MANSFIELD Akron woman is Miss Ohio
A Warren woman is the first runner-up.
MANSFIELD (AP) -- A Mount Union College graduate, Janelle Couts of Akron, has been crowned Miss Ohio 2003 and will represent the state at the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City in September.
Couts, 22, competed here as Miss Medina in the three-day competition ending Saturday. Her platform is bridging the generation gap by performing music for seniors in long-term care facilities.
The winner of a $15,000 scholarship, she majored in business administration at Mount Union in Alliance.
Runners-up
First runner-up was Amanda Beagle, 23, of Warren, competing as Miss North Coast. She receives $7,700 in scholarships and will serve as Miss Ohio if Couts becomes Miss America or cannot complete her year as title holder for other reasons.
The second through fourth runner-ups, in order of finish, were Marlia Fontaine, 21, of Massillon, Miss Greater Akron; Emily Fitzpatrick, 18, of Caledonia, Miss Marion Popcorn Festival; and Laura Hutfless, 21, of Springboro, Miss South Central Ohio.
Rounding out the top 10 were Julie Inboden, 21, of Dresden, Miss Clayland; April Cobun, 23, of Westerville, Miss Ohio River; Renee LaSalle, 23, of Columbus, Miss Columbus; Sarah Armstrong, 20, of Newark, Miss Licking County; and Bryn Hough, 23, of Massillon, Miss Lake Erie.