Miss Nevada pageant to be held in Carson City

The Plaza Center in Carson City will host this year's Miss Nevada Pageant, a competition focused more on scholarships than beauty, said Brenda Willey, executive director of the Miss Nevada Organization.

"Last year the Miss America Pageant offered more than $45 million in scholarships," she said. "They're the world's largest provider of scholarships for young women."

Twelve women from around the state have been chosen to compete for the title.

The competitions are work for the participants, but many events designed for fun, including a special concert and fund-raiser at Caesar's Tahoe, are woven into the busy week, Willey said.

The contestants and staff, which will include five hostesses, directors and photographers, will be guests of the Plaza from June 27 through July 3.

Plaza owner Mike Millard donated 29 rooms for the pageant, which he estimates will bring 200 to 300 visitors to Carson City.

"The competition is good for all local businesses," Millard said.

Millard said Mayor Ray Masayko did the footwork necessary to bring the pageant here, but Willey saw the decision in a slightly different light.

"The current Miss Nevada, Christina O'Neil, suggested Carson City," Willey said. "She's a music teacher at Seeliger Elementary."

A private interview will comprise 40 percent of each competitor's score and another 30 percent will be earned in the talent competition.

Lifestyle and fitness, evening wear and the overall score categories make up another 10 percent each.

The competition precedes the Miss America Pageant, to be held in Atlanta in September.

Competitions preceding the last night are closed to the public, but the public is invited Saturday for the pageant at the Carson City Community Center at 3 p.m. July 3.

Nevada is on the list of states that have not produced a Miss America.

Cheryle Jeanne Thompson, Miss Nevada 1964, was the first from Nevada to break into the top 10 circle.

Miss Nevada 1972, Joan Burachio, was a semifinalist and Stacie James was in the top five in 1988, when she was second runner-up to Kaye Lani Rae Rafko.

The most recent was Teresa Benitez, the third runner-up in 2002 to Erika Harold. Benitez was also the Quality of Life winner.

The first Miss America Pageant was held in Atlantic City in 1921 and the scholarship foundation was established in 1945.

Contact Susie Vasquez at svasquez@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.

If you go

What: Miss Nevada Pageant

When: 3 p.m. July 3

Where: Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Tickets: $30 for reserved VIP seating and $20 for general seating; $25 for the Awards Gala Reception immediately following

Order online: www.missnevada.org