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2009 Miss Nevada USA, Miss Nevada Teen USA Crowned

Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA crowned their newest title holders during the 2009 pageants held at the College of Southern Nevada’s Horn Theater last Saturday. 

A packed house of more than 500 fans, family and friends attended the ceremonies where Georgina Vaughan, 20, of Summerlin, Nev., claimed the title of Miss Nevada USA 2009 and Ileri Tunrarebi, 18, of Henderson, Nev. claimed the Miss Nevada Teen USA 2009 title.

“We are very excited to begin the road to the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA 2009 competitions with such great Nevada representatives,” said Maureen Atwell, Miss Nevada USA Pageant Director. “These beautiful girls will not only act as positive role models for Nevada, but also have a great chance of becoming the next Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. We’re expecting a very wonderful 2009 for both the organization and Nevada.”

Vaughan competed against 21 girls aged 18 to 26, while Tunrarebi competed against 11 teens aged 15 to 18. The contestants traveled from all across Nevada to participate in the pageant’s Swimsuit, Evening Wear and Interview competitions. Ten volunteer judges from various career disciplines scored the competitors based on beauty, grace, poise and communication skills; five judges scored the Miss Nevada USA competitors, while the remaining five judged the Miss Nevada Teen USA participants.

Based on individual criteria, the judges chose their Top 10 in each category, then their Top 5 were selected and finally the Top 5 were ranked from Fourth Runner Up to the winner of Miss Nevada USA. Certified Public Accountants from PG Business Growth Advisors volunteered their time and expertise to tally all the judges’ votes, and declare the two winners. Vaughan and Tunrarebi were crowned by their respective outgoing titleholders, Miss Nevada USA 2008, Veronica Grabowski, and Miss Nevada Teen 2008, Lauren Hudman.

Vaughan will represent Nevada and the Miss Universe Organization in numerous appearances, interviews and events throughout the year culminating with the 58th Annual Miss USA 2009 competition held at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas April 19, 2009. Vaughan has previously held the title of Miss Nevada Teen USA 2006.

Tunrarebi, although similar to the Miss USA competition, will make teen-appropriate appearances and interviews, while being a positive role model for the youth of Nevada. Her reign will culminate with the 27th Annual Miss Teen USA 2009 competition at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas in summer 2009. Tunrarebi has previously held titles of National American Miss Nevada Junior Teen 2005 and National American Miss Teen Nevada 2007.

In addition to the crown winners, one contestant from each pageant was awarded the Miss Congeniality award. Miss Congeniality is selected by all participating contestants based on her exceptional personality and positive attitude. This year’s Miss Congeniality for the Miss Nevada USA 2009 competition was Miss South Las Vegas Claire Schreiner. Miss Nevada Teen 2009’s Miss Congeniality award went to Miss Summerlin Teen Audrey Denison.

Additionally, one contestant from each pageant was also awarded the Miss Photogenic 2009 award based on ballots cast by online voters. Miss Silverado Robyn VanDyke was awarded the Miss Nevada USA’s Miss Photogenic 2009 award, while Miss Nye County Teen Breanna Andes was awarded the Miss Nevada Teen USA’s Miss Photogenic 2009 award, sponsored by True Dentistry.

“The Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA recognizes those young female leaders in our community who not only have the beauty on the outside, but also carry that special beauty and drive on the inside to better themselves and their community,” Atwell said. “Every year I am more proud to be part of such a wonderful organization.”

For more information on the Miss Nevada USA or Miss Nevada Teen USA competition, visit them online at http://www.theatwellgroup.com/