Best of Luck to the Miss Ohio Valley Program!

This evening at the Masonic Temple in Steubenville Brandi Herceg will crown the thirteenth and sadly the final Miss Ohio Valley. Brandi is a dancer who attends Franciscan University; although I could have posted a more glamorous picture of her, I love a contestant who has a McCrown shot!

According to The Harold Star, this will be an impressive program with "Kelly Townsend-Rostic, a founder of the pageant; Townsend-Rostic's mother, Jacquelyn Mayer, who was crowned Miss America in 1963; and country vocalist Shannon Woodward. Serving as emcees will be state Sen. Jason Wilson, D-Columbiana; his wife Leah; and Ross Gallabrese, managing editor of the Herald-Star." THIS ARTICLE goes on to say that over the past thirteen years Miss Ohio Valley has given away more than $170,000 in scholarships!

Eight women will vie for Brandi's title; they are:

Alicia Huyghe is a 20 year old dancer. Her platform is "keeping our planet green and going green;" she attends Cleveland State and competes often.

23 year old Ashley Pesta promotes preventive treatment of cancer. She is a dancer and graduate of Duquesne University. Last year at this pageant she won the Swimsuit Award.

Carissa Cook is 23; her platform is Organ Donation and she is also a dancer. She's an Ohio University alum and graduate student at Ashland Theological Seminary. Carissa held the Miss Ohio Valley title and competed at Miss Ohio in 05/06. You may be wondering if she's allowed to compete for the same title again; as I understand it, it's up to each local E.D.

Kristen Haas attends Bowling Green State University. She's a 22 year old dancer who encourages women to prevent heart disease by maintaining lifelong physical fitness. She is looking for her fourth trip to Miss Ohio, having been Miss Chillicothe, Miss Maumee Valley and placing in the Top 10 this year as Miss North Coast.

Nicole Fortunato is 19; her platform is the American Cancer Society. I have limited information about her and no picture, but Facebook says she attends 'CSCC.' Columbus State Community College perhaps?

I know even less about Vincenzina Tsouris; she's no where on the web, which is good considering she's 17! She's a Steubenville resident who, according to the local paper,"hopes to promote dance in education."

Finally, a confirmed singer! Krystle Formosa advocates "Serving Children for a Better Tomorrow." She attends Kent State University. This 22 year old is looking for her second title, having competed at Miss Ohio this past year as Miss South Central Ohio.

Audree Porter, 17, is a Steubenville High School senior. Her platform is Organ Donation. I don't know her talent, but this teeny tiny Facebook picture sure is pretty!

The pageant will begin at 6 p.m. Best of luck to everyone!