Two pageant contestants inched a little closer Saturday toward the chance to become Miss America.

Heather Pate, 18, of Chicora was named 2005 Miss Butler County America and Darcie Bell, 23, of East Brady was named 2005 Miss Moraine State America during pageants at Butler County Community College.

The 22nd Miss Butler County America and the 9th Miss Moraine State America pageants were held jointly at BC3's Succop Theater.

Both young women will go on to compete in the Miss Pennsylvania America pageant June 23 to July 2 near Allentown. The winner of that pageant will compete for the Miss America crown.Also acknowledged in the Miss Butler County America pageant were Jo Marie Rankin, 18, of Butler, first runner-up; Katie Keck, 18, of Butler, second runner-up; and Lauren DiMaria, 19, of Cranberry Township, third runner-up.Titled "I Go to Work," the joint event was emceed by Sheena Hollinger, 2004 Miss Butler County America; and Jessica Megliss, 2004 Miss Moraine State America.Acknowledged in the Miss Moraine State America pageant were Lucy Hazelet, 18, of Indiana, first runner-up; Amy Swonger, 19, of Saegertown, second runner-up; and Sonja McCord, 24, of Monroeville, third runner-up.

Candidates were judged in the categories of interview, talent, swimsuit, presence and poise, and on-stage interview. There were 10 Miss Butler contestants and 11 Miss Moraine contestants.The winner of each title will receive $1,000 in scholarships, plus other prizes. First runners-up will receive $400, second runners-up will receive $200, and third runners-up will receive $100 in scholarship prizes.<br></br>

Pate is a freshman at Westminster College. She hopes to earn a master's degree before beginning a career in education. Her talent performance consisted of a vocal presentation of "A Little Brains, A Little Talent." She is the daughter of Kenneth and Cynthia Pate of Chicora.Bell, who is a graduate of Slippery Rock University, plans to work as a music teacher. Her talent performance consisted of a vocal presentation of "Fair Robin my Love." She is the daughter of Thomas and Dorinda Aigner.