First runner-up in Miss USA Pageant

April 13, 2008 02:50 pm

— Friday night about 10 p.m. local time was a history making moment for not only Ellisville’s Leah Laviano, but for Ellisville and Jones County.
Laviano, Miss Mississippi USA 2008, was one of two remaining contestants standing at the end of the nationally-televised Miss USA Pageant, which is co-owned by entrepreneur Donald Trump. The crown went to Miss Texas USA 2008 Crystle Stewart, leaving Laviano as the first runner-up. It was the first time someone from Jones County had placed so high in the competition.
“I was just hoping to make the cut,” Laviano said of her wait for the first round of competitors to advance. “I was hoping and praying I would make it to the Top 15. I knew I could get it, but I just didn’t know. . . . You wonder if the judges like you . . .”
When speaking with the Leader-Call Saturday evening just after her flight landed in Jackson, Laviano said she was excited about her success, but parts of the past several days haven’t really hit her yet. She said she is extremely tired, but thrilled to reach that level.
“We did something every day,” she said. Events included media events, autograph sessions, a visit to a military base, dinners and tours, a sock hop, and work with Habitat for Humanity. Besides fun events and work sessions, there were also hours and hours of practice.
“We had practiced the show so many times I felt like the show was another rehearsal,” she said of the actual competition.
Now that the pageant is over, Laviano said she’ll set her focus on graduating from Jones County Junior College. She’ll go to the University of Mississippi to major in English education, she said, but who knows what will happen next? She said contacts made Friday night and the days before may help shape her future. She hinted of a chance of entering the entertainment industry, but completing her education is first.
“Holding the title of Miss Mississippi USA has opened so many doors,” she told the Leader-Call’s Oak Street Magazine. “I have grown so much personally and professionally by winning my state title. I have become more secure with myself and gain self confidence, allowing me to have more of a voice in my community.”
Laurel Leader-Call Advertising Manager Tammy Broome contributed to this report.

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