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Miss 2008
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2008 Miss USA
Crystle Stewart
2008 Miss USA
Photo by Darren Decker
Apr. 11, 2008
Story by: Penny Geiszler, TFTJ Staff
Click here for pictures of the event! A 26-year-old entrepreneur from Texas was named Miss USA 2008 on Friday, besting 50 other beauty queens for the coveted crown. Crystle Stewart, of Missouri City, Texas, runs a party-planning and motivational speaking company, as well as modeling professionally. She says she wants to dedicate her life to international philanthropy. "I want to talk to people about how to set a goal and achieve it," she told The Associated Press after the show. "Because I just achieved my goal." The first runner up was Miss Mississippi Leah Laviano, 20, of Ellisville, MS. Second runner up was Miss New Jersey Tiffany Andrade, 22, of Linden, NJ. Third runner up was Miss Oklahoma Lindsey Jo Harrington, 22, of Fredrick; and fourth runner up was Miss Pennsylvania LauRen Merola, 23, of Pittsburgh. Rounding out the top ten were: Miss Massachusetts Jacquline Bruno, 23, of Assonet; Miss Missouri Candice Crawford, 21, of Columbus; Miss Tennessee Hailey Laine Brown, 25, of Franklin; Miss Indiana Brittany Mason, 21, of Anderson; and Miss Florida Jessica Rafalowski, 22, of DeLand. Also making the first cut to the top fifteen were: Miss Minnesota Kaylee Unverzagt, 20, of Eagan; Miss Rhode Island Amy Diaz, 23, of Johnston; Miss South Carolina Jamie Hill, 24; Miss California Raquel Beezley, 21, of Barstow; and Miss Utah Julia Marie Bachison, 24, of North Ogden. The pageant tried to showed off its edge, featuring a grinding live rock performance by the band Finger Eleven, music from Rihanna, and contestants in black bikinis and faux-fur coats during their swimsuit competition. Miss Alaska USA, Courtney Erin Carroll, was chosen Miss Photogenic based on voting at the organization's Web site. The delegates voted and named Miss Ohio USA, Monica Day, Miss Congeniality. MC's for this year's event are Donny and Marie Osmond. "Nothing could be better than two iconic hosts, a 'paralyzing' performance and world class judges in Las Vegas with the hottest women in the country," said Shugart. "A perfect combination that will make this live telecast the sexiest and most exciting in our 57 year history!" The judges are: Heather Mills, contestant on season four of "Dancing With the Stars"; Rob Schneider, star of "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry"; Joey Fatone, host of "The Singing Bee"; Kristian Alfonso, entrepreneur and star of NBC's "Days of our Lives"; Olympic gold-medal swimmer Amanda Beard; Christian Siriano, this season's winner of Bravo's hit show "Project Runway"; San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman; celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves; Kelly Carlson, star of "Nip/Tuck"; and Vanity Fair's celebrity journalist George Wayne. Rock band Finger Eleven will perform their hit song "Paralyzer" live at this year's pageant. Following hitting number one on the rock and alternative charts, the song also became a crossover smash on the contemporary hit radio charts, selling over two million digital downloads and 500,000 ring tones. Preliminary Judges were: Creative Director for Nina Footwear Corp. Bob Webber, General Manager for KVBC TV 3 Lisa Howfield, Nevada Cancer Institute Board Member Sandy Mecca, KVBC TV 3 Entertainment Reporter Alicia Jacobs, Entrepreneur Charles Nabit, Vice President of Pepsi-Cola Client Services at Genesco Sports Enterprises (GSE) David Dzanis, Best Buddies Vice President of Talent Relations Mark Wylie. More information about Crystle Stewart
This was Crystle's fifth try to win the title of Miss Texas USA and go on to the Miss USA pageant. She was the first runner up in 2007 and 2006, thrid runner up in 2005, and a semifinalist in 2003. An interesting note: she is the second woman of color to win the Miss Texas USA title and go on to win the Miss USA title as well. THe first was Chelsi Smith. Interesting that they both have the same initials-- CS! This striking green-eyed brunette is conscious of the responsibility of being in the public eye and of being a role model. She possesses a special empathy for teenagers and has developed the Inside Out Program for promoting adolescent character development and equipping young girls with the tools and resources to become productive young women. While she teaches the importance of good grooming, appropriateness of dress, posture and bearing, etiquette, and a healthy lifestyle, Crystle emphasizes that outer beauty must be balanced with inner strength of character and that true beauty comes from within. Her goals and plans for the future include authoring at least two books, one on adolescent character development and another about her own personal experiences as a pageant contestant and winner. With three generations of educators preceding her, she will continue her work with autistic children in the Fort Bend County Independent School District. She will also continue to help young people learn how to fulfill their potential and would like to be instrumental in developing a character education course for all students in Texas. In addition to being a business owner, teacher, motivator and public speaker, Crystle is a successful print and runway model for clients that include Academy Sports & Outdoors, Total Body, Onyx, Gloss, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and many others. In December 2007, she will graduate with a degree in Consumer Science and Merchandising from the University of Houston. A believer in community service, Crystle has lent her support to the Trey Rice Education Fund, Get Tough Project, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Fort Bend County, and Fort Bend County Women’s Center, her Church Hospitality Committee, and others.
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| Miss USA 2008 Delegates |
Alabama
Keisha Walding
of Dothan
Oct. 27, 2007
Samford University; Area of Study - Graduate, Biology and Communication Studies
Occup:Pharmecutical Rep
24,
Fourth Try (1st RU '07, 3rd RU '05, T 10 '04)
(5'10)
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Alaska
Courtney Eryn Carroll
of Fairbanks
Dec. 7, 2007
University of Alaska - Fairbanks - Political Science
25,
First Try (Miss World Eskimo-Indian Olympics '01)
(5'7)
Photogenic
|
Arizona
Kimberly Ann Joiner
of Gilbert
Arizona State University - BA, Special Education
22,
First Try
(5'8)
|
Arkansas
Rachel Dianne Howells
of Alma
Nov. 25, 2007
University of Arkansas--Fayetteville - Senior, Biology / Pre-Pharmacy
21,
First Try (4 times in AR-MAO))
(5'10)
|
California
Raquel Beezley
of Barstow
Nov. 25, 2007
Barstow Community College - AA, Humanities
21,
Second Try, 2nd RU '07
(5'8)
T 15
|
Colorado
Beckie Hughes
of Grand Junction
Oct. 28, 2007
Unified Technical Education Center - Fashion Design
Occup:Entrepreneur
21,
Fourth Try (SF '07, SF '06, 4th RU '05)(CO Teen USA T 10 ''04, Ret '03)
(5'9)
|
Connecticut
Jacqueline Honulik
of Fairfield
University of Scranton - Senior, Political Science / History
21,
Second Try (T 15 '05)
(5'8)
|
Delaware
Vincenza Carrieri-Russo
of Newark
Nov. 25, 2007
University of Delaware - Junior, English
Success Won't Wait, Inc.
Occup:family restaurant, Cosimos Pizza
23,
First Try (DE-MAO T 10 '07 and '06, Ret '04, '03)
(5'7)
|
District of Columbia
Chelsey Rodgers
of District of Columbia
Dec. 4, 2007
Howard University School of Law - Juris Doctorate 2008
24,
First Try (DC-MAO 1st RU '07, '06)
(5'8)
|
Florida
Jessica Rafalowski
of DeLand
Jul. 14, 2007
Stetson University - Senior, Marketing and Psychology
22,
First Try
(5'10)
T 10
|
Georgia
Amanda Kozak
of Warner Robbins
Nov. 10, 2007
Valdosta State University - BS, Early Childhood Education
Big Brothers Big Sisters
23,
First Try (Miss GA MAO '07, 2nd RU Miss MAO '07)
(5'10)
|
Hawaii
Jonelle Layfield
of Kane'ohe
Dec. 16, 2007
University of Hawaii at Manoa - Kinesiology
20,
First Try
(5'10)
|
Idaho
Tracey Brown
of Post Falls
Oct. 27, 2007
Whitworth College - Communications and Political science
Hope Project
21,
First Try (Idaho MAO 2005, Idaho's Jr. Miss 2004)
(5'9)
|
Illinois
Shanon Lersch
of Chicago
Nov. 18, 2007
DePaul University - MA, Sociology & Communications
25,
Fifth Try (T 17 '07, 3rd RU '06, SF '05, SF '04)(IL Teen USA T 10 '01, 4th RU '00)
(5'10)
|
Indiana
Brittany Mason
of Anderson
Nov. 3, 2007
Ball State University - Graduate, International Business
21,
Teen Model of the USA 2004
(5' 10)
T 10
|
Iowa
Abbey Curran
of Davenport
Nov. 25, 2007
St. Ambrose University - Public Relations
20,
First Try
(5'5)
|
Kansas
Michelle Gillespie
of Mission Hills
Dec. 16, 2007
Southern Methodist University - BA, Broadcast Journalism
22,
First Try
(5'11)
|
Kentucky
Alysha Harris
Jan. 6, 2008
University of Kentucky - Communication Disorders
Occup:Nanny
20,
New
(5'4)
|
Louisiana
Michelle Berthelot
of Hammond
Nov. 10, 2007
Southeastern Louisiana University - Graduate, Biology / Nursing
Occup:Model / Actress /Oxygen Fit - Radio Show Co-host
24,
Third Try (T 10 '06, 3rd RU '05, Model Universe 2005, Miss LA United States 2003)
(5'6)
|
Maine
Kaetlin Parent
of Van Buren
Nov. 25, 2007
Saint Joseph's College of Maine - Communications / Journalism
20,
Second Try (1st RU '07, ME Teen USA '05)
(5'8)
|
Maryland
Cassandra Tressler
of Damascus
Sep. 29, 2007
Coastal Carolina University - BA, Political Science & Spanish
22,
Third Try (1st RU '07, T15 '06)
(5'9)
|
Massachusetts
Jacqueline Bruno
of Assonet,
Nov. 18, 2007
Boston College - BS, Broadcast Journalism / Political Science
23,
Second Try (2nd RU '07; Mass Teen USA '03, 3rd RU Teen USA '03)
(5'10)
T 10
|
Michigan
Elizabeth Crawford
of Detroit
Sep. 22, 2007
Texas A&M Kingsville - Political Science / Mass Communications
25,
Fifth Try (3rd RU '07; TX-USA 04-06)
(5'8)
|
Minnesota
Kaylee Unverzagt
of Eagan
Nov. 25, 2007
University of Minnesota - Journalism / Public Relations / Advertising
20,
First Try (MI Teen USA 1st ru '06)
(5'10)
T 15
|
Mississippi
Leah Laviano
of Ellisville
Oct. 13, 2007
Jones County Junior College - English
20,
First Try (MS Teen USA 1st RU '06)
(5'4)
1st RU
|
Missouri
Candice Crawford
of Columbus
Nov. 10, 2007
University of Missouri-Columbia - Junior, Broadcast Journalism
21,
Second Try (1st RU '06; TX Teen USA - 3rd RU '05, '03)
(5'8)
T 10
|
Montana
Tori Wanty
of Shelby
Oct. 14, 2007
University of Montana - Human Nutrition
21,
Second Try (1st RU '07)
(5'4)
|
Nebraska
Micaela Johnson
of Omaha
Oct. 28, 2007
University of Nebraska at Omaha - Junior, Communications and Broadcasting
Occup:Actress, Former Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader
23,
First Try
(5'5)
|
Nevada
Veronica Grabowski
of Henderson
Oct. 5, 2007
University of St. Thomas - BA, Liberal Arts / International Studies / Psychol
23,
SecondTry (Petite Intl '03, TX USA SF '07)
(5'6)
|
New Hampshire
Breanne Silvi
Oct. 20, 2007
George Mason University - BA, Communications / Public Relations / Theatre
Occup:Bartender
24,
First Try (Miss Hampton Beach '03)
(5'4)
|
New Jersey
Tiffany Andrade
of Linden
Oct. 21, 2007
Wagner College - B.S., Nursing
Occup:RN, Pediatric ICU
22,
Third Try (3rd RU '07 and '06, NJ Teen USA 1st RU '03)
(5'5)
2nd RU
|
New Mexico
Raelene Aguilar
of Sunland Park
Dec. 16, 2007
The University of Texas at El Paso - BA, Communications & Public Relations
26,
First Try (NM Teen USA '00)
(5'8)
|
New York
Danielle Roundtree
Nov. 25, 2007
The American Musical and Dramatic Academy - Musical Theatre
20,
Second Try (FL USA NF '07)
(5'11)
|
North Carolina
Andrea Duke
of Saluda
Oct. 27, 2007
University of Florida - MS, Business Management
26,
Second Try (T 10 '07, 1st RU NC-MAO '06)
(5'11)
|
North Dakota
Stephanie Tollefson
of New Rockford
Nov. 25, 2007
University of Mary - Bismarck - Biology / Chemistry
21,
First Try
(5'8)
|
Ohio
Monica Day Boggs
of Whitehall
Dec. 1, 2007
Columbus Sate Community College - Business
Occup:Traffic and entertainment reporter for NBC / Columbus, OH
25,
Fourth Try, (SF '04, '03, Ret '02, OH Teen USA T 5 '00)
(5'9)
Miss Congeniality
|
Oklahoma
Lindsey Jo Harrington
of Frederick
Dec. 2, 2007
Oklahoma State University - Senior, Speech / Language pathology
22,
First Try
(5'10)
3rd RU
|
Oregon
Mary Lee Horch
of Corvallis
Nov. 25, 2007
Oregon State University - BS, Business Marketing
24,
Second Try (2nd RU '07)
(5'9)
|
Pennsylvania
LauRen Merola
of Pittsburgh
Nov. 17, 2007
Broward College - Broadcasting
23,
Third Try ( FL & PA MAO and FL USA SF '06 and '03, FL Teen USA 4th RU '02, T10 '00)
(5'8)
4th RU
|
Rhode Island
Amy Diaz
of Johnston
Sep. 22, 2007
Barry University - MA, Business Administration / Sport Management
23,
Second Try (FL USA 3rd RU '07, RI Teen USA '01)
(5'6)
T 15
|
South Carolina
Jamie Hill
Nov. 17, 2007
University of South Carolina - BA, Advertising / Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism M
24,
First Try
(5'6)
T 15
|
South Dakota
Charlie Buhler
of Mitchell
Nov. 11, 2007
University of Notre Dame - Sophomore, Film, Theatre, and Television (FTT) / A
Take Ten
20,
Second Try (2nd RU '07, SD Teen USA SF '05)
(5'5)
|
Tennessee
Hailey Laine Brown
of Franklin
Oct. 6, 2007
University of Tennessee at Martin - BS, Biology/Pre-medicine and Chemistry
Occup:Sales consultant for PSS World Medical Inc
25,
Second Try (2nd RU '06)
(5'9)
T 10
|
Texas
Crystle Stewart
of Missouri City
Jul. 1, 2007
University of Houston - Consumer Science and Merchandising
Occup:Model and Student
26,
Fifth Try (1st RU '07, 1st RU '06, 3rd RU '05, SF '03)
(5'9)
Winner
|
Utah
Julia Marie Bachison
of North Ogden
Oct. 13, 2007
Weber State University - Broadcast Journalism
24,
First Try (UT MAO '05, Prelim SS Miss America '06)
(5'7)
T 15
|
Vermont
Kim Tantlinger
of Burlington
Nov. 25, 2007
University of Vermont - Nutrition and Food Science
22,
Second Try (T 10 '04, VT Teen USA 2nd RU '03)
(5'7)
|
Virginia
Victoria (Tori) Marie Hall
of Midlothian
Oct. 14, 2007
University of Kentucky - Marketing
21,
First Try (Miss Virginia Teen USA 2005, Top 10, Miss Teen USA 2005)
(5'8)
|
Washington
Michelle Font
of Renton
Nov. 11, 2007
University of Washington - BS, Forest Resources
26,
Second Try (3rd RU '07, nternational Queen of the Pacific '04, Miss Washington Belleza Latina '05)
(5'7)
|
West Virginia
Skylene Montgomery
of Parkersburg
Oct. 7, 2007
St. Mary's School of Nursing - BS, Nursing
Occup:Nurse
22,
First Try
(5'7)
|
Wisconsin
Michelyn Butler
of Madison
Sep. 22, 2007
University of Wisconsin - PhD candidate, Psychology
25,
First Try (1st RU WI-MAO '07)
(5'8)
|
Wyoming
Cassie Shore
of Casper
Oct. 19, 2007
University of Wyoming - Laramie, - Senior, Biology / Pre-Med
22,
Second Try (1st RU '06)
(5'5)
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