Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 11, 1993 TAG: 9307110175
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: WENDI GIBSON RICHERT STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Crowned the 1993 Miss Virginia before a sold-out audience at the Roanoke Civic Center auditorium, Glisson cried, shook her head in amazement, and even managed a small thumb-up as she took her stroll down the aisle.
Her yearlong reign begins four years after she last competed in the Miss Virginia Pageant, as a "very frightened 18-year-old."
"I feel absolutely spectacular," she said during her first of what will be hundreds of interviews this year. Glisson beamed and politely answered every question tossed her way - all before she even had the chance to hug her parents.
The Virginia Tech graduate also won Friday night's preliminary talent award, wowing the audience by singing Dolly Parton's "I'll Always Love You." Her repeat of the performance Saturday night was just as strong, as the audience roared with appreciation before she sang the first note.
Glisson will use her $6,000 Miss Virginia scholarship money after her reign ends to pursue a master's in business administration. Her undergraduate degree is in communication studies.
But first, she will prepare to compete in the Miss America scholarship pageant in Atlantic City coming up in September.
The runners-up to Miss Virginia will share $5,000 in scholarships.
First runner-up was Miss Norfolk, Cullen Johnson. Johnson also placed first runner-up in the 1992 Miss Virginia Pageant. Miss Hampton Roads, April Wilson, was the second runner-up. The third runner-up, Miss Central Shenandoah Valley, Andrea Ballengee, also won the preliminary swimsuit award in Thursday night's competition. Fourth runner-up was Miss Portsmouth Seawall Festival, Patricia Southall.
Nonfinalist awards were given to Miss Tidewater, Tonya Marie Holland, for her piano performance of Gershwin's "Preludes for Piano." Miss Chesterfield County, Kathryn Bryant, won the Home Furnishings Council Award of $1,000, and Miss Hampton Newport-News, Lee Ann Schiller, won the Community Service Award of $500.
Glisson's crowning ends a week of competition for 32 Miss Virginia contestants from festivals and pageants around the state. A panel of five judged the women on talent (weighted 40 percent), personal interview (30 percent), swimsuit and evening gown (15 percent each).
The other preliminary talent winner in the three nights of pageant competition was Miss Northern Virginia, Kimberly Welch. Miss Richmond, Stacy Bellamy, won the second preliminary swimsuit award.
This was the 40th year Roanoke has been home to the Miss Virginia Pageant. As part of the anniversary celebration, more than 20 former Miss Virginias returned to entertain the audience.
by CNB