Butler Township — Fifteen women competed for two crowns Saturday, each hoping to move a step closer to the title of Miss America.

During the annual pageant held Saturday at Butler County Community College's Succop Theater, Maria "Brooke" Miller, 18, of Portersville was named 2008 Miss Butler County America and 19-year-old Courtney Thomas of Sigel earned the title of 2008 Miss Moraine State America.

By earning their crowns, both will be entered in the Miss Pennsylvania America Pageant to be held in July. The winner of that pageant will advance to the Miss America Pageant.

For the talent portion of the competition, Miller, the daughter of Ron and Rita Miller, gave a vocal performance of "A New Life." She is a senior at Portersville Christian School.Thomas, the daughter of Rodney and Kimberly Thomas, performed the song "Orange Blossom Special" on fiddle. She is a freshman at Shippensburg University.

First and second runners-up in the Miss Butler County America pageant were Kristy Weber, 18, and Marisa Campbell, 17, both of Butler.In the Miss Moraine State America pageant, Kelsey Pitini, 20, of Baden was named first runner-up and Melissa Pierce, 21, of Meadville was named second runner-up.Serving as hostesses of the pageant wereAshley Duespohl, 2007 Miss Butler County America, and Sarah Timm, 2007 Miss Moraine State America.Candidates were judged in the categories of interview, talent, swimsuit, evening gown and onstage questions.The winner of each title receives a $500 scholarship and entry into the state pageant. First runners-up receive a $200 scholarship and second runners-up a $100 scholarship.