Twenty young women will compete for the Miss Butler County USA title Nov. 20 during a pageant at the Butler Days Inn in Butler Township.

The local competition is an official preliminary to the Miss Pennsylvania USA Pageant, which leads to the nationally televised Miss USA Pageant. The Miss USA Pageant is part of the Miss Universe Organization.

Returning as master of ceremonies will be actor J. Eddie Peck of Los Angeles. Peck has starred in daytime serials "The Young and the Restless," "All My Children" and "Days of Our Lives." He has also appeared in prime time serials including "Dynasty," "Dallas," "Cheers" and various movies.

Peck also hosted the 1998 Miss USA Pageant, which received the highest rating in USA Pageant history, according to a pageant news release.

The pageant executive director is Marilyn E. Kane. Her daughter, Marilyn Kane, is the pageant coordinator.

Each contestant will appear on stage in an evening gown and one-piece swimsuit following one-on-one interviews with the judges prior to the pageant.

The winner will be crowned by the 2005 Miss Butler County USA, 21-year-old Amber Lang, daughter of Doug and Royce Lang of Cranberry Township.

Awards for the newly crowned winner will include a paid entry to the Miss Pennsylvania USA Pageant, a $500 shopping spree at the Prime Outlets in Springfield Township, Mercer County and various other goods and services.

Four runners-up will receive trophies. Semi-finalists will receive plaques. Miss Photogenic and Miss Amity awards will also be presented.

Cost to attend the pageant is $15. Tickets are available through contestants; the Marilyn E. Kane Modeling School, 110 Morgan Center; or by calling 724-287-0576 or 724-287-3576. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

This year's contestants include:Ashley Angresano, 18, is a senior at Seneca Valley High School, where she belongs to the graphic arts club and is listed on the honor roll. Ashley works at the Eat 'N' Park in Cranberry Township. She is the daughter of Paul Angresano of Renfrew and Victoria Angresano of Cranberry Township.Brooke Barclay, 18, is a 2005 Seneca Valley High School graduate and a freshman at Slippery Rock University. She is employed by Verizon Wireless in Cranberry Township. Brooke is the daughter of Don and Dana Barclay of Cranberry Township.

Jaci Begly, 16, is a junior at Seneca Valley High School, where she is on the honor roll. She is employed by Fun Fore All in Cranberry Township. Jaci is the daughter of Kevin Begly of Pittsburgh and Michele Begly of Cranberry Township.Sara Bono, 16, is a junior at Butler High School, where she participates in the Communications College Tech Prep Program. She is the daughter of Randy and Tina Bono of Butler.<br></br>

Sarah Cahall, 17, is a senior at Seneca Valley High School. She works as a Kidland attendant at the Fitness Factory in Cranberry Township and at the Brownsdale Market in Renfrew. Sara is the daughter of Charles and Donna Cahall of Renfrew.Heidi Cunningham, 16, is a junior at Butler High School, where she is a member of the track team and girls ensemble. Heidi works for Sheetz. She is the daughter of Terry and Michelle Cunningham of Butler.<br></br>

Gina Gallippi, 17, is a senior at Mars High School, where she is on the high honor roll and a member of the National Art Honor Society. She is employed at Arby's in Gibsonia. Gina is the daughter of Michael and Darlene Gallippi of Valencia.Amanda Garland, 17, is a junior at Seneca Valley High School. She is employed at Innovations Hair Studio and Spa in Wexford. Amanda is the daughter of Sharon Carter of Cranberry Township.Jenna Guadagni, 19, is a 2004 graduate of Butler High School. She works as a waitress at the Texas Roadhouse in Center Township and as a veterinary technician at Butler Veterinary Associates. Jenna is the daughter of Joe and Jackie Guadagni of Butler.

Kayla Huselton, 18, is a senior at Knoch High School, where she is member of the track team and captain of the varsity cheerleading squad and the competition cheerleading squad. Kayla is the daughter of David and Kelly Huselton of Butler.Nichole Klingensmith, 17, is a junior at Seneca Valley High School, where she is a varsity cheerleader. Nichole works as a lifeguard at the EDCO Pool and is the daughter of Kevin and Danette Klingensmith of Evans City.Melanie Lutz, 17, is a senior at Freeport High School, where she is a varsity cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society. She also is a member of the cross-country team, qualifying this year to compete in the state championship meet. Melanie is the daughter of Lawrence and Judith Lutz of Sarver.

Holly Miranda, 17, is a senior at Butler High School, where she is president of student council and Students Against Violence Everywhere. Holly also is listed on the high honor roll. She works as a sales associate at American Eagle in Center Township. She is the daughter of Elio and Marlene Miranda of Butler.Kara Roffis, 19, is a 2005 graduate of Butler High School and a freshman at Slippery Rock University, where she is majoring in psychology. Kara is employed at Target in Butler Township. She is the daughter of Sam and Lynn Roffis of Butler.

Shaina Thrower, 17, is a senior at Knoch High School, where she is a member of the Knochettes dance team. She is employed at the Pajer Farm Market in Sarver. Shaina is the daughter of John and Barbara Thrower Jr. of Saxonburg.Carly Tuscano, 16, is a junior at Mars High School, where she is on the honor roll. Carly is employed as a part-time dance instructor at the Laura Lynn School of Dance in Valencia. She is the daughter of Derrick and Rulene Tuscano of Valencia.Erin Uhl, 20, is a 2004 graduate of Moniteau High School. She is a sophomore at Butler County Community College, where she is on the dean's list. Erin is employed as a waitress at the Texas Roadhouse in Center Township and works part-time as a dance instructor at Lee's School of Dance in Butler. She is the daughter of Chip and Heather Uhl of Karns City.

Clara Watson, 17, is a junior at Seneca Valley High School, where she is on the honor roll and belongs to the dance, track and cross-country teams. Clara is the daughter of Michael and Kathryn Watson of Cranberry Township.Jennifer Yakin, 17, is a senior at Seneca Valley High School, where she is a varsity cheerleader. She works as a hostess at the Olive Garden restaurant in Cranberry Township. Jennifer is the daughter of William and Rochelle Yakin of Cranberry Township.Shannon Zoelle, 23, is a graduate of Seneca Valley High School and the Career Training Academy in North Hills, where she was certified as a massage therapist. Shannon works as a food server at the River City Grille at the Pittsburgh Marriott North. She is the daughter of Roger Zoelle and Mary Lou Zoelle, both of Renfrew.

WHAT: 2006 Miss Butler County USA PageantWHEN: 7 p.m. Nov. 20WHERE: Butler Days Inn, Route 8TICKETS: $15, available through contestants; at the Marilyn E. Kane Modeling School, 110 Morgan Center; or by calling 724-287-0576 or 724-287-3576. Tickets will also be sold at the door.