Miss America 2009 contests Bio-grapy and photo

Amanda Tapley
Birmingham, Alabama
Age: 20
Education:
Briar Wood High School
Samford University
Platform Issue: Music For A Cure:Research for Pediatric Illnesses
Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a degree in medicine
Talent: Piano
Scholastic Honors: 2008 Winner - Concerto - Aria Competition; Beeson Exceptional Scholar; School of Performing Arts Outstanding Freshman Music Major

Career Ambition: To pursue a career as a Pediatric Oncologist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Samford University

Stephany Jeffers
Anchorage, Alaska
Age: 23

Education:
Grace Christian High School
Whitworth College
Platform Issue: Yes, I Can: Improv to Improve
Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Botany
Talent: Vocal
Scholastic Honors: Magna Cum Laude Graduate; Five-year MAO Academic Award Winner; High School Valedictorian

Career Ambition: To become a botanical researcher

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Birchwood Pageant

Erin Brittany Nurss
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Age: 23

Education:
Buena High School
University of Arizona
University of Arizona College of Public Health

Platform Issue: Healthy Habits: Promoting Health and Wellness in Youth

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's Degree in Public Health

Talent: Lyrical Dance

Scholastic Honors: Cum Laude Graduate; Outstanding Senior for UA Nutrition Department; Southern Arizona Dietetic Association Outstanding Graduate

Career Ambition: To work as a Public Health Nutritionist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Tucson Valley

Ashlen Batson
Newark, Arkansas
Age: 21

Education:
Newark High School
University of Central Arkansas

Platform Issue: Afterschool Alliance: Encouraging Youth Involvement in Extracurricular Activities

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Speech Pathology

Talent: Flute

Scholastic Honors: Martha Anderson Scholarship; Honors College; Presidential Scholars List

Career Ambition: To become a Speech Pathologist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Spirit of Arkansas

 

Jackie Geist
Vacaville, California
Age: 22

Education:
Vacaville High School
California State University of Sacramento

Platform Issue: Saving for the Future

Scholastic Ambition: To receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance

Talent: Ballet en Pointe

Scholastic Honors: Lifetime Member of CSF; Top 5 finalist- Solano College Speech Tournament; Dean's List

Career Ambition: Personal Finance Planner

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Hollywood

Jamie Dukehart-Conti
Arvada, Colorado
Age: 23

Education:
Ralson Valley High School
Colorado State University

Platform Issue: Investing in Miracles: Changing Lives with Change

Scholastic Ambition: To attend graduate school and pursue teaching

Talent: Jazz Dance

Career Ambition: To have my own first grade classroom

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Broomfield

Ashley Christina Glenn
Hamden, Connecticut
Age: 23

Education:
Williston High School
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University

Platform Issue: The Lebed Method: Focus on Healing Through Movement and Dance

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy

Scholastic Honors: Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.9); Mark Tantorski Memorial Award 2008; Outstanding Junior Award

Career Ambition: To work in pediatrics, and open my own clinic

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Shoreline

 

 

 

Galen Giaccone
Wyoming, Delaware
Age: 20

Education:
Dover High School
University of Delaware

Platform Issue: Dental Outreach

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Dental Surgery

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: Graduated in the Top 10 of High School class; Tri Beta Honors Society; Deans List at the University of Delaware

Career Ambition: To become a general dentist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Diamond State Organization

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Delaware Organization

 

Kate Marie Grinold Washington, District of Columbia
Age: 23

Education:
Emerson Institute
George Washington University

Platform Issue: Raising Awareness of Human Trafficking

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Juris Doctorate

Talent: Contemporary Ballet

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List; National Society of Collegiate Scholars; Emerson Institute 2003 Valedictorianv

Career Ambition: To practice International Law

Sierra Minott
Fort Myers, Florida
Age: 20

Education:
Fort Myers High School
Palm Beach Atlantic University

Platform Issue: Inspiring Youth to Believe and Achieve

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology

Talent: Theater Style Dance

Scholastic Honors: President's List- PBAU for 4.0 GPA; PBAU Achievement Award; National Honor Society; Florida Academic Scholars Award; International Baccalaureate Diploma

Career Ambition: To become a school psychologist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Palm Beach County

 

 

 

Chasity Hardman
Columbus, Georgia
Age: 24

Education:
Shaw High School
Georgia State University
Platform Issue: Boys & Girls Club of America: DREAMing Through Music

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Music Education

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Hope Scholarship; University Scholar; Music Foundation Scholarship

Career Ambition: To serve as the Chief Music Officer for a church

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Capital City


Nicole Fox
Honolulu, Hawaii
Age: 23

Education:
Santa Clara High School
Santa Clara University

Platform Issue: Reach your PEAK

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Masters degree in Education Administration

Talent: Tahitian Otea

Scholastic Honors: Recipient of the PICA Scholarship; Recipient of the Margaret Ivey Memorial Scholarship

Career Ambition: To become a teacher

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Island Oahu

 

Elise Davis
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Age: 20

Education:
Skyline High School
Brigham Young University

Platform Issue: Sharing Strength - Creating Character: Mentoring our Communities Youth

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a degree in Communications

Talent: Classical Vocal

Scholastic Honors: John Einar Anderson Scholarship; Brigham Young University Freshman Scholarship; Graduated High School Summa Cum Laude

Career Ambition: To work at an advertising firm and eventually do advertising and public relations for non-profit organizations

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Idaho Falls

 

 

 

Katie Lorenz
Chicago, Illinois
Age: 24

Education:
Plymouth Canton High School
University of Michigan
Loyola University - Chicago

Platform Issue: Volunteerism with idealist.org

Talent: Lyrical Dance

Scholastic Honors: Order of Omega National Honor Society; Deans List

Career Ambition: To work in the non-profit industry in a senior marketing position

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Chicago

 

Katie R. Stam
Seymour, Indiana
Age: 22

Education:
Seymour High School
University of Indianapolis

Platform Issue: Passion for Service: Promoting Community Service and Involvement

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor's degree in Communication

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: 1st Place IASB News Anchor; 1st Place IASB News Reporter; Elisa Bowen Outstanding Student in Television Award

Career Ambition: To become a television news reporter and anchor

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant

Olivia Myers
Sperry, Iowa
Age: 22

Education:
Mediapolis High school
University of Iowa

Platform Issue: Teaching Tolerance: Fostering a Just and Caring Culture from the Classroom Out

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Educational Policy and Leadership

Talent: Tap Dance

Scholastic Honors: President's List; Rhodes Dunlap Collegiate Scholarship; Writing Fellow for UIniversity of Iowa Honors Program

Career Ambition: To become a secondary social studies teacher and eduactional policy maker

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Burlington Scholarship Program, Inc.

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Iowa Scholarship Program


Emily Deaver
Augusta, Kansas
Age: 19

Education:
Augusta High School
Wichita State University

Platform Issue: Crossroads of Abuse and Addiction: The Road Less Traveled

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Composition
Talent: Vocal & Piano

Scholastic Honors: Dean's Honor Roll

Career Ambition: To compose, conduct, teach and perform

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Augusta Pageant

Emily Ann Cox
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Age: 22

Education:
Taylor County High
University of Kentucky

Platform Issue: Uniquely Me: Promoting Self-Esteem in Adolescent Girls

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Pharmacy

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: University of Kentucky Dean's List; Tri-Beta Honors Society; Order of Omega Honors Society

Career Ambition: To become a clinical pharmacist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Bowling Green

 

Blair Abene
Hammond, Louisiana
Age: 22

Education:
St. Thomas Aquinas
Southeastern Louisiana University
Platform Issue: T.A.R.T. "Tourettes Awareness Reaching Teens"

Scholastic Ambition: To graduate with a Master's Degree in Vocal Performance

Talent: Vocal
Scholastic Honors: President's List for all ten semesters of attendance; Member of SLU's "13 Club" Honor Society for Seniors; SLU"S "Green S Award" for academics & character

Career Ambition: To become a professional classical singer or TV journalist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Lincoln Parish

 

Adrienne Leigh Watkinson
Topsham, Maine
Age: 23

Education:
Walnut Hill High School
The Cleveland Institute of Music
DePaul University School of Music

Platform Issue: The Healing Power of Music

Talent: Violin

Career Ambition: To become a performing orchestral violinist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Maine Organization

 

 

Louise Schlegel
Silver Spring, Maryland
Age: 20

Education:
James Hubert Blake High School
University of Maryland - Baltimore

Platform Issue: Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption: End the Wait

Scholastic Ambition: Bachelor of Fine Arts

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List; Four-year Linehan Artist Scholar; 2008 UMBC Outstanding Performing Award Recipient

Career Ambition: To become a performer

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Allegany County Scholarship Organization


Alicia Zitka
West Springfield, Massachusetts
Age: 22

Education:
West Springfield High School
University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Platform Issue: Building Self Confidence in Children

Scholastic Ambition: To receive a graduate degree in Broadcast Journalism

Talent: Lyrical Dance

Scholastic Honors: Arts Council Scholarship of Massachusetts; Dance Convention Scholarship of the Arts

Career Ambition: To become a Broadcast Journalist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Hampton County Scholarship Pageant

 

 

 

 

Ashlee Baracy
Westland, Michigan
Age: 23

Education:
John Glenn High School
University of Michigan
Eastern Michigan University

Platform Issue: Breast Cancer Awareness and Education

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications

Talent: Jazz Dance
Scholastic Honors: University Honors; National Dean's List; U of M's "A-maiz-ing Student" (Ann Harbor News)

Career Ambition: To become an Anchor/Health Reporter - Top 10 Television Market

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Wayne County

Angela McDermott
Austin, Minnesota
Age: 24

Education:
Austin High School
University of Minnesota - Duluth

Platform Issue: Higher Education: Journey to Your Dreams

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Chamber of Commerce Access Scholarship

Career Ambition: To work in the public relations or event planning fields

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Twin Cities

 

 

Christine Kozlowski
D'lberville, Mississippi
Age: 19

Education:
D'lberville High School
University of Southern Mississippi

Platform Issue: D.A.N.C.E - Diabetes Advocated Nourishing Children's Education
Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics

Talent: Jazz Dance

Scholastic Honors: Luckyday Scholarship; Academic Excellence Scholarship; High School Salutatorian

Career Ambition: To become a Registered Dietician

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Gulf Coast Scholarship Pageant

 

 

Lacey Fitzgerald
Richmond, Missouri
Age: 24

Education:
Richmond High School
Northwest Missouri State University

Platform Issue: Big Brothers Big Sisters - Mentoring Advocacy

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Business Administration

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Who's Who's Among American College Students; Dean's List; Blue Key National Honor Society

Career Ambition: To become a medical sales representative in pharmaceuticals

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Gateway to the West

Jennifer Lynn Hepner
Great Falls, Montana
Age: 23

Education:
Charles M. Russell High School
University of Montana
University of Montana

Platform Issue: Beyond the Bell: Afterschool Programs for America's Youth

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a PhD in Communication Studies

Talent: Raqs Sharqi Dance
Scholastic Honors: Graduated with high honors; Graduated as "University Scholar" through UM's Honors Program; Department of Communications Outstanding Senior

Career Ambition: To teach as a professor of communication studies

Gretchen Bergquist
Oxford, Nebraska
Age: 22

Education:
Christian Liberty High School
University of Nebraska - Kearney
Platform Issue: "The Giving Habit"- Bolstering Our Nations' Blood Supply

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Nebraska State Youth Council; Aksarben Ambassador; Lambda Pi Eta

Career Ambition: To become an Occupational Therapist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Alliance/Miss Panhandle

Julianna Erdesz
Reno, Nevada
Age: 24

Education:
ICDA Charter High School
American Musical & Dramatic Academy
The New School University

Platform Issue: "ArtsReach" at Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Drama

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Received $20,000 audition-based scholarship to AMDA; Deans List while a student at the University of Nevada Reno; Earned $10,000 Government Millennium Scholarship

Career Ambition: To become a Broadway performer

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Carson City


Natalie C. Shaw
Manchester, New Hampshire
Age: 23

Education:
Central High School
Plymouth State University

Platform Issue: Hunger Relief and Awareness

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Vocal Performance

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Cum Laude Graduate; President's List

Career Ambition: To own a music studio, and to become a professional performer

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Hooksett Scholarship Program

 

Ashley Fairfield
Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
Age: 22

Education:
Egg Harbor Township High School
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

Platform Issue: Habitat for Humanity

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Performing Arts

Talent: Jazz Dance

Scholastic Honors: Who's Who Among American High School Students; Dean's List Recipient; Who's Who Among American Colleges/Universities

Career Ambition: To dance as a Radio City Rockette

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Columbus Day Scholarship Pageant

 

Christina Olmi
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Age: 24

Education:
Sandia High School
Central New Mexico University

Platform Issue: DWI- MADD at the aftermath

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Communications

Talent: Vocal
Scholastic Honors: Scholarship to MADD National Conference; "Bridge to Success"- 4th time interview winner and talent winner in Miss New Mexico Preliminary Pageants

Career Ambition: To create a program for high school students that will assist in planning for college and career guidance. To host a world traveling TV show, or a talk show. To record a music CD

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Albuquerque

 

 

Leigh-Taylor Smith
New York City, New York
Age: 22

Education:
Hampton Roads Academy
University of Virginia

Platform Issue: Voices For Change: Empowerment Through Service

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Fine Arts

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List

Career Ambition: To become an Interior Designer

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Brooklyn

 

Amanda Lauren Watson
Raleigh, North Carolina
Age: 21

Education:
Wakefield High School
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Platform Issue: Making ALS History, One Person at a Time

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate of Musical Arts

Talent: Vocal
Scholastic Honors: Accepted into the Corso Internazianale di Musica, a Tuscania, Italy-based on academic excellence and vocal performance; Recipient of UNC-Chapel Hill career services "Ambassador for the Arts" Scholarship

Career Ambition: To become a collegiate professor of vocal music

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Garner Scholarship Pageant Association

Tessie Jones
West Fargo, North Dakota
Age: 21

Education:
West Fargo High School
Minnesota State University - Moorhead
Platform Issue: Life Awareness: Improving Mental Health & Preventing Suicide
Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art & Design - Photography

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: Honors Apprentice Scholar; Special Honors Student; National Pre-Teen Scholarship Winner

Career Ambition: To operate and own a photography business

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Dickinson/Miss Badlands

State Competition Sponsor: Miss North Dakota Scholarship Organization

Karissa Renee' Martin
Woodsfield, Ohio
Age: 20

Education:
Homeschooled
West Liberty State College

Platform Issue: Skin Cancer Prevention for the Next Generation

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor's degree in Music/Theatre Communications

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Elbin Scholar; Dean's List; Honors Program

Career Ambition: To perform on Broadway

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Clayland

 

 

Kelsey Cartwright
Collinsville, Oklahoma
Age: 21

Education:
Collinsville High School
Oklahoma City University

Platform Issue: The Need to Know - Discovering Your Past

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Management

Talent: Lyrical Dance
Scholastic Honors: Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society; National Dean’s List; Margaret E. Petree Memorial Scholarship

Career Ambition: To own a dance studio

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Keystone Lake Pageant

 

Danijela Krstic
Beaverton, Oregon
Age: 24

Education:
Sunset High School
Oregon Institute of Technology

Platform Issue: Every Child Deserves a Healthy Tomorrow

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Education and Public Health

Talent: Belly Dance

Scholastic Honors: OIT President's List; Diversity and Leadership Scholarship; 2006 Academic Achievement Scholarship

Career Ambition: To pursue a career as a dental hygiene instructor and clinical assistant

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Tri-Valley Scholarship Program

 

Kendria Perry
Nazareth, Pennsylvania
Age: 23

Education:
N.C School of the Arts
N.C School of the Arts
Carnegie Mellon University
Platform Issue: "Art Works!" An Arts in Education Initiative Focused on 21st Century Workplace Readiness

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Masters degree in Arts Management

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: William Zimmerman Scholar; Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Scholarship Recipient; $40,000 Academic Scholarship to Carnegie Mellon

Career Ambition: To become a Director of Development for an arts organization

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Armstrong County

Francesca Simone
North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Age: 22

Education:
St. Mary Academy Bay View
Providence College
The Boston Conservatory

Platform Issue: Alzheimer's Disease Awareness

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate of Musical Arts

Talent: Classical Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List; Sigma Alpha lota; Who's Who Among Young American Professionals

Career Ambition: To be a leading soprano with the Metropolitan Opera

 

Anna Perry
Florence, South Carolina
Age: 23


Education:
Trinity Collegiate School
College of William and Mary

Platform Issue: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Cancer Center

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a medical degree

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: Deans List 2006-2007; National Society of Collegiate Scholars since 2004; Scholar Athlete 1999-2003

Career Ambition: To become a sports medicine doctor for college athletes

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Lexington Scholarship Program

 

Alexandra Hoffman
Eureka, South Dakota
Age: 20

Education:
Eureka High School
South Dakota State University

Platform Issue: Don't Risk It: Keep Sports Healthy

Scholastic Ambition: To graduate with a 3.8 GPA or better

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List

Career Ambition: To work for a television or news network

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss South Dakota State University / Miss Brookings

 

 

Ellen Carrington
Jackson, Tennessee
Age: 21

Education:
University School of Jackson
Union University

Platform Issue: Volunteer for Life

Scholastic Ambition: To pursue a degree in Music

Talent: Classical Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Academic Scholarship; Music Scholarship; Leadership Scholarship

Career Ambition: To Perform Classical Music and Opera

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Scenic City

Rebecca Robinson
Buffalo, Texas
Age: 24

Education:
Buffalo High School
Texas A&M University

Platform Issue: Breaking Boundaries with Bilingual Education

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Luso-Brazilian Literature

Talent: Tap Dance

Scholastic Honors: International Foreign Language Award in Spanish; Department of Hispanic Studies International Poetry Symposium; College of Liberal Arts Career Fair Host

Career Ambition: To become a translator for the United Nations

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Longview Organization

Kayla Barclay
Manti, Utah
Age: 18

Education:
Manti High School
Brigham Young University/Snow College

Platform Issue: Media Influence Awareness

Scholastic Ambition: To pursue a Masters degree in Social Work

Talent: Piano


Scholastic Honors: College GPA 3.7; Honor Student with a 3.987 GPA in High School; Member of National Honors Society

Career Ambition: To have my own practice and specialize in teen therapy

Local Competition Sponsor: Sanpete County

Ashley Ruth Wheeler
Lyndon, Vermont
Age: 21

Education:
Lyndon Institute
Saint Michael's College

Platform Issue: Political Awareness Among Young Voters

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Masters degree in International Studies

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Magna Cum Laude; Four years on Dean's List; Who's Who Among College students

Career Ambition: To lobby for a cause close to my heart

 

 

Shamika K. Thomas
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
Age: 23

Education:
Charlotte Amalie High School
University of the Virgin Islands

Platform Issue: Awareness and Prevention of HIV

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Masters degree in Dentistry/Public Health

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Rotary Club of Charlotte Amalie four-year Scholarship; 2007 Miss America Academic Award

Career Ambition: To pursue a career in Dentistry/Public Health

 

 

Tara Wheeler
Woodbridge, Virginia
Age: 24

Education:
Gar-Field High School
Pennsylvania State University
Regent University

Platform Issue: Empowering America's Youth

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's Degree in Broadcast Journalism

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Type-1 Air Force ROTC Scholarship Recipient

Career Ambition: To report or anchor for a television news station

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Arlington Pageant

 

Janet Harding
Yelm, Washington
Age: 21

Education:
Yelm High School
Western Washington University

Platform Issue: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Scholastic Ambition: Elementary Education; Double Major in Social Studies

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: Twin Star Credit Union Scholarship; Presidential Freedom Scholarship; Top Ten of Yelm High School 2005

Career Ambition: To become an elementary school teacher

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Tahoma (Washington State Sweeper Pageant)

 

Kayla Lynam
Short Gap, West Virginia
Age: 21

Education:
Frankfort High School
Grove City College

Platform Issue: F.I.T.T. Habits

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and begin working towards a Master's degree in Business Administration

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: Joseph Cicero Scholarship Recipient; Deans List; GCC 2008 Business Plan Competition Winner

Career Ambition: To become a Naval Nuclear Propulsion System Contract Specialist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Eastern Panhandle

Courtney Gifford
Sheridan, Wyoming
Age: 19
Education:
Sheridan High School
Sheridan Junior College
Platform Issue: Awareness of AD/HD and ADD
Scholastic Ambition: To Obtain a Bachelors Degree and graduate with a 4.0 GPA
Talent: Comedic Vocal
Scholastic Honors: Graduated from Sheridan Junior College with a 4.0 GPA; Member of Phi Thetea Kappa Honors Society; Presented artwork at the Sheridan Junior College Art Show Career Ambition: To help plan events for Non-Profit Organizations

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Sheridan College