MISS TEEN OHIO USA Friends of Poland girl say she is still a winner

The teen holds her state title through November.
By MATT BIXENSTINE
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
POLAND -- Amanda Stevens was not crowned Miss Teen USA, but that didn't shake her support among a group of her friends watching the competition on television.
"She's definitely still a winner to us," said Brittany Smith, 17, of Poland. "We supported her the whole way through, and we're proud of her."
A panel of eight celebrity judges did not select Stevens, 17, of Poland, as one of the 15 finalists during the national telecast by NBC of the 2003 Miss Teen USA pageant live from Palm Springs, Calif.
Stevens, formerly Miss Mahoning County, had earned an opportunity to compete in the pageant after being crowned 2003 Miss Teen Ohio USA on Nov. 23, 2002. She will hold that title through November.
"To us, she will always be Miss Ohio [Teen USA]," said Sarah Park, 17, of Poland. "That's a huge accomplishment."
Who won
Chosen from the top 15, Tami Farrell, Miss Oregon Teen USA, was crowned 2003 Miss Teen USA last night with an official Mikimoto diamond and pearl crown, valued at $150,000.
She doesn't get to keep the crown, but according to the pageant's Web site, she does get a $15,000 tiara, an undisclosed salary, travel opportunities, fashion apparel, a $3,200 crystal trophy, casting opportunities and a six-week scholarship to The School of Film and Television in New York City, among other prizes.
Actor Mario Lopez, best known for his role as Slater on the comedy series "Saved by the Bell," and Brooke Burns of NBC's "Dog Eat Dog" hosted the pageant.
The opening segment of the telecast introduced each of the 51 contestants. Stevens' introduction showed her climbing a rock wall, something her friends said they believe she had never done before her trip to Palm Springs.
"I'm sure she probably had a lot of new experiences out there," Smith said.
Stevens' friends said they welcome her arrival back to Poland, though they do not know the date of her return.
"We're going to have a little party for her when she gets back," Park said.
mbixenstine@vindy.com