The Red and Black

Issue date: 7/3/08 Section: News

Miss Historic Southern Plains Lauren Edmunds

Miss Augusta Laura Stone

Miss University of Georgia Liza Pitts

Miss Heart of Georgia Rachel McCall

A University student was named first runner-up in the 64th annual Miss Georgia Pageant others placed in the top 10 at the Columbus RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.

Miss Historic Southern Plains Lauren Edmunds, a sophomore from Americus and first runner-up, was one of 11 University students competing in the pageant Saturday, June 28. Thirty-eight women competed, representing different areas around the state.

"This is my very first experience in the Miss [Georgia] Pageant," Edmunds said.

Edmunds participated in the teen program for two years and held the teen title, Miss Georgia Outstanding Teen 2006, before competing in the Miss Georgia Pageant.

The contestants spent a week rehearsing and competing in preliminary competitions before the final competition. Seven of the 11 contestants from the University received recognition during the preliminary and final rounds of the competition.

Miss Cherokee County Briana Jewett placed in the top 15, and three women placed in the top 10 as finalists - Miss University of Georgia Liza Pitts, Miss Heart of Georgia Rachel McCall, and Miss Augusta Laura Stone. Finalists were judged on swim wear, formal wear and talent.

Stone won the preliminary talent competition for her piano performance and received a $600 prize.

Recipients of preliminary awards included Miss Chattahoochee Amanda Erwin and Miss Golden Isles Danielle Clary.

"Knowing I represented UGA well is what's most important to me," said Pitts, a junior from Elberton and reigning Miss University of Georgia.

Edmunds said the pageant has helped her communication skills.

"We are learning life skills that will help us for the rest of our lives," she said.

Miss Capital City Chasity Hardman, a Columbus native and student at Georgia State University, was crowned Miss Georgia 2008. She is the second African-American to hold the title and will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant on Jan. 24, 2009.

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