2 contestants earn crowns

February 12, 2007 Last Updated: February 12, 2007 01:10 PM Community

Ashley Duespohl 2007 Miss Butler County America

They'll vie for Miss Pennsylvania

BUTLER TWP — Twenty competitors took the stage Saturday, demonstrating their talents, poise and intelligence. Only two, however, will get the chance to share these skills on the state level, on the road to the Miss America crown.

Ashley Duespohl, 18, of Butler was named 2007 Miss Butler County America and Sarah Timm, 21, of Saint Marys was named 2007 Miss Moraine State America during a joint pageant held at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.

Both contestants will advance to the Miss Pennsylvania America Pageant in June. The winner of that pageant will advance to the Miss America Pageant.

Runners-up in the Miss Butler County America pageant were Erin Uhl, 21, of Karns City, first runner-up; Katelyn Kaiser, 19, of Harmony, second-runner-up; and Tiffany Shaffer, 20, of Karns City, third runner-up.

In the Miss Moraine State America pageant, runners-up included Kelsey Pitini, 19, of Baden, first runner-up; Amy Swonger, 21, of Saegertown, second runner-up; and Mallory Keith, 22, of Altoona, third runner-up.

Performing the duties of mistress of ceremonies were Alycia McCullough, 2006 Miss Butler County America, and Lucy Hazlett, 2006 Miss Moraine State America.

Candidates were judged in the categories of interview, talent, swimsuit, presence and poise. There were nine contestants in the Miss Butler County pageant and 11 in the Miss Moraine State contest. The pageant is open to women ages 17 to 24.

The winner of each title will receive a $500 scholarship and entry into the state pageant.

First runner-up for each title will receive a $300 scholarship. The second and third runners-up will receive $200 and $100 scholarship awards, respectively.

Duespohl, the daughter of Thomas and Colleen Duespohl, is a freshman at Duquesne University. As her talent, she performed Beethoven's "Sonata Pathetique" on piano.

Timm, the daughter of Robert and Sheri Timm, is a senior at Westminster College. She sang "Girl in 14G,"for the talent portion of the competition.