State Trooper. She is the daughter of Donna Fournier, a Nutrition teacher in the Christina School District.

Achieving the title of Miss Delaware USA has been a dream come true for Katie. She loves interfacing with people, which is evident in how she utilizes her spare time. During her spare time, and between study sessions, Katie maintains two jobs.

She works as a waitress at Outback Steakhouse in Newark, Delaware; this allows her to meet and interact with new people on a daily basis. In addition, she works at the Variety Club (The Children's Charity) instructing high school children with a wide range of disabilities.

Katie is elated about representing her birth state of Delaware at the national level, as well as participating in local community charity events. When she competes at MISS USA her ultimate goal is to win the Miss USA title and her personal goal is to place within the top five finalists.

In the history of this pageant, this is something that has yet to happen for State of Delaware. She feels as though she can make this dream become a reality. Katie's favorite vacation spot is Riviera Maya, Mexico, where she enjoyed a trip of a life time this past summer with her best friend (her mom). She had an opportunity to zip-line through the Mexican terrain, snorkel in the underground caves, and parasail across the aqua blue ocean. In her leisure time she enjoys many physical activities, which include, going for a run with her dog Lola, biking with her mom, going to the gym as she prepares for the police academy, and spending time at the beach.

Victoria Johnston Miss Winconsin USA

2010-03-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

Victoria Sorone Johnston was crowned Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 2011 on September 19th, 2010. She had been following this Dream since she was thirteen, competing her very first time at fourteen. She competed 4 times before she became Miss Wisconsin Teen USA. Her first year she was 4th Runner-up, made the Top 15 and then was 3rd runner up two years in a row. She also won Miss Congeniality in 2009. Each year she competed, she never changed her personality she just learned something new about herself, she became stronger, more compassionate, more knowledgeable and more dedicated to her Dream.

Victoria is the daughter of LeiAn & Remy Rickert, Bill Johnston, and sister to William Johnston. She was born and raised in Eau Claire Wisconsin. She recently graduated from Memorial High School. During her years of high school she was Captain of the Eaglettes Show Choir, Captain of the Junior Varsity Dance Team, Leader of the Cheer Team and Captain of the Varsity Track team. Captain of the Junior Varsity Volleyball Team, was an active member in DECA, Manager of the DECA Store, and Editor of the high school yearbook. She enjoys Fashion, Modeling, Dancing, Traveling, Chess, Boxing, Target Shooting, Archery,Extreme Sports, Painting, Pottery and Bargain Shopping.

Victoria’s dream career is to be a High Fashion model working in New York City, LA, Malan, France, or Italy. Victoria is currently attending UW- Stout majoring in Business & Marketing and minoring in French.

Victoria’s is continuing to pursue her Program, TAB~ Teens Agaisnt Bullying. Victoria had a difficult time during high school, having to deal with bullying. She knew she was not the only one. While attending her sophomore year she had to make the hardest decision she has ever had to make. She went to the administrator to discuss an issue regarding a friend who was abusing drugs and talking about committing suicide. The word spread that she was the one who said something and once peers found out ~ Victoria was severely bullied.

She has always been told the right things in life are not always the easiest to do. She knew she did the right thing because her friend is still here with us today and he thanks her each time he sees her. She realized she needed to make a difference because she was not the only one out there being bullied. Being that she was part of T.A.T.U. “Teens Against Tobacco Use” She spoke with her Delong Middle School health teacher and mentor Mr. Thomas Kidd, with his and her parents inspiration she founded the program T.A.B. “Teens Against Bullying”.

Since then she has been speaking to young children and adults about the issues facing teens and the youth today. She said” I know I am doing something right when a young adult comes up to me and says thank you, you have changed my life,” those words have driven Victoria to continue to speak with children and adults. As Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 2011, Victoria knows she will make a difference and is striving to go beyond what she has ever done before. She wants to take T.A.B. to a whole new level. She is now speaking to all different age groups about several different topics such as, bullying, drinking and driving, underage drinking, self acceptance, and following your dreams.

Alexis Lauren Swanstrom Teen USA

2010-02-23T03:50:00.000-08:00

Alexis Swanstrom is the new Miss California Teen USA 2011. She was crowned at the final held at at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage on November 21st. Alexis will represent California in Miss Teen USA 2011 Pageant.

The first runner-up was Miss Citrus Valley Teen Chloe Hatfield; the second runner-up was Miss Southern Ca Teen Alaina Crabtree; The third runner-up was Miss Carlsbad Teen Lauren Ryan, and Miss Los Angeles County Teen Monique Daggett was the fourth runner-up.

Special awards:
Friend’s Award: Miss Santa Monica Teen Ashley Wood
People’s Choice Award: Miss Northridge Teen Tiffany Hulse
Swimsuit Award: Miss Rancho Belago Teen Lauren Carter
Evening Gown Award: Miss Hollywood Teen Sheida Sheikhpour
Miss Photogenic: Miss South Bay Teen Alexis Orozco
Miss Congeniality: Miss Valley Center Teen Kelsey Schwarz

Danielle Doty Miss Texas

2010-01-26T00:45:00.000-08:00

Danielle Doty born in 1993 in Harlingen, Texas is Miss Teen USA 2011. Doty was crowned by Miss Teen USA 2010 winner Kamie Crawford. Doty will now move into the Trump Tower in New York with Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella and Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete. She is a student at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Sarah Bobo Miss Mississippi Teen USA

2010-01-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year Bobo was crowned Miss Mississippi Teen USA at the state-level pageant held at Harrah’s Event Center at Harrah’s Casino in Tunica Saturday, November 6. Bobo is the daughter of Jeff and Kathy Bobo of Kossuth and the sister of Weston Bobo, a student at Kossuth Middle School.

Bobo received help in the expenses for the pageant from Pioneer Machinery and Formal Affairs in Corinth. It was an employee – Heather Austin Mauney – that informed Bobo about the pageant in the very beginning. In addition to those three rounds, the top five contestants were each asked an on-stage question during the pageant.

Bobo was not alone in her conquest for the title – over 20 of her closest friends and family joined the Northeast freshman in Tunica for the event. Bobo topped Jasmine Lewis (first alternate) of Monticello, Madison Blocker (second) of Oxford, Ashlyn Champion (third) of Morton and Korbin Houston (fourth) of Pachuta when she was named queen out of the top five.

So many businesses and boutiques from all around Mississippi donated prizes. It was so much I am so very blessed,” Bobo explained. In the next year, Bobo will represent Mississippi as its Miss Mississippi Teen USA and will compete in the Miss Teen USA pageant held during the summer of 2011.

By being Miss Mississippi Teen USA, Bobo earned the right to compete in the Miss USA Teen 2011 pageant. The site for the pageant has not been set but past competitions have been held in such exotic locations as Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas. Greenwood Productions, who directed the Miss Mississippi USA/Teen USA pageants, are picking up the tab for Bobo’s expenses for the national competition as well as providing Bobo with access to a personal trainer, speech and communications professionals, and a stage presentation professional, makeup artist and hair professionals.

Molly Argue Miss Arizona Teen

2009-12-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

Molly Ann Argue is an 18-year-old Arizona native, daughter of Tom & Maggie Argue and older sister to Olivia Argue. She is an enthusiast of thinking positively while living life with passion and lives by Thoreau's quote, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you've imagined."

Molly is currently completing her senior year at Chaparral High School where she has spent her past four years enrolled in honors classes and heavily involved in extracurricular activities. She has been a part of Student Government holding the position of President, Varsity Pom being named "Most Spirited", Varsity Speech and Debate competing nationally at Harvard, Best Buddies working as a "Peer-Leader", Special Olympics holding the position of Vice President, and this year, reporting the school announcements as an anchor.

She is also a staff writer for AzTeenMagazine. Some of her other hobbies include boxing, traveling and smiling! After graduating in May, Molly will pursue her ambition of attending college to study Television Broadcast and Media. Her dream job would be to host E! Entertainment, putting her love for public speaking, fashion, leadership and entertainment to work. Who knows what the future holds!

Molly loves community involvement and volunteers whenever possible. During her year as Miss Arizona Teen USA she especially looks forward to working with organizations such as DUCK (Downtown Urban Community Kids), Best Buddies, the Phoenix Children's Hospital and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

"I'm so blessed and honored for this year ahead in representing Arizona," Molly smiles. "I'm grateful to have an amazing family, friends, "state-sister" Miss Arizona USA, Brittany Dawn Brannon, sponsors and an organization that support me," she concluded.

Molly will work towards her next goal of being crowned Miss Teen USA. She plans on doing so by, as Thoreau would promote, following her strongest dreams and living out the life she envisions!

Lindsey Bucci Miss Rhode Island Teen USA

2009-11-12T22:47:00.000-08:00

Lindsey Bucci was crowned Miss Rhode Island Teen USA 2011 on December 4th at the Rhode Island Center for Performing Arts (RICPA) at the Historic Park, Cranston, Rhode Island. Lindsey Bucci will represent the Rhode Island in Miss Teen USA 2011 Pageant. 1RU was Ibis Berganza, 2RU – Graciana Nascimento, 3RU – Dominique Girardi, 4RU – Stephanie DeCarvalho.

Keyla Childs Miss South Carolina USA

2009-10-12T23:10:00.000-07:00

Keyla Childs is a Charleston, South Carolina native. She was born on February 20, 1994 and is the daughter of Kenneth and Debbie Childs.

Keyla is a junior at Summerville High School where she enjoys cheering on the Green Waves football and baseball teams. Keyla has volunteered since the ninth grade with Dorchester County EMS, learning how to help others in case of an emergency.

She spends most of her weekends volunteering with Make a Wish Foundation, MUSC Children's Hospital, Girl Scouts of America, St. Jude Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and Relay For Life, just to name a few.

She has a deep love for animals, having three horses and four dogs. Keyla would love to have a rescue center to help all types of animals.

Keyla plans are to attend the University of South Carolina in Columbia where she will earn a Bachelor of Science degree.

Then she would love to attend the University of Georgia where she plans to receive a degree in Veterinary Medicine.

Amanda Debus Miss Delaware

2009-09-14T04:39:00.000-07:00

Amanda lives in Middletown with her family, and her 6 dogs and 3 cats. She freshman at University of Delaware, where she is studying Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, and she hopes to become a pediatric physical therapist. Amanda is an accomplished dancer, baton twirler and singer, and with these talents she has performed all across the US. Her favorite performances include: The halftime show at the 2008 Orange Bowl with ZZ Top, a 9/11 Benefit for NYC Firefighters at Lincoln Center, and the 2005 Liberty Bowl Halftime Spectacular with the Beach Boys