Pageant Press: Delphos teen wins crown!

The following article is from the Lima News; they do have a photo accompanying it, but at this time it's the same behind-the-scenes shot they used last year. ;)

LIMA- After five years of the contest, its charm still draws a thunderous applause from its many supporters and spectators.

And that's probably why wearing the Miss West Central Ohio crown carries such prestige.

This years winner of the contest Saturday night: Victoria Miller, of Delphos.

Leslie Townsend, organizer of the 2008 Miss West Central Ohio contest, said this year's event was another success Saturday night at Lima's Veterans Memorial Civic Center.

"It's great," she said backstage, during the event. "It's going well. The best part about all this is we're giving away $40,000 cash in scholarships."

Townsend said the 13 young women competing have a chance to go on to the Miss Ohio and Miss America pageants.

Last year's winner, Shannon O'Neill, told the contestants and crowd about the blessings and importance of being Miss West Central Ohio.

O'Neill also placed in the top 12 of Miss Ohio last month, which is why organizers say the event continues to grow.

Runners-up this year were, in order: Kristy Moneysmith, of Union City; Lauren Hogan of Bowling Green State University; and Megan Wooley, of Lima.

The event this year drew 189 people, which is more than last year, according to George Dunsta of the Civic Center.

"We are having more people each year," he said. "This event is successful.

* Note, Lauren Hogan is a graduate of BGSU, currently residing in Napolean.