Ansley Reagan of Ooltewah, who is representing Cleveland, became the second Hamilton County resident in as many days to win the swimsuit preliminary at the Miss Tennessee Pageant in Jackson.
The Lee University senior communications major wore a white two-piece and the judges rewarded her by placing her in the winners circle with Miss Hamilton County Stefanie Wittler who had the highest score during Wednesday’s first night of competition.
Ms. Reagan, 22, who was third runner-up last year in her first appearance in Jackson, performed “Quando Men Vo” on the harp in the talent segment on Wednesday.
Ms. Reagan said afterwards that the second go-round has been less stressful after being a newcomer last year.
“Focusing my energy on the new girls has taken my mind off of me and relieves my anxiety about the week.” she commented “It meant the world to me when the veterans would help me last year. It’s a terrifying thing to be here the first year and not know what to expect.”
Ms. Reagan will compete in the evening wear segment during the final night of preliminaries Friday. The aspiring pharmaceutical sales representative could become the third Miss Cleveland in six years to capture the Tennessee tiara. In 2000 and 2001, Beth Hood and Stephanie Culberson respectively won the title only to have the local franchise fold two years later.
Executive Director Rodney Hullender revived the Cleveland pageant last November when the event was held in conjunction with the Miss Metropolitan Pageant.
On Saturday night, the field will be reduced from 38 to the top 10 when the finalists will compete to succeed outgoing titleholder Tara Burns.
The new Miss Tennessee will receive a $10,000 scholarship, represent the state at the Miss America Pageant and will embark on a statewide schools tour as the governor’s spokesperson for a Safe and Drug Free Tennessee.
The pageant is being web cast on www.eplustv6.com or go to the www.misstennessee.org site for more information.
Miss Tennessee 2003 Jamie Watkins Davenport of Soddy-Daisy co-hosted the Thursday preliminaries along with long time pageant host Allison Alderson DeMarcus Miss Tennessee 1999.