SRU student takes crown
BUTLER TWP — Jo Marie Rankin, 20, earned the title of Miss Butler County USA in a competition held Sunday at the Butler Days Inn.
Rankin, who was crowned by last year's winner Jenna Guadagni.
Pageant contestants were judged for poise, personality and overall appearance in personal interview, swimsuit and evening gown categories.
The daughter of Gary and Sheila Rankin of Butler, Rankin is a 2005 graduate of Butler High School. She is currently a dean's list student at Slippery Rock University.
The first runner-up and the winner of Miss Photogenic was Ashley Angresano, 19, of Cranberry Township. Kristy Weber, 17, of Butler was named second runner-up.
The third runner-up was Dyana Branchen, 17, of Evans City, who was also named Miss Amity. Javelyn Hollefreund, 17, of Butler was named fourth runner-up.
An award for the highest ticket sales went to Heidi Cunningham, 17, of Butler.
As the pageant winner, Rankin will receive paid entry to the Miss Pennsylvania USA Pageant, a $500 shopping spree at Prime Outlets in Springfield Township, Mercer County, and a variety of other donated goods and services.
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